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He studied me for a moment before responding. “Is that something you would enjoy?”
I nodded. “Yes. Very much.”
“All right, then. If you’re sure, and if Liam’s not back tomorrow, come see me in the morning, and we’ll find something for you.” He beamed at me, and I soaked it in. Things were finally starting to improve for me.
The return trip to the cottage was easier than the trip to the Falls. Already I felt more control over my magic and longed to stretch the feline muscles of my animal form one more time before returning to Lydbury. I transformed, prowling across the short distance across the clearing to where Arabella stood sentry outside the cottage, not far from where I’d left her.
“I almost didn’t recognize you in that form,” she said. “Are you trying to draw attention to yourself? Mountain lions aren’t exactly common around here.”
I returned to my Fae form and shook my head. “Can’t win, can I? Use my magic, get a lecture. Don’t use my magic, still get a lecture.”
“Sheesh. Someone is a little testy. Had a nice chat with old Cahal, then, I take it?” Arabella smirked.
I ran a hand through my hair and tucked the long strands behind the points of my ears. “That man is impossible. I don’t know why I bother.”
“Sometimes I say the same thing about you, cuz.” Arabella leaned back against the cottage wall.
I glared at her. I was nothing like my sire. “He won’t help.”
She shrugged. “Didn’t think he would. But it was worth asking.”
“How is she?” I lifted my chin toward Mother’s room at the back of the cottage.
“Same. Hanging on.” She frowned. I could tell she was worried. Protecting Fiona was her primary responsibility, but I knew she cared just as deeply for my mother.
“Good. I need to get back.” I stretched. It had been nice to use magic freely and let down my glamour. With any luck, I’d be returning soon with an artifact for my mother to destroy.
“I thought you’d say something like that. But even if you return tonight, tomorrow is the last day before the solstice.” She flexed her hands before curling them into fists.
“I know. I have a new plan.” I held back my grin, knowing how much she’d approve of this new plan.
She raised her eyebrows and pushed off the wall. “Dare I ask?”
“I’m going to use my magic.”
She cocked her head to one side. “Something Cahal said changed your mind?”
“Of course not.” I crossed my arms. “I don’t need him—or you, for that matter—to tell me that we’re running out of time. I made a promise to you and Fiona. I plan to keep it.”
“If you reveal yourself to them—”
I cut her off before she could finish that thought. “I know. I’ll find a way to do it without them knowing.”
Fiona appeared in the doorway. She’d probably heard us talking. “Liam, you’re back. Your mother is asking for you.”
I took a step toward the door, and Arabella grabbed my arm.
“Be careful,” she said. “You don’t know who else is watching that place.”
“You were the one who wanted me to use my magic in the first place, Ari.”
Her grip tightened around my arm. “Well, I agreed to your plan because I thought you had a point.”
My eyes went wide, and I turned my face to Fiona. “You heard that, didn’t you? I think Ari just said I was right.”
Fiona laughed.
“Oh, please.” Arabella released my arm in a huff.
