Page 20 of Mantle

“Yes. Certainly,” he confirmed with just the need of a brief scenting. As an Ancient Vampire, he was uniquely qualified to determined such a thing.

“All right, good,” Mia said, remaining in her task-driven state. I saw her concerned gaze flick to Ariana, but she quickly looked away, fighting to focus on what needed to be done.

“Go,” I told them, and then I drew Cornelius, my dad, and Kai away off to the side.

“I’ll use the ancient magic I’ve developed to combat Celestial power,” Kai told us right off the bat.

He was certainly bold, I’d give him that.

My dad gave me a knowing look, already familiar with that from teaching him at Maven Academy.

“Agreed,” Cornelius said. “However it will need to be mitigated, as those magics are too potent for Ariana to endure in her current state.”

“Let’s get to work,” I spoke.

We hadKetheron’s blood now from the efforts of Lucian and Cassius.

Mia and Calla had used the elixir to pull the interaction of Ketheron and Ariana’s blood and magic all in one shot and secure it in a vial for us to study.

Nyx and Vorzyr had managed to keep Ari in good spirits.

She hadn’t vomited since, and they were wrapped around her, giving her their warmth.

And the rest of us had just finished up the spell.

We approached Ari and gathered around.

I churned the incantation we’d developed over in my mind, then grasped the ball of magic—a blend of mine, Kai’s, Gabriel’s, and Cornelius’—as I crouched in front of Ari, ready to perform the spell.

“Don’t invoke your defensive magic at any point, given how it reacted to Ketheron’s power, and also with what harm it could do to Ariana,” Mia cautioned me.

“I’m aware,” I told her as gently as possible.

“Ready, sweetie?” I asked Ari as I took both her hands.

“Yes.”

Just like that.

So brave.

Especially lately.

“It’s going to feel unsettling, like a pins and needles sensation initially, which will keep intensifying as the spell gets a lock on Ketheron’s blood only.”

She smiled out at me. “I’ll handle it. It’s fine, Pops.”

I looked at Vorzyr who was right beside her, at the ready. “We’ll maintain contact through the spell, so you can feel the difference between hers and his to ensure you only draw out his infection for the most part.”

“So she doesn’t lose too much blood while we’re trying to rid her of the infection,” Lucian finished for me, as he joined us, settling down on the grass beside Vorzyr. He told me, “I’ll guide the blood draw with him.” He eyed everyone gathered around.“Ease back, give us some space. And quiet. I need to be able to hear clearly with no interference.”

Everyone began to move back and clear the immediate area. Jaxon did have to guide Mia away to ensure it.

But Kai and Nyx noticeably remained. They were kneeling down at her side, Kai stroking her hair, Nyx holding her hand.

“We remain,” Kai told us, looking out at us all, resolute and determined.

“As observers only, however,” Nyx added quickly, clearly used to softening things where Kai was concerned.

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