Page 29

Ocean water churned around his ankles as he waded into the water.

“But…but…”

“Niera, you need to learn to trust me. I told you what must be done. Let him do his part so you can do yours.”

Her stomach lurched, a warning that she wasn’t protected by Alistair’s presence any longer. She couldn’t tear her gaze from his majestic form as he waded deeper and deeper, until he paused, waited, and dove into an oncoming wave.

The strangest sensation of a cord yanking her tight jolted her forward. She caught herself before she stumbled, shuffling back a step.

Alistair didn’t resurface.

“Don’t linger. You’ll be sick until he breaks his curse and casts your spell aside. You’re safest with Annise tonight. Away from where the sea fae can snatch you.”

At the mention of the sea fae, she swore she caught sight of a bobbing head after a wave crested and dispersed into the water.

“You’re right. But you and I will have a long talk about portaling without consent, and parlor tricks that are unnecessary.”

Holly meowed, then released a low, rumbling purr as she wove between Niera’s legs. After a final glance at the ocean, Niera reached down and lifted Holly into her arms, nuzzling her cheek to the cat’s.

“I really should be infuriated with you right now.”

Holly made another noise, then pushed her triangular head beneath Niera’s chin.

“Okay, okay. Let’s go.”

Casting one final look at the water, she pressed her lips together. Coolness filled a sudden void in her soul, but hope flared bright in the recesses of her mind. She could only hope he was able to break his curse before the flurries came down on Cat’s Paw Cove tomorrow night.