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Callum couldn’t understand me, no one ever did.
Sweat slid down my neck and I rowed harder.
I was a high-level magi, the youngest to be inducted. I shouldn’t be playing with the dark fae, even if it would help in his world. The flutters he inflicted were not welcomed, and I could not afford to be distracted by anything.
Sunlight glistened along his sculpted body, every hard muscle in perfect shape. What was his goal? I was the only one who could give him his freedom. Was he placating me like a child? No, it wasn’t quite like that.
He’s playing a game, but to what end? If he does as I say, he’ll have his freedom. Why do I suspect his intentions are not for my benefit?
The current got stronger tugging the boat, making my arms burn from the strain. “Callum.”
He blinked his eyes open. “My turn?” With a yawn he stretched and sat up.
“No, the current’s changed. We’re moving too fast.”
The sleepiness left his eyes. He grabbed his shirt and threw it on. “We’re close. Let me take over.”
I turned around to see where the river headed. The water churned, splashing against the rocks. I held on, watching the calm river turn into rapids. “Callum.”
“Hold on and get ready to use your magic. I hope you’re as good as you say, otherwise we’re minced meat.”
Shadows crept in around us as the mountains that seemed far away closed in, leaving us stuck. I calmed my mind, removing any doubt and fear, and focused on casting a shield. Raising my hands, a shimmer went through the air until it covered us and the boat. Water splashed against the shield but didn’t hit us.
“Impressive, now keep that up. It’s going to get bumpy.”
The rowboat jerked and the river dipped, tumbling down. I held on to the side, focusing on the shield around us. Large rocks blocked our path, and Callum grunted as he rowed the boat out of harm’s way.
With my shield, we’d be safe.
The clear water turned white as the rapids intensified and a great roar sounded ahead.
A waterfall.
Instead of seeing beautiful sky, a rocky wall loomed ahead. “I can’t protect us if we’re going to crash into that!”
“Don’t worry. The waterfall drops right before and flows into the cave.”
Darkness replaced sunlight as the high cliff face blocked out the sun. I closed my eyes, concentrating my magic, visualizing the barrier. The boat rocked and I fell to the side losing my grip.
“Here we go!” Callum shouted over the roar of water.
The boat tipped toward the darkness and for a moment we were weightless and then we were falling. Gripping the sides of the boat, I focused every thought on keeping our shield up.
If I failed, I feared we’d both be dead.
