Page 90 of Stroke of Shadows

She held out her fist, and as she opened her fingers, a bracelet appeared in her palm. It was made from a thin, silvery rope with a single matching bead.

“Take this.” She held it out for Harper. “Put it on. If you’re ever in trouble, you turn that bead.”

“But I shouldn’t—”

“This has nothing to do with the rules,” Thea interrupted. “But if it makes you feel more comfortable, then I’m simply lending this to you. It’s not a gift, which means I require nothing in return.”

Harper accepted it hesitantly.

“It only has one charge, so use it wisely.” Thea eyed Sythe suspiciously, but he found he wasn’t as pissed off at it as he should.

“What happens when I turn the bead?” Harper studied the bracelet.

“Magic, of course.” Hopping up from the table, Thea gave Harper a wink and Sythe a disgruntled glare. “Please recommend my services to your friends. A girl has to pay her bills.”

She turned, her skirt catching against the side of the table.

“Oh, and make sure you drink some lemon water or something. Your aura’s all grey, darker than last time.” She didn’t wait for a response, moving towards the entrance of the coffee shop.

“Grey?” Sythe shot after the faerie, catching her just as she lifted her hand for a passing black cab. “Thea, wait!”

Thea raised a brow at his approach, her hair darkening with the heavy rain.

“Harper’s sick.”

“Obviously.” Thea looked towards the waiting cab with impatience, her clothes sticking to her skin. “Take her to see a doctor.”

Sythe swallowed his retort. “Look, she has wild magic. I think that’s what’s making her sick.” She’d poured wild magic when she was in his arms, the power raw and uncontrolled at it tried to attack his chi. “You said her aura’s grey?”

“Of course she has wild magic,” Thea said with a scowl. “Her aura’s weak, not dead. Honestly, what’s with druids always thinking they’re better than everyone else?”

“What did you mean about her aura being grey?” The rain beat down, forcing him to raise his voice.

“Is this some kind of trick question?” Thea scrunched her nose up. “What did I tell you about being a Fae encyclopaedia? I don’t know every illness to ever exist.”

“Harper thinks she’s human.”

Thea stared for a moment. “Fuck, really?”

“Yes,” he growled, trying to keep his frustration to a minimum. “Look, I’m just asking for advice. Do you know anyone that could help? She’s getting worse.”

Thea glanced over his shoulder, and Sythe didn’t need to turn to know Harper stood there. He could feel her.

“I think every time she releases wild magic it takes something from her,” Sythe added. “Please.” He’d never begged in his life. But right then, he was begging. “I’ll do anything.”

Harper touched his back, and without looking, he pulled her against his chest. She came without resistance, even as she remained a little rigid. Thea watched the interaction with curiosity.

“I may know someone,” she said after a pause. “But his cost may be more than you’re willing to give.”

HARPER

Harper eyed the rich red brick, unease tightening her muscles.

“Come on,” Sythe said gently, his palm warm on her lower spine. “You can do this.”

The cool air flowed through her hair. “The doctors said—”

“The doctors are fucking useless.” Sythe moved closer until all she could see was him. “They’re probably human chosen by your uncle, who never thought to seek a Breed’s opinion.”

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