Page 98 of Stubborn as a Shadow

“For now,” Teague muttered under his breath.

But both he and Keenan sat back in their seats.

“I would still like to check it,” Teague said.

“I’m okay with that.” I nodded.

I was so close to getting my fingers on that crystal, I almost couldn’t contain my excitement. But I could wait another minute or two.

Teague plucked the crystal from Nelson’s palm. He murmured nonsensical sounding words as he stared at the crystal. As his magic rose, his eyes changed to black again, and the stench of ozone filled the area. I’d never known a death mage, so it was fascinating to watch black fill his eyes. It was similar to Nelson, but somehow not, at the same time. With Nelson, I got the sense that he was still there looking at me. With Teague, his eyes reminded me of a skull from a spooky horror show.

A moment later, Teague’s eyes reverted to a more human-like appearance. His fingers curled around the crystal, hiding it from sight. He looked up and locked his gaze on mine.

“Why? Why do you want this crystal?”

I swallowed hard. My nerves jangled. I wasn’t used to anyone but Violet knowing my business. Well, and Nelson too. But that was brand new. I cleared my throat.

“I’m looking for my origins,” I whispered.

Everyone stared at me. I wrapped myself around Nelson’s closest arm, needing to feel him. His strength.

“You can tell them, it’s okay.” Nelson brushed a kiss to my temple.

I closed my eyes to gather my thoughts. When I opened them again, everyone was still watching me.

“My Uncle Fraser wasn’t actually my uncle. Not biologically. He found me in the woods one day. I was…” I faltered, and Nelson put his free hand over mine where I clung to him. “I was newly born. He thought only a few hours old at most. But I was alone. No one else was there.” I took a shaky breath. “Uncle Fraser looked for my parents, but no one had heard of unicorns.No one had seen one in centuries. And I… I just…” I shrugged helplessly.

“And this crystal,” Teague said softly, “would let you see the moment of your birth and possibly help you find your family.” His earlier anger seemed to have faded like his ozone-scented magic.

I nodded.

Teague still seemed reluctant to hand over the crystal, but he held it out to me. With a trembling hand, I reached for it. When I touched it, magic tingled along my skin. I stared at it, unable to look away.

The crystal was mesmerizing. There was an unusual seam of lapis lazuli, citrine, and amethyst running through the quartz in an undulating line. I rolled the stone between my fingers, and the powerful stone sparkled.

I’d planned to tuck it in my pocket and use it once I was alone, but the crystal had different ideas. All the questions I’d ever had about my birth, my family, and my kin surged forward and battered at me. And still, I couldn’t look away from the crystal.

My heart thundered in my chest. It was happening. Right now.

36

YOU AREN’T A UNICORN

MORGAN

A hush fell over the table as the crystal activated. The magic I’d felt when we first crossed into Willow Lake stirred through the air, as if wanting to soothe and reassure me. I’d never really thought of the Eternal Magic as particularly maternal before, even if I knew some supes called her Mother Magic, but today was different.

The magic fluttered around me, brushing my hair like an affectionate caress.

I giggled at the bizarre sensation.

Someone inhaled sharply. I didn’t know who because I couldn’t pull my eyes from the crystal, but I suspected my laughter had just made some bubbles. I really wished I could control that better.

I opened my mouth to ask for help. Did I need to recite a spell? Offer it something?

And then, as if the stone had merely been waiting for me to decide I was ready, a flickering image came to life on the quartz. I turned it to get a better view. Then I turned it again. Finally,when the largest flat surface of the stone faced me, the image came to life. Although the stone was small, the image projected up around me like an interactive 3-D game. The others at the table disappeared in a sea of swirling gray mist.

It should have been scary, but it wasn’t. The mist reminded me of my mate, and that gave me comfort. Without prompting, I knew the stone’s magic was waiting for me to ask my question.