The temporary relief Kieran had given her had shown her exactly what she'd been missing. Not just the absence of pain, but the freedom to live fully again. To walk, to swim, to chase her dreams without physical limitations holding her back.
"I want to be healed," she said, meeting his ice-blue gaze. "To have my body restored to full health, like you described - resetting to before the spinal stenosis and arthritis took over my life. It's just…"
Kieran waited patiently as she gathered her thoughts, watching her with that steady gaze.
"I need a little more time before I make the wish," she said, her eyes meeting his with quiet determination. "I absolutely want this. It's just… there are so many details to consider, and I want to have a solid plan of action before proceeding." She gestured toward her computer desk where he glimpsed her ever-present spreadsheet. "I know it probably seems overly cautious..."
"No," he interrupted, his deep voice gentle. "It shows wisdom to consider such a significant change carefully."
"Thank you for understanding," she said softly. "And thank you again for today - for reminding me what's possible."
Kieran inclined his head slightly, his blue fire dancing beneath his skin in response to her genuine gratitude. "Touch the pendant when you're ready," he reminded her. "I will come."
He allowed his form to dissolve into smoke, carrying the memory of her warm smile with him as he departed.
Chapter
Seventeen
Mandy sighedas the last traces of Kieran's healing magic ebbed away. The familiar ache crept back into her joints, starting as a whisper and building to its usual demanding presence. Her back twinged in protest, and she shifted position.
Mozart leaped into her lap, his purring vibrating through her chest as he kneaded her thigh. Bach watched from his perch on the cat tree, his golden eyes half-closed.
"Yes, yes, you two are right," she murmured, scratching Mozart behind his ears. "A nap sounds perfect right now."
The walk to her bedroom seemed longer without Kieran's magic coursing through her, but the memory of strolling freely around the lake warmed her heart even as her joints protested each step. She didn't regret a single moment of their afternoon adventure.
Her bed beckoned invitingly, and she eased herself onto the mattress with practiced care. Mozart immediately claimed his spot by her feet while Bach settled against her hip, both cats purring their approval of her decision to rest.
She pulled the light blanket over herself, grateful for the ceiling fan's gentle breeze. Her body might ache, but her spirit felt lighter than it had in years. The memory of walking hand-in-hand with Kieran, sharing tacos and stories, standing on the grass before the Washington Monument, played behind her closing eyelids as she drifted toward sleep.
Mandy was floating through crystal-clear waters, her hair streaming behind her like seaweed. Schools of tropical fish darted around her - angelfish with flowing fins, parrotfish in electric blue and green, tiny yellow tangs that glowed like underwater sunbeams. The peaceful sensation of weightlessness wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
"Wake up, sleepyhead!"
The cheerful voice shattered her underwater paradise. Mandy groaned and pulled the blanket over her head. "Go 'way. 'm swimming with fishies."
"Not anymore you're not." Jacinth's musical laugh filled the bedroom. "Come on, I brought you tea."
The enticing aroma of perfectly brewed tea penetrated Mandy's blanket fortress. She peeked out one eye to find Jacinth perched on the end of her bed, holding a steaming cup and wearing an entirely too amused expression.
"That's cheating," Mandy grumbled, but she emerged from her cocoon and fumbled for the bed controls. The head of the bed whirred upward as Mozart protested the disruption of his nap with an indignant meow.
"Here you go." Jacinth passed her the cup, still grinning. "I figured you could use this after your exciting afternoon with Kieran."
Mandy nearly choked on her first sip. "How did you-" She stopped, narrowing her eyes at the Djinn. "You were spying on us, weren't you?"
"I prefer to think of it as… er… friendly interest?" Jacinth's eyes sparkled with mischief as she settled more comfortably at the foot of the bed.
"Spying," Mandy mumbled into her teacup. Jacinth just grinned.
"Well, it didn't start out that way," Jacinth said, her musical voice tinged with amusement. "I'd actually intended to join you both at the lake, but..." She smiled, her dark eyes twinkling. "You two seemed so engrossed in what you were talking about, I didn't want to interrupt."
Heat crept up Mandy's neck as she remembered walking hand-in-hand with Kieran around the lake.
Jacinth's dark eyes sparkled with mischief. "You two looked quite cozy, walking hand in hand around the lake."
Heat flooded Mandy's cheeks. "It wasn't like that! I almost tripped on the path, and he was just... steadying me."
