Chapter Eighteen Garrick
Chapter Eighteen
Garrick
I dug my fingers into the table as magic sang through my blood. The little mage had no idea what she was courting. I could
feel her getting farther away, and I willed myself to let her go.
Then she shrieked and I was on my feet before I heard her breathlessly scold Grim for scaring her. She started up the stairs,
and I silently removed the protection on the upper levels.
Would she try it?
My magic imbued every stone, every door, and every shadow. She could not hide from me in my own castle, no matter how fast
she ran. I could intercept her in a heartbeat, but that would ruin the game.
I exited the kitchen slowly, forcing myself to walk. She climbed past her landing without pause, her breathing harsh. Anticipation
dug sharpened talons into my abdomen. How long had it been since I’d played this game?
I shook my head, hanging on to control by a thread. She didn’t know. She’d meant to play a different game, then I’d scared
her into flight. I should lock her in her room and take my frustration out on the forest.
But I wouldn’t. I’d burned through the last of my control resisting the soft press of her mouth. Not even the fact that I’d
caught her about to go through my desk could save me now. Hope might be dangerous, but some things were worth the risk.
She’d made it to my floor—my rooms. Mine.
I cut my connection to the castle so I wouldn’t be able to track her magically. Then I took the stairs two at a time.
It was time to hunt.