My demon roared in fury, lashing out on her own while I fought the now screeching virus. Shaylee tapped the earth, driving blades of green fire up around me, forming a circle of protection even as my demon sent a sheet of pure amber power out toward the attacking vampires.For an instant I worried they were friendly. Were we attacking Sebastian's clan by accident? But that fear was gone the moment one of the vampires lunged forward through the power barriers and struck me.Wait a second. How...? I staggered backward, jerking the virus in its marble gem free and clutching it in my hand, the brightness of its glow streaming out from between my fingers like I attempted to contain a blazing sun. There was no time to think as I fought back, wrapping up my attacker in a column of blue magic which he stepped through, three of his friends at his side as the rest fought off my demon and Shaylee's defenses.This wasn't possible. They shouldn't have been able to break through my magic, not all
What is it about the power of a heartbeat? A whole lifetime can be lived between one pulse and the next. Or, at least, it felt that way to me.When I opened my eyes in Mom's quarters, everything came into sharp focus. Her face hovering over mine, fear clear in her blue eyes, the scent of roasted meat mingling with some kind of scented candle burning nearby. The very touch of my clothing was foreign, abrasive in some areas, soft and flexible in others, while the brush of Mom's fingers over my cheek felt like dual paths of fire sending shivers down my spine."Syd." Mom's voice was so clear it had edges. How odd. "Sweetheart, how are you feeling?"Like I'd had some kind of flu? A fainting spell? Her tension hovered around her, anxiety as clear as the glowing blue, green, amber and white aura surrounding her in a shimmering field. How had I never noticed it before?"I'm fine." And I was. I sat up as I spoke, movements almost effortless, powerful. She pulled back, sitting next to me as
I wasn't surprised when Charlotte practically took my arm on the walk back to my dorm, nor by the feeling of watchers dressed in black robes who observed us as we made our way the very short distance back to my hall. It was almost funny, actually, but my weregirl companion wasn't laughing and neither were the Enforcers who stood guard, so I held in my amusement.The feeling that everything was sharper and clearer had begun to fade, as was my ability to feel and almost see the emotions of those around me. I found myself missing the intimacy of it, though had to admit it would make life more complicated if I was constantly distracted by the emotions of others. Still, it was nice to have insights I'd never had before and understand with absolute clarity I wasn't the only one who was screwed up.Sassafras trotted at my side, refusing to let me carry him. "Just in case," he said. And he might have been right. The precious second it would take me to drop him if we were attacked could make
It was a weird thing to me, the next morning, thinking about going to class. Like everything was fine and nothing had changed. But things had changed.The strangest dreams plagued me all night, tied to the vampire and her history-the ancient people she encountered, her battles with Cesard. And though I woke completely rested and feeling like I'd slept for a week rather than just a few hours, I'd finally found my worry button.Every time I tried to think about her, though, I found myself instead focusing on Quaid or the attacking vampire problem. How much control did she have and was she able to deflect my thoughts?As I crossed the Yard on my way to breakfast, Sashenka chattering away beside me, Charlotte hovering so close I was sure she'd walk on the back of my shoe at any second, I reached inside with purpose and touched the vampire.Listen, I sent, I know we've gotten on along well so far, but stop messing with my thoughts or you'll find yourself behind a shield.She bristled a
I lasted the entire day without actually contacting Quaid, a fact of which I was very proud. No needy, grasping me. Nope, nope.It was hard to maintain that stance when I finally reached for him only for Quaid to gently tell me he couldn't talk and cut me off.Jerkaroni.Didn't help I felt her in his background. The honey-blonde. Whatever her stupid name was.Didn't help at all.I peeled away from the gang and went my own way, sitting in a quiet corner of the cafeteria alone with Charlotte to eat my dinner, calling up as much anger as I could to keep from going in search of Quaid and demanding he love me.Jerkasaurus.My aloneness continued with a short walk through the Yard to the Holden Chapel where I found a bench between two large, sheltering bushes and sat on my hands to keep from wringing them together. The sound of mingling voices, the glee choir singing inside the chapel, helped to calm me a little. It was something to focus on at least, and they really were very, very g
I reached out with my magic immediately, even as I pulled my shields around me and prepared to fight. The essence's calm helped me stay focused, even as we tracked the three vampires who almost crossed our path, only a few yards further ahead past the trees, on their way across the Yard toward my dorm.Or, at least, heading in that direction. Assuming they were after me was a leap, though not a big one."Come on." I took off at a run, Charlotte beside me, heading for the trio of white power I felt sliding through the early night ahead of me. Why were they corporeal? They could just as easily have shuddered into darkness and traveled that way. Why risk being exposed?I paused behind one of the large trees at the edge of the Yard and had my answer.Rupe. Simon. Three vampires. Leading them away.Oh hell no.But before I could reach them, before I do anything, the vampires latched onto my friends and did their disappearing act.Taking the boys with them.I pounded to a halt only a
I'd barely reached his door, hand raised to knock, when Liam jerked it open."Syd," he said, face full of concern, "what's wrong?"Was I really broadcasting that much? Oops. Time to tone it back a little bit. But my encounter with Quaid had me riled up and I'd done nothing but stew over it my entire stomping journey to Liam's door."I need your help." Part of me cringed, waiting for him to abandon me, too."Anything." He grabbed his jacket, was out the door and standing beside me before I could recover from the surge of gratitude that went a long way to healing the mess Quaid left behind. I hugged him hard, welcoming the earthy feeling of his Sidhe power and was even more thankful when Liam hugged me back."Thank you for trusting me," I whispered."Always," he said. Pushed me back. "I tried to see you last night, after the attack." His face twisted in concern. "But Charlotte and your mother wouldn't let me."I glanced at my bodywere who had the good grace to look embarrassed."
The moment Sebastian's mind touched mine, he hissed in concern.Sydlynn, he sent. What's happened?I filled him in as fast as I could, telling him about the vampire attack.And the touch was enough to shatter the virus's prison? Sebastian's sympathy was powerful, as was his doubt and curiosity. But you are you yet, I can feel it. How is this possible?Because I'm whole again, the vampire told him. Thanks to you, Sebastian.Another rapid conversation, and while Sebastian's concern faded somewhat, he didn't completely release it.I would like to spend more time speaking with both of you, he sent. But for now, you're correct. This situation takes precedence. You believe this clan is feeding from your friends? He paused, considered. I didn't argue, just enjoying the silkiness of his mind. I'd always had a girl-crush on Sebastian, even his mental touch full of deliciousness I had to shield against so he wouldn't feel it.Embarrassing enough, I still woke from the odd dream seeing him