Page 85 of Kiss and Spell
“I don’t want to go back,” he whispered.
How could he tell Father that he was happier here? He had his woodworking classes and signed up to volunteer to care for the community garden. Xavier had found a local fae group who got together once a month to talk about Realm politics and trade vegetarian recipes at the local coffeehouse. He had Ursula with her bright smiles, jokes, and her spellbinding kisses that made him feel like they were the only two lovers left in the Grove. Here he could make his own choices rather than being given options by Father.
He had existed in the Realm, but he had a life in Freya Grove. Now, he had to let it go and go home because he had to keep his promise. His heart felt crushed under a boulder.
Xavier looked to Whitney.
“Have you told her how you feel?” Whitney asked quietly.
He shook his head. “I… I can’t.”
Whitney placed a gentle hand on his forearm. “I can shield you from your father’s magic as long you hold on to those words. Once you say them out loud, you’ll give them life and he’ll come and collect you.”
He hung his head. Father wouldn’t approve of him being with a human, no matter how wonderful she was. When they were alone together, Xavier didn’t care if their kisses were perfect because they were magical.
He’d gotten his perfect kiss, but how would he be able to keep it?
Chapter Twenty-Four
The Caraway House twinkled and shined as if they were caught up inside of a huge crystal ball. The sitting room was decorated with sparkling tea lights and blooming flower garlands on the mantel. Another garland decorated the front desk and staircase leading upstairs. Heady rose and lavender incense gave the space a homey feel. A crowd of family members, casters, and magical beings lingered in the living room and the foyer. Ursula and Xavier walked in unnoticed, blending in with the rest of the guests.
Ursula let out a low whistle and looked around at the decorations. “Callie outdid herself for this meeting. It looks like someone’s getting married.”
She took Xavier over the mantel next to the collection of mystic items hanging on the wall.
“This place looks…” His words trailed off as he noticed the framed pictures of botanical flowers and drawings.
“Charming? Enchanting?” Ursula suggested. He nodded and studied the artful hand drawings of Caraway plants. She glanced around the living room, hoping to discreetly let her cousins know she was here.
Callie, in a baby blue swing dress, stood up from the couch. “You’re here!” she yelled in glee. “Ursula’s here!”
Numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins turned around and spotted Ursula. She braced herself for mixed or indifferent reactions. Ursula wouldn’t blame them for being dismissive of her; she hadn’t spoken to anyone besides Sirena and Callie for months. Instead, cheers and greetings erupted from the family. Uncle Leo came over and gave her one of his wonderful crushing hugs. Mama clapped her hands joyfully and embraced both her and Xavier. Being around them made her remember how carelessly she’d left them in her quest for perfection. Shame washed through her body. Who would be so foolish to forfeit this love?
She promised herself she wouldn’t be a fool again and would hold fast to this family.
Sirena came out of the kitchen wielding a wooden spoon. “Welcome to the fun.”
“Is Lucy back yet?” Callie asked, bouncing on her feet. Her cousin was more sunshiny than usual.
“I thought she was still in DC,” Ursula said, cutting a sharp look to Sirena.
Xavier silently watched this exchange.
“No, she’s back! I got my days mixed up. The program ended last month, and she’s been staying with Alex since she got back right after the sleepover,” Sirena said with a big, catlike grin. Ursula’s stomach clenched. She turned to Callie. “To answer your question, she should still be at the Founders’ Day Festival with Alex.” Sirena made a face. “I swear the two of them can finish each other’s sentences.”
“Um, Callie?” Another woman covered in a moss-covered caftan approached them. Her face was pinched in displeasure. “What’s going on here? Why did you invite the Dwyers to the full moon gathering? They don’t do the sky-clad thing with us. Also, did you really invite the gnomes? You know how they get around pizza.”
Callie made a face. “It’s not a full moon gathering—it’s a surprise party.”
Sirena licked her lips. “You know how we feel about that phrase!”
Ursula felt the blood drain from her face. Callie shook her head. “Don’t worry. It’s not for you…”
She paused, reached into her bra, and pulled out her phone. “It’s go time. They’re coming down the street! Places, people!” Callie raised her voice so the whole room could hear her. “Everyone hide! Shut off the lights.”
Party guests scurried around the living room and some people hid in the kitchen. Ursula ducked down behind a couch with Xavier. The room plunged into darkness and there was hushed conversation. “Is it someone’s birthday?” he asked.
“I don’t think so,” Ursula said.