Page 49 of Falling for the Crystal Fae
I wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. She leaned in for a kiss, and I met her lips. We’d kissed many times, but this one was filled with more than love and passion—this one was tied to a promise we’d just made. A promise to marry, to give our literal hearts to each other.
As we touched, my heart grew—it reached for Khiona’s and the magic between our souls strengthened. We’d already started the bonding process, and I hadn’t even realized it.
I pulled back and rested my cheek against hers. “It doesn’t have to be here. If you wanted to go back to Kalshana, I’d move with you.”
She shook her head and nuzzled into my neck. “This is enough of Kalshana for me. Maybe we’ll make a few trips to collect some more plants, but I’m more attached to you and the people on this island than I was to anyone in all the Winter Realm.”
I squeezed her shoulders. “There is one drawback to this pavilion.”
“Oh?” She snuggled against me more, as much as she could with us both standing.
“Yes. I had to ask someone from the Winter Realm to douse it in cold magic, but he told me it would onlylast a couple months. It really needs a magic refresh every month.”
She chuckled. “Then it’s a good thing you know a winter fae.”
I kissed the top of her head. “It’s the best thing.”
My heart echoed the sentiment, pounding harder to emphasize exactly how good it was to know Khiona. All the power I’d once tried to control—all the strength I’d thought it would bring me—was nothing compared to the strength that came from trusting. Or the power in admitting I could be wrong without being weak. And the security that came from being known—seen and understood and accepted for exactly who we both were—strengths, weaknesses, hopes, and desires. We were stronger together.
And that was a power I would fight for as long as I lived.
The End.
