Page 215 of Vasmora

“I think that would be a bit of a stretch.” Dolion set his book aside for another, flipping through the pages. “I believe she can manipulate the flame, yes, but summoning it requires a connection. Similar to the Emberforge ritual.”

“What’s the worst that could happen?” Zevander hooked his fingers beneath his tunic and yanked it over his head, tossing it aside, catching an appreciative glint in her eyes. “We stand here holding hands, looking like fools.” He pointed to the scar over his heart–the one that’d been with him from the time he’d been cast into those flames as an infant. “Focus on the glyph.”

Brows lowered, she stared at it and shook her head. “That is the most complicated symbol I think I’ve ever attempted to memorize.”

“It’ll take a bit, but try.”

Eyes riveted on that mark, she stepped forward, and he turned her palm up.

“Do you see it in your mind?” Zevander asked.

“Which one? There are four glyphs in one.”

“Left to right. One at a time. Tell me when you’re ready to try.”

She sighed. “So long as your expectations are incredibly low, I’ll try now.” Palm suspended between them, she closed her eyes, lips pressed tightly together.

Nothing.

Opening her eyes, she shook her head. “I’ve already forgotten half the glyph.”

“Try again. Focus. Ignore everything else.”

Exhaling a long breath, she nodded, staring at the marking on his chest. Then, just as before, she closed her eyes. Seconds ticked by.

Not so much as a damned flicker.

“A valiant effort,” Dolion said beside us. “But as I said, even if she memorized the glyph, not even mages can summon the flame. That is a gift reserved only for those who are forged by it.”

“Wait.” Maevyth reached for Zevander’s hand, pressing her palm to his. “Do you remember when you slipped into Caligorya back in the mortal lands? I could feel the flame inside of you when I touched your hand. It was magnetic in a way.”

Frowning, Zevander raised his other hand, pressing it flat to her palm. He’d channeled his flame into her once, back in his office. The first time he’d ever kissed her. While her ability to withstand sablefyre had been impressive, he had been the one to summon it then, guiding it into her. Gods, he could almost feel that exquisite burn across his muscles all over again.

Her lips parted around an easy exhale, and she closed her eyes.

The two must’ve looked foolish, at first. Hands clutched. Eyes closed. Nothing but the quiet hardening of his cock happening between them.

Just as he was about to step away and address the matter in his trousers, a slow, winding buzz in his veins sent a shiver rippling down the back of his neck. Zevander shifted on his feet, careful not to break their connection. The vibration intensified, his muscles tightening. Cramping. He let out a grunt as the sensation of delicate threads being pulled through his organs had him bending forward with a wince.

The vibration sank into his bones, his blood rushing through his veins. A deep, throbbing pulsed in his groin, and his skin tingled as though desperate for contact.

Swells of warmth billowed outward to his limbs and up the back of his neck, as his arousal surged in euphoric waves.

“Dear gods … I’ve never seen anything like it before!” Dolion’s comment prompted him to open his eyes, and Zevander nearly collapsed as he took in the sight.

Hundreds of flickering black ribbons danced around Maevyth as she stood with her eyes closed, lips parted, seemingly having fallen into a trance. The flames lashed out as they encircled her, passing between the two of them.

Zevander released her and stumbled back, and as his gaze trailed up the spinning wall of flames she’d conjured on her own, his muscles locked and tensed, body craving release.

He’d never seen anything more stunning in his life. “How?” he rasped.

“This is … unprecedented. I have no explanation.” Dolion circled her, keeping his distance from the lashing flames as he stared up at them.

The others had gathered around, all of them staring at her, their faces sketched in awe.

Rykaia chuckled, her gaze flicking from Maevyth to Zevander. “Well, aren’t you two a pair?”

Like a gentle rain, the ribbons fell around Maevyth and faded to black smoke. A look of confusion clouded her eyes when she opened them. “Did it work?” She raised her palm, where a pale blue flashed brightly across her skin. A new glyph.