Page 87 of Magic Touch
I must have been holding my breath, because I gasp in a long, much needed one. It feels as if my entire body has been clenched for hours.
"You will exceed those who came before you." Goddess looks at Prudence, and I swear she winks. "You have done well here."
Unfazed, Prudence inclines her head. "I survive, Goddess. With your grace, I do what I can to teach your ways."
Goddess reaches out and touches William’s cheek. "Be wise with your gifts, William. You have much to do and much to learn. Now slip your bindings and hold this house."
Goddess fades away until she is nothing but air.
A chill runs down my spine.
The windows crash inward and a swirl of black rises to the ceiling.
I lift my hands and cast against whatever it is. The dark magic pushes back, flinging me to the floor, and something snaps in my arm.
Bound by Sara Beth's magic, William stands red-faced, struggling to free himself. He closes his eyes, and the silver cord drops away.
Witches are being flung backward as they try to fight the dark cloud of magic.
William's mother wraps her arms around me as if to protect me. "Are you hurt?"
"He needs my help." I'm screaming and fighting to get up. Agony grips me when I try to use my arm. "Help me up!"
Theodora wraps her arms around my waist and hauls me to my feet.
Light pours from Williams outstretched hands and pushes against the evil force pressing down.
Trina runs down the stairs in only a nightgown. Screaming, she throws herself on the ground. "It wasn't my fault. He took you from me."
"What can we do?" Henry and Samuel stand on either side of me.
It's hard to concentrate with my arm likely broken and so many witches throwing magic at the thing growing near the ceiling.
"Hold me up. Keep a hand on me and keep your thoughts on helping William."
Sylvia is crumpled in the corner, unconscious.
Strain and sweat mar Sara Beth's features as she tries to help William hold his magic.
"Minerva! Give what you have left to William. We must stand together." I draw closer and force my energy toward William.
The evil shrinks back.
Dawning widens Minerva's eyes, and she does the same.
Sara Beth commands, "Give him your strength. Let the Windsor Coven be one." She gives William her energy, and the witches still conscious do the same.
A horrible scream rends the air, and the attacking evil crashes out the front door, splintering the wood, and disappearing into the night.
William turns toward me and opens his mind. Immediately, he knows my agony and lifts me in his arms. He sits in one of the few chairs left upright. "I don't know if I have enough left to heal this, my love."
In his lap, with my head against his chest, I’m so relieved he’s alive. "You are alive and saved the lives of these witches. I can suffer a few hours to be healed."
"Whatever it was, it's not dead. It retreated, but it will be back." William speaks loud enough that many witches turn to look at us.
Sara Beth grabs Trina by the arm and hauls her to her feet. "We'll contain Trina tonight and discuss this in the morning." She softens her voice as two other witches haul the crying Trina away. "William, forgive me for doubting you. I would request that you and Esme return tomorrow. We need your help, and I'll not let pride keep me from asking for what is best for this coven and England."
In my head, he asks the question, and I agree. I can't help loving that despite his ability to command, he thinks of me as his partner.
