“Wow.I didn’t know that the transformation could happen in stages.I thought you either inherited or didn’t, but I also thought there could be partial fae.”
“It was news to me, too.”
“I wonder what powers you’ll get.”Grevin’s excited expression told him his friend was in research mode.
“I don’t know.”Quentin tapped his sneakers together, avoiding his friend’s gaze.
“You don’t want it, do you?The extra power.”Grevin’s understanding tone almost broke him.
He sighed.“Not really.I mean, I don’t want to be a whiny bitch, but I am more than happy with the magic I already have.The more power you have, the more people will try to control you.”
“Do you think Jaks will try anything?Because if he does, I’ll rip out his fucking soul,” Grevin snarled.
Quentin shook his head.“Jaks and I are bonded.If he hurts me, he hurts himself.”
“You bonded with Jaks!”Grevin screeched.“When did that happen?”
“Ouch.”Quentin covered his ears and glared at the necromancer.“You don’t have to be so loud.”
“Sorry.”His voice wasn’t hushed, but at least it didn’t pierce Quentin’s eardrums anymore.“You bonded?”
“Yeah.”
“How was it?”
Quentin took a minute to reflect on the experience.He only had one word.“Overwhelming.It was nice when we bonded through my magic.Then our souls merged through the fae magic.”
“In what way?”
“It’s like it both drained me of magic and then fed it back to me smoother and stronger.I’m not sure what it will be like in the long run, but I’m more connected to my magic than ever before.”He raised his hand, palm up, and lightning arced between his fingers while a small tsunami merrily swirled in his palm.
“Wow.”Grevin leaned closer to look but wisely didn’t touch.“Awesome.”
Quentin easily banished the conjuration and nodded.“It is.I don’t know if it will last or if it’s a temporary increase from my bonding with Jaks, but I’ll have to be careful how much energy I put behind spells until I get used to it.I kind of hope it sticks around after last night.”Before Grevin could ask, he told his friend about the vampire on the porch.
“If a bounty comes up on him, I think it would be best if you passed that hunt.If you went after him, spell balls blazing, your vampire would collapse from nerves like a Victorian maiden.”
“I dare you to say that to his face,” Quentin challenged.
Grevin smirked.“Challenge accepted.”
“I’ll reset your house protection after I get a chance to bring someone to investigate.I don’t want to add any magic before the scene is examined.I’m going to organize my lab this afternoon.”
“What lab?”
“Jaks gave me a stone building behind the manor to use for my experimental spells and potions.It’s gorgeous, and I have so many plans to create stuff there,” he said dreamily.
“That’s great.I’m sorry the college is being such shitheads.”
“Me too, but maybe this is the push I need to leave my ivory tower and become independent.”
“I thought that’s what Jaks was,” Grevin teased, “your ivory tower escape.The prince rescuing you from a life of dry lectures and overly enthusiastic students.”He dramatically put the back of his hand to his forehead in a pretend swoon.
“Idiot.”Quentin stood and smoothed out his shirt.“I’ll check on you later.I’m going to Hafrey’s tomorrow to pick up my herb order and check on him.”
“Not sooner?”Grevin’s sharp gaze pierced through him.
“No.I don’t want it to look suspicious.”
