“I'm tall,” she said, as she took his other side. “But if you jar the landing and affect my first day of rehearsal, I will kill you.”
“Excellent,” he replied, and closed his eyes.
The magic swirled from his palms. Alexander was right; it was a bit difficult with two of them. But he had little trouble, and they were soon smoothly on Earth.
“How was that for a landing, Precious?” he teased Ariel, who shrugged.
“I've had better. Thanks, though. I'm going this way, and I'll be done at four.”
“You have my number?” he spun around to Enya, who seemed intent to head in the other direction.
“I do,” she replied. “Thank you.”
It wasn't long before he was alone on the sidewalk. He made sure both of them were out of eyesight before he bolted.
He hadn't lied to Alexander; he was taking over some Earth accounts. Most of it involved checking in on dragons who had chosen to move off Umora. He didn't have much to do today, and he cheated, using magic for every move. He had spent most of last night mapping out the open vortexes so he could travel as fast as possible. He knew that he was taking a risk, but he tried to be as careful as possible.
Before noon, he had checked off everything on his list. At last, he could do what he came here to do. He had found a vortex that was much closer to where Rosa was, and he used it now, pushing his magic to the limit. He knew he couldn't use anymore if he wanted to safety get back and transport the girls.
He found himself near the mall where she worked. He experienced a surge of happiness as he walked toward the mall. He felt like the world was perfect as he got to spend another few hours with Rosa. He had a plan to shop for a few new outfits – anything to help her commission. He could buy several things without drawing too much attention to himself. He had the book tucked under his arm and planned to leave it in the dressing room. Everything was perfectly planned out.
What he didn't plan for was the outside of the mall to be blocked by an ambulance. The lights were flashing, and he blinked, almost blinded as he stepped around it. He had always thought the way humans dealt with emergencies was a bit obnoxious. They panicked so much, running and just adding to the stress of the moment.
But then, they didn't have an instant healing touch at their fingertips. They had to take their patients somewhere far away, usually dodging traffic.
He was so distracted by these thoughts that it took him a moment to notice that the crowd was in Rosa's store.
His heart sunk, and he tried to push his way through the crowd. He was taller than most people, but not all, and quite a crowd had gathered.
He elbowed and ducked his way to the front. And to his horror, there was his Rosa, lying on the floor. She was awake, up on her elbows, her legs sprawled out under her. As the paramedics lifted her gently, he watched as her legs supported no weight. She looked terrified as she met his eyes. She held out her hand, and he went to her and took it without thinking.
The whole store saw, and there was no taking it back. They were exposed.
Chapter 5
“Who are you?” one of the paramedics asked. Nicholas looked to Rosa who bit her lip, her eyes frantic.
“He's a friend,” she said at last. “He can come with us.”
“All right,” the paramedic replied, and didn't even give Nicholas a second glance. “We're going to Mercy General. Your friend can come in the ambulance or follow in his car.”
“Please come with me,” she said, and he squeezed her hand. He could erase the minds of the entire crowd right now, but he would have no magic left to do anything, including heal her if it came to that. He didn't let go of her hand as they moved, noting how cold it was.
“Yes, of course,” he said. “What happened, love? Are you in pain?”
“No,” she said. “That's the problem.”
“What happened?”
“I fell.” She met his eyes. “And I can't feel my legs.”
His eyes fluttered closed for a moment, knowing exactly what this was. They had to play this game and go to the hospital. But while Rosa's vitals would likely be fine, he knew they would not find a cause for this sudden paralysis. They would have to run the tests, listen to the doctors, and try to sneak out.
But nothing the doctors could do would help. Her magic was leaving her.
“Who can we call?” he asked, and she shook her head.
“No one. Just wait,” she said, wanting to be alone with him before she could speak freely.
The ride to the hospital was excruciatingly long. They kept trying to check vitals on her and tried to make sure she was comfortable. But aside from being terrified, Rosa was fine. She wanted Nicholas close by, but she didn't need anything else.
As soon as they were alone in a room, she dropped her voice, whispering to him.
“I can text the coven that is looking after me. But if they come, and you're here…”
“I can feel them coming,” he assured her. “If you need them, bring them here. I will make myself scarce. But, my love, I am so worried about you.”
“Don't be,” she said, dryly. “It's happened before like this for long periods of time.”
“What?” he replied. “You told me that it was just brief, that it was just–”
“It's gotten worse,” she admitted, and he winced. “Nicholas, don't be afraid. We always knew that it would come to this.”
“We knew that things might happen slowly,” he said softly. “We didn't know it would vanish all at once.”
“Maybe we'll get it back,” she said, and that was when he remembered the book. He had been carrying it under his arm so long that it almost felt like a part of him.
She shifted so that he could put it down on the bed.
He didn't quite know what he was looking for. He had raided Cole's bookshelf in secret, looking for anything that could relate to ancestral magic.
The Halloway line was one of the oldest, but it had always been weak, if he was truthful with himself. Their numbers were always small, keeping mostly to themselves and not trusting outsiders. That was probably how they got to be in the situation they were in now.
