Page 168 of Magic of the Damned

“We are done here. Finding my sister is the priority.”

“I question your tactics. Should your sister be a priority since Areleus is handling that?” Ileana’s emotion regarding Areleus’s mission showed in her furrowed eyebrows, the flare of her nostrils, and the deep-seated scowl. She made no effort to hide it. Storm clouds homed in on Dominic.

A perceptive Madeline took note of it. “I believe that apprehending those who have aligned with the Dark Caster should take precedence over our efforts at finding Helena. It’s not just the newly acquired magic that the Dark Caster possesses, we must also contend with shades that have weaponized against us. How can we be any help to you when we have those serious concerns?”

“I agree. I will handle the shades,” Ileana offered returning to the room, commanding everyone’s attention. “Only after Helena is found. I’m not sure if the Caster has discovered a way to gain access to her magic. You do not want to contend with anyone who possesses our magic and the Dark Caster’s. None of us do.” She smiled, a disarmingly genuine one. “I give you my word, the shades will no longer be an issue. We find Helena, we find the Dark Caster. I assure you she will not be a worry any longer, either.”

Her oath accompanied a confidence that made everyone quickly agreeable. They wanted it over by any means, and Ileana was giving them what they wanted: clear destruction and an end to their problems.

“And the Awakeners that chose the opponents’ side? What will happen to them?” asked a man in a small voice. I recognized him from the group of shamed Awakeners who had become allies. His carefully worded question was an indicator that he didn’t want them dead. Once the dust had settled and the immediate threat gone, there was room for them to reconvene to complete their goals.

Several eyes moved to Ileana, who had her attention firmly on Dominic. Her lips were pressed into rigid lines, suppressing what I’m sure was a direct and unhelpful response that they’d be destroyed with the rest. That seemed to be her preferred tactic. Sensing that it might not achieve the diplomacy Dominic was aiming for, she kept it to herself.

“They will be captured,” Dominic offered. “Handled in the manner that you wish.”

It was apparently a mutually agreed upon action and without pushback. Directives were given on where to search, and everyone broke into smaller groups.

The royals and Anand stayed together.

CHAPTER 10

Uncertainty lingered in the space after everyone had gone, but Dominic remained intently focused on me. His jaw clenched from holding back words that needed to be said. Blowing out a breath, Dominic’s hand cuffed around my wrist as he led me out of the room.

Out of the sight and earshot of the others, he spun me around, pressing me into the wall. Fire blazed in his eyes; his face strained at his attempt to rein in his emotions. He closed his eyes, his breath sharpening. After several moments of tense silence, his eyes opened. They were simmering with unidentifiable emotions. He sank his fingers into my hair, guided my head up to rest his forehead against mine.

“Why are you here?” he asked in a strained voice.

“What?”

“Luna, you were safe behind a ward. Why did you break it and come here putting yourself in danger?”

“Ileana showed up looking for Helena. Did you expect me to tell her that Helena was missing and just give her directions to this place,” I challenged. Seeing the warring emotions of relief, frustration, and anger, I attempted to temper my words, but it was difficult. His expectation that my safety took priority over everything was unrealistic and put me in a position of ignoring what was right.

“Yes. Never underestimate her. She wouldn’t have had great difficulty finding this place.”

“Exactly, I don’t estimate your mother. I felt just as safe with her as I would be with you. Helena’s missing, how can I just send her off with some vague directions to this warehouse?” My hands glided lightly over his arms until they came in contact with his hand and held it.

“Don’t ask me to hide when I can help. Ileana needed my help.” I whispered. “And, have you met her?” I teased. “She’s not one you deny. Ileana was likely to level my apartment if I’d declined.”

He cut his eyes as if it was absurd but didn’t refute it. Because it was doubtful he could with certainty.

“I’m not asking you to do that. But I’m asking you to behave as someone who doesn’t have magic, is considered by some as dangerous and the reason for all of this, and someone who can be used as a weapon against me,” he admitted.

“I’m not being careless. If I thought for one moment I would compromise the situation or have been in danger, I’d have figured out another way.”

“I know,” he conceded. “It’s…” The words were lost into the deep kiss he gave me, conveying his feelings in a way I doubt he could express in words.

Magic and warmth wrapped around me when he ended the kiss, sinking into me. “Luna,” he said with reverence and slivers of frustration at finding himself in a place I doubt he’d ever been before.

“Helena,” I said.

The mention of her name had him shrugging off the weight of the emotions and refocusing on the various problems that needed to be addressed.

After planting another soft kiss to my lips, forehead, and cheek, he returned to the room with me close behind him. I gave Emoni a reassuring smile that did nothing to quell her inquiring look and the heated glare she shot in Dominic’s direction. Her mounting fears and frustrations from the turmoil needed a target and he was it.

After a stifling quiet while everyone surveyed the room, Areleus said cryptically, “I need to check a place.” He vanished before anyone could ask any questions.

“He’s probably going to where he’d met Peter—” Dominic left out the day Helena and Areleus sided with Peter against Dominic in hopes of acquiring more power.

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