Page 18 of Swords and Curses

"No, but she already had teachers, and her nature was different to yours."

"Does that make a difference?"

"Tremendously. She's constantly at war within herself, fighting to stay in the light when there is so much darkness in her. The tragedies of her life have left a stain on her melancholy heart. In comparison, you are like liquid sunshine."

"I wouldn't say that. I'm plenty moody."

"No, you aren't. You brighten this place up. That's why the Vane men all adore you. You're like a sweet, rose-filled chocolate to them. Your magic even manifested roses."

"When I was helping Eli make my necklace, I had a pinkish light coming from my hands," Rosa said thoughtfully. "I wonder if it's because of my name."

"Why didn't you tell me about the light?" Eldon demanded.

"I didn't think it was important," she shrugged.

"Of course it is important! Pink! Now I know exactly what to do." His eyes gleamed feral. He clapped his hands once, and Balthasar appeared a hundred yards away.

"What the hell are you doing?" Rosa demanded.

"Motivating you." He whispered words she couldn't catch, and power rolled out of him. A huge black wolf appeared through the trees, and its head lowered as it made for Balthasar.

"Bal! Look out!" Rosa shouted, but he didn't move. "Eldon, stop this!"

"You stop it."

Rosa turned and ran towards Balthasar, heedless of the danger. She wasn't going to reach him in time.

"Bal!" she screamed, reaching for him. Something roared through her, knocking her to the ground. The ground ripped up in a wave of dirt and turf, curling up and around Balthasar, enclosing him in a protective wall. The wolf vanished in a cloud of mist.

Eldon helped her back to feet, "Breathe, Rosa. You're okay, so just breathe."

She coughed violently, doubled over as air forced itself into her lungs.

"Bal, get him out of there," she wheezed.

"He wasn't really there. It was only an illusion like the wolf."

Rosa's hand swung up and struck him hard across the face. Eldon didn't stumble. He took it as if he expected it.

"Don't youeveruse Balthasar as bait again," she hissed.

"He wasn't in any danger, and I needed to prove something to you."

"What? That I will protect Bal from your stupid games?"

"No, that love is what triggers your magic. It's the most powerful trigger that you can have, but it also makes you vulnerable. Can you feel it now? The magic in your blood begging to get out?"

Rosa took three deep breaths and tried to calm her anger. She could feel something humming under her skin like inverted goosebumps. The more she focused on them, the more the sensation grew. She held out her hand and focused the sensationon her palm. A pink rose bloomed between her fingers as Balthasar had shown her.

"I'll have to tell Bal…" she managed before she pitched forward, and Eldon rushed to catch her.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rosa woke in the attic with Balthasar sitting beside her and gently stroking her head.

"I don't think I will ever tire of waking up and seeing you," she murmured sleepily. "What time is it?"

"About 8 p.m.," he answered with a kiss on her forehead. "You had me worried for a while there, Wylt."

---