An impressive power radiated from her. If I paid attention, I could feel magic radiating from all folk, but I didn’t have to try with her.
Her presence demanded to be noticed. Her magic was loud. Strong.
It called to me.
It felt familiar, somehow.
I tilted my head, watching her as she watched me.
A tense silence thickened the air in the dank room, but nobody broke it. They were content to let the witch make the rules.
I remained still.
Knuckles popped, breath held, and clothing rustled from the nervous folk standing back by the stairs, but still the witch watched me.
After endless moments, she uncurled her fingers from the bars and stuck one of her hands through the gap. The orc took one step forward, clearly wanting to pull her back. “Kizzi,” he warned.
“Trust me,” she said. “He won’t harm me. Will you,Shade?” She dragged my name out almost mockingly.
“I have not decided yet,” I threatened. I was wary of thewitches. Especially after what the old one had done to me. I still couldn't remember how I ended up in the woods that night. But whether it was because of the crone, or merely time working in my favor, my memories were now sorting themselves out.
Kizzi wiggled her fingers invitingly. “You won’t. Come on. Just take my hand.”
“Why?” I asked.
Mentally, I begged the shadows to recede from my hands, to hide themselves so this witch could not find them and take them from me.
“I just want to see something.” She raised her brows. “Unless you’re scared of little ol’ me. I promise I won't bite. I leave that to the vampires over there.” She tossed her head in the direction of her friends.
My cheek twitched. “As you wish. If you harm me, I will?—”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” the orc warned. He popped his knuckles in obvious threat.
The leader remained curiously quiet, content to simply watch the scene unfolding in front of him. I still didn't trust the gryphon, either.
I nodded once, then stepped to the bars.
The witch smelled even more magical up close—her aura made my eyes water. I had the strangest urge to incline my head. No wonder the dragons obeyed this one—her magic was potent.
After a deep breath, I let my hands fall from behind my back down by my sides, and then I lifted one into her range.
She met my eyes as she snatched my hand and curled her fingers aroundmy palm.
Her fingers were small, but surprisingly sure. They didn’t tremble.
Green eyes bore into mine as if glimpsing my very soul. I furrowed my brows and glared back.
Unease shivered down my spine.
She broke my stare and dropped her eyes to my hand, where my fingers curled loosely, their weight supported by her grasp.
Thankfully, the shadows had obeyed, leaving only small smudges that could be explained away as dirt from the dungeon.
She squinted.
“What do you think, Kiz?” the blue-haired vampire asked. She was leaning forward, raising on her toes to try to get a better look, but her mate held her back with a steady hand on her shoulder.
Smart man, protecting his beloved.
