Sapphire Falls (The Lost Realm #2)

21. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Morgan

“ S hould we borrow this spell book?” Morgan asked as she picked up an ancient book bound in leather. “I think learning to communicate mind to mind could be useful, plus that spell on using a fae’s essence sounded intriguing.”

Susan nodded as she reached out her hand to take the text. “Are you sure Rylo won’t mind us taking the books to our rooms?”

Morgan passed the book to her as she looked through the stack on the coffee table in front of them. They’d spent the day pulling every book they could find on witches and spells from Rylo’s expansive library, but they still hadn’t found any mention of the Divine Five. At least they’d discovered that ancient spellbook. Susan had gasped as she looked through all the spells, obviously passed down from one witch to another over time. How did Rylo acquire such a book?

Elio entered the room. Morgan hadn’t figured out what Elio was to Rylo. A friend? Did he have friends? An advisor maybe? Asking what their relationship was felt too personal.

“What have you found there?” he asked, taking in the stack of books. Whatever he was, Elio was far nicer to her than Selene, who still scowled at her every time they made eye contact.

Susan gave him a friendly smile. “Would King Rylo allow us to remove one of the books from the library? It’s a spellbook.”

Elio crossed his arms, looking at the book in Susan’s hands. “It’s a spellbook for witches? Goddess knows how King Rylo got his hands on such a book! It’s probably the only copy left in Aeritis, and should stay here. King Rylo said you’re welcome to use any books in this room though. Although I’d caution against practicing magic in his library. This room is like a place of worship to him.”

That was a gentle no. “That shouldn’t be a problem. Could we have some paper? We can just write the spells down that we’d like to practice,” Morgan suggested.

Elio nodded as he walked toward a cabinet in the back of the room, returning with thick parchment paper, ink, and a quill.

Morgan smiled at him, taking the paper and ink and placing it on the table near the books. “Thank you.”

Elio pressed his hands together, a grin on his handsome face as he looked at Susan. “If that is all, I was instructed to show you a place King Rylo designated for you to practice magic.”

Susan and Morgan didn’t object as he began walking toward the balcony. Perhaps they would practice just outside the library? That would be convenient.

The fae stretched out his wings and gestured for the women to step close. His bronze eyes twinkled as he smirked at their surprise.

“Oh! We’re flying there?” Susan asked.

“It will be faster that way,” Elio said. “You humans are so small it should be no problem to carry you both together.”

Morgan mumbled, “That’s not insulting at all.”

Elio cocked his head at her, confusion on his face. “Did I offend you? You, especially, are very small. I was only pointing out the convenience of flying.”

Morgan shook her head, but Susan let Elio wrap his arm around her waist, a silly grin on her face. She seemed to be thrilled to be in Elio’s strong embrace.

Morgan smirked as she said, “Fine. Why am I objecting to being toted around by a handsome fae man?”

As he wrapped his arm around her waist, Elio flew downward, his grey wings beating the cool fall air across Morgan’s body. They only flew a few stories before he landed on a large balcony. It had couches pushed back against a far wall, giving it plenty of space for movement.

“You are only one floor above your rooms. It should be easy to find your way back. Do you need anything else?” They both shook their heads.

“Thank you for your help!” Susan said, the grin still plastered to her face.

“I’m happy to help. If you need anything else, let me know. I know Selene has grown tired of assisting with King Rylo’s witch project. I’m willing to help you in your growth to become the weapon we need to reclaim our lands. I think King Rylo has an excellent vision for utilizing your strengths.”

Morgan resisted the urge to roll her eyes up toward the sky. Susan still looked at him with something resembling puppy eyes.

“Okay. We’d better get to practicing magic now,” Morgan said, growing impatient with this conversation.

“Of course,” Elio said. “I do mean what I said though. I think both of you will be useful. King Rylo hasn’t mentioned Susan much, but I saw you during that whole kidnapping business. You have resilience.”

Susan blushed. “Thank you, Elio.”

“Well, have a good day,” Elio said as he launched skyward.

Morgan turned to look at Susan, her cheeks still rosy. “Was he trying to flirt with you while also mentioning the time he helped kidnap you?” She grimaced. There were things about the fae that she would never adjust to.

Susan shrugged. “I think it was a nice compliment. I’m often overlooked. It’s nice to be noticed for once.”

Morgan shook her head. “Girl, the bar is low.”

“Oh, never mind all that,” Susan replied, batting her hand at Morgan. “Let’s practice our magic. Did you have time to memorize any of those spells?”

“The one that utilizes a fae’s essence. I think it could be useful if I’m ever in a situation like Orofine again. But, I don’t think I should actually practice it yet. The book said to use it only under life threatening circumstances.”

“There is nothing wrong with being prepared. However, I think you’re right that we shouldn’t start with such a spell. I memorized one for detecting hidden dangers. Should we start there?”

Susan took a strangely defensive position that Morgan wasn’t aware she could make. She must have detected Morgan’s surprise as she said, “I find it helpful to ground myself a bit before I practice magic, but I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Morgan followed her lead, listening to the words of incantation and repeating them with Susan. She let Susan try the spell on her own, listening as Susan explained how she channeled into her magic.

Susan cast the spell and her eyes widened at a corner of the balcony. She walked over and picked up a small knife, hidden amongst a pile of pillows. Morgan smiled as Susan carried the blade to her. “That area was illuminated red. You didn’t seem to notice it, so I’m assuming the spell only revealed the potential danger to me. I wonder how a knife got left out here?”

“That’s amazing. Can you hide it on yourself? Let’s see what happens if someone is carrying a weapon.”

“Of course!” Susan agreed, and Morgan turned her back, looking out to the sky. There were fae flying through the air, going from one tower to another. It was incredible how this city could be so interconnected without streets.

“Your turn,” Susan said. Morgan turned around and couldn’t see the knife.

“Tell me the incantation one more time,” she said. Susan repeated the words again and made additional suggestions on how to call her magic to do what she willed.

So far, Morgan had managed to control her shadows with astounding accuracy. They were probably the only reason she’d survived Orofine. But expanding beyond shadow manipulation hadn’t happened yet.

She let her magic build under her skin, feeling the need to release its build up inside her. Then she muttered the words of incantation, feeling the power sting out of her fingertips. Susan was illuminated in red, but the focus was at her ankle, just below the hem of her long skirt. Morgan walked over and pulled the small blade from her sock as Susan clapped with pride.

“Well done! You’re a natural!”

Morgan grinned. She loved magic. It felt as if this was the thing she was meant to do all her life. Her true calling, and she knew she was damn good at it.