Page 87 of Desire

Slowly withdrawing, I studied him.

“Those concerns are not your burden alone, Brandle. Trust your brothers—trust me—to carry those concerns with you.

“When I agreed to help you, I did so because I believed you were the best option to help my sister. I knew that it would take time to break your curse, and I am using that time to my advantage by learning more about casting, which I hope will help us achieve that goal. So, while I do appreciate your concern for my sister, know that it is a useless concern. It will take as long as it takes, and we are doing everything we can while we wait.

“Now, regarding my spell work attracting attention…according to Garron, Henry cast the spell for the barrier at a great cost. Yet, you weren’t discovered. The spells I’ve cast seem to have very little cost. However, it is wise to practice caution. Garron mentioned methods casters use to cloak themselves. I’ll work on mastering that next. Hiding what I can do will protect me, and mastering what I can do will protect all of you.

“And as for your promise of protection, when you vowed to keep me safe, we both understood you were not promising an outcome but your intent…just like the spells I cast. Do your best, and I will do mine, Brandle. That is all we can ask of one another.

“Regarding whether breaking your curse will be enough… I may not understand the problems you face, but your brothers do. Spend time with them. Think of all the possible outcomes, and create plans.” I feathered my fingers over his cheek.

“Worrying solves nothing. Stop worrying, and start planning, Brandle.”

He darted forward and kissed me hungrily. I could feel his desire, but it was as strong as his devotion and adoration. Whenhe pulled back, I was lightheaded. It took a moment to realize he was washing me and not using it as a means to draw pleasure for me.

The corners of his mouth lifted in a charming smile when I frowned at him.

“I doubt my control to stop once I start, Kitten.”

My heart skipped a beat at his meaning.

“And when you look at me like that, you test my restraint. Whatever lingering concerns you have about being with us, resolve them. Once you do, I am yours for the rest of my life. Do you understand?”

I studied him.

“And if I’m unable to resolve them?” I asked.

“I will need a frigid bath like the one you gave Darian. He said it cooled his desire for hours.”

I laughed and sank deeper into the tub as Brandle idly washed my neck.

“I will do as you ask.”

With my senses open,I stood at the edge of the clearing. After a week of practice, I’d finally braved casting my senses far afield.

“I can feel one,” I said to Garron. One caster among thousands of people living at the edge of Turre.

“Is your lid firmly on your well?” he asked.

“It is.”

“Good. Have they cloaked their energy?”

“No.”

“I think we are right then,” he said.

I brought myself back to the clearing and looked at Garron.

“Have I truly been cloaking myself since that day in the woods?” I asked, still struggling to believe the lid I had on my well was my protection.

“It’s the only explanation that makes sense,” Garron said. “When you first arrived, I couldn’t sense you. It wasn’t until you lost control that we knew.”

“When I lose control, the lid moves off the well to some degree,” I said with a nod. “When I cast, I only lift it a little, so energy doesn’t flood in.” I thought back to when my abilities first appeared. The panic of seeing everything dying at my feet and how naturally I’d closed that part of myself off. Without understanding, I’d not only protected those around me but myself as well.

“Is the lid why I can’t sense how much energy is in the well?” I asked.

Garron considered the question. “Even when cloaked, I sense the energy within my well. However, I don’t believe comparing yourself to me is an accurate assessment of what is possible. I don’t have the same level of control or talent you do. I would be able to sense an uncloaked caster near or in our glade, but not farther afield as you can.”

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