Page 27 of The Freedom You Seek

“I don’t want to talk about the reasons, but believe me, there’s a good explanation.”

“Come on. Give me something. Anything. What was it?”

Damn, she was good—and relentless. Sighing, I gave up keeping this particular secret. “Magic.” I didn’t know if it was the right decision to confront her with the truth, but she would’ve found out soon enough anyway.

“Magic?And that’s what I’m supposed to believe? Magic doesn’t exist.”

“Just because you never had proof that something is real doesn’t mean it’s nonexistent, Jama. Magic and those who wield it have been around among ordinary people almost as long as life exists, and Wielder are still being born today. Magic is a present the gods bestowed on some. Just because it’s kept secret from most people doesn’t mean it’s that unusual. It’s just a matter of predisposition, talent, training, and knowledge.”

“So you want to tell me that you can do magic?”

“Wield magic. That’s the correct term.”

“Whatever. And you canwieldmagic to turn day into night?”

I could tell she was trying to digest what I’d unveiled. Surprisingly, her expression revealed she wanted to believeme to some degree, despite her initial reaction to dismiss the truth outright. “Among other things.” My voice was casual, and only after the words had left my mouth did I realize how much that might have sounded like bragging to her. Somehow, her reluctant acceptance of such a revelation intrigued me, and I was willing to indulge her some more.

“What else can you do?”

“Are you sure you want to know, Jama?”

“I wouldn’t have asked otherwise.”

“You might not like what you find out.” Amusement won over my reluctance, and a plan formed in my mind. I knew exactly what to show her and how I’d be able to take advantage of her curiosity.

Irritated, Jama turned her head, and she glowered as our eyes met. “I think after everything, I can deal with some little magic trick.”

“Little magic trick?” I lost control of my expression, and my grin slipped. Instead, a muscle in my cheek ticked. “Well, Jama, I’ll show you some magictricks, but remember, you brought this on yourself.”

“I’m not afraid.”

“You should.”

“But I’m not.”

“You know what? I’ll demonstrate what happens should you choose to rebel for the sake of rebelling instead of listening to me or the others despite knowing we’re correct. Like yesterday when I warned you not to take a swim.”

“And how would that be a fair deal? What’s in it for me?”

“Easy. I’ve already rescued you from certain death. And as long as we travel in each other’s company, you’ll be protected by me and the others. You’ll be safe. But in this case, it’s only fair that I use what’s at my disposal to save you from yourself, and should we agree on all that, you won’t be allowed to whine about my methods. So that’s the deal. My protection in exchange for your cooperation. Think about it. It’s a good bargain for you, seeing that you’re in no condition to travel alone.” I was proud of how this situation unfolded, and I could see the gears in her head spinning.

“That sounds extremely vague. I won’t give you free rein like this. Do you think I’m stupid?”

“Calm down. We’re talking about protection from harm here. I or the others will never control you just because we can or will do anything to hurt you. Except if you’ll explicitly ask for it, but that’s a whole other discussion.” The blush creeping into her cheeks was delicious and told me she fully understood what I’d hinted at.

“You’re impossible.”

“Not impossible. Only very improbable,” I purred. The tiny thing had fire in her eyes, I’d give her that. But I needed to push on. “So, what will it be? Do you accept?”

I could tell from her sigh that she was questioning how our conversation about magic had transformed into a potential trap.

“Beware, Dion. If you try any funny business—” She puffed herself up while I staredintently at her until she surrendered. “Fine. I accept your protection—for now—and even your stupid conditions. With that out of the way, can I see your magic?”

Immediately after I’d agreed to Dion’s deal, my insides churned with regret. Had I blindly run into a trap? Most certainly, but still, I couldn’t say no to his pact.

I’d always been too curious for my own good, and after I’d found out the left dimple had a right cousin, I’d thrown all caution to the wind. Those cursed dimples would be my undoing one day.

“Of course. Your wish is my command.” Dion’s full attention was on me in an unsettling, predatory way, and nerves fluttered inside my stomach. He didn’t move, but stayed still as a statue, which was a real feat on horseback.