Day Leitao - Kissing Magic

Dear reader,

Thanks for picking up Kissing Magic.

Theres a prequel for this book, Step Into Magic, set one year and a half before, but you dont need to have read that novel to understand what happens in this one. In fact, because the characters have aged, Kissing Magic has a different tone and themes from its predecessor, and not everyone who enjoys one book will enjoy the other.

The only thing you need to know is that Karina first came to Whyland and got to know Cayla, Darian, and Sian in Step into Magic. Sian was an antagonist, having captured Cayla (and Karina, by consequence). The rest youll find out as you read.

If you want to know more about that novel, theres a spoiler-filled summary of Step Into Magic at dayleitao.com/recap .

Hope you all enjoy your read!

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Youll get The Spell Speakers, an intro novella about how Cayla and Darian met each other and some background on Sian and his relationship with his brother.

D arian tasted victory all right, except that he could never before have imagined what its real taste was. There was something bitter and sour, perhaps incomplete. Yes, his insurgency had won. A new era was about to start in Whyland. And yet, his father Gone forever. Gone was the chance to find any reconciliation, anything human in him. His brother had disappeared. Cayla Hed have to talk to her.

Darian opened his bag and arranged his belongings. His future was uncertain, but this would be his new home for now; a room in Siphoria's military complex, close to Whyland's castle.

A sound at the window interrupted his thoughts. This room was on the seventh floor of the complex tower, so there shouldnt be anyone or anything at the window, but it would be unwise to dismiss the disruption as wind. It had to be an intruder, and a very skilled one, to have climbed to that height.

Darian could rush to the window, but the intruder probably expected that. Instead, he hid behind the bed and listened. As expected, someone entered his room. Before the intruder did anything, Darian jumped on the person and dropped him or her on the floor. It was a guy, based on his height and build, but before Darian could immobilize him, the intruder pulled Darians arm and rolled on top of him. It was Darian who ended up pinned on the floor. With his foot, Darian reached for a knife but soon realized that it wouldnt be necessary, as he noticed familiar gleaming brown eyes in a face framed with wavy dark hair.

It was his older brother Sian, grinning. Little brother, Im happy youre finally showing me some love.

One would think Sian was on top of the world and had just won a war, not that all his plans had failed and that he was on the run. But at that moment, Darian was simply glad to see his brother alive and well. You disappeared. I was worried.

Sian raised an eyebrow. Worried you couldnt arrest me?

Worried about you. Can you let me go now?

Sian tilted his head. You dont like your brothers hug? Not surprising. He laughed and got up.

Darian also got up. Stop being funny. Or trying to. Do you know how many people are looking for you?

Well, thats the point, isnt it? Not being caught. But Im here because I wanted to talk to you.

Relief took over Darians chest. Listen, I'm sure the insurgents will forgive you. I know them well. I could

No chance, brother, Sian interrupted. Too long I've lived by my father's shadow. Im not gonna live under yours.

That's not at all what I was saying. What I mean is Darian sighed. You dont need to run away.

Sian glared at him. I dont run away. I retreat. Regroup. Rethink. He pointed at his head, then looked down, a bitter grin on his face. I would have beaten you. I would have conquered the kingdom. But I didn't expect magic to make such a difference. My mistake, I recognize. He stared at Darian with fiery fierce eyes. But I learn from my mistakes.

And you hope me to just let you go?

I don't hope. I'm sure you will. There's certainly a bit of love buried deep within that chest. Behind his brother's impenetrable grin there was something soft, real.

It's not buried. You'd do much better by my side, Sian. Think about it. With your knowledge, and your leadership

By your side is the part where it all sours. Sian grimaced. Not interested. Thank you, though. I guess. He smirked then became serious. But if you want to help me, theres something you can do. Youre close to the princess, Cayla.

Darian was taken aback. He couldnt imagine what his brother would want with her.

Before Darian said anything, Sian continued, She traveled with a girl, Karina. I promised I'd give her a book, and I'm counting on your fraternal love to fulfill my promise. He took a large green book from a bag he had tied to his back.

That was an odd request. Why don't you give it in person?

Not possible. I have to go. Sian then spoke with an overly dramatic and hurt tone: Are you going to refuse your brothers last wish?

Youre not dying.

Sian shrugged. You dont know if youll ever see me alive again.

What's this about?

A promise. I keep my word. He smiled and looked up with an exaggerated dreamy expression. Especially to pretty girls, you know? If you can, send it with all my love."

Darian rolled his eyes. If you didn't flirt with every girl you meet, you'd have a girlfriend by now.

You assume too much, little brother. I'm just a loving person with a broad definition of love. Maybe one day, if I ever decide to get a girlfriend, Ill do like you and obey her like a puppy while she ignores me.

Darian clenched his fists. But no. Sian had meant to offend him. That's what he wanted. He wouldnt give his brother that pleasure. Darian shrugged and put up his best smug smile. Well, what can I say? At least it works.

Sian laughed. Works wonders. I bet even you still havent realized how lucky you got. Well done. He patted Darians back, then became serious and distant. But that's not what I want right now. I still keep my word, though. My broad definition of love has nothing to do with it.

Darian took the book. He could ask Cayla, he didn't see much into it. In fact, that would be an excellent excuse to talk to her.

Sian stared in his eyes. Can you give me your word? That youll make sure Caylas friend gets the book?

Darian scoffed. Sure. You come here, offend me, while youre on the run, and Im supposed to arrest you. Now I have to give you my word. Why again?

I didnt offend you. But I apologize if you felt that way. I just want to make sure the book reaches its destination.

It wasnt a big deal, really. I also keep my word. I said Id give it; I will. The book. Not the empty words that come with it.