With those cryptic words, she disappeared from sight, winking out of the room in the blink of an eye. I heard the distinct sound of meows in the living room and Rhys’ low words to the cat.
I sighed. It seemed I wouldn’t be able to relax while I was here. Between the threat of Rhiannon and now that damn shapeshifter, I couldn’t let my guard down for a single second.
“Here you go,” Savannah said.
I sucked in a breath and silently cursed myself. I’d been so wrapped up in thoughts of witches and shapeshifters, I hadn’t even heard her approach. What kind of fucking protector would I be if I didn’t get my shit together?
I faced her and took the glass she held out to me. “Thanks.”
She nodded and moved over to the bed, sitting next to Ava and picking up her hand. “Do you think it was Rhiannon?” she asked, her eyes never leaving Ava’s face.
I swallowed a large gulp of water. Now that I held it and smelled it, I found I was actually thirsty. “Do you have many other enemies who currently want you dead?”
Savannah huffed a laugh, but it was clear she didn’t think it was funny. “Not that I know of, but Ava’s always been so mysterious. And she’s not young either. In fact, I’m pretty sure she’s as old as you are, even though she refuses to confirm or deny.”
I stared down at the still witch that haunted me each day and night, always in my thoughts and eventually my dreams. “You’d be right.”
Savannah did look at me then. “You know how old she is?”
I shook my head with a shrug. “Yes and no. She’s extremely powerful but she also has iron control. That’s one sign that she’s not as young as she appears.”
“And the other signs?” Savannah prompted when I stopped speaking.
“I can’t explain it,” I answered with a sigh. “Beings with centuries behind them, they carry this… aura. The power is almost like a nearly invisible halo. A mirage. It shimmers around them from time to time but you can never truly see it.”
Savannah gaped up at me. “That explains so much about her real aura,” she murmured.
“You can see her aura?” I asked her, my eyes probing hers now.
She blushed a little. “Sometimes. Only when the person is very powerful or very special in other ways. Most of the time it’s supernatural creatures but once in a while I meet a human with a beautiful, strong aura.”
I smiled at her. “That’s amazing. What a special gift you have,” I commented.
Her answering smile faded. “You think it’s a gift.”
I saw the disbelief in her face. “Yes, I do. Any gift worth having also has a responsibility attached.”
She frowned at me. “I don’t understand what you mean.”
I walked around the bed and sat down on the other side, my hip brushing Ava’s arm. “There are gifts we are given that we can never truly touch, but that we must handle with great care and attention or they are lost.”
Savannah shook her head. “I’m still confused.”
I chuckled. “Love is one good example. When another being gives you their heart, it’s a gift. But if you don’t handle it with care or gentleness, when you don’t appreciate what they’ve entrusted to your hands, it can be broken. The love dies.” I smiled at her. “Your gift is similar, though a heavier responsibility I’m afraid. You feel what others feel. It goes beyond compassion and it gives you a greater understanding of the world around you. You can be a guide for those who struggle to empathize with others. And maybe even nudge them in the right direction.”
She blinked at me, but I still saw the flash of guilt in her eyes.
“Yes, I know that you used your power to calm Harrison and me.”
The blush in her cheeks intensified. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I try not to do that unless it’s necessary.”
“I’m glad you did,” I admitted. “It’s difficult to remain rational when instinct takes over. It wasn’t the time or place.” As the pink in her cheeks receded, I saw the pallor of her skin and the circles beneath her eyes. The events of the afternoon had taken their toll on her. “Go lie down with your male. I’ll keep watch here.”
Savannah shook her head. “I’ll wait a while.”
I laid a hand on hers. “Ava may decide she doesn’t want me here when she wakes, which means you’ll have to care for her. Rest now so that you’ll be able.”
Her eyes moved over my face, taking in my features. I had the distinct impression that she saw into my heart though she shouldn’t be able to get past the protection spells I wore.
