“No need,” I said with a smug grin. “I had Ewan get us a set. That’s what was in the bag I got from him when I last went to inspect their additional protections.”
“I thought they were reagents!” he exclaimed, surprised.
“There werealsoreagents in it,” I teased.
“A woman on top of things… I approve,” Lyall replied, impressed.
That reaction had me tingling in all the right places. While I was never one to seek anyone’s validation, earning his admiration did funny things to me.
“Let’s go,” I said before fetching our disguises.
Once more, I hopped onto my Galadia, to Lyall’s dismay. But it made sense for me to have my own mount if we needed to escape at any point. Pasha was well-trained and would seek a safe place if things got hairy. But first, she would try to assist me—if it made sense—unless I ordered her otherwise.
We left a little early, before the sun was completely down so that we could find a good observation post to watch potential cultists arriving once the Sanguine Crocus began glowing. As soon as we landed, Lyall led me a short distance away to a slightly elevated area that gave us a perfect view of the waypoint pentagram while also giving us good enough cover that we wouldn’t be detected. We sat down on the massive roots of a tree surrounded by a few large rocks and bushes.
To my shock, no sooner did we settle down than our surroundings turned into the illusion of a cozy little cave—although alcove would be a more adequate description. The hard root I was sitting on transformed into a plush cushion, and a sconce appeared on the left stone wall of the alcove, with mage fire burning. It both provided lighting and a very pleasant heat.
“By the Gods!” I exclaimed. “This feels so real!”
Lyall puffed out his chest as he smiled at me. “Because, to your body, itisreal.”
“Really?!” I exclaimed, stunned.
He nodded. “Your brain will regulate your body’s physiological responses based on this illusion.”
“Wow! How long can it be fooled like this?” I asked, fascinated.
“For a few days, maybe longer depending on the setting,” he explained. “While your brain can be convinced to slow down your physiological functions based on what the illusion convinces it is happening, you will eventually wither and die from lack of food or prolonged exposure to the elements.”
“That’s incredible! But what about you? Do you also benefit from this?”
He nodded again. “Yes. Although I remain aware of the real world surrounding us, I am able to enjoy the comfort of this illusion.”
“Damn! I must admit that I’m jealous of your powers,” I said sheepishly.
“Don’t be, my Eleni. They’re yours to also benefit from whenever you wish. That is your privilege as my woman,” he said softly.
Nine Hells! How did he always find a way to make my toes curl by saying things that would normally have me all up in arms about my independence had any other man made a similar statement?
I smiled and melted against him. He caressed my back and placed a soft kiss on my temple. A part of me wanted to just savor the moment, but a soft light in the distance gradually growing in intensity indicated that the Sanguine Crocuses were finally beginning to glow. My stomach did a backflip both from apprehension and the pre-battle adrenaline rush I always felt right before starting a potentially dangerous mission.
“Looks like the moment of truth is upon us,” I said, my voice tense as I straightened. “As a reminder, if someone does show up, we go in and confirm whether some treachery is happening. If all is legal, we’ll just sneak out quietly. But if we uncover foul play, as I suspect we will, mystify them all while I call the Curia for backup. With the cultists paralyzed by your powers, I will easily put mage shackles on them. Then we can free whoever needs to be—which will hopefully include the ten missing clerics.”
Lyall stared at the waypoint area, his back stiff before turning back to give me a serious look.
“If things go bad, you must promise me that you will leave,” he demanded.
It was my turn to stiffen. “If things go bad,weleave,” I corrected sternly.
“Yourun, and I’ll follow if I can. But whatever the case I will manage,” he insisted in a tone that brooked no argument.
I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling offended. “You cannot expect me to leave you behind. That’s not happening.”
“If it is needed, then youmustdo it. I’m a demigod,” he ground between his teeth. “You’re not. Whatever happens, I will regenerate through it. I may not be immortal, but it’s close enough. You cannot claim the same thing. I need to know that you’re safe.”
I pinched my lips, my tongue burning with the need to further argue. Except, I couldn’t challenge the accuracy of hisassessment. If things got really ugly, his chances of making it out by himself were far greater than if he was saddled with me. At the same time, our combined abilities could make the difference between success and failure.
With much reluctance, I gave him a stiff nod. “Fine. But only if things go bad, and it looks like we might get defeated. Do not expect me to run at the first sign of trouble.”
