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“Aria, tell me the truth.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve never tried to leave before.” She shrugs. “It was never like this a few years ago. We got along well. I love them, and I thought they loved me. It’s been different the past few months. They seem slightly scared of me.”
“Why haven’t you told me this before?”
“Because I didn’t want to bother you. I’m not abused. They’ve done so much for me, and I didn’t want to disrupt your life.”
“Nu-uh…” I glare at her. “You know what you mean to me. We’ve lived apart to protect you. If I knew you were in danger, I would be the first person by your side. I won’t allow them to hold you hostage.”
“I’ve heard them talking,” she admits, rubbing her head. “About you.”
“What?”
“Something changed. I don’t know what or how. They spoke about your magic and the kind of possibilities with it.”
“You were protecting me.” I laugh. “Instead of communicating honestly, both of us were protecting each other from the people we call family.”
She giggles. “I guess that sums it up.”
I shake my head. “I think it’s time to live for us. Do you really think you can get away?”
“Please, I’ve been sneaking away for years. I’m a witch who can stop time. I’ll find a way.”
“You have to keep me updated with every move,” I demand.
“I will.”
We fall silent, staring at each other.
“You are my blood.” I grip her hand. “We’ve let everyone else decide what we should do. I love you. I don’t want you to feel suffocated, and I wouldn’t let anyone use you.”
“Same.” She stares at our hands. “Will your soul bond care?”
“No,” I smirk. “As long as you aren’t sleeping in my bed with me.”
“What?” she gasps, pressing her hand to her heart. “I can’t squeeze in between you?”
“Not a chance,” I snort, pushing her hand away. “He’s all mine.”
“Fine. I suppose I’ll give up the thought.” She grins. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
“I just about passed out seeing him next to my bed.” I wave my hand in front of my face.
“You are wearing that?” She motions to my onesie, cringing.
I look down. “It’s comfortable,” I mumble.
“I guess it does have some appeal.”
“What about you? Don’t you get cold?” I stare at her tiny shorts.
“I like to be ready for guests. You never know when a handsome man will show up next to my bed,” she pouts, tracing the lace on her little tank top.
“Sure.” I laugh.
“I missed this.” She stands, brushing the sand off her ass. “My tattoos are throbbing. I’ll be pulled out soon.”
I unfold and step close. “When we're in the same town, we’ll miss meeting in dreams.”
