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Low and smoky, a melody spun from stardust and half-healed hearts. The kind of song that wound its way through bone and breath, curling in the chest and refusing to leave.

She weaved a little magic into it—just enough to stir the air, to let her voice shimmer and bend. She saw Petra wipe her eyes. Delia’s ledger dropped to the table. Even Amos stopped fiddling with the jukebox.

Jace looked like he’d forgotten how to breathe.

He didn’t move. Didn’t blink.

Just watched her like she was a spell he didn’t understand but desperately wanted to.

And when the last note faded, and the lights came back, and applause burst like bubbles around her.

He was still staring.

And Lyra, though not wanting to admit it, was pleased with herself and happy her chaos affected him that much.

14

JACE

Jace didn’t remember standing.

One second, he was rooted in his chair, watching Lyra cast a spell with her voice that cracked something open inside him. The next, he was rising to his feet, coat slung over one arm, feet already moving toward the café’s door like the wolf in him had made the decision before his mind could catch up.

The applause still echoed behind him, her laugh twining with the sound like smoke over embers.

He waited by the cobbled walkway, the night crisp and soaked in starlight. The magic in the air still pulsed from her performance, humming low and lazy against his skin.

The door jingled open behind him.

“Hey.”

He turned.

Lyra stepped out, cheeks pink, curls bouncing with every movement. Her eyes sparkled, still warm from the stage, though there was a flicker of surprise when she saw him waiting.

“You leaving already?” she asked.

“Thought I’d walk you home,” he said suddenly, not even realizing what words chose to come out.

She blinked. “Oh. You didn’t have to?—”

“I wanted to,” he said, too quickly. Then, quieter, “You lit the whole room up tonight.”

Her smile wobbled a little. “That song was for me. I needed to get something out.”

“You did,” he murmured. “Got me, too.”

Her eyes widened slightly, but before either of them could stumble deeper into whatever this was, Calla emerged behind them, arms full of wrapped bundles and bottles she clearly hadn’t brought inside.

“I’m gonna hang back a while,” Calla said, raising a brow but keeping her tone innocent. “The café needs a few herbs restocked, and Petra asked for a late-night dreamroot tincture. Y’all go ahead.”

Jace gave a slow nod, and Lyra turned, mock-glared at her cousin. “You planned this.”

Calla grinned. “I plan everything.”

Lyra sighed, rolling her eyes, and stepped off the stoop. Jace followed, falling into step beside her as they left the glow of the café behind and headed down the quiet street.

Celestial Pines at night was a different kind of magic.