I dwelled on the positives. Quinn was free of blood magic. There had to be a way to capitalize on that. He could also move around the compound without causing suspicion. Each night as I slept in the brig—a large cottage with a couple of locked rooms, bars on the windows, a cement floor and an area for a guard—I planned out Quinn’s next lesson.
I taught Quinn how to thumb a bubble and we made an orb. Any glass container would work, but an orb reminded me of Kade and happier times. After I cracked off the orb into the annealing oven to cool, I showed him the amazing versatility of glass.
“If you sand the edge with the flat side of a diamond, it will become sharp enough to cut skin,” I said. I also instructed him on fighting tactics, and how to spot weaknesses in an opponent.
Quinn understood my hints. During one session, he rounded on me in anger. “It’s easy for you to talk about a rebellion. You have nothing at stake. You have all this magic, yet you obey Galen and Walsh. You can use one of those super messengers and call for help for all of us. But you hand them over. Why should I listen to you?”
“Because, if you think fighting back now is too hard, if I use my magic to send for help, you will have no chance at all.” I explained about the blood connection. “I’m saving my free magic to take out your two biggest opponents. In fact, if you organize a revolt, don’t tell me any of your plans. Don’t trust me. If Galen forces me to use my magic and I’m…lost to him, take me out first. I’ll be your strongest opponent.”
Quinn looked a little green, but he nodded.
Unfortunately, whatever had distracted Galen stopped after four days. Then he launched an aggressive campaign to get me to use my magic. I resisted even when the guards whipped a woman. Quinn needed more time, and I rationalized one person’s suffering, although horrible, was better than the whole clan being in danger. After three unsuccessful days, Galen switched to children and I could no longer resist.
The links in my chain built rapidly. Five days later the shakes started. I ignored the initial signs of withdrawal and concentrated on teaching Quinn. But once the tremors in my muscles could no longer be disregarded, I raced to the brig and collapsed on the bed. The hunger grew inside me. I fought it, keeping my thoughts on other things—my family, friends, Kade, Devlen. In time, nothing distracted me from the need. Every single part of me craved magic and I struggled with the desire to pull it toward me. The suffering seemed endless.
I was granted a moment of clarity and relief when Galen visited. He held my orb in one hand. His other rested on my arm.
He brandished the orb. “What were you planning to do with this?”
Strung out, I couldn’t produce any emotions over his discovery. “Suck you and Walsh dry,” I said.
“In order to siphon my magic, you would have to sacrifice your own again.”
I shrugged. “Unoriginal, but it works.”
“Temporarily.”
“Why?”
“Walsh and I have stockpiled our blood. Drain us now and we’ll just reclaim it by injecting our saved blood. Thanks to you, we already know it works.”
“Glad to be of service.” At this point sarcasm remained my only weapon.
Galen handed me the orb. Potential throbbed under my fingertips. Too easy. A trap. “What if I just drain myself?” I asked.
“Go ahead.”
A trick. In order to siphon my own magic, I would have to use magic. The effort would finish the chain and he would stop me. Not enough time for Quinn.
“I didn’t think you’d fall for it,” Galen said. “You’re very resistant. It’s a good quality. However Walsh is very impatient.” He removed his hand.
The longing returned full force. I trembled and shook. Sweat stung my eyes as wave after wave of raw need rocked me. At one point I realized I still clutched the orb. A survival instinct kicked in and I closed my eyes, focusing on the potential in my hands. I was desperate enough to try siphoning my powers, hoping I could do it faster than Galen could stop me.
Summoning the strength, I— The orb was yanked away.
“No,” Galen said.
I opened my eyes. He loomed over me. Before I could protest, he jabbed a needle into my arm.
Instant relief spread throughout my body, smothering the craving.
Galen’s gleeful voice woke me.
“Today’s the day.” He poked my arm.
I flinched away. “The day for what?” I asked.
“The final link in your chain. This is going to be fun and so easy.” Galen strode from my room and flung the main entrance door wide-open. Heli stood on the other side.
26
I LEAPED TO MY FEET. HELI! OH NO! THE SUNLIGHT glinted off the blond streaks in her light brown hair. She had pulled it into a ponytail, but a few wisps had escaped and clung to her cheek. Despite being in utter shock over seeing me alive, terror gleamed in her eyes.
She wore a Bloodrose tunic. But the gray fabric had been wrapped around her, trapping her arms in the material.
I hid my dismay at her presence. It was a token effort and Galen knew it, as well.
“We found her trespassing.” Galen pulled Heli inside. Two more guards entered, bringing the total to three.
“A friend of yours, right?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “What I want to know is how she found you?”
“You deciphered the message on the sea glass, didn’t you?” I asked her.
Her gaze jumped to Galen.
“Answer me,” I snapped, drawing her attention back.
“Yes.”
Her voice remained strong. Good. Although I wondered why she hadn’t tried to use her magic to escape.
“And you took off without telling anyone, didn’t you?” I asked.
Understanding flashed in her eyes. She dipped her head as if ashamed. “Yes.”
“What message?” Galen asked.
“On Quinn’s sea glass collection. A generic cry for help. Right?” I asked her.
“It said he was being held against his will.” She licked her lips. “I came to check it out.”
“And you found a ghost,” Galen said. “This must be the season for reunions. Even an old friend of mine showed up a few days ago. What is it about flag-raising ceremonies? Brings out the long lost. But I believe you’re already acquainted with my friend.” He leaned outside. “Come say hello.”
Devlen entered the brig. A jolt zipped through my spine. His bare arms hung at his sides. Tattoos covered them. My heart melted, dripped into my guts and solidified. I met his gaze and saw what I needed to see.
“Let her go, and I’ll cooperate,” I said to Galen.
He laughed. “She knows too much. And I know who she is. She created a sandstorm trying to escape.” He gestured to her. “Can’t do anything now that she’s wrapped up in a null shield.”
The strange tunic. Only a few people knew null shields could be grafted to clothing. I scowled at Devlen.
“He’s been a fountain of information,” Galen said. “I also know you care about her. Maybe you care enough to use your magic to save her?”
My fears realized, I braced myself for the ultimatum.
“A simple request. Drain her powers or I’ll kill her.”
I silently bid my soul goodbye. “I’ll need an orb.”
Galen looked at Devlen. He disappeared for a moment and returned with my orb. I snatched it from his hands. Heli backed up to the wall. She shook her head no. Tears streaked her face. Her terrified gaze pleaded with me.
“Her tunic,” I said in a monotone. The glass in my hands buzzed with potential.
“Devlen,” Galen said.
Heli squeaked when he approached her. She looked so young and fragile next to him. He spun her around. The tunic had been tied up her back. Ripping the laces free, he stripped the shirt off her.
“Now,” Galen said.
Glad I had kept my mental barrier between Galen and my emotions, I reached. I connected with Heli’s mind, discovering I could communicate with her. Must be one of those hybrid powers Galen had mentioned. Act like you’ve been stabbed with a knife in your stomach, I said in her mind. Then I bypassed her to contact Devlen.