Page 63 of Demon's Beauty

“For volunteering to come along. I know you haven’t been much involved with the guard or court business, but I always appreciate a demon willing to lend a hand. And, of course, for what you did for Soleil.”

I clear my throat, still tight at the reminder of how close I came to losing her. “Of course.”

I start to say something else, but a glimpse of long raven curls from the other side of camp halts those words in their tracks.

Another sunset graces my witch with its light, and like every time I see her, it’s enough to freeze my breath in my lungs.

Soleil is talking to Vayla, entirely oblivious to who’s admiring her.

Or… maybe not.

Like it’s started doing the last few days, the magick in my chest gives a sharp tug as soon as she’s near. Effervescent and anticipatory, it fills me up, suffuses me with warmth, until I’m surprised my skin isn’t glowing with it.

Soleil meets my eye.

A spark, in those beautiful emerald depths, as if she’s just as aware of that magic as I am. She smiles, shakes her head in slight exasperation, and turns back to Vayla.

I continue to admire her for a few long moments, and it takes me even longer to remember I’m not standing here alone.

Glenson’s eyes bounce back and forth between the two of us, and he looks so forlorn I’d almost have pity on him in any other circumstance.

Almost.

He lets out a long sigh. “There’s something between the two of you, isn’t there?”

Would Soleil want me to keep this a secret?

We haven’t talked about it, and maybe we should before I say anything, but…

“She’s my mate.”

It comes out so easily, so naturally, a quiet claim I’d rather be roaring from the mountaintops.

A startled laugh punches out of Glenson. “Really?”

“You’re surprised?”

He puts up his hands at the surliness in my tone. “No, I… I just… wow, Finn. Congratulations. To you both. A rare gift from the Goddess, finding your mate.”

Thanking him, I take my leave.

I’ve got other things on my mind tonight than making small talk with the Lieutenant.

It’s our last night here at camp, our last night before we return to the court, and I’ve tried to avoid thinking about what that will mean.

Soleil let me know she initially came to this realm to help Vayla with a grimoire—some complicated, esoteric task, no doubt, given my witch’s considerable skill.

But after that?

I have no idea.

Other than what she shared that first night around the bonfire, Soleil has been cagey about her life in the human realm or when she plans to return to it.

Tonight, I intend to get some answers.

I intend to draw my witch away, to spend some time with her, to enjoy this evening together before we plunge back into the chaos of the court.

As the sun sets behind the mountains, I make my move.