Page 43 of Light Magic

It was impossible for another supernatural to hold too much dragon’s magic. See about Ariella’s friend.

I frowned, thinking about Raika. I had told them Raika had absorbed the entire dragon’s magic and more. But I had left shortly after that, feeling sorry for myself for having lost my magic.

I didn’t know what had happened after.

Curiosity took hold and wouldn’t let go. I picked up my phone, walked to the far end of the long table, and sat in a chair beside the stained-glass window.

Though I had changed numbers, I had transferred most of my contacts. I confess, there was a minute there that I almost didn’t, but now I was glad I had.

I called Raika’s number, but to be honest, I expected her number had been disconnected, or that Shane would answer.

I was pleasantly surprised when she answered on the second ring. “Hello?”

“By the light, Raika, you’re alive!”

There was silence for a moment. “Ariella? Is that you?”

“Yes, it's me.”

“By the moon! We’re so damn worried about you! What the hell is going on? Wait …” Her voice sounded far then. “I need to take this. I’ll be right back.” Five seconds passed and she continued, “All right, I’m here.”

“Listen, if I caught you at a bad time, I can call later.”

“No, it’s fine,” she said. “It’s just a boring council meeting. Shane can handle it without me.” I nodded to myself. “Are you okay?”

“I’m … okay. Still without my magic, but I got my wings back.”

“You did? That’s great!” She really sounded happy for me. “I’m glad you’re calling, but I know it isn’t just to tell me that. What’s going on?”

“First, whatever the angels are saying, I didn’t do it.”

“They aren’t saying much,” she told me. “They haven’t said anything, actually. They sent messages to the supernaturals that you’re dangerous and need to be captured.”

“Has the reward increased?”

“It has.”

“Damn it. I’ll tell you the abridged version: they are saying I killed some angels during a mission, and I didn’t. I know who did and he’s trying to silence me before I can tell the others why.”

She was silent for a handful of seconds. “I believe you.”

Just three simple words, but it filled my chest with relief. Maybe all of my friends believed me and would side with me if needed.

I swallowed the emotion and continued, “I want to expose the truth, but I can’t do it without my magic.”

“The magic my father took from you.”

“And then you took it all from him. Raika … may I ask how you survived?”

“Oh, sure. The dragon my father killed? She laid eggs! The goblins from the mountain found them and brought them to us. I was able to transfer the dragon’s magic to the eggs.”

“Oh, so my magic went to the little dragons.”

“Yes, I’m afraid I was only able to keep my darkfire and wolf shifter abilities. I’m so sorry, Ariella.”

“No, it’s fine. If it means you survived, I’m glad they have it.” It was the truth, but it still hurt.

“Is there anything we can do for you to help with your magic, with the angels, whatever?”

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