Page 92 of Christmas Magic

“Still, I have to try,” she said.

Lucian swore under his breath. “I have no wish to fight you. I am an honorable knight. I cherish damsels—”

Galahad howled, a sound of intense pain.

She stole a glance. The fluffy cat lay on his side, eyes closed, near the food dishes. Small bits of shattered ornament clung to his fur that was blackened across his belly and up his ribs.

“Galahad?” Lucian’s face looked ashen.

The cat’s eyes opened a fraction. “I got hit.”

Lucian dragged his hand over his mouth. “Are you badly hurt? Please, no.”

Molly blinked back tears. Galahad had been hit by the rebounding blasts of energy. Her magic.

“Can’t…feel my back legs.”

Lucian made a choking sound. His anguished gaze flicked between her and the feline.

Galahad shuddered. “Milord….”

“Hold on.” His shield still raised, Lucian stepped sideways, toward the squire. He dropped down on one knee, set one hand on the cat, and gently felt the scorched area on his fur.

Galahad yowled.

Lucian swore under his breath. “I didn’t feel any external wounds.”

“Hurts,” the feline meowed. “A lot. Inside.”

“An internal injury, then.” Lucian’s expression turned grave.

“Oh, Galahad.” Molly sniffled. She’d never imagined he’d get hurt. They must get him to the animal clinic as soon as possible.

Tim limped over. “Why is he wying down? Why is his fur wike dat?”

“Is he going to be all right?” Petunia asked, with Rose, Daisy, and Marigold close behind.

“I don’t know what’s wrong,” Lucian said. “I’ll call the vet—”

“Nooooooo,” Tim wailed.

“Galahad’s our friend. We can’t even get close and comfort him,” Rose snapped, “because of your magical shield.”

Lucian glowered and looked at Molly. His mouth flattened. “I’ll let you girls in. One at a time.”

One at a time. That meant a small area would be unprotected by his magic.

Molly swallowed hard.She’d have to be quick—and she might only have one chance.

Guilt poked at her, because it wasn’t right to take advantage of Galahad’s condition to attack Lucian, but it might be her only opportunity to defeat him. She had to get the real Lucian back—not just because she loved him, but because of all he did to keep Cat’s Paw Cove safe.

Aware of Lucian’s watchful gaze on her, Molly didn’t move as the felines lined up one after another. He moved the shield to let Rose in.

Slowly, carefully, Molly gathered more power into her palms. She could only hope that this time, the blast would be strong enough.

Galahad let loose an ear-splitting howl.

“No!” Tim mewled.