Page 41 of Magic & Secrets
“I am a Bane Shifter. When I seek dialogue with the authorities, they meet with me. You can stand next to me while that happens.”
Calla stared as if her gaze alone could break me into pieces. I admittedly felt overly attached to her. If she were anyone else—including her sisters—I’d have ditched her out here and put my needs first.
Instead, I stood too close to the beautiful warrior and enjoyed her sweet scent. Calla noticed my proximity and frowned up at me.
“We’ll search the town for food and shelter,” I said, suddenly reluctant to reach Elatalora, where we’d go our separate ways. “You should check out the tavern. They likely have supplies for a meal. I will hunt the woods for meat.”
“Should we hunt the Ghouls?” Calla asked, surprising me. “They’re dangerous to others, and it’s my job to protect the weak.”
“Hogwash. We are already on one mission. Why engage in another one?”
“You said my mission was over.”
“Don’t attempt to trick me with my own words. Just explore the tavern. They often have bedrooms upstairs. We could lodge there for the night. If the Ghouls come, we will kill them.”
“What about the beast or the Witch who wields them?”
“What Witch?”
Calla gestured at a nearby store. On the wall were words likely written in blood. “It’s a spell to enthrall the townsfolk. It would explain why they didn’t put up a fight.”
“Witch magic doesn’t work on Bane Shifters. If you become entranced, I will save you. Problem solved.”
Calla stared at me, seeming ready to share her secrets. I held her gaze and refused to look away. Her green eyes softened under my attention.She was so beautiful.My interest in this creature both enchanted and unnerved me.
For many centuries, not one Bane Shifter had ever found a mate.How could I believe I would be the first?
No, the more practical explanation was that the world had gone mad while I was hidden on the mountain. Former enemies had become allies. Creatures who once feared the Bane Shifters had willingly met us on the battlefield.
In a world gone mad, my longing for Calla made perfect sense.
Calla
THE OUTPOST WAS CALLEDSparkling Star. The Murade preferred to name their settlements as if they were the finest in all of Lavinia. This place had a single road with several inns, a few shops, and a pub. The humans had barely begun to build here before the end came.
My New Armgard instincts insisted I hunt the Varema Ghouls hiding out of sight in the woods. The urge was strong, yet I feared I might embarrass myself again in front of Roque.
The Bane Shifter left me broken. I could no longer feel my sisters. My training didn’t come naturally anymore. Mates were meant to be a gift, but Roque’s presence had stolen everything powerful about me.
Why had I cried in front of him? As a New Armgard warrior, I learned early on to hide my emotions. I was also taught to suppress my powers to avoid drawing attention. If the New Armgard were truly unleashed, we could destroy armies. Yet, I cried like a child when Roque laughed at me.
His scent left my head spinning. I could hear his heart beating. I felt him breathing. I ached for his attention and approval.
Despite how Roque was ruining me, I feared how soon our time together would be over. He wanted us to travel to Elatalora, a city controlled by the Silver Elves and Eburnean Wizards. Either creature could sense I wasn’t an Elven half-breed. If they threatened me, I might lose control of my magic and give away my lineage.What would Roque do once he learned I was his mortal enemy?
If good fortune fell upon me, one of the Elves from the Gathering would be in Elatalora. They would protect my identity and help me sneak out of the city. I’d likely never see Roque again.
Considering my sisters’ fates, I assumed they were with their mates.Were Enya and Mina having any better luck with Koda and Delta than I was with Roque?
My mate disappeared into the forest, leaving me worried over his safety. Of course, Roque could handle Ghouls, Witches, and whatever else hid in Pandorium Forest. Logic insisted I quiet my racing heart.
Forcing myself to get moving, I searched the one-lane settlement. Each building was designed with well-constructed barricades. The humans were prepared for physical threats. Their weapons were more than sufficient to kill the Varema Ghouls. They simply didn’t plan for a Witch to enter the fray.
Nothing remained of the humans except for their bloodied, tattered clothes and mementos from the lives they left behind before moving to this forsaken outpost.
I located a communication room within one of the living quarters. My fingers slid across the radio as I considered contacting the Citadel. How would Warlock Gregory react to my update? Should I hide the truth about Roque’s presence? I wasn’t a skilled liar, and I feared what Gregory would do if he sensed my falsehoods.
Rather than chance sharing the wrong information, I left the communication room and continued to explore the settlement.
