Chapter Four

Spell breaker.

It felt like moments after going to sleep I was awoken by a light knocking on my door.

“Go away,” I mumbled. I needed ten more hours of sleep and another sexy session with Kade before I was ready to face the mess of a world we had going on.

“Arianna, the Summer Court is here. They’re in the dining hall.” Calista’s stern but hushed statement had both Kade and I bolting upright.

“Be right there!” I leapt out of bed and flew to my closet.

Kade, who was calmer than me, pulled on his clothes from yesterday and went to use my toothbrush. “We need to bring some of your stuff here,” I said, following him, one leg in my pants while I hopped around to get the other in. “Looks like we’re going to have to spread our time more evenly between the two royal estates.”

Kade finished up at the sink, turning to me, leaning himself back on the marble countertop. Immediately the room felt smaller, and I wanted to drag him back to bed. He just did casual confidence in such a way that it was sexy without trying.

Needing a distraction, I quickly said, “I only spoke to Prince Caspien yesterday. Do you think something has changed in the Otherworld that fast? Is the war finally here?”

Kade ran a hand through his hair, somewhat taming its natural curl. “I hope not, we’re not ready.”

We weren’t. If the fae flooded through a portal today, we would be defeated — I knew that. Especially in light of this recently discovered dark mecca stone situation. We had been unknowingly up against something like that the entire time, and it was kind of scary how easily that could have destroyed us all. Learning the origins of that dark stone meant the Dark Fae Lord was even more powerful than I had previously thought. Possibly undefeatable.

“Well then, hopefully they have good news.” I forced a smile, before brushing my teeth, and both of us left the bathroom.

Finn and Nix were waiting for us outside, Kade’s familiar perched on the wolf’s back. “Jota is still in the sky. They are taking breaks,” Kade explained as we hurried toward the dining hall.

Slowing for a second, I turned to the familiars and brushed my hands along one of Nix’s massive wings, which she had pressed against her body. “Thank you, we appreciate you working so hard to keep us safe.” I added my other hand to Finn. “Both of you.” They had been relentless in their patrolling, never faltering on their duties once.

It’s nothing, Ari. This is what family does.

Finn’s words filled me with warmth.

Thanks for being my family, I told him.

He let out a low howl, nuzzling into me, and I kind of thought Nix looked pleased as well. Hard to tell on her bird face.

I remembered the Summer Court then, and we again hurried toward the dining hall, prepared for anything. As we opened the doors, I was surprised to see not only Prince Caspien, but also Rowan, a Summer Court magic born. They were seated at the table, having tea with Violet and Nikoli. At our arrival, Prince Caspien stood and gave a small bow.

“Greetings, Your Highnesses.”

I took a second to look him over closely. The prince was very handsome, one of the most perfect specimens of man I had ever seen, actually. For my personal tastes he was too refined and pretty, but there was no denying his beauty. There was a glow about him that was very enticing, drawing you in to his warmth.

He had changed since the last time I’d seen him in person. I’d noticed it a little in the magic water door yesterday, but today it was very clear. He looked healthier, strong, his skin flush and sparkling with a golden tan that was deep and rich in color. The restoration of mecca had done him well.

“Greetings, Prince Caspien. I’m so sorry for the wait. We had a late night researching.” I nodded my head as Kade shook the prince’s hand.

Prince Caspien waved a hand toward me. “It’s fine. We have not waited long. I have come with a gift from my father, a thank-you for restoring the mecca, and for your continued alliance with our court. I also bring more news of developments in the Winter War, since we were cut off last we spoke.”

The Winter War must be what they were calling it. I was excited and nervous about his news — not to mention that we had some of our own developments to share on that front too.

I turned my attention to Rowan, who had also stood. Kade and I both greeted her with a hug. She had saved us in the Otherworld and healed Violet. For that she had our eternal gratitude and friendship. After our greetings were over, we all sat at the table again, and Prince Caspien waved a hand toward Rowan. She gave him a simple nod back before producing a small jar of purple powder.

“Your gift has two parts,” she said, handing me the jar. “Part one is mecca power.”

Violet gasped from her place at the table, and when I looked at her, her eyes were locked on the purple powder. Swallowing down the lump in my throat, I reached for the mecca powder with an awed reverence. It was priceless.

The moment it touched my hand I was zapped with energy, which felt akin to the stone we had here. Akin but not the same, a smaller scale, but somehow still as potent. “Thank your father greatly for this,” I said, as magic continued dancing along my skin.

