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“The way you did?” I asked wryly, closing the door and walking over to her.
Celeste laughed again. “The way I did,” she affirmed, scooching sideways to make room for me on the couch.
I dropped down next to her, pressing my leg against hers. “You did notalwaysfight me,” I said. “You did seem to likesomethingabout me, even when you were convinced you hated me. If I recall, it wasyouwho made the first move.”
“Me?” she squeaked, making a face.
I leaned in to kiss her cheek. “You were the one who sent me averysaucy idea inside the planetarium,” I said, feeling her pulse jump. “I seem to recall you suggesting that I take you ri—”
“Fenris!” Celeste exclaimed, but she was smiling as she turned to face me, pressing her lips against mine. “I didn’t mean to do that.”
“But you were thinking it,” I said. I gave her one more kiss before leaning back, sliding my arm over her shoulders to pull her closer to my chest. “Truly, though, I don’t mind that we got off on the wrong foot. We are together now, and I don’t plan on it ever being otherwise.”
As I gazed down at her, her smile seemed to dim. “I want that, too,” she said, but the laughter had left her voice. “More than anything.”
I frowned. I knew she couldn’t tell me every part of her plan for the eclipse, but that reaction didn’t exactly leave me brimming with hope.
Before I could ask what was wrong, she snuggled up closer, putting her hand on my knee. “Hold still,” she murmured quietly, closing her eyes.
I did as she said, and moments later, a shared thought was my reward: Celeste was imagining a beautiful night sky, the surrounding area so dark, it felt like I could see the entire universe when I looked skyward.
Allowing my eyes to fall shut, I joined her completely in the vision, the tension leaving my shoulders as I basked in the future sights we might soon share.
Chapter 24
Celeste
The Wilderness
Andes Mountains, Peru
Time Until the Eclipse: 1 Day
I stood in the dark jungle, the air so thick I felt like I could swim through it. The air buzzed with life, but I felt smothered all the same as I stared out into the distance, only able to make out the big rocky hills blotting out the stars. Those loyal to the Lunar Lord had hidden throughout the landscape leading up to the ancient temple, and I wondered if the witches who’d enchanted it all those centuries ago had planned for this event.
Did they know someone might try to kill the Lunar Lord during an eclipse? Or did they just think everyone would respect it?
I had no way of knowing for sure, but thus far, I hadn’t sensed anything in the area that felt like baneful magic. If there were any traps, their power might have faded away by now—or they were so well-hidden, I wouldn’t know until they’d sprung.
I sighed as I licked my lips, still staring up at the temple. Fenris’s forces had grown over the past several days, but I noticed this looked exactly like how the temple had appeared to me in my dream—or rather, nightmare—when Zyanya turned into a monstrous metallic dragon. Just the thought sent a chill down my spine despite the warmth of the jungle draped over me like a cloak. I could smell the awful, acrid stench of the burning forest, but when I glanced down, there was nothing on my hands. I took a shaking breath and closed my eyes to calm myself.
Someone put a hand on my shoulder, and I nearly jumped straight out of my skin.
“I’m so sorry,” Val said as I whirled around, my heart thundering in my chest. “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”
“It’s okay,” I said, breathless. “I was just, uh…” I trailed off, not sure what to say.
Val offered me a tired smile. “I know,” she said, reaching out to give my elbow a squeeze. “Everyone is on edge. It’s natural to be worried about the prospect of any fight, much less one of this nature.”
If only you knew. I tried to shake off the feeling of impending doom—or shake it off enough that Val stopped giving me such a worried look. “How are you doing?” I asked.
“Oh, I’m alright, all things considered,” Val said, clasping her hands in front of herself. She sighed, glancing at the temple I’d been studying moments before. “I’ve been working with several other senior witches and warlocks to lay down the protective wards. A separate group is working on traps further into the jungle to hopefully slow down any of the Solar Sovereign’s allies who try to approach.” She sighed again and shook her head, looking back at me. “Many hands do make light work. I’m glad so many covens have joined us. This would be exhausting otherwise.”
That, at least, I could agree with whole-heartedly. The turnout had allowed me to focus solely on preparing for the ritual. “How’s Morgan doing?”
“She’s well,” Val said. “She crafted the amulet that is allowing Abigail to remain within the area.” She offered a rare, playful grin. “Locals will find themselves with only dim memories if they get too close—and if they push past that, they’ll be struck by an awful, crippling fear. At least we can be confident that no one in the normal world will accidentally stumble across us.”
I nodded. “That’s good.” Just one thing Fenris wouldn’t have to worry about. I sighed and looked back in the direction of the ancient building.
