Beauty In Darkness

24

“We’ll do it together.” His hand slid over mine, guiding my index finger. My heart pounded so loud I was sure he could hear it, and all I could think about was how close he was to me. How he was touching me with a firm, yet gentle grip. How he smelled like sparks and shadows. Surely it would be impossible for me to cast anything like this, especially as all the torrid thoughts returned in full force. I wanted nothing more than to learn back into his chest and nuzzle against him, they way I’d done when he’d carried me to bed the other night.

But as we began tracing the rune, my lack of vision helped me focus my mind until there was nothing but me and him and the magic. It surged between us, swelling and growing eagerly like a bonfire jumping to life, filling me with power. I gasped as the spell flowed out of us together, forming a silver rune so bright it shone through the blindfold. When he released my wrist, I tugged the cloth down to see a snowflake hovering before us that was larger and even more beautiful and complex than any of the ones he’d done.

“Nice work.” His breath tickled my neck. “Your magic is stronger than I expected.”

Was it? His praise glowed within me like an ember on a cold day. I turned my head toward him, my lips dangerously close to his mouth. “Thank you.”

He lingered there for a breath, his eyes searching mine, the moment thick with anticipation. But then he quickly stepped back, and the connection between us was immediately severed. “Don’t thank me yet. You still have a long way to go.”

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

He waved his hand dismissively. “Then do it again.”

I cast the frost rune a dozen more times, but it was never the same as when we’d performed the spell together. Conjuring magic together had been intoxicating. Was that what it felt like every time Raith used his magic? I couldn’t imagine having all that raw power inside me trying to get out, and admired his control. Or was the magic stronger because we’d been doing it together?

When Raith was satisfied with my progress, he closed the large book with a snap, sending a cloud of dust into the air. “Take this book and practice the runes in the first chapter every single day. Do it in a secluded area of the garden where you can’t hurt anyone with your floundering.”

My eyebrows darted up. “Does that mean I’m allowed to leave the castle alone now? Has the threat passed?”

“During the day, yes. But don’t leave the castle grounds.”

“I understand,” I said solemnly, though inside I was jumping up and down like a child about to get cake. “And after I finish the first chapter?”

“When I decide you’re ready, we’ll start on the second one.”

I nodded and took the book, excited to pore through it and begin my true magical studies. As I held it against my chest like the precious gift it was, I couldn’t help but smile as I walked to the door. There was a lot of work ahead of me, but I looked forward to it. Not only because I was finally fulfilling my dream of following in my mother’s footsteps and becoming a wizard, but because magic was one of the few things Raith and I had in common. The one thing binding us together other than our unfortunate circumstances and the sins of our forefathers. If that was all I would ever get from Raith, I would savor each moment of it.

At the door I turned back to him. “Is it always like that when you use your magic?” I asked, before I could change my mind. “Or was it…different with the two of us?”

He stared at me so long I worried he might not answer, before he finally said, “No, it’s not always like that.”

Fifteen

Raith

O

ren lunged toward me with his blade and I parried the blow, spinning away from him. My arm ached and my shoulders were stiff; I’d gone too long between practices and was paying for it. The sound of clashing swords filled the air as we sparred on the trodden grass on the edge of the garden, our battle hidden by a tall, thick hedge.

With a quick move, Oren disarmed me and flashed me a triumphant smile. I sighed as I stepped back and rolled my shoulders while sweat dripped down my forehead. Oren’s lined face was flushed as he grabbed a flask and chugged some water. It was an unusually hot day for this time of year, and we were both wilting a little because of it.

“Can’t you magic away this weather?” Oren asked, as he closed the flask.

I yanked my black shirt off and used it to wipe my face, before tossing it aside. “And defy the Sun god? I think not.”

He snorted. “The gods gave you magic for a reason. Surely you can use it to spare an old man a heat stroke.” I picked my sword up off the ground. “Not a chance. I might actually defeat you if that happens.”

He got into his fighting stance, his body still agile despite his age. “Unlikely. Not if you keep neglecting to practice.”

I gripped my sword tighter. “I’ve been a little busy.”

“Indeed,” he said, his voice heavy with disapproval. For what now, I wondered? I was sure he had a long list of areas where I was falling short. “Is everything ready for the celebration tomorrow?” I asked, as our swords met again.