Violet had been trying to figure out how they ground up the stone, but so far nothing she’d tried had worked. After seeing this powder in action in the Winter Court, I knew how incredible it was. I was hoping that having some of our own would at least give us a shot against the winter queen.

Prince Caspien looked pleased, his eyes sparkling as he leaned forward. “The second part of our gift is Rowan.”

I reeled back, some of my joy fading away. “What?”

Magic born were highly valuable, but they were people and not gifts to be given. The prince seemed to recognize my unease with that wording he used and gave me an understanding smile. “Only for two weeks. She was the one who offered actually. She’d like to train you. She feels it’s time you learned to harness your fae magic. Then we may have a shot at beating the winter queen. You’re the secret weapon in this fight. You hold magic from the Winter Court and your Red Queen’s line, and therefore have a lot of power to wield. A lot of unexplored gifts.”

My eyes locked with the fae magic born and understanding flashed between us. I nodded a few times, leaning across the table. “Do you think I can actually learn anything in time? I barely have control over my mecca powers, and I’ve trained for that my entire life. The fae side is a whole other kettle of power.” It was constantly smashing around inside of me like a crazy beast. It didn’t scare me anymore, and I had used it in a battle situation, but I still didn’t feel in control of it.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could help you.” Rowan’s soft voice somehow cut through the room and drew all attention. “I am well trained in our ways. I have studied mecca power and fae magic for many years. And I was once a prisoner of the Winter Court, so I know their ways well. I can help you tap into your powers and hone them as a weapon.”

I had not known she had been a prisoner of that court. Although Dalia did say that Rowan knew the ways to sneak in and out … I’d always wondered how. Now I knew.

Violet spoke up then. “As someone else who was held prisoner there and learned a few things, I would also like to help with the training.” She turned toward Rowan. “I know your knowledge would be far beyond anything of mine, but I would like to learn as well as help, if you would accept me.”

Rowan smiled warmly. “Of course, Violet. I would be honored.”

Prince Caspien smiled. “Well then, it’s settled. Now I must share some news and then be on my way. We have a lot going on back home, and as you know, I can’t be away from my land too long without it negatively affecting my people.”

I nodded. “Of course. I understand.”

Caspien looked uncomfortable for a moment. “What I got cut off from telling you yesterday is that we received word that Isalinda has gone deep into the Dark Fae Lord’s territory, while her son prepares their army.”

My pulse immediately kicked into gear, adrenalin rushing through me. Just the mental image of the queen and the darkness together had me on alert. It was what we had all feared.

It was time to let Prince Caspien know what we knew as well. “Last night we found something, a book the late queen had. After consulting with our oldest magic born, I’m told it’s the book of the origin of dark fae magic. It’s connected to one of the dark crystals. We assume the Dark Fae Lord has the other one of these dark crystals, and that’s where he gets his power. My magic born are looking into how to find the other one, and how to destroy them both.”

The prince was very still, listening to my every word with care. After an extended pause, he said, “It’s our worst fear. The dark stones are legend in the Otherworld, and my father has believed for a long time that this is where the Fae Lord draws his power. But we never confirmed it.”

I swallowed hard, rubbing suddenly clammy hands across my pants. “I’m also afraid of what this means. Even if we find the other dark crystal, it will be almost impossible to wield without one of us falling to the darkness.”

What looked like shooting stars sparked across the fae’s eyes, and for a moment he looked so otherworldly that I couldn’t imagine that we both shared even a shred of the same DNA. When he spoke again, it was weighty, the words drifting out in a melody of sorts.

“Light and dark are just two sides of the same coin. Without one, you could not experience the other. The mecca has these properties. It can be used for good and evil as you have seen, depending on the user. But these dark stones, they are pure evil. That being said, I believe that if you harness the light, you can banish any darkness.”

I wasn’t sure anyone was breathing as we all hung on his powerful words. I felt the weight of them settle inside of me like a promise — a journey I would go on.

Caspien stood, sweeping his hands out in a broad gesture of thanks. “Thank you for your time today, for sharing this news with me, for allying with us in this war. If you can use Rowan, feel free to include her in anything that has to do with the dark book project.”

“Of course. She’s welcome in our home, and we will hopefully be able to get word to you if we learn anything new.”

He seemed lost in thought for a brief pause, staring off at the painting on the wall. Finally he met my eyes. “I think it would be a good idea — if you could spare some warriors — for our people to train together — in the Summer Court. My warriors could teach your shifters what to expect from the Winter Court, and how to kill fae. And you could teach us about this city, about the energy of Earth, the humans even.”

