Page 62 of Homeward for a Spell

Yes, they’ve been together…but that was before Araphi realized she might love Sage. Before Sage dove into the Swallow to save her. Before Araphi could admit that she only wants a future with Sage in it.

Not that such a future is possible, but that’s not a problem for tonight.

“Well, we’re out of the wind at least,” Araphi says cheerfully, forcing her voice not to betray her nerves. Slowly, her eyes adjust to the dark interior of the cabin. In the patchy moonlight peeking through the windows between the storm clouds, she can make out a small, rustic space. All exposed boards, a modest hearth with two armchairs in front of it, a wooden table with a few chairs, and a bed.

Who does it belong to? Will they be returning soon? What would they do if they found two strangers in their cabin?

None of these are problems for tonight either.

“Let’s see if we can find some matches or blankets,” Sage says, her teeth still chattering violently. “If we’re lucky, we’ll be able to start a fire.”

“We’ll simply have to huddle together for warmth if not.”

Sage’s laugh is wicked but laced with pain and exhaustion. “Steady, Bard. I’m in no shape.” Letting go of Araphi, she stumbles forward, landing hard in the armchair by the fire. “Perhaps I’ll just stay here for a few moments,” she says then sighs, closing her eyes.

Her moon-painted profile steals Araphi’s breath. Araphi can’t help herself. She bends down to plant a kiss on the ranger’s forehead. As soon as her lips graze Sage’s skin, a tall candle roars to life on the mantel with a dramatic whoosh.

“What the devils?” Sage’s eyes fly open. She sits upright, nearly bumping noses with Araphi. “Did you light that candle?”

“I did not.”

Sage grips the arms of the chair, her mouth a thin line, her body watchful and ready for a fight. “Is there someone else here with us?”

Araphi follows Sage’s gaze around the room, but there’s no one else in the cabin. Just shadows flickering in the candlelight. But something tingles within her. Something that feels like a song, or like standing inside the pocket dimension.

Magic.

As sure as she knows how to play her lute, Araphi knows that this cabin is laced with magic.

“Let me try something,” Araphi says. She places a hand on Sage’s chest over her sodden shirt and gently pushes her backward in the chair.

For once, the ranger relents.

Beginning at the soft skin below Sage’s ear, Araphi trails a line of kisses down her jawline. Sage sighs happily, and three more candles ignite on the mantel.

“I think it’s working. Stay still.”

“What’s working?”

Araphi kisses the side of Sage’s mouth, then threads her fingers through her hair. Gently, so perilously gently, she tilts Sage’s head back.

“You’re stunning, you know,” she whispers against Sage’s mouth.

The amber depths of Sage’s eyes glow golden in the candlelight. She leans forward, catching Araphi’s bottom lip between her teeth and tugging gently. Araphi lets out a delighted laugh and leans into the kiss. As she does so, a fire blazes to life in the hearth. Orange light spills across the cabin, painting it in soft colors. Warmth follows the light—most welcome since their clothes are still wet from the river and the snowstorm.

Sage lets out a little gasp, breaking the kiss. “What the devils did you do, Bard?”

“It’s a spell,” Araphi whispers. “I can’t be sure, but perhaps some kind of homecoming spell. I did hear about those at Auximia, but I’ve never seen one in action.”

“What does it do?”

“It can turn a deserted or derelict place into a welcoming one when triggered, and I think it wants us to keep kissing.”

Sage lifts one eyebrow but then shrugs. “By all means. Ravish me—carefully, mind you—if the magic demands it.”

Heat flares in Araphi’s belly, warmer than the fire. “If I must. For the sake of our survival, of course.”

“Of course.”