Page 211 of Cursed Evermore

The male looked at me, then, his eyes bright. “And who's this beautiful creature?”

My cheeks warmed, but Wolfe answered before I could. “This is Elariya, and she's not for your matchmaking antics.”

Kaem laughed, undeterred. “Then she must be special.”

“Indeed, she is.” Wolfe glanced at me and winked.

“It's a pleasure to meet you.” I held out my hand to shake Kaem’s.

“And you, my Lady.” He shook my hand and looked at Wolfe again. “How long has it been since I last saw you, my boy? At least sixty years?”

“No, no.” Wolfe squinted. “We saw each other three years ago.”

Kaem waved a dismissive hand. “That was a mere glimpse in passing, son. It hardly counts. You missed the last Luminar. Your mother, bless her soul, would not have liked that one bit.”

There was a slight sag in Wolfe's shoulders at the mention of his mother. It was barely noticeable, but I saw it.

“No, I imagine she wouldn't have.”

“But I'm sure she's happy you're here now.” The old male gave him that fond smile again, then focused on me. “And she would have loved to see you here with your mage.”

Your mage.

The words sent a thrill through me that I couldn't suppress. The way he said it, with such certainty, made my heart race. As if I truly belonged to Wolfe.

“That's good to hear,” I answered, hoping my voice didn’t betray me.

“Leonara Nightblade loved the Ravenwood most of all the mage realms. She adored their love for reading, writing, and crafting unique items.”

“They do truly love all those things.” At least I knew those special things about the people I came from. Both Grandmother and Mother told me the mages of the Ravenwood Realm either spent their days reading in the grand libraries, writing adventurous stories, or crafting anything they could imagine.

Kaem beamed at me, then pulled out a notebook from a box he kept under his stall. The moment I saw the beaded embroidery on the front, I realized it was similar to the one Wolfe gave me. In fact, it more than likely came from the same place.

“For the lady. I hope it is okay with you.” He glanced at Wolfe.

“Of course.” Wolfe nodded.

Kaem handed it to me.

“Thank you so much.”

“You are welcome. I always pick up a few of these when I visit the Ravenwood Realm. Leonara used to collect them from me.”

Gods, the books were from the Ravenwood Realm. And Wolfe's mother used to collect them?

“I thought you may appreciate the sentiment,” Kaem added with a gentle smile.

“I do. This is very beautiful.”

“I'm glad you like it, my dear. They say in the Ravenwood that if you write down your wishes during the eclipse, your heart's truest desire will come true.”

How interesting. Though Wolfe would have known that when he gave me the notebook on the ship. Prior to that, I'd been looking at his father's enchanted book that told you your greatest desire. The sentiment hit harder now, meaning so much more to me.

“I wish that for you both.” Kaem spread his arms wide, then clasped his hands in prayer.

“Thank you,” I murmured, touched by his pure kindness.

“Go, have fun.” He nodded at Wolfe. “Hope to see you again before the next Phantom Moon, my Lord.”