Kade shifted forward in his seat, long arms extending across the table. I felt his approval through the bond, and sensed the others around the table also approved. It was a good idea. But who would I send? It would have to be someone I trusted, who was a top warrior, who had a lot of knowledge of our world. Blaine ideally would be the best choice; he had been to the Otherworld, he knew what to expect, and he was a top fighter and strategist.

Part of me immediately refused to put my best friend into harm’s way like that, but I knew he would not appreciate me holding him back from this. I needed to think on it, discuss it with him. Kade could also send one of his bears so that each side had a representative, and they could bring their knowledge back to train with us here on the Earth side.

Realizing I needed to say something to Caspien, I smiled. “That’s a great idea. We will need a day or so to organize our people, but consider it done.”

He gave us a small bow. “Send your warriors through when they are ready. Rowan and Violet can create a portal. Also, Rowan has a special mirror. You can watch over our progress through that.”

Kade and I both walked with the prince as he left the room. “Tell your father thank you for the gifts.”

Caspien nodded. “I will. Good luck.” And then he was gone through the double doors, presumably off to the fae lands.

As I turned from the door, I found Rowan and Violet behind me. “I’m so glad you’re here,” I told the magic born again. “And ... I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Dalia. I know you two were friends. Her loss is a great one. The world needs more fae like her.”

Rowan’s delicate features crumbled for a brief second, before she recovered. “Thank you, I truly miss her. But she went out like a warrior. She will be honored by the gods.”

I nodded my agreement.

Clearing my throat, I changed the subject. “We have a run this morning, with all of the wolves and bear shifters. One last run together, so training might have—”

She interrupted me. “I will prepare some training exercises for you. You do what you need, and we can meet when you return.”

I gave her one last hug, and then directed one of the guards to show her to her room. She would be in a suite close to mine, one of the more luxurious.

Calista wandered over. She had been in the kitchens no doubt, judging from the slightly pink hue to her cheeks. It was always hot and steamy in there. “Okay, so the buses will be out front in approximately twenty minutes.” She swiped across her tablet a few times, checking everything over. “They’ve already picked up shifters from most of the points, and it looks like almost everyone is coming along for this last shift.”

My wolf stirred in my chest. She was a lot quieter since my fae magic had unlocked. It seemed to soothe her in a way the mecca never had, but knowing we were so close to shifting had her shaking that coat off and baring her teeth.

“Let’s grab some breakfast first, and then we’re good to go,” I said. I could see from the grins of the others in the room that my wolf wasn’t the only one who was excited.

First run for bears and wolves together. Here was hoping this didn’t end in disaster.

 

There were dozens of buses in a line as we left the city behind. Normally the queen would not ride with the other shifters like this, but Kade and I believed that by mingling with the shifters we would show them the bond between us. They needed to see our mateship.

We were heading to a shifter-owned property in Upstate New York. It was over a hundred acres, which was not a huge distance for us to run, but it would do for today. This was more about letting our beasts out one last time before the buses were cut off, and the second and final wave left for California. It would take about three hours to get there normally, but with a little Violet and Nikoli help, we cut that time in half.

I spent most of the trip dozing against Kade. He had me wrapped up tight in his arms, and even though we didn’t talk, it was a very comfortable sort of silence. We were content.

When the buses finally arrived, we all exited. Throngs of shifters had already arrived before us; the buses had been running all morning. The energy was high and with mixed emotions, excitement for the run and trepidation for the oncoming war. I walked over to Kade and his war counselor, Gerald.

“You’re asking me to cower!” Gerald was saying.

Kade looked tired. We’d been in this war mode for weeks now, and it was taking its toll. “I’m asking you, my most trusted counsel and friend, to go to California and train Nathanial in the event Kian and I perish. He is the last of our bloodline and will need wise and strict council if he is to become king.”

Kade and I had spoken and agreed that both of us dying in this war was a possibility. We needed to take action to set up for the future of the monarchy.

Gerald gritted his teeth. “I should be on the front lines with you.”

Kade placed a hand on Gerald’s shoulder. “There is no one else I trust with this task. Kian is stubborn, he strongly believes that during war time, his place is with our people. As long as there is no immediate threat to the children, he’s only going to be there long enough to settle his son in. I can’t command him to stay. So it has to be you that teaches the young our ways.”

Gerald sighed, resigned, and nodded. I then stepped forward, making my presence known.

