Nic couldn’t help a happy shiver. “Yes, he was. And what happened is exactly what you think.”

“I figured that explained the glow. What is it like?” she asked wistfully. “Having all that power and intensity focused on you?”

“It’s everything,” Nic replied simply. “I am happier and more fulfilled than I ever imagined I could be.”

Quinn sighed dreamily. “You two are just like Sylus and Lyndella. The way Lord Phel came to your defense—if he were a fire mage, I believe he would’ve incinerated the room in his anger. As it was…” She shivered dramatically, eyes bright. “All that icy coldness, that storm! And making silver rain from the air. I could imagine Sylus doing exactly that for Lyndella.”

Without the tragic ending, Gabriel’s voice cautioned in her mind. “Hopefully I won’t end up insane and dying in his arms before he drains the last of my life magic and goes on to wreak vengeance on his enemies, dying in the process,” Nic commented.

Quinn giggled and rolled her eyes. “Well, we all know that was just a story. Though their love was indeed epic. I want that, too. And I never dared dream I could have it. Now… I think maybe it’s possible. The epic love part, not the Sylus part, as Sage is all the wizard I’ll ever need.”

“It is possible,” Nic replied firmly. “If anyone can create a place for everyone to chase their dreams, even familiars, Lord Phel can.”

In the morning, both she and Gabriel awoke early, feeling considerably refreshed—though his mood remained dark, and he was obviously still brooding over the events of the night before. They conferred on the day ahead and decided to check out the workroom before activity in the manse kicked into high gear. She put on the light-green dress she’d worn two days before, biting back a sigh. She’d worked out a rotation with her two day gowns, reserving the silk for dinner, but the cycle had begun to feel like a bit much. There was also the burgundy riding habit, but she felt silly walking around all day in it without going riding.

Gabriel caught her reaction anyway, frowning as he watched her from the bathing chamber chaise as she finished primping. “I thought the Ophiel wizard—Dahlia, right?—was going to make you a full wardrobe.”

“She will, but there’s a great demand for upholstery for the furniture, as well as bed and bathing linens for our increasing number of denizens.”

“I’d argue that you being adequately dressed is higher priority than chair cushions and towels.”

“You’re sweet, but I disagree. I can wait. Still, it’s unfortunate Dahlia doesn’t have a familiar, as her magic only stretches so far, but her skill and eye for design absolutely compensates for it.”

“Can’t she tap a familiar’s magic who isn’t bonded to her? You said I should be able to tap Selly’s magic to release that pressure.”

“Why?” she asked, unable to resist poking the sleeping tiger inside her cool water wizard. “Would you like me to share my magic, perhaps with Dahlia, or even Jadren?”