Page 103 of The Sins of Silas

In the months following that tragedy, my fire and ice fought for dominance. Some days, I was so angry I felt like I could turn Amesto ash. Others, I would grow so cold that my body couldn't move.

“I am not a mother,” I had sobbed. “I failed.”

He held my face, those warm, brown eyes burning into mine, seeing me for all that I was. Like they always had.

“Youarea mother. And you did not fail.” He had pulled me into his arms, rocking me, warming me with his magic. “Your child is with Ravaiana now, roaming the skies in Elysium.No child shall suffer. Every child is free.That is engraved in her temple.”

I still struggled with my belief in the Gods and Goddesses sometimes. I especially did after the loss of my baby.

But Torrin believed, and his words comforted me.

“You will be with him again one day…this is not the end,” he had whispered in my mind.

I sniffed and quickly wiped away my tears as they forced their way down my face at the thought of Torrin.

Roland's smile dissipated just as Merrick leaned over and whispered, “Are you okay?”

I nodded, sniffing once more and taking a shaky breath.

I wasn't. But I needed to shove those emotions down…until I could find a quiet place alone.

Torrin helped me control my ice…had helped me tame my fire. He even taught me how to wield my electricity, to fight with it.

He never told me when he got his.

Anyway, I had much to learn over the past few years. Mage lights were last on my list.

“Lumen,”I chanted, my fingers pinching together before flicking them outward. A large orb, the size of cantaloupe, shot out from my hand, floating in the air like a bubble.

I smiled weakly, but the gesture only lasted for a moment before a sinking feeling filled my chest.

“Very good, Lena!” Dani praised, his strong biceps flexing as he clapped.

They can't be here. Not now.

“Now I want to teach you a basic ward. It's—”

Dani was cut off by Elowen's deafening shriek. Our heads whirled toward her as she clasped the sides of her head, falling to her knees.

“Elowen!” Edmund shouted, grasping her arms and searching her face.

A moment later, Silas was wailing, reaching for his head.

I inhaled sharply, flame creeping up my arms and legs. I knew now that Silas had a sensitivity to flame, but it was my strongest form of magic. When it came to the Undead, I would be taking no chances.

My eyes darted around us, in the forest, between the tents.

“They've found us!” Erabella cried, and I whirled to where a singular figure stood.

Vicsin Astair.

“N-no,” Elowen sobbed as she fell to her knees, her aqua eyes scrunched in pain. “Father…”

Merrick watched in horror as his father stepped forward, eyes solid black, that same spider and pentagram combo etched into the skin on his forehead. Vicsin's lip raised, his head cocking, and El and Silas cried out harder. Blood began dripping from their noses.

“Stop this!” Roland snarled, withdrawing his sword.

Vicsin's attention skated to him. He laughed. “Silly human.” The voice was Vicsin's…andhis. “You really believe you stand a chance against me?”

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