The book spanned a few clans, but mentioned the Halloway clan more than once.
For a while, Rosa was quiet. Since her clan had died out mostly before she was born, she didn't know much about them. She turned page after page, fascinated by the history.
To anyone who wandered into the room, it looked just like a fantasy book, and so neither of them bothered to hide it. They took blood, they took her CT and MRI scans, and then returned her. Neither of them expected an answer, and they barely listened, waiting for the moment when they could be released.
“Not exactly the way you expected the day to go, is it?” Nicholas asked with a smile as he got her a mid-afternoon snack. “But it is a lovely way to spend a day with you.”
“Flatter-er,” she said, and then looked up at the clock. “When do you have to go?”
“I…” The answer was soon, although he didn't want to say it. “Never.”
“Nicholas,” she said. “I've been with you long enough to know when you are lying.”
“I'm supposed to retrieve the girls at 4 P.M,” he said, “but they can wait.”
“Rosa,” a doctor burst into the room then. “How are we doing?”
“I just want to go home,” she answered truthfully.
“I see,” he replied. “And I understand that you've been through this before?”
“A few times,” she said. “It always goes away.”
“Rosa, you don't seem too concerned for someone who has paralysis,” the doctor sat down on her bed. “Do you know what's going on?”
“I…” she glanced to Nicholas. “I have Guillain-Barré syndrome.”
“What?” The doctor asked. “You've been diagnosed with that?”
“Yes,” she replied. “I have. And I'm being treated for it. I was too scared to tell my work, and I was too scared to tell you,” sh
e grabbed Nicholas’ hand, urging him to play along. “I'm sorry.”
“Oh, my love,” he replied, trying to play the part. The worst part was, although the words weren't real, the emotion was.
“I see,” the doctor said. “And you are under regular treatment?”
“Yes,” she assured him. “Please, I'm sorry for wasting your time.”
“I see.” He looked down at his clipboard and seemed relieved that he didn't have to diagnose this complicated case. “Well, if you know what's happening, and you are under regular treatment, I don't see any reason to keep you.”
“Yes,” she practically begged.
“Well…” the doctor paused. “You can refuse treatment here. But I don't recommend it.”
“Please,” she said, and he agreed.
“I'll get you the paperwork. But I sincerely hope you are being treated elsewhere.”
“Of course,” she said, and he relented. Only then did she turn back to Nicholas, sighing. “That was close.”
“What's Guillain-Barré syndrome?” he managed to ask, confused.
“It's a syndrome that would mirror my symptoms,” she said. “Of course, if they did invasive blood tests, it wouldn't be there. But to a doctor's face, it's a good explanation.”
“You researched this?” he asked in surprise.
“I had to be prepared,” she replied. “Otherwise, it could happen like today, and I'd be stuck here for months.”
“Would that be so bad?” he asked. “You are safe and warm here.”
“Nicholas,” she gave him a look. “I don't live in a palace with my bills paid by the people. I need to pay my rent.”
His heart ripped. “Rosa, you can't do this forever. We have to find out what's happening.”
“We know what's happening,” she said, and gave him a look. “That magic is fading.”
“Yes, but so fast?” he asked, and then he gasped. “This is related to the veil dropping.”
“The veil? From the Other?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said. “It dropped, and we had no idea why. Now, your magic is vanishing. It's as if magic is slowly disheartening.”
“It's an interesting theory,” she said, “but weren't the carapaces involved in sucking magic out of things?”
“This isn't the carapaces,” he replied. “Not since Ariel became in charge. I have to talk to Cole. I feel if I present this theory, he'll have ideas.”
“You have to go,” she reached for his hand. He squeezed it silently. He didn't want to go. He wanted to take her in his arms and return her to her bed, snuggling up safe and warm. But four o’clock was fast approaching, and he knew he needed to go or risk their cover being exposed. They had already taken too many risks today.
“I know. I can at least take you home.” He glanced at the clock. “You can't even walk, Rosa. You need my help.”
“We'll get it back,” she assured him, but he wasn't so sure of that. He spoke nothing of his pessimism, though. He bundled her up to keep her warm, and made sure to pack her bag full of everything she had brought. He tucked the Halloway book into the front of her bag and zipped it closed.
The discharge papers were soon signed, and she was free to go. They brought her a wheelchair, but Rosa turned her nose up. Nicholas smirked.
“Oh?” he said. “How are you going to get out, then?”
“You're going to carry me,” she said, as if it were the most obvious fact in the world.
“Of course,” he rolled his eyes, “my princess.”
“I could be your princess one day if we get married,” she whispered into his ear as he picked her up.
“We will get married one day,” he answered softly. “Just as soon as I figure out how to make this world safe for you.”
She lay her head on his shoulder as he walked, burying her face to ignore the stares.
He barely had time to get her home in a taxi. All he wanted to do was stay with her sweet kisses and her arms around him.
By the time he got her into bed, she had gained back some mobility, her legs twitching as she stretched them. He could feel it under his palms; her magic was slowly returning. But how long would it be until it happened again, and then for good?
“I'll be back tomorrow,” he assured her. “But please, call me if you need anything.”
