Spy Glass

by Maria V. Snyder

  Galen and Walsh. You can use one of those super messengers

  and call for help for all of us. But you hand them over. Why

  should I listen to you?”

  “Because, if you think fighting back now is too hard, if

  I use my magic to send for help, you will have no chance at all.” I explained about the blood connection. “I’m saving my

  free magic to take out your two biggest opponents. In fact, if

  you organize a revolt, don’t tell me any of your plans. Don’t

  trust me. If Galen forces me to use my magic and I’m…lost

  to him, take me out first. I’ll be your strongest opponent.”

  Quinn looked a little green, but he nodded.

  Unfortunately, whatever had distracted Galen stopped after

  four days. Then he launched an aggressive campaign to get

  me to use my magic. I resisted even when the guards whipped

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  a woman. Quinn needed more time, and I rationalized one

  person’s suffering, although horrible, was better than the whole clan being in danger. After three unsuccessful days, Galen

  switched to children and I could no longer resist.

  The links in my chain built rapidly. Five days later the

  shakes started. I ignored the initial signs of withdrawal and

  concentrated on teaching Quinn. But once the tremors in my

  muscles could no longer be disregarded, I raced to the brig and collapsed on the bed. The hunger grew inside me. I fought

  it, keeping my thoughts on other things—my family, friends,

  Kade, Devlen. In time, nothing distracted me from the need.

  Every single part of me craved magic and I struggled with the

  desire to pull it toward me. The suffering seemed endless.

  I was granted a moment of clarity and relief when Galen

  visited. He held my orb in one hand. His other rested on my

  arm.

  He brandished the orb. “What were you planning to do

  with this?”

  Strung out, I couldn’t produce any emotions over his dis-

  covery. “Suck you and Walsh dry,” I said.

  “In order to siphon my magic, you would have to sacrifice

  your own again.”

  I shrugged. “Unoriginal, but it works.”

  “Temporarily.”

  “Why?”

  “Walsh and I have stockpiled our blood. Drain us now and

  we’ll just reclaim it by injecting our saved blood. Thanks to

  you, we already know it works.”

  “Glad to be of service.” At this point sarcasm remained my

  only weapon.

  Galen handed me the orb. Potential throbbed under my

  fingertips. Too easy. A trap. “What if I just drain myself ?” I asked.

  “Go

  ahead.”

  A trick. In order to siphon my own magic, I would have

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  to use magic. The effort would finish the chain and he would

  stop me. Not enough time for Quinn.

  “I didn’t think you’d fall for it,” Galen said. “You’re very

  resistant. It’s a good quality. However Walsh is very impatient.”

  He removed his hand.

  The longing returned full force. I trembled and shook.

  Sweat stung my eyes as wave after wave of raw need rocked

  me. At one point I realized I still clutched the orb. A survival instinct kicked in and I closed my eyes, focusing on the potential in my hands. I was desperate enough to try siphoning

  my powers, hoping I could do it faster than Galen could stop

  me.

  Summoning the strength, I— The orb was yanked away.

  “No,” Galen said.

  I opened my eyes. He loomed over me. Before I could

  protest, he jabbed a needle into my arm.

  Instant relief spread throughout my body, smothering the

  craving.

  Galen’s gleeful voice woke me.

  “Today’s the day.” He poked my arm.

  I f linched away. “The day for what?” I asked.

  “The final link in your chain. This is going to be fun and

  so easy.” Galen strode from my room and f lung the main

  entrance door wide-open. Heli stood on the other side.

  I leaped to my feet. Heli ! Oh no ! The sunlight glinted off the blond streaks in her light brown hair. She had

  pulled it into a ponytail, but a few wisps had escaped and

  clung to her cheek. Despite being in utter shock over seeing

  me alive, terror gleamed in her eyes.

  She wore a Bloodrose tunic. But the gray fabric had been

  wrapped around her, trapping her arms in the material.

  I hid my dismay at her presence. It was a token effort and

  Galen knew it, as well.

  “We found her trespassing.” Galen pulled Heli inside. Two

  more guards entered, bringing the total to three.

  “A friend of yours, right?” He didn’t wait for an answer.

  “What I want to know is how she found you?”

  “You deciphered the message on the sea glass, didn’t you?”

  I asked her.

  Her gaze jumped to Galen.

  “Answer me,” I snapped, drawing her attention back.

  “Yes.”

  Her voice remained strong. Good. Although I wondered

  why she hadn’t tried to use her magic to escape.

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  “And you took off without telling anyone, didn’t you?” I

  asked.

  Understanding f lashed in her eyes. She dipped her head as

  if ashamed. “Yes.”

  “What message?” Galen asked.

  “On Quinn’s sea glass collection. A generic cry for help.

  Right?” I asked her.

  “It said he was being held against his will.” She licked her

  lips. “I came to check it out.”

