“Explain.”
Rafe was good with one-word replies, as she’d come to learn. At least he was willing to hear what she had to say. That could be counted as a win overall when it came to their relationship.
“The reason my mother was able to attack me last time is because I made myself visible to her. She was able to cast a spell over my astral form that led straight back to my body. I didn’t think she would attack me like that. Clearly, I underestimated her. It’s a mistake I won’t make again.”
“Go on.” He nodded.
“I have the ability to go in unseen—completely cloaked in majik. She won’t even know I’m there. I can take Erin or Brenna with me if that makes you all more comfortable.”
It would use up more of her energy, but it was a risk she was willing to take.
“Brenna should go with you. She used to live there as well. Plus, she knows both your mother and my… our… father. Erin will remain in her current form to protect against any spells. In case your mother detects your presence.”
“I don’t like it!” Wade seethed, anger rolling off him in waves.
“You don’t have to.” Adalyn shot him a death glare. Majik danced at her fingertips. His heavy-handed ways were really starting to piss her off.
A cool hand wrapped around her wrist, calming her instantly. “Temperatures are running a little hot around here, sweetie. Pay him no mind.” Grace’s soothing voice floated around her. She had no idea how the woman was so effective when it came to diffusing tense situations. It was a rare talent she wished she possessed.
“I’m game if the rest of you are.” Erin nodded toward Brenna and Rafe.
“Finally!” Adalyn breathed a sigh of relief. She was more than ready to take action, tired of sitting around talking about hypothetical situations did not fit in with her lack of patience. Her body vibrated with pent-up energy. More than she’d ever felt at any given time. Both her witch and wolf felt supercharged and ready to go. Was her connection to the pack the reason for her abundance of majik or something else? It was something she’d have to figure out later.
* * *
“Whatever you do, don’t let go.” Brenna clasped her hand tightly.
“Right! Don’t let go. Anything else I should know before we start?”
Adalyn had to pause and think for a moment about how to explain what it felt like to be in the astral realm. She glanced at her aunt, who looked as freaked out as one could be. “It’s weird. You feel like you’re floating above your body. You’re light as a feather. Walls and doors are no longer obstacles. You can pass right through them, so try not to panic when I pull you through a wall. Also remember to relax and breathe.”
That should cover it. Hopefully.
Brenna looked even more nervous…if that was possible.
“Hang on tight. Here we go.” Adalyn closed her eyes and started to chant. Her voice was barely a whisper. Within seconds, she felt the familiar weightlessness of the astral plane. This gift, power, whatever someone wanted to call it was the ultimate freedom. To roam the Earth unimpeded by most anything. She enjoyed her time in spirit form.
“You can open your eyes now,” she whispered to Brenna.
Her aunt glanced around at the nothingness surrounding them. “Where are we?”
“This is just a blank stop in the astral realm. From here, we’ll head straight to the coven. I was thinking we should check the dungeon first. It’s the most logical area, right?”
Brenna nodded, agreeing with Adalyn’s plan. “Are you sure Mariska won’t be able to detect us?”
“Quite. It was the one thing that used to drive her nuts. It took me years to perfect my skill. Once I did, I learned more than she ever wanted me to know.”
“Okay.” Brenna rolled her neck as if she were trying to loosen a kink. “This feels so strange.”
Adalyn smiled. “We should get going. I also need to warn you, astral projection is an energy leech, so you may feel me pulling majik from you if I need it. I hope that’s okay.”
“Take what you need. Just get us in and out.”
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
Adalyn’s chants began once more. The gray room of nothingness fell by the wayside as they appeared in the hall of the dungeon. She’d landed them just inside the secure metal doors.
