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He brought his fingers higher, tilting her chin up. “This is your journey to take with me. Many will support you along the way, but I am your Grace. I will share this experience with you in a way no one else ever could. And you will find me unusually possessive of the privilege.”
“Oh, Lio. I’m so glad it’s you.” She rested her forehead on his.
The gesture of trust made him place a tender kiss on her mouth. “Don’t worry, my rose. It’s common to lose control of your power, especially during the Gifting. But I have plenty of experience with difficult magic.”
“What sort of disasters do you think we should be prepared for?” Cassia asked.
Lio sighed. “I would prefer not to air a list of worst-case scenarios, but I know you find it more reassuring to be forewarned.”
“Always,” Cassia agreed. “That way, it cannot take me by surprise, and that gives me the upper hand.”
It struck him how defensive she still was at times, even in intimate moments like this. “Keep in mind that all of this is theoretical. It might not even happen. And if it does, by the time we attempt your Gift Night again, we will have a plan for any challenges that arise.”
She nodded for him to continue.
“Very well,” he said. “Imagine if you changed into a hawk while your transformation was incomplete, and you couldn’t change back. We don’t know what effect Hesperine blood has on Lustra shape changers in their animal forms. Would it complete your transformation as if you were human? Or would your body react as an animal’s does—receiving healing and longevity, but not the Gift?”
“I see.” Cassia spoke with the pragmatism to which she always resorted to protect herself from unpleasant truths. “So I might be trapped in bird form, somewhere between mortal and immortal. How inconvenient to spend eternity as your familiar.”
“Nonsense. I would have to find a spell to transform me into a hawk so we could mate for life.”
“Let us try to avoid any situation that inspires you to martyr yourself. But I suppose plant magic might be equally disastrous for you. What if I made roses grow out of your nose? That could be terribly painful, even if you do heal fast.”
Lio choked on a laugh. It was good to hear her making jests as a defense as well. “I will gladly endure your thorns, my rose. But yes, it would be a problem if, for example, I found myself bound to the ceiling by vines and unable to reach you to finish giving you my blood.”
“You know how averse I am to the notion of being tied up in bed. I have no intention of exploring that particular application of my power.”
“I never said I minded you tying me up.” He raised a brow at her. “But perhaps we can save that particular experiment for a more opportune time.”
Her face flushed. “I would want my magic to be firmly under control for that, yes.”
“But I’m afraid shape changing and plant magic are not my gravest concerns.” He stroked the inside of her wrist. “Your soothsaying is arguably your most dangerous gift of all. I’m a thelemancer. I know what it’s like to have power over someone’s Will.”
“Oh,” she said softly, and he could taste her apprehension in their Union. “I could actually impair your Will with my words?”
“I have never met a soothsayer, much less had practical training in resisting their power. So the fact is, I don’t know. But if the tales—and the Orders’ fears—are any indication, you could talk me into a state in which I am no longer coherent enough to properly care for you during your transformation. I wouldn’t have the Will to finish Gifting you, and if you didn’t get enough of my blood quickly enough, you would die.”
“I never want to do that to you. To master your Will without meaning to.”
“I never want you to know what that’s like.”
A moment of silence passed between them.
“Research,” she said at last. “We must devote ourselves to research, beginning tomorrow.”
“Yes. We will leave no stone unturned.” He tucked a wet strand of her hair behind her ear. “But it will have to be after midmoon.”
She frowned. “Do we have a commitment I’ve forgotten?”
“No. Solia and I have agreed I will begin the labors tomorrow.”
Cassia sat up straighter. “That’s what you two were taking about when you were sitting together?”
He hated feeling her disappointment. “It’s tradition for the man’s eldest female relative to negotiate with his prospective bride’s matriarch. My mother asked Kassandra if she would do us the honor, since she’s older, and these are her Imperial traditions.”
“And Kassandra agreed?” Cassia’s voice rose.
“Yes. The oracle herself is in favor of it. Doesn’t that reassure you it’s meant to be?”
