Page 30 of A Bond So Deadly

“Always knew that one was trouble,” Elgen comments. “I hope you gave him a piece of your mind.”

“Uh, something like that,” I mumble, not willing to admit that I did absolutely…nothing. I’d like to think that if Knox hadn’t been there I would have still managed to fight Professor Yevar off, but truthfully, I have no idea.

“Is it even possible for him to take me from my dreams?” I ask my mates, racking my brain as I try to remember what Professor Yevar’s unique powers are. I don’t remember them having anything to do with dreamwalking.

“His strongest gift is the ability to heighten a person’s fear,” Galen answers. “But who knows what power he holds now that he’s working with the Xalgrith.”

“The last time he found you in your dreams he must have somehow tapped into the connection I created with you,” Knox adds. “By doing that, he discovered your location in the human realm. But like Galen said, who knows what abilities he has now.”

“This time he found me because I asked you not to protect my dreams tonight,” I mutter, my tongue feeling like lead.

Knox’s lips tighten. “It doesn’t matter how he reached you. I’ll make sure he doesn’t visit your dreams again.”

“Yes, it’s clear he’s determined to recruit our mate,” Galen says.

I exhale through my nose. “Okay, but it’s not like I’m going to willingly just go with him and be his weapon,” I say. “So we’re fine, right?”

“Your powers are stronger now the curse on you has been removed,” Thane growls. “But that power is useless if you cannot harness it.”

“You think I can become powerful enough to fight Professor Yevar?” I give him a dubious look. Even I’m not that delusional. Professor Yevar is an immortal shadow warrior who possibly also has abilities bestowed on him by the Xalgrith.

“I think,” Thane says steadily, holding my gaze, “that you’re more powerful than you realize, mate. And even if you only manage to wield enough power to hold Yevar off for a short time, it could mean the difference between life and death.”

I shiver, hoping it never comes to that.

“Now,” Thane instructs. “Close your eyes and focus on the energy of your powers.”

Sighing, I shut my eyes.

“He’s right, you know,” Elgen croaks in my mind. “Any ordinary student at Shadowbone with such…shortcomings no doubt would have died some time ago.”

“I’m sorry, and how does that mean he’s right?”

“What she’s trying to say is that you’re special, child,” Tarlaz explains. “We’ve been able to feel your power since you returned from the games, though it’s obvious you’re suppressing some of it.”

I frown. “What? I’m not supressing anything.”

“Are you sure about that?” Tarlaz questions.

“I mean, I know I have power,” I say. “It’s just…” I trail off. Honestly, I hadn’t thought too much about my power since returning from the games. It didn’t seem to matter. I can’t bond with my mates, and I’m trapped at Shadowbone Academy for the foreseeable future. Besides, Blake and her mates are here now to help with the war.

“It’s just what?” Tarlaz rasps.

“I guess…I didn’t think it mattered anymore,” I admit.

Elgen cackles in my head. “Doesn’t matter? We’re at war, girl, and if this Professor Yevar is determined to have you, you’re in more danger than most. Not to mention…” She stops speaking then, like she’s struggling to find the rest of her words.

“Not to mention…?” I prompt.

Elgen mumbles something in my mind, but I can’t make it out.

“Not to mention that we need you,” Tarlaz answers for her.

Shock ripples through me. “But you know I can’t help you. I told you what happened at the games. Now that the queen knows I’m fated to these guys, the chances of her ever granting me a favor are basically non-existent. I can’t free you. Like I said, I’m sorry⁠—”

“No, no,” Tarlaz cuts me off. “We don’t need your apologies. What we need is for you to get stronger. It’s been centuries since we’ve been stuck in this place, and we believe there’s a reason you’re the only one who has been able to speak to us.”

“Okay, but that could just be a coincidence,” I murmur. “Besides, isn’t it bad if I become stronger? Won’t that just make me more of a threat to the war?”