Page 101 of Brutal Alpha Beast
Before, I was going off pure sensations, but this is something else. I’m using my feelings to reproduce something that came to me from external forces.
It would be witchcraft at its most complex. And even if I manage it, the chances of it succeeding are very slim. The links holding the magic together are tenuous at best.
I sigh, hunched over, exhausted, wanting to bury my head into the book.
Then Ellis walks in.
“Us and libraries,” I say.
Ellis smiles. “Us and libraries, indeed. You look exhausted.”
“I’m just trying to figure this out. There’s a spell that could work, but it’s so complicated.”
He settles beside me, looking at the books, and frowning.
“I know I can’t help you with casting a spell. I wish I could.”
I shake my head. “I don’t expect you to.”
“But,” he says, sliding his hand over mine. “I can promise you that I will protect you and Monroe. Nothing will happen to either of you, I swear it.”
I can’t help but smile. “Even though she tried to kill you.”
“I’m not as hot-headed as I once was,” he says, looking at me with a warm gaze in his eyes.
My heart flutters. “I know.”
“I’m also not as stupid,” he sighs. “So, while I can’t cast magic, maybe I can help formulate a plan. These books are mostly written in English, right.”
“Yes, but I’m likely gonna be here all night. It’s better for everyone if you sleep and are on your game.”
“Nonsense,” he says, taking a book and walking to the other side of the room. “I’m gonna read and make notes—far away from you so we can avoid a repeat of last time.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. But as I turn the page of the book I’m reading, I smile to myself.
I love how much he wants to help.
Chapter 24 - Ellis
We’re in the meeting room. I’m standing behind Danielle with my arms braced, ready to catch her if she falls.
Her eyes are closed, and she’s chanting as she holds her hand up to the tapestry.
To my understanding, although I don’t claim to understand it much at all, the first step for this new spell is for her to reproduce the magic she felt from the vines.
She’s been trying to spark it all morning, but no matter what she does, nothing happens. Or so she claims. She’s made progress; she just likely doesn’t see it.
She can be way too hard on herself.
I’ll notice a glow, a few sparks here or there, and it seems like it’s working, but then nothing.
She keeps telling me that she’s failed, but I know that’s not true.
Danielle gasps for air and falls back into my arms. I hold her in place.
A few moments later, her eyes blink open, and she steadies herself against my chest.
“Even worse,” she groans. “I got nothing that time.”
