The librarian’s condescending tone intensifies. “When your mother died in that unfortunate incident, you were left half a witch. It’s common knowledge among the angels that you can’t remember spells—despite the power burning inside you. You are no match for me.”
Normally, I would take a deep breath at this point and force myself to calm down, but I deliberately allow her patronizing tone to rankle me.
It’s true that I can’t remember spells. I have to read them aloud, which is why I carry handwritten notes in my pockets.
But if I become emotional enough, I can access my instinctive power and react without thought. It doesn’t happen often, and it’s only triggered by pain, but I’m counting on my magic to show itself today.
I clench my teeth. “You will give me The Blessed Grimoire, Iriel.”
She squares her shoulders and tips her chin. “You can’t have it. The revival spell is too dangerous to be let out into the world.”
“I’m aware of its danger, but it’s my last hope.”
Her jaw clenches before the smallest measure of pity passes across her expression, her eyes taking on a lustrous glow. “You know I can’t give it to you, no matter how compelling your reasons. That spell can revive the dead, bring back lost memories, mend broken objects, rekindle an old romance… Whatever you need revived, it can do it. But the result will bechaos. Everything happens for a reason, Tanzanina. Part of your power is gone and it is meant to remain gone. You will not get the book from me.”
I sigh inwardly. Sure, the revival spell could bring back my ability to remember spells, but what she doesn’t know is that I don’t want the spell for myself.
I casually hook my thumb into the top of my right pocket, pressing against the handwritten spell inside it.
She takes my moment of silence as acceptance of her decision. “I bid you well, Tanzanina.”
I shake my head. All that destiny crap. I accepted it once. Not anymore. Now I believe in making my own future.
With a calm movement, I lay my hand on her arm, keeping my tone pleasant. “I’m not leaving without it.”
She leans back, edging away from my hand, glancing at my face. “Do you intend to do this the hard way?”
Her angelic power tingles beneath my fingertips. Currents flow through her body. If she releases her wings, she’ll be able to access her full power. She’s physically stronger than me, faster than me,maybemore powerful than me, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take.
I smile. “I enjoy the hard way.”
CHAPTER TWO
Up until this moment, Iriel’s expression has remained dismissive. Now her eyes widen.
She whispers through gritted teeth. “You wouldn’t dare attack me.”
Without letting her go, I carefully slide the spell from my right pocket, flip it open between my thumb and forefinger, and whisper, “Perfect power protect this place with my presence.”
Her forehead creases, but she seems confident enough in her abilities that she doesn’t try to stop me. “That spell won’t help you.”
“It’s not for me.”
Her confusion deepens before her expression clears. “Protect this place…Oh…”
Movement around us stops. The room falls completely silent. The humans and magical beings slow and freeze.
I’ve just placed a protection spell on them that has not only suspended them in time so they will remain unaware of what’s about to happen, but also created a shield around them against any damage that might come their way.
What’s more, anyone heading toward this room will suddenly have a strong urge to walk away.
Iriel considers me for a moment. “Well, I guess you’re not as reckless as I heard.”
“Collateral damage is always unacceptable.” I learned that from the assassins who are trained to kill with such speed and efficiency that collateral damage is not only unacceptable, it’s damn sloppy.
I grin at the angel as I allow the note to flutter to the ground. Her gaze follows it, providing the distraction I wanted.
My fist darts out, aimed squarely at her pretty little nose, but my aim is light and halfhearted, intended only to provoke her.
