Page 75 of Luca

My eyes rolled behind my eyelids, and I allowed myself another deep breath before inviting in the happy thoughts. Cair was the first to appear, of course. His devilish smirk, his piercing eyes, his devotion. He was perfect in every way, my entire universe, and would always be my happiest thought.

A bird chirped somewhere in the distance, and it took every ounce of strength in me not to latch onto the specific cadence and stray down the path of figuring out its species by sound alone. It was probably a bluebird, but given the time of year and the heat, it could also have been a?—

Focus.

With a violent head shake, I sank deeper, my mind and body finally relaxing through sheer force of will. The next visions that came to me were of the farm and the Otherworld—my home. Both were accompanied by a feeling of safety; it surrounded me as scene after scene played behind my eyes like a silent film, a comfortable blanket wrapping around my shoulders.

Finding my dad.

Figuring out I have magic.

Being able to protect my mate.

Suddenly, I became conscious of myself inwardly, vividly aware of the inner workings of my body as if my eyes had rolled too far and become detached. It was startling, and I almost lost that concentration, but familiar green rivulets dancing to a tuneless melody captivated my attention, swirling inside like droplets of colorful ink in water. It showed no signs of responding to my presence, and I could have watched the mesmerizing display for hours, but Zadok’s dulcet tones echoed in my ear, prompting me to keep going.

I reached out as he’d instructed, as if enticing a timid creature, willing my mind to capture its attention. For a beat, there was no change except for the faintest sensation of being perceived—a fizzle, as if a shiver had run down its spine, alerting it to my observation. I tried again, softer, more patient, and that feeling only heightened until the emerald wisps finally faced me. Goose bumps rose on my skin. It had no eyes, no features at all, but I knew it was studying me, deciphering my intentions. It shifted closer, chittering with caution,curiosity, and when I didn’t give it any reason to retreat, it flickered brighter, whirling around me as if in giddy recognition. I heard myself laugh, and it embraced me, a buzz of energy welcoming me like an old friend.

Once it settled, I imagined myself offering my hand in a wordless request.

It accepted.

My eyes flew open, and I was back on the hill, the sun beaming down on me, the scent of wildflowers in my nose. I lifted my arms, gasping at the sight of green flames coiling around my fingers. “Holy sh?—”

“That’s it, lad.” The elation radiating from Zadok was utterly infectious. “Now, keep a hold of it, and open a portal. Just like we practiced.”

I drew invisible symbols as I visualized what I wanted. There was a stir in the air, a rush of sensation, and a tear appeared at our feet, a river not unlike the Veil, only fluorescent green. It stayed there, taking no effort, no real concentration, as if it was as natural to me as breathing. I had complete control, widening it with a mere thought or shrinking it with a gesture of my hand.

It listened to me, and as soon as I wanted it to disappear, I did so by simply waving it away. My magic gradually dimmed, sinking back into my body, unmistakably satisfied with its accomplishments, and I just stood there.

Blinking.

“I did it,” I muttered dumbly, distantly hearing Zadok’s celebratory cheer.

“You did it!” He let out a guttural laugh, and before I could even comprehend the sensation of thin arms scooping me into a bear hug and my feet leaving the ground, I was in the air, being twirled. “Well done, my son. You are extraordinary!”

I was set back down within seconds, wobbling unsteadily as I laughed at his antics. He ruffled my curls, beaming proudly, and I felt a sense of fulfillment bloom in my chest.

All this time, I had thought it was Cair opening those temporary tears around the palace, and sending us to his apartment in the human realm, but it was me.Me. It actually made sense now that it was all laid out. Not only was the magic green, instead of purple like the Veil, but anytime my mate had tried conjuring one on his own, he’d been unsuccessful. Only when I was there, standing beside him, had he made progress. It had just never occurred to either of us that it wasmyblood,mydormant magic that was the cause. Even now, I could hardly believe it.

I’m a freaking mage!

It wasn’t until I’d wiped the tears of happiness from my eyes that I saw Flick striding up the hill toward us, an axe slung over his shoulder—his verynakedshoulder, I noted belatedly. He’d obviously decided to go to work without his shirt this morning since it was hot as balls outside. Couldn’t blame him, and if I didn’t have cum drying on my belly, and my dad wasn’t there, I would probably have done the same.

“Well done, junior.” He congratulated me in that gruff voice of his before addressing Zadok. “I’m heading down to fix the fence. I won’t be in your way.”

I’d already known he was muscular—his shirts, though baggy, barely concealed anything—but seeing it all on display, he was in a whole different league. Not that I was staring. Absolutely not. Okay, I was, but it was respectful, not leering in any way. I was just really fucking impressed. I’d also guessed from the scars on his face that he’d have more on his body, and it was completely involuntary how my eyes did a quick dart over them before I managed to look away. They were mostly small, scattered across his green skin in various locations—from farming, maybe?—but the most obvious was the slash from his hip to his belly button, and the two twin lines sitting horizontal under his pecs.

“You’re never in the way, beloved,” Zadok said, and the term of endearment had a smile tugging at my lips. It was nice to see them so in love.

“Regardless, I’ll let you two get on.” Flick sent a parting wink to my dad before walking away. Zadok stared after him, eyeing his partner’s backside appreciatively.

I snorted.

“Hey, if I don’t have the time forthat, neither do you.”

The poor guy almost gave himself whiplash turning his face back to me. He spluttered, cheeks going red. “I wasn’t even—” He noticed my amused smirk and cut himself off with a huff, shaking his head. “Well played. Now…” He clasped my shoulder, squeezing gently in encouragement. “Let’s see how far you can take us, shall we?”

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