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“It’s not responding to anyone’s shadow-magic, only Soren’s,” she said, flipping it open.
Empty pages.
Thessa swiped a finger along the parchment, letting her magic spark. Text appeared instantly.
Jussal eyed Thessa, then Soren, and said, “Looks like you two have work to do.”
“I don’t take orders from you, father.”
“You’re still my son,” Jussal pressed, before seeing his way out.
Sila grazed Thessa’s shoulder and said, “It was a pleasure meeting you,” before sauntering out of the tent.
Thessa smiled, waiting for the flaps to close before finding her familiar frown. “You need to work on your temper.”
He leaned across the table. “Who says it’s anger simmering in my veins?” The dark glimmer in his eyes was undeniably attractive. As was the twist of his lips, like he knew her heart was pounding.
Despite her disloyal organ, her voice remained calm as she said, “If you want my help, then we have work to do.”
“So, you’ve considered my offer?”
She raised a brow. “Which one?” He’d not only asked her to lead his army, but to also kiss him last night.
“Both, if you’re talking.”
“I said I’m no leader, and I meant that, but I do want to help—I have to.”
Dropping his hand on the book between them, he said, “Deal.” His fingers crept along the page until they met her fingertips. “And the other offer?”
His touch was as magnetic as finding her gift. She forced her hand back and sat a little taller. “Still no.”
Lips pursed, Soren sat up and slapped his palms on his lap. “Then let’s get to work.”
Work. You are thinking about the grimoire. You’re not thinking about his lips?—
Desperate for a distraction, Thessa asked, “What are we looking for, and why does it like you? I assumed it would respond to all shadow-magic.”
He exhaled. “Another long story.”
“Another experiment?” She resisted the urge to use air quotes.
He cleared his throat. “Goddess, no.”
“Then speak up because you’ve left out some rather important details so far.”
Soren’s jaw ticked. “It must’ve been part of her charm.”
“But why would it work for you, and not the others?” He paused long enough for her to tilt her head. “Go on.”
“Eiliana was my wife.”
35
MENTAL NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL HEALER AT CSA:
Many herbs have calming effects but consider the source, too. Take a stroll through the woods when you don’t feel well. Not alone, of course.
Thessa didn’t remember slamming the book shut or chucking it across the tent. She didn’t register bursting through the flaps or storming down the alleyway of canvas and cloth. She ignored the children screeching past, kicked an empty bucket in her way, and cursed the goddess of night, loudly.