“Ready for this run?” I asked excitedly. Finn stood a few feet away from me, scanning the crowd of shifters.

Kade looked out into the mix of wolf and bear shifters as well, almost looking emotional. “It’s a historic day. Bear and wolf running together.”

I slipped my hand in his.

“Hopefully this is the first of many times we do.”

And with that, Kade called for everyone to begin their shifting. We all stripped where we were. I might be queen, but nudity was nothing to shifters who so often had to call on their animal. My shift was seamless, my new energy giving me a speed to change I had never had before. And practically no pain.

Finn actually wagged his tail for a second, overcome with excitement.

It’s been too long since we ran together, I told my familiar, padding over to his side. I was a lot smaller than him. Usually he was the largest in the pack, but with so many bears around he was average size.

Much too long. I’ll bet I’m still faster though. He gave me a wolfish grin and I playfully nipped at his neck.

The sound of cracking bones and tearing flesh filled the clearing, and once bear-Kade was beside me, a hulking mass of brown fur, I tipped my head back and howled. Kade roared next to me, the ground shaking with the vibrations. Howls and roars rang out and I took off running, hoping to secretly catch Finn off guard. No such luck. Finn and Kade were right on my heels, as were the rest of our people.

I had been secretly worried that this experiment would fail, that seeing the huge difference between a bear and a wolf would really scare our people. But if anything, the fact that we ran, hunted, and were free in the same animalistic way only brought us all closer.

That day we ran as one, and it further cemented my hope that one day we could all be living happily ever after.

By the time we arrived back at the mansion, I was more relaxed than I had felt in a long time. Freeing our beasts was something we needed to do pretty regularly. I could go a very long time between shifts, but there was always this tension inside which wouldn’t abate until I shifted.

“I’m going to go find Rowan,” I said to Kade.

“No need,” she trilled, stepping into the front foyer, where I stood with a multitude of other shifters. “I’ve been waiting for your return. Are you ready to train now?”

I nodded, shaking my arms out. “More than ready. I just need to grab some lunch. Want to meet in the basement? We have mats and everything set up in there.”

Rowan shook her head. “No, we can’t be indoors for this. Do you have a garden? Somewhere we can see the sky? Somewhere with flowers, and plants, and life? Nature is essential to all fae magic.”

I caught Kade’s eye, and I knew both of us were thinking the same thing. My mate’s family was very connected to the mecca, Kade more so than any before him. This probably meant he was connected more to his fae side, which explained why he loved his gardens so much. I loved them too, especially when I found the time to wander through the flowers, but it wasn’t the same for me.

Somehow Rowan read my mind. “You’re winter fae. They draw power from nature in different ways. Less blooming gardens — which is a Summer Court thing — and more snowflakes, icy lakes, flurries of wind and ice…”

I nodded a few times. “That actually makes a lot of sense. I love winter. I used to just lie in the snow and let it coat me head to toe. Drove my mother insane.” My pretend mother that is. I tilted my head to take in Kade. “You’re descended from summer fae, aren’t you?”

He wrapped an arm around me, pressing his lips into my temple. He smelled of sunshine and life, of spice and man … yes, he was definitely summer fae.

He pulled away slightly and said, “I have never felt more at home than when we stepped into the Summer Court lands. I believe I am either summer or spring descended.” His voice got very growly as he answered my unspoken fear. “And I believe it matters nothing that you’re winter fae. We’re bonded mates. The division of their lands is as destructive as the division of our boroughs were.”

I breathed deeply, silently thanking the fates for him. “I agree. I would choose no other. I want no other.”

Rowan was smiling again. She gestured to Violet, who was hovering close by, and the pair started toward to stairs. “Violet can show me the garden. I’ll meet you there.”

Violet gave me a wink as she swiveled her head to look back at us. “I’ll start spelling the garden so that the humans don’t see anything weird.”

“Perfect,” I called after them both, and they were off like two long lost friends, chatting side by side. It was good to have Rowan here. She might be exactly what Violet needed to accelerate her healing. I was glad she’d come.

Kade’s arms fully swept around me then, distracting me. With one arm he lifted me higher so our faces were close together, and then used the other hand to tenderly stroke my cheek. “While you train, I’ll work with Baladar and Nikoli on the secret project. We’ll call for Violet if we need her.”

Right, the dark book. There was so much going on I didn’t know what to deal with first. It was nice having a partner to share the responsibilities with.

“Be careful,” I felt the need to add. “I’m worried about that book, and the … the possibility that the darkness could consume us.”

Here was hoping we were strong enough to withstand it.

