Page 260 of Red Ruin

His power surges through my soul, all syrup hot and twinkling.

My shoulder blades tingle in recognition of the gentle heat flowing between us. The energy pools into a pretty, pink fireball that glows from our clasped hands.

“We’re the burn team now,” Vhex says, deeply satisfied.

“Hold on.” I need to check his condition before I play with his power.

Vhex’s meridians are holding onto a bit of brisket crust, but his soul-silks glow lively and vibrant, mostly untangled and free to roam. I run a few quick cycles to comb through the damage. The freed silks rebound to coil around me.

His excitement bubbles, lighting me up.

He wants me to use his power.

He wants me to usehim. Any way I can.

“How is it?” Vhex asks, teasing a fanged smile against my throat.

“Good.”Really good. I lift our hands a little higher and lean past my toes, lining up a target on the ground. “Together?”

“Always.”

Vhex tightens to my back.

His power surges, just as hot and addictive as his venom. I guide the rush like I’m navigating rapids.

He’s so fucking strong.

And wild.

Butstars.

There’s safety too.

Vhex feels like mine.

For all the Sentinels I’ve guided, he and Remy are the only ones who ever let me in so deep I have free rein of their magic.

Giddy with the rush, I toss a test fireball.

I’m forever underestimating Vhex’s sheer fucking power—especially after my guiding has amped his flow.

What’s meant to be a tiny fireball splits into a meteor shower that pummels the ground below. Liquid hellfire rips through the mummified monster corpses and uprooted trees.

More and more magic sucks through our conduit to fuel the raging flames.

“Whoa.” I start to pull back.

“Don’t stop.” Vhex squeezes our knuckles and buries his face in my shoulder. He hugs tight, his voice muffled. “It feels so fucking good, Firefly. No more pain.”

“It’ll get even better.” I lean sideways, resting my head against his ear. I don’t forget to squeeze Remy, keeping them both reassured. “Give me time.”

Vhex’s emotions sizzle with his magic.

He fuckinglovesthe sensation of unloading into my body, whether with his flames, his fang or his pretty, candy cock.

I sweat.

Vhex offers overflowing power to my fingertips.

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