Page 154 of Vameer

I feel another portal glow to life a few feet in front of us, but I keep my eyes on Dread.

He drops through the black circle that’s just big enough to fit his shoulders. Disappearing.

I lift my gaze to the portal in front of me.

It’s an upright rectangle. Door shaped like they usually are.

And it’s empty.

I narrow my eyes.

He should be coming through this one the same moment he’s moving through the other. The portals should also be the same shape and size.

I glance down.

At the empty sky below.

No druid.

No portal.

I look back up.

And see Dread in the portal. One bare foot is on the gold band that outlines the bottom of the portal. The other is crossed at the ankle. And he’s leaning his shoulder against the edge.

The solid black surface is still there, hiding the back half of his body. And everywhere he touches the edge, sparks of gold spit and sizzle.

It’s… not something I have witnessed before.

I shift Rune to one arm and tuck her against my side. “I thought you weren’t supposed to touch the sides of a portal.” I’ve heard it said since I was a child. And I heard this very druid say it to Rune today.

“You shouldn’t,” Dread answers. “Unless you’re me.”

I watch him for a moment, then tell him exactly what I’m thinking. “I really want to fight you.”

The man smirks. “Figure out that venom and we will.”

I hum, wondering what other tricks this druid has.

“The building straight below us is your target. Jump somewhere secluded when you’re done and send me the location.” Dread furrows his brows as he lifts a hand to rub at his chest.

“What?”

He stands up straight, planting both feet on the bottom edge. Then he curls his hands around the gold bands at the sides of the portal, causing more gold magic to sizzle at his touch.

Then he leans forward and looks down.

This should not be possible.

I direct my gravito closer.

Dread straightens, then scowls at my nearness.

“How are you doing this?” I narrow my eyes.

“Magic.” His tone is flat. “I will return for you tonight.”

Dread lets go of the edges and steps back. Disappearing into the wall of black.