The shattering sensation morphed into a surging, soothing energy.
Thump-thump.
Every fiber of my being soaked in what was being offered, like a droughted fern unfurling its fronds as it drank in the rain’s life force.
Thump-thump.
Thaddeus’ powers tumbled toward me.
Thump-thump.
A white light flashed, and a massive wave of energy erupted from me.
Our powers collided with a deafening crack, as if lightning had struck. Disoriented, it took me a few heartbeats to take in the aftermath; only, there wasn’t any.
There was no sign of Thaddeus’ spell, as my own powers continued to roll toward him, like a tempest waging war on the land.
Thaddeus’ eyes widened with shock that shifted to fear as he saw what was hurtling toward him.
Too much. I’d used too much force.
Terror built in me, knowing what would happen.
I tried to recall the magic, stop it from hurtling forward, but it was too late.
In a blink, it reached Thaddeus. He threw up his hands, and a shield surrounded him just in time. The blow buckled the barrier, bringing him to his knees. Thaddeus strained against it, sweat on his brow, until finally it cracked.
The remaining power struck him, hurtling him across the mat. A sickening sound echoed toward me as his back smashed into a pillar.
“No!” I screamed.
I made to run to him, to help him, but as it had when Thaddeus first demonstrated his power, an aftershock thrust out from me in a blinding flash.
Blinking away the light, my power rippled toward Thaddeus.
“Gods, no,” I whispered to myself, knowing it would hit Tarrin and Nevander too.
Still in slow motion, pillar by pillar cracked as my power made its way through the freestanding building. The same shock and fear marred Tarrin’s and Nevander’s features before they were thrown off the side.
My magic made for Thaddeus, who lay prone, unresponsive.
I dropped to my knees, calm washing over me, as if every ounce of rage had been sucked into the energy that had left my body. I placed my hands on the soft ground, and like I had earlier, I sent love and appreciation to the power within me. Soothing it, coaxing it back to me, letting her know I was safe—wewere safe. And like the edges of a thick spring fog touching the warming sunlight, she softened, floated around Thaddeus, and dissipated into nothingness.
Relief flooded me as I got up on wobbly legs and ran to him.
“Thaddeus,” I said in a panic. “Can you hear me?” I checked his pulse and let out a sigh of relief as his steady beat danced under my fingers.
I stroked his hair. “Thaddeus. I’m here.”
He stirred, and I almost cried at the sight. His eyes fluttered open and found mine. Amusement, then concern, crossed his features.
“Tarrin? Nevander?” he croaked.
Shit. I bolted toward where they’d been thrown off. Thank the stars it was a small drop.
I peered down to find them already helping each other up.
By the time I’d made my way back to Thaddeus, he was sitting. Iknelt in front of him, watching his every movement, listening to his every breath.
