Spell Bound

by F.T. Lukens

Sun ran a hand through their hair, giving me a peek of their silver studs again and the curve of their ear. I felt like a Victorian gentleman who had just seen their first dainty ankle with the way my pulse sped up.

The only thing under my breastbone that thrummed was anxiety, like a guitar string plucked by my insecurities on the regular. That certainly was not magic.

“Honestly? I can’t tell if they want to kill you or kiss you, but as they’ve had ample opportunity for murder and you’re still alive at this point, I’m leaning toward kiss.”

I am magic. Because Antonia and Sun said I am. So, fuck you and fuck your rules. I’m tired of defending myself to gatekeepers like you.”