AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Before I can ask any more intrusive questions, Atlas pushes up from his desk and brushes past me, returning to the center of the room. "Now, back to your eyes. What were you thinking about in the coffin?"
Lazily, I shake my head. "I don't know."
"Think, Princess. It's important for us to understand what triggers you."
"Don't you think I know that?" I snap back. "Of course, it's important!"
His eyes are kind and his tone gentle as he takes a step toward me. "Then at least try to remember. Don't quit on me. What were you thinking about?"
I close my eyes, allowing myself to relive those moments. I see my glowing reflection in the bathroom mirror at Hotel Zulmara. I remember lying next to Atlas in a coffin, trying to escape Kongar and evade Vesper's crew.
"Tell me, Princess," Atlas coaxes, but I keep my eyes closed.
"I recall being angry," I admit.
"Good," he whispers. "That's something. What were you angry about?"
"I was angry that you kissed me in that alley, and I was furious with myself about the things I said to you during our argument. I was upset Vesper found us in Kongar, and I was angry that you wanted me to run away instead of fight on the docks." I pause when memories of Atlas' shadows caressing my skin flash into my mind.
"What are you thinking about now?" I hear his voice, but still refuse to open my eyes to meet his gaze. He must sense my hesitation or embarrassment because he whispers, "Don't be afraid to tell me the truth."
"Your shadows," I say, and my mouth immediately goes dry.
"What about them?" I feel him getting closer to me, and it spurs me to open my eyes. The way he is staring at me is different. He looks equally mesmerized and proud. Even Nyx stares at me in wonder.
"What are you two gawking at?" I hiss.
"Look at your hands," Atlas instructs and I obey.
They're glowing.
"I guess we know now what triggers that response," Nyx chimes in.
"What does?" I look at Nyx. "My anger?"
"Me."
My eyes dart to find Atlas. "You?"
"Any strong emotional reaction involving me – anger, remorse, attraction – your eyes shift and your hands glow."
"What does that mean?" I can't help the shakiness in my voice.
"To be honest," he rakes a hand through his hair, "I am not entirely sure. I've not heard of that happening before."
Nyx hops up and makes his way toward us. "Are your powers amplified when you think about Shaye?"
Atlas stares at me and I scoff. "Of course not! His eyes have always shifted–"
"Yes."
"Yes, what?" I hold his gaze. Though I can sense my rising trepidation, all I sense from him is tranquility.
"My powers are amplified when I think of you." His admission nearly steals my breath. "I'm stronger, faster, more lethal."
"Well," Nyx takes the case out of his pocket and grabs a fresh toothpick, "that explains Bava."
"What about Bava?" I ask.
