Page 116 of Polestar
Ana laughed at the ridiculous accusation, drawing Yvan’s attention.
He opened his mouth to speak when the shaman suddenly appeared in front of him.“Filth!Despoiler!”
Yvan grinned at the old man.
“What is so funny?”Elias demanded of the magician.“My grandfather is nearly dead, and my home is in chaos.”
“Nothing, your highness,” Yvan said to the prince, checking himself.
It must be done now, before it’s too late.Ana’s otherself, pleaded with her.I will help bridge you.
“Shaman,” Ana said, drawing the old man’s attention.“I think I can help you.”
With a final scowl at Yvan, he blinked forward, peering into Ana’s face.She had no idea what he saw, but after a moment he searched the room, his gaze stopping at her twin before he nodded.
“What’s going on?”Antony asked her.
“Seems my otherselfover there insists we can help the Shaman.”
“Other self?”his eyes widened, looking around the room.
“You can’t see her?The shaman can.”
Yvan, watching the exchange, blanched.Again, he opened his mouth, lifting his hand toward Ana’s body.He shouted two words when he was interrupted.
“Stop!”Elias commanded; eyes narrowed on the man with disgust.“There will be no conjuring in this room.”
Ana’s otherselfstepped forward, reaching out her hands toward Ana and the Shaman.
The shaman placed his hand in hers.Ana hesitated, looked up into the old man’s eyes, and touched the proffered hand.
So many things happened all at once and none of them eased the uncomfortable sensations roiling through her body.
Yes, her body.The hard floor was distinct below her, the painted ceiling above her was breathtakingly beautiful and Antony’s face was far too close to hers.Her hand lifted, shoving him away, but she wasn’t controlling it or the rest of her as she struggled to her feet, head swimming.
God, I feel like I’m going to puke.
She reached for her head, but the other force occupying her body forced it away as her feet stomped her toward the king’s bed.
“What’s happening?What’s wrong with her?”Elias demanded, eyes wide.
“Silence, young man!”The shaman barked through Ana’s vocal chords.
Ana cringed, almost dislodging herself from her body.
Don’t!Her otherSelfwarned, also from within.You agreed to do this.If you retract your will, the shaman won’t be able to save the king or break the sigils.
From the other side of the room Magnus groaned as he regained consciousness.
“Father!”Elias said, crouching down beside him.
“What’s happening?”he rasped, rubbing his throat where Havard had nearly strangled him to death.
“I’m not sure, but I think your Ana is channeling the shaman.”
The sensation of the shaman’s being occupying her body wigged her out.“Antony, this feels so weird,” she said as he stepped into the space beside her.She continued to resist the urge to shake the old man out as their beings seemed to vie for space, slipping against one another while trying not to force the other out.
Relax.
