“Yes, but you’ll not get it until my daughter is free.”
“I could kill you now and simply take it.”
“Destroy me, and you destroy it. I have linked my life to its presence in this world.”
“A clever move,” came the response, “and not one I expected from a follower of the light rather than the dark.”
“There are many shades of light, Orion, just as there are many shades of darkness.”
So Tane knew who Lanie really was. I couldn’t help but wonder when he’d found out—and if he would have ever told us. I somehow doubted it, given it would also reveal his bloody actions against Orion’s family.
“Where is my daughter, Orion?” Tane added, with just the slightest hint of anger running through the arrogance.
He did care, after all.
Orion didn’t reply, but a soft grating echoed as the shelving in front of Tane slid to one side, revealing another room. I couldn’t see how big it was, but magic leached from its confines. If I could sense it, Tane surely would. His fingers twitched, but he otherwise didn’t react. He simply stepped through the gap and disappeared into the shadows.
Atticus?
On it, he replied, and padded forward, his form fading as he stepped fully into the spectral realms. I pushed to my feet and, with the knife still firmly gripped in my right hand, padded after him. I didn’t enter the room, though, instead hunkering down to the left of the doorway. Until I knew for sure what lay beyond, I was going to wait.
Sensible, for once, Atticus commented.
In the room beyond, footsteps echoed. There was no other sound or movement. Only the magic that swirled through the air gave any indication of Orion’s presence.
“That is far enough,” he said eventually.
“Where is my daughter?” Tane growled. “Show me, now.”
“As you wish.”
Light flared, and I jerked back as it leached through the gap and almost blinded me. Tane hissed. “What have you done to her?”
She lies naked on a tablecame Atticus’s comment.
Injured?
Yes, but the greater threat is the magic that twists within her. It drains her magical power, I believe.
Which explained why Orion seemed to have no ill effects or loss of power after the creation of a spell as powerful as the vortex. He was siphoning Monica’s power, using magic to do what I could do with a mere touch.Can you dismantle it?
I believe so, but the minute I try, Orion will become aware of our presence and react accordingly. I do not think that wise right now.
I don’t think it would be wise at any time, but I don’t believe we have a choice, either.
There was a long pause.Do you trust me?
You’re as annoying as fuck but yes, I do. Why?
Allow me into your mind.
What? You are in my mind.
No, I mean deepen the connection so that we merge more fully.
How will that help?
I am incorporeal.
