Safety? Yes. Control? Absolutely.
But also... She traced the runes on the cover, feelingits ancient warmth. She wanted to understand this legacy her mother had left her. She wanted to stop running. She wanted...
Brandon's face filled her mind. The brilliant blue eyes that crinkled slightly at the corners when he laughed. The slightly messy black hair that framed his perfectly sculpted face. The magic that softly wrapped around her like a fleece blanket on a cold night.
Was it wrong to want him? Or just risky?
Her mother had been brave enough to love a mage, even knowing the risk. Even if it ended badly, she'd had the courage to try.
And Muriel wouldn’t have existed otherwise.
“What do you think?” she whispered. “Should I trust him?”
The book warmed under her touch, and for a moment, she could have sworn she felt approval. Encouragement.
Perhaps Ryssa was right. Perhaps the way to move forward was to take a chance.
Muriel set the book aside and pulled out her phone, staring at Brandon's contact information. Jessie had put it in there earlier with a wink and a “just in case.”
Before she could second-guess herself, she typed out a message.
Muriel: I've thought about your offer. Can I come by The Glas Tann tomorrow morning?
The response came almost immediately.
Brandon: Of course. Come by whenever you're ready. I'll be here.
Simple. No pressure. No manipulation. Just acceptance.
Muriel set down the phone and lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Tomorrow, she'd take the leap.
Tonight, she'd try to get some sleep and do her best not to second-guess herself.
The next morning,Muriel's heart hammered against her ribs as she gathered her courage and stepped into The Glas Tann. Was she really going to do this?
Yes, apparently, she was.
Brandon looked up from behind the counter, his eyes brightening when he saw her.
“You’re here.”
“You seem surprised.”
“Pleased,” he corrected. “You seemed unsure yesterday.”
“I was. I still am, to be honest. But Jessie and her friends think you’re trustworthy enough to give it a shot.” Letting him know that they’d played a major part in her decision might discourage him from trying anything. Something told her those women played major roles in Mythic, and upsetting them wouldn’t be wise.
“And you?” Brandon asked. “What do you think?”
“Jury’s still out. But I’m willing to try.”
“Fair enough.” His slow smile eased some of the tension in her shoulders—and incited it in other, more private places. This might be easier if she didn’t find him so darn attractive.
“I have more questions.”
“I thought you might.” He gestured toward the seating area again. “Would you like tea?”