  “And you found a ghost,” Galen said. “This must be the

  season for reunions. Even an old friend of mine showed up a few days ago. What is it about f lag-raising ceremonies? Brings out the long lost. But I believe you’re already acquainted with my friend.” He leaned outside. “Come say hello.”

  Devlen entered the brig. A jolt zipped through my spine.

  His bare arms hung at his sides. Tattoos covered them. My

  heart melted, dripped into my guts and solidified. I met his

  gaze and saw what I needed to see.

  “Let her go, and I’ll cooperate,” I said to Galen.

  He laughed. “She knows too much. And I know who she

  is. She created a sandstorm trying to escape.” He gestured to

  her. “Can’t do anything now that she’s wrapped up in a null

  shield.”

  The strange tunic. Only a few people knew null shields

  could be grafted to clothing. I scowled at Devlen.

  “He’s been a fountain of information,” Galen said. “I also

  know you care about her. Maybe you care enough to use your

  magic to save her?”

  My fears realized, I braced myself for the ultimatum.

  “A simple request. Drain her powers or I’ll kill her.”

  I silently bid my soul goodbye. “I’ll need an orb.”

  Galen looked at Devlen. He disappeared for a moment and

  returned with my orb. I snatched it from his hands. Heli

  backed up to the wall. She shook her head no. Tears streaked

  her face. Her terrified gaze pleaded with me.

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  “Her tunic,” I said in a monotone. The glass in my hands

  buzzed with potential.

 
“Devlen,” Galen said.

  Heli squeaked when he approached her. She looked so young

  and fragile next to him. He spun her around. The tunic had

  been tied up her back. Ripping the laces free, he stripped the

  shirt off her.

  “Now,” Galen said.

  Glad I had kept my mental barrier between Galen and my

  emotions, I reached. I connected with Heli’s mind, discovering

  I could communicate with her. Must be one of those hybrid

  powers Galen had mentioned. Act like you’ve been stabbed with a knife in your stomach, I said in her mind. Then I bypassed her to contact Devlen.

  He stood behind Heli. Focusing on him, I opened my

  mind to him . Don’t react. Help Quinn. Then I drew his magic into the orb, draining his link to Galen, freeing him of the

  addiction. And at the same time the last link locked around

  me, binding me to Galen.

  Heli yelped and doubled over, moaning in pain. A little too

  much, but Galen was distracted by the ringing of diamonds

  filling my orb. Devlen remained impassive despite the burning

  pain.

  Heli, pretend to pass out. When I shout, create a tornado, blow a big hole in the wall and go,” I ordered. Do not come back.

  She swooned and collapsed on the ground. The last of

  Devlen’s magic chimed into the orb. Galen grabbed the orb,

  admiring the diamonds sparkling inside. Before he could issue

  any commands to me, I shouted at Heli to go.

  A blast of wind knocked Galen over as sand spiraled into

  the air. The tiny grains stung my face and arms as I jumped

  on Galen and wrapped my hands around his neck. An explo-

  sion of sound and debris slammed against my back, but I kept

  squeezing.

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  He recovered from the surprise and peeled my fingers from

  his neck. “Stop.” He wheezed with the effort to speak.

  I obeyed. I had no choice.

  “Get off me.”

  My muscles moved without waiting for my approval. I stood

  as if another worked the controls on my body.

  Galen brushed sand off his shirt and pants. “Did you enjoy

  your last hurrah?” he asked.

  I had to be honest. “Yes.”

  “Where is she going?”

  “Away from here.”

  The guards had been knocked unconscious, but a couple

  more poked their heads into the room.

  “Find the young Stormdancer. Don’t get close. Use the

  blowpipes,” Galen ordered.

  They nodded and hurried off. I willed Heli to run faster.

  Galen frowned. “You will pay for that.” He glanced at Devlen’s prone form. Heli’s mini tornado had knocked him over

  and pieces of wood from the hole she blasted had pierced his

  skin. The tattoo ink still stained his skin, but the blood magic was gone.

  “Heal him,” Galen ordered me, probably thinking it would

  be a punishment.

  When I turned toward Devlen, Galen added, “And then

  heal yourself. Your back is a mess.”

  Funny, I didn’t feel any pain. I reached around and touched

  my shoulder blade, setting it on fire. My fingers came away

  sticky with blood.

  I knelt next to Devlen as he struggled to sit up.

  “I’m fine,” he said, pushing my hands away from his bloody

  torso.

  But it didn’t matter; I plucked the splinters from his skin.

  He winced in pain. Galen hadn’t said to be gentle and, if I

  was too nice, he would be suspicious.

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  The guards called Galen away. After ordering me to stay,

  he stepped outside.

  Once Devlen’s wounds were clear, I checked to make sure

  Galen was gone before reaching around and coating my fingers

  with my own blood.

  “Opal.” Devlen grabbed my clean hand. “I need to

  explain.”

  “Later.” I smeared my blood into his cuts, taking as much

  from my back as possible.

  His eyes widened and he seized both my wrists. “No.”

  “Trust me. It’s to protect you.”

