Page 49 of This Prince Is Not Charming

“Siobhan,” I warned, voice hoarse. “Be careful with that.”

She wrinkled her nose. “What is it?”

“Medicine,” I said quickly, too quickly from the way her eyes flashed. “I need it. I can’t⁠—”

She got off me and stood, the vial still in her hand.

I stood too but didn’t move, afraid I’d spook her and she’d run away with my tonic. “Just give it back, and I’ll put it in a drawer. I’ll be present for our date. I promise.”

She was looking at me like she didn’t recognize me.

“Siobhan,” I said as her gaze bounced between the vial and me.

“I don’t know if I should give this back,” she said, pulling it closer to her chest. Her tone was no longer snide or angry. It almost sounded like . . . pity that was lining her voice.

No, no, no, no. Desperation clung to me as I reached for it, and she backed away.

“I swear it’s just medicine.”

“For what?” she asked.

Fuck. That would’ve been a good thing to think about before I’d said it.

“Uh . . . back pain.”

I’d hesitated too long, and Siobhan backed farther away, almost to the rose-covered wall.

Fuuuck. I needed to get that vial.

I steeled my shoulders. “If you don’t give that to me, I’m going to have to get it myself. Siobhan.” I stretched out an arm, pasting a smile across my face. “Just hand it over, and we can forget all about this unfortunate incident.”

“I don’t think I should,” she said slowly.

I was going to have to do this the hard way. I ran for her, and she shrieked as I reached for the vial, trying to pry it from her hand.

“Just give it to me,” I gritted out.

“No!” she yelled back.

Something tugged at me, and I looked behind me to see a portal. “What are you doing?” I asked.

“If you want this, you’re going to have to catch it.” She ripped her hand from my grip and threw the vial over my shoulder and into the swirling portal.

I didn’t even have to think before I dove in after it.

CHAPTER 22

Cillian

Ihad no idea where I was or how much time had passed, but I didn’t care.

I hadn’t felt this good in a long time. I lay in a meadow somewhere, staring up at the dark sky, stars strewn across the black backdrop.

Ceri laid next to me, and I looked over and smiled at her. She didn’t say anything back; just smiled at me too. Luminous and perfect with the silver of the moon casting her in its glow.

All the anger, anxiety, and desire I’d felt earlier had completely melted away like snow under the hot sun.

That’s how I felt right now, no longer solid but more like a puddle of water. I took in a deep breath and hoped I could stay like this forever. Siobhan might have thought she was punishing me by throwing my vial into that portal and daring me to go after it, but it turned out it was the best gift she could’ve given me.