“I think the magic born are more susceptible to being drawn under its influence. They were born to wield magic. If I help, I can keep an eye on them. Make sure they’re okay,” he said seriously.

Kade. Always the protector. Wrapped in his arms, I was trying to decide if it was worth separating myself from him. I mean, how badly did I really need to learn my fae powers? His chuckle startled me, his huge chest rumbling around me.

Then he kissed me, his lips capturing mine. When he kissed me it was never enough, I always wanted more.

“Later,” he promised, pulling away.

Nikoli appeared in the doorway then, bagel in hand. Somehow he knew Kade was ready to go now, and with one final wave they disappeared through the double doors, off to wherever Baladar was. The ancient magic born had not accompanied us on the run. He said he preferred to wolf it alone, but in truth, I wasn’t even sure he ever shifted anymore. He was powerful enough to contain the wolf.

I entered the dining room, and was pleased to see the normal buffet of food set up. We fed a lot of shifters in the mansion; there was almost always food in here. I quickly piled food on my plate. If I was about to expend a ton of energy, I needed to be fueled up. Almost silent footsteps caught my attention, but I didn’t have to turn to know it was Finn.

He settled in at my side, and I fed him bits and pieces of my food. We enjoyed the moment, just the two of us. It was rare that we were alone anymore. And sure enough, more footsteps soon echoed down the corridor, and Calista dropped down in the seat across from me.

“How are you holding up?” she asked, not wasting time on small talk. “Baladar is working on the book, but I’m worried about messing with that dark crystal.”

I sighed, dropping my roll. “I’m worried about it too, but I can’t see another way. We need to understand the power we’re up against. And maybe we need to figure out how to use the darkness to fight back.”

“What if it consumes you?”

“I don’t know. I’m afraid it could destroy us all, but burying our heads in the sand won’t change the truth. And the truth is that the winter queen has allied herself with the Dark Fae Lord. And they have a dark weapon.” I hesitated before adding, “I’m not sure I can win this one. I’m not sure I’m strong enough.”

I had always been able to tell Calista what was on my mind. She was my sounding board, my voice of reason. I did not have to be a queen, or an heir, or anyone special with her, I could just be myself, show my fears. I had very few people in the world I could do that with. Kade, Violet, Finn, and Calista were pretty much it. Even for Blaine I put on a brave face.

Calista placed her delicate hand on top of mine and she smiled. “I have watched you grow up, Arianna. You were strong and fearless, despite having no real support in your family. I have never seen you fail at something you really set your mind to, and I know you won’t fail your people. I have no doubt that you will defeat the winter queen and the Dark Fae Lord, and whoever else tries to harm your people.”

Her words were a soothing balm to my bleeding soul, to my stressed brain, but I still didn’t think she understood what we were up against. “Cal, you weren’t there. You didn’t see her magic. And now she probably has a dark crystal at her disposal.”

“It doesn’t matter. I see you. I see how loyal you are to your people. I saw the mecca test the day you were born. I’ve never seen the magic react that way. You won’t let anyone harm us. I know it.”

Finn pressed to my side, agreeing with her through our bond. I sat a little straighter then, despite the weight of my responsibilities trying to crush me. They were definitely right about one thing. I would fight and kill, and take whatever hits I had to in order to keep my people safe. I would not fall. I would not falter. And if I died in this war, I would know I did everything I could for my people. No queen could give more than that, and I had to accept that fact.

Calista reached across the table and grabbed a bagel off my plate, before patting me on the arm. My smile was genuine then; she had lifted my mood enough so I could finally finish my food. We ate in a comfortable silence, and when she left, Finn went with her, back to patrolling.

I left to find Rowan and Violet. It was time to fully embrace all sides of me. I was going to learn to be part fae. May the gods be with me.

 

Rowan and Violet were on the rooftop garden. It was late afternoon, the sun just starting to lower in the sky. As I emerged from the elevator, my eyes were immediately drawn upwards, to the glint of a very pale purple, the faintly glittering surface of the solid bubble of magic above our heads, no doubt hiding our doings from our New York neighbors.

“I’m ready,” I offered, striding forward without hesitation. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect. I was born with the mecca magic pulsing through my veins. As a queen heir it was inherently part of me. It was familiar, and I knew somewhat how to control it. This fae magic was new, unbridled, and at times it scared me. Maybe if it hadn’t been stripped from me at birth, hidden away, it would not be that way. It was like I was a baby all over again, trying to learn how to walk. Only this time I didn’t have legs, I had weird stilts attached to my legs — foreign objects — and I felt uncoordinated and off-balance.

