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Rhadan hissed. “Tempest. Rein in your power. We are under attack.”
“I want to see.” She grabbed the arm of the couch as the ground shook beneath her again. “It’s an earthquake. It will pass in a minute. Can you protect the shop?”
Several items fell from one of the shelves and clattered to the ground as he focused on their surroundings. The wave of power extended out to envelop the shop, and all those contained therein to ensure there was no further damage.
“It is not an earthquake, Tempest. We are under attack, but I need you to pull back. I cannot block you, alter the humans’ perceptions, and protect the shop for long. You are my priority, so please tell me what you wish me to focus on. Do I allow the store to be destroyed or release the humans? If it is the latter, they will be dead before they reach their vehicles.”
Tempest focused inward. His words had stung, but she accepted the truth. Her desire to see in color would not come at the cost of innocent lives. His power gained power as her attempts to connect with him receded. She was wondering how much magic he needed to block her.
“More than you realize. You are far more powerful than you should be. The next year will be... trying.”
She turned away, obviously not wanting to focus on her power or her destiny. “Who is doing this? What is causing the earthquake?”
Rhadan stood, and his hand took hers, before pulling her gently to her feet. “Someone of great power is here.”
“Who?” she asked.
His magic flared out like feelers. Little tentacles of power that reached out to the area surrounding the store. “It is Allorin. The mage has come for you.”
CHAPTER 5
Rhadan pulled Tempest closer to him. He felt her tremble, but she kept her unseeing eyes locked on the door. Typically, he would tell those around him what to do in times of crisis. He couldn’t do that with his mate, even if it was for her protection. The irony wasn’t lost on him. When he needed his power the most, it was useless. Every dragon’s unique power had a purpose. One that protected the clan, except his. When they had tried to use it, the results had been catastrophic, and he had promised to never unleash it like that again.
The shop continued to tremble, but he placed a stasis barrier on everything within the store, including the people. They hid under their tables, unseeing and frozen in place.
“Allorin is outside. He knows you are here. My presence will irritate him. Do you wish to stay inside?”
She squeezed his hand. “No. Take me with you. It isn’t like he doesn’t know me. I met him when I was young. He seemed... eccentric.”
He led her to the front door and onto the top step of the store before he surveyed the enemy.
Allorin stood in the parking lot with two dark dragons beside him. They were in human form, but he recognized Lars and Marken. They were both bronze dragons with little power when they were of color, and he wasn’t surprised either of them had turned. “Why have you come, Allorin? The druid is under my protection.”
Allorin sneered but his eyes raked over Rhadan’s body. “I am no longer under your spell, Rhadan.”
He could hear the disgust in Allorin’s tone, despite the way the mage was looking at him. Had his magic begun to fail? Maybe Tempest wasn’t immune as he had suspected. Maybe his magic was evolving. Dissipating? He pitched his tone low. Seductive. “Is that so?”
Allorin grunted but the two darks with the mage made a step toward Rhadan.
Allorin blasted them with magic, sending Lars and Marken skidding along the pavement. They rolled to a stop and stood up.
“It’s his voice, Allorin. Can’t you block him?” Lars said to the mage.
Allorin huffed. “I was only able to create a barrier because his power was depleted when I cast the spell. Ignore his commands or I will put you down myself.”
Rhadan smiled at Lars. “You were always a weakling Lars. I am beginning to notice a pattern with the darks. Those of you who chose the mage over your clan, none of you have any patience. You look for instant gratification and have obliterated your soul in the process.”
Lars looked at him with longing. “We didn’t want to do it, but we couldn’t refuse his call.”
Rhadan huffed. “Allorin deceived you, but his power is nothing compared to mine. You should have resisted.”
Marken sneered. “It’s too late for that. We will rule the humans and the druids. Allorin will enslave you.”
Rhadan laughed. “You believe this? A dragon as gullible as you is too weak to be a member of the Rule clan. You had no choice because you are no more than a puppet. Why don’t you come closer? I know you enjoy listening to me.”
Marken took a step toward Rhadan, but Allorin held up his hand. “Stay where you are Marken. The farther you are from Rhadan the less he affects you. It was a mistake to bring you and Lars. Rhadan is right. You are too weak-minded to be of any use to me here.”
Rhadan turned his attention to Allorin. The mage was smart. He was correct in his assumption that radiance was stronger the closer the subject was to the source. He often flew over the humans and watched them. As long as he remained in the air, they were unaffected by his power. “How did you create a barrier for my power? It is quite impressive.” He put a suitable amount of admiration in his voice though his interest was genuine. Nobody had been able to create an effective shield. Rhadan had learned not to ask anything of those around him. No one understood how difficult it was to train your mind not to ask anything of your friends and family.
