Page 72 of Kissing Potions and Elves

I glance around the corner and see Lyrion walking away from the two Elves, a stormy expression on his face. I know I shouldn’t have spied on his conversation, but I’m so glad I did.

He sees me. And I don’t know what terrifies me more: how much I want to believe it… or how much I may be starting to.

When he returns to my side, I have to hold back the thank you that sits on the edge of my tongue, because I don’t want him to know I was eavesdropping on his conversation.

Despite his defense of me, anxiety churns quietly within. Rhystan was right. I’m the only human here who isn’t a servant. I hate feeling so out of place.

As if sensing my mood, Lyrion leans in. “Come. Let’s get some fresh air.”

I nod gratefully, following him out into the moonlit gardens.

CHAPTER 35

ISOBEL

Moonlight bathes the gardens in silver. The night air is cool and the entire space is covered in flowers that glow various shades of red, white, pink, and blue.

Lifting my head toward the starlit sky, I sigh in contentment, the tension slowly leaving my body.

Lyrion turns to me. “Is this better?”

“Yes. Thank you.” Faint music drifts from the ballroom, blending with the nocturnal sounds of the forest beyond the garden wall. A low howl rises in the distance and I smile, wondering if it’s Nyxus or Asher.

My entire body hums in awareness as Lyrion moves closer to me. “How did you know I needed this?”

He tilts his head to one side, considering. “I think you’re a bit like me. Sometimes, we need the peace and quiet.”

“I just wish—” I sigh and look down at my hands, unsure how to express what I’m feeling as I gaze back at the ballroom through the windows.

“What is it you wish, Isobel?”

“I’ve attended balls before, but only ever as a servant. I’d watch, dreaming of what it must be like to belong. To dance beneath the chandeliers instead of scrubbing the floors.” I sigh heavily. “But being in there… I feel so—” I shake my head, unable to find the words.

“So… what?” he gently presses.

“Human, I guess?” I wince awkwardly.

“What’s wrong with being human?”

“It’s just… you’re people—Elves—are so… so poised and elegant and I’m just…” I sigh heavily. “I’m just me.”

He steps closer and cups my chin, tipping my face up to his. “You are perfect just as you are.” His violet eyes stare deep into mine. “Yes, you are human, but that does not make you less. You are who you are, Isobel. And who you are is enough.”

A smile crests my lips.

Taking a small step back, he holds his hand out for mine and bows. “May I have this dance, Isobel Bramble?”

“Why, yes you may.” My heart flutters as I place my palm in his.

Music drifts in the breeze as we begin to sway beneath the endless stars. Lyrion’s masculine scent—pine and parchment—surrounds and envelops me as he pulls me even closer, my body nearly flush with his own.

A smile quirks his lips as he spins me away, and I laugh softly as he twirls me back to him, dipping me a moment before we straighten once again.

His intense gaze holds mine, and it’s as though he can see all the secrets of my heart, my fears, my hopes, my dreams… laying bare the quiet vulnerability hidden within. The world around us begins to fade, until it is just us.

In this moment, under the stars, I feel seen. Cherished. The ache of loneliness that’s lived within me for so long is replaced by warmth and hope.

Maybe these feelings I have for him are not one-sided. Perhaps he feels something for me in return.