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His magic slithered away from her, shifting into black dust before disappearing into nothing. Thessa wondered how he’d done that, despite worrying she was about to die.
26
LECTURE NOTES FROM REALM RULES & METHODOLOGY:
Multiplicity Spells are forbidden for their ability to impose exponential damage, risking both immortal lives and the land itself.
Soren hunched over her, “I’m not trying to kill you.”
Spitting out remnants of dirt, she replied, “I’d argue otherwise.”
He picked up her dagger and offered it back, pommel forward. “Then your argument would be as useless as your fighting skills.”
She ignored the glimpse of the serpent tattoo looping around his forearm muscles and snatched it.
“You could at least aim for open flesh next time.”
She angled her blade toward his face. “Shall I try again?”
He disregarded the gesture with a wave of his hand. “Put that thing away.”
Thessa glared at him before sheathing it. She wasoutmatched, and he knew it. “At least tell me why you restrained me, that can’t be how you greet everyone.”
“You flashed your magic. I was curious if you were prepared to fight for it.”
Her heart sank. “What magic?”
He stood. “Don’t play tricks with me—demon.” Irony leached from his tone.
“Don’t call me that.”
“Why not?”
That name made it real. Her magicwasdifferent; shewasdifferent.
A small, satirical laugh escaped him as if he’d heard her thoughts. “Denial doesn’t suit you as well as that uniform did.”
The insult hit her like a stone. She growled and got to her feet. “How’d you even find me?”
“I was resting in the wagon but couldn’t sleep, so I left. When morning broke and you—what’s the word I’m looking for—ah yes,recklesslydisplayed your magic, I took it upon myself to find out exactly who I was sharing this road with all night. I wasn’t expecting the mouthy, small-armed female I just met.”
Her eyes bulged with rage. “You’ve been following meall night?”
“You should work on your awareness, and learn how to defend yourself.”
She spat, “Excuse me?”
He tapped a finger to his chin. “There’s still dirt on your face.”
She grimaced, wiping it off with the back of her hand.
“Our magic shouldn’t be displayed. Don’t show it off unless you’re prepared to die for it. Didn’t you learn anything in history class?”
Thessa knew very well her magic was a death wish, that’s why she was leaving in the first place. She said, “Right. Well, if you’re not going to kill me, I’ll be going now. I hope you acquired all the information you needed regarding myskill set.”
As she walked away, he hissed and yanked her arm. One swift pull from him and they were face to face. “Not before you tell me why you’re here.”
Thessa recoiled at the sight of his hand on her. It took up her entire upper arm, all he had to do was twist and her shoulder would be sprained for weeks. She spoke through gritted teeth. “I’m leaving.” Her eyes floated to his. “I have no place to live, barely enough Cheltz for food, and soldiers to hide from.”