“In that case, we might have one more favor to ask,” I said. “You still have that tattoo quill?”
“Hiding in my dorm,” Marcus said with a knowing smile. “Let’s go.”
The walk to Marcus’ dorm was short and brisk. Charlie stretched his hand out on the desk as Marcus got to work. The quill drifted carefully across his skin, inscribing today’s date in a similar font to the one that was on his wrist— October 11.
It only took a few minutes, but even the tiny numbers that Marcus created were beautiful. It was truly amazing to watch him work.
When Marcus was done, Charlie slipped his ring back on his finger over the magical tattoo. “Your turn.”
I plopped down in the seat and slammed my hand on the desk. The movement sent several paint bottles toppling off Marcus’ desk. One splattered open on his pants, and Marcus growled, “Hey, watch it.”
“Sorry. Too eager.” I was literally bouncing in the chair. I couldn’t wait. I slipped my ring off and placed it to the side as Marcus bent over my hand.
I studied the ring Kallie had given me. It was a thin, multi-row design of twisting black brambles that nearly looked like thorns, outlined with miniature black diamonds. Charlie’s was similar to mine, a matching dark band with a line of black diamonds straight through the middle.
They were elaborately gorgeous. Kallie had put so much care into making these. Illusions became real when the caster put all their emotion into the magic. She really did love us.
“You’re not drunk this time. Can’t say it was a mistake,” Charlie teased as Marcus drew the first number on my hand.
“I wasn’tthatdrunk last time, either,” I said. “That was just an excuse so you didn’t know I liked you.”
“And it was still obvious,” Marcus commented as he finished off my tattoo. “We all knew you guys were meant to be together. I’m really happy for both of you.”
His voice ached with something that pained me— like Marcus believed happiness was something he’d never get to have. I’d seen the look he’d snuck at Kallie when I was about to take my vows earlier today. I knew.
I grabbed his wrist. “Hey. You know not to give up, right? We didn’t, and it was hard, but we found a way back to each other. So you don’t give up either, okay?”
Marcus’ grimace was lonesome. “Okay.”
Charlie’s stomach let out a grumble, and he put a hand over it. “Wow. Through all the excitement, I forgot we haven’t eaten all day.”
“I’m starving,” I said. “Maybe there will be cake in the cafeteria.”
“Oh yeah, the Warden cooked up a wedding cake just for us,” Charlie said with a shake of his head.
“Nowyou two are dreaming,” Marcus said as he started wiping the paint off his pants. “He’s probably still fuming in his office.”
“He’s not gonna forget this,” Charlie said warily. “We need to be careful.”
“Screw him.” I knew the Warden was probably off plotting his revenge, but that would have to wait for another day. Sticking it to the Warden was the best wedding present ever. Next time I was bummed out, I’d just remember how I’d wiped the smug-ass look off his face when I’d thrown my marriage contract at his fat head. That memory alone was worth the paperwork.
We said goodbye and left for the cafeteria. There wasn’t cake, but they had pudding cups tonight, which was almost as good, and lasagna, which counted as wedding food because it was pasta. I fed Charlie off my fork and got sauce smeared all over his cheek, which I wiped off, and he nicked me two pudding cups instead of one, which we weren’t supposed to do. Every laugh that burst out of him lifted my spirits.
This wasn’t how I’d planned my wedding day, but the feelings were all perfect. The connection between us was so strong that it felt like a living, breathing thing.
Even the voices in my head seemed content.This is so exciting.
What a day.
Just look at him, Ava!
As we finished up dinner, I got this insane need to be alone with Charlie. I didn’t know what it was, or why it came on all of a sudden. I just wanted him all to myself. The inmates surrounding us made me annoyed I had to share him, even though everyone was leaving us be.
Ugh, I ate too much, Oberi complained as we came back to our cell.I gorge myself when I’m cheerful.
“You must be in a good mood, then, because you choked down five slices,” I said.
The couch is still mine. No take-backsies! Oberi hopped up onto the couch and rolled onto his back. Within seconds, he was snoring so loudly I could hear it across the room.
