He takes the necklace out of my hands, then stands behind me. I feel his breath on the nape of my neck as he gently moves my hair to the side, and my back arches toward him just slightly, something akin to lightning striking in my core. He brings the necklace over my head. As he clasps it, he continues his explanation, voice a delicious low tenor.

“The sun is the symbol of my father, of the throne of Velmara. But the lightning bolt is also a reminder to him and to everyone in Velmara that the real power lies with those who channel true light. Those who oppose his rule wear a lightning bolt as a small act of rebellion.” His hands rest on my shoulders now, thumbs rubbing gentle strokes across the fabric of my gown. He leans down and whispers in my ear. “I wanted you to have this lightning bolt to remind you to let go and to bring a piece of resistance against my father with you wherever you go.” I shiver as he moves away, feeling the absence of warmth where his hands once were. I touch the necklace, and I swear it sparks under my fingers. Thorne turns me to face him. With slow, intentional movements, he takes my cup from the table, fills it with tea and cream, then hands it back to me, his gaze never leaving mine. “Happy Solstice, witchling,” he says, practically a growl. I’m speechless, so touched by his gift that I have no words.

I remember the gift I found for him and awkwardly walk away, muttering “stay here.” I grab my bag, then cross the room toward him, where he stands leaning against the wall with that effortless grace I’ve grown so accustomed to. “My gift is really just a loan, because you have to give it back.” He raises an eyebrow, and I hand him the ancient and massive book on thayar.

“This is Thayaria’s oldest and most comprehensive text on thayar flowers. Well, it’s a copy that I had made so I could annotate it. I read it often. Every day, pretty much, and centuries of my notes on the flower are in there, along with places where I’ve added information from my experience with the aether and the flower. I thought… I thought maybe you’d like to read it to see what your father might be up to. Fresh eyes and all that. It seems silly compared to your gift, but it’s all I had in my room at the moment…” My cheeks heat, voice rising higher and higher as I speak.