Sophie’s question was cut off by Basil.
“Mary has agreed to transfer her powers to you. Mary, hand.”
The woman obediently held out her hand to Basil. She shivered as a knife was produced and cut into the pale flesh of her palm.
Sophie’s eyes widened at the bright red blood that began to drip onto the floor between them. Panic froze her to the spot, but Sophie finally tore her gaze away from the blood, towards her mentor Lynette.
The older woman looked a little paler than usual, but nodded in encouragement.
“Your hand, Miss Murphy.” Basil commanded, holding the bloody knife.
Cautiously, Sophie held her hand out. She bit back a cry of pain as he cut her palm, and placed a white crystal in it.
Mary moved her bleeding hand over Sophie’s. When they touched Sophie felt a rush of something new, unknown, and completely breathtaking.
Sophie drew in a shuddering breath; overcome with light-headedness, her balance faltered. As her knees buckled, she felt a pair of strong hands guide her to a chair.
“Easy, Miss Murphy.” Tristan’s deep voice murmured.
Sophie opened her eyes and gasped. There was an aura rolling off everyone. Deep, rich colours pulsed with every heartbeat.
There was pressure on her hand, and Sophie saw Lynette looking at her with a familiar worry. For the first time, Sophie saw her power, radiating in soft blue waves. The natural part of Lynette that Sophie had been blind to, with her human eyes.
“Are you alright, Sophie?” Lynette asked quietly.
“I had no idea…” Sophie said, her voice breaking.
She looked out over the garden and could see the layers of spells woven together. Her eyes raised to the night sky and the very stars seemed to sing in high, cold tones.
Basil broke into her circle of awareness, his aura pulsing a sick yellow colour that felt strong, yet brittle. “We need to network. Everyone will be thrilled to witness your first taste of power.”
“No.” Lynette said, more forceful than Sophie had ever witnessed. “She’s done enough tonight, she’s not your performing monkey.”
“But think of the opportunity…” Basil started to argue.
Lynette stood firm, “Sophie needs to rest, and get used to her new powers.”
Sophie felt hands lifting her from her seat. “Come on, sweetie, I’ll get you to your room.” Lynette cooed in her ear.
Sophie let herself be guided back inside Thorne House, but recoiled at the doorway. The masses of witches and their conflicting auras were a deafening mess that made her head hurt, and her knees buckled again.
“Allow me.” A deep voice broke through.
Sophie’s sense of balance lurched as she was lifted off her feet and carried. She took a deep, shuddering breath to try and regain some control. She should be offended by this; she wasn’t some flimsy damsel in distress. She raised her eyes and saw Tristan’s firm jawline, and the powerful grey magic that seeped out of him.
Maybe she’d say something later.
Sophie’s story is available in ebook and paperback.
Witch Hunter Trilogy Box Set Page 53