Page 82 of A Bolt of Magic

That familiar warmth blossoms in my chest.

“We’re nearly there.” His voice is steady, calm even, and I marvel at his composure. He’s walking into almost certain death, and he might as well be discussing the weather.

“We also have wards and runes in place protecting this section of the mountains from prying eyes…from her. Just like within the caves. You might find that you can use your magic without alerting her, but I don’t think we should risk it. You’ve become very powerful; the wards and runes might not be enough to keep her from finding you.”

“Understood. I will only use my power in the case of an extreme emergency,” Kian says.

“Otherwise, we stick to the plan.”

“Agreed,” he says.

I feel sick and put a hand to my belly. The only consolation is that I will have my magic as long as we are together. I can protect him. Iwillprotect him.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Each step down the winding path makes me feel more and more like turning around and running back the way we came. My hands shake as I adjust my pack straps, and my breathing grows shallow and quick.

“Stop fidgeting.” Kian’s gentle voice cuts through my spiraling panic. He stops walking and turns to face me, his green eyes steady and reassuring. “I know you’re nervous, but it’s going to be fine.”

His words are like a lifeline in the storm of my fears. I take a shaky breath and nod. “You’re right. I’m more worried about facing my mother than anything else. Can you believe it?”

And about losing you.

“Of course I do. You might be surprised at how much you’ve grown since you left,” he says softly; his words send more warmth spreading through my chest.

“And how would you know that? You didn’t know me from before,” I tease.

“The outside world will do that to a person. You were sheltered when you lived here. You will have learned and grown from all you experienced. Some things can’t be learned in the pages of a book.”

“That is true, but right here and right now, I feel like a little girl again.” Everywhere I look are memories of when I was small or growing up.

“Trust me…you’re no girl.” His gaze rakes over me, but he quickly meets my eyes.

I feel that look between my thighs. Right at the heart of me. It makes my blood quicken. It makes me want things I can’t have.

“We’d better keep going,” I tell him.

We continue on, my anxiety growing with each step. The familiar sights and sounds of home should comfort me, but instead, they feel foreign. Will they know it is me? Will my mother have me locked up once she’s dealt with Kian?

I falter in my step, wanting to beg him to leave now while he still can, but I know he won’t listen. He is a fae king on a mission. I admire him even more, my respect for him growing.

I’m so lost in my spiraling thoughts that I almost miss the subtle shift in the forest around us. It’s Kian who notices first, his hand going to my elbow. He squeezes gently in warning.

Before I can respond, they emerge from the trees like shadows given form. Six figures in the dark green cloaks of the Children of the Veil, their faces hidden beneath deep hoods, weapons drawn, and magic crackling around their hands.

This is what I was afraid of.

For a second, I am frozen, but then I remember that I am powerful, too.

My shield is already up, but I fortify it now that we are about to be under attack. The barrier of silver light that encases both Kian and me shimmers as the first bolt of magic strikes. The impact sends vibrations through the spell, but it holds firm.

“Stay close,” I call to Kian as more attacks rain down on us. Fire, ice, binding spells – they throw everything they have at my barrier, testing its strength from every angle. Hoping to get through.

“We come in peace!” Kian shouts as a particularly big bolt hits the shield right in front of my head.

It’s just as I thought. They’re attacking without bothering to see who we are first. Anyone stupid enough to wander into these parts without an invitation is as good as dead. It won’t be long before more arrive.

“I’m desperate to draw my sword,” Kian says.

“Don’t do it,” I tell him, keeping my hands held high.

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