A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic (Adenashire, #1)

by J. Penner

“Human or not, Arleta Starstone, your life is steeped in magic… surrounded by it. You just can’t see it yet, but it’s out there, waiting.”

“For the rest of my life.” There was an uncomfortable pause before Theo let out a hearty chuckle. “I mean yes, please.”

The elf stayed close to her, regarding her hazel eyes with a soft intensity. “I want you there.”

After all, despite the traveling sun, there was always time for kindness.

“You’re not less than,” Theo said in a gentle voice when Arleta had gotten no more than three steps away.

“But you don’t really know me,” Arleta protested. Theo’s chest heaved for breath. “I have known and loved you for a hundred lifetimes.”

“There is plenty of magic in you. You are magic… for me.” He reached up and touched her cheek, making Arleta’s knees go weak and nearly buckle under her weight. “And I will be yours whether or not you want me… until I am no more.”

“There seems to be a story that you keep telling yourself, and I understand… it has served you for some time. It was real. It kept you safe. But you’ve outgrown that tale, and now it’s holding you back from becoming who you are really meant to be.”

Quickly she turned to Doli and Jez arriving at her side. “These are my fathers,” she blurted. “Can you both sit with them to watch?”

“You have every right to make your own choices. Though perhaps you are allowing fear of the unknown to guide your path instead of simply trusting that love is not up to the stars.”

“You are everything I will ever want. You are magic—more than magic. Yet, no matter how much my heart wants to remain at your side for the rest of our lives, I will deal with the destiny I have been given… a Fated who does not want me. And I will not hold you back by staying. Being with me or not is your choice. I cannot and would never attempt to make it for you.”