Page 107 of Degradation

“I understand you are only trying to do your duty. However, I promise my sister will not be pleased if you lead her sister and father to your dungeon. I’m sparing you a severe reprimanding, really.”

Each attempt to stop us was met with failure due to the pocket of air I’d created around us like a barrier. It didn’t close us off but simply prevented them from touching us.

The men truly tried. Their feet skidded along the stone as they braced against the barrier that moved with us. More guards were called before we reached the stairs, not that it did the lot any good.

“This is quite entertaining,” Rose said, watching one take a tumble.

I quickly used air to cushion his fall and prevent him from cracking his head.

The emotions in my well were stirring dangerously with impatience and frustration, and I suddenly understood the temptation to turn people into the creatures they emulate.

By the time we reached the top step, the guards around us had started yelling to bar the castle doors.

“I have no wish to force my way in,” I said, hesitating.

Rose chuckled. “I have no such qualms.”

The doors froze, allowing just enough room for us to pass one at a time. Brandle went first, followed by Eadric then me, and finally Edmund and the others. Rose entered last, and the doors closed behind us, shutting out the guards who had gathered. They pounded on the doors; then suddenly, everything outside went quiet.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I looked at the stunned palace guards.

“Can you please let King Afton know that the Kings of Turre are here to see him about a new trade agreement and let Eloise Cartwright know that her father and sister are here to see her?”

The man slowly nodded and backed away a few steps before pivoting and hurrying away.

Beside me, I felt Rose’s curiosity. She couldn’t decide whether I was holding back what I could do out of politeness or if I lacked the knowledge.

“Since I just learned I was a caster a few months ago, it would be safe to presume I lack the knowledge to do whatever it is you think I should do,” I said without taking my gaze from the far section of the grand entry where the guard had disappeared.

I felt Rose’s surprise and glanced at her.

“I can’t read thoughts but feel emotions. That’s how I gain my energy, too. I thought you did the same when you said there was no source for you to replenish your well.”

Her slow smile and growing amusement confused me. I was about to question her when I heard a familiar shout.

I looked down the hallway at my sister, who was running at me with her simple dress lifted high enough to show her stockings to the knee. Grinning through the sudden onslaught of my tears, I bolted for her.

We met in the middle, crashing into one another and falling to the floor—softly, thanks to Rose.

Eloise wrapped me in her arms, sobbing into my shoulder as I did almost the same but quieter.

“Should we at least pick them up?” I heard Darian ask.

“Give them a few moments,” my father said.

At the sound of his voice, she released me and scrambled to her feet, only to leap the short distance to our father. As he always did, he caught her in his strong arms and held her tightly.

Liam and Darian helped me to my feet as I watched their reunion.

“Forgive me,” Father whispered into her hair. “I wasn’t myself.”

She hugged him harder. “I know, Papa.”

Tears tracked down his cheeks as he kissed the top of her head and released her.

When she faced me once more, I uttered my own apology. “I’m so sorry, El. Forgive me for taking so long.”

She smiled. “You came back. It doesn’t matter how long it took. You’re here now.” A sudden smile lifted her tear-stained cheeks.

---