Page 93 of The Silent
But if he performed the ritual and linked her longevity to his, itwouldweaken him. Then if he died in battle, she probablywouldtoo.
“I’m going mad,” he said quietly. “What should I do? If I give her mymagic—”
“You’llbeweak.”
“But shewouldlive.”
“And if you died?” Ginny asked. “What then? If your lives are linked and you died in a fight, she’d likely die anyway. You know that, Leo. The sacrifice isn’tworthit.”
“Her life is wortheverythingtome.”
Ginny sighed and rubbed both hands over her eyes. “Her life will always be tied to yours unless she has her ownmagic.”
“I know. But I can’t teach her, and Ava’s not here. I think if I could get her back toIstanbul—”
“I’m sorry I yelled at you the othernight.”
Leo spoke cautiously. “Ginny, I have no intention of asking you for any favors. That’s not why Alyahcalledyou.”
“I know.” Ginny nodded. “But you love her. She’s yourreshon. You have every right to askquestions.”
“But not every right to cause pain,” Leo said. “I am sorryforthat.”
Ginny nodded, looking across the yard at the scribes unloading thetouristvan.
“It was a long time ago,” she said quietly. “I need to getoverit.”
“Scars remain, even after a wound heals. I can show you a few of my own, ifyoulike.”
“Why would I want to see that?” She smiled. “Everyone has their own stories. Their own wounds. Mine don’t make mespecial.”
“No, you’re special for many more reasons than your scars,Ginny.”
She grabbed his chin. “You have to stop being so sweet. Otherwise I’ll be tempted to get rid of your girl and keep you formyself.”
“You’re not going to do that.” He smiled. “Your heart istoogood.”
“You’re killing me,” she groaned. “Okay, let’s gofindKyra.”
Leohalted. “Why?”
“I can’t fight with you in this one,” she said, rising from the porch. “But I can give you an edge that will make you more focused. If you’re not worried about Kyra, you’ll be able to focus on fighting this Fallen. And I guarantee my crazy energy will be enough to keep her going for a good longwhile.”
Leo’s heart pounded. “Areyousure?”
“Positive. Besides, it’ll give me an outlet. It’s been a dry spell for me, and the energy I have built up is starting to get to me. I need to expend some big magic, and I’m more than happy to give it toyourgirl.”
Leo grabbed her hand and rose. “Ginny,thankyou.”
“Thank me later,” she said. “If she’s anything like me, she’ll be revved up afterward, so I’m guessing you’ll wantprivacy.”
Leo felt his face heat. “Are you talkingabout—?”
“Yep.” Ginny waved a hand. “Come on. I don’t haveallday.”
Leo walked toward the bungalow where Kyra was helping with the women. “Niran wants to leavetonight.”
“I’ll tell him you need to wait until morning. You’ll want to stay with her and give her privacy until the first wavepasses.”
