There is nothing like the thrill of research.
Combing through ancient texts in search of an answer—yes it can be infuriating when I can’t find what I want, but when you do—what a fucking rush.
Better thanany fight or battle.
Finding the information necessary to create a new spell—now that’s my ultimate favorite.
I spent my nights over the past week researching and working on creating a spell that would help Lennox accomplish what she wanted.
What she needed, whatweneeded, to win this war.
I held the mirror in my hands as Lennox’s face came into view in the glass.
“You truly think you’ve figured it out?” She wasted no time jumping straight in. Rightfully so, we’d all be meeting back up with Lennox in a matter of days now.
“I can’t be certain until we test it to its full extent, but I’m pretty sure.” I’d tested it only with a couple of others; the basis of the spell worked, but we needed to test it on a greater scale.
“I’ve created a potion of sorts—anyone who ingests it—along with you—if it works, your magic should feel a connection to them. You’d have to practice sensing those individuals and having your magic bypass them.”
“Sounds like a lot of focus in the heat of battle.”
“It’s not something that should be intended to be used frequently, it will require a lot of focus and magic…but if the right circumstance presents itself it could eliminate a lot of enemies.”
“You’re right—I still worry about encasing people I don’t intend to in my magic.”
“That might be a risk you’ll have to take.”
Lennox glared at me, but I shrugged it off. She’s the one who asked for this. She was going to have to take risks if she wanted to win this war.
“Anything else?” I asked finally.
Lennox shook her head. “Not that I can think of now, just continue to keep me updated.”
Howls rang through the night air. “Sounds like the wolves have arrived.”
62
NICO
I collapsed to the ground, not bothering to change from my wolf form as we arrived at the war camp where Luce and the army she led had set up base for the night.
It had been a hard two weeks of travel. Only stopping for a few hours of sleep each night. But I was proud of the pack—they ran hard and fast and never complained once. They were dedicated to their queen and her cause—I’d make sure she knew that.
But not now—now I needed sleep. My limbs ached, and even shifting sounded like too much work.
“You made it.”
I managed to open an eye, squinting up at the dark, looming form of Luce. Her braids were gone, her coiled hair was loose, her dark curls bouncing and wild in the slight breeze. I hadn’t seen her hair like that since I first met her.
I summoned enough magic to shift, but I remained lying at Luce’s feet, rolling onto my back,. “We did.”
She raised a dark brow. “What’s wrong with you?”
“I spent almost two weeks running hundreds of miles with littlebreaks. I’m exhausted.
Her face softened. “Here.” She shrugged off her cloak and threw it at me. “Cover yourself up.”
“Is my nudity distracting?” With all the time I was spending in my shifted form I had forgone wearing clothes, I hadn’t thought twice about my lack of clothing being around wolves but now with Luce…
