Page 33 of A Healer's Wrath

Her eyes dropped to her trousers and blouse, then rose to meet mine again. “You were right. It is good to get out of that building and feel something other than a smock against my skin.”

I chuckled. “The whole glowy-hands thing sets you apart more than your clothes—and not just as a Healer. I have heard talk in the city about some wanting you to take part in the government as advisor to the King.”

She stopped stroking the deer. “What? Are you joking?”

I shook my head. “Irina, the people adore you. More than that, they respect you. Many of them see more in you than just a Healer.”

She stepped away from the deer. I released my flow of magic, and we wandered off into the woods.

I stepped close to Irina. “Did I say something wrong?”

She looked up. Her eyes held such depth. “That’s flattering, but all I’ve ever wanted was to be just a Healer. It’s the whole reason the Mages . . .”

She seemed to wrestle with what to say next as she walked to a boulder and sat. I remained standing, waiting.

Finally, Irina said, “Why do they care what I do? From what you’ve said, they don’t even like each other, much less want to work together. Why can’t they just leave me alone to do my work?”

“Because they’re afraid of you.”

“Afraid of me?” She scoffed.

“Yes. Afraid and jealous. Or covetous might be a better word for it.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.” I closed the gap between us and sat beside her. “They were afraid of your power at first. They wanted it for themselves, and saw how you resisted them. They couldn’t control you as they wished. Now, they’re more afraid of what you represent and how the people respond to you. They see you as a threat to the way they’ve lived for hundreds, and in a few cases, thousands, of years.”

I watched as she puzzled through what I’d said. She gripped her fingers, then released them.

“It doesn’t make any sense. I don’t even know how to use my magic other than to Heal—and those few things you’ve taught me. What difference does it make if I’m liked by the people? Would they rather I’m feared or hated like they are?” When I flinched, she gripped my arm. “Oh, Danai, I didn’t mean you. I’m sorry. You have been nothing but kind.”

“I know they hate us. You don’t have to protect me from the truth.”

“Danai—”

“Mages have not always been good to the common folk. There were times when they used power to subjugate and control. They lashed out because they could. It has been centuries since those events occurred; still, the people remember. Tales of those deeds frighten children to bed. They’re sung in taverns and on street corners. The people hate what they fear, and Mages instilled terror long ago.”

Irina’s grasp on my arm tightened. “It doesn’t help that you hide yourselves away. If they just knew you as I do—”

“Irina, please. Just hear me out. This is important. The Mages who killed the Queen will return—maybe not today or tomorrow, but they will come back. When they do, they will come for everything you hold dear. If they can’t get you to join them, they will try to destroy you to eliminate the threat. You need your magic to protect yourself. The only thing that can repel power is greater power.”

She released my arm and stood, stepping across the clearing before turning back. “What am I supposed to do, Danai? You and Kelså are the only other Mages who cared enough to show up and help. As much as I appreciate everything you’ve done, the three of us wouldn’t be enough to match them, even if I knew how to use my magic.”

“You could—”

“Could what?” Her voice rose as she spoke. “Were you going to say you’d train me to fight? To use my magic to what? Destroy rather than Heal? Isn’t that what they want, Danai? Are you one of them now?”

My eyes lowered before returning to hers; I noticed pain creasing their edges. “I know you don’t mean that.”

“How do you know what I mean?” she shouted, her voice now loud enough to echo through the mountains. “And how do I know they didn’t send you here just to have this conversation? You’ve been so patient, waiting until the time was right, waiting until I trusted you enough—”

I stood and walked to the edge of the path, looking out over the valley below.

“See! Now you’re turning your back on me.”

“Irina, please stop.” When I turned to face her, a tear had fallen down one cheek. “All I ever wanted was to help you, to . . . to be with you. I don’t want to return to the other Mages, and I don’t want you to—but you need to be able to defend yourself. They’re not going to leave you alone.”

As quickly as her anger flared, it died. She looked into my eyes, and I felt her magic swell with empathy.

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