“Yeah, and they’re on board. They know I’m gonna do it anyway, whether they approve or not, and she’s the one.” Ezswallowed as he put the ring back in his pocket. “I think we’ll wait to get married until the war’s over, though. I want this wedding to be about her, and I know Opal. She won’t focus on planning stuff because she’ll be too busy worrying about what’s going on out there. Not to mention med school is kicking my ass right now. I need to focus on passing some classes before I can actually tie the knot.”
“I’m happy for you guys. Really.” I leaned back in my chair. “You ready to be a dad?”
“I’ve been ready. I love Marina, and she loves me. Opal’s daughter is the best, and I want to be her dad. I know you think this is fast, which is why I’m gonna give it some more time before I ask her, but I’ve made up my mind.”
“Then I’ll support you.” I reached out and gave him a hug. “I’m so proud of you, Ez. You’re going to be a great husband, and you’ll make Opal happy.”
“I hope so,” he said, and he gave an anxious laugh. “I guess we’ll have to see, right?”
There wasn’t any doubt in my mind. I knew they’d be happy together. And it would be nice to attend a big, fancy wedding, since I hadn’t gotten one of my own. I couldn’t wait to help Opal with whatever she needed.
Though I hoped the day would actually come. Ez didn’t want to marry Opal until after the war, and who knew how long things would drag out.
I hoped love would find a way through all things, but I wasn’t sure if it would. Not when the world was this dark.
I felt the world tilt as my mind twisted, and my stomach lurched as I saw The Beast appear in a darkened corner. There he was, looming in the back of the room and observing me with a cruel smile. His gaze nearly promised that Ez and Opal would never get to be husband and wife, because he would kill them both before they had a chance to wed.
Over my dead body.
“You okay, Ava?” Ez asked warily. He knew when I was slipping; he’d grown up alongside me and could see the signs.
I glared at The Beast, refusing to take my eyes off of his as I replied, “Of course, Ez. Everything’s just fine.”
Chapter Eleven
CHARLIE
Things had changed in the palace since I broke Kallie and Marcus’ bond. Kallie’s voice was brighter, and she walked with a spring in her step.
Marcus, on the other hand, didn’t speak to me. I’d tried to talk to him more than once, but every time he knew I was around, he scurried in the other direction— as if he could hide from me just because I couldn’t see him there. His energy was stronger than any other warlock’s, though, and I could sense it easily with my Elf magic.
I understood he was mad. Ancestors knew I’d be pissed at anyone who tried to come between Ava and me. But I’d resolved to give him space. I didn’t know if he’d ever understand why I did what I did, but I hoped he’d forgive me. It was hard not having my best friend around, and we were all worried about him.
At least there was some good news, lately. Ava told me Ez was planning to propose to Opal, though she didn’t think he’d pop the question for a while yet. I wish he’d just do it already. He loved Opal so much, and they deserved their happily-ever-after. If it were me, I wouldn’t wait another second to ask Ava to marry me. We never had a proper wedding, and I knew we both feltlike we’d missed out. I didn’t want Ez to wait for this war to end, because if he did, he might miss his chance. Ilamanthe was the perfect place for him and Opal to tie the knot, and he needed to get on with it already.
As if to prove my point, the sun shone down on me, and a warm breeze touched my skin as I made my way through the castle. It was a beautiful day, but so was every day here in the Elf city. Oberi walked at my side, leading me to the front doors. Eddie had informed me this morning that my grandfather changed our meeting location from the gardens to somewhere outside the palace.
When I asked Eddie why he’d do that, he simply said, “You’re going to need more room.”
I wasn’t sure what my grandfather had in store, but I was excited. I never quite knew what to expect from him, so every lesson was always interesting.
Several servants greeted me at the doors, then guided me into a limo. I rolled the window down, enjoying the sounds of Ilamanthe as we drove through the streets. Oberi stuck his head out the window and panted happily. I tried to guess where the driver was taking us, but I didn’t know the city well enough.
Soon, the sounds of the city faded, and the smell of salt water touched my nose. When I stepped out of the car, Oberi took off running. I went to follow him, and my feet sank into the sand. The guards that always followed my grandfather hung back.
“Charlie,” Cassiel greeted. “How was the drive?”
“Great,” I told him. “Oberi loved it.”
You didn’t tell me we were going to the beach!Oberi cried as he ran around.I would’ve brought my beach hat. Here, throw me this stick.
Oberi shoved a stick into my hand. I tossed it, letting my Air magic carry it far away. Oberi sprinted down the beach, barking happily.
I turned to my grandfather. “Why are we here?”
“I have a theory,” he said. “But in order to test it, we had to get out of the castle.”
Magic tingled across the bond, and I heard a big splash as Oberi shifted into a narwhal.
