Page 10 of Discovered Magic
“That’s the first time I’ve seen you crack a smile in over two years,” Liz said tearfully.
He hugged her, holding on for dear life. If he didn’t, he’d likely break down, too. When Liz patted his back, he kissed her temple, cleared his throat, and released her.
“As soon as I find Abbie, I won’t be able to stop smiling,” he promised.
“Then I hope you return with her immediately.” Liz shot him a watery grin.
“Me, too.” He hesitated, then forged on with what he’d originally come to say. “If I don’t make it back?—”
“Wilder—”
“Liz.”
She sighed in resignation but didn’t interrupt again.
“If I don’t make it back, I want you to be the executor of my will. The bulk of my estate can go to charity, but I have a few collectibles I’d like to pass on to the proper people. Can you do that for me?”
She nodded, lips compressed as if she wanted to argue the outcome of his journey. He appreciated her restraint. There was a time, before Rafe’s influence, when she’d have read him the riot act.
“You are the best sister a person could hope for. I’ve been blessed to have you in my life.”
“Don’t talk like you aren’t returning,” she ordered, unable to hide her unease.
“I don’t know what we’ll be facing. And from what Laszlo has told me, I may have to leave my body to cross through time with Castor. The process is risky as fuck.”
A sickly expression settled on Liz’s normally serene visage. “Goddess, I hope not. I forgot he had to do that to save Ebba.”
“Yeah. I didn’t, but I’m willing to try whatever it takes.”
“What if you don’t find her, Wilder? What then?”
“I don’t want to think about a life without her, Liz. It’s too dismal to consider.”
“When is all this happening?” she asked.
“Tomorrow morning. We’re going to the mountain.”
“Wilder! That place is dangerous!”
“Not for those with magic in their back pocket,” he said, giving her a careless grin.
“Need I remind you our abilities failed once?” she snapped. “I?—”
“Qalbi, stop.” Rafe wrapped her in a hug. “Your brother knows what he’s doing and doesn’t need you adding your worry to the mix.”
She rewarded him with a vicious arm pinch. “Don’t manage me.”
“That’s not what you said last night—oomph!” He doubled over slightly as her elbow found its mark, a grin still tugging at his lips.
“On that note, I’m outta here,” Wilder said with a laugh. “You two try not to kill each other, okay?”
“Be safe! And call us as soon as you’re home!” she hollered after his retreating back.
4
Wilder’s heart took up residence in his throat as he stared at the pulsing blue wall centered on the rock.
“What the fuck is that?”
