This is why he wants the rest of Lydel and Riftflame,she said.
Once he controls each court’s core, he thinks he’ll be able to conquer the world.
Will he?
Not if we stop him.
The marscapoles had started twisting again, their bodies writhing in endless torture. There wasn’t time to train her to—
I frowned, a hum rumbling in my throat.
Tempest looked up at me.I can tell you’re thinking.
I’m always thinking,I said with pretend insult.
Share.
I whispered the spell into the delicious shell of her ear. It took me a very long time to find this spell, and I still couldn’t get it to work. My guilt and sorrow were carved into my soul.Try it. Perhaps you can help me fix this.
Try the spell on what?Her eyebrows lifted as she looked around.I don’t know much about magic yet, but I do know that it’s never wise to fling spells around. I don’t want to scorch your crooked nose.
My nose is perfect just as it is.
It’s slightly off-center. Decent enough, but crooked.
It was broken.More than once. And that was all I was going to say about it, because the last thing I wanted was to see her smile fade and the sparkle leave her pretty eyes. I steered her closer to the marscapoles.Try the release spell. It might free them.
How did you learn this spell?
I know many spells.She wasn’t the only one who hated seeing creatures like this trapped. But the spell had not worked for me.
I’m not a beast master.Longing came through in her voice.
When I awakened you, I tasted that magic within you.And so many others. If only I could tell her about them. Revealing too much could unbalance everything. I shared what I could while doing my best to guide her in the right direction. I’d shelter her with my body and heart for as long as I could.Try.
She stiffened her spine and stared at the painting; her face knitting with concentration while she drew power and mumbled the spell.
The creatures kept writhing.
Nodding sharply, she redoubled her effort, casting magic once more. Again. Over and over until I lost count of how many times she’d tried. Her power churned through the air, but it lacked direction.
Eventually, I held my hand up between her and the painting.No more.
I have to keep trying. If you think I can do this, then I can.
I don’t need to believe in you, Fury. You need to believe in yourself. I may not always be able to stand beside you.
She turned, frowning as she gazed up at me.What aren’t you telling me?
I tell you all I can.And too much in this instance.
Where am I going?
I evaded her too-sharp gaze.What makes you think you’re going anywhere?
She caught my chin with the tip of her finger and guided my eyes back to hers.If not me, then where areyougoing?
I’ll remain with you to see this through.
