Page 49 of Cosmic Power

Silver fur travelled up Barnabas’ body as he tapped into the entity’s power. “Bow down,” he snarled.

Her body shook with the need to follow his command. Pain assaulted her mind and her vision blackened. She was going to pass out if she didn’t submit.

Power flared inside her, Zamorra lending her own strength, and it was enough to help fight the darkness slowly creeping into her vision.

A strange sensation pushed against her mind. At first she thought it was Barnabas, thought he was trying something else to get her to give in, but then she sensed Zamorra’s psyche. She lowered her defences and Zamorra’s mind melded with hers with a powerful snap.

“No,” she snarled, a mixture of Zamorra’s voice and her own deep, savage growl.

Shocked, Barnabas just stared, his eyes widening and mouth dropping open. Everyone in the space did.

No shifter possessed the ability to talk when in their shifted form. It was impossible, and yet she knew that if she wanted, she could spout an entire speech. However she had managed to meld her and Zamorra’s minds together; it had given her the ability to not only talk, but completely brush off Barnabas’ Alpha energy.

She was suddenly hit with a blast of exhaustion. Her body, as well as her mind, weakened and their psyches separated in an instant. She swayed, her power all but depleted.

What the fuck was that?!she heard Zamorra screech in her mind right before she collapsed and passed out.

ChapterThirteen

Luther stared at his maker, irritation flowing through him. Leilani stood tall at Zvetari’s side, not an ounce of worry on her face despite the silver collar wrapped around her throat and the bulky silver chain connected to it that rested comfortably in his maker’s hand.

She didn’t believe she was in actual danger. She knew she was Zvetari’s favourite. Always had been. Being the favourite came with perks, like being able to lie her ass off and having their maker believe every single word of it.

But as Luther looked deep into Zvetari’s eyes, he noticed something different lying beneath those red orbs. Something he had never seen before.

Rage. Unfathomable rage. His eyes glowed like some otherworldly being, so blindingly bright that Luther had to avert his gaze.

“Let us in, Luther,” Zvetari demanded, and Luther growled.

He didn’t have time for this. He had so many other things to focus on. Dealing with Leilani and her traitorous fucking ass wasn’t even on his radar at this point. With the news of Ophelia’s betrayal still fresh in his mind, his thoughts were scattered, ping-ponging between her and Zamorra, trying to figure out what to do. It was like he was being pulled in so many different directions that he feared he would split in two.

“Luther,” Zvetari barked. He jingled the chain in his hand connected to the collar around Leilani’s throat and Luther’s attention snapped back to the here and now.

He stepped back and allowed them entry. He knew better than to try and argue. It would just waste time. Time he didn’t have.

Leilani hissed as she was being led through the house like a dog on a leash. When they stepped into the kitchen, conversation stilled. Ryker stiffened, fear flickering in his eyes at the new vampires who entered the room.

Dark magic flooded the air. His power flared all around him and he reared back, almost tripping over himself as he got off his chair.

Thaddeus was at his side in an instant. “It’s alright,” he soothed. “Relax. Calm down. You’re okay.” Thaddeus took Ryker’s shaky hands in his and channelled the uncontrollable magic flaring from the young mage into himself, drawing the power from the air bit by bit.

Zvetari watched on, studying the mages intently. His crimson eyes ran over them from head to toe, a curious expression on his face.

Leilani went to speak. “What—”

Zvetari pulled on the chain in his hand so hard her words cut off and she choked. “I told you not to speak unless spoken to,” he warned darkly.

Leilani’s eyes widened in shock, the first ounce of fear flashing across her face. Disbelief clouded her features, as if she couldn’t believe her maker had actually harmed her.

“Excuse us. We’ll get out of your hair,” Thaddeus said, leading Ryker towards the door that led to the backyard.

Zvetari blurred in front of them, Leilani screeching in pain as she was forcibly dragged along.

Thaddeus and Ryker stumbled back in shock.

“What’s your name?” Zvetari asked the young mage, staring hard, his eyes darting over every single one of his features, from his dark eyebrows to the freckles spattered over his pale skin.

“R-Ryker,” he said, swallowing uncomfortably.

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