“Like gouging out an eye,” Una added.
“For people with little or no magic it would be painful, but tolerable. Their connections to their willstones are weak, as are their abilities to use them. Their memories aren’t perfect, like ours are, and most can barely share mindspeak, even with their stone kin. For them, touching stones is still intimate, but it’s not as intense as it is for us. Our willstones are a part of our bodies and minds.” Rowan’s voice dropped. “I had to smash my first willstone. I wouldn’t recommend it unless your life depends on it. So think before you share your stone with anyone. It’s a vow people like us can’t just walk away from.”
Breakfast and Una looked at each other and their faces softened. They both reached out at the same time and gave each other their willstones, one hand taking as the other hand received in a mutual gesture of perfect trust. Their breathing stopped, their eyes widened and then closed. Lily leaned her back against Rowan’s chest as they watched Breakfast and Una melt into each other.
So beautiful.
There’s nothing like sharing that first moment together. I’m sorry ours was so rushed, Lily.
Really? I wouldn’t change a thing.
Rowan tilted his head and looked down at Lily. He opened up his heart before he kissed her so she could feel his love as clearly as she could feel his lips.
Tristan’s dying inside, Juliet told Lily in mindspeak.
Lily pulled away from Rowan and saw Tristan watching them. He held out his hand to Lily, offering her his willstone.
“Claim me,” he said quietly.
Lily looked at Rowan. “It’s his decision,” Rowan said. “If he wants you to claim him, then I think you should.”
“I’m going to see some of your memories, Tristan. It’s unavoidable when a witch claims someone,” Lily cautioned. “But I promise I won’t pry.”
“Wait—you see our memories? From childhood and stuff?” Una asked anxiously.
“Not necessarily from childhood,” Rowan answered. “But it’s common for a witch to see formative memories—either choices you’ve made in the past or a current issue you might be facing in your life. It really depends on the claimed.”
Una bit her lower lip and looked away. Lily noticed that Breakfast took Una’s hand in support, and knew there had to be a skeleton in Una’s closet that maybe only Breakfast knew about.
Lily looked at Tristan and reminded herself to move very slowly.
“Ready?” she asked.
“Do it,” he answered.
She reached forward and gently took Tristan’s willstone between her finger and thumb. He gasped.
Lily saw …
… Lily. I have to go by her house after Little League practice because I left my Hot Wheels in her room. I wish Lily played baseball. Then we could hang out all the time. I hope we’re in the same classes next year. She’s been sick a lot lately and everyone talks about her when they think I’m not listening. It’s like they’re scared of her or something since she had that seizure. I’m not scared of her. She’s the only person who calms me down. I don’t know why, but whenever she’s not around I feel upset. Like something’s missing.