Page 113

“For one, we need to work together when it comes to the test, and everything that happened in relation to it. Including Vorzyr’s ability.”

“You know what it was, don’t you?”

“Yes,” she admitted, outright. “It’s called Primal Celestial Resonance. The reason evenyoucouldn’t identify it, despite how learned you are, is because of so much regarding the Celestial Plane being locked down on the mortal plane and kept from everyone. The ability he demonstrated is not just incredibly rare, it shouldn’t be possible for a non-Celestial. It’s not a learned ability, it’s an innate ability. There has to be some sort of bloodline connection to Celestial magic. His ability enables him to disrupt magic by resonating with it on a primal level. Basically, forcing it to submit to his will, rather than break.”

As I fought to absorb that, in my less-than-stellar state, no less, she even gave me more, revealing, “I wanted access to thattest before I reabsorb my full power because something feels… wrong. It has since the very moment that I reached magical maturity.”

“Wrong in what sense?”

“I’m not sure. That’s the point. It’s unclear. I guess, like a strain, or maybe even a pull within. And, you remember my shadow weaving? Well, every now and then since my party, I’ve been drawing a symbol without my conscious knowledge. But when I try to replicate it, I can’t. It just comes of its own accord. I’ve been trying to redraw it so I can reach in with my magic and perform tests. But it’s like it knows now, and it’s not coming up subconsciously anymore, or letting me remember.”

“Fuck me, this is—”

“Incredibly worrying?”

“That. Definitely. But also a hell of a puzzle to solve.”

She shook her head at me. “Seriously?”

“Is it wrong to put a positive spin on things? Especially something of this magnitude that’s clearly stressing you deeply?”

Her eyes shone at me. “No, it’s not wrong. It’s really thoughtful.”

“Well, that’s me, sweetheart. Chocked full of thoughtfulness.”

“And madness. Viciousness. Arrogance. Dirtiness. Being a pushy shit.”

“Ah, listing off my best qualities. I love it.”

“Kai.”

“I’m fucking with you.” My eyes dipped down her body. “Well, I’d like to be literally, actually. It’s been too long.” Our gazes clashed and I saw unmistakable heat there. “Don’t you agree?”

“You’re sick.”

I groaned and sank down in the bed. “Yeah, you’re right. It would just be a letdown if I tried to do anything while I’m in this state.” I turned onto my side, staring up at her. “But just so I know, you do feel that urge, too, right? To be with me? Maybeus?”

“I do,” she admitted. A deep frown etched her brow. “When I was keeping my distance—”

“Up until a few minutes ago?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes. Fine. I guess I deserve that.”

“No, I’m sorry. What were you gonna say?”

“When I was on the hood of your car, ready, waiting, and most definitely willing, why didn’t you… take it there? In fact, you never have. That’s always been off-limits. Why is that?”

“Fucking your sweet Celestial cunt?”

“Don’t refer to it that way.”

“Why not?”

“Honestly? Because it gets me hot.”

“Well, fuck. I can’t believe you’re admitting that outright.” I winced. “Shit, that means I really have to tell you why I reacted that way now.”Hold on a second.I eyed her and she was smirking at me. “You did it on purpose, revealing that to me?”

“Learned from the best, hmm?”