Page 212 of Cursed Evermore

“I'll come and visit.”

“That would be wonderful.”

“La níyneria, a mun dair,” Wolfe said with that humble bow of his head and his hand pressed to his heart.

“La níyneria,Your Grace.”

Sirril had been the first to address Wolfe as “Your Grace.” Only now did I truly comprehend its significance. Not just deep respect but recognition of an undeniable truth. Although Wolfe didn't wear a crown, he was the rightful king of Galaythia. Those who called him “Your Grace” were pledging their loyalty to him as their king.

For a heartbeat, Wolfe went very still, his eyes holding a kind of reverent surprise, like someone who'd been handed back a piece of themselves they'd thought was lost.

His gaze found mine again, and he said with a soft voice, “Come. Let's make our wishes.”

I nodded, looking forward to spending more time with him.

We walked in silence, away from the liveliness of the festival.

The soft quiet that waited beyond felt sacred and wrapped around us like a blessing, intimate and hushed.

Wolfe didn't speak. As desperate as I'd been to ask him more about his mother, I didn't need him to speak. I could feel the weight of his emotions.

The deeper we went, the quieter it became, until all that was left were the floating lanterns.

The air carried the faint scent of jasmine, and water lapped gently against the shore with soft, musical whispers.

We passed other people along the path. Quiet figures holding glowing orbs.

Some walked alone, clutching their hearts like prayers. Others moved in pairs, shoulders brushing, fingers entwined.

No one laughed here. No one danced. No one broke the sacred silence.

Silence I felt deep in my soul.

A gentle slope brought us to the lantern pools, a shallow mirrored lake that stretched between two flowering trees, the water glowing faintly with the Phantom Moon's light.

Hundreds of lanterns drifted across its surface, illuminating the dark like the stars in the sky. The breeze was slower here. Even the fireflies seemed to move more carefully.

Wolfe guided me toward the edge of the lake, near a bench carved from pale stone. The air shimmered faintly around it, like this small space had been preserved for something more.

He stopped and turned toward me, his eyes catching the glow from the water.

“This is where the wishes begin,” he said, motioning toward the lanterns. “The moon receives the wishes and decides which ones to grant. But it's not the asking that matters most. It's the believing.”

“How does it all work? I thought I'd see people writing on pieces of paper and putting theminsidethe lanterns.”

“No. Not so much. We don't write. We summon.” He held my gaze, looking deep into my eyes. “You have to summon the wish you want most from your heart. Pull it out then release it.”

There were so many things I wanted. So much I wished for. What did I want most?

“Think of something you need, something you've longed for, something you hope for with every fiber of your being. When you think of that thing, use your magic to move it out of your heart and into the air. Once it's out, a lantern will come to you and carry your wish to the moon.”

“You make it sound so simple.” I sighed thoughtfully, observing him.

“It is. Just watch me.” He grinned, then stepped closer to the water's edge, the moonlight casting silver patterns across his face.

Wolfe closed his eyes and placed his hand over his heart. I watched, mesmerized, as he stood perfectly still for a long moment. Then his lips moved to breathe out a sigh. A moment later, a soft white light floated out of his chest and grew brighter, taking shape into a little orb.

Wolfe opened his eyes, and a lantern floated over to him, lifted into the air once it was near and drew in his wish within the warm glow of its light. Then it hovered before him, waiting. Waiting for a further command of where to go.