Page 59 of Pure Magic
“Kaden is a part of me. He understands what’s at stake. If you would come back to me, where you belong, Adam, you would understand as well. Why must you be so stubborn?” Ariana pouts.
I lift my hand and push Kaden back with wind magic.
He lowers his head and fights against the gusting wind.
Sara Beth pulls water from the church well and creates a wall of water between them and us.
The wand is inside my jacket, but I can’t let Ariana know that we have it. I’m not entirely sure why, but I feel certain her knowing would be a mistake.
Chapter
Nineteen
SARA BETH
Something about me seems to keep Ariana at bay. Just like in the park, she can’t get any closer. I worry that they’ll take Adam away, but so far, he’s fighting well. It’s wise that he not use the wand in front of them until the moment is right. They might figure out what we want and get to the other items before us.
Ignoring me, Kaden pushes through wind and water and continues toward Adam. His eyes are black, like he’s possessed. It’s clear that he acts at Ariana’s will and not his own. Why would she manipulate him this way? Has he had a change of heart? Did he threaten to leave her to protect his brother?
At the moment none of my questions are relevant. I cast another protection spell.
Kaden hesitates a moment before pushing through. His face and shoulders blister from crossing the magic. It must be excruciating, but still he comes.
Forced to back up, I cast magic of all four elements at him.
Ariana advances as our resistance begins to weaken.
“I’m sorry, Adam. I can’t hold them off.”
“It’s not your fault. Just remember what I promised.” He shoots fire, burning Kaden. Adam winces at the sight. “Don’t make me do this.”
Emotionless, Kaden continues forward.
From across the cemetery, green and blue bolts of magic shoot at Ariana.
Ariana screams and holds her shoulder. “Kaden.”
On a roar, more animal than man, Kaden runs back to his sister, scoops her up, and they vanish in a black cyclone.
Trudging toward us through the line of headstones are Isaac, Laura, and a blond woman.
Laura looks as calm and stunning as she did in the inn yesterday. “It’s a good thing my nephew saw what direction you were heading. When I felt the dark magic, I grew concerned we’d not arrive in time to assist.”
“You’re timing is quite good,” Adam says then puts his hands on his knees and draws several long breaths.
When they reach us, Laura points to the blonde, “My sister, Lynda.”
After a quick introduction, I say, “I need to look at that birch tree, High Priestess. May I have your permission?”
Folding her arms at her waist, she slips her hands inside the opposite sleeve of her emerald-green dress. “You come to work for a higher calling than mine. Though, I appreciate the request.”
Reaching out for Adam’s hand, I’m relieved to find his grip strong and steady. I know harming his twin wasn’t easy for him, but he did what had to be done. We can only hope that Ariana’s magic extends as far as healing, and Kaden will not have to suffer the aftereffects of burns.
We walk through the graves to the left and stand in front of a twenty-foot birch tree. Its white bark shows no sign of the staff we hunt.
“What is special about this tree?” Lynda asks. Her voice is softer and gentler than her sister’s.
I step closer to the tree. “I don’t know. Maybe nothing.” Reaching out, I touch a large black knot a foot or so above my head.
