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He reaches over and threads our fingers together, his warmth centering the magic even further. "You're incredible."
I let the power flow freely now, painting the night in pale light and shadow. Light cascades from the oak branches like gentle rain and pools on the ground in patterns that shift and dance with my breathing. The entire garden becomes a living constellation, every leaf and flower outlined in lunar fire that responds to my slightest thought.
"It's like having a private light show," Darius says, observing the magic's movement, fascinated by what he sees.
"Better than fireworks." I guide the argent streams into spirals that climb toward the moon itself, creating columns of light that connect the earth to the sky. "And significantly less likely to set anything on fire."
"Don't jinx it."
The magic beats with my laughter, brightening momentarily before settling back into its gentle rhythm. After a lifetime of fearing my own skin, my power finally feels like a beautiful gift to share.
Leaning back against the porch step, I watch the light dance through the garden. "Remember when you first showed up at my apartment? You looked like you wanted to throw me over your shoulder and drag me to a cave somewhere."
"I was considering it. You were the most infuriating client I'd ever met. You proved to be incredibly stubborn and reckless with your determination to get yourself killed."
"And you were this brooding mountain of a man who barked orders and expected instant obedience." Swirling the wine in my glass, I grin at the memory. "I think I called your defensive strategy 'particularly inspired' while my wrists were bleeding from anti-magic restraints."
"You were on your knees and about to be gift-wrapped. And if I recall, you told me you had the situation handled."
"I did, right up until you tried to drag me out of the building without my research."
The bright energy continues flowing around us and responds to our shared amusement by brightening the oak's canopy. The light seems almost playful now, creating patterns that mirror our conversation—sharp, teasing spirals dancing in the area we occupy.
"Look at us now." Darius gestures toward the house behind us. "Domestic bliss. You've got your herb garden, and I've got two acres to run laps. We actually discuss cases before taking action now, avoiding your old habit of sneaking off to investigate alone."
"Most of the time."
"I'm still working on breaking that habit."
Guiding more light toward the moonflowers, I make them glow. "So, what's our next target? Now that we've cleared the docket, we actually have a moment to breathe."
"Don't get used to it." He tucks me against his side, a low chuckle vibrating through his chest. "Though I have to admit, watching you wrap up those cases over the last few weeks was something else. Mitzi Salvadora's kid hasn't had a single fire nightmare since you fixed that ward, and Jonathan Reeves practically wept tears of joy when you dropped that corporate grimoire back on his desk."
Smiling, I lean my head against his shoulder. "And what about our favorite jaguar shifter?"
"Diego Cozel paid his final invoice this morning. Though I think he only did it via courier because he was still terrified I'd catch him trying to flirt with you again. With his luck-charm sabotage solved, our schedule is officially wide open."
Darius shifts closer, his thigh touching mine. The simple contact sends warmth racing through my veins, and the magic responds, a gentle resonance that feels like contentment made visible.
"We're exceptionally good at working and living together," he says, his voice dropping lower.
"Among other things."
The moonlight catches the flecks in his eyes, and I feel the familiar pull of attraction that's only grown stronger over the months. His gaze drops to my mouth, then back to my eyes, and the air suddenly feels charged with more than only magic.
He reaches up to trace the line of stardust that frames my face. "The full moon suits you. You're absolutely radiant."
The magic responds to his touch and spirals brighter around us both. The power feels incredibly welcoming, providing a sense of warmth and safety as it awaits my command.
“It responds to love now,” I whisper, the realization hitting me with stunning clarity as I recognize the shift from fear and desperation to pure love.
"Speaking of love," Darius says, taking on a quality I've never heard before—nervous, almost vulnerable. He shifts beside me on the porch step, and I feel him reach into his pocket. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."
My heart stops as he fishes out a small velvet box, the moonlight catching the rich burgundy fabric. The magic around us flares brighter, responding to the sudden spike in my pulse.
"Darius—"
"Let me get this out before I lose my nerve." Opening the box, he reveals a stunning, perfect ring that makes me gasp. A moonstone center commands the piece, surrounded by tiny diamonds that ignite in the dim, pearlescent glow. "Serenity Crowe, you’re the most brilliantly infuriating and reckless woman I've ever met."
