“And get rid of this mud,” Galen adds.
I blink slowly. “Wait, I’m sorry, did you just say healmyself?” Over the past few days, every time I’ve had a minor injury, it has usually been Thane who has healed me with his shadow magic. Apparently, Knox is the best at it, but it’s not like that moody shadow daddy was going to heal my bruised arms or dislocated finger.
I don’t like the serious look Thane is giving me. “Let’s call it tonight’s training session.” The guys have been giving me extra training every night, and I groan.
“But—” I splutter. I mean, it’s not like I haven’t tried before. The day after the hunt, I sprained my wrist during combat class, but the moment I’d tried to tap into my shadow powers and heal myself, agony had made it feel like I’d accidentally broken something instead. I haven’t been brave enough to try again since. Not to mention the bumps that had appeared on my skin when I’d been falling. What if they come back when I try to use my magic again?
“Being able to heal yourself, even from minor wounds, will be incredibly important during the games,” Thane tells me.
I want to bury my head under a cushion and refuse to use my magic, but I guess if my power is going to do something strange,at least I’m with three of the most powerful guys in the academy. “Okay, fine,” I say softly.All right, Shade. Think magical thoughts. Powerful, non-chaotic, useful thoughts.I scrunch my eyes closed, and I pray to whatever gods are out there that I’m not about to turn into a crow, or break a bone in my body or something equally as horrifying.
I feel my guys hover around me, and it’s Galen who speaks next. “You need to relax,” he instructs, his voice calm and soothing. “Harness the shadow magic flowing through your academy ring and into you, and focus that power. Visualize what you want it to do.”
He’s making it sound easy, but I brace myself for what’s to come.Okay magic, please be nice.I picture my end goal in my head, and the instant the image solidifies in my mind, pain crashes into me, chaotic power rushing through my body.Crap.I wince as the pain travels up my limbs, reaching to my toes and fingertips, and then as quickly as it comes, it disappears.
The guys all groan, and I grin when I open my eyes and don’t find any bumps on my skin.Phew.My expression becomes smug when I peer down at myself. “What, you don’t like it?”
Galen’s sensual lips curve up.
“You were supposed to heal yourself,” Thane growls, sounding irritated.
“Yeah, I’m getting to that,” I say dismissively. “But Galen said to get rid of the mud.”
Galen’s lips twitch. “And I will happily take credit for this,” he drawls.
My stomach tightens at the way he’s staring at me. My ankle is still swollen, and my palm aches, but it’s easy to distract myself when three of my insanely handsome mates, look like they’re struggling against the urge to devour me.
Grinning, I sit there in practically nothing except small patches of silky black feathers that cover my nipples, and blacklace panties. My hair is loose, strands of muddy brown falling over my bare shoulders, and if my magic has listened, black lines my eyes while a deep red stains my lips. Usually, I opt for some kind of battle outfit when I change. That’s what the guys have been forcing me to practice. To make sure I can conjure practical battle outfits that I can change into during the games. Ones with weapons belts, reinforced pockets, and arm guards. But tonight, I don’t need those things.
Thane looks like he wants to punish me for not doing as he has asked, and the desire in his hooded eyes makes me squirm.
Clasping my hands together, I beam at the guys. “Okay,nowI’m ready to heal myself.”
Raith adjusts the front of his pants. “I’m ready for somethin’, sunshine, that’s for sure.”
Thane clears his throat. “Using shadows to heal yourself is much like the feat you just pulled off with your uh…outfit.”
I smile at him innocently, enjoying the way his gaze keeps straying to my breasts.
“Only this time, you’re redirecting the magic to your wounds,” Galen adds, taking over the instruction. “Focus on your body and direct your energy to the places that need attention.”
I nod like a good little student and close my eyes, but this time it’s even harder to focus. Though my eyes are closed, I can feel their penetrating gazes on me.
“Concentrate,” Thane rumbles.
I wriggle uncomfortably and open my eyes. “You know, maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” Memories of the pain I went through the last time I tried this have my heart racing. Not to mention those bumps…
Thane holds my gaze as he kneels before me. “This is important, Shade.”
I know he’s right. Of course, he is. But… I sigh. Giving myself a mental slap, I close my eyes again, and this time I don’t hesitate. Focusing my mind, I think of my sprained ankle and my injured palm, and the other places where my body is aching.Please don’t let me regret this.Tingles rush through my body as ice and fire flows through my veins, and when the pain hits, I curl my hands into balls, tensing at the onslaught. The magic doesn’t feel the same as what I’d experienced when I’d been falling, and as the agony continues, my wounds burn. The pain makes me gasp, but just when I think I can’t handle any more, the pain abruptly stops. Heaving, I snap my eyes open.
“Did it work?” I rush to remove the bandage from my hand. The bloody material falls to the side, and I freeze, gaping at my palm. My hand is still caked with dried blood, but the gash…it’s gone.Holy freaking smokes.
When I lift my gaze, my mates are all smiling at me.
“Well, would you look at that,” Galen muses. “Our little treasure is finally learning how to use her magic.”
“How do you feel?” Thane asks, inspecting my ankle.
