and stronger waves, building up even though she had absolutely no energy to help it flower. Even so, Devon suspected the energy link between them wasn’t as open as they’d originally thought. That, or Charity had figured out (possibly unconsciously) how to keep more of the pain for herself and spare Devon, because they’d had to stop repeatedly for her to clamp down on a power surge that he didn’t feel as much as he should’ve.
“We should be able to get some rest up here a ways,” Emery said, leading them along a narrow path between bent and twisted trees and straggly, reaching bushes. The area was a no man’s land. Nothing seemed to be stirring on the periphery. No winged creatures flew overhead.
Devon counted his blessings. A few times on the trek, they’d seen creatures staring out of the trees at them, silent and watchful, keeping at bay when normally they would attack, or so Emery had murmured as they passed.
They still didn’t know why Vlad had cleared their path—was he being true to his word, or was he leading them into an elaborate trap? Only time would tell.
The soft pounding of danger thrummed in Devon’s middle. He had no way of knowing if he was right, but it felt like the elf or elves were catching up. He nearly said as much, but what choice did they have but to rest? Charity was staggering like a drunk with a pale, sweaty face and weak, useless limbs. She was in a bad way. Any farther, and they’d have to carry her.
Any farther, and they might have to carry Devon.
“We can drape an invisibility spell over the cave,” Emery murmured to Penny. “Any higher-powered elves would be able to sense the magic, so we’ll…have to get creative.”
“How much farther until the Flush?” Penny asked.
“At this pace and after a rest?” He paused for a moment. “A day, probably.”
A surge of Charity’s magic rushed into Devon, making his eyes water. She bumped into him before putting her hand to her sternum, slowing. A moment later, she bent at the waist and squeezed her arms around her middle.
“You okay?” Penny asked, turning to Charity with a concerned expression.
“The Realm…” Charity struggled for breath, coughing into her fist. “It’s boosting my magic.”
“This surge is more powerful,” Emery said, concern screwing up his features. “It feels like lava needles.”
“It feels like she is getting ready to blast us with something nasty,” Penny murmured, her hand on Emery’s arm.
“I’m good,” Charity said through clenched teeth. “It’s good.”
Devon could barely stand upright. He pumped out his shifter magic, the effort nearly taking him to his knees, counteracting the stinging pain of her magic. His pack backed off, probably a survival mechanism, except for Steve in his lion form.
Steve pushed in close, his strong shifter magic swirling around and within Charity’s and Devon’s magic. Helping them fight back the tide.
“More,” Devon said between clenched teeth. “More shifter magic.”
“Oh, I see,” Penny said. “Yes, that’s smart.” Her fingers started moving. Emery watched for a moment before he reached in between her hands, his fingers dancing.
Devon held on, working with Charity’s magic, using everyone else’s power to help balance it. To back it down.
“I’m good,” Charity said again, her fists balled up and her eyes shut. “I’m good.”
“More magic,” he said, his head getting light from the effort of calling up his magic.
Andy bumped Steve to make room and pushed in. Dillon and Macy crowded in behind him, the others behind them. Penny pushed her hands toward the group.
Charity sucked in a breath. Thankfully, the surge calmed. The tide turned.
“Almost there,” Devon said, taking a breath with her, pushing the hot agony of her magic away. “Almost there.”
Charity took deep, ragged breaths. She nodded and straightened up slowly, her whole body shaking. “It’s okay. We’re okay.”
This time, Devon thought to himself. This time they were okay, but it had taken the whole pack and two natural dual-mages. If these surges got any stronger, he didn’t know if they’d be able to pull her back.
Devon, in his human form, awoke with a start in the dim cave they’d chosen to hunker down in. A rock poked into his back and water dripped on his head from the cave ceiling. His pack fanned out around him, one and all in their animal forms, making the most of their rest. Deep breaths said they were still deep in their slumber.
Two shapes stood at the mouth of the cave, shadows against the glow