Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142916 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 715(@200wpm)___ 572(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
“I’ll do it.” Silke poured suspicion into her voice, narrowing her gaze at him. “Did you need something?” She didn’t sound friendly.
Careful, Silke, Benedek advised. He appears affable, but he’s showing all the signs of a mage who believed he was in control and is realizing he doesn’t have that control after all. They are notorious for retaliating against any perceived slight.
He doesn’t get to come to my home and try to get my mother out of the house or put me or anyone else in my village under his control like some puppet.
Benedek filed away the information that taking away free will was a trigger for Silke. Carpathians were used to no arguing. They simply had those around them comply, especially during a battle. He would, hopefully, find a way to compromise with her. She would have to understand that when Lilith’s army attacked, he would be directing the battle. There was no compromise on that.
“I can see that you’re upset with me,” Drakos said in a pacifying voice. “I’m really very sorry. I have to get a handle on my particular neurosis.”
“I am upset. Anything that could impact my mother’s health is not to be tolerated.”
“Perhaps I can help,” Drakos offered instantly. “I have some skill when it comes to healing. I’d be happy to find a way to help your mother. If I was successful, it might make up for our poor start and your bad opinion of me.” He gave her his most charming smile.
Silke smiled back at him. “Thank you. The doctor was very firm about Fenja not being around anyone. Her immune system is too fragile at the moment, but I appreciate the offer.”
“I thought you were a healer. That’s the word in the village.”
Silke gave a small wave of her hand, dismissing the idea. “I have some knowledge of healing. How could I not when I was raised by Fenja? She’s always been amazing, and I went with her on every call from the time I was a toddler. I don’t have her natural ability, but I picked up a great deal of technique. I also have an extensive knowledge of plants and medicine, thanks to her.”
He gave her another friendly smile as he walked toward her. “You’re adopted?”
Don’t let him get close enough to put his hands on you, Benedek cautioned.
Silke began to walk toward the front porch. “Fenja never married or had children. She adopted me just after I was born.” She glanced at him as she made her way up the stone path between the beds of flowers and shrubs. The leaves on the plants rustled and quivered, radiating alarms, warning her to be careful.
He doesn’t even notice the plants’ reactions to him, she told Benedek.
Benedek caught sight of masses of dragon lilies lying in a long row on an outside bed. They hadn’t been there before. In the forest, there had been rows of dragon lilies. He knew she used the long petals to wrap the crystal sword in, but how had the flowers suddenly appeared at her home?
Do you have something to tell me? he prompted.
That’s Lily. My dragon. She must have felt my distress. I have no idea when she joined us. She’s silent and stealthy. And very, very lethal.
The flowers looked like ordinary dragon lilies in various stages of growth. Now Benedek knew better. He had known there were mythical creatures in that ancient forest. He could feel them. He was very tuned to the ancient trees. It didn’t surprise him that Silke had a dragon, but it was shocking that he hadn’t spotted her. He saw those flowers, but it never occurred to him a dragon hid herself in plain sight. The mage was in far more trouble than he knew. If he made one move against Silke, there was Benedek and Lily, her dragon, ready to rid her and the world of the threat.
Drakos is concentrating solely on you, that’s why he hasn’t noticed any changes in the plants. You’re human. He doesn’t understand how you can resist a compulsion, especially a strong, practiced one. Even knowing you aren’t succumbing to his compulsion or voice, he still feels safe and in control. That’s sheer ego and not very intelligent. Never underestimate your enemy.
Her laughter once again slid through his mind. I’m his prey, Benedek, not his enemy. I’m not worthy of being deemed an enemy. He is so certain he can outsmart me.
Or use his magic against you.
I was born with protections against the dark arts.
Unfortunately, when he can’t manipulate you, he’ll know you’re the slayer, Benedek warned.
I want him to get to that conclusion. He isn’t going to come back here and harass Fenja.
Benedek went very still. She was deliberately challenging the mage. She knew it would end up in a battle.
O jelä sielamak. He called her “light of my soul” because to him, she was. Have you thought this through? He is mage. Have you battled a mage before or have any knowledge of how to defeat one? And if he disappears, what will the demon do? The demon believes the mage is for his use. He’ll track the dark arts straight to your home. There is always a path left behind.