The wyvern twisted, and its fangs ripped at the thick vines circling its legs.
Why was Grayson just standing there? Gaping at me. “I can’t hold it forever.” And if the wyvern got free, I didn’t like our chances.
Grayson’s brow furrowed. “How are you holding it at all?”
“Enough talking.” I stole his signature phrase. “Kill it.”
Grayson growled—at me—then thrust my blade into the wyvern’s eye.
Chapter
Twenty-Three
HAVEN
Grayson, who still held the sword I’d called from the gymnasium, rounded on me as the wyvern collapsed. “Explain yourself.”
“Explain what?”
“Where did you get this sword?” He pointed it at me.
“I borrowed it.”
He closed his eyes, and I wondered if he was counting to ten. Grandmother was a big proponent of counting to ten. She believed that acting or speaking out of frustration or anger made bad situations worse. If everyone just took a long breath before?—
“Borrowed it?” he boomed almost as loud as the dead wyvern had screeched.
I nodded. “That’s what I said.”
Grayson’s jaw worked as if he was grinding his teeth. “From where?”
“Does it matter? Aren’t you glad I had it?” I smiled sweetly. “Since the wyvern ate yours.”
His stubble-darkened cheeks flushed, and he raked a hand through his hair. “You threw ice spears last night.”
It wasn’t a question, so I held my tongue.
“Well?” Frustration and anger bled through his tone.
“What’s your question?”
“How many other weapons can you conjure? How much magic are you hiding?”
I didn’t have that answer. Lately, my magic seemed to be growing exponentially, faster than I could master. Faster than I could understand.
“Enough to defend myself.”
His jaw tightened. “That’s not an answer.”
“It’s the only answer you’re getting.” I lifted my chin. “I won’t be defenseless again.”
His eyes narrowed. “Again?”
“Drake tried to force himself on me. Carron punished me for it. You want to know what magic I have? I have whatever I need to protect myself.”
“Shields don’t?—”
“Shields don’t fight back?” I summoned a spear, letting it materialize in my hand and enjoying the way Grayson’s eyes widened. “This shield does.”
