Chapter 22

Gail  pushed away the plate of pasta that she’d devoured with such gusto that one would think that she was the one who’d just finished three hours of grueling physical and mental training instead of me. “I want to go with you on your mission.”

Killian shook his head.  “It’s too much to ask of Esmerelda and me.  It will take all of the magic and strength that we have to stand up against Marduke and his minions.  We can’t be using any of it on things like protecting you.”  Seeing the hurt look on her face, he added, “It’s nothing personal.  If we were stronger, I’d gladly let you come alone.”

“I’m not as weak as you make it sound,” she pouted.  “In fact, I’m the one who taught a good deal of what Esmerelda knows to her.  I can hold my own.”

“Indeed you can,” I said with a nod.  I looked at Killian with