Page 146 of Wicked Magik

How did that work exactly though? Veylor was technically dead, his soul scattered through magik. His soul was crushed and made magik to put others together.

The harsh lines around Veylor's eyes melted away as he cupped my face, his thumb tracing a gentle path across my cheekbone.

“You don’t worry your pretty little head about any of that. I will make sure my soul is gathered and tied to yours. I promise you.”

My stomach knotted in worry. That sounded like it could be dangerous. I bit my lip and nodded.

Veylor smiled. “You two need to worry about is the ball we are going to prepare.”

Oryx shuffled behind me and I reached around and grabbed his hand, resting it on my shoulder.

“For miles, souls will gather and they will know my love for the both of you. Know who you both are as my soul mates. Everyonein the land will understand what mates are and how to complete their bonds. It may be repetitive to those who are of lower class, but to those who are still alive and never knew… Well, now they will know.”

My lip twitched into a smile. “You know, you are kinda sweet when you wanna be. When you don’t act like you have a thorn bush up your ass.”

Veylor raised a brow. “I’m glad I have your approval, darling.”

I nodded. “Yeah, now get out of my head.” I shoved him playfully. “Same rules apply with Oryx. You can’t be getting up all in my business.”

Veylor smirked. “Mmhmm, we will see about that.”

Bastard.

Chapter 47

Vesper

Veylor gave me one of the biggest bedrooms in the house. We all had our bedrooms, but for the past two weeks, this was the space where we all sought rest together.

Light dominated every corner. Not merely from the dozens of candles and wall-mounted torches, but from the bright spheres Veylor had collected from the grounds and suspended in midair throughout the chamber.

The bed was the size of two California Kings, the plush comforter gold as most of the room. It was like heaven had invaded the room. Light touched every surface. I swear that if I lay naked on the white furs that sat in front of the fireplacethat was always lit but never made the room too warm, I could sunbathe.

I could get my tan back in no time.

For now, I stood in front of the closet, filled with dresses, shoes and… toys that had appeared in a cabinet overnight. I rubbed my temples and shook my head.

How was this my life?

As the closet doors clicked shut, I caught sight of Benedict standing in the doorway. A silver tray balanced in his hands with wine and hors d'oeuvres for the party that would soon start downstairs.

Gone was his usual butler's uniform, and it was now replaced by a tailored velvet burgundy suit that caught the light with each subtle movement. The black shirt underneath created a striking contrast, while a silk scarf draped around his neck completed his transformation from servant to sophisticate.

He didn’t look like a regular butler tonight, but an ordinary person going to the event. Which was the idea, because even those that worked here were going to look for their mates tonight.

“Benedict, you didn’t have to do that.” I smiled and walked toward him to take the tray. He let me and watched as I set the tray on the small table by the window.

For the past two weeks, this window seat had become our sanctuary. Oryx, Veylor, and I shared quiet breakfasts while watching the sunrise that never quite came through the mist.

Outside our peaceful corner, the mansion buzzed with preparations. People darted through hallways with fabrics and flowers, their voices carrying up from below as they fussed over every detail of tonight's ball.

Veylor had offered to bring in outside help, but these men and women insisted on preparing everything themselves. Each onecarried some debt of gratitude from when he'd stepped into their lives and changed their fates.

Still haven’t been told that story yet…

“Why is there only one glass?” I asked while Benedict poured me the wine.

"The wine is a gift from your gentlemen," Benedict said, his voice softening. "They're waiting below. In the old courts, the bride always descends alone—makes quite the impression when she appears at the top of the stairs while everyone holds their breath." He smiled knowingly. "Veylor wanted to keep that part of the old ways. He wants the room to see you first, before they see you as a triad."