Page 63 of Staff of Nightfall

He shrugged. “When the fairies told you about how to do a binding, they did say you would need a lot of time to recover. How are you feeling?”

“Still—” She yawned. “Still tired. But better. I can feel my magic returning. Strengthening. And I’m not drained anymore, it’s a relief to...” She faltered, her eyes going out of focus as her fingers drifted to her neck.

“The collar,” Regulus said, confirming his suspicion. “The one your father broke off. It somehow suppressed your magic, didn’t it?”

Adelaide’s gaze fell. “Kirven... I met him on the road. He defeated me. Bound me. When he failed to steal my magic or convince me to serve him, he put that collar on me.” She shivered. “It sucked away my power, my energy. Just...a constant drain.”

“Hey, it’s okay.” He moved closer and put his arm around her, pulling her in as he kissed her cheek. Instead of relaxing, she stiffened and inhaled sharply. Hurt pierced his heart. “Adelaide?”

“I...I’m sorry.” She quivered in his arms.

Inexplicable sorrow and fear coursed through him. It was when a sensation of a name, more than an actual thought, accompanied the surge of anxiety that he understood.Nolan.Somehow, he was sensing Adelaide’s emotions.

His jaw tightened. Anger and regret fought for dominance in his soul. “What did Carrick do?”

“Nothing.” She pulled away and stood, her back to him. But not before he saw the tears that glistened in the corner of her eyes. “Nothing happened.”

“Then why are you afraid?” He kept his voice gentle, even as he wanted to shout and fume. “I can sense your fear. Your sadness.”

Adelaide glanced over her shoulder at him. “What?”

He stood and walked around in front of her. “The bond you created...it’s different from the sorcerer’s. When I touch you, I can...feel you. Your emotions. Your soul.”

“You feel it, too?” she whispered. “This...connection. Like we’re...”

“Part of each other,” Regulus finished. She nodded. He inclined his head so their eyes were at the same level. “So why can’t you be honest with me?”

She turned and took a couple steps away. “Where’s my father? And Dresden?”

“They’ll be back shortly.”

“You got my family out.” She didn’t look at him. “My mother? And Landon and Julia and their son?”

“They’re safe and unharmed.” He hoped that was all she was worried about. “We took back Belanger castle. They’ve taken precautions; Carrick won’t get in again.”

She glanced back and said, “Thank you,” before she turned away again.

Dread that Adelaide blamed him for her capture grew in the pit of Regulus’ stomach. But he hadn’t detected anger, only fear. And he didn’t like not knowing why she was afraid. He couldn’t help if he didn’t know the problem. “What’s wrong? Talk to me,shiraa.”

“Don’t...” She hugged herself and ducked her head.

Regulus furrowed his brow. Something had happened. And he didn’t want it to be what he thought it was. “Don’t what?”

“Call me that,” she whispered.

He took a step back, stunned. “What? Why?”

“I’m...” She shook her head. “I need... I’ll be back.” She walked toward the stream, but he strode after her and caught her elbow. Adelaide whimpered and pulled away, drawing into herself. For the moment their skin touched, Regulus felt her spike of panic. She looked at him, eyes wide and face red. “I...I didn’t... I’m sorry. I don’t know...” She reached toward him, then dropped her hand.

He eyed the yellow-green bruise on her right cheek. “He hurt you.” When she lowered her gaze to the ground, her chin resting against her chest, that was all the answer he needed. He exhaled through his nose. “You’re safe now.”

“Am I?” Adelaide didn’t look up. “I couldn’t fight them. I was...weak.”

His heart broke. “Adelaide.” He reached for her again, then stopped, remembering her reaction. “You aren’t weak.”

“Iamweak.” She sank onto the grass.

He couldn’t stop himself. He sat next to her and pulled her into his arms. She turned and leaned against his shoulder.

---