“Then what is there?” Roan asked, “Because, Lyric’s right. I’ve been so wrapped up, no pun intended, in our situation and making sure that you’re okay that I didn’t realize you’re practically a live wire.”
“Can I electrocute you?” she asked, her eyes blinking innocently.
“I like her,” Lyric said with a smile, but she wiped it away quickly, sobered by the fact that a “live wire” Maddie was a bad thing. “Cassia can’t know about her,” she said quickly. “We’ve got to block her.”
“I don’t have enough access to my power to do more than warm a cup of coffee,” Roan admitted, his voice laced with frustration. “Lyric, you have to do it. Nothing can happen to her.” His tone grew more earnest. “I don’t know what I would do if Cassia, or anyone, hurt her.”
Maddie’s head tilted slowly, realization donning in her eyes—finally. “Wait. You’re saying this is real?”
“Oh, it’s real,” Lyric confirmed, her gaze moving between them. “And if I can sense it, Cassia will, too. Although, that also means if Athena’s searching for us, she might pick up on it as well—she’s always been able to ‘see’ magic in her kingdom. So wehave a choice: tamp it down and try to hide, or let it grow and hope Athena can track it, before Cassia can use it for her benefit. Whatever that might be.”
“Okay, hold the phone.” Maddie shook her head. “Damarians have bonds. I’ve not heard of shamans having mates.”
“Because you’re an expert on our race?” Lyric asked.
Maddie gave her a dry look. “Can I do anything toyouwith this so-called power?”
“Maybe,” Lyric shrugged. “Perhaps I should attempt to piss you off even more to see if you could bust us out of your, what was it you called it; ‘spider web hostage situation.’”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Roan offered.
“That means it’s a fantastic idea,” Maddie grinned. “Do it, Lydia, piss me the eff off.”
“It’s Lyric.”
“Don’t care. Go.”
“Visata save me,” Roan groaned. “Where the hell is that sleeping concoction when I need it.”
“That’s right, magic boy, you better start praying to your Creator,” Maddie snarked. “Because when I save our asses, I’m going to kick yours.”
Roan’s head dropped forward, his forehead pressed to the top of Maddie’s. “What the hell did I do?” His voice was soft, intimate.
“Don’t try and use some sweet voice with me, it won’t work,” she warned. “You knew there was some sort of thing between us and yet you acted like I was little more than an inconvenience, a burden you had to bear.”
“Roan,” Lyric’s brow rose. “You didn’t?”
“He absolutely did, and I’ve been wrapped up with him for days.”
“You haven’t seemed to mind, if I recall,” he muttered.
“Not the point,” Maddie bit back. Then her attention focused back on Lyric. “So, to recap, if we hide it, maybe Cassia won’t notice. But if we let it grow—Athena might find us, but Cassia could use it against us.”
Lyric nodded, her mind racing. “It’s a risk either way. But if we do nothing, we stay trapped and helpless. Maddie, can you try to control your magic at all?”
Maddie’s jaw clenched. “Dude, I didn’t know I had any magic until you told me. How exactly am I supposed to control it?”
“Good point,” Lyric agreed.
Roan leaned in close again, talking so low that Lyric couldn’t hear him. She should probably look away from what appeared to be a private moment, but she was too fascinated by this side of the shaman. She’d never seen him act so protective over a female before. Maddie’s face softened, and Lyric literally felt the magic flowing off of her easily, as if it had been as agitated as Maddie was, and now calmed down. It made sense. Magic was definitely affected by emotions.
“Not to interrupt,” Lyric said, clearing her throat, “But, we have to decide.” Her eyes met Roan’s and Maddie’s in turn. “Do we hide it—or do we use it to call for help, no matter the risk?”
The silence was thick with tension and possibility, the air humming with the magic of new beginnings and desperate hope.
And somewhere, far above, the faintest echo of a bell tolled—reminding them that time was running out.
“We use it,” Roan said, his eyes on Maddie. “I have an idea. Madeline, look at me.”
