Page 176 of Obsidian and Frost

“Well, it can still be done with the use of a sacrifice. Sorin Tenebris would make the ideal candidate for that.”

“Killing Velra’s brother to save my life?”

“I believe that would be termed poetic justice.”

“No. Nobody is dying to save me.”

“But trying to locate another necromancer and one strong enough and learned enough to perform such a spell would be near-impossible and time-consuming. Necromancers are often beyond the scope of tracking spells.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I can assist. When Ariana and I were trying to locate Ketheron during that period where he was being held captive by Corvin Morvain, we crafted a spell using ancient magics attuned to that which Corvin was using to shield him from being located. Using your necromantic essence, I could certainly fashion something similar. I also have enough power to be able to ensure that the spell encompasses the entire supernatural world. Of course, it will take time to search and travel every square inch of such a mammoth area.”

“That’s a lot to undertake, Cassius.”

“We are discussing ways to prevent you from dying, Sylas. I do not think that me being impacted a little should even be considered a factor.” He smiled. “You are my friend, yes? This is something I am willing to do for a friend, and especially one who Velra holds so dear. She’s formed a connection with you, a deep bond, and we both know how rare that is for her. I won’t let that be broken. I won’t allow her to lose you.”

“It’s… no.”

“No? This is feasible.”

“Let’s just… tell me about what you’ve discovered with Velra’s power.”

He ground his jaw. “As you wish. I suppose.”

“Cassius.”

He blew out a breath, clearly irritated. He liked solutions and he didn’t do well with things being danced around, and definitive paths forward not being established.

“When her panicked eruption of power that day impacted yours andboostedit, you were experiencing the raw, unfiltered version of her magic. When that surged around somebody who operates on that same twilight frequency it was akin to a “free for all”—extra magic out there for the taking. Like channeling somebody in a way, but without directly drawing from them and draining them, because the power had already been disconnected from them and released. Velra is able to do this without weakening herself because of her unique magical physiology as both Dark Fae and Wraith. It stands to reason that you could access this “loose magic” if a connection is established so that it always goes to you when it is released. And that connection we can infuse into what she has already created—your Nexus Band ring.”

As I stared at the ring she’d spelled me with, he went on, “This would automatically direct that discharged magic into your system, allowing you to stabilize your power and provideyou with a magical boost without you having to use the serum to do that. The serum can then return to its original intent of just stopping the desiccation, which will make it far less taxing on your body.”

“Okay,” I said, nodding. “I’ll discuss it with her after this dinner.”

“Very good.”

“And… thank you, Cassius. I appreciate your help and your insight.” I shifted my weight. “There’s something else.”

“I’m listening.”

“WithPuritasrising, that directly impacts Kai from the perspective of Nyx.”

“No, don’t tell him.”

“What?”

“This is Kai Hunter. He’ll raze the world to protect those he loves. Remember, his power set has now reached the level of an Immortal like me and Cornelius. It’s too dangerous. Until we know more. And until we have solutions or at least sound strategies in place. The collateral damage that could occur if Kai was unleashed would be catastrophic.”

Kai certainly did have aburn-the-world-downapproach when it came to protecting those he loved and also ensuring the world knew well not to fuck with him. He had calmed lately, but all that would likely be thrown out the window—or tested majorly at the very least—if he knew aboutPuritasrising, an organization that existed to punish and eradicate hybrids just like Nyx Laryn. It was quite likely that Vorzyr would be a target as well, in that he was a dragon but with Celestial blood coursing through his system which gave him abilities beyond that of regular draconic beings—he was an unofficial hybridized being.

“All right,” I agreed. “But if things escalate, we might not have a choice.”

“Yes. It’s certainly a delicate balancing act.”

“Speaking of that, regarding my contact offering a name for one of the high-ranking members ofPuritas, it didn’t come with strings, or the need for a favor to be returned this time.”

“How is that the case?”

“It was a gift. Because we wiped out thatPuritascontingent.”

He frowned. “This contact cannot know that we were responsible. I ensured it, believe me. There was no evidence of you or I being there in any form.”