Page 22 of The Powers of Nyx
“Wrap the protection around the ring, Ivy. Take that magic you’ve built, that feeling of protection, and wind it around the item. Like you’re wrapping a present,” Adrian continued, his voice softening as he leaned towards her.
Ivy blew out a shaky breath, but I watched, awestruck, as the ring changed. The purple turned into a web of magic that became a net over the small band, sinking into the metal and disappearing, like it hadn’t existed at all.
Adrian glanced at me, then to Ivy, pride filling his gaze.“Open your eyes, Sweetheart,” he murmured, “and take a look.”
Her eyes fluttered open, and she inhaled sharply. “Did I…did I do it right?” she asked, chest heaving.
Adrian smiled softly, closing her hand around the ring. “You did it perfectly.”
She had, and I couldn’t help my own pride swell within me as I took her in. There was a slight flush to her cheeks from the magic use, but there was no sign of exertion or overwhelm. Her eyes were bright, and she appeared excited over what she’d accomplished.
It was a small step to understanding her power, but I hoped it would give her some control.
“I feel like that should have been harder,” she admitted, frowning. “Like I should have failed.”
“It’s a good thing that you didn’t,” I replied honestly. “It proves you have better control of your magic.”
“It’s hard to fail at a simple protection charm,” Adrian added. “You did it perfectly.”
Ivy’s face twisted in uncertainty, like she didn’t fully believe him, and it wasn’t hard to understand why.
“We can test the strength of the charm, if you want.” I rose and stalked around the side of the desk. I held out my hand, and she dropped the ring onto my palm. Nodding to Adrian, I took several steps back. “I’ll wear it, and Adrian will do a process of tests to check its capabilities.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t,” she said, jumping up from the chair. “What if it doesn’t work or isn’t strong enough? I don’t want you to get hurt.”
I slipped the ring onto my thumb and gave it a long look before responding. The power she’d embedded in the band buzzed against my skin. “It’s a solid charm, Ivy. I can feel it. Adrianwon’t hurt me.” I looked up, and as our eyes met, I hoped she knew I meant it.
But there was still a hesitant glint in her eyes that continued as Adrian rose.“Maeve is a strong vampire,” he said, capturing her hands. “I won’t be able to hurt her, charm or no charm.”
Ivy gnawed her bottom lip and nodded. My chest tightened at her worry. It didn’t disappear, not even as I got in position across the room, keeping a good distance between Ivy and myself. She had no faith in her own power, had no idea how strong she was, and this would prove to her what she was capable of.
I pressed my lips into a firm line, glancing from her to Adrian. His eyes had darkened, and when I nodded, he lifted his arms.Adrian gathered his magic into the palm of his hand and threw it at the centre of my chest. Magic far more powerful than I’d felt from him before slammed into me.
Ivy yelped as the ball of energy landed against my sternum and dissipated. The power from the ring danced over my flesh like a web, cocooning me in a warmth I could only describe ashers. It was both powerful and strong, totally unfamiliar, but it protected me from the attack. I wobbled slightly at the impact and stumbled back a step, but a soft violet glow surrounded me and absorbed the hit perfectly.
“Crap,” Adrian swore. “I didn’t realise—”
I held up a hand. “I expected your power to enhance with the bonding. If I was worried about that, I would have asked Nash to attack.” I rubbed my sternum for a moment, before looking down at the ring. “Other than what might lead to a bruise on anyone else, I am fine, and the protective charm on the ring feels intact.”
Ivy released a shuddering breath and strode towards me, her eyes wide with panic, her face white from shock. “Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked.
The tightening in my chest finally dissipated, and I tugged the ring off my finger. “I’m fine,” I said, taking one of her hands and slipping it onto her own. My heart twisted at the sight, though I shoved aside the memories that wanted to claw their way to the surface.
“Why—”
“We are all capable of protecting ourselves,” I said, meeting her eye. “Your power may now be anchored, but you don’t know how to use it. It’s best that you are protected, anyway possible.”
Her warm skin ignited something within me, something strangely primal, unlike the bloodthirsty beast I usually kept under control.
I cleared my throat, and dropped her hand.“I believe we should leave training there. We have an idea of where Ivy stands with her power now, which should help her work with Nash.” I stalked to the desk, rounded the table once more. “I should also advise you to reinforce the charm. They wear down with each attack.”
She nodded silently, her throat bobbing. “Thanks, Maeve.”
Her eyes shifted as she watched me, the brown of her iris glowing with residue magic. Her jaw ticked, like she wanted to say something more, but her attention cut to Adrian as he took her other hand.
I wasn’t sure if it was disappointment souring my mouth, or if it was something else, but I forced my gaze down to the tablet awaiting my attention. There were a dozen things to do before we could leave, and so many distractions.
“Thanks,” Ivy said, pausing in the doorway, her hand hovering over the doorknob, “for your help. And for the ring.”