Page 86 of A Bond So Deadly

“To what?”

“Your magic,” he bites out.

He’s making no sense. Has he hit his head since the last time I saw him? “You did,” I answer, staring at him like he’s crazy, which let’s be real, he probably is.

“And why would I do that?”

I cough. “You were rewarding me for my demonstration with the king?”

His harsh laughter has fear curling around my neck. “I haven’t given you full access to your power, Shade.”

I blink at him, processing what he’s just said. While I can’t feel Elgen and Tarlaz’s power right now, I can still feel my own. As drained as I am, my power still simmers inside me. If I wanted to conjure a giant chocolate cake right now, I could.

“Oh, please do,” Tarlaz whines at the idea of cake.

Professor Yevar shakes me. “What did you do, Shade?”

“I told you I was hungry.”

“No, enough of that,” he snaps. “The more important question is what you did with that student.”

I swallow hard. “You saw what I did. I brought Leira back. I had to. I couldn’t kill her.” I won’t apologize for that. No matter what he does to me.

Professor Yevar’s hold tightens on me, and his eyes darken with fury. “Explain it to me,” he demands.

What? “You saw what I did,” I bite out. “I just made her remember Kenzie and pushed the king out of her mind.”

Professor Yevar laughs. “You simply pushed him out, did you?” he says mocking me.

“Well, yeah,” I reply, not sure why he’s acting like this.

His nostrils flare, but when he releases me and speaks again his words are calm. “I tried to help you, Shade. You could have been happy here. I suggest you think of a better answer than that when King Malgur interrogates you.”

“Interrogates?” True panic hits me then, because I realize Professor Yevar isn’t kidding. “But I told you what I did.”

Professor Yevar peers at me with disdain. “Then why does King Malgur seem to think you’ve found the very thing he’s been trying to locate for centuries?”

Confusion crashes through me. “I-I don’t know. I’m not even sure what the Xalgrith want. Any chance you’re going to tell me?”

“Lies.” Professor Yevar glares at me. “They found it didn’t they? Your so-called mates. And somehow, you’ve been exposed to it.”

When I continue to look confused, Professor Yevar moves to the door. “No matter. I’m sure you’ll give King Malgur all the answers when he’s peeling the flesh from your bones. Do remember that I tried to help you.”

I sag on the bed, fear making my heart thunder. What is he talking about? “You know, King Malgur seems pretty damn evil. Why the hell would I want to be on the Xalgriths’ side anyway rather than with the shadow warriors?”

“King Malgur’s actions do not compare to what I believe Queen Krosia is capable of,” the professor answers. “Guards!” he booms, and four Xalgrith warriors shuffle into the room.

I don’t understand what’s happening. The guards march me to the throne room where King Malgur is waiting. Unlike Professor Yevar, he doesn’t seem angry. No, he rubs his hands together excitedly as the guards drag me into the room, and somehow that seems worse.

“Ah, there she is,” the king says. “Our guest of honor.”

Professor Yevar remains silent as he moves to the side of the room, and I’m thrust to the floor in front of the throne.

“Your Highness,” I say, my voice trembling a little now, because clearly I’m in trouble. “I thought you were happy with me. I showed you my power. I can be your weapon.”

King Malgur studies me, his lips curving up. “Oh you showed us something, that’s for sure.” He gestures with his hand, and my heart sinks when Jensen and another hybrid student walk out from a side door, dragging a struggling Leira between them.

Crap. Deep down I’d been hoping that by having control of her mind again, she’d find a way to escape. But here she is. On the bright side, she’s still alive, but for how long?