Page 88 of Captivating Magic

“Ohmygod! I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you, but there’s no need for you to be. My uncle and aunt acted as foster parents and were the best influence a kid could have. And the Thornes have welcomed me with open arms.”

“They do that, don’t they?” she mused aloud, glancing back at the gathered family as they discussed options. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the fact magic actually exists in the world.”

“And yet, you’re magical yourself now,” Knox reminded her.

“Yes. I’d feel like I’m dreaming if it wasn’t for the pain when Kyrella takes over.”

“Talk to Spring when this thing with Spencer is resolved. She may be able to concoct something to ease your discomfort while still allowing your wolf to be alert.”

“I never thought of that,” Laszlo said as he joined them, indicating he’d been listening to their conversation.

Likely, it was one part jealousy, and the other two-thirds was his need to stay informed.

“It hurts like a mofo, but either way, I’m happy to do it if it means Ky can live on,” Ebba said.

“Thank you,”Kyrella said.

She clutched the amulet to feel the connection to her wolf and show support. A warming peace filled her, assuring her their bond was real.

“What’s the next step?” she asked them.

Knox winked. “I believe it’s my turn to shine.”

31

“He’s the stuff of heroes, isn’t he?” Lo said with a smidgeon of envy in his heart as Knox stepped away to join Spring.

“So are you,” Ebba assured him. “You time-traveled back to save me. Who does that if not a hero?”

“Don’t say that too loudly, or Casto?—”

“It’s nice to be recognized for my better qualities,” Castor quipped.

Laszlo hung his head. “Damn. I thought we’d be able to avoid all his preening.”

Their grins were his reward.

“I’m discovering everyone has a different skill. What’s Knox’s?” Ebba asked, her focus on the couple by the circle.

“His element is metal. He’s able to bend and transform it,” Castor explained. “And unlike standard witches, his magic was infused in his soul. No matter how often he’s reborn, he’ll possess the same power.”

“And he’s able to call metal objects to him,” Alastair added, joining their trio. The keen satisfaction in his voice said it all. “He’s a master.”

Although Laszlo wanted to see the man in action, he focused all his attention on Ebba’s expressive face. It tickled him to see her so fascinated by each new bit of information revealed to her. Currently, her eyes were rounded with wonder as she watched Knox hold out his hand and draw the molecules from the room to create a blue ball. It crackled and sparked, causing the metal objects in the room to rock.

Fear lit Spencer’s eyes, but he hid it well. Still, Lo could see the color of his emotions beneath Clutch’s faux-calm exterior, thanks tohisparticular gifts. Alastair’s empathic ability would make his cousin aware of Spencer’s innermost feelings, too. There was no fooling one as clever and experienced as Al.

“My wife asked you nicely, Barlowe. I won’t be as nice,” Knox said, tone solid steel.

“I would hand it over, but I’m the only one capable of controlling it.” Spencer smirked to hide his worry. “We wouldn’t want her to be sucked inside it, would we?”

The Aether approached him, and sweat broke out on the man’s head. One solitary bead of moisture dripped down his temple and ran to the hard edge of his jawline. “Your time is limited, Barlowe. There are a few ways this can play out.” Damian crossed his arms to show he meant business. “One, I can simply kill your host, leaving you nowhere to go but hell. Two, I can drag your soul from that body and decimate it, which is excruciating, by the by. Three, you can place the object on the floor by the edge of this circle and back away from it. Then, you’ll tell us exactly how it works.”

“He doesn’t need to,” Nash said as he lifted an ancient-looking book up. “I know. It’s all right here.”

“Oh?”

---