“How?” Russ looked at the other dragons.
I pressed up against Cody’s side, and some of his energy flowed into me. “I hoped one of you could tell me that.”
Malcolm wiped his hand down his face. He was beginning to look more like himself. “The only thing I can come up with is an out-of-body experience.”
“I don’t like it”—Arianna stared at the blood like it might get up and attack her—“but it makes sense.”
“Wh—” my voice caught in my throat “—what do you mean?”
Malcolm pointed at the couch. “You were here, sleeping, but you were there, too.”
“Your spirit was there.” Russ pushed one sleeve up, then the other. “Your physical manifestation was lying on the couch with Cody, but your spiritual being was with Mavros.”
“Then”—Malcolm snapped—“you weren’t lying on the couch anymore. You were in the chair with the sword, jacket, and bloody leg. You were sound asleep and striking out against something I couldn’t see.”
I felt the urge to pace but decided it might be better to keep my scent contained under the blanket. “Why?” I raked my fingers through my hair. “Why this time? And if I was there, why didn’t his venom affect me like it normally does?”
The dragons looked to each other for answers. Finally, Arianna lifted her shoulders. “I can’t answer that. Maybe he’s been trying to get your spirit to join him every time he’s met with you in your dreams and this is the first time it’s worked.”
“He might have held back on his venom again,” Russ said.
The urge to get up was overwhelming. I tossed the blanket to the side and walked to my closet. Grabbing a pair of sweatpants, I pulled them on. “He said he wouldn’t be able to do that again, though.”
“Defied orders before.” Cody watched every step I took.
I blew a deep breath out of my mouth. “My dreams haven’t been safe for a long time, but they’ve never been this unsafe.”
Chapter 17
Taking What’s Mine
After classes Wednesday, Malcolm and I went to Sarah’s office for a lesson. A fire roared in the hearth, warming the room. We sat opposite each other on the tan couches, but the coffee table wasn’t the only thing between us. He’d distanced himself from me all day. He wouldn’t meet my eyes, wouldn’t talk to me. I didn’t know why we’d even bothered coming here.
“If you don’t want to do this, I can see if somebody else will help me.” I looked at him, wondering if he’d respond. “Malcolm, please, let it go.” I huffed.
He glanced at me and then quickly looked away. “I broke your trust. I nearly broke my vow. I am dishonorable and unworthy.” He seemed to shrink before my eyes.
I walked over to the fireplace, holding my hands out to warm them. I didn’t know how to fix a broken dragon, but I needed to figure it out. He saw the world differently than I did, not only because of his age but also because he was an apex predator. Hoping that turning my back to him would show him I trusted him, I walked to the window and stared outside. The sky was filled with gray clouds. The mountains were covered in a fresh coat of snow.
When he didn’t react, I sat next to him. “You didn’t break my trust.” I took his hand in mine. “You kept Mavros from calling me. You pulled me out of that nightmare—” I dragged my other hand down my face “—or whatever it was. You’ve protected me, helped me, and been my friend. You listened to my concerns and set my mind at ease.”
He squeezed my fingers and smiled at me. His eyes were softer than I’d ever seen them. “Thank you, Dacia.”
I nodded and moved back to the other couch. “I wouldn’t be here with you if I didn’t trust you.”
“Yeah—” he smirked “—but you also trust a demon.”
I shrugged and closed my eyes. “We all have our faults.” I focused my breathing until I was relaxed. Holding my hand out, I thought about fire. A small ball of flames formed in my palm. My goal was to hold them without letting them diminish or spread.
It didn’t take long for Malcolm to gain control of my powers. Flames danced along my fingers and over my hand.
Fear spread along with the fire. My heart raced. I fought to keep my breathing steady. I fought to regain control of my magic. My stomach tightened, and my hand shook. I remembered how the flames had stolen the oxygen from me in my dreams, and my breathing became harsher, shallower.
“Take it, Dacia.” Malcolm’s voice was strained. “They’re yours. Own them.”
The flames climbed my arm until Malcolm stopped them. He wiped the sweat off of his forehead and leaned back. “We will try again in a moment.”
Picking up the pitcher on the coffee table, I thought about what he’d said. They were my powers, so how could somebody seize control of them from me. It should have been my say what happened with them. I poured myself a glass of water and drained it.
“Ready when you are.” Malcolm narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists. “Try to take them from me.”
Holding my hand out, I called flames to my palm. A tiny spark flickered, then died. I squeezed my fist, then stretched my fingers out. I focused on that minuscule bit of energy that responded to my call and summoned it again. You are mine! The ember shimmered. I concentrated on it. I claim you. I do not fear you. Come to me.
Flames erupted in my hand. I focused on them, binding them to me, not allowing Malcolm to take them.
“Good job.” He slumped back. “How’d you do it?”
I closed my fist, and the power seemed to settle
