By the time we reach the barn, I’m more confused. Where are the threats? The innuendo? The wine?
The building looks like it’s held together by wishful thinking, and I suspect one big storm could send everything toppling down. Still, there’s something charming about it.
“You said you practiced out here when you were a child?” I ask as we step into the space. Dappled sunlight spreads across the ground, coming in from various holes and gaps in the roof.
“It was one of the few places my father wouldn’t look for us,” he says. “I used to hide here often. After the accident.”
“What accident?” I hate myself for taking the bait, but here I am.
“I’m sure you’ve heard the stories. About how I’d kill puppies and torture animals.” He moves in a slow circle, taking in the building as if it’s been a while since he’d last seen it.
“I might have heard something mentioned,” I admit.
He looks at me. “You lost control and your friend got hurt. I lost control and killed every living thing in the stables outside the castle.”
“Oh, gods.” I cover my mouth with my hand.
“I’m lucky there weren’t any people in there at the time. I couldn’t sleep so I went to check on my dog and her new litter of puppies. She had to stay in the stables. My father never allowed animals in the house.”
“They were your puppies?” I ask.
“Yes. I loved that dog. And I was excited to train the pups, hoping I could eventually convince my father to allow them inside.” He smiles, but it’s sad and fades quickly. “Anyway, it’s a really awful way for magic to manifest. It showed up for the first time, and I lost control.”
I reach for him to comfort him, but pull my hand back. I’m not sure if he wants sympathy or if my touch would make it worse. He doesn’t seem to notice and after a moment of staring at nothing, he looks back at me. “Well, we should get started. Can’t have you killing me on accident, can we?”
Thirty-Nine
Sabina
“I know your shadows came when you were with your friend,” Caiden begins. “Was there anything that might have triggered it? Were you arguing or were you…” he gulps, “aroused?”
“In a temple? I would never.” My cheeks heat, but not for the reason he probably thinks they are. He does not need to know about that.
“Alright. I suppose it could have been the temple itself. My mother always said she could feel the presence of the gods in her temples,” he says.
“That must be it,” I agree.
“Any other times? It helps if we can find something that brings them forward. Usually, it’s an emotion, at least at first.”
“One other time, while I was alone in my room,” I admit.
“Can you recall what you were thinking about? Were you angry or sad or…anything?”
“I think I might have been sad. But I don’t want to have to go there every time I want to use my gift.”
“You won’t forever. But we need a starting place. There are other options to reach heightened emotions that could also reveal the magic if you’re open to?—”
“No. That’s not happening.”
He smirks. “You can’t blame me for trying.”
“This was a terrible idea.” I turn toward the door but he catches my hand and despite his offer just now, the touch doesn’t make my skin crawl.
“I won’t do it again,” he promises.
I pull my hand away, but turn toward him. “Alright. I’m leaving if you do.”
He nods. “We’ll go with sorrow for now.”
