Page 61 of Seduced By Moonlight

“I’ll be honest, I haven’t tried. Inhaling a lungful of water hasn’t been high on my list of things to do.”

Ward chuckled. “Again, I can’t say that I blame you. So you haven’t noticed gills or anything when you call on that part of your DNA?”

“No. But I would think I would need gills to breathe underwater? Right?”

“That would be something we need to ask Fenton, the mer chieftain, because I know less about the mer than I do about the vampires or weres.” Reaching up, Ward rubbed the bridge of his nose. “And I need to rectify that. We need as much information as we can get to help you.”

“Thank you.

“That’s not something you need to thank me for. In fact, it’s something I should’ve already done. And before daylight dons, I’ll send out emails to Raven, Axel, and Fenton requesting that information. Now, what about your magical powers?”

“Because of your request, I haven’t flexed my magical muscle. But I don’t feel different. In fact, I feel stronger.”

“Were you ever in battle?”

“Probably not like you’re meaning. Witches sometimes will test each other, but that rarely ends in death. Can I kill? Absolutely. But I don’t feel driven to it.”

“All right, then, I know Celine isn’t as powerful as you, but will you show her what you’re capable of?”

“Of course, but may I ask why?”

“I’d like to know, in case we have some unwanted visitors. And I think you need to know too. You need to be comfortable using each of those new powers.”

Rihanna sighed.

“They’re part of you now, even if you don’t want them. Consider them a tool. Use them as such.”

“I know I need to. I’m trying.”

“I know.” Ward gently patted her on the back. “Which brings me to the next thing I need to tell you about. I’m waiting on confirmation, but I believe I know the name of the witch who attacked and tried to sacrifice you.” Ward braced himself for an outburst from Rihanna.

Her expression darkened. “Who?”

“Marianna Crescente, the High Priestess of the Sisters of the Crescent Moon,” Ward said.

Rihanna rose from her seat. “Marianna Crescente. They were careful not to use names while I was in captivity.”

Ward noticed the surrounding air was charged with a tangible fury. “She’s already proven that she’s power hungry, ruthless, and not above using dark magic if it suits her purposes.”

Rihanna paced now, her movements agitated. “I finally have a name for her and her coven.”

“Yes. And she knows where you are.”

Rihanna stopped and looked directly at Ward. “She will come for me.”

“I believe so, yes.”

“I want to be involved, Ward, in whatever plan you’re making.”

Ward met her gaze steadily. “I expected no less. But we must be cautious. Your powers are vast, but still new and unpredictable. We need you in full control.”

“Learn to use the tools I was given,” Rihanna muttered, repeating what Ward had said earlier.

“Yes.” Ward got his cell out.

“Then let’s prioritize that. I need to understand the extent of my abilities and how to harness them effectively.”

“Agreed.” Ward’s fingers halted their rapid movement over his phone screen as he looked up at Rihanna with a serious expression. “I’ll set up a meeting with Celine for an hour from now, if possible. She can help you test your limits within a controlled environment.”

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