Wylder sighs. "It wasn't a failure. I felt the intention of the spell. It was definitely reaching."
"It was," I agree.
Mica coils the pendulum chain around her fingers. "But not finding it kinda strengthens the theory that the Crucible exists in a shifting pocket dimension. If it phases in and out of the physical world, it could explain why people have had such a hard time finding it."
Orion leans over the map, looking pensive. "But the divination component is still active, right?"
Mica nods. "The spell broadcasts our intention, and the divination component will keep it searching."
"Is its response tied to proximity?"
Mica considers that for a moment and then nods. "Sure, the closer we are to it when it surfaces, the stronger the divination spell would be. Why? How does that help us?"
Sebastian straightens and smiles. "It means that if we create a global circuit and portal to different regions, when the forge does surface, the spell should respond when we get close enough for the resonance to catch."
"That sounds like a needle in a haystack plan," Asher says.
"Actually, it’s more like a moving needle in a series of haystacks," Orion corrects.
"But he's right," Mica says. "If it surfaces and we aren't actively working to locate it, we'll miss our chance."
Sebastian crosses his arms and exhales. "All right. Mica and I will use this map to come up with a portal circuit through the major nexus points around the world, and we'll work the scrying spell until we get a hit."
Mica eyes him. "You’re volunteering to be my magical Uber?"
He nods. "Until we've got a better plan, yes."
I swallow. “Don’t you need to be here to shore up the wards containing Tharuzel?”
The harsh reality of the situation takes over Sebastian’s expression. “The primary objective is to break his tether on the civilians and slow him down, sure. But at the current rate Tharuzel is gaining power, the wards won’t last another week. It’s time to pivot and work on how to combat him once he breaks free.”
My heart drops. I knew it would be soon, but if we’ve got less than a week, we’re going to need to pull a magical miracle out of our asses.
And quickly.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The door to my bedroom opens at the crack of dawn the next morning, and I’m in a half-dazed stupor when Wylder slides inside carrying a leather satchel. “Sorry to disturb you, but I had an idea and wanted to catch you when your mind is relaxed and empty.”
“Does that mean I don’t have to get up?”
“Exactly. I don’twantyou to get up. Close your eyes and stay sleepy and relaxed. I’ll be with you in a moment.”
I’m not sure what he’s up to, but honestly… I don’t care.
It’s been weeks since I’ve slept this soundly, so if he wants to pitch a tent in my room and…
Whoa, now… I meant a camping tent.
I chuckle, finding my dirty mind amusing even in a sleepy haze. Okay, I was supposed to keep my mind empty, but now I’m totally aware of Wylder being in my bedroom and me just wearing a t-shirt and underwear.
The mattress dips as he climbs on top of my comforter and lies beside me. “Keep your eyes closed. The house is still quiet, the lights still off, and there’s nowhere you need to be. It’s just you all snuggly and warm in your bed.”
His voice is soft and low, and when I feel his magical signature tingle over my skin, I’m pulled even deeper into his dreamy trance. “We’re going to work on Asher’s Occlumency idea. I’m going to walk you through a couple of simple mental exercises I want you to practice.”
"Mental exercises?"
"Mm-hmm. I’ve set up a few crystals to help focus your intention. I’m going to teach you how to compartmentalize your thoughts and build walls around them, so they don’t bleed into everything else.”
