Page 26 of The Purrfect Rival (Enchanted Falls #1)

TWENTY-SIX

K alyna’s eyes snapped open at dawn, her body instantly alert despite the lingering soreness from yesterday’s confrontation.

She sat up, pushing copper hair from her face, and immediately summoned a small fox-fire ball to hover above her palm. She studied it critically, relieved to see the usual crimson glow rather than the washed-out pink it had been after the poisoned blade struck.

“Still got it,” she murmured, flicking her wrist to send the magical orb dancing across the room. She split it into three separate flames with a quick gesture, making them weave complex patterns before extinguishing them with a snap of her fingers.

The warehouse ambush flooded back—the masked figures, Rust’s magnificent transformation, and the searing kiss that had ignited more than just magic between them. The memory sent heat cascading through her body.

Her fox stirred restlessly beneath her skin, yearning to shift and run until the chaotic mix of emotions sorted themselves out. “Down, girl,” she whispered to her animal self. “We’ll sort this out.”

A sharp knock interrupted her thoughts. The door swung open before she could respond, and her mother breezed in carrying a steaming mug.

“You’re up early,” her mother noted, setting the tea on the nightstand. “Testing your magic already?”

Kalyna arched an eyebrow. “What are you?—”

“The ceiling’s still smoking.” Marisol pointed upward where faint crimson trails marked the path of Kalyna’s foxfire exercise.

“Oops.” Kalyna waved her hand, dispelling the magical residue. “Force of habit. First thing Grandmother taught me—always check your magic after an injury.”

“Wise woman, my mother.” Marisol’s expression softened. “She would have approved of your diligence, if not your ceiling preservation skills.”

Kalyna laughed, the sound lightening her mood. “Remember when I accidentally set the curtains on fire trying to create illusion butterflies?”

“How could I forget? Your father’s eyebrows took months to grow back.” Marisol perched on the window seat. “Lucella called us late last night. She told us about the warehouse and how you were poisoned. She wanted me and your father to look in on you to make sure you didn’t have any lasting effects. How do you feel?”

Kalyna shrugged. “Physically? Fine. The poison’s gone. Whatever else is happening with my magic...” She trailed off.

“Elder Willow will be here soon to check your recovery.” Marisol studied her daughter. “She’s quite interested in your... situation.”

“You mean my magical mingling with the mayor?” Kalyna shot back, arching an eyebrow. “You can say it, Mother. I’m not a Victorian maiden who’ll faint at the mention.”

“No, you’re a century-and-a-half-year-old fox shifter with a rare twin-tail gift who’s apparently forming a magical bond with the most powerful lion in town.” Marisol’s tone remained mild, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. “Hardly the same thing.”