Mine to Fear (Mine #3)(63)

Which gives me an idea. If the two are going to collide, we might as well make it as full on of a crash as we can. I siphon my magic toward the downed line. Before my magic reaches it, I will it to touch the line and shove the energy toward our attackers, then break off the connections.

“Run,” I yell.

Some are already doing so, but at the sound of my voice, the rest join in, many helping the people we rescued. We go around the crushed building, making our way around the fallen line, just as I make it to the building, my spell goes off. Or rather, the current of electricity slams into the remaining warlocks.

I cringe, wishing it didn't need to come to this, but for now, we're safe.





Chapter Forty-Nine





Because the people are so weak, it takes over a week to get everyone back to the cave, but there are no further problems with being spotted. It's a near miracle we make it without further delay. Everyone is worn and tired, but I would love to see the Grand Chancellor's face right now. To know how badly we hit him. We should meet with Nathaniel soon to find out how much damage we're really doing, if we're doing any good at all.

Serena and Bethany do a good job of getting the people we rescued settled. Each of them is paired off into a smaller cavern room with at least one other person that was here before. They are weak enough that someone needs to be able to keep an eye on them. A man comes up to me, the one I remember yelling at me the first time we came to come back for them.

“Thank you for saving us.”

My cheeks heat. “It wasn't just me. But I'm glad you're here and safe.”

“You are doing more than you know.”

As he walks off, a voice behind me says, “He's right, you know.”

I spin around to find Jack watching me, almost smiling.

“How long have you been standing there?” I ask.

“Long enough to know I'm not the only one who's had a change of heart because of you.”

“I've had a lot of help.” But my cheeks grow warmer. He leans in, and in front of anyone passing by, kisses my cheek. My face is now flaming, but so is my chest, in the best possible way.

“Katherine sent us both a message,” he says.

“Oh?” I try to collect myself.

“It seems you talked her into something.”

I grin, knowing exactly what he's talking about. “There's to be a wedding.”

“And we're invited.”





***





Everyone who matters is here. Katherine and Charles, of course. Jack, Serena, Tawny, Cynthia, Lukas, Bethany, and many tarnished who I don't know. Everyone except Zade.

My heart aches for my brother. I don't just miss him. I need him. There's no one like a brother, and he's been gone far too long. I can't even think on what he must be going through. I have to get him back. No more of this waiting.

At least, not after the wedding.

For now, it's time to celebrate. Time to give Katherine and Charles the moment they deserve. The moment we all need.

We're sitting on the ground, with the couple in the center, a tarnished woman standing next to them. I don't know if this is customary in Chardonia or not, but it's different than our ceremonies. Sitting on the dirt could just be because of the lack of chairs in nature, but the rest I don't know. Or maybe they like to sit in dirt for weddings.

Then again, I don't know what the engagement ceremony was like, but Serena despised it so much she would never talk about it. Just clams up whenever I bring the topic up. I would think wedding ceremonies would be the same. Maybe here and now they are beginning a new tradition. A