22

~Tove

I sit on the steps of the porch, looking between the thick boughs of the sprawling trees.

It's nice here. Peaceful.

Keo affirmed that there is no one for quite a distance in either direction. Only a couple weeks ago that notion would have terrified me, but now that I know I'm his mate, and he won't kill me, I like it.

I hear Keo's footsteps before I hear his voice.

"This is where things start getting interesting," he exclaims from behind me, the recently built porch creaking under his weight.

I look back over my shoulder. "Interesting? What does that mean?"

"I have something that should enhance your power," he tells me, reaching his hand into his pocket.

Scrambling up to my feet, curious about what this could be. I always figured I was meant to find my magic myself, so knowing I may have additional help is quite exciting.

"Really?"

He pulls a necklace from his pocket. It had a gold chain connecting to a simple setting for a beautiful emerald.

"Woah, it's beautiful," I breathe in