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Once Kian has stepped out and closed the door behind him, my grandmother gestures for me to come closer.

“Lilith came by just now to tell me you were here. She mentioned something about you finally having access to your power,” she says, her voice growing stronger with excitement. “She said you’re a powerful witch now. She seemed so happy and excited, so very proud of you, sweetheart.”

Despite everything, warmth blooms in my chest at the words. “She said that? About me?”

“Oh yes, dear one. Those were her exact words to me…” She lifts her eyes.

“Give or take. You get the gist.” My grandmother squeezes my hand.

“I’m so happy for you, McColl. I know how hard you’ve worked for years and years.

How much you sacrificed. When the others were having fun, being young, you were at your desk.

I know just how much you’ve always wished for this.

It’s wonderful that all your dreams are finally coming true. ”

There is a part of me that wants her to have the excitement. To feel joy for me, but I can’t lie to her. Not to my grandmother. The joy in her voice breaks my heart.

“Don’t get too excited, Grandmother,” I say gently. “My powers are tied to Kian’s. When he leaves, my abilities will leave with him.”

I feel sad, but it’s more at the thought of him leaving than at losing my powers. There was a time when I put having power over everything. I know better now.

My grandmother’s eyes are at half-mast. She yawns. “Sorry, dear.”

“Are you getting tired?”

“A little. My mouth feels dry. I guess I’m not used to talking quite this much.”

“We can fix that.” I reach for the water glass on her bedside table, helping her take a few sips.

“Much better,” she murmurs.

“I should let you rest,” I say. “I’ll come back later to talk some more.”

But my grandmother takes my hand with surprising strength for such a frail woman.

“No, dear one. We need to speak now.” Her eyes fill with tears, and the sight nearly undoes me. “I may not have my faculties later. This clarity…it comes and goes, and I never know when it will return. This may be the last time we get to talk like this.”

The tears in her voice, the fear and frustration at her own failing mind, break something inside me.

“Of course. I’ll stay as long as you want.”

“I want to hear how you got access to your power. Why is it tied to this handsome young man? A fae, at that.” She lifts her brows.

I tell her everything, keeping it as brief as possible, and my grandmother listens intently.

“During the eclipse. Oh my,” she breathes, actually managing to sit up a little in bed. “Oh, my dear girl, I’ve heard of this happening before. I know it!” She lies back down.

Hope leaps in my chest. “You have?”

She presses her fingers to her temples, her eyes growing hazy as she struggles to recall.

“I can’t remember exactly what it’s called or precisely how it comes about.” Frustration flickers across her features. “My mind used to be sharp as a razor. It doesn’t matter.” She finally sighs. “Because I do remember the important part. You need to listen closely.” She swallows.

For a moment, she seems to drift away, staring vacantly at nothing. Fear clutches at me; have I lost her?

I find I’m desperate to know more about what is going on between Kian and me. About our powers.

“Grandmother?” I ask gently.

Then she snaps back, her eyes focusing on mine with startling intensity. “Yes, yes. I remember. There is a way for you to keep your powers, even when apart.”

My breath catches. “What? How?”

“If you join with your fae in body,” she says, her voice dropping to a whisper.

“In body?” I frown. My grandmother isn’t making sense.

“Yes, dear. You’ve joined on a spiritual plane, but it isn’t fully binding.

You need to join physically. If you make love, your individual powers will cement.

You need not lose your ability, and he need not lose his.

Like I said, he is easy on the eye. I think he would make an excellent lover,” she whispers, a twinkle in her eye, and suddenly, she doesn’t look nearly as tired.

Heat floods my face, and I can’t seem to form a coherent response.

“A dalliance is perfectly fine, sweetheart. I had several before I met your grandfather.” She giggles, sounding a little like a schoolgirl.

“You should do it, McColl,” my grandmother continues matter-of-factly.

“It wouldn’t exactly be a hardship, would it?

” She yawns again, her eyes drooping. But then she presses her hand to her forehead, wincing. “Oh, no.”

“What is it?”

“I’ve overexerted myself, it would seem.” She winces again. “I’m getting such a terrible headache. I’m so sorry, but I need to rest now.” She whimpers.

“Of course.” I lean down and kiss her forehead gently. “I love you, Grandmother.”

Her eyes suddenly seem clearer, more like herself. “And I love you, my darling girl,” she murmurs.

I stroke her hair a few times.

By the time I stand, she’s already fast asleep, her breathing deep and even.

I stand there for a moment, my mind reeling from what she’s told me.

There’s a way to keep our powers. A way for both of us to retain what we’ve gained without having to stay together.

Everything would hinge on us having sex.

I would need to give my body to him, and he would need to give his to me in return.

Only, it would be more than just flesh on flesh.

I have too many feelings for him already. I’m not sure it’s something I can do.

The question is, what am I going to do with my newfound knowledge? Do I tell Kian? Do I keep this a secret?

I have absolutely no idea.