“Tomorrow is not soon enough,” she replied. “But I'll try to still my beating heart until then.”
“Mm,” he leaned down to kiss her. “I love you, Rosa.”
“I love you, too,” she said, and then he had to leave.
His magic was shaky when he got back to the transport spot. He knew he could still do it, but it was going to be rough. The restoration and use of magic on Earth was a bit more difficult than on Umora. However, it was the easiest of the other planets, and so he was grateful to be here.
“Nicholas.” Ariel met him, looking tired but happy. “What have you been up to?”
“Errands, love,” he said, putting on his usual smirk. She raised an eyebrow.
“Errands with lipstick on your collar? My, tell me how I get assigned those tasks.”
“What?” He paled, turning to his shirt collar. Sure enough, Rosa's pink lipstick was smeared there. “Damn it.”
“So, who was it?” she teased him.
“No one, Precious,” he said, although it damn near killed him. “You're not the only one in this family who has random, casual encounters.”
“No judgment,” she said, looking behind him. “But our sister-in-law may be a bit shocked, so tuck your collar down or something.”
“Good thinking,” he said, reaching to put it under his jacket as Enya approached. “Anything else you ladies need to do?”
He was trying to delay. The longer the magic could refill his fingers, the better. But both of them were done for the day, and so he had no choice. He took both of their hands, closing his eyes.
“Oh, Lord,” he whispered, pushing as hard as he could. The magic swirled, and then he felt the dizzying blackness surround him.
Before he knew what was happening, they crashed onto the antechamber floor.
“Nice,” Ariel said, a bit miffed at their landing. “Ow.”
“Sorry,” he said. “Don't tell your husbands.”
“I'm fine,” said Enya. “That was exciting.”
“It will be less exciting tomorrow, I promise,” he said, as they all stood up. “I hope.”
Chapter 6
“Vanishing?” Cole asked that night at dinner. “That is interesting.”
“That's what people are saying,” Nicholas said, trying to remain vague. “It seems more to be affecting individual cases and spells rather than large quantities of people. But there is the matter of the Other dropping.”
“There is that.” Cole shoveled food into his mouth like he was starving. “I hadn't thought of putting the two together, but we have had reports of dragons feeling less powerful on Earth. I had always attributed it to Earth's atmosphere.”
“What are you saying?” Peter spoke up from the head of the table. He was always so quiet, so thoughtful. Alexander was his mouthpiece, still, doing so much of the work. “That magic is disheartening?”
“I don't know,” Cole replied. “I don't think it's quite that drastic.”
“Well, magical hybrid,” Nicholas pointed out, “I think this is your job.”
“Sure,” Cole replied. “But I'd like to consult Thomas.”
“Sorry?” Yvette spoke up for the first time. Thomas Dolcetti was one of the few other magical hybrids in the universe. Like Cole, he was half dragon and half witch. He and his family had retreated long ago to Earth, rebelling against the tyrannical old king, Richard. They were a mismatched family, trying to live in peace on the edge of human civilization. Thomas, however, was a trouble maker, broken and struggling. He had allied with Richard, and Peter had pardoned him for his crimes only on the basis that he used his magic to help with his doctor father. Thomas also used to be Yvette's lover for over
a year in her short life.
“You can consult with Thomas so long as it is on our terms,” Peter said. “He appears before us; you do not go to him.”
“We would have to beef up security,” Cole replied. “The people will riot if they see Thomas here. His pardon was not popular.”
Peter shifted his gaze to Yvette. “I’m aware. That's why he comes here. We do not bow to his rule; he bows to ours.”
“What are the consequences if magic is leaving?” Nicholas put in.
“It could be catastrophic,” Cole replied. “But I think we are being dramatic, really. It's probably just a singular issue, someone is behind it. Magic is not fading form the atmosphere; the whole world isn't suddenly going to be magic-free.”
“Welcome to my life,” Ariel put in, leaning back in her chair. “It's not so bad.”
“But for those of us who are used to magic…” Alexander reminded her, and she shrugged.
“You can adapt. That is the whole reason for being alive. Tell me when you will summon Thomas, and I'll make sure to be in the throne room to calm him. As long as it's around my rehearsal schedule.”
“Oh, I will,” Cole grinned. “Bringing him here again is going to be fun.”
Nicholas was not calmed by the conversation they were having. The truth was, almost every magical being could survive without magic. They would be trapped in human form and unable to transport themselves, but they would be alive.
Rosa, however, was pure magic. If her magic vanished, there would be nothing left of her. And the thought of it was enough to make him consider throwing himself off the roof.
“Where are we on sightings of our lovely father?” Nicholas asked. “My intelligence isn't telling me anything. Anyone else?”
Cole shrugged.
“It's just the same. Unconfirmed reports, a body here or there that can't be linked anywhere. If Father is around, he's keeping it a secret.”
“I expected him back before now, to be honest,” Peter finally said. “A battle for the throne, straight out of the movies.”
“Good reference,” Yvette said, who had taught him all about modern culture and films. He smiled at her, scraping the last of his plate.
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