Lucien smiled. “I have seen paintings of Helia of House Fuego, Azeran’s wife. You have the same features and the same coloring, down to the eyes. One look at you is enough to dispel any doubt.”
A splash of surprise washed through Dyna. She’d thought the features of white hair and purple eyes faded in her family because her ancestors married humans.
Lucenna gawked at her. “Good gods, I see it now too.”
“You’re a legend in the Magos Empire. I-I mean, the stories of Azeran surviving and building sanctuaries is a legend,” Lucien amended, his face reddening. “If I could ask, what is your life like in your sanctuary? What kind of magic dominates there?”
“Oh well, um …” Dyna didn’t know how to tell him the truth. He was so overjoyed she was reluctant to crush his imagination.
Lucenna broke the news. “Essence is nearly lost in the sanctuary. They have joined with humans.”
“Oh … I see.”
“But the women of the village are free,” Dyna offered. “We achieved the freedom that Azeran fought for.”
A warm smile lit Lucien’s face. “Well, then that is all that matters.”
“Dyna has a bit of magic.” Lucenna winked at her. “She can perform Essence Healing.”
His excitement returned. “That is an impressive spell, and it’s not easily mastered. Azeran had perfected it.”
Dyna chewed her lip, feeling unworthy of the praise. “I tend to faint when I use it.”
“That is normal. The level of our Essence limits our power. Using too much can exhaust you to the point of unconsciousness, and Essence Healing exerts a substantial amount of energy. The more you practice, the stronger your magic will become. One day you will find you hardly feel faint.”
Dyna smiled. “Should fate allow it.”
“How did you learn that spell? Did you have a Guild Master?”
She relayed the history of her family and her village. Lucien listened intently, patient for her to pause to ask questions. He asked his sister how they met, and Lucenna reluctantly told him about Corron and Dyna told him about the Enforcers.
“This is incredible.” Lucien began pacing, working his thoughts aloud. “It’s such a small world for you to not only meet Azeran’s descendant, but you helped her, and she appeared exactly when you needed aid. It must be the fates who have brought you together.”
“I have never seen him so lively,” Lucenna whispered to Dyna, making her giggle.
“You two need to be much more careful now. Two sorceresses together are bound to capture attention.” Lucien trailed off into a quick lesson in cloaking spells.
Lucenna rolled her eyes playfully. “Lucien thinks of himself as my warden.”
“He is your brother. He cares for your well-being.”
There was a faint thudding behind them. Cassiel stood outside of the dome, his mouth set in a thin line. He said something indiscernible and motioned for Dyna to come out, probably to remind her it was time to train. His wings furled and unfurled repeatedly, reflecting his irritation passing through her, along with his worry and his distrust of Lucenna. He didn’t like that the sorceress had her trapped inside.
“I’m all right,” Dyna said, but he couldn’t hear her.
Reaching for the quill in an inkpot, Lucenna scribbled on a piece of parchment and held it up for Cassiel to read. His silver eyes zipped across the page. His face grew taut and a muscle popped in his clenched jaw. He stalked back outside. Lucenna set down the page with a satisfied smirk.
Confused, Dyna peeked at it.
Dyna is speaking with my brother. They are having a lovely conversation, and I think they would make a perfect match, so be a dear and don’t interrupt.
“I’m jesting,” Lucenna whispered when Dyna gaped at her.
Completely oblivious to what had occurred, Lucien stopped pacing. “Oh, forgive me! I seem to have lost my sense of etiquette.” He swept into a bow. “I am Lucien of House Astron, heir of Galveston Astron, ascent head of the Lunar Guild in the Magos Empire.”
Dyna’s mind reeled at the long introduction. She blinked slowly, repeating what he said in her head. “I am Dynalya Astron, daughter of Baden Astron, born of North Star. I have no titles to speak of.”
Lucien gave her a kind smile. “My lady, you’re the progeny of Azeran himself, and thus, you are a noble.” There was no sarcasm in the statement, only genuine welcome. “It was a pleasure to meet another addition to the family, but alas, I must now depart. I’m late for the assembly. I bid you both farewell until we can speak again. Be safe.”
