Page 62 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight

“How do you access yours?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, thinking. “I'm not exactly sure. I've had them my entire life, so it's almost instinctive. When I need to use it, it's there. Now, not so much. But before...” He trailed off, and Renya hurt for him. He never seemed to mention it or dwell on it, but the loss of his powers must bother him.

“When was the last time you used them?”

“In the forest with you and Brandle. I haven't had magic since then. At this point, I'm worried it might be all gone.”

“Oh, Grayden. I'm so sorry. How do you know for sure?”

“It's complicated, and I'm not entirely certain. But if you think of fire burning on a log, you need fuel to keep it burning. That's the log. But without air, you can't have the fire either. It's a balance. The fuel is the time it takes me to recharge, and the air is the total power I have left. They work together. But as there becomes less and less oxygen, the flames burn lower and less intense. Does that make sense?”

“I think so.”

“Will you do something for me?”

“Yes...”

“Try it one more time, but this time, don't clear your mind. Reach out to me. Just focus on touching me with your magic. Just react.”

She closed her eyes.

“Eyes open, Little Fawn. The enemy will take advantage of you like that.”

Grayden paused, then added, “Remember the avalanche, Renya? You didn't think then—you just reacted. Your magic came to you naturally in that moment of crisis. Maybe that's the key—not overthinking it, but letting your instincts guide you.”

Renya's eyes widened as the memory flooded back. In that terrifying moment, facing the wall of snow, she hadn't hesitated or questioned. Her power had simply answered her need.

She focused on Grayden before her, and once again tried to pull her magic together and force it out. At first, she couldn't access it at all.

You can do it. Just picture it like it's already happened.

At his words, she envisioned her magic, hot like the sun, reaching around him. She let go of her doubts and fears, tapping into the same instinct that had protected them during the avalanche. And then, it wasn't a vision. The golden cords wrapped around him, pulsing in a field of electricity.

“You're doing it!”

Renya was able to hold up the golden strands for a few seconds longer before they slipped away into the air of the throne room. The room felt warmer than it did before, and Grayden's face was red like he was sitting in front of a roaring fire for too long.

“Are you okay?” she asked, running over to him as fast as she could on her tired legs. He looked up at her, his eyes full of pride.

“That's my girl,” he said, reaching up and stroking her cheek. “You are dazzling.”

“But are you okay?”

“A little warm, that's all. Your magic feels heated and untamed. I think that's why emptying your mind doesn't work. Your magic lacks discipline. Whereas Kalora is in strict control of hers, yours works with emotion and desire.”

She reached out and brushed his cheek, feeling the heat slowly beginning to fade. Renya felt both giddy and exhausted, the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Her body felt oddly heavy, as if the power had a substantial hold on her.

He put his arm around her, and she allowed herself to lean into his tall body, taking the support he offered. Even the walk back to their room drained her, and by the time they were back in their chambers, Grayden was half-carrying her. He picked her up and lifted her gently on the bed, taking off the satin shoes she was wearing.

“You don't need to undress me,” she said, pushing down her silk trousers. “I can do it myself.”

“Trust me, I know you are more than capable of doing whatever you want. It's not a weakness to allow me to help you. You're exhausted, and I feel useless here. Orien left this morning with his half of the men, Dimitri following. There's nothing for me to do here except watch out for you. So please, let me put you to bed.”

She acquiesced and let him pamper her again. Before she knew it, she was tucked into the bed and oblivious to the world.

When Renya awoke, the sun was low in the sky, casting long shadows across the room. She felt refreshed, her magical exhaustion having dissipated during her nap.

Grayden was nowhere to be seen, but a note on her bedside table informed her that he had gone to discuss strategy with Queen Kalora.

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