Page 85 of Another Damned Storm
He didn’t look impressed.
“We both heal quickly, and I have the ability to manipulate certain elements of the sea.”
He eyed me. “Can you conjure storms like Thrain?”
“Not on land, and it’s not something I’ve attempted in a very long time.
He lifted one skeptical brow. “Why not?”
“Those powers serve no purpose in my realm,” I admitted. “What can your people bring to a fight?”
“Against a god?” He blew out a long breath. “Does a willingness to die to protect what we love count for anything?”
“More than you might think. Soldiers who have nothing to lose also have nothing to live for. What else?”
He went to the window and peered out for several seconds before answering. “What do we need? What can stop threats like Thrain and Lapalme?”
“Other powerful people,” I admitted. “Thrain’s biggest weakness right now is also his greatest strength, and that is belief. The people who worship him are powering these attacks, making him stronger. If we can find a way to destroy their belief in him, he will be vulnerable.”
He turned, giving me a hopeful look. “Then we can kill him?”
“No.” Not without the council of gods stepping in with their combined power. Given what they’d let happen so far, I didn’t see them getting involved. “Killing a god requires an enormousamount of power. More than I possess, and far more than even the largest human army in history could muster.”
“So, what can we do?” he asked.
“We can subdue him, however,” I offered. “Possibly drive him back to the realm he came from.” Between Never and I, with our shared power, we might stand a chance. “But again, having other magical beings on your side?—”
He waved me off. “I get it. We need to work with everyone at Lily’s camp. What I need is information that will help me convince my people that teaming up with them is worth the risk.”
“Most shifters are also stronger and faster than humans, especially when shifted. Witches can protect your fighters and set traps for the demons. The fae have a range of abilities, including creating glamors that can be used to hide or mask soldiers or give the impression that something else entirely is happening. Shall I go on?”
Matt rubbed the back of his neck. “No. You made your point.”
“What do you have against the magical beings in your world?” I asked.
He held my gaze for several seconds before breaking away to scan his living space. “Shouldn’t you be getting back to my sister?”
Evasive and bordering on hostile. He was most certainly hiding something, but as tempted as I was to press, he was right. Never was my priority.
“Will we be welcome to return here, or would you prefer I take her to Salus?” I asked.
I may as well have sucker punched him for the look he gave me. “She—you—are both welcome here.”
That wasn’t the impression I was getting, but if he was leaving the invitation open, it would be up to Never to take himup on it. “Very well. I will see what your sister would like to do.” I tipped my head in his direction. “For what it’s worth, we both greatly appreciate your help today.”
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the chin jut he offered in response was in line for the mood he was displaying. I didn’t bother excusing myself before I flashed back to the cabin.
Never and Lily were both sitting in straight backed wooden chairs, staring out into the forest in silence. I cleared my throat to get their attention. “Would you like me to return you to your pack now?” I asked, aiming the question at Lily.
She nodded. “Yeah. I would appreciate it.” Then her gaze slid between us. “You two are welcome to hole up here for the night if you need some time to yourselves.”
Never shot me a look that I could only assume meant we needed to talk. The only problem was I wasn’t feeling anything coming through our connection.
I offered Lily a bow of my head. “That is generous of you. Thank you.”
Never got to her feet, though she moved stiffly. “Thanks for your help today, Lil.” She pulled the other woman into a tight hug. “And thanks for giving it to me straight.”
“Either we’re all in this together, or we’re all in it for ourselves. I’m a big fan of together.” They pulled apart, and she motioned me over with a jerk of her head. “Come on, Atlas. I’m ready to go home.”
