Casting Shadows, page 32
part #4 of The Magicsmith Series
“All right,” I said. “Let’s get this party started.” I turned to Mica and extended my hand. “I couldn’t have done this without you. If I can ever return the favor . . .”
He gripped my hand, but instead of shaking it he lifted it and placed a soft kiss on the back. “I’m sure I’ll come up with something.”
The words rang in my ears like a promise.
He released my hand and pulled Haru aside. They spoke in low tones. I looked away when they kissed.
I nodded to Rhoana. “Give me a couple minutes’ head start before you send them through.” Then I turned to the shimmering patch of air, nearly invisible in the dusky light of the sunset, and stepped through.
My boots sank into slush. Above me, familiar stars twinkled in the night sky and the pale crescent of Earth’s single moon hung low on the horizon, partly obscured by the skeletal branches of the forest around me. I took a deep breath of frigid air that carried with it subtle wisps of industrial pollution, absent in the fae realm, and let out a relieved billow of steam.
Focusing inward, I strummed the cord in my heart that was tethered to James. I felt the resonance, and turned like the needle on a compass. James?
I’m here. Relief and worry swirled together in his response.
I smiled and pushed reassurance through the line. I’m safe.
I’ll believe that when you’re back in my arms.
For a moment, the pressure of a phantom hug wrapped around me, and I could almost believe we were together. I took a deep breath, and the feeling passed.
Is Morgan with you?
Yes.
Good. Tell her we need a ride.
I SNUGGLED DEEPER into the space between the armrest of the overstuffed chair with its nauseating floral upholstery and James’s side. The two of us had crammed into the seat together, unwilling to separate for even a moment since being reunited on the front steps of the tiny cabin James had rented using a mixture of barter and illusion.
On the far side of the room, Morgan sprawled on the cabin’s only couch, pressed to the wall to make space for the children. She’d been grumpy and exhausted after a dozen back-and-forth skips to ferry the frightened kids, since we couldn’t trust them not to let go of one another in the shadowy space between. She’d passed out nearly as soon as the last trip—mine—was done. I still owed her the full story of what transpired between me and Shedraziel.
Beyond the rough wood walls and sheer curtains of the main living area, the first blush of dawn painted the eastern horizon. I yawned and scanned the ashes behind the fireplace grate for any lingering embers of the blaze we’d lit to keep the kids warm as they settled in among the mattresses, blankets, and pillows spread on the living room floor.
You should get some rest. James’s voice thrummed through my mind, rich and clear at this distance. You’ve kept your vigil long enough. Your charges are asleep. The fire has burned down. He stroked the back of his finger down my cheek. You’re exhausted.
“Just a few more minutes,” I whispered, staring at the sea of bodies filling the space between my chair and Morgan’s couch.
It seemed that after the endless procession of trips to the bathroom, requests for water, and aborted attempts at sleep, the children had finally passed out. Emma snored softly in the middle of the group, May tucked against one side. A small boy with dirty blond hair snuggled under her other arm. The remaining children pressed in around the edges like puppies in a pile, huddled together for comfort and warmth.
I smiled. Emma put the children at ease in a way I couldn’t, addressing their needs and concerns before I even considered them. Maybe it was a side effect of being an only child, or my general lack of social experience, but Emma’s ability to effortlessly connect with people was a constant mystery to me. I got the feeling these kids would be okay so long as Emma was around.
Or as okay as any of us could be with war on the horizon.
Conflict with the mortal realm is inevitable.
The sleepy threads of my thoughts drifted away from the comfortable scene.
It seemed, despite all my efforts, another war was brewing between the humans and fae.
The current treaty wouldn’t hold, that much was clear. Neither side was respecting their part of the bargain. And now, with the werewolves and me thrown in the mix. . . . I sighed and nuzzled closer to James, which caused him to hold me tighter. At least the humans didn’t know about vampires yet. That revelation would cause a shit storm for the ages.
But I was in a unique position. I might not be able to find a path to peace on my own, but I could see the conflict from multiple sides—human, fae, and those caught in-between. If I could help them under stand each other better, even a little bit . . .
I worried my lower lip between my teeth.
I needed to talk to Agent Harris again, open a line of communication. Now that my mission to save the kids was over, I had to focus on doing what I could to clean up the mess my video confession had made in the mortal realm. If nothing else, I had to warn her what was coming if the humans and fae went to war. I’d chosen to let Shedraziel live. Any blood she spilled would be on my hands.
My gaze drifted back to May, followed by a familiar twist of guilt. Too many people had already been caught in this game being played between mortals and fae, but it was naive to think there wouldn’t be more. Every choice had the potential for collateral damage. All I could do was make the best decisions I could with the information I had.
You’re spiraling. James’s reprimand pierced my thoughts.
“Sorry,” I whispered, turning my face toward his. “I’ve got a lot on my mind.”
He placed his index finger against my forehead, right between my eyes. “There will be time enough for thinking tomorrow.” He traced down the bridge of my nose and poked the tip. “Just savor the moment.”
A small shudder passed through me. His words weren’t exactly a command, and he hadn’t said, or even thought, my true name. Still, the echo of his authority swept over me and I found myself relaxing, letting my worries drift away. All but one.
“Promise me something.” I traced my fingers along the arm draped around me. I trusted James. That’s why I’d given him my name in the first place. And that trust had saved my life. Without his preexisting order, I would have been no match for Shedraziel. Still. . . . “Promise you’ll never use my name against me.”
James kissed the top of my head. “I promise.”
The last remaining embers of the fire glowed deep red, casting long shadows across the sleeping kids. Kids I’d helped save. James was right—for tonight at least, I deserved to savor my victory. I snuggled closer and let my brain shut off. As James had said, there’d be time enough for thinking tomorrow.
To be continued . . .
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Acknowledgements
This book wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Debra Dixon, who helped refine my story, and my beta readers, David and Connie, who generously donated their time to make sure the book still made sense after I ripped it apart and stitched it back together. I’d also like to thank Alexandra Christle for her copy editing services, and the many people at BelleBooks who worked to make this product the best it could be. Thanks to my friends and family for their unending support. And finally, I want to thank you, the reader, who makes all the work worthwhile.
About the Author
Born and raised in Colorado, L. R. BRADEN makes her home in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her wonderful husband, precocious daughter, and psychotic cat. With degrees in both English literature and metalsmithing, she splits her time between writing and art. Casting Shadows is the fourth book in The Magicsmith series.
For more information, visit lrbraden.com
L. R. Braden, Casting Shadows
