Page 50 of Touch Of Fate
“Are the women gone?” I ask as I feel the rush behind me. Rome is sucking all of their energy, and the room fills with pressure.
“Gavin has them. I eased the memories of those who agreed to it, so it will be easier for them to move on,” Archer says.
“Do you always ask for permission?” Lace asks.
“No. Only for those who are good. I don’t interfere with someone’s memories unless necessary. They won’t remember the magic we used, just that they were rescued.”
“I knew there was evil in the world,” Lace whispers, her eyes wet, turning to me. “Seeing it and being in the same room with them was eye-opening. I know this causes you pain, but I believe it is your calling.”
“I believe now too,” I confess and turn to watch my soul bond. The men are on their knees. Rome’s head is tilted back, and his eyes are closed. The power he is receiving makes his tattoos glow and pulse. His body is tense, and I wonder if he has a limit on how much he can take. I’m curious about what else he can do. He hasn’t explained much about his power, and I haven’t asked. Witches and warlocks aren’t all-powerful. There are levels, but some can do more until they cross that line. There is always a consequence of magic, whether it is exhaustion, the fear of exposure, or being vulnerable if you do too much at one time.
“It’s almost done,” Archer mumbles.
“What will we do with the bodies?” Lace asks.
“Burn them,” Archer answers.
“Sure. Of course.” Lace widens her eyes.
Rome walks to the first body, hovering his hand over it, and his lips move. Lace gasps when it goes up in flames, and soon nothing is left but ash. I study him as he works, his movement confident, and his frame is filled with power. I’m sure he got a rush as he killed them. He easily lights the fires and controls the burn. A witch's fire is not the same as lighting wood in a fireplace or campfire. It’s filled with electricity and magic. Rome can control it with his spells, and it burns the bodies at a higher heat than any man-made fire.
“My Mara, come here,” he says gruffly, standing beside Ryan. I don’t question why and move close. “Finish your work with fire.”
“I’ve never used fire,” I say, frowning at the body. Mom tried to teach me, but I always failed miserably.
“I’ll guide you. You can do it.” He takes my hand and lifts it.
“I don’t know.”
“Use your intention, just like all the others.”
“What do I say?”
“The words don’t matter, as long as they do as you wish,” he says patiently. “Reach inside, move the spells how you want. They don’t control you. Magic is a tool. Your body and soul hold the power.” He slips behind me, pressing against me, and drops his hand. “I won’t assist unless you want me to.” I tilt my head and move my palm up and down above his body. The air seems to wave over the movement of my hand, sparks of light flowing through my fingers.
“Give Sofie peace,” I whisper. He deserves to burn. “Take his soul.” The fire starts slowly, the flesh that held the evil man leaving this world. I repeat the words in my head, gaining confidence as it starts to blaze.
“Now, stop, and let the fire do what it’s meant to,” Rome whispers, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling. “Instead, guide it, contain it to only him.” I’m distracted by his soft words and his breath on my ear. I urge my spell to stay on Ryan, and excitement hits me as he begins to turn to ash.
“Damn,” Lace says, wrinkling her nose. “At least it doesn’t smell.” I bite my lip, knowing I shouldn't laugh, although she’s right.
“Good job,” Archer says.
“Beautiful,” Rome rumbles, kissing my earlobe. “We need to leave. Let me deal with the ash.” He gently moves me out of the way and waves his hand, encompassing the area. The remains rise in the air. “Go to the door.” Archer walks out of the room, and Lace follows. I walk beside Rome as he pushes what remains of the bodies through the air, containing them in a circular shape. Lace presses against the front desk as we pass, grimacing at the particles, and Archer waits at the door. “Mara, do the invisibility spell before we step out.” I look at him, away from the mass of dust.
“I—” Can I?
“You can do it,” he says, and I place my palm on his chest. I close my eyes and pull on my magic.Protect my soul from prying eyes.“Yes, my Mara.” I blink and smile. “I can feel the protection.” I move to Lace and then Archer. He opens the door, and Rome whispers a few words. The remains of the men float outside; the gentle breeze and the intentions of my bond, disperse them.
I rely on Rome to get me to the car and buckle my belt. I’m a little shocked by the events of the night. I should be more startled by what I did to Ryan or how many men Rome killed. All I can think about is how much my power has grown, and with encouragement from my bond, I did much more than I thought I was capable of.
I stare at Rome as he speeds away from the building of horrors. He keeps one hand on the wheel and one on the gearshift. His fingers twitch, and his body is wired. His hair is in his face, and his jaw ticks.
I can imagine that taking in all the energy is invigorating yet overwhelming. I put my hand on top of his between us, and he seems to calm slightly. My spells are pushing to merge with his, and I wonder if it would help even out his.
“Gavin sent me a message,” Lace whispers, and I jerk. I was concentrating on Rome and almost forgot we were not alone. “The women are safe. He’s working with them.”
“Will he help them find new employment?” Archer asks.
