Page 70 of Medium

Shane put his hand on my lower back. “He got injured and Ms. Jackson healed him. It’s fading.”

“Wait.” Manny put his hands up and turned them this way and that. “What do you mean I’m sparkling? Why can’t I see it? I want to see it!”

Pia giggled. “Only magic carriers and Wonders can see the magic sparkle, silly.”

He gave her an exaggerated pout. “Huh. I’ll just have to find some extra sequins or rhinestones to make up for it.”

Had Ms. Jackson given him some of their magic as part of the healing? Just how badly injured had he been?

Shane pushed me toward one of the empty chairs. I smelled bacon and toast, and my stomach growled. I’d get Manny’s story out of Shane and Rory later when Pia wasn’t around.

Clementine reappeared. “Ellis, is this your phone?” She held it up.

My mouth dropped open. “Oh my god, yes, it is! Where did you find it?”

She handed it over then gestured vaguely toward the front door. “One of the others found it in the woods when it rang.”

I pressed it against my chest. “Thank you so much, and please tell whoever it was that found it thanks as well. Now I don’t have to deal with getting a new phone on top of everything else.”

I clicked on the screen. Without my glasses I couldn’t make out the percentage of battery left, but it looked small. I’donly received one phone call, and although I couldn’t read the town name, it was from somewhere in Arizona, so most likely spam. Well, at least it’d helped me get my phone back.

Simon joined us at the table and scarfed down a large plate of food, same as the rest of us. He had nice hands, large and long-fingered. He’d be easily able to do a Double Iron Whip if he wanted to. When he was done eating, he put his fork on his plate and drained his glass of orange juice. “I’ll be leaving soon. Rory and Ellis, if you want your memories back, now is the time to tell me.”

I didn’t have to think about it. I shook my head almost violently. “No. Not me. Thanks for offering, but no.”

Rory rubbed my back, but said, “I want them back. Please.”

“Sure. Shane, can you switch seats with me?”

Shane got up, and he and Simon moved around each other to exchange places. Simon caught Shane’s arm. “You guys should bond soon. That’s a shit-ton of connections you’re holding. If your magic decides they’re too many, it’ll either start cutting some of the connections or just kind of....” He clapped his hands together. “Implode.”

“Wait, what? You mean because he’s holding both of our Districts? Can’t I take mine back now?” Fuck, I didn’t want Shane hurt.

Simon shrugged. “If you’re resonating with your District, sure. Have you felt it since yesterday?”

My shoulders sagged. “No.” And I was smack dab in the middle of it too.

Shane hadn’t sat down again yet. He shifted nervously, gripping the back of the chair Simon had been sitting in. “I bet that’s because I’m resonating with your District as well as myown. Or they’re combined now. But, Simon, what did you mean byimplode? That sounds... violent?”

Simon lowered himself into the chair next to Rory. “I’ve never seen it myself, but it would mean your magic would essentially collapse in on itself from the strain and you’d pretty much burn out. Some of your magic might come back, but most of it probably wouldn’t.”

Shane plopped into the chair, rubbing his chest. His face was pale. Ms. Jackson nudged him with the side of their head.

I raised my hand. “I’m all for bonding ASAP.”

Rory’s eyes darted between me and Shane. “I’m on board if you’ll have me.”

I put my hand around his back.

Shane emanated worry through the bond. “It’s a big step. Are you sure?—”

Simon held up a hand. “You can discuss it later. I need to get going. Ellis, let go of Rory for a minute.” I pulled my hand back. “Okay, Rory, give me your hand.” He took Rory’s hand in his and then stared into his eyes for a moment. “Okay, done.” He let go. Simon scooted his chair back as if he were about to stand up.

Rory grabbed his wrist. “Wait.”

Simon froze.

Rory said, “I forgive you for taking my blood with, um, minimal consent. I can see you didn’t like doing it.”