  He released them without hesitation. “How?”

  “To quote Leif, you’ll stink of magic, but won’t have any

  power. You’re on your own for the rest.” When I finished, I

  traced his wounds with a fingertip. I imagined them as cracked

  glass and I applied the magic like applying heat to the crack.

  The skin melted together, leaving behind bright purple scars.

  Lingering over his body, I didn’t hurry. He had worked hard

  while in prison, building muscle tone.

  Devlen twined his fingers in mine, bringing them to his

  lips. He kissed the back of my hand. “I knew you weren’t

  dead.”

  “I

  have to obey Galen’s orders. And as soon as he remembers to order me to remove the magical barrier between us, he’ll

  be able to read my emotions as well. Understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “Since you don’t have magic, he can read your emotions

  now. So be careful.”

  “I will.” He glanced over my shoulder and dropped my

  hand. A scowl creased his forehead.

  “What’s taking so long?” Galen asked, but he didn’t wait

  for an answer. “Finish up. Devlen, help her.”

  He tried to be easy as he tugged the splinters free, but a few

  had been driven in deep. I admired Heli’s strength as I gritted

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  my teeth. The hole in the wall where one of the rooms had

  been could fit a grown man.

  “That’s all of them,” Devlen said.

  “I need to see the damage. Is there a mirror anywhere?” I

  asked.

  Galen grumped. “Use Devlen.”

  Appearing disgruntled, I instructed Devlen to trace the cuts

  as I had done for him. Then, closing my eyes, I sent him the

  hot magic to seal the wounds. For a brief moment I tasted his

  torment over watching me obey Galen and not being able to

  help me.

  Stifle it, I sent to Devlen.

  When I finished, I marveled at the ease of healing. Even

  after all the magic I used, I felt energetic.

  Galen ordered me to find Heli. When I moved to leave the

  barracks, he grabbed my arm. “With your magic.”

  “Oh.” Pulling thin strands from the power blanket, I sent

  them from me, weaving a web. He didn’t specify how fast, so

  I moved as slow as cooling glass. I searched every nook and

  cranny, being very thorough. It occurred to me that I might

  be able to capitalize on the loopholes in his orders. Specifics would be essential.

  I found Heli hiding in a cave on the north coast, east of the

  Bloodroses’ beach. Rocky cliffs extended along the peninsula

  before smoothing out. The water had carved caverns deep into

  the cliffs. If not for me, it would have been a perfect hiding

  spot.

  “Did you find her?” Galen asked.

  I couldn’t shut my mouth. “Yes.”

  “Tell me her exact location.”

  Feeling horrible, I gave him directions. He ordered me to

  stay put and took Devlen with him, but he returned an instant

  later. “Almost forgot. Don’t use your magic to warn her.”

  Not good. Galen was catching on. H
owever Galen didn’t

  know Heli wasn’t alone. When I was certain they were gone,

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  I sought Kade. A strong barrier surrounded him. I tapped

  on it and he opened his mind to me, welcoming me in with

  astounded relief.

  Opal! Thank fate you’re alive! What’s going on? Where are you?

  What—

  I cut him off. They’re coming to get Heli. They know where she is. Galen hadn’t ordered me not to warn Kade.

  How?

  I told them.

  Silence.

  They don’t know about you yet. Take Heli to safety and stay there.

  Both of you.

  I felt his resistance.

  Heli and I can fight them, he said.

  You can, but you can’t fight me.

  Tell me what’s going on, he pleaded.

  As long as you’re moving.

  Okay. We’re leaving now. We’ll head—

  Don’t tell me. Just listen. As I detailed my predicament, his emotions f

  lowed over me. Shock. Horror. Anger.

  Determination.

  Send a message to Yelena and Valek. They have the best chance.

  Okay? You and Heli need to stay away, I said . I will be forced to hurt you. Do you understand?

  Yes, I understand. An undercurrent of misery rippled with his response . Since we’ve been together, this is the third time you’ve told me to stay away.

  It’s for your protection!

  But Kade had severed the connection.

  With nothing else to do, I changed my shirt and cleaned up

  the mess. The orb had dropped to the ground during Heli’s

  escape, but it wasn’t broken. Diamonds had spilled. I picked

  them up and piled them all on a piece of the wall.

  Sitting cross-legged, I cradled the orb in my lap. The glass

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  sizzled with potential. It sang to me, vibrating deep in my

  soul. I concentrated on my heartbeat, mixing my blood with

  Galen’s. I couldn’t separate Galen’s magic from mine, but I

  could siphon it all.

  Too bad Galen had stockpiled his blood. He would reclaim

  his powers and where would I be? Stuck here, but at least I

  wouldn’t be able to hurt anyone. Unless he used blood magic

  on me, tattooing the power into my skin like he had done for

  Devlen. Then I would crave more power and be at Galen’s

  mercy again. And my glass magic would be gone forever.

  Right now, my powers were the strongest in the compound.

  I had the chance to use them to help as long as I found loop-