Page 13

DOMINIC

S leep had proven to be elusive. Especially when every time he closed his eyes, all he saw was her. Lillith—eyes full of stormlight and fear, framed in candlelight with her hand over his heart like she could will it steady.

And it had worked.

Dominic lay sprawled across the guest bed, blankets kicked halfway to the floor, one arm flung over his face. The sunrise bled orange through the windowpanes, casting long shadows across the wooden floorboards. His shoulder still throbbed, but not from the wound.

It was her absence.

He’d woken up alone. He couldn’t hear her shuffling around the kitchen, humming off-key or talking to her enchanted kettle like it was a roommate with opinions.

He sat up fast.

Pain speared down his side, sudden and sharp, like someone had lit a fuse behind his ribs.

“Lillith?” he called out, voice already tight.

No answer.

He stood, staggered, and stumbled toward the door, one hand on the wall. Every inch he moved felt like the air was pressing in, thick and suffocating.

He heard her suddenly gasp from the other end of the cottage. A choked cry, raw and startled.

He barely made it three steps before the floor buckled under him, or it could be that his body was giving out. Either way, he dropped to his knees with a snarl, clutching his side as white-hot pain flared.

The tether between them snapped taut.

Seconds later, she barreled into view, barefoot and wild-eyed, hair tangled from sleep.

“Dominic!” she rushed to him, dropping to her knees. “What were you thinking?!”

“I just—needed air,” he lied with a groan. “Didn’t think I’d get smacked by the bond like it owed me money.” He didn’t want her to think that he had panicked by her not being there.

“You idiot, ” she whispered, grabbing his face, checking his pupils. “You can’t go that far. Not without me. You know that.”

“Was trying to avoid you,” he grunted, half-laughing. “Turns out fate’s got a twisted sense of humor.”

Her hands trembled where they held him, and for a second—just a flicker—he thought she might lean in. Might kiss him. Maybe finally give in. But then she stood.

“Get dressed,” she snapped. “We’re going into town.”

Fifteen minutes later, they were halfway down Hollow Creek Lane, weaving around potholes and enchanted chickens that refused to stay in their pens. Lillith moved with purpose, clutching a worn leather satchel to her side.

He kept pace behind her, not because he was following, but because she’d threatened to hex him if he wandered more than ten feet.

The tension between them was palpable. Thick. Like unspoken things coiled in the air, waiting to strike.

“You gonna tell me what this new ritual is supposed to do?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“Hopefully reveal Thaloryn’s true intent,” she muttered. “Or at least stop the bond from trying to murder us when you decide to sneak off for solo brooding.”

“Brooding’s in my nature,” he replied. “I’m a Leo. Comes with the mane.”

She snorted but didn’t smile. He hated how he missed it already.

The town square was bustling, afternoon market in full swing. Spells hung in the air like glitter smoke, charms for good harvest, love, and the occasional pie ward. People smiled as they passed, most with too-interested eyes.

“News travels fast,” Dominic muttered.

“Oh, they’ve probably already planned our wedding menu,” Lillith replied dryly. “Twyla’s got a chalkboard of guesses outside the Griddle.”

He grinned despite himself. But then he saw the apothecary’s new assistant, Nico.

Tall. Charming. All dimples and windswept curls, carrying a basket of herbs like he was auditioning for a forest prince calendar.

“Lillith!” Nico called cheerfully, waving. “You look stunning. As always.”

Dominic’s jaw twitched.

She offered a polite smile. “Hey, Nico.”

“You need anything special today? I’ve got some fresh glowroot. Or maybe you’re after something for bonding rituals?” He winked.

Dominic stepped forward.

Lillith, without missing a beat, grabbed his wrist.

“Play nice,” she hissed under her breath.

“I am playing,” he growled, voice low enough not to carry. “He’s the one trying to poach what’s not his.”

She flushed but said nothing.

Nico blinked. “Sorry, didn’t catch that?”

Dominic smiled. All teeth. “Oh, just admiring your—uh—basket.”

Before the banter could continue, something charged radiated through the air and Lillith and Dominic both froze.

A ripple of cold swept through the square, unnatural and crawling. A shadow slithered between stalls faster than eyes could track.

Dominic pushed Lillith behind him just as it struck.

The shadow-beast from the woods the other night lunged from beneath the market canopy. It was larger now, its ember eyes brighter, hungrier. It shrieked as it came, smoke trailing like tendrils.

Dominic didn’t hesitate.

He shifted mid-step, his lion roaring to life, massive and golden and fierce. The crowd scattered with screams as he collided with the shadow, sending spell ingredients and baskets flying.

Lillith raised a hand, chanting under her breath, her magic humming like harp strings about to snap.

Dominic slashed at the creature, his claws catching resistance—not flesh, but something worse. Old magic. Deep magic. Fae.

The beast twisted, raked a claw down his flank.

He yelped. Stumbled.

Damn this beast, always getting his claws into him.

Lillith stepped forward, threw a rune-etched charm at its feet. Light flared—and the shadow recoiled, hissing, before vanishing like smoke in the wind with a yelp of its own this time.

Silence fell. The townspeople stared. Nico stood frozen, mouth open.

Lillith moved first rushing to Dominic, who’d half-collapsed near the cobblestones.

“You’re hurt again ?” she barked, breathless.

“Just enough to keep things interesting,” he panted, trying to shift back. It took effort, his lion reluctant to recede. But he managed.

He was shirtless again.

Naturally.

Sheraised her eyebrow in annoyance but tugged his arm over her shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go home before someone knits us matching sweaters and starts picking wedding dates.”

He groaned. “Too late. I already saw the one with embroidered paws.”

As they limped toward the path back to the cottage, the bond pulsed again—less pain, more presence. Like it approved.

Like it knew.