I wasn’t at all surprised, and given Boone’s continued silence, I figured he wasn’t either. We were probably both on the same page regarding what would have happened to the dog if it had broken Phlox’s skin. Leon was old enough to have a lot of vampiric control, but all bets were off when it came to his beloved. Had Phlox been injured… God, I didn’t even want to imagine what could have happened. Catastrophe wouldn’t be a strong enough word.
Clearing my throat, I tried to get us off the topic of Phlox nearly being maimed. “Do we know if it’s all charms?” As the only human in the room, I knew the least about magic.
“What do you mean?” Boone asked.
“This is probably an ignorant question, but are all charms similar, magically speaking?” When Boone still appeared confused, I tried clarifying more. “Do some pack a bigger magical punch?”
“Oh.” Understanding lit Boone’s eyes. “Not from what I understand. I spent a lot of time with Pops when I was younger. Different charms require different levels of magical manipulation.”
“He’s right,” Phlox agreed. “There are different levels.”
I mulled that over for a second before asking, “And where would silencing charms fall?”
“Really low on the skill and magical level,” Boone answered.
“And warding charms? Like the ones around our home and the ones Phlox and Leon just set up around Leander’s house?”
Boone’s eyes briefly widened. “Well…those are different.” He waved a hand around the living room. “Pops set ours up personally. They’re the strongest magic a warlock can wield and given Pops’s abilities—”
“The ones around your home are airtight,” Leon finished.
Boone chewed on his bottom lip. “As far as I know. But they’ve never been tested against shadow borne.”
My brain was starting to piece together the point of this conversation. “And the charmed wards around Leander’s place?”
“Not as strong,” Boone answered. “But a hell of a lot more powerful than something as simple as a silencing charm. Remember what I said about intention?” I nodded, and Boone continued. “The warding charms don’t just utilize Pops’s magical abilities, they tap into the one they are protecting. That’s why it was important that Leander be clear in his intentions when the wards were set.” Boone shrugged. “But again, we don’t know if they’ll work against shadow borne.”
My eyes tracked around the room, taking in every darkened corner and lowly lit lamp. I began wondering if that were true. “Maybe we do know,” I said more to myself than for anyone else’s ears.
Boone shifted, twisting so he could get a clearer look at me. “What do you mean?”
I lifted a hand, waving it around the room. “Have you noticed anything recently? Have you felt like you were being watched like before?”
“I… No. Not really, at least not in the house.” Boone’s head dropped as he stared at his clasped hands. Brow furrowed, Boone finally shook his head. “But I did before. Earlier, Tenzen’s shadows were here, in the house. So, he must be able to get through the wards.”
“Not necessarily,” I stubbornly persisted.
Phlox flew closer, finally landing on the ground in front of me. “I’m going to agree with Erasmus on this one. If he got through before, then why couldn’t he now?”
“Because the wards were changed.” My pulse quickened as certainty took hold.
“Changed how?” Phlox asked, his head tilted to the side, shifting his hair and covering his shoulder.
“Gaia, you’re right!” Boone bounced on the couch. “Pops changed them the last time he was here.” Boone split his attention between me and Phlox. “Before, the wards were specific to me. No one could cross them that meantmeharm.”
“And now?” Leon asked.
Boone grinned. “Pops changed the wards to include Franklin in that protective circle. Now, no one can enter that means either one of us harm, not just me.” The excitement drained from Boone’s face, his pale skin going ashen. “But if you’re right, then…”
I understood Boone’s concern. “Then the reason Huxley’s shadows can no longer enter the house is because his intentions toward me don’t meet the new criteria.”
Pixie dust clouded the area as Phlox’s wings worked overtime. “Director Huxley doesn’t want to hurt Erasmus, but—”
“He has no such qualms when it comes to me,” I finished. Boone’s fingers grasped my shirt, twisting tight. His beautiful green eyes glistened with concern. Cupping his cheek, I tried to sound reassuring. “It’s okay. We already knew he didn’t think much of me.”
“You think that makes me feel better?” Boone sounded heartsick.
“No, sweetheart. But what I do think is that it makes you safe. At least within these walls. Forgive me, but that’s the most comforting thought I’ve had in a very long time.” Boone might disagree, but I couldn’t stop the ease loosening tension’s tight grip on my chest. I knew the feeling wouldn’t last, but I would hold on to it for as long as possible. I’d cling to that thought for as long as I could.
