Spy Glass

26

I LEAPED TO MY FEET. HELI! OH NO! THE SUNLIGHT glinted off the blond streaks in her light brown hair. She had pulled it into a ponytail, but a few wisps had escaped and clung to her cheek. Despite being in utter shock over seeing me alive, terror gleamed in her eyes.

She wore a Bloodrose tunic. But the gray fabric had been wrapped around her, trapping her arms in the material.

I hid my dismay at her presence. It was a token effort and Galen knew it, as well.

“We found her trespassing.” Galen pulled Heli inside. Two more guards entered, bringing the total to three.

“A friend of yours, right?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “What I want to know is how she found you?”

“You deciphered the message on the sea glass, didn’t you?” I asked her.

Her gaze jumped to Galen.

“Answer me,” I snapped, drawing her attention back.

“Yes.”

Her voice remained strong. Good. Although I wondered why she hadn’t tried to use her magic to escape.

“And you took off without telling anyone, didn’t you?” I asked.

Understanding flashed in her eyes. She dipped her head as if ashamed. “Yes.”

“What message?” Galen asked.

“On Quinn’s sea glass collection. A generic cry for help. Right?” I asked her.

“It said he was being held against his will.” She licked her lips. “I came to check it out.”

“And you found a ghost,” Galen said. “This must be the season for reunions. Even an old friend of mine showed up a few days ago. What is it about flag-raising ceremonies? Brings out the long lost. But I believe you’re already acquainted with my friend.” He leaned outside. “Come say hello.”

Devlen entered the brig. A jolt zipped through my spine. His bare arms hung at his sides. Tattoos covered them. My heart melted, dripped into my guts and solidified. I met his gaze and saw what I needed to see.

“Let her go, and I’ll cooperate,” I said to Galen.

He laughed. “She knows too much. And I know who she is. She created a sandstorm trying to escape.” He gestured to her. “Can’t do anything now that she’s wrapped up in a null shield.”

The strange tunic. Only a few people knew null shields could be grafted to clothing. I scowled at Devlen.

“He’s been a fountain of information,” Galen said. “I also know you care about her. Maybe you care enough to use your magic to save her?”

My fears realized, I braced myself for the ultimatum.

“A simple request. Drain her powers or I’ll kill her.”

I silently bid my soul goodbye. “I’ll need an orb.”

Galen looked at Devlen. He disappeared for a moment and returned with my orb. I snatched it from his hands. Heli backed up to the wall. She shook her head no. Tears streaked her face. Her terrified gaze pleaded with me.

“Her tunic,” I said in a monotone. The glass in my hands buzzed with potential.

“Devlen,” Galen said.

Heli squeaked when he approached her. She looked so young and fragile next to him. He spun her around. The tunic had been tied up her back. Ripping the laces free, he stripped the shirt off her.

“Now,” Galen said.

Glad I had kept my mental barrier between Galen and my emotions, I reached. I connected with Heli’s mind, discovering I could communicate with her. Must be one of those hybrid powers Galen had mentioned. Act like you’ve been stabbed with a knife in your stomach, I said in her mind. Then I bypassed her to contact Devlen.

He stood behind Heli. Focusing on him, I opened my mind to him. Don’t react. Help Quinn. Then I drew his magic into the orb, draining his link to Galen, freeing him of the addiction. And at the same time the last link locked around me, binding me to Galen.

Heli yelped and doubled over, moaning in pain. A little too much, but Galen was distracted by the ringing of diamonds filling my orb. Devlen remained impassive despite the burning pain.

Heli, pretend to pass out. When I shout, create a tornado, blow a big hole in the wall and go,” I ordered. Do not come back.

She swooned and collapsed on the ground. The last of Devlen’s magic chimed into the orb. Galen grabbed the orb, admiring the diamonds sparkling inside. Before he could issue any commands to me, I shouted at Heli to go.

A blast of wind knocked Galen over as sand spiraled into the air. The tiny grains stung my face and arms as I jumped on Galen and wrapped my hands around his neck. An explosion of sound and debris slammed against my back, but I kept squeezing.

He recovered from the surprise and peeled my fingers from his neck. “Stop.” He wheezed with the effort to speak.

I obeyed. I had no choice.

“Get off me.”

My muscles moved without waiting for my approval. I stood as if another worked the controls on my body.

Galen brushed sand off his shirt and pants. “Did you enjoy your last hurrah?” he asked.

I had to be honest. “Yes.”

“Where is she going?”

“Away from here.”

The guards had been knocked unconscious, but a couple more poked their heads into the room.

