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“The cottage has been nicer since you started hanging out more,” she says.

I look around warily. There are so many things I haven’t told her yet—things I never wanted to tell her, but I’m beginning to wonder if I can truly keep those secrets for this long. Maybe not. I’m not ready for the truth yet, and I don’t think she is either.

She’ll run away when she realizes I’m putting her life in danger. It wouldn’t be the first time.

“I’ve always been afraid of this cottage, to be perfectly honest,” I say, a shudder running up my spine. “I took care of it out of duty, but she terrified me. Seeing you… the rest of your family…” I smile softly. “It’s not so scary these days. You can say it’s my doing if you want to, but I think you’re the one who brought the sunshine and starlight back to this place.”

A sweet breeze blows through the home.

Aurora moves faster than I’ve ever seen, flinging her arms around my neck. It feels too easy to return the hug and lift her off the ground, my arms around her middle.

“Shh,” I whisper. “You’re okay.”

“I know. It was just a bad night.”

“Exactly.” I stroke her back, lingering. But there was a silver lining, and I don’t know if she’s noticed yet. “You… you still have your magic, Aurora. I saw it tonight. You created fire.”

She pulls away, biting her lip. “That’s the first hint I’ve seen of it since… since my dad passed. And it was nothing. A fire spell. A baby spell⁠—”

“But magic, nevertheless. You still have it in you. You’re still a witch.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“You should talk to Jewel about your lost magic,” I say slowly. “She may be able to help more than I can.”

I’ve wanted to suggest it for a while, but considering how secretive Aurora is about it, I didn’t know how she would take it. I still don’t, but Jewel would be a fine asset to what we’re trying to do.

She frowns and looks away. “You’re just trying to get rid of the competition.”

Competition? Huh. It’s been a while since I thought of her that way.

“I’m not.” I roll my eyes. “You’re not my competition anymore.”

“I’ll think about it,” she says.

“And I’ll keep your secret if you decide not to.”

She meets my gaze again, her doe eyes filled with intensity. The moment passes quicker than I’d like. Whatever she’s thinking, it’s gone.

“Anyway, how do you feel about friendly cuddling?” she asks, wiggling her eyebrows.

“I’m quite partial to it, actually.”

I’ve never cuddled a friend in my life, but something tells me that’s about to change.

Chapter 25

Aurora

This isn’t the first time a guy has gotten too handsy at the bar. It isn’t even the first time a friend has comforted me after. But when I fall asleep in Sterling’s arms, I feel safe. Surprisingly, that’s all we do. He doesn’t even try to do anything more, ever the gentleman.

We shower separately. We get into bed. And we cuddle.

When the morning comes, the urge to run away doesn’t accompany it. His strong arms are wrapped tightly around me, and heat radiates from his body. I’m hardly thinking about the fire.

I still don’t know how to start it anyway.

I arch my back and move into him.