Stunning photo by @aaliyahsbookshelf._!
Hello fairies!
Happy Tuesday and welcome to day 2 of our readalong of The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott. I’m so excited to be reading this one with you, I hope you all love it!
That was quite the intriguing start yesterday, wasn’t it?
I hope you’re all having a fun time reading so far and enjoying all the atmospheric vibes!
Today we’re reading from chapter 10 to the end of chapter 19. Let’s do this!
When you’ve finished today’s section, catch up with me in the comments down below so we can discuss the beginning of the book. Happy reading!
Please be warned, the following section will include spoilers for The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott from Chapter 10 to the end of Chapter 19. Please only read on if you have finished this section!
–!SPOILERS!–
We start off today’s reading in a little cosy pub with Nicole and Remi discussing Westmoore’s gallery. But I have to say, buying books and going on a twilight walk along the beach sounds like a perfect evening to me! 😍
Who is is curious to know what the ‘mysterious circumstance’ is that caused Remi and her family to go into hiding too? Do you think it could play a big part in the story later down the line?
Kyan reveals that when an Empyreal begins a hunt they form a sort of connection with their prey that it isn’t aware of, allowing them to sense it’s movements and actions even from a distance.
We also learn that he had his first transformation at just seven years old and that’s when he learned he was an Empyreal. I am shooook.
Okay but is anyone else swooning over the though of him actually draping is coat over her? (Please tell me I’m not the only one! 👀)
As Kyan and Nicole head to Lynch’s lodgings, she realises he is a student. In his room, they find Finfolk blood—Finfolk can give omens and prophecies.
Nicole tells Kyan the stolen painting depicts him and another Empyreal in a fight, and when she looked at it, she saw a vision of him with a torc around his throat. This unsettles him, stirring old memories. How old is he? What’s the connection between him, Nicole, and the painting? 🤔
The next morning, Nicole finds the Finfolk’s body on the beach. Her father doubts Lynch killed it. So who did? It can’t be a coincidence that Finfolk blood can strip supernatural varnishes from paintings…
During her lecture, Nicole realises the Spectre is seated right behind her. He knows she has a key to Westmoore Manor and offers her the missing painting in exchange for help. Reluctantly, she agrees to meet him the next morning. Naturally, Kyan is NOT happy. And honestly, neither am I? I have a very bad feeling about this…
Nicole suspects there is something more to the painting that has to be connected to both The Wake and Kyan, otherwise why would Lynch have stolen that one in particular?
From her mother’s notes, Nicole learns a Spectre can be incapacitated for days using an aura crystal. She visits a local store where a human familiar with Supernatural creatures has the crystal, but she must use her ‘influence’ ability to obtain it.
We switch back to Kyan’s POV and I’m sorry but him describing her as an ‘English rose’ has me absolutely swooning (AGAIN)!!
Nicole meets Lynch, who shows her a cipher and asks for her help decoding it. She begins seeing visions of his victims, which then turn into her own loved ones. In a panic, she stabs him with the crystal.
Lynch slams Nicole against a wall, piercing her neck with his nails. Tasting her blood, he realizes she is an Empyreal. Kyan arrives and pins Lynch against the wall. Lynch knowing her secret has me on the edge of my seat. and not in a good way.
Nicole’s neck injury isn’t healing properly. At a cafe, Kyan opens The Wake’s archives on his laptop, giving her access to extensive information. He reveals he attended the first and second oaths, indicating he is veryyyy old. Interestinggggg.
Kyan feels protective of Nicole and is troubled by her injury – yeah this has me grinning like a fool. He is definitely falling for her despite not ever getting attached to people.
After Nicole stabbed Lynch with the crystal, he enters a healing sleep, giving them a brief reprieve. Kyan tells Nicole he knows the other Empyreal in the Dante painting, who is now dead. He last saw him at the oath ceremony at Lanhydrock. They decide to go there to uncover why Lynch stole the painting and why Kyan and Alexandra are in it.
Shortly after arriving at Lanhydrock House, Nicole’s Seer ability triggers intense visions of Kyan’s past there. When she touches the oath mark on his arm, she sees snapshots of him taking the oath, someone’s death, and then her mother’s face.
Kyan suspects the woman in his memories is Nicole’s mother due to their resemblance, but Nicole denies knowing her. They realise they’re connected to the situation but aren’t sure how or why.
Kyan admits he never knew Nicole’s mother personally. The night before his oath, she entered his mind, urging him not to take it. She fled the next day, and he never understood why she targeted him. His Empyreal friend Callum spent years trying to track her down without success.
Today’s reading ends on an exciting note! Nicole is beginning to trust Kyan and may be developing feelings for him. It’s revealed her mother had met Kyan before. How is everything connected? Find out in tomorrow’s chapters… 👀
Well, today’s reading had some very tense scenes. I think Nicole and Kyan are starting to develop some feelings for one another – slowly but surely… Do you agree? I can’t wait to find out more about how everything is connected (and their developing feelings for one another)!
Do you have any theories as to why Kyan and Nicole seem to be drawn to one another/connected by this conspiracy?
Why do you think Nicole’s mother tried to stop Kyan from taking the oath?
See you tomorrow for another day of reading!
