Page 55 of Crossing Between

As they spoke, I became aware of the various items around the store reacting to my presence.

Fabrics rustled as I passed, even without a breeze.

Jewelry displayed on velvet cushions seemed to glow brighter.

I could hear faint whispers, too low to make out words, but definitely there, like the store itself was talking about me.

"Is it normal for everything to respond to me?" I watched as a nearby scarf twisted itself into a knot and then untangled again.

"The items here are imbued with various magics," Saddie explained, selecting several more pieces that floated obediently behind them. "They recognize power. Yours is particularly compelling."

Over the next hour, I tried on more magical items than I could count. Boots that would allow me to walk silently, a belt that could hold twice its visible capacity, earrings that would warm if someone was lying to me. Each piece seemed to respond to my touch, some more enthusiastically than others.

"Now for the pièce de résistance," Saddie announced, pulling a corset from a locked cabinet that required three different keys and a drop of their blood to open.

The corset was a work of art, deep crimson with intricate black embroidery that seemed to shift and change as I looked at it. Runes and symbols I didn't recognize were woven into the pattern, glowing faintly with inner light.

"Is that safe?" I eyed it suspiciously.

"Perfectly safe," Quilith assured me. "For you, at least. For anyone who tries to harm you while you're wearing it? Not so much."

Saddie helped me into the corset, their fingers deft as they laced it up.

As it tightened around my waist and ribs, I felt a strange sensation, like the corset was assessing me.

It seemed to pulse once, twice, then settled, conforming to my body in a way that was both restrictive and oddly comfortable.

"Why do I feel like this outfit is going to try to bite me?" I muttered as Saddie made a final adjustment.

Quilith's eyes gleamed. "Because it wants to test your dominance. If it respects you, it will obey. If not, well, we'll find something less bitey."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. Even in the midst of magical shopping and preparing for a binding ritual that would change my life forever, Quilith's presence was comforting in its familiarity.

Just as Saddie was showing me how to activate the corset's protective spells, the bell above the door chimed. We all turned to see Elias standing in the entrance, looking slightly bewildered.

"Elias?" I blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Varon sent me to check on you," his eyes scanned the store with professional caution. "He was worried Quilith might be; his exact words were 'hexing you into something ridiculous.'"

Quilith huffed indignantly. "As if I would ever! I have impeccable taste."

Elias started to respond, then stopped abruptly as his gaze fell on me. His mouth opened slightly, but no words came out. His eyes widened, drinking me in from head to toe, lingering on the corset that accentuated my curves.

"Zoey?" he finally managed, his voice rougher than usual.

"What do you think?" I did a slow turn, feeling a surge of confidence at his stunned expression.

Elias seemed to have forgotten how to breathe. His chest didn't move for several long seconds, and when he finally inhaled, it was a sharp, audible gasp. A flush crept up his neck, spreading to his cheeks.

"I..." he swallowed visibly. "You look...I mean, that's..." He shook his head, apparently unable to form a coherent sentence.

Quilith leaned close to me, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear, "I do so enjoy a man struck dumb by power."

Saddie laughed, a sound like tinkling crystal. "It seems the outfit passes the test. Shall I wrap everything up?"

I nodded, unable to tear my eyes away from Elias, who still hadn't recovered his composure. There was something incredibly satisfying about rendering the normally eloquent kraken speechless.

While Saddie prepared our purchases, I reluctantly changed back into my original clothes, though I kept the lace gloves on. They felt right somehow, like they'd always been meant for me.

When I emerged, Elias had regained some of his dignity, though his eyes still followed me with an intensity that made my skin tingle.

"Ready?" Quilith accepted a package wrapped in shimmering paper from Saddie.

"How much do I owe you?" I reached for my wallet, but Saddie waved me off.

"Consider it an investment in the future," their words cryptic. "Besides, Quilith and I have an arrangement."

Quilith winked at me. "Centuries-old debts make for interesting payment plans."

We said our goodbyes, and as we stepped out of the boutique, I turned for one last look. To my amazement, the entrance was already fading, the ornate door morphing back into a plain wooden one, the elegant sign reverting to the faded "Tailor" lettering.

Within seconds, it was as if the magical boutique had never existed at all.

"That was..." I searched for the right word.

"Magical?" Quilith suggested with a smile.

"That," I agreed, feeling the weight of the packages in my arms. Each item inside was more than just clothing. It was armor, protection, tools for the battle ahead.

As we walked back toward where Quilith would open another portal, Elias fell into step beside me. His hand brushed against mine, sending that now-familiar spark of connection between us.

"You really did look incredible in that outfit." His eyes met mine. "Like a warrior queen."

I smiled up at him, feeling a warmth spread through my chest that had nothing to do with magic and everything to do with the way he looked at me. "Good. Because I think that's exactly what I need to be."