Page 25 of Birthright

It did enough damage to be a distraction, and he dropped Abbey on the grass to turn on me. I crouched and held the blade out, waving it slowly. He lunged, and after a short struggle with the blade, he got a grimy hand on my neck. That black mist started to gather around my face. I stabbed him twice, but it did no good. I dropped the blade and plunged my hand inside the dried rib cage. His body was wrapped in rags, so I thought the spell for fire.

His dried bones and the fabric of the cloak burst into flames. The Slaugh howled and pulled away before evaporating.

I ran to Abbey, who was sitting up, staring at me. “You killed a Slaugh!”

“Yeah, so? I’ve seen Manus and Tynan do it enough times.”

She lay back, putting her arm over her face. “But it took them years of training and practice. You…your powers shouldn’t be…”

“Are you okay? Anything hurt or broken?” I didn’t care about my powers right then. She pulled herself up and shook out like a dog. “I’m fine. Thank you.”

I checked her over but found only a few scratches. “Race you to the manor,” I said, still feeling the rush of the fight.

“Fine, but I get to use magic, and you have to run.”

“Deal.” She was gone before I could even get the one word out.

I knew she would long beat me to the manor. I looked up to find the hawk that had alerted us to the danger. Had he not, the Slaugh might have killed Abbey before I could do anything. “Thank you, my friend,” I said, thinking that I needed a name for him.

Beyond the hawk, I realized the sun had set almost completely. Tynan.

I ran with all I had over lumpy roots and through the thickest, darkest part of the forest. I was slightly winded and sweating. It was just full dark when I reached the edge of the back garden of the manor. My window was open, and the candles were burning. I couldn’t resist…

Keeping my pace, I leapt and dove in the window, tumbled head over heels and landed at the foot of the bed in a crouched position.

“Keena!” Bevin screeched. Manus and Tynan looked surprised for an instant, then they both smiled.

Tynan’s didn’t last once he realized I was nude and had blood on my forehead, shoulder, and cheek. He grabbed me up quickly with one strong arm and, with the other hand, checked my face and head roughly. “You’re hurt. What happened?”

I wrapped my legs around him without really thinking about it. I was so excited and felt so alive. I started babbling. “I was running like the wind…I could feel everything around me! I explored so much in the woods, and a hawk took my mark…I have to give him a name…and Abbey was with me. She helped me with my powers. I can spell without speaking…!”

Bevin gasped. My arms were rising and falling as I gestured wildly with my hands. Manus was still leaning against the wall with a smirk, but Tynan looked as though he was going to burst with pride. “I climbed trees and swam in a pool, and oh yeah, I killed a Slaugh. I really need to name the hawk⁠—”

Tynan almost dropped me. If I hadn’t had my legs locked around him, I would have been on the ground. The glass of wine Bevin had been holding did crash to the floor.

They were all looking at me as if I were a maniac. I caught my reflection in the mirror and smirked at the maniac looking back. My hair was wild and tangled with leaves stuck in it. I was nude. My feet were filthy.

The door flung open and Doran came rushing in. “You killed a Slaugh.” It wasn’t a question. Tynan realized he had let go of me and put an arm around my back. Not that I really needed it, but it felt good to have his arms wrapped around me.

“I had to.” I was still winded from the babbling and had to take a deep breath. “He was about to eat Abbey.” I felt like I was apologizing.

“Abbey also told me that you can do silent spells.” Also, a statement, but at least now she was smiling. I nodded and watched Bevin fall back into the chair, still looking very shocked.

“Abbey was pretty pleased with all of it. Why are you upset, Bevin?” I wiggled out of Tynan’s arms.

“I’m not upset.” She finally managed to get the horrified look off her face. I really hated that I kept upsetting her. I was trying so hard. “I just…it usually takes great practice to do silent spells. Most never can.” I thought about that. She and Hogan both still mumbled their spells and incantations. She stood and tried to wipe the blood from my cheek, but it was dried hard. “It’s fine, dear. I was only shocked. I have never heard of anyone who can do it the first day of their full powers.” She looked at Doran. “I must thank Abbey for helping her. I would have never thought to have her try.”

Hogan came in with a platter of cheeseburgers and fries. “From Abbey,” he said, putting the plate on the table. “You’re a horrible mess. I’ll leave you some clothing.” He headed to the bathroom.

Doran looked at the others. “It is still her day.” She turned to me. “We’ll discuss the strength of your powers and how that may change things tomorrow. Have a nice evening, my niece.” She looked over my shoulder to Tynan and smiled.

Still looking very amused, he pulled a leaf from my hair. “Bath or food first?”

I really couldn’t decide. “I’m really hungry, but I shouldn’t eat like this.”

“And why not?” He pulled a chair around to the platter. “You are of the wild today. Eat like a wild woman, and I’ll get the water ready.” I sat, and he poured the beer Hogan brought with the burgers. Not many others around the manor enjoyed beer but I still loved a cold brew. I was ravenous and ate twice as much as I usually would. Tynan watched me as if I were a meal myself. Even as filthy as I was, he was consumed with desire, and I could sense it from him now more than ever.

When I finished, he ushered me to the bathroom and brushed out my hair before helping me step into the water. He bathed me gently, but I could see evidence of his desire rising under the black leather pants he was wearing. The man was trying to be patient as he worked, but he was about to burst. I was as aroused as he was, maybe more. His excitement and the warm water had little quivers coursing through me with each teasing touch.