Love,
Jodie
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Do you have any theories as to why Kyan and Nicole seem to be drawn to one another/connected by this conspiracy? – unless this is another soulmate / fated mate story I’m not sure. I could understand why Nicole might be drawn to Kyan (apart from the fact he may kill her / turn her in) but not why Kyan to Nicole given his age. Surely he has come across plenty of women so why Nicole?
Why do you think Nicole’s mother tried to stop Kyan from taking the oath? – I’m not sure perhaps she could also see visions like Nicole but maybe future visions? I get the feeling the Mom is still alive for some reason though.
Yesss, their ‘connection’ and allure to one another has me so intrigued! Oooo that’s an interesting theory! 💜
1) Oh yeah, there’s definitely something between them.
2) I have no idea. I was shocked when her mother showed up in that vision!
3) I have no idea here either. So many mysteries!
Me too, I did not expect that to happen! 💜
1. Do you have any theories as to why Kyan and Nicole seem to be drawn to one another/connected by this conspiracy?
I think it is more than both of them being Empyreans, maybe they are somehow connected on a deeper level. It could be why Nicole’s mother tried to stop Kyan from swearing the oath, if she already knew he and Nicole would connect somehow
2. Why do you think Nicole’s mother tried to stop Kyan from taking the oath?
Because of his future connection to Nicole and maybe also because he is so old. The paining is about him and the other one (who is dead, but maybe not so). There is more to Kyan than we know and it must tie to this all. He might be one of the first of the Empyreans or a different kind of Empyrean?
Oh I like that theory! I wonder if she could somehow see glimpses of Nicoles future…👀
Yes, the slow is burning very well! Kyan is such a treasure. Very green flag for me!
Honestly I don’t have a theory, I just think that Nicole’s mother was trying to not make other do the oath, expecialy to the strong one, because basically the Wake is enslaving there kind…
Yessss, I agree he is a walking green flag and has earned a spot inside my heart! 🥺
I love the book so far!
‘Do you have any theories as to why Kyan and Nicole seem to be drawn to one another/connected by this conspiracy?
Why do you think Nicole’s mother tried to stop Kyan from taking the oath?’
I do think that they’re fates mates or soulmates and maybe her mother trying to stop Kyan from taking the oath has something to do with that. Like maybe she had a vision as a Seer (maybe she changed into one?)
And I also have the feeling like Nicole’s mother is alive
I feel like i have no theories about anything so far, i really don’t know how it’s going to play out.
Really liking kyan and nicole getting closer though!
And its going to he interesting to see how her mum is connected to everything
Yes! I can’t wait to unravel that mystery! 👀
I struggled a bit getting into the reading for Day 1 (which often happens to me as world building and unfamiliar magic systems are introduced) and it took me two days to get through it, but I started Day 2 today and got sucked in! I have so many questions about the connection between Kyan and Nicole’s mom, as well as why Kyan and Nicole seem to be so drawn to one another. I am fully invested in uncovering what the Wake is truly up to and more about Lynch’s motives. Now it’s time to dive into the reading for Day 3!
I’m curious as to the note in her mom’s books under Empyreals for sexual impulses. Are they drawn to one another? Is that why there is a pull between them?
I love that whatever is going on was set in motion so long ago with her mother. Kyan seems like he may be trustworthy so I hope that’s the case.
Hmmm. I definitely sense the growing connection between Kyan and Nicole. I think maybe because they’re both Empyreals? And maybe Nicole’s mother was trying to save him because they’re something sinister about the Wake. What kind of agency asks their hundred year old Empyreals not to think about their past. Suspicious!
Oooo yes that’s an interesting take! And exactly, they have literally brainwashed them it’s so scary!
I am not sure if mates really exist in this world but I think Kyan and Nicole are drawn together as mates or destined loves and I think Nicoles mom knew. I am wondering if Nicoles mom was able to see the future. I know some can see the past and that Nicole has multiple powers but what if Nicoles mom did too and one of them was a seerer.
1 – There is certainly an attraction building between Nicole & Kyan. Has the acorn helped him find his new family? Perhaps the Paulmers will be his new family if he can break the oath.
2 – Nicole’s mother was BF’s with Westmoore, a powerful seer. Perhaps Westmoore had a vision that involved Nicole and Kyan exposing the Wake, changing the tide of power, and/or breaking the oaths.
3 – Nicole’s mother knew from one of Westmoore’s visions that Nicole and Kyan would have a connection. So, to prevent heartbreak or betrayal, her mother tried to stop Kyan from taking the oath that would compel him to expose her to the Wake.
I honestly don’t know what the story is going to be but think dates mates is going to play a part… Which the idea that they don’t have a choice never makes me feel happy. Id rather unfated mates who should destroy the world but their love is too strong to resist lol
I am also just not sure why Kyan fancies Nicole outside of they aspect. And why if he’s such a good hunter this largely untested young woman is successfully hiding from him, but I’ll try to go with it.
I want more on the art aspects I think.
Who else is swooning over Kyan?? He is broody and protective and seems rather put off that he is feeling the feelings for Nicole. I’ve been thinking about him calling her an English Rose. I’m very intrigued to see who/what actually killed the Kinfolk, and who knows what other magical properties it possesses? I really enjoyed seeing Nicole’s Seer abilities in action, and I think it will make her that much more special to Kyan, and more interesting to the Wake. Definitely getting the fated mates vibes and I’m all here for it!!