Page 101 of The Shadow Wand

“The Blessing of Dominion,” I say.

He gives me a weighted look. “It would have to be then.”

The full implications of this wash over me. We wouldn’t just be resealing our fasting as a ruse. To get past Vogel, we’ll have to really seal it this time, the consummation of our union absolutely required to fully set the magic, our fastlines flowing down our wrists afterward and blessed by the priest at the Sealing breakfast.

Blessed by Vogel.

And after that, the Blessing of Dominion.

An uncomfortable flush heats my neck as an aching grief takes hold. Nothing was supposed to be like this. I was supposed to be with Yvan.

Who would want me to survive.Even if it means putting aside my shattered heart to align with someone else in every way.

“The Blessing provides a good window,” I say, the tenacious will to escape hardening inside me even as grief shears through my emotions.

“It’s the only gap in their defenses I can find,” Lukas says, his brow tensed. “I’d leave now if we could. But we’re surrounded. And being carefully watched. Both of us.”

A new fear sparks. “Do you think Vogel suspects what I am?”

Lukas’s split-second hesitation causes that spark of fear to catch flame.

“No,” he finally says. “If he did, he’d have brought you into custody by now. But I think he suspects that you’re a traitor like your brothers. Vogel can sniff out rebellion and, Elloren, you reek of it.”

My defiance heats up. “Unlike you, with your unquestioning obedience?”

“They don’t question my loyalty,” Lukas counters. “Just my morality and gravity.”

“And your piety,” I acerbically note.

Lukas spits out a bitter sound. “There is my complete lack of piety.”

Our gazes lock and hold for a brief moment, a new understanding seeming to solidify between us.

“A Sealing will likely dampen their suspicions about both of us,” I cede, giving him a jaded look.

Lukas nods, meeting my look with a cynical one of his own. “You’ll need to act broken. And firmly under my control.”

“I know,” I snipe, fire ratcheting up at the thought. “But one thing needs to be clear, Lukas. Regardless of what they’ll all think, Iwon’tlet you control me. And you’ll never own me. Even if we seal this fasting.”

Lukas’s look turns blazing in its intensity. “We arefriends,” he says emphatically. “And as such, equals. I want you to controlyourself. And I want you to come into full control of your power.”

Moved by his sentiment, I think on how Lukas relinquished all control over me after our fasting. When he could have, by law, mandated my every move.

I study him, his intense gaze unwavering, as some of the force of my defiance lessens. I believe him. And I know that we’ve fallen into an unexpected but genuine alliance.

An alliance that could serve something far bigger and more important than us both.

As if sensing my changing feelings, Lukas’s lips form a grim smile. “Play the submissive fastmate for the moment. Once you’re trained in the use of your power, Vogel will be intimidated byyou. Along with everyone else on Erthia.”

I cast him an edgy look, unable to keep the resurgence of outrage from my tone. “I heard your whole conversation with your father, you know. He really loves the idea of you beating me.”

Lukas lets out a short laugh, tinged with disgust. “Because that works so well. He beat me regularly throughout my entire childhood.”

I inwardly wince at this as I hold his gaze, a moment of emotional candor passing between us. Outraged now on his behalf, I give him a look of solidarity. “You are the absolutepictureof docile submission.”

Lukas gives another short laugh but then his smile fades. There’s genuine concern in his gaze now. Concern for me.

I inhale as I glance down at our fastmarked hands. “I will admit,” I say as rebellion simmers inside me, “part of me likes the idea of using the Magedom’s horrid fasting traditions against them. It’s awful. Especially for women.”

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