He was full-on laughing now inside her head, making her scowl. But then Stark began to weave his enchantment through the ward, seizing all her focus.
So beautiful, she mused, watching the strands fuse together to form a hum of magic she felt tickling the night air. It was unlike anything she’d ever witnessed. The ward twinkled like a thousand stars strung together in some faraway galaxy.
It’s like… like a constellation…
Except far less bright.
Can you see anything down there?she wondered at Issac.
Only your brilliant wings, love,he replied.But I can see the visual through your eyes.
“There.” Stark dropped his hand. “It’s done.”
The layer of his red mist twined with the black, forming a rope of solid power that slowly began to dissolve into the sky as the concealment rune took over once more.
“How do you create the ethereal strand?” she asked, glancing down at her fingertips. They appeared normal, just a bit translucent in her misting state. Her hands were also shaking a little from the exertion of trying to stay steady in the sky.
The wings at her back weren’t exactly heavy, just awkward. She supposed her mother’s comments about standing were right—she felt unsteady, like a toddler who had just discovered her legs.
Even the mere process of calling upon her wings had taken her a bit to master. However, it came naturally to her now, just like moving through time and space. But actually flying with her wings… that was another matter entirely.
“Try drawing a letter in the air,” Stark told her.
She arched a brow but did as he requested.
Nothing happened.
He grunted. “No, Stas. Trydrawinga letter in the air. Like, move the air around your hand to make the letter appear in the night.”
“You’re a terrible teacher.” Stas didn’t mean it as a whine, just a comment. Because her brother’s no-nonsense approach left a lot to be desired.
“And yet I’m the best one available. Now draw a fucking letter.”
“Gabriel,” their mother cautioned softly.
He ignored her and folded his arms, his focus entirely on Stas.
She blew out a breath, aware that he would stare her down all night until she tried to do what he wanted. Or he’d just mist back to wherever he’d just been and ignore her until she decided to follow his directive.
As much as she disliked his mannerisms, she had to admit he was right about being the best trainer available.
So she tried again.
And received the same result.
Her brow furrowed as she considered the air around her. She glanced again at the gentle glow near the edges of the rune beside them, noting the energy pattern around it.
Like a cloud, she thought again.No, likemist.
Except it wasn’t wet.
It waspower.
An element only Seraphim could see.
And it existed all around her.
Drawing on that detail, she attempted another letter.
