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‘Usually? This type of thing happens often enough for there to be a “usually”?’

‘Let’s go with not unusual, shall we?’ Aiden was watching the book. ‘It’s just something Glimmers does from time to time. Usually when it thinks people aren’t paying enough attention to things they should be.’

‘People like us?’

‘Maybe.’

‘What do we do?’

‘Wait.’

‘For what?’

‘If I’m right, you’ll see.’

Sure enough, within a few moments the book was rustling its pages again, flicking through them as though being turned by an invisible hand. Mia shivered at the thought. Then, as abruptly as it had started, the movement stopped and the book went back to looking like any other book. Although a little bit too innocent for Mia’s liking.

She peered over Aiden’s shoulder to read the open page. ‘Handfasting?’

‘What do you think?’ Aiden murmured as he traced his finger down the page.

‘It’s not what we’ve talked about…’ Mia mused.

‘No. It’s different.’

‘I’m wondering if it might just be different enough for us.’

‘Do you really think?’ His eyes were warm as he smiled at her.

‘Maybe. I like the idea of our lives being bound together. There’s something very romantic in it.’

‘There really is.’

‘But later, when our friends aren’t in so much pain. When they’ve had time to heal. When your mum is doing better. Maybe next year. And hopefully, by then, we’ll have been able to find our wedding rings and sort everything else.’

‘Agreed.’ Aiden pressed a kiss against her forehead, the skin there tingling with his magic and promise long after his lips had moved.

* * *

After they’d left, Lunar hopped up onto the table and cleaned her beak on the book’s pages.

Respect the book, please, Mist grumbled as she looked at the page with interest.

Lunar muttered something corvidly rude but stayed where she was. They deserve better than this. They are good humans.

It will work out for them, Mist promised.

After a while Lunar cackled. It could work out for them now. It is Hudsbury.

Indeed, it is. Mist let out a satisfied purr. It could work.

We would need a lot of help. Lunar rattled her beak.

As you said, this is Hudsbury, Mist purred. For those who ask, and deserve it, there is always plenty of help.

Ophelia, Rayenne and Katie?

Just to start with. The cat nodded imperiously. We will need Amrita’s help too. And Elara’s. And many others.