Page 69 of A Bolt of Magic

“I did what I had to.” Her voice is soft and calm.

“It was risky and irresponsible. Surely you were taught at that magic school of yours never to do something so foolish?” I growl, my voice deep. “Do you have any idea what that would have happened—?” I break off, running both hands through my hair.

The truth is that the thought of losing her terrifies me in ways I don’t want to examine too closely.

“I should go,” Kyrie whispers. By now, the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. “I’m just glad you’re feeling better, McColl. Thank you for all you did. You should know that Maya wants to see you when you’re up to it. She wants you to meet little Maxwell. He’s cute as a button.”

McColl smiles. “I can’t wait to meet him, too.”

“Not right now,” I say; my voice is still a rough rasp. “McColl needs to rest first. She needs to replenish her life essence.”

“I’m fine,” she says with a yawn.

“After she’s rested.” I widen my eyes at Kyrie, who nods, a smile toying with the edges of her lips.

After she leaves, I pace to the window and back, trying to get my emotions under control. When I turn back to McColl, she’s watching me with those hazel eyes that seem to see too much.

“I’m fine. I swear. Everything worked out.”

“This time. You can’t do that again.” I move back to sit on the edge of the bed. I take her hands in mine, noting how cold andfragile they still feel. “Ever. Do you understand me? You can’t risk your life like that.”

“I saved them both, and that is all that matters.” She smiles. “If it will make you feel better, I will never do that again unless there is an extreme emergency.”

“No, McColl. You can never do it again. I mean it.” The words come out rougher than I intended, but I can’t help it. “When you collapsed, when you wouldn’t wake up…you gave me the biggest fright of my life.”

Something shifts in her expression, surprise and something softer. “I’m sorry. I didn't mean to worry you.”

“I thought I’d lost you,” I admit quietly, my thumbs stroking over her knuckles.

“I really am fine. Don’t make me keep saying it over and over.” She squeezes my hands with what little strength she has before letting go. “I’m on the mend. I hope you’re ready for some more magic lessons because I’ll be out of this bed before you know it, and actually…” A small smile tugs at her lips. “I’m starting to feel hungry, which has to be a good sign.”

Relief floods through me so powerfully that it’s almost painful. “That’s excellent. I’ll go get you something to eat right now.” I start to rise but sit back down. “About magic lessons…our magic, in general…”

“Oh, yes. You said you discovered something. What was it?”

“After I left you at the lake the other day – after our…after the lesson – I went off by myself to think. I tried to access my magic while I was alone, and…”

“And?”

“And nothing,” I say, shaking my head. “Absolutely nothing. I could feel it there, like always, but I couldn’t touch it. Couldn't use it. It was just like before. Like it’s been my whole life as an empty fae. As it should be, I guess. I’ve tested it a few times since. When I’m here at your side, it’s there, and I can access it.”

McColl’s eyes widen. “But as soon as you leave…”

“It’s gone.” I shrug. “Our power is now linked somehow. The eclipse, the breaking of your amulet… I think it didn’t just free our magic; it tied us together, magically speaking. We can only access our full power when we’re near each other.”

“I think you’re right. Every time I’ve tried, and it didn’t work, you weren’t there. Why didn’t I think of it?”

“Because your magic has always been erratic.”

“I suppose you’re right. So, it won’t last?” McColl makes a sad face.

“I’m afraid not.”

“That’s a pity. I liked having access to my magic.”

“Me, too. Although, if not having such abundant power means you can’t pull a stunt like that again, I’m all for it.”

McColl sticks out her tongue at me like an insolent child, and I laugh again.

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