Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and focused, feeling the familiar pulse of my magic thrumming through my veins like a gentle heartbeat.
The energy swelled within me as I concentrated, calling to the earth beneath my feet. I opened my eyes to witness the vines unfurling from the ground, creeping toward me like eager tendrils of life. With a flick of my wrist, I summoned large branches to rise and twine together, the wood bending to my will as if it were a living part of me. The branches intertwined, forming a sturdy framework, while the vines wrapped around them, weaving in and out.
The air around me crackled with energy as I directed my magic, shaping it with intention. Leaves rustled softly as they gathered around the structure, creating a warm, inviting nest.
With a focused intention, I turned my attention to the rich soil beneath me, feeling its texture and essence as I gathered it in my hands. I conjured water from the air, letting droplets form and gather until I had a shimmering pool in my palms. As I combined the soil and water, I could feel the earth's energy merging with the liquid, creating a thick, bendable mixture that glistened with potential.
I spread the earth paste over the intertwining vines and sturdy branches, deliberately smoothing it out. The mixture clung to the wood, binding it together and infusing it with strength. As I worked, I whispered incantations, my voice blending with the soft rustling of the leaves around me. The soil hardened under my touch, solidifying into a resilient shell that fortified the structure.
With each passing moment, the nest transformed, becoming a secure haven that radiated warmth and security. The combination of earth and water had crafted not just a physical space but a sanctuary filled with the essence of my magic, a place where Xarothar could find rest and solace as he continued to grow. I stepped back to admire my handiwork, a sense of accomplishment swelling within me as the cosy refuge took its final shape, seamlessly integrating with its natural beauty.
“It’s true there haven’t been any vampire attacks lately,” I admitted out loud to Xarothar as he inspected his newly built home with a critical eye.
“You like him.”His tone was far too smug for my liking.
I scoffed, flicking a stream of water at him, “I am not having this conversation.”
“Are you going to accept his offer to break the spell that is sealing your magic?”I sat on the steps next to the cottage with a sigh; the magic I had just used had already tired me.
I ran a hand through my hair.“How the hell am I supposed to trust him?”
Malrik was insane—unhinged, obsessive, and entirely too entertained by making me uncomfortable. But the more I thought about it, the more a frustrating truth settled in my chest. He’s had plenty of chances to kill me, yet he hasn’t. Instead, he lingered in the shadows, watching, interfering, and acting like some deranged protector.
Still, he was also a creep who sniffed underwear and looked at me like I was a feast laid out just for him.
“He has also been reading your favourite romance books. I am surprised you haven’t noticed some of them missing.”Xarothar sounded amused.
I whipped around to face him, eyes narrowing. “And you let him?” My voice rose in outrage, that bloody, infuriating blood mage.
Those books were mine—my escape. The only place I could pretend, just for a little while, that love, trust, and toe-curling orgasms were things I might actually get to experience. But in reality? That wasn’t my life, and it never would be.
“Oh, he’s dead.” I pushed to my feet, ready to storm inside and check which books the sneaky psycho had stolen.
“Then who would help you break that spell?”
I rolled my shoulders and turned back to face him again. “I never said I was going to let him.”
“You will.”I scoffed at him.
“Oh, come on, Raven. He might irritate the hell out of you, but he also intrigues you, too. Let’s be real, whatever spell your mother used to bind your magic is killing you. I am not at full strength or power to help.”
Damn it. I did want Malriks' help, and I needed it.
But trusting Malrik is another thing entirely.
“You will trust him.”
“Shut up.”
He let out a puff of smoke, clearly entertained by my inner conflict. Meanwhile, the sky had started to shift, deep oranges and soft purples bleeding across the horizon as the sun dipped lower. Daylight was fading slowly, but it still shone bright.
Xarothar stiffened, his growl vibrated through the ground as he lowered his head slightly, nostrils flaring, sending out another burst of smoke.
“Raven… can vampires come out whilst the sun is still up?”I frowned.
“No, that’s why Eclipsara is always in a state of night. Why?”
The hairs on the back of my neck rose before I even turned. Ten figures stood in the distance, their armour dark as obsidian, their eyes gleaming with cold malice. The vampire king’s soldiers were here, and the sun hadn’t even fully disappeared.