“Find the young Stormdancer. Don’t get close. Use the blowpipes,” Galen ordered.

They nodded and hurried off. I willed Heli to run faster.

Galen frowned. “You will pay for that.” He glanced at Devlen’s prone form. Heli’s mini tornado had knocked him over and pieces of wood from the hole she blasted had pierced his skin. The tattoo ink still stained his skin, but the blood magic was gone.

“Heal him,” Galen ordered me, probably thinking it would be a punishment.

When I turned toward Devlen, Galen added, “And then heal yourself. Your back is a mess.”

Funny, I didn’t feel any pain. I reached around and touched my shoulder blade, setting it on fire. My fingers came away sticky with blood.

I knelt next to Devlen as he struggled to sit up.

“I’m fine,” he said, pushing my hands away from his bloody torso.

But it didn’t matter; I plucked the splinters from his skin. He winced in pain. Galen hadn’t said to be gentle and, if I was too nice, he would be suspicious.

The guards called Galen away. After ordering me to stay, he stepped outside.

Once Devlen’s wounds were clear, I checked to make sure Galen was gone before reaching around and coating my fingers with my own blood.

“Opal.” Devlen grabbed my clean hand. “I need to explain.”

“Later.” I smeared my blood into his cuts, taking as much from my back as possible.

His eyes widened and he seized both my wrists. “No.”

“Trust me. It’s to protect you.”

He released them without hesitation. “How?”

“To quote Leif, you’ll stink of magic, but won’t have any power. You’re on your own for the rest.” When I finished, I traced his wounds with a fingertip. I imagined them as cracked glass and I applied the magic like applying heat to the crack. The skin melted together, leaving behind bright purple scars. Lingering over his body, I didn’t hurry. He had worked hard while in prison, building muscle tone.

Devlen twined his fingers in mine, bringing them to his lips. He kissed the back of my hand. “I knew you weren’t dead.”

“I have to obey Galen’s orders. And as soon as he remembers to order me to remove the magical barrier between us, he’ll be able to read my emotions as well. Understand?”

“Yes.”

“Since you don’t have magic, he can read your emotions now. So be careful.”

“I will.” He glanced over my shoulder and dropped my hand. A scowl creased his forehead.

“What’s taking so long?” Galen asked, but he didn’t wait for an answer. “Finish up. Devlen, help her.”

He tried to be easy as he tugged the splinters free, but a few had been driven in deep. I admired Heli’s strength as I gritted my teeth. The hole in the wall where one of the rooms had been could fit a grown man.

“That’s all of them,” Devlen said.

“I need to see the damage. Is there a mirror anywhere?” I asked.

Galen grumped. “Use Devlen.”

Appearing disgruntled, I instructed Devlen to trace the cuts as I had done for him. Then, closing my eyes, I sent him the hot magic to seal the wounds. For a brief moment I tasted his torment over watching me obey Galen and not being able to help me.

Stifle it, I sent to Devlen.

When I finished, I marveled at the ease of healing. Even after all the magic I used, I felt energetic.

Galen ordered me to find Heli. When I moved to leave the barracks, he grabbed my arm. “With your magic.”

“Oh.” Pulling thin strands from the power blanket, I sent them from me, weaving a web. He didn’t specify how fast, so I moved as slow as cooling glass. I searched every nook and cranny, being very thorough. It occurred to me that I might be able to capitalize on the loopholes in his orders. Specifics would be essential.

I found Heli hiding in a cave on the north coast, east of the Bloodroses’ beach. Rocky cliffs extended along the peninsula before smoothing out. The water had carved caverns deep into the cliffs. If not for me, it would have been a perfect hiding spot.

“Did you find her?” Galen asked.

I couldn’t shut my mouth. “Yes.”

“Tell me her exact location.”

Feeling horrible, I gave him directions. He ordered me to stay put and took Devlen with him, but he returned an instant later. “Almost forgot. Don’t use your magic to warn her.”

Not good. Galen was catching on. However Galen didn’t know Heli wasn’t alone. When I was certain they were gone, I sought Kade. A strong barrier surrounded him. I tapped on it and he opened his mind to me, welcoming me in with astounded relief.

Opal! Thank fate you’re alive! What’s going on? Where are you? What—

I cut him off. They’re coming to get Heli. They know where she is. Galen hadn’t ordered me not to warn Kade.

How?

I told them.

Silence.

They don’t know about you yet. Take Heli to safety and stay there. Both of you.

I felt his resistance.

Heli and I can fight them, he said.

You can, but you can’t fight me.

Tell me what’s going on, he pleaded.

As long as you’re moving.

