Page 49 of The Shadows of Excess

I staggered, gripping the nearest object for support. “I…I can’t end up like her,” I whispered. “I just can’t.”

Damon stepped forward, his grip firm and reassuring on my shoulders. He locked eyes with me. “Listen to me. You won’t end up like her. Mom didn’t have one crucial thing.” His tone carried the confident, almost defiant edge that reminded me how he faced down every challenge. “She didn’t have us, especially her stubborn, pain-in-the-ass son who doesn’t know when to quit. And I’ll be damned if I let history repeat itself on my watch.”

Damon’s focus wasn’t on me. The intense glare he directed at Justice could cut through steel.

“I would never let any harm come to Sawyer,” Justice declared with a conviction that pierced the charged air. His words stirred something deep within me, a flicker of hope, desperately wanting to trust him. Yet, a shadow of doubt lingered. Had that same seductive assurance been whispered to my mother, luring her away from the safety of my father’s love?

Damon’s hand found my arm, his touch gentle yet firm, pulling me away from Justice. A protective edge laced his voice, a challenge underlying his words. “And how far would you be willing to go to protect her, fang?”

Without hesitation, Justice’s eyes locked onto mine, a storm of emotions swirling within their depths. “I would lay down my life for her without a second thought,” he professed.

The earnestness in his gaze left no room for doubt. It was a vow, spoken not only in words but in the unyielding resolve that shone from him.

No man had ever made such a profound declaration to me before. We hadn’t even shared a kiss, yet the connection between us was undeniable, almost tangible. I sensed the weight of his feelings for me, a mirror to the ones I had long suppressed within myself. It was a terrifying yet exhilarating revelation, opening the door to possibilities I had never dared to explore. The reality of what this could mean for us, for me, hung in the air like a promise.

Elijah yawned as he fixed himself another espresso. “Before you testosterone devils draw swords, would any of you like to know why Sawyer has golden eyes? I assume that’s why you came to see me at this ungodly hour.”

I forced myself to turn away from Justice and looked at Elijah. “I would,” I admitted in a soft voice.

“Well, not only has your ability been woken…”

I gasped. Oh God, would my eyes always look like this? I’d be a freak.

As if sensing the turmoil of my thoughts, Elijah offered a knowing smile and a guiding gesture. “No, your eyes won’t always bear that unique color. When you touched the coin, it awakened the magic lying dormant within it, a magic that found resonance with you. This change is part of your journey, a guide to help you. After you locate Lisa and the phoenix, the magic will have served its purpose, and your eyes will revert to their natural hue.”

I exhaled and smiled. “That’s a relief.”

Justice stepped closer to Elijah, a thoughtful tilt to his head, his eyes narrowing as he pieced together the puzzle. “So, let me get this straight,” he began. “Whenever Sawyer is faced with a task, her eyes shift to gold, right? It’s not some random occurrence. It’s an intrinsic part of her abilities, a sign of the magic at work within her?”

Elijah’s gaze drifted past Justice and settled on me. “Yes,” he affirmed gently.

“But my mother’s eyes never changed color.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

“You’re not your mother, Sawyer,” Elijah responded solemnly.

I bowed my head, a wave of shame washing over me, feeling as if I were somehow betraying her memory.

Then, soft footsteps approached, and I felt Elijah’s presence. His fingers gently lifted my chin, guiding my gaze to meet his. I blinked back tears, feeling them tremble on my eyelashes. His eyes were kind yet filled with a deep conviction. “You’re stronger than your mother, Sawyer. The power within you, it’s as brilliant as a shining star. Even more potent than hers was. Embrace it. It’s your gift, and it will make you a formidable hunter.”

I was at a loss for words. Damon, ever the one to break a heavy moment, chimed in with his usual bravado. “She’s already a great hunter. Almost as good as me,” he quipped.

Elijah released me and turned toward Damon, a hint of amusement in his expression. “Soon, she’ll surpass even you. But remember, the strength of your team lies in unity. The three of you working together will be unstoppable.”

Damon snorted, yet he didn’t counter Elijah’s prediction. It was a silent acknowledgment of the bond we all shared and the potential that lay ahead.

Elijah’s hands fidgeted, his fingers rubbing against each other as he spoke. “So, now that we’ve discussed this, who could go for an espresso? Maybe a cappuccino or some regular coffee?”

I rubbed my slick brow, then broke out in a nervous laugh. “Or perhaps an Irish coffee without the coffee?”

Damon strolled to the counter with a casual swagger. “Skip the coffee. What I need right now is a shot of Irish whiskey, or better yet, a really good bourbon. What’s on the menu, wizard?”

Elijah swept a hand toward the counter. “I keep a variety of spirits tucked away under there. Feel free to help yourself,” he offered genially, then turned his attention back to me. His gaze was perceptive, almost piercing. “Now, I sense there’s another question you’re eager to ask.”

“What can you tell us about why Dad still won’t wake up?” Damon blurted. “Every time we call Tim, Dad’s still in a coma.”

Elijah closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. He looked up, frowning. “That’s strange. Something’s blocking my abilities. I can’t see.”

Damon glared at Justice but didn’t go on a tirade.

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