Page 32 of Staff of Nightfall

“You’re the woman who ran at a group of armed men who were beating me. The woman who volunteered to go serve a sorcerer even though she was afraid.” He smiled. She might not believe in herself, but he believed in her. “Where is the woman who killed a troll? Because that womanknowsshe’s a mage. That woman is a tigress. So say it again.”

“Regulus—”

“Say it like you mean it. I’m a mage.”

She smirked. “No, you’re not.”

He rolled his eyes. “Say it,piahre.” He felt a small amount of pride at how easily the Khast word rolled off his tongue, but this wasn’t about him.

Adelaide huffed. “I’m a mage.”

“Hm.” He released her hand and stepped back. “I’m unconvinced.”

“I’m a mage.”

He forced his face to stay neutral. “Not feeling it.”

“This is ridiculous.” She planted her hands on her hips, her face reddening, but amusement sparked in her eyes.

At least the fear was gone, but he wasn’t looking for mirth. He was looking for confidence. Her confidence had taken a hit since losing her magic and the fiasco with Carrick. More than anything, he wanted to see her as confident as she had been when she told Carrick off before the tournament. As confident as she had been when she told him she was going to marry him.

“Make me believe it.”

“You know I’m a mage.”

“Are you? You say you are, you tell me your magic’s back, but—”

“It is! I’m a mage!” She held her hand out in front of her and her palm glowed blue. “I just healed you!”

He waved, pushing further. “You could do that yesterday.Showme what you are. Who are you, Adelaide?”

“I’m a mage! Reg—”

“Who. Are. You!” She stepped back, surprise at his harsh tone showing in her hurt expression. He wanted to apologize, but he didn’t relent. Just like Dresden never relented when Regulus had been mired in despair. “Are you a mage or aren’t you? Does your mother think you brave for nothing?” Her mouth fell open, but he pressed on. “Make me believe you’re a mage! Because I’m doubtful right now. Who are you? Are you—”

“I AM A MAGE!” Blue light exploded from Adelaide in every direction, bending the grass. The light reached Regulus and knocked him backward. He scrambled to his feet. Adelaide’s eyes glowed golden. She held her hands out to her sides, massive balls of flame hovering over her outstretched palms. “My name is Adelaide.” She didn’t shout, but her voice rang out across the meadow. “And I am a mage.”

“There she is.” He walked toward her. As intimidating as she looked, he had no reason to fear her. His wide smile pulled on his scar, but he couldn’t stop grinning. “Yes, you are.”

The fires over Adelaide’s hands shrank then disappeared and her eyes returned to their normal rich brown. “You...” She scowled as he stopped in front of her. “Youscoundrel.” She pushed against his chest, but without much force.

“Whatever works, right?” Regulus laughed. “I thought, it works on the mercenaries...”

“Don’t youeveryell at me again.” She crossed her arms.

He ducked his head. “Sorry. Never again.”

Adelaide threw her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. “Thank you,” she whispered. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed, despite her throwing knives digging into his chest. She leaned back and met his gaze. “All right, Sir I’ll-Help-You-Train. How exactly do you plan on doing that?”

“Oh.” Regulus stepped back and rubbed the back of his neck. He gave her a sheepish smile. “I was planning on attacking you.”

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