* * *
Lex watchedGarrin run stiff fingers through his hair, his expression a mask of anger. “You told me not to take Lex to the castle,” he said to her mother, “but you failed to mention why. Lex had just survived a near-death experience in the Land of Ice. Without details of the king’s perfidy, the castle was the logical escape.”
Energy filled the room, and goosebumps rose on Lex’s arms. Garrin was pissed. And the room felt it too, because bodies shifted in what appeared to be preparation for a fight.
“There’s a lot of heat in here,” she said. “Why don’t we all just take a breath?”
Garrin’s death stare on Isle didn’t relax one bit.
Lex moved in front of him and ran her palm up his chest until she touched his jaw with her fingertips.
His eyes dropped to her face and lingered. After a moment he said, “Dangerous trick, Lexandra.”
“Trick?” The only thing dangerous in the cave was Garrin’s banked anger.
“Your touch,” he said, and gripped her fingers, tucking her close. “I cannot resist it.”
Amund re-sheathed his sword, which Lex hadn’t noticed him pull out, and walked toward Garrin. “There is much mystery surrounding your father’s reign. Many wars. Many noblemen killed in battle or gone missing. It isn’t only Lex’s memory that has missing pieces.”
Garrin eased Lex to his side, still holding her. “Nothing has changed. We will get Lex out of Dark Kingdom and deal with my father later.”
And then Amund asked the question Lex had feared. “And if we fail? Your father has managed to hide secrets from his people for centuries. If he finds us before we are able to leave…”
Zirel joined Amund’s side. “He’s right. We must plan for a worst-case scenario.”
Garrin looked at Camille. She was on her feet, but she still looked awful. “Has your magic returned?” he asked.
She shook her head. “I will need a couple of nights’ rest at least. I fear what would happen if I tried to portal us now and we became stuck.”
“Amund?” Garrin asked.
“I could get us there,” Amund said slowly, “but it would take months, like it did the first time. And if all of us grow depleted during the extended trip…”
Garrin sighed. “We have more people and only slightly more food. We’ll wait and leave as soon as Camille is able.”
“What about my power?” Lex said. “I doubt I could portal anyone, but I might be able to help Camille regain her ability.”
Garrin looked down, considering. “Your mother helped us tap into your power at the ravine. It is worth a try.”
Lex had no idea what her mother had done to give Garrin and the others back some of their powers, but if Lex could bring back even a fraction of Camille’s portaling ability, it would be worth it.
“Do not underestimate my daughter, Dark Prince,” Isle said. “She is more powerful than all of us combined.”
Lex’s face heated, and she looked at Garrin. “Ignore her. She’s delusional.”
He smiled softly. “I do not doubt you will someday become more powerful than all of us.”
“So you’re not too much of a man to let a woman best you in magic?” Which was hilarious, because Lex could hardly use her abilities for more than a few seconds.
His lips twitched. “It will not hurt my ego.”
“That’s because your ego is enormous.”
He laughed. “Perhaps.”
Camille stepped forward. “Though it hasn’t manifested fully, Lex’s power is bottomless.” She looked at Amund, and he slowly nodded. “It is—” Camille opened and closed her fists, seemingly trying to come up with words.
“Vast like the oceanic tide of Tirnan—never-ending and surging with energy,” Amund said.
