Page 91 of Christmas Magic

Panic flared. She had to strike first; incapacitate Lucian. She’d never subdue him otherwise.

As silvery light brightened his palms, she thrust both of her hands toward him. Gold light rushed from her palms and slammed into his chest.

Lucian staggered backward. But he didn’t freeze, immobilized, as she’d intended.

He appeared unaffected…and angry.

“Uh-oh.” Galahad scampered behind a wooden step stool.

“Molly! Why—?”

“I’m sorry.” She fired again.

He’d raised a magical shield. The golden light hit it, bounced off it, plowed into boxes near the step stool. Cardboard exploded. Pop: baubles inside the boxes shattered and rained onto the floor.

“Why are you attacking me?” he demanded.

“You’re under a spell.”

“No!”

“Yes!” she cried.

“Do the Dealers want me incapacitated? Is that it? They put a spell on you—”

“No, Lucian. You’re the one who is bewitched.”

“Prove it,” he snarled.

“Your interest in Cora—”

“I love her.”

Molly couldn’t hold back a cry.

“She’s the one in my heart. She always will be.”

“Do you hear what you’re saying?”

His jaw hardened. “It’s the truth.”

No!“You love me, Lucian.”

“I don’t.”

Oh, but his words hurt so much.

“You do love me,” she insisted. “Once we remove the enchantment—”

“There’s nothing wrong with me.” Lucian’s stare sharpened. “Stand down, Molly. You can’t defeat me.”

Tears stung her eyes. “I have to try.”

“You’re not skilled enough with your magic.”

“I have to—”

“You’re not strong enough!”