Page 24 of Discovered Magic
“It’s not so simple,” Jonas replied grimly. “She has a protective shield. Magic won’t touch her, so we can’t.”
Interest sparked in Damian’s eyes, and his mouth curled slightly, taking his handsome visage to a dangerous new level.
Not that she cared. She hurt too damned bad to think about anything but her discomfort. Yet even her pain-numbed mind couldn’t completely ignore his appeal.
She shifted her attention to his companion, and a name surfaced. “Alastair?”
Everyone froze, and tension rippled through the group.
Damian recovered first. “His name is Nathanial. Nathanial Alastair Thorne.”
“Not right,” she whispered to herself.
“What’s not?” Nathanial asked softly, stepping closer.
“Your name. You’re Alastair.” Emotion caused her throat to ache worse than it already did. “Must be.”
“You’re not the first person to mistake me for another, my dear.” He crouched beside the bed and tenderly brushed the hair away from her throbbing temple. “But I’m not the person you believe me to be.” He smiled. “I’m Nate to friends.”
She winced as she swallowed hard, and Jonas was quick to offer the tin cup. After sipping a bit of water, she returned it and met Damian’s thoughtful gaze.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
Mutely, she shook her head.
“I see.” His gaze sharpened. For a moment, it felt as if he peered straight into her mind.
The sensation was similar to a thousand bugs crawling across her skin, and she desperately tried to shove it away. A raw, unseen force surged up in defiance. Her body reacted with a furious jolt, primal energy lashing outward in defense. A blue glow filled the small space, crackling as loud as a lightning strike as it gathered into a sphere around her.
“Get down!” Jonas shouted, pulling Evie to the floor as the bolts exploded in every direction.
Drained, she slipped into sleep.
8
“Good Goddess!” Nate said. “Is that normal?”
“It’s been happening since we found her,” Jonas replied, helping Evie to stand. “Everyone okay?”
The Aether ignored them, stepping closer to examine the unconscious woman. “Incredible. Other than a Goddess or Guardian, I’ve never seen such power.”
“What is she? Fallen angel?” Uncle Nate wrapped an arm around Evie, leaning in to assure himself she was unharmed. With a satisfied sigh, he kissed her forehead and tucked her close.
“Do angels even exist?” Jonas asked, having never considered the possibility before. Since gods and goddesses were real, it stood to reason they might create winged creatures in their image.
Damian shook his head with a chuckle. “One never knows, but so far, I’ve not encountered any.”
“That you know of,” Uncle Nate replied dryly. “Could be they are hiding in plain sight. This lovely young woman, for instance.”
“Then why not heal herself?” Aunt Evie countered with a jab to his stomach to free herself. Approaching the lady in question, she fearlessly began the fever-cooling process again. “No. She’s merely lost her way.”
“Nate explained she appeared from thin air in the canyon west of here,” Damian said. “What did the Guide say, precisely?”
Jonas tried to recall the exact conversation. Failing, he said, “He called her a Traveler’s child.”
A secretive smile curled the Aether’s mouth. “Did you summon Isis?”
“I tried. She was reticent. Her message was along the lines of suggesting Draven Masters should make the first overture.”
