Page 44 of Wicked Heirs

“I haven’t made the interior walls or the furniture yet. It’s basically just an outline.”

He looked out at me. “You can do that? Go into that much detail?”

“Yeah. I mean, when I’m at my full power, I can make it life-size, like a real castle.”

He whistled. “There’s a market for this, you know? You could make a living out of creating structures like this. The resources it would save… it’s unthinkable.” He thought for a moment. “Could you sustain the power at full-size?”

“It doesn’t take much once it’s created. There’s barely a pull on me.”

His eyes lit up. “Definitely incredible.”

“Thanks,” I said, stepping closer.

He moved back all too quickly.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s just best I keep a physical distance right now.”

“I showered this morning, you know? And after that class to get the charred smell off me.”

“I can tell. I can smell the fresh shower scent and the enticing cotton candy perfume you wear every day.”

“Enticing?”

His gaze raked over me in my blue flare jeans paired with a loose lace off-the-shoulder top. “Yes, enticing,” he admitted.

“Well, that’s mutual.”

He shoved a hand through his thick hair, looking distressed. “I need to go. Just… before I do, know that I’m working on stopping the campaign against you. I’m dealing with two highly stubborn individuals, so it’s taking more time than I would like, but it’ll happen. I won’t stop untiltheystop with you.”

“I really appreciate that, but I’ll handle it. Don’t worry about it.”

“Handle it? Hold on, is this… training?”

“It’s me getting back my power. In more ways than one.”

“Striking against Orpheus Hart is unheard of.”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

“No. He’ll destroy you.”

“He overestimates his positionandhis power.”

“It’s not just about magical power, Alena. There’s a lot more involved that’s put him at the top here at Electi Academy.”

“He won’t take things all the way against me.”

“You think his attraction to you is affection?”

“Could very well be.”

“And if you’re wrong and it backfires?”

“It won’t matter either way. There’s only one resort when dealing with a threat and that is to respond with a show of force beyond theirs.”

“That will take this from a battle to a war.”

---