A Crown Of Fire And Wrath (The Shadow Walkers Saga #5) - Sloane Murphy Page 0,11

cries out beside me, and then the light increases further until the memories wash over me like a tidal wave, and I get swept away.

“You can do this, little bird. You can do anything you put your mind to.” I look up at him, the man that everyone fears so much, but who has always been on my side, in my corner, pushing me to be the best version of myself, and never making me feel less because of what I am. Which can’t be said for most of the people in Avalon.

I can’t help what I am, but that doesn’t make their fear any less. I suppose it doesn’t help that I’ve always lived to the beat of my own drum, but if they don’t like it, they can, quite frankly, get fucked.

“I know I can. I just need a minute. Entering your mind is a little scary. Hell, being in my own head is all kinds of terrifying most of the time.” He grins from where he’s sitting opposite me, completely unafraid of the possibility of me getting inside his head. It could be because he has nothing to hide, but it’s more likely that his mental shields are so fucking insane that I won’t get anything he doesn’t want me to get. Even if I tried. But I wouldn’t. I already know that I could ask him anything and he’ll be honest with me.

Some might think our relationship is a little strange, but then, Michael is so feared, and yet respected, that no one would dare say a thing with him around anyway. Except, maybe, for Leviathan. He’s never had any issues challenging Michael. About anything. Including me.

I close my eyes and focus on picturing the path from my mind to Michael’s, and I feel the difference between the shields he has up now, and the ones he has usually. These ones are squishy. Pliable. Normally it’s an immovable force, just like the man himself. He’s letting me in, but he’s only made it a little easier. He still wants me to have to struggle. Always the teacher, and the warrior in him makes him a hard ass teacher.

“Come on, little bird. Try harder.”

I groan, because this particular power scares the crap out of me. I don’t want to be what everyone thinks I am. I don’t mind being a pariah so much, I’ve always been okay in my own company. I don’t need people. But ever since my powers manifested, this is the one I’ve avoided learning. Centuries have passed since then, but I focused on becoming a warrior. Learning to fight without my powers, which is why Leviathan and I became as close as we are, and how I ended up being the right hand to the General of the Death Dealers.

My parents looked proud that day. Not that they spoke to me. They haven’t since my powers manifested, but it sucks to be them, because I learned really quickly that I’m more than capable of looking after myself. Plus, the few people I have, that I now consider practically family, they’re more than I could ever need. I made something of myself without their help.

I focus again and try to breach Michael’s shields, pushing harder than I did before, and with an almost audible pop, the shield around his mind shatters and I’m overcome by his thoughts, his emotions. Holy shit. There’s so much that I retreat, hoping the heat I can feel on my neck isn’t too obvious. I open my eyes and find him smiling at me, all the warmth and love I felt in his mind showing on his face.

I don’t know what to say. What to think.

I had no idea.

I mean, maybe a suspicion, but not really.

“Amantara, stop.” His words are soft as he caresses my cheek. “This changes nothing. Though, it shows me you’re stronger than we thought. You got through more shields than I intended for you to.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, trying to process everything I just learned.

“Don’t be, little bird. I am sorry for underestimating you.” His palm is warm against my cheek, and I can’t help but find comfort in it. In him. But I don’t feel that way. At least, I’ve never thought about him, at least not like that.

“Well isn’t this cozy.” Leviathan’s drawl breaks the spell I’m under as he leans against the stone arch in the gardens we’re sitting in. It’s quiet down here, I’ve always felt at peace, which is why