starting count: 37299
ending count: 39189
new words: +1890

starting line:
“Better,” the Spirit said.

ending line:
“Like this.” Nikki whistled, a harsh sound that punctured the spell. It collapsed around them, a soap bubble of Power that sank into the marble floor of the foyer, leaving only Alex, Nikki and the distortion spell that Justin and Edgar were still casting. She pointed in swift succession at the four cardinal points, dismissing the guardians and thanking them, then yanked on Alex’s arm. “We don’t have much time. Come on.”

darling:
She brought her hand to her lips, pressed a kiss into them and blew them off, willing the kiss to him, with all the love and hope she could muster.