“Opal?”

“My feelings for you haven’t changed. I just lied to myself for a while. But now…Damn it, Kade, you’ve given me a reason to live.”

“How is that bad?”

“My plans worked so much better when I thought you didn’t want me. I don’t have any other ideas on how to get us out of this.”

“You’re smart, Opal. You’ll figure it out.”

Kade’s words matched his sister’s exactly. They both had such confidence in me. Perhaps it was time I proved myself worthy and had confidence in myself. Time to stop moping over Devlen’s trick. He romanced me. Plain and simple. I fell for him and probably would still be with him if he hadn’t revealed his true self. Another fact I wasn’t proud of, but I can’t change the past. My thoughts reviewed all the dumb and tragic mistakes I had made.

Yelena’s words, You can’t let the past ruin your future, had just been words to repeat before. The past shouldn’t be forgotten. It should be used as a guide for future situations and not used as a reason to avoid making difficult decisions. There was always a choice.

I focused on my abilities. So far, I tricked Devlen into coming here. I had discovered who made the fake diamonds. Tricky could no longer access the power source because of me.

My goals were simple. Save Kade, save myself and rescue Ulrick. I hoped Devlen hadn’t lied about him being safe and sound. With the possibility of Kade in my future, I had a reward. Now all I needed was a plan.

“If I manage to figure something out, you have to promise me one thing?”

“I promise.” His content tone made me smile.

“Don’t you want to know what the promise is?”

“Tell me later.”

30

DEVLEN WOKE ME from a light doze. He held a clamp in one hand and a knife in the other. He had changed his clothes and smelled of soap. “The fun begins,” he said as Sir and Tal came for Kade.

They untied his hands and feet, but left the netting draped around him until Crafty entered the storeroom. She pulled the net off him. Sir and Tal drew their weapons and stepped back as the Stormdancer stood.

Crafty said, “I have a null shield around him.”

Kade rubbed the blood back into his arms and legs. His focus never left Devlen. The Warper positioned a clamp on my left arm, twisting the screw until the device was secured enough to stay put without causing me pain.

“Crafty will escort you outside. As soon as the null shield is dropped, you’re to fill the orbs, and teach her how to dance,” Sir said.

“How many orbs?” Kade asked.

“I’m sure the great and wonderful Kade can fill at least five,” Tal said. He picked up five empty ones from the table, leaving two behind.

“If Crafty can dance, five will be fine,” Kade said. “If she can’t, I can only do three.” His tone remained flat.

I eyed the extra orbs. Potential weapons? Not if no one attacked me with magic. Besides, I couldn’t reach them.

I cried out as Devlen dug his thumb into my hip. “Deviate from your job in any way and—”

“Save the threat. I said I would cooperate. Let’s go.” Kade led the way from the room with a sense of purpose in his stride as if he were the one in charge. Crafty, Sir and Tal hurried after him.

After a few uncomfortable moments alone with Devlen, Tricky brought in Devlen’s pack. The day turned from bad to worse. Kaya’s orb sounded agitated and upset, emitting a high-pitched keening louder than the blizzard’s winds.

“We are going to try an experiment,” Devlen said, digging into his bag. “I know how much you like them.” He withdrew a knife.

“Let me see…somewhere her boyfriend won’t notice.” Devlen pushed my sleeve up, exposing my elbow. “Sit up. I want your arm bent.”

I struggled into a sitting position. My wrists ached from being manacled.

“Find the bowl,” Devlen ordered Tricky.

The storm winds shook the rafters. Tricky glanced up before searching in Devlen’s pack. “Your Stormdancer better hurry,” he said as he removed a wooden bowl from the bag.

“Hold it under her elbow.” Devlen rested the knife’s blade against my forearm.

The inside of the bowl was stained dark brown. Unease twisted around my heart.

Once the bowl was in position, Devlen cut a long gash in my arm. I gasped as fire raced along my skin. Blood welled and flowed, splattering the bowl with crimson drops.

When the bleeding stopped, Tricky asked Devlen, “More?”

“No. We’ll start small. I don’t want to waste blood if it doesn’t work.”

“It better work.” Tricky stared at me with murder in his eyes.

“Even though her powers are weak, blood magic is very powerful. I will inject her blood into your skin and we’ll see if that helps you reclaim any of your magic. There are bandages in my pack. Cover her wound and join me when you’re done. I need a fire to complete the ritual.”

“What about her? Sir said to stay—”

“She isn’t going anywhere. Let her alone. Besides—” Devlen cocked his head as if listening to the storm “—the winds are dying down. I suspect you will have plenty of orbs to appease your General friend.” He left the room, taking my blood with him.

Tricky dug through the pack, removing items as he rummaged. He laid Kaya’s orb and a pair of Devlen’s pants on the ground, scattering a few other things. Finding the bandages, he quickly stuffed most of the items back in.