The Consumption of Magic (Tales From Verania 3)

“I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I’m talking about Rystin!” she shouted. “Prince Justin and Ryan were perfect for each other. They loved each other. They were going to get married and have babies and dress them in cute little outfits and go for strolls in the park and be the happiest family that ever lived. They complemented each other perfectly. The beautiful prince. The gorgeous knight. It’s how all the fairy tales go. They are never about the wizard. The wizard is a background character that only comes to the forefront when a silly little spell is required to advance the love of the main characters. But you. You couldn’t just let them be happy. You couldn’t let them love each other like they were supposed to. You came in, and you coveted. You devised a plan, poisoning the ear of the King in the process with the ancient tongue. And then you committed the most cardinal of all sins: you turned Ryan away from Justin. I saw you. I saw you. On their wedding day, you stood beside them, sworn to protect them, and you whispered back and forth with that fucking horse and stupid halfling. And then, just before I got my happy ending with Rystin, you unleashed your final spell and stole Ryan away from him.” Her bosom was rising and falling rapidly, her cheeks flushed, strands of hair falling around her face.

And so I said the only thing I could. “Girl, you a crazy fucking bitch.”

“Crazy?” she screeched. “You think I’m crazy? Oh no. No, no, no. Sam, my eyes have been opened. Whatever magic you used on the people of Verania did not work upon me. I was chosen to remain awake while all others slept under your enchantment. And it was then I realized that it was my duty to open the eyes of others, to wake them up to what was really happening in Verania, in the City of Lockes. To expose you for the villain you truly are. And I won’t let it happen any longer. I won’t let you hurt Ryan any more than you already have. I am here to open his eyes so that he can be awoken and remember the love he felt for the prince of his heart.” She looked at Ryan, giving him a watery smile. “It’s okay,” she said. “It’ll be okay. I promise. I will make you remember your beloved, and you will be able to return to him. You’ll be able to live the life you always wanted, the life you deserved if it hadn’t been snatched from you by this—this impostor.”

“Um,” Ryan said. “Thanks, but I’m fine.”

“Wow,” I said. “That was heartfelt. Thanks, babe.”

“I’m processing. That was a lot of information thrown at me all at once.”

“Excuse you? Information implies a modicum of truth to it.”

He rolled his eyes. “Technicality.” He looked at my archnemesis. “Lady Tina, right?”

She nodded. “Yes. That’s my name. You remember. Come back, Ryan. Come back to the light.”

“Oh my gods,” I muttered.

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do here,” Ryan said, giving her that aw shucks smile that he did so well. “Heck, the fact that you’re so concerned about me is certainly one of my favorite t

hings about the Foxy Ladies.” He winked at her.

She swooned a little.

I almost threw up in my mouth.

“But,” Ryan said, sounding extraordinarily apologetic, “I think… there might have been a misunderstanding here.”

“Misunderstanding?” Lady Tina asked.

“Yeah,” he said. “It’s… okay, you see, it’s like this. Justin and I… well. We were never in love. Ever. Like, not even a little bit.”

“This is so stupid,” Caleb said.

“Shut up,” I said as I glared at him. “Ryan Foxheart is about to drop a truth bomb all up in this shit, and you will sit there and you will take it.”

“What—what do you mean?” Lady Tina asked.

“My real name is Nox. Nox Ashford. I come from the slums.”

“Did I know that was your last name?” I asked with a frown. “I don’t think I knew that was your last name.”

He snorted. “Does it matter?”

“It just feels like something I should have known. I like it.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Sassy knight,” I said fondly. “You just wait until we get back home. I am going to split you in half, you don’t even know.”

He blushed. “Sam, not in front of my fan.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.”

“No,” Lady Tina said. “No. That’s not… that’s not possible. You’re lying. Sam is making you lie. Ryan, it’s the magic. It’s a spell. He is making you believe all of this. Listen to me. You have been cursed by Sam of Wilds. He is trying to control you—”