Page 17 of The Tree of Spirits
“Magic,” Conner said, popping into sight beside me.
Marlow jumped, hitting his head on the low ceiling.
“Don’t be scared. That’s just Conner,” I told him. “He’s here to help.”
Marlow blinked at Conner.
“He put that guard to sleep,” I said.
Marlow’s gaze dropped to the man on the floor. “So he’s not…dead?”
“No.” Conner chuckled. “I just used a tiny little sleep spell.”
“Spell?” Marlow’s brows made a run for his hairline.
He looked like he was totally freaking out, so I offered him a lifeline. “Conner is a Knight.”
“Oh.” Marlow’s shoulders relaxed and a faint, hopeful smile touched his lips; the Knights were heroes, and everyone knew it. “A Knight.”
“We need to move quickly, before someone comes to check on that guard.” My gaze slid from the guard on the floor, to the red stains on Marlow’s t-shirt. “Can you walk?”
He winced, clutching his side. “Not really.”
I felt like all hope had been sucked out of the room. I wasn’t strong enough to carry a big guy like Marlow.
“I’ll try to patch him up.” Conner peeled up Marlow’s shirt, revealing a deep laceration. It was still oozing blood.
I quickly averted my gaze, but not quickly enough. Acid rose in my throat. I choked it down. Now was definitely not the time for a mental breakdown. I’d have to save it for later, when I was safe and alone in my little cottage.
“It’s ok, Red. You can look now.” The usual snark was missing from Conner’s voice, replaced by something soft but serious: concern.
When I looked, Marlow was standing up straighter. His shirt was back down, hiding his wounds, but slender magical markings glowed through the thin fabric.
“I stopped the bleeding and removed the kill switch in him. It’s a quick fix, but it will have to be enough for now,” Conner said as the glowing symbols faded from Marlow’s t-shirt. “To actually heal him, I’ll need a lot more time. And someplace safe to work.”
Neither of which we had right now.
“We need to get moving now. Use the invisibility token,” Conner said to me. “As long as you’re holding his hand, the spell will envelop both of you.”
I reached for Marlow’s hand. “How many people can the token hide at once?”
“It’s supposed to be for one person, but in your case, it should be strong enough for the two of you.”
“In our case?”
“Since you’re so petite.” Conner’s eyes twinkled at me.
“Yeah, I’ve never heard that one before.” I rolled my eyes.
Conner had the decency to look sorry. “All teasing aside, yes, you are small. Magic isn’t all that different from science, Red. Mass matters. And that works to our advantage here. Be happy you’re smaller than other people. It’s the only reason this is going to work.”
“You’re right.” I inhaled slowly. “Iamhappy this will work.” I relaxed my shoulders. “Sorry. I’m just a little sensitive aboutmy size, you know? People are always commenting on it, and it’s kind of frustrating that’s all they see when they look at me.” I slid him a tentative glance.
“Believe it or not, I get it.”
“You?” I said in surprise.
“Of course. Do you think anyone is able to see the real me? Do you think anyone can look beyond my awesome hair and rockstar good looks?”
