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“Precisely. Get up here.”
Alessa stole a glance at the Fontes. Nina quickly looked away.
On the ledge, Alessa followed Renata’s directions and lightly pinched one strand.
“Pull. Gently.”
The web shifted shape but remained intact as Alessa drew the string down.
From the corner of her eye, Alessa caught Dante watching as the indignant spider stopped working and scurried into the corner.
“Now, return it and release without damaging anything.”
This part was more difficult, requiring Alessa to roll her fingers to detach without snapping the thread, but soon the web was back in its original condition.
“There, you see?” Renata smiled. “A Fonte’s power is intertwined with their soul, and if you try to pull it free, you damage the connective fibers. You need to draw just enough of their gift to meet the part of you that controls your own power, then release. It isn’t a fight, it’s a give and take.”
Alessa frowned. “I think I understand.” Maybe.
“I know you’re nervous. I’ve been in your position.”
Not exactly.
“Finestra?” Tomo called out. “I told the Fontes that I will demonstrate first.”
Renata stepped down with a thump.
Alessa had assumed they’d draw straws to decide which of the Fontes would go first. Not Tomo. He hadn’t said anything about volunteering until they had a room full of witnesses, and now Alessa and Renata couldn’t argue without revealing their fear. They had no choice but to follow his lead.
Renata gave a jerky nod and turned to Alessa. “Strategy?”
Renata might never have truly understood Alessa before, but now someonesheloved was threatened. Her fear was palpable.
Alessa recited from memory. “Steady hands, slow breathing, light touch, inner calm.”
“How?”
“Fingertips only.”
“When you sense the power?”
“Control and contain.”
Tomo extended his hands, palms up, as Alessa walked over to him.
Every eye in the room followed the movement as Alessa removed her gloves. Her palms were slick with sweat.
She lifted her gaze but didn’t quite meet Tomo’s eyes. She couldn’t. The thought of watching his light go dark—
No. She wouldn’t even think it.
He was waiting.
Everyone was waiting.
With a deep breath, Alessa reached her fingertips toward his.
Twenty
