Page 85 of Final Shift
“You sure did,” Rowan muttered.
I tightened my grip on his waist. “Just for tonight can we try to be at peace?”
Rowan glanced down at me. “Like Caelan, I appreciate your tender heart. Unlike you, I will never forgive him for what he did to you.”
I reached up and touched his face. “You don’t have to. But civility would be nice.”
Rowan’s lips thinned before he nodded. “Fine. You have ten minutes, Caelan.”
Ethan chuckled. “Show us this tree, Evie. I’m all atwitter with curiosity.”
The tree wasmassive and gnarled and had strange leaves resembling a toilet brush. It loomed above us and sparkled with a mix of crimson, gold, and watermelon tourmaline magic—Caelan and my power combined.
“That thing is quite ugly,” Rowan observed.
I smacked him gently on the chest. “What did the tree ever do to you?”
“I’m with Rowan.” Ethan shook his head. “You’ll be glad it’s at the back of the property. The thing is an eyesore.”
“Rude,” I huffed.
Caelan’s look held mild amusement, and I could tell he was thinking along the same lines as the other two. “Alright, assholes,” I growled. “The bristlecone pine is one of the longest-lived trees on the planet. Records hold some of them at almost 5,000 years old. I had to find something old and strong enough to hold those bonds, and this was the one and only thing I thought might stand a chance.”
I gestured at the admittedly hideous tree. “And I was right.”
I crossed my arms and glared at all of them.
Caelan laughed. “I’m grateful, Evie. But you have to admit, it is pretty ugly.”
“Yes, well. You are welcome.”
I turned and placed my hand on the gnarled trunk. All the bonds were there and content. “There are other trees on the boundaries of the other Lords’ properties. I plan to askpermission to move them inside their borders when I have extra time.”
Rowan’s expression cleared. “Oh shit. Evie. You have to maintain these, don’t you?”
His brows drew together, and he shot Caelan a dark look.
I hurried to explain. “Not often. The atmosphere is the most delicate part. This tree prefers high elevation and limestone-rich soil. I’ll need to ensure the right mix of nutrients and atmosphere, but I think I’ll be able to maintain the rest at a distance. Since this one is the anchor tree, it may require an in-person visit, maybe once or twice a year.”
Rowan looked furious. “You just can’t let go, can you?”
“It was my decision,” I said. “If Caelan held onto those bonds…” My voice trailed off. “Let’s just say, this was necessary.”
Ethan had a thoughtful look on his face. “Your gift enslaves people,” he murmured.
Caelan looked away, his jaw tightening. “A small percentage, which is why I almost never use the power.”
“Evie won’t always be around to fix things for you.” Rowan’s eyes were glowing again.
Caelan held up his hands. “I’m well aware. Can we not fight anymore, please? I’m exhausted, and I’m sure Evie is, too.”
He looked at me and placed his hand over his heart. “I’ll call you when they wake up. Thank you again. You’ve given me a gift I can never repay.”
I dipped my head. “You’re welcome.”
Caelan turned to go. “See yourselves off. I’m going to bed.”
“Someone needs to take care of Titania, ASAP. Do not leave her lying on the ground for long. Danu is gone, but I wouldn’t put anything past her. Behead her, then burn her to ash.”
