CHAPTERTWELVE
The words Orsala had taught her slipped from her lips, an ancient incantation that set Ava’s blood humming.
“Shanda vash…”
Thiswas Power.
She could feel it welling up, stirring under her skin as the words took shape on her tongue. A spell to distract and disarm an enemy. Ancient words. Holy words. Dangerous words…
Bruno winced and closed his eyes. “Yes. She’s definitely hit it.”
“What do you feel?” Orsala asked.
“Like if she doesn’t stop I’m going to lose my lunch on your lovely Turkish carpet, Orsala.”
“Details, Bruno. I need to know the effects.”
“There’s a—a piercing pain in my temple. A—and my limbs feel weak, as well.”
“Excellent. She’s only been practicing this one for a few days.”
His voice was strained. “I’m serious. I’m about to throw up.”
Ava barely heard him. The magic was too heady. Like wine, it seeped into her blood and went straight to her head. It wasn’t the painful jolt of power she’d felt in the cistern. Orsala had taught her control, so the words she spoke flowed from her belly, up her throat, and left her mouth softly. Weaker magic, perhaps, but magic she could hold far longer.
Speak.
The dark voice called her.
Yes…
“Ava.” She felt the hand on her shoulder as if in a dream. “Enough.”
Bruno’s hand was at his temple. “Orsala,” he forced out the words. “I can’t—”
“Ava, you need to stop.” Orsala’s grip was firmer. Her words more clear. “Now. Release the magic.”
Not yet…
Bruno was barely standing. His face was pale. “Orsala…”
“Shanda huul!”
The old woman’s words hit her in the stomach like a punch. Ava gasped, rocking back on her heels as the force of her own spell was turned against her. She could feel the pain in her head, like the high whine of a piercing whistle. It turned her stomach inside out, and she almost fell down when her knees buckled. Bruno caught her before she hit the ground.
“There you are,” he said. His eyes still carried hints of pain, but he was smiling. “Got a taste of your own medicine, did you?”
“How were you even standing through that?” she choked out.
Orsala said, “He’s a bear. And a very good-natured one at that. Thank you, Bruno.”
The great man enclosed her in an embrace, pressing his hand to her cheek. The warm affection flowed into her like a hug against her soul. “That was a lot of magic you were wielding. Not even my Karen at her angriest has hit me like that.”
“I’m so sorry.” With the heady rush of power dissipating in the room, Ava felt the guilt rush in. She’d caused him pain, and she’d held it for long minutes. She’d only felt a second of her spell turned on her and it made her want to curl in a ball and sleep for a week.
He laughed. “It’s fine! I’m happy to help you practice. How do you feel, sister?”
“Tired. You?”