“Good.” Malcolm’s voice floated in on a breeze. “Now, open your eyes and use ice against me.”
I called on my powers. A slight chill raised goosebumps on my arms, but nothing else happened. I pulled harder, willing magic to flow into my fingers.
Malcolm’s face tightened. Beads of sweat formed along his temples.
My energy failed to respond to me. I imagined Cody in trouble and called on them again. My hands cooled.
Malcolm clutched his knees. Sweat rolled along his cheekbones. His pupils were slits.
And still, my magic did not respond. I leaned back, and he followed my lead, wiping his hand over his face.
“How am I supposed to regain control?” The desperation in my voice annoyed me. “And, if I’m so damned powerful, why can you take it away to begin with?”
He grinned at me, baring his fangs. “You are powerful, but I am over two thousand years old. I have had a long time to hone my magic, and in spite of that, I had difficulty binding your power. One day you will be undefeatable, but for now, you are still learning.” His expression darkened. “The only time my powers have been taken from me, it was done by using my true name. There was no way for me to regain them without first being released from his hold.”
I rubbed my jaw, trying to figure out a solution.
“Since you know it is me stealing your magic, you could distract me somehow.” As he talked his pupils regained their roundness. Aside from their unusual color, they appeared more human. “However, that tactic will only work if you know who you are dealing with.”
I tugged my hand through my hair. How many times had I been in this position over the last year? “So basically, I need to figure this out on my own.”
“Yes.” He nodded. “Do you wish to try again?”
“No time like the present. I guess.”
He leaned forward. “Relax.”
Closing my eyes, I pictured my mountain lake again. It didn’t take long for Malcolm to restrain my powers. Keeping my eyes closed, I envisioned using my powers. I remembered the feeling of energy surging through me, responding to my command. I thought about life, about renewal, about love. I took a deep breath and decided I was ready to try.
Malcolm’s jaw was tightly clenched. His biceps were flexed. Sweat dripped into his eyes.
I called my magic to me, begging it to take any form. Nothing happened. I tugged on it again, but there didn’t even seem to be anything there to answer my call. Every time I reached for it and it didn’t respond, I weakened.
I slumped down and yawned, covering my mouth with my hand. “I’m done, Malcolm. I’ve got nothing left.”
He sat beside me and held his hand over mine. “May I?”
“Yes.” The word was little more than a whisper.
Gripping my fingers, his energy flooded into my veins, cascading through my body. I sighed in relief. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been so drained from using my powers.”
“I felt you pulling on them”—he let go of my hand—“but it wasn’t quite enough to take them back.” He stood, lowering his hand to me. “I think you have had enough for today. We can try again tomorrow after your classes.”
I let him pull me to my feet. “We’re leaving, Sarah.”
She stepped out of her office. “Keep me informed, and don’t stay away so long.”
“I’ll try not to.”
Malcolm nodded at her. “Thanks for the use of your office.”
Chapter 12
Who Should I Trust?
The Nephilim surround me. I spin around, wondering where my dragon bodyguards are. “They’re not here,” one of the Nephilim from Althea says. “Don’t make this difficult. Just come with us.”
“No.” I step back. “I can’t.”
“You must.” Diana steps beside him. “The dragons have agreed. They no longer feel like this world is safer with you in it.”
I stumble, shocked by her words. “But … but I saved them. Without me, they’d still be under Draconian’s control.”
“Dragons are fickle creatures.” The voice comes from behind me this time.
I turn and see another of the Nephilim from the side street.
“Why else wouldn’t they be here protecting you? Why would they lead you here then leave?” His voice is filled with disdain.
Several of the Nephilim are bowled over. A panther charges through them, running straight at me. It leaps, knocking me against the rocky ground. The breath whooshes out of my lungs. The beast’s teeth graze my neck. It transforms into Mavros, and he rolls off of me. “Take her,” he shouts at the Nephilim. “Get her out of here.” He clutches his head, fighting whoever controls him.
The Nephilim grab my shoulders and drag me away from him.
“I’m sorry,” Mavros says. “I know it’s not what you want, but it’s the only way to keep you safe from me.”
All of the Nephilim gather around me and whisk me away. It’s different than when I teleport myself or with the dragons. It’s like we step through a bright light. There’s no stretching or pulling sensations.
An old church stands in the distance. Its steeple stretches to the heavens. Rolling hills and flowering trees surround me, and I realize I am far from home.
The Nephilim let go of my arms, and I fall to my knees. “Why couldn’t you just leave me alone?”
“We saved you.” Diana kneels in front of me. “That demon would have killed you.”
Rage burns in my stomach. “That demon—” I stand up, getting right in her face “—the one I’ve already returned to the Abyss once.” I have never wanted to punch somebody so badly before. I clench my fists, keeping them at my sides, trying to calm down. I need to convince them to take me back. I need to figure out why the dragons have given up on me. “I can handle Mavros.”
“Maybe.” She doesn’t back down from me at all. “And maybe he would’ve finally won you over.