Rowan approached me, her arms relaxed at her sides. “Okay, so you’re born of the Winter Court, which means, as I said before, that your affinity will be in water, ice, wind. But you’re also part shifter, and a queen tied to the Earth-side mecca and her people … so, I’m going to have to do a bit of experimenting.”

Great. Experimenting. My favorite thing. Violet’s eyes were shining, so were her teeth as she smirked at me. She was no doubt enjoying my unease. I didn’t deal particularly well with being bad at things.

Rowan placed her hands out in front of her. “Okay, Violet, shields up.”

Violet’s smile dropped in an instant and she straightened, putting up a shield to protect herself.

Rowan focused her attention on me then. “Start by letting the magic free inside of you. I can feel that you have it locked down. You need to let it move about … mingle within your center.”

I was standing with my feet slightly apart, braced for whatever was about to come for me. I relaxed my stance slightly, needing my muscles to unlock so I could free the magic. Rowan was right about me having most of my energy locked down. There was too much to have it free all the time. I’d probably start randomly zapping people around me.

There was a slight resistance as I loosened the bonds, like part of me was still not comfortable enough with the energy to let it bounce about inside of me, but there was only one way to get more comfortable with it. Right?

My knees buckled slightly as the first wave of magic smashed through the small cracks I had created. It filled my body, filtering through every part of me. Rowan must have felt the energy, because she too looked like she was bracing herself.

“Place your hands out like mine. Let the magic flow out and see where it wants to go, what it wants to do.”

I brought my palms up, feeling the tingle already within them. “Just like that? Let it come out and play?”

Rowan nodded, her expression hardening even more as her hands went in front of her in a half fight position. Worried, I stepped back a few paces, not wanting to hurt her. Then I took a deep breath and searched through all my energy for that buzzing wire inside of me that was the fae magic. It was there, entwined with the mecca, and I called to it, letting some of the magic seep from my palms. The energy that emerged was the dark midnight sparkle of color I had seen in the Otherworld.

“Good!” Rowan coaxed me. “Now where does it want to go? Walk around to the flowers, the fountain.”

Even though it felt like an odd request, I did as she asked, walking as the magic trailed from my fingers. It brushed over the flowers without leaving a mark, same with the fountain. It took me about thirty seconds to realize exactly what it was doing — floating upwards, into the sky.

Rowan was staring curiously at the magic as it floated higher and higher. “Okay, well, it’s giving you a direction. Now it’s time to give it a push. Make it do something.”

This was not the kind of training I had envisioned, but I didn’t hesitate. Confident that no humans would see, and that both Rowan and Violet were shielded from getting hurt, I lashed out with all of the energy inside. Instead of allowing a small trickle, I released my hold and let it flow free.

The magic soared up to the protective bubble and with a pop it shattered it. Holy … crap. With all of my strength, I yanked the magic back toward me. It was certainly a lot harder to pull it back than to let it go free, but eventually I contained it again in my center. Spinning around, I realized that Rowan and Violet had been thrown backwards when the shield shattered.

“Vi! Rowan!” I ran to their sides, trying to assess if they were hurt. Neither of them were even looking at me. They were staring at each other, wide-eyed.

“What? Oh God. Speak,” I told them, my words a frantic jumble. What had I just done?

Rowan’s eyes met mine and she shook her head. “You can break magic.” Her voice was light with notes of disbelief in each word. “The bonds of the mecca energy.”

I wasn’t sure what she meant by that.

Violet jumped to her feet, hurrying closer to me. “You’re like a magic born, only a thousand times stronger. No one should have been able to break that ward, or to lower our protective shields. Not without training. You just took those down like they were made of paper.”

“I … I didn’t mean to…” How could I use this to protect my people?

Rowan was circling me now. “If you can repeat this, it means that any spell the winter queen does, you can undo. Whatever she throws at us, you can shatter it before it hits. Possibly also shatter their shields.”

A memory of Isalinda turning Kade into a frozen sculpture ran across my mind. Knowing I would be able to undo that was a huge relief. “That might explain why I could break through her ice magic after I touched the fae side of my energy.”

Rowan was nodding enthusiastically, the most excited I had ever seen her.

This was a good thing. It was the first positive news we had received in a while. “Okay … how do we test it? Make sure I can do it every time?”

Violet grinned, letting out a little peal of laughter. “We fling a crapload of spells at you and see if you can break them all.”