“You have?”
“It's a bit of a myth. Some of the scrolls hint at abilities connected with emotions. A bit like an adrenaline rush, the theory is that times of great stress can awaken dormant majick abilities temporarily,” Raxx replied, rubbing his hands together thoughtfully.
“Well, her family clearly has a strong majicka gene if Faye is anything to go by. I've had it confirmed that Lazuli is also a majborne.”
“Is he now?” Raxx's black eyes shimmered. “That's interesting. Any idea what his abilities are like?”
“Not a clue, but I'm sure Lori will tell us.” Lephas ran a hand through his hair.
“I've never heard of anyone successfully resurrecting someone, but then I had also never given much credit to the idea of 'temporary majicka' either.” The shadow demon shrugged. “If she's one of the rare individuals who can summon emotional bursts of majicka, then what's to say those bursts wouldn't be strong enough to manage something like that?”
“What does that mean for her? For me?” the commander asked.
“It means you're one lucky son of a bitch. You have a woman who cares so deeply for you that the thought of living without you gave her the power to raise you from the dead.” Raxx fixed him with a steady gaze.
Lephas didn't respond, just glanced across to the tent.
“You asked me earlier if you were crazy to stand up to Zelrus?” Raxx stood, fading into the darkness.
“For that kind of devotion? You'd be crazy not to.”
The wind whipped snow into a flurry and Lephas was alone once more.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Lori took a large bite from her apple and moved away warily from the interest that sparkled in the eyes of the mare.
“Don't even think about it, Gaia,” she warned through a mouthful.
Faye grinned, scratching the horse affectionately whilst she strapped the heavy leather saddle to her back.
“You girls nearly ready?” Lephas called out to them and shrugged his pack onto his back.
“Almost. Are you sure you're going to carry all that equipment?” Faye asked, casting her eyes to the small pile of belongings. “Gaia managed to carry it all herejust fine.”
“Honestly, it's alright. It's not much and that poor horse will be carrying two of you today. I don't want to overload her.” Lephas shook his head, bending to pick up Lori's satchel and slinging it over his shoulder.
“Very considerate of you Demon,” the sun sprite replied, patting the horse reassuringly.
“It's what he does.” Lori smiled softly at the commander, her heart swelling in her chest. Lephas smiled back at her as he walked to join them beside the horse.
The snow continued to fall heavily and silently around them. Gaia shifted nervously as he approached.
“Sorry. She's not a big fan of demons.” Faye apologised, patting the horse's strong shoulder. “Raxx has spooked her pretty badly with his disappearing act and she's been a bit sketchy since.”
Lephas held out a hand. Gaia hesitated before cautiously sniffing it. Her large nostrils flared and her breath puffed in clouds into the cold winter air.
The mare turned away but stopped shifting nervously. She snorted and shook her head, buckles rattling. The pretty mare crunched her teeth against the metal bit in her mouth with a thoughtful expression.
“Look at her face. She's still not sure, but you're okay for now.” Faye laughed.
“I thought I'd come and give you a hand getting on.” Lephas turned his attention back to Lori.
“I have ridden a horse before you know,” the princess scoffed playfully.
Faye hooked her foot expertly into the stirrup and, after a few graceful hops, leapt into the saddle. Gaia shifted eagerly beneath her but remained stationary. The faerie gathered her reins together and bent down to adjust the girth straps.
“Ready?” Lephas asked, holding his hands out.
