Crown of Moonlight (Court of Midnight and Deception #2) - K.M. Shea Page 0,32
to take me a little while.”
Soft, gleaming light that was cool but clear like stars drifted out of the ground beneath my feet, spiraling out around me in a beautiful, intricate design.
I steeled myself, so I didn’t flinch when another creature flung itself at my barrier before Chase killed it.
I’d learned the basics of magic as a kid, and while I was strongest in my natural magic—like my ability to befriend animals—I’d improved a lot since I’d become Queen of the Night Court. I mostly practiced with barriers—which was why mine was holding even though a couple of the creatures tried to dig their claws into it. But since my run in with a monster during a race a few weeks ago, I’d become much more interested in offensive magic so I could protect myself.
But I’ve only practiced a few times since then, and I still don’t know much. But I’ve got to try!
I frowned as one of the monsters flung himself at my barrier, then skidded down the side, making a squeaking noise and leaving a trail of drool behind.
“Are we taking any bets who sent these guys?” I eyed the fallen monster as Whiskers pounced on it. “I don’t think it’s anyone from my Court—probably.”
“They’re the biggest suspects given the way they swarmed the market once they found you were here.” Chase camped out in a shadow of the building, continuously swinging his sword in a complex movement pattern and slicing through the two shadow monsters that kept trying to sprout where he stood.
My light spell had almost reached the sides of the post office and police station—it was nearly ready! “You could be right. But I bet it’s one of the other crappy monarchs,” I grumbled.
“Are the two of you seriously discussing suspects as if this is a casual afternoon stroll?” Rigel asked. He killed two shadow monsters, then cast a black, net-like magic spell that tore through two more.
Oohhh, I should learn that spell! I wonder if he would teach me if I asked nicely?
“Because it practically is an afternoon stroll given how often I’m attacked,” I said. “You’re just not used to it because you’re terrifying, and no one would dare try to kill you. Just give it some time and you’ll develop an inappropriate sense of humor, too.” I flexed my fingers, trying to hurry my magic as it crawled across the last few inches.
Irritatingly, it moved more slowly the farther it got away from me.
But why? When I used my old charm bracelet to cast spells, I don’t remember having any problems like this.
A whimper, then a scream ripped through the air.
I spun around, my stomach dropping to my feet.
Three of the monsters had Kevin cornered—one had its claws stabbed deep into his side. Whiskers launched himself at one of the creatures, but he hadn’t been able to rip out its throat, so he still hung from its back as a fourth monster ambled up and slammed its meaty fists into his head.
“Kevin!” I screamed. “Whiskers!”
“Don’t drop your barrier!” Chase barked.
I took a few steps, but I had focused on learning how to pour power into barriers—not how to make them portable, so the magic didn’t move with me.
“Queen Leila,” Chase warned.
I dropped my barrier and sprinted to Kevin and Whiskers.
I wish I brought the pistol the Drake vampires gave me—it was supposed to be for times like this!
Angry tears stung my eyes, and I yanked magic from my excruciatingly slow spell and threw it at the monsters.
Light flashed like fireworks, and the ground shook.
Two of the monsters staggered backwards and disappeared—weak to light.
But the one stabbing Kevin and the other that was harassing Whiskers had their backs to my spell, and it didn’t seem to bother them.
Blood trickled from Kevin’s side, and Whiskers screamed weakly before he toppled to the ground.
No!
I reached out again with my magic, but before I could even think of a spell to throw, pink magic zipped in front of me, slicing through the two monsters terrorizing my pets.
I spun around, shocked to see Lady Chrysanthe standing just inside the parking lot.
She held three jeweled hair pins, and all of them glowed with magic, giving her power as she directed a flurry of spells to the shadowy monsters.
She’s…helping?
It was such a foreign idea it made me freeze.
Lady Chrysanthe hated me—I’d unwillingly taken the crown she thought would be hers. She hadn’t even tried to disguise how much she hated me. And now she was helping?