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He frowned. “You okay?”

She groaned and scrubbed her hands down her face. “I’m fine. It’s just so much information and I want to understand all of it.”

“June, you’re only human.”

She arched a brow and they both laughed.

“Guess we can’t say stuff like that anymore.”

“Guess not.” She sighed. “I wish we knew how close he was.”

“We should be grateful we have the time we have. I don’t think any of us are strong enough to face him yet.”

What if they never were? Any mention of Cerberus brought a sharp twist of unease.

Dane moved to the window. “Do you want this window open?—”

“Leave it. I’m channeling.”

“Channeling what?”

“Magick pulls from nature. It’s a constant give-and-take. It’s easier to replenish my energy when the window’s open.”

He grinned. “Let’s see what you’ve got.” He set a pen on the bed next to her. “Can you move this.”

“Yeah.”

“Prove it.”

With a deep breath, she closed her eyes, summoning the magick that lay dormant within her, focusing on everything she’d read and opening her third eye. The attic hummed with energy, but something was preventing her from retracting the power she needed to access.

“There’s too much interference.”

“What do you mean?”

She tried to explain it. “The walls. I can feel the energy vibrating off every structure. Even your presence creates a ripple.”

“Would it be better to practice outside?”

“Probably.” But she liked the privacy of her room. “I don’t want to do too much too soon. I’m trying to build up my stamina. It’s complicated.”

“So, explain it to me.”

She hesitated. These secrets were protected for a reason. “Can I trust you?”

“June, seriously?”

She still hesitated. “What? This is ancient wisdom. It’s not meant for just anybody.”

“Well, at least all this power isn’t going to your head.”

“Fine.” She sighed. “It’s not like you’ll be able to use it.”

“Gee, thanks. It’s great to feel useless.”

“That’s not what I meant.” She turned to face him. “You know how tomatoes are nightshade fruits, and they mostly bloom at night?”

“Yeah.”