Chasing Magic: Chasing Series Book Two

Chapter 1.5

The silver of the moon washed over the tops of snow-crusted buildings as I sat on the small balcony of my room. Doubloon sat behind the sliding door on the cusp of inside. His coat too short for the winter's night. I couldn't blame him, I bundled in a thick layer of clothes. Yet, I still felt the chill eating its way at my bones.

It felt good. It reminded me I could still feel, and that things were very, very real. I held the Styrofoam mug of cocoa closer, the steam washing over my cheeks. I tried again, for the fourth time tonight, to find that heartbeat I had longed to feel again. To get that glimmer of Mhairi in the dark. Every time I was met with overwhelming disappointment.

"You ok?" Callum's voice drifted through the void. I weakly nodded my head.

"There's so much going on. I'm introduced to a whole different world and felt a part of it. But then..." I trailed off, hugging the foam cup closer. I supposed I was so enraptured in the magic I didn't realize the true threat of darkness and danger. Both external and, begrudgingly, internal. "I guess I'm unsure if I'm ready for it. If I want to be ready for it."

Callum placed a hand on my shoulder. He looked over at the lazy pieces of snow that floated down from the angry cluster of clouds. The city lights refracted off the angry swells. "People seldom are, Atrium. Ye of little faith in yourself. Remember, you're bonded to a great sith."

"I'm wondering how ready I am for that title. I came to Scotland to mourn Uncle and find closure. I found more questions than answers and..." I blew a bit of air from my lips to flip up a loose strand of hair. "...what if I can't rise to the occasion?"

Callum laughed, the sound was carefree and boyish. He was too damn jovial. Even after he faced such precarious danger. He rushed in to save me without a second thought. I put my hand over his where it rested on my shoulder. Even though he had no gloves on his hands were warm. "You're my best friend, Callum. I don't think I've had the chance to thank you."

"No need."

"No, seriously. I put our friendship on the back-burner after the whole bonding thing with Mhairi. I was so enraptured in it, in everything. I want to apologize."

"Well...the fairy queen is hot. Aye, don't blame ya."

We both laughed. Silence ensued as we both watched a storm started to blow in. The wind sent a shiver down my spine and I stood, stretching. "God, I want to sit and watch Forensic Files and critique what Jerry did wrong in his murder."

"Aye! None o'that! We are leaving tomorrow."

I gawked at him in questioning speculation. "What? Where?"

He spread his arms in a sweeping motion with that toothy grin plastered on his face. "It's time for training! Can't have you hiding behind my arse! Nae matter how brawny it is!"