Wicked Deal (Shadow Guild: The Rebel 2)

As if on command, the visions swirled and narrowed to one—a small stone door with a symbol carved into it. I forced my vision outward, and it complied.

Shock and elation rushed through me at my new control. I’d never been this powerful before.

I saw multiple small stone doors, a crypt of some kind. But it was the one with the symbol on it that drew my attention, a twisted spiral with points, a unique design that throbbed with magic.

In my mind, I drew closer. The vision was so clear that it felt like I was there. But that was impossible.

I neared the symbol. Reaching out, I touched the stone.

My fingers made contact, and an enormous force blasted me backward. The shock sent waves of pain ripping through me, and I blacked out.

9

The Devil

I watched Carrow work, her eyes closed and her fingertips resting on the small metal card. Her magic pulsed on the air, flaring bright. The scent of lavender filled the room, followed by the sweet taste of oranges.

Stunned, I stilled. She was more powerful than ever. Massively so.

Something was changing in her. Something with her magic.

Pain twisted her face, and she slumped over, unconscious.

Fear rocketed through me, and I lunged for her, grabbing her before her head hit the hard floor.

“Carrow.” I took her in my arms and brushed her hair away from her face. “Come on, Carrow.”

Would I need to heal her?

I shuddered at the idea of her lips on my skin again.

Could I?

This wasn’t a dagger wound or a broken bone. I had no idea how to deal with this.

Her eyes fluttered open, confusion flashing in their beautiful depths.

“What happened?” her voice was weak. Exhausted.

“Your power increased. I don’t know how. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“What?” Her eyes blurred. “I’m so…tired.”

Her eyes closed, and she fell asleep. I pressed my hand to her upper chest, wanting to feel her heartbeat. Her breathing came heavy and deep.

Asleep, not dead.

Exhausted by the extreme power that had blasted through her. I studied her face, looking for any sign of discomfort as my heart slowed.

She was all right.

I repeated it to myself like a mantra. The fear that had surged in me diminished, and I leaned back on my heels, cradling her to me.

She needed sleep.

I stood and carried her to the bed. Carefully, I laid her on the mattress and pulled the covers up over her. Rubbing my chest at the strange sensation within, I rose and stared down at her.

What was happening to her?