Page 45 of When the Wicked Sing
“I know you think you’re powerless, but that isn’t true,” he said, his voice low and certain.
Mariana struggled to take a breath. “My mother took away everything that made me strong.”
Dax lifted one of her hands into his, inspecting it. “These fingers nearly took out my eyes just the other day.”
She shrugged. “My nails aren’t even sharp anymore.”
Their eyes met, and the world seemed to fade away.
“You don’t need claws—or your magic—to be a weapon.” He curled her hand into a fist. “You, yourself, are a weapon. A warrior. A deadly one, at that.”
A small smile tugged at her lips as she glanced between him and her fist. “Still afraid of me?”
Dax didn’t smile back. Instead, he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and whispered, “Terrified.”
Before she could respond, a wave of cold air burst through the room as the front door opened, making them pull away from each other.
Chapter 24
Theirheadsturned,andMariana saw two people standing in the doorway. The glaring bright light of dawn in the background cast them in shadows.
The tallest one cleared their throat. “Sorry for the interruption. I wanted to see how you were doing.” Their deep voice, rich and smooth, like silk brushing along weathered river rocks, resonated with a soothing melody. It was soft, yet low and full of life.
As they stepped inside and closed the door, Dax tugged on his shirt and shoes.
“Mari, this is Spiro, the village leader.”
Spiro smiled warmly at her. “I’m so happy to see you’re awake, Mariana.” Their bright emerald eyes, tender and mesmerizing, seemed almost familiar. Framed by white lashes and arched eyebrows, those striking eyes stood out against the gray hue of their skin.
Spiro waited patiently for a response, gaze unwavering as Mariana observed the leader. Their black and white dreadlocks were half tied back, revealing high cheekbones and a strong jaw.
Mariana crossed her arms, burying her hands into the cozy robe. “Hello,” she greeted nervously, unsure what else to say to the stranger.
The second person, standing behind the leader, poked their head around and smiled brightly.
“Hi, I’m Kenna,” she said, then glanced at Dax with an arched brow. “Thanks for the intro, Dax, so nice of you.”
Dax scowled. “Mari, this is my impatient sister, Kenna. There, happy?”
Kenna continued smiling. Her high cheekbones and the curve of her lips were similar to Dax’s, but her eyes were more like spring green. Her thick black braid was draped over one shoulder, streaks of white woven between. White and black hair, just like Spiro’s …
It clicked that all three of them were family, yet Mariana couldn’t quite discern whether Spiro was their mother or father. Their facial features had a blend of both masculine and feminine traits.
“May I touch your hand, my dear?” Spiro asked gently, extending their hand toward her with a delicate motion.
Not seeing anything wrong with the request, she lifted her left hand and placed it into Spiro’s warm palm. Their long fingers were adorned with a unique silver ring, and small white tattoos marked the spaces between each knuckle. Before she could study the intricate symbols further, she felt a strange vibration emanate from Spiro’s hands. A soothing warmth spread up her arm toward her heart, and Mariana felt her anxiety slipping away. She met Spiro’s eyes, recognizing the strange sensation;it reminded her of Cybele’s radiating power, an energy current thrumming beneath their skin.
When Spiro pulled their hands away, the sensation faded. “Your body is recovering smoothly.”
“You’re a healer,” Mariana said in awe. “I didn’t know any fae could do that.”
Spiro’s lips curved into a small smile. “My mother was a healer. I was fortunate enough to inherit her power. But I cannot heal everything.”
Mariana hesitated, her voice faltering with trepidation. “Do you know what was done to me?”
Spiro sighed, their attention flickering to Kenna and Dax, who were quietly bickering with each other. Clearing their throat, they glanced over their shoulder at the two. “Can we have the room, please?”
Kenna nodded, pulling her black jacket tighter around her shoulders. She shot a glare at Dax before stepping out.
