Page 67 of Façade

I struggled to reach past the impenetrable barrier blocking me, deep inside where the magic remained locked away, and managed to push through in order to graze my power just enough for it to curl itself around my will, ready to be of use.

My magic sluggishly roused from its long slumber, stretching a bit before reaching itself across my limbs. Though I still didn’t quite understand this power, I possessed an inner instinct for how to wield it. I focused all my energy into pushing the invisible force towards my infected hand.

At first nothing appeared to happen…then suddenly my hand began to tingle before it slowly, ever so slowly, gradually reappeared. I tentatively wriggled my fingers, relieved by how solid andrealthey felt, so unlike the unsettling sensation that they’d melted away into thin air, as if they’d never been a part of me.

My focus immediately shifted to Ryland. The guards hovered nearby, trapped by their helplessness as to how to aid their prince. I wasn’t entirely certain, only guided by the same instinct that allowed me to dispel curse that had afflicted me.

Healing.

The curse was fast-working, spreading farther with each passing moment. Horror seized my breath as I watched it reach past his shoulder to gradually seep over his torso. I rested my hand on the vanished part of his body, now less solid than before, evidence of the curse’s work to steal all that Ryland was. I needed to act quickly.

I shifted my body to block my actions from the surrounding guards and closed my eyes to better concentrate. The mysterious power was more difficult to control than when I’d pushed it over my own body; there the magic had wandered freely, whereas now I felt I was trying to penetrate a protective fortress to the other side. Gradually I chiseled away at it little by little until I found an opening, just enough for me to push through for my power to enfold him. With the magic’s touch he gradually reappeared, though he remained unconscious.

Even in my inexperience I recognized my amateur healing attempt, as if I’d merely bound a wound rather than cured it, rough magical stitches that would undoubtedly leave a scar. I could still feel the sick, cloying feeling of the disappearing curse stubbornly clinging to him, only temporarily staved by the magical stopper I’d used to pause its devastating effects. But even a partial healing was better than nothing.

I lifted my hands in wonder, but with the lingering danger, I had little time to dwell on what I’d just accomplished. Ryland needed the proper healing that could only come from the healers who resided at our magical destination.

I swiveled to face the guards. “How far is the monastery?”

“Nearly an hour away.”

An hour was much too long, yet we likely wouldn’t be able to travel any faster on the treacherous mountain; the vanished village resided at the base of a steep trail that twisted up towards the monastery at the peak, a magical force that overlooked the valleys below to protect those within its reach.

Yet an hour was a short enough ride that we might make it just in time, though we’d need to leave now if we had any hope of saving Ryland; I didn’t know how long my healing magic would stave off the disappearing curse from overtaking him once again. I forced myself to push through my piercing headache and the exhaustion weighing down my limbs from using so much magic at once to summon the strength to shakily stand.

I ordered the guards to carry Ryland back to our waiting horses and ride with him. Noticing my weariness, another guard remained with me, and with his support I was able to climb onto my horse and ride at a brisk pace without falling off.

It was a struggle to remain upright. While I’d succeeded in pushing the curse away before it was able to take root, the effort had drained me of energy, leaving behind a pulsating fever and a wave of lightheadedness that made me fear I’d pass out.

I expected my symptoms to worsen as the journey progressed, yet instead they began to fade with time, as if my body was gradually replenishing the energy I’d expended to heal both myself and Ryland. Eventually, my head cleared enough for me to focus my thoughts, most of them centering on my husband.

I cast him repeated anxious glances. He remained unconscious against the support of the guard, looking so pale his skin appeared almost translucent, signs of the lingering curse my weak powers hadn’t been able to completely dispel.

The guards urgently pushed the weary horses as hard and fast as they dared with the treacherous terrain. After what felt like an eternity, the hour dividing us from our destination concluded, and we finally crested the mountain to ride through the wrought-iron gates surrounding the monastery. It loomed before us—a vision of grey stone that seemed to rise from the mountain itself like a crown atop its peak, the late afternoon light glistening against the stones a testament of the magic that lay within, the very power we needed to save Ryland.

The priest met us at the base of the stone steps leading to the entrance. His welcoming smile quickly faltered at the sight of Ryland slumped against the guard. His silvery robes rustled as he hurried over, his bulging gaze fixed on the transparency still clinging to Ryland’s left arm.

“The disappearing curse.” Horror filled his whisper before he was immediately overcome with single-minded purpose. “Bring him in and a healer will examine him as well as the guard who assisted him to ensure the curse isn’t infecting him as well.”

The guard carrying him brought him forward. I made to follow, but the guard that had been riding with me held me back. “It’s not safe for you, Your Highness. The healers will see to him.”

I wrenched free from his grip and nearly stumbled from the horse without a single ounce of grace. He leapt off after me, but I was already hurrying towards the steps where the guards carried Ryland up. The priest glanced at me with a puckered brow.

“I’m his wife. Please, allow me to remain with him.”

But he was already shaking his head. “The healers require the utmost concentration for their work. You can wait for him in the adjoining room and we’ll send for you the moment they finish.”

That wasn’t near close enough to satisfy my fierce worry, but I had no choice but to comply. With a reluctant nod I followed the priest and guards inside.

The power contained within the walls seeped over me the moment I stepped into the monastery, bringing with them a healing far more powerful than the weak magic I’d expended. It enveloped me, lending me strength until the last of my ailments were swept away, leaving my skin warm and tingly.

But not even my awe at the surrounding wonder could distract me from the rampant fears that accompanied me as I was led through the stone corridors and forced to wait on a hard bench with only an accompanying guard standing nearby. Sitting still was difficult at the best of times, but it proved torturous when I sat so near the door dividing me from Ryland, awaiting news on whether he’d be alright…or if I’d lose him.

Not even my usual wandering thoughts could help me escape my all-eclipsing worry. I kept my gaze riveted to the door, willing it to open. I scarcely noticed the beauty of the shimmering stones comprising the marvelous structure or the abundance of floating candles emanating light in a rainbow sheen, only faintly aware of the magic humming within the air that stoked the same power simmering beneath my skin, the very force I hoped would save Ryland.

Time stretched, as if the surrounding magic expanded it, causing each minute to slow. I wrung my hands, eager to dispel the suffocating tension, but it crowded the room, impossible to escape.

I leapt to my feet when the door finally opened, revealing a healer. Her dark eyes settled upon me and she hastily approached. “I am Healer Jade. Are you Prince Ryland’s wife?”

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