As the others walk ahead, Nina and I stroll side by side, the soft crunch of leaves beneath our feet accompanying the sounds of chirping birds and critters foraging.
‘What does it feel like to wield magic?’ I ask Nina, glancing at her.
Nina's face lights up with a smile. ‘Honestly, it feels amazing. It’s wild and invigorating. She replies.
‘Josie would think it’s the best thing ever,’ I tease, a smile playing on my lips.
‘Until I turn her into a frog,’ Nina jokes with a glint in her eyes.
We both burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the quiet woods.
‘Was that spell even in the book? I don’t recall reading it in there?’ I ask, still amused by the thought.
‘No, but I will have to study the book again to learn more about the spells I can cast,’ Nina smiles, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I give Nina a concerned look. ‘If my parents learn about the spellbook, they will take it away and possibly even destroy it. It’s the only thing we have that might help us break your curse,’ I tell her.
‘Then the book must remain a secret, hidden away,’ Nina asserts.
We finally reach the car. Leon takes the initiative, breaking the silence.
‘I'll mind-link Alpha Ryker and let them know we have Nina and that we are safe,’ Leon says with relief.
As the car doors open, Gianna gracefully slides into the back seat, Nina following suit. May takes her place in the front, and my heart quickens at the prospect of sitting next to Nina. I unzip the bag at my feet, distributing bottles of water to everyone. Nina and Gianna eagerly guzzle down the water, their thirst mirroring the intensity of the ordeal they've been through. Passing out snacks, I watch as they savour each bite, their expressions full of delight. Gianna, in particular, indulges with unrestrained enthusiasm, devouring a packet of chips, a muesli bar, and three chocolate bars.
‘This is so good. I’ve never had food like this before, not even when I was at the orphanage,’ Gianna exclaims, her words punctuated by the rustle of wrappers.
‘We will get you a proper meal when we reach the next town,’ Leon reassures her, his sympathy evident in his gaze as he adjusts the rear-view mirror, a fatherly gesture of care.
As we reach the town, we park outside the diner. Bursting through the door, we draw curious eyes from diners and staff. Sitting at the nearest table, we summon the waitress with a wave.
‘What would you like to order?’ she asks, a smile playing on her lips, pen poised and notepad ready.
Nina, unleashing her cravings, rattles off a long list to order. ‘I’ll have pancakes with syrup and ice cream on top, a cherry pie, fries, bacon, eggs on toast, and a milkshake,’ she declares.
We exchange bemused glances, then turn our expectant eyes to the waitress. ‘I’ll have the same,’ we chime in unison.
The waitress, raising an eyebrow, jots down our orders with a grin. ‘Very well then,’ she says, departing with our questionable list.
We devour our meals, savouring every bite. The waitress regards us with a mix of astonishment and amusement, and we wave her goodbye as we return to the car.
‘We can get a motel around here, or if we get back on the road, we can reach the next town by nightfall?’ Leon proposes.
‘I think the sooner we get back home, the better, so let’s get back on the road and get to the next town,’ I suggest.
‘As long as I get a bath tonight, I don’t care,’ Nina adds, inspecting her dirt-stained limbs.
Nightfall greets us as we pull into the next town. Securing two adjacent motel rooms, I make arrangements for the night. ‘May, can you find some clean clothes for Nina and Gianna while they freshen up?’ I ask.
‘I’ll see what I can do,’ May replies, slipping out of the motel room.
‘You girls take this room, and Leon and I will be in the one next door. Nina, while Gianna bathes in your bathroom, feel free to use ours,’ I offer.
‘Sure, that would be great,’ Nina agrees.
As Gianna retreats into the bathroom, locking the door behind her, Nina and I step into my room. ‘I’m going to get us some takeaway food from up the road. I’ll be back soon,’ Leon announces before departing.
The ambient trickle of running water fills the bathroom as I recline on my bed, enveloped in the quiet of the motel room.
Nina's voice breaks through. 'Magnus?' she calls.
I rise, crossing the room to the bathroom door. 'Is everything okay?' I ask.
'Yeah, um, I just want to make sure I wasn't alone,' she responds.
'You're not alone, and you'll never be alone again,' I assure her, my head leaning against the bathroom door.
'Do you promise?' she asks.
I open the door and sit on the floor next to the tub.
The bubbles reach Nina's neck. A result likely involving an entire bottle of bubble bath liquid poured into the water. I smile, recalling the washing machine incident.
We sit facing each other. 'I'm scared, Magnus,' Nina confesses. 'Moss's mother is going to come after us. I just know it,' she says, her eyes downcast.
'I won't let her harm you,' I promise.
'But what if she finds a way, too?' Nina replies.
'Mark my word, Nina. I will kill her before she ever lays a finger on you again,' I assure her.
'I wish it were something else you could mark,' she whispers sadly, her gaze intense, gazing at me with longing.
I suddenly feel breathless. Just like I have strong feelings for Nina, she has practically just confessed the same feelings to me.
Our faces inch closer, lips about to meet, when Nina abruptly pulls back, taking a deep breath.
'Magnus, we can't do this. We aren't mates. It would be wrong and unfair to our true fated mates,' she sobs.
I ache to hold and kiss her, but her sadness fractures my heart. My hand reaches out to caress her cheek. 'I want you,' I admit in a hushed tone.
Tears glisten in Nina's eyes. 'Magnus, please, don't. I need you to stop. I need you to go,' she pleads.
'But—'
'Go!' she commands.
I immediately leave the bathroom. As soon as I shut the door, I hear Nina burst into tears. I’m overwhelmed and confused. I need air. Leaving the room, I bump into May, causing her to drop the clothes she carries. I don’t stop to help pick up the clothes. Instead, I hastily leave the motel as she yells after me.
‘Magnus, is everything okay?’ she asks, worried, but I ignore her, desperate to get away.