Easton leapt over and rubbed the top of my head. “DOBBY IS A FREE ELF!”
I snorted.
Royce pushed him out of the way and draped his arm around my shoulders, then started singing about being free as a bird but I did not know the song.
“Royce, she doesn’t know that song,” Cooper grumbled and rolled his eyes. He looked to me and winked.
“And why do you insist on singing in that awful voice? That’s not even how you sound.” Henley sighed but she was laughing. “Where’d you find whites that small so fast?”
“Oh, I made it. With magic.”
“She’s gonna teach me how to do it,” Tennessee said in a chipper voice that made me smile.
Everyone laughed at him…and then attacked me with hugs again. It was wonderful to feel so loved and welcomed. My heart was so full. After so long, I was finally free.
“Your wings aren’t pink?” Deacon said and then slammed his hand over his mouth.
I felt my face warm and knew I was blushing. I tucked my fiery hair behind my ears. “Oh, right…that’s a long story but this is how they really look, like for real.”
“Wow. They’re beautiful.” Tegan reached out and squeezed my hands. “Saffie, I’m so happy you’re home.”
My head snapped up and my eyes watered. “Home.”
“Home,” Tenn and Tegan said at the same time.
I smiled and sighed so hard my shoulders sagged. “I forget what home feels like.”
“We’ll help you remember,” Tegan said softly. “How are you feeling? Your magic feels restored.”
My heart sank. “Yes, but…I just…I need Riah to wake up.”
She bit her lip and nodded. “I’m sorry to drag you away from him right now, but—”
“You’re being crowned Coven Leader.” I grinned. “Tennessee told me. It won’t take long and I would not miss this.”
Tegan’s eyes watered more. “Thank you.”
Tennessee cleared his throat. “So, shall we crown our Queen of Darkness?”
I grinned. “Absolutely.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Tegan
This is it. This is actually happening.
I’m about to be crowned Coven Leader.
My pulse fluttered and butterflies danced in my stomach. I stepped in front of my full-body mirror and took a good, hard look at myself. I was in my white sheath dress that cut off at the knees and had no sleeves. My soulmate glyph was a stark contrast to the white and my pale skin. The glowing crystal pink heart on the back of my hand sparkled.
I didn’t look any different – aside from the purple in my hair now went all the way up to my jaw. I hadn’t meant to do that but now that I was seeing it in a mirror I was not mad about it. Not only did it look cool, but it was also like I had a new style going into this new phase of my life. More responsibility, more hair dye, right?
You’re stalling, Bishop.
I took a deep breath and then did a little check to make sure I had everything I needed. I wore at least two crystal rings on each of my fingers, all of which serving as specific amulets of power– some to receive and some to give out. Several crystals hung from chains around my neck, but not the one I really wanted. Bentley needed the Book of Shadows and I felt naked without it, and a little panicked. The sooner I got this done the sooner I could have my book back.
With that in mind I pushed my shoulders back, held my head high, and marched out of our room – I’d gone up to collect myself for a moment. I could have materialized or portaled but my nerves were shot, so I took the stairs like any other normal person. When I got to the bottom and rounded the corner, the fire in the fireplace roared, orange flames shot up tall and flickered.
The door to the basement flew open and that fresh rain scent I loved so much slammed into my face.
Tennessee.
A wave of his power washed over me like a summer breeze, making my hair sway. I grinned and stopped to wait for him. His tan hand gripped the edge of the door and his silver rings glistened in the candlelit room. He stepped in and my breath caught in my throat. I prayed I never got used to this feeling, even if it wreaked havoc on my system.
He looked glorious as ever in his ceremonial white sheath that made his tan skin look like honey. His jet-black fell in wild waves all the way down to his shoulders now and it looked like he might have brushed it – or at least ran his fingers through it to remove knots. That was a huge step for him. The crown on his head filled my heart with happiness. It just looked so natural on him, and I prayed mine would too.
“Hey, I just was checking Riah real quick for her.” His mismatched eyes met mine and then he frowned. “Are you okay?”
I nodded but words wouldn’t come.
My thoughts went to Saffie.
There was something going on between her and Riah. They were definitely romantically involved but it felt…stronger than that. If I hadn’t known any better I would have assumed they were soulmates. I’d grown rather familiar to the aura of soulmates. Except there was no glyph on either of them. I knew it worked differently for other species. I knew for fae it happened at first kiss…so either these two had not kissed yet or there was some other reason I could not see a glyph.
But now was not the time to ask.
Tenn cleared his throat. “Babe?”
I groaned and tackled my soulmate.
His arms wrapped around me instantly. “Talk to me.”
“I’ve wanted this since y’all explained how The Coven worked…” I peeked up at him without pulling away. “Why am I so terrified now that I’m getting it?”
He smiled and cupped my face in his hands. “Because you’re a good person who cares more than anyone realizes. Because this wild, tough, crazy exterior hides a sensitive, compassionate person who wants to save the world.”
I pouted. “I hate that you see me so well.”
He grinned. “No you don’t.”
“I know I don’t.”
He chuckled then pressed his lips to mine. For a moment, all of my fear vanished. It was just him. Us. Everything was right in the world. I felt strong and invincible.
And then he pulled away, stepping back until his arms dropped to his sides and cold air swept between us. He winked. “Take a deep breath. Maybe swear a few times. Then join us outside so we can crown you.”
“Okay.”
I watched him turn and race out the back door, moving at a speed only he could reach.
Take a deep breath.
I took three.
Maybe swear a little.
I swore a lot.
Then join us outside.
Right. It’s time. I want this.
I can do this.
The nerves I felt needed to die a slow painful death, but not at my expense. I hated feeling unsure of myself. Once this was done there’d be no turning back, so I needed to get it over with so I could go back to feeling like myself.
With that, I took another deep breath then materialized outside at the base of the dirt pathway that led straight to the Holy Ground. Up ahead, my Coven-mates were in a circle, ready and waiting to crown me. But between me and them was a sea of white and for a moment, it caught me off guard. With all my stressing over Saffie I’d somehow forgotten that classes here at Edenburg had resumed.