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It wasdifferent.

Yet powerful. I felt the power now, calling to me. It was more familiar than it was the last time.

I knew my power could destroy that deadling, but what else could it do? Was there a limit to my power?

Was there a limit to anyone’s?

Or was my power just as destructive as what it had done to that cage? Would my power disintegrate anyone it touched?

We ran through the exercise again and again. Malachi and Esther both watched as I drew that ball of power time and time again until exhaustion overtook my body.

I kept my eyes away from Malachi as much as possible, but I couldn’t deny the increasing heat in my chest at the thought of his power recognizing mine.

The King of Shadows, indeed.

CHAPTER12

Jade

Ilet the maids fill my bath with scorching hot water. As hot as possible, I told them.

They only looked slightly concerned with my request.

“You may go,” I demanded once the bath was full, steam radiating off the surface.

They both nodded and scurried away.

My towel fell to the floor. I walked to sit on the edge of the bath. My hand shook as I reached out, feeling the steaming surface.

And then I dipped it in.

The water felt hot, yes, but not in a painful way. The scorching water comforted me, warming the coldest parts of my soul.

I let my body sink fully into the water, my heart rate immediately slowing down in relaxation. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the back of the bath.

Saints. Months ago, I was a normal girl. Now, I was a peacemaker with magic?

When would I finally wake up from the nightmare of my life?

The scorching water cooled with every passing second. My eyelids grew heavy, fighting to stay open.

After a few minutes, I let them close.

Until I heard footsteps approaching in the darkness.

Malachi’s figure appeared in the doorway of the bathroom.

“Saints,” I mumbled. “What are you doing here?”

“I had to see you.”

“I’m kind of occupied right now, Malachi!”

“I’ll be quick,” he said, completely ignoring my objections and walking into the bathroom. “I promise.”

I leaned back into the water, suddenly extremely grateful that the room was dimly lit.

“What’s so important that you couldn’t wait until I wasclothed?”