Okay. We’re leaving now. We’ll head—

Don’t tell me. Just listen. As I detailed my predicament, his emotions flowed over me. Shock. Horror. Anger. Determination.

Send a message to Yelena and Valek. They have the best chance. Okay? You and Heli need to stay away, I said. I will be forced to hurt you. Do you understand?

Yes, I understand. An undercurrent of misery rippled with his response. Since we’ve been together, this is the third time you’ve told me to stay away.

It’s for your protection!

But Kade had severed the connection.

With nothing else to do, I changed my shirt and cleaned up the mess. The orb had dropped to the ground during Heli’s escape, but it wasn’t broken. Diamonds had spilled. I picked them up and piled them all on a piece of the wall.

Sitting cross-legged, I cradled the orb in my lap. The glass sizzled with potential. It sang to me, vibrating deep in my soul. I concentrated on my heartbeat, mixing my blood with Galen’s. I couldn’t separate Galen’s magic from mine, but I could siphon it all.

Too bad Galen had stockpiled his blood. He would reclaim his powers and where would I be? Stuck here, but at least I wouldn’t be able to hurt anyone. Unless he used blood magic on me, tattooing the power into my skin like he had done for Devlen. Then I would crave more power and be at Galen’s mercy again. And my glass magic would be gone forever.

Right now, my powers were the strongest in the compound. I had the chance to use them to help as long as I found loopholes in Galen’s orders. It worked to warn Kade.

Of course it could all go wrong, and he would use me to take over Sitia. No. I wouldn’t let him. I had too many precious gems to care for. Reema and Teegan, protecting them and warning them against the dangers of magic. I hardly knew them, but I missed them more than I ever did my glass magic.

I realized dashing off to help others wasn’t a distraction from my purpose. It was my purpose. Between Valek’s training, my fortune in diamonds and with assistance from my friends, I could do it. I could be Opal without the descriptor. I could be an adoptive mother one day and go undercover to help Fisk with that rival gang the next. And I planned to follow up with Fisk; he shouldn’t have to deal with such problems on his own.

But Galen first. I didn’t know how I would stop him. I just would.

“What are you doing?” Galen demanded.

“Thinking.”

“About what?”

“Siphoning your magic.”

He cocked his head to the side as if curious. “You know that won’t work.”

“Wishful thinking. Is that better?”

Galen strode over and grabbed the orb. “In order to avoid a future hassle, do not siphon my magic and do not attack me.” Finding the pile of diamonds, he poured them back into the glass. “Come with me.”

We walked to Walsh’s office building. His assistant quickly announced us. Her resemblance to Quinn was obvious now. The desire to tell her to run away bubbled up my throat, but I bit my lip. Now was not the time nor the place.

Walsh’s pleasure at my enslavement soured on hearing about Heli’s escape. He rounded on Galen. “Opal was dating the Stormdancer leader. They could attack us with storms.”

A hollow thud echoed in my chest over Walsh’s use of the past tense.

“They won’t risk Opal’s life or the children who live here,” Galen said.

“I’m not worried about them, you idiot. My oyster beds could be destroyed.” Walsh’s icy voice cut through the sudden tension.

Their relationship could be falling apart. I wondered how I could drive the wedge in further.

“Who cares about your oysters? One black diamond equals two dozen pearls.”

“And if the storms disrupt the currents that bring those precious stones to our shore? What then?”

Galen brandished the orb and poured the clear diamonds onto Walsh’s desk. “We’ll recapture Heli. She isn’t far. Besides, if they try to attack us, they’ll have to be close to us. Opal is strong enough to drain their powers from a distance.”

His smug smile didn’t go over well with Walsh. “She didn’t siphon that young Stormdancer.”

Galen’s humor died. He rounded on me. “Whose magic did you siphon?” Damn. “Devlen’s.”

He laughed. “That’s an easy fix. Don’t worry, Walsh. It was her last act of defiance.”

I rubbed the back of my hand, reminding myself of his kiss. “How do you know Devlen?” I asked.

“We met when I funded the Daviian Clan’s attempt to take control of the Council. Revolts are costly and Vasko thought their cause worthy. I befriended a few Warpers. After that disaster, I kept in contact with a couple who escaped. I’ve hired him for a number of jobs over the years. But when I learned he was another one of your victims and he was in jail, I had to pay him a visit. Did you fall for his model prisoner act?”

“Yes.”

Galen tapped his chest. “My idea. When you saw him today, did it hurt? Did it feel like a slap in the face?”

“Yes.” At first glance, but I couldn’t mistake the pain in his eyes. But why hadn’t he mentioned Galen to me before?

He gloated. “Good.”

Walsh interrupted us. “What if the Stormdancer informs the Master Magicians? I didn’t want to attract attention.”

Galen downplayed his concerns. “She won’t. You keep forgetting, Walsh. Opal’s under my control. I could order her to go to the Citadel and drain both Masters dry right now.”

Walsh’s concern hadn’t softened with Galen’s reassurances. “Opal, come here.” He pushed back from his desk, but remained sitting.

“Go,” Galen said.

No choice. Walsh grabbed my wrist and tugged me closer. “Since you are part of my family now, we will have a celebration on the night of the full moon, five days hence. We do it for all our new members and for the children when they reach maturity. It’s a special night. We have a big bonfire and clambake, we tell stories and sing songs. Every clan member attends and everyone has a wonderful time.”

It was an odd speech and I braced for the bad news. He didn’t disappoint me.

“There is a little ceremony where you are inducted into the clan. First your old clan name is written on a piece of wood and we’ll burn it in the fire. It’s all very dramatic.” He smiled. “Then you marry me.”

“What?” I jerked back, but his grip was strong.

“Keep still and listen,” he ordered. “All the men of the clan pledge an oath of loyalty to me, and all the women vow to be my wife and we consummate the marriage following the ceremony.”

Horror welled. “You’ve slept with all the women?”

“At least once,” he said with pride. “Although, I must admit some I favor more than others.”

“But…before…when I visited there were families.”

“Of course. The woman can marry another as long as I approve. And it’s a source of pride for her husband when I choose his wife for a night of pleasure. He is pledged to me.”

Finally, the reality of my situation sank in and I cast about for a way out. “I’m experienced. And you don’t need my vow; I already have to obey.”

“Relax. Many of our members have come to us experienced. For those, there is a cleansing ritual before they are inducted to the clan.”

Galen’s sadistic smirk didn’t bode well for the ritual.

“Besides, you are in luck, my dear,” Walsh said. “You will stay with me every night until you are with child.”

Lucky would be the last descriptor I would apply.

After our meeting with Walsh, Galen proceeded to issue orders. “Never tell Walsh anything I say or do. Comply with all requests for the ritual, the ceremony and with the commands Walsh makes to you in his bedroom. For any other tasks he assigns you, you must clear them with me first.”

Fury simmered, but I concentrated on the wording of Galen’s orders, searching for loopholes.

When I woke on the morning of my wedding, a thick fog had settled over the compound. It gave me an idea and I searched the area for a good hiding spot. If Galen couldn’t find me, he couldn’t order me, cleanse me or marry me. A desperate plan, but I had no other options left. I had considered every angle, but couldn’t find a loophole.

I had tried running away two days ago. But since I had completed the binding with Galen, the tolerable distance between us had shortened considerably. When I reached the outer limit, the physical weakness and pain had been so intense, I couldn’t move. The guards had no trouble dragging me back.

Between the north and south beaches, the tip of the peninsula extended out like a finger. The surf had dug nooks and crannies into that outcropping. I found one above the waterline big enough to fit into and not be seen. It was a little damp as a few of the stronger waves sent sea spray into my spot.

I squirmed into a comfortable position. With the low ceiling, I lay down. Crossing my arms under my head as a pillow, I reviewed everything since Galen injected me with his blood. One bright spot, I hadn’t had withdrawal symptoms since the binding. But each time I was with Galen, he added to his list of things I was forbidden to do. The most frustrating part was I felt strongest when Galen stood next to me and I couldn’t do a damn thing!

Except make super messengers. Before I didn’t use them to avoid being bound to him, and now I wasn’t allowed to use them to call for help.

Focusing on what I could do, I created a mental list of possible ways to cause trouble.

No one came near my hiding spot until the afternoon sun burned away the fog. A few shadows crossed the small opening, but so far no one spotted it. I could use my magic to ensure my spot remained hidden, but then the power would tip off Walsh and Galen.

Finally one shadow paused. I knew it was inevitable, but I had hoped for a couple more hours. I debated if I would go quietly or kick and scream the whole trip back.

When Devlen entered, relief and fear swirled together in a confusing mixture. I had been avoiding him since Heli’s escape, but now I wanted to throw myself into his arms. Must be my blood inside him calling to me. Yeah, right, and I wanted to be Galen’s slave. When would I stop lying to myself? About the same time a miracle happened and I was free.

He crouched in the small space, looking downright miserable. “I didn’t want to be the one to find you,” he said. “But you need to be caught. It’s important for you to be at the bonfire party tonight.”

“So I can marry Walsh?”

He shook his head, but wouldn’t explain. Smart.

“Is this the blood magic talking?” More tattoos stained his skin.

“No. The addiction is there, but it won’t force me to do horrible things this time.”

“Why not?”

“I will not hurt you or anyone else.”

“Then come here.” I rolled to my side and he lay next to me, curling his body around my back.

Devlen stretched his arm out so I could rest my head on it. He draped his other arm around my waist, pulling me closer. I hadn’t realized how chilled I was until his warmth soaked into me.

“Now you can fill in the blanks,” I said.

“At least, I don’t have to convince you that I’m on your side. I was worried you wouldn’t let me explain.”

“It was a surprise, but there was something in your eyes…. You hadn’t come to hurt me.”

“You trust me.” He said it as if he couldn’t believe it.

“Yes.”

He stayed quiet.

I nudged him with my elbow. “You still need to tell me how and why you’re here.”

“Galen visited me in Dawnwood soon after you did. He wanted me to get close to you, find out why you were in Fulgor. I played along so I could learn what he was up to. He also mentioned working out a sweet deal on the Bloodgood coast with some cult and that if I ever escaped he could use my help. I had no idea he was that hotshot CO Finn or that he was experimenting with blood magic. He never came back. But when Nic visited with the news…” His arm tightened around my waist as his voice cracked. “Nic mentioned that Vasko’s right-hand man had also died. No way Galen gets caught in a cave-in. And I didn’t believe you were…dead. I escaped and found the cult.”

“What about the tattoos?”

“Test of loyalty. Plus it gives Galen the illusion of control over me since he provides the blood. That, and he’s technically in enemy territory. This is Walsh’s domain, and if anything happened between them, Galen would need supporters.”

“Galen has me. I’m powerful.” I rested my arm on his, lacing my fingers with his. “I now understand the desire for more magic. If he didn’t hold my leash, I would—”

“No, you would not.”

“I gave in twice to the addiction.”

He laughed. “Look at my arms, Opal. Four tattoos on each. I gave in eight times and he started me with a tiny amount of magic. You were given all your own power back, plus Galen’s. He was so frustrated with how you held off the withdrawal, and how you wouldn’t use the magic. And he’s surprised you have not gone into withdrawal since the binding.”

“Not for lack of trying. I went from avoiding magic to using it all the time.”

“At his command. Have you tried anything on your own?”

I considered. “When I communicated with you and Heli, but that is what put me over the edge.”

He squeezed my hand. “You shouldn’t have risked your freedom for me.”

“What freedom? I was stuck here regardless. Plus I’ve felt the unbearable need for blood magic. I couldn’t see you suffer, and, I’ll admit it, I really didn’t want you to become a Warper again.”

“There’s no chance I would become a Warper.”

“But—”

“No chance. Before the addiction fueled my desire, I wanted to be powerful and to reach the highest level of the Kirakawa ritual. This time, I’m able to separate the addiction from my desire. While I give in to the physical need for the magic, my love for you has not allowed it to change who I am. Does that make sense?”

I turned to him. “A little.” But did I love him? With our history, could I? A year and a half ago, he had kidnapped and tortured me, all for blood magic. I understood the addiction, but would I go to those lengths to obtain relief? No. Because, like Devlen now, I had separated the addiction from my own desires. My worry about being addicted before all this was laughable.

My sister’s question from long ago echoed in my mind. What do you regret?

Devlen was a different man than the one who hurt me. I’d known it in my head, but my heart had been slower to accept it. And after we left this cave, I wouldn’t have another chance to show him how I feel.

“One question,” I said.

“Anything.”

“What do the battle symbols on my switchblade mean?”

“Didn’t Janco tell you?” he asked.

“No. He turned red, sputtered some excuse and bolted.”

“Sounds like Janco.”

“Tell me.”

“The symbols are a vow. They say, I offer my heart, entrust my soul and give my life to you.”

I reached up and cupped his face. His hair hung loose and it fell forward when I drew him closer to me. A hopeful joy shone in his eyes as our lips met. Long-suppressed desire for him burst through all my doubts, worries and fears. I deepened the kiss.

He held me and I wrapped my arms around his neck. But I needed to feel his skin against mine. I pulled at his shirt. He broke off the kiss, stopping me.

“Opal, I endeavor to earn your forgiveness. This is more than I ever hoped for. I do not deserve—”

I placed my fingers on his lips. “Shhh. We don’t have much time and I don’t want to waste it talking. Now, where were we?” Yanking off his shirt, I ran my hands over his torso and around his back.

His mouth sought mine and soon I had my wish. Skin against skin.