“I thought perchance you would like to go for a walk today.” Vynasha held her breath. “This coming from the prince who wouldn’t let me walk across my room alone?” She followed the stitched pattern of silver leaves on her new dress and purposely brushed against his hand. He stilled beneath her touch, and his piercing stare heated with the echo of desire once again. “It has been three days.” She leaned into his touch and savored the rush of his power coursing through their bond. Not too much, just enough to feed her starving body of the magick it craved. “Meaning you believe I’m strong enough?” Grendel looked away and began to lay out the layers over her bed. “Meaning I will be here to catch you if you should fall.” Balos stiffened slightly at the sight, then relaxed when she placed a hand against his back. I’m with you, she silently vowed.

Hidden within the shadows, Vynasha carefully reached for her magick. The day’s trials had weakened her, but Grandmother had taught her to pace herself, and with every moon her endurance grew. The flowers lining the door frame began to shed more violet petals as they gradually wilted. Balos stiffened slightly at the sight, then relaxed when she placed a hand against his back. I’m with you, she silently vowed.