Page 30 of Desire

“I do,” Garron said.

“What is it?”

“What is what?” Edmund asked.

“The colorful mist,” I said, sweeping a wet hand to indicate the room.

The glowing particles moved as if I’d disturbed them.

Edmund’s gaze stopped searching the space for danger and settled on me. I saw the moment interest replaced his concern in his gaze and crossed my arms over my chest.

“Edmund, out.”

Brandle reached in through the door and pulled his brother out before Edmund could do anything more. The door closed softly.

I glanced at Garron, who was running a hand in the air, staring at the swirl of colors.

“Do you know what it is?” I asked.

He glanced at me, flushed, then focused on the room.

“Energy, but I’ve never seen it like this. When Henry cast the spell for the barrier around the glade, it was close to this.”

Garron suddenly rushed over to me and pulled me from the water. Shocked, I didn’t think to fight him when he turned me away from him and then back again.

His gaze swept over my nakedness without hesitation until it met mine. A flush exploded on his face, and he released me like a hot coal. I hurriedly sank into the water.

“Forgive me. I—” He swallowed hard and looked frantically around the room. “Henry lost twenty years of his life when he cast that spell. I feared?—”

I watched Garron tuck his trembling hands into his pockets.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

He let out a slow breath. “What spell did you cast?”

“I didn’t cast any. I closed my eyes to relax and focused on the feel of the water. Its energy was there in my mind—bright and glowing, like what you see in the air now. Then I could feel the floor and the thatching. I couldseeit all, even with my eyes closed. I didn’t know that I was casting until Edmund asked. How did he know?”

Garron tapped the amulet tucked away under his tunic. “It glowed.”

I nodded slowly and rested my head against the tub again. “I could see all of you too. You glowed so brightly. If not for your protective charms, what would have happened, Garron?” His silence was answer enough. “I’m a danger to all of you.”

He touched my hair lightly. I kept my eyes closed, knowing I should send him out but needing the comfort.

“Brandle doesn’t lie, Snow. The only way you can hurt us is by giving up. We rushed in here because we were worried for your safety, not ours.”

“Foolish,” I muttered. Yet, so like my sister. “Why could you see the colors but not Edmund?”

As soon as I asked, I knew.

Sitting up, I turned to look at him. His fingers feathered against my cheeks.

“You can cast, can’t you?”

CHAPTER FIVE

Garron looked awayand started to stand. I grabbed his arm to stop him.

“Please, Garron. I’m going mad with frustration. The books speak of things I don’t understand. If you do, please teach me. Please. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

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