“I don’t know. Maybe? What doyouthink?”
Cally bit at her lip. Itfeltright. Hell, even Darian had gone on about a witch’s magic having power over a vampire. “I think it’s the best shot.”
“Okay then.” Eve nodded firmly, like the decision was locked in.
“We still have to figure out a way to transfer it.”
“Yeah, and that could be really dangerous if we get it wrong. You could burn him, or expend all your life force or something.”
“I feel like a kid playing with matches. While standing amid a stash of dynamite.”
“Apt.” Eve cut the strength spell from the list, putting it on its own page. “Let’s start here. It looks less prone to blow up. If we can make this work, at least we’ll know we’re on the right lines.”
“Why is it never like this in stories?” Cally asked.
“What do you mean?”
“The Chosen One gets the spells, and a short training montage later, they’re throwing fireballs around and zipping through the sky. Where’s the bit where they accidentally fuck up and fry the only person they’ve ever truly loved?”
Eve pressed her lips together, focusing on the screen.
“Oh, babe,” Cally said quietly. “I’m sorry. Youknowthat’s not what I meant. I’ve loved you for far longer than Antoine, it’s just—”
“A different type of love,” Eve said. “I know, I get it.” She zoomed in, making the text clear to read, then shoved the laptop toward Cally. “I’ll have my revenge, though: on this one, you’re on your own with the Gaeilge.”
Cally ignored the screen, focusing on Eve. “There’s someone out there for you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I have a backup plan that involves getting lots of cats.” Eve managed a tremulous smile.
“Soon as I’m proficient with my magic, I’m going to do aproperlove spell for you. Henry Cavill won’t know what hit him.”
“Morally reprehensible, but I’ll take it.”
Cally reached across and clasped her hand. “I’ve said it before, but I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. I love you, truly.”
Eve blinked rapidly, her eyes glistening. “Let’s get started. Clock’s ticking, right?”
“All right.” Cally gave a final squeeze and drew back, then straightened the screen and concentrated on the Gaeilge words. In the corner of her eye, Eve watched with a wistful expression, and Cally reached out once more. Eve’s small hand fit into hers, then she shuffled closer until their shoulders were touching.
“‘Seasaim’is pronounced ‘shass-im,’” she said softly, “and ‘bualadh’ is ‘boo-luh.’”
“Got it. How about, ‘Muh lamb iss trum’?”
“Close. ‘Muhlawviss trum.’”
“AndTabhair?”
“It’s—”
A knock on the door startled them, and Cally broke away. “Come in, Antoine!” She kicked her legs off the bed and rushed to meet him, throwing herself into his arms as he entered. He wasstill in his tux, but his top button was undone and his black bow tie hung loose. She hooked her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, teasing his tongue with hers.
He drew back after a moment, smiling at her. “It’s two in the morning. You should be in bed,ma chérie.”
“Shit, is it?” Cally looked guiltily at Eve. “Sorry, I lost track of time.”
“No problem,” she said lightly.
“Have you made any progress?” Antoine asked.
