Mal slaps the back of his neck in a way that makes me smile. It’s familiar and warm, and that’s why I’m doing this. For my family.
“Don’t get your measurements for your crown just yet.” Going to the door, I throw back my cloak, and let my hair run wild. “As soon as I tell you, open the door and step back. He’ll charge.”
Baris stands behind me, a physical wall to protect me should I fall. With Reid on one side, and Mal on the other, I steady my heartbeat and exhale. My magic surges forward, the dam broken and I blink, a red tear falling down my cheek.
With one nod, they open the door, and the rocking stops. From the entrance, with orange rays blinding me, Kaden stands still. His black eyes, full of wrath and hunger, scan me and he growls.
He leans forward, hulking mass so large he blocks the sun, and lurches toward me. I raise one hand then the other and focus on his heart.
It responds so easily, made for me. To be used by me, to be givento me. With sure fingers, I weave them high, and pull on his strings like he’s my puppet and I am his master.
His body jerks, his feet still. Those vicious claws dig into the dirt and I hold him still.
Baris whistles behind me. “Incredible.” I don’t think he’s seen me use my magic—at least not consciously. Instead, I focus, powering Kaden back, so he’s safely away.
I lead the males out onto the hill. Here, the birds don’t chirp and the insects rest. They wait to see what I’ll do.
Another red drop falls off my chin and I mouth, “I’m sorry,” before throwing Kaden through the forest. I don’t stop until he’s too far to reach and I pray toEnyohe’s alright.
Baris places a comforting hand on my shoulder and I sob, a broken sound that drowns out the call of my magic. My heart lays at my feet for using my mate in such a way. It’s wrong—dirty.I hate it.
“We need to go,” Mal calls, throwing his sword back to his belt. “If you want to try again before dark, we need to move now. There’s no telling how close Kaden is.”
Reid straps a bag to his back. At my red-rimmed eyes, his face falls and he swallows.
Wrapping an arm around my shoulders, he tugs me close for a brief hug. “He’s tougher than he looks.”
I only nod. I know he is. But it still hurts.
I still miss him.
Together, we rush through the forest, tripping over roots as the sun sets. Within moments, the fiery blaze ofSola’ssun falls, and the world goes dark. Without torches, we can barely see in front of us—or rather, I can. The rest of the males have no trouble picking their way through.
Back at the barrier, I see the blackened path has grown. It seems every time someone tries, the dirt is singed and the forest is pushed further away. Effective.
Tossing my dagger down into the ground, Baris comes to my side. “How will you get through?”
“I won’t,” I reply, rubbing my nose. My hands come away smeared with blood. “Only someone inspired can.”
Baris meets my eyes, and the first smile I’ve seen from him, crinkles the corners of his eyes and he laughs. “Clever,” he murmurs under his breath. “Very clever. How did you figure it out?”
“A dream.” I shrug when his eyebrow raises. “I can’t describe it. But I was speaking to someone in my dream, and she said I wasn’t inspired enough to enter. And it just sounded weird. Then I remembered what you called Reid.”
“Muse,” he mutters.
“And what is another word for inspired?” Braiding my hair back, we both turn toward Reid. “Whydoyou call him, muse?”
Baris sighs. “It’s whatSeticalls him. In my ear. I often wondered why. It seems he was helping us all along.”
Reid stops short as we stare. There’s a pause and he exhales loudly. “No.”
“Yes. You’re up, muse.” Pointing to the barrier, I smirk. “Show us what skills you’ve got up that sleeve.”
