Page 98 of Harnessed in Gold

“So, what does all this mean?” I ask, my anxiety building. I don’t like that sharp V between his brows. “Does it have anything to do with what Jean said? Or what happened with the snowdrops?”

“I don’t know,” he admits. “But I think it proves your clairsentience has a purpose. Emotions are your power source.”

“Power source for what?” Other than seeing through glamours or hedge riding. “And don’t say ‘I don’t know.’” Not again.

He swallows the words that were on the tip of his tongue and says instead, “I think if you keep practicing harnessing, you’llfigure it out.”

I growl out a sigh. “So you don’t know.”

“Not yet,” is his diplomatic reply. “But we could—” He surveys the room like an answer is hiding somewhere in the dusty corners.

I’m nervous, and pathetically, a little tipsy. “But we couldwhat?”

“We could try again—you know, you helping me with a plant.”

“An experiment,” I deadpan.

“In a way.” He heads for the door. “If you’re willing.”

I’m more ambivalent than willing. Every time Leo conducts an experiment, I wind up shaken by the results.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to,” he assures me, returning to my side. “I understand.”

His eyes alone tell me he means it, but I can feel how intrigued he is. And how concerned. He wants answers as much as I do, and he’s the one person, other than Jean, who’s capable of interpreting them.

“No, I’ll do it,” I say. “It’s a good idea.”

“Okay. Hold tight.” He disappears from the room and returns seconds later, carrying a viny, flowering plant in both hands.

“Come here,” he urges me as he places the pot in the center of the floor.

I kneel beside him, studying the plant. Small, white flowers trail along thin, drooping stems. Like all of Leo’s babies, it’s healthy and lush. And it smells like an expensive perfume.

“What is it?” I ask, inhaling its sweetness.

“Jasmine.”

Wow. The famous jasmine. “It smells so good. Like…” I search for the words.

“Just sit with it for a minute,” Leo suggests. “Then tell me what it feels like.”

I lay a few delicate stems across my palm and close my eyes, allowing the flowers’ energy to seep into me. “It’s warm nights and moonlight,” I say. “Like floating in a dream.” I turn to find Leo perched on the bed, watching. “That’s its spirit I’m feeling, right?”

“Yes,” he answers with a soft smile.

“It’s feminine,” I guess. “A goddess.” A maiden dancing under the moon.

“Very much so.” Leo slides down onto the floor. “And you’re right, by the way. Jasmine is associated with the moon and the subconscious.”

“Seriously?” I’m shocked by my accuracy.

He’s not. “Yes, seriously,” he says as he shifts to sit behind me. “That’s why I chose it. It can enhance psychic abilities.”

I give him a sharp look over my shoulder. “Is that a good idea?” It seems to me, enhancing my ability would be a lot like sending someone with pneumonia out into a blizzard.

“It’ll be okay. I’m right here.” His hands grip my hips and gently tug until my back hits his chest and his legs are stretched out on either side of mine. Like yesterday at the river, I’m caged in by his body. Sheltered.

Despite my anxiety, I melt into him.