Page 16 of Lore of the Tides

Lore had never done a pull-up in her life, not successfully, anyway. Finndryl was lifting himself, then dropping low, slow, controlled, and then drawing himself up again with ease as if he weren’t a ridiculously tall,heavyfae male.

Finn, Lore said. But not out loud. Her lips, which felt far away and insubstantial, did not move.

She spoke directly into his mind.

Finndryl tensed, every muscle in his body freezing for an instantbefore he loosened his grip on the wooden rafter and—graceful as a panther—dropped to the floor.

He turned around and—his face, gods, his face was thesame. The familiar face that she remembered, lovely lips drawn into a frown, brows furrowed, eyes clever and haunted—twin lakes of ink so black they threatened to drown her.

Relief flooded through her, washing away the tension that had been a constant, gnawing companion for days, even clinging to her in this ethereal state.

But his eyes did not meet her own—he cast his gaze around the room, searching. He couldn’t see her.

He was barefoot. Lore had never seen him barefoot before, and something about it was so... intimate. More intimate than seeing him without a shirt for the first time.

If she had been in her body, she would have blushed.

“Lore? What is this?” he said aloud. His eyes narrowed in suspicion. He was probably wondering if this was a cruel trick.

It’s me. I am scrying, like we used to practice in the Wilds.

“How is this possible?” Finndryl took a hesitant step forward, still searching the room, the walls, as if she were hiding behind them.

It’s a new trick I’ve learned. Like it?

“Depends on how long you’ve been spying on me.” His lips quirked upward into a smirk. “It’s not very fair, I should like to see you too.”

I haven’t been spying on you!Not for very long...Besides, I don’t have time to spy on you even if I was inclined to do so. I don’t have long as it is; I am scrying for... him. Looking for the twin book to my grimoire,Auroradel. She thought of something.I think if you think what you should like to say back to me, I might be able to hear it.

Finndryl looked dubious, but his eyebrows drew together in concentration, and then she heard him.Are you safe? Has he hurt you?The last question came through as a growl somehow, even thoughit was in Lore’s head.I’ll kill him if he has.That was not a threat; it was a promise.

I’m safe. No, he hasn’t hurt me.She added bitterly,Well, unless you count my pride... How are you? I didn’t believe them when they told me you were unharmed. I’m glad to see he wasn’t lying about this, at least. Are you okay?

Finndryl dropped onto the bench at the foot of his bed, flicking his locs behind him. Lore tore her gaze away from his abdominal muscles, studying the room. Finn’s room was smaller than hers, or maybe that was his immense size making it look so. Furnished nicely, it felt comfortable. As comfortable as a prison could be. He had no windows, but he had plenty of candles to see by.

Don’t worry about me. I’m golden.

Lore pressed insubstantial palms to her eyes as relief swept through her body at just hearing that he was doing well.I’m so glad to hear that... and also incredibly sorry that I got you entangled in this mess.

Finndryl sat forward, his expression stern.Don’t apologize. None if this is your fault.

Lore clasped her hands together.I mean, I don’t feel right not taking any responsibility. You were only in that garden because—

—because I chose to be. You are not to blame. The only one responsible for this is him.He clenched his jaw for a moment, the anger within him flaring in his eyes.Blame Asher.

Lore nodded, though Finn couldn’t see her.I wish Asher were real, so I could blame him.

Right. I wonder what my sister will say when she learns the truth about her closest “friend.”

I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of Isla’s wrath.Lore imagined it would be every bit as potent as her joy.

Syrelle is in for a surprise, I think... So, this is what magic feels like? Conversing from within one’s own mind?

Well, this is new for me but... yes.Lore cocked her head to the side.Didn’t you go to school for alchemy? Can’t you... do magic?

She thought back to their time at the tavern. Gryph, his father, had definitely possessed simple earthen magic. He used it in so many inconsequential ways, as the fae did. But neither Finn nor Isla had ever used magic in front of her, not even when Finndryl was battling in the tower or in the aftermath, in the garden when Asher had morphed into Syrelle and overpowered them. Lore had wondered about this, back in the Exile, but it seemed rude to pry... back then. Finn was such a private person, and she hadn’t had a chance to ask Isla before she left. Something had changed, though; maybe it was that they both had the shock of their lives together in the garden, maybe it was their time in the tower, battling together... or maybe it was just that he was Finn... and she felt comfortable now, asking him.

Finn shook his head.Actually, Isla and I had our magic taken from us before we were born, the consequence of a blood curse placed on my grandfather. None born of his line will ever wield power.

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