Page 59 of Discovered Magic
Five minutes later, they were on the boardwalk, heading back to the hotel.
“Your thoughts are churning,” Abbie said.
“I’ve got a lot to proc—” He stopped and stared.
When she realized he wasn’t beside her, she returned. “What’s wrong?”
“Abbie, you spoke! Twice!” His elation echoed in the street, turning the heads of those close by.
Her expression was pure shock as she pressed her hand to her throat.
“I did. Oh my god, Wilder. I did!”
Laughing, he scooped her up and swung her around.
“One healing down, two more to go,” he said, grinning with happiness.
“Two?”
“Your memories and restoring sight to your eye. Later, if you want the scars removed, we can do that too, but those are the least of our concerns.”
“Do you think it’s possible?” Her tone indicated she feared it ever happening.
“Better. It’s probable.”
Hand in hand, they crossed the street, lost in their happiness. The footfalls behind them registered too late.
The impact of the bullet in Wilder’s back coincided with Abbie’s bloodcurdling scream. He wanted to assure her he would be fine, but darkness encroached on his vision, and his knees gave out. Only after he was facedown on the wooden slats did the lack of feeling in his legs register.
Recalling his weapon, he fumbled for the revolver, earning himself a heel stomp on his fingers and a wicked kick to the ribs.
Thank Christ Abbie had the presence of mind to run.
“Grab her!”
Energy crackled in the air around them, and simultaneous shouts rang out.
“Gotta do everythin’ myself,” a man growled.
The thud of Abbie’s body hitting the ground caused Wilder to cry out.
“Abbie, get up,” he shouted, using his upper body to drag himself toward her. “Abbie!”
Booted feet blocked the sight of two men picking her up and dragging her toward the alley.
“Don’t look for her. You’ll be contacted where to drop the gold.” Fleshy hands patted his pockets, stripping him of his valuables. “Stupid, Easterners!”
Bartholomew Mercer.
With his disdain and distinguishable voice, he gave himself away. And if Wilder didn’t bleed out before Castor or the others found him, he’d be able to get help for her.
His magic was tied to the earth, and he prayed Isis was still around to hear.
“Goddess, hear my plea,
Assist me in this time of need.
Gift my powers back to me,
