“No thanks are necessary,” Evander interrupted firmly. “What was done to you was an abomination. The least we can do is ensure you receive proper care.”
“He’s right, Tom,” Ginny said quietly.
A strained silence fell over the room.
Katie broke it with what Viggo was beginning to learn was her characteristic directness. “You should tell them, Tom.”
Tom blinked. “What? But I—” He stopped and swallowed, fingers clenching on the table. “I don’t want to unduly worry them.”
Viggo exchanged a confused glance with Evander and the others.
“Tell us what?” he said.
“Katie is right,” Emily said stubbornly. “If anyone can help you figure out what’s happening to your body, it’s them.” She paused and glanced at Evander. “Especially his Grace.”
Viggo stiffened. The way Evander grew still told him the same apprehension was suddenly coursing through his lover.
Tom seemed to come to a decision. He took a deep breath and turned his right hand over, palm facing upward. The thrall focused, his brow drawing into a frown. For a moment, nothing happened.
A chill danced down Viggo’s spine when silver lines became visible beneath his skin, the delicate traceries pulsing with a faint inner light, like lightning trapped underneath the surface.
Solomon cursed.
“Bloody hell,” Rufus breathed.
The lines faded after a few seconds, leaving Tom’s hand looking perfectly normal once more.
CHAPTER 4
Ginny had gonepale opposite the young man. She traded a glance with Evander and Viggo, her eyes dark with disquiet.
They’d all feared there might be unintended consequences to the forced magical transference Tom had been subjected to in Musgrave’s laboratory. It seemed their concerns had been warranted.
“When did it start?” Evander asked stiffly.
“A week ago,” Tom confessed in a low voice. “It’s been happening more frequently these past three days. And there’s something else. A sort of buzzing sensation, like there’s something trapped inside me that wants to get out.”
Evander moved closer, his gaze fixed on Tom’s hand with the kind of intensity Viggo had seen him bring to particularly complex magical evidence. “May I?” He reached out with his hand.
Tom nodded and extended his arm.
Evander placed his fingers lightly on Tom’s wrist. His eyes unfocused slightly. A long moment passed before he finally released Tom’s arm and stepped back, his expression deeply troubled.
Viggo’s stomach churned. “What is it?” he asked, his tone sharper than he’d intended.
Evander didn’t seem to mind. “There’s magic in him.”
Emily gasped, hands rising to cover her mouth. Ginny swore.
Viggo’s heart started a rapid tempo against his ribs.
“So, it trulyismagic?” Katie asked insistently.
Evander met her narrow-eyed gaze unflinchingly. “Yes. It’s not much, but it’s there, nonetheless.” He looked steadily at Tom. “Have you been able to do anything with it? Channel it in any way?”
Tom shook his head jerkily, his expression dazed as he struggled to absorb this astounding truth. “I wouldn’t know how. I’m thrall-born, your Grace. I don’t understand magic.”
“What”—Emily’s voice broke, tears pooling in her eyes—“what will happen to my brother?!” She looked pleadingly at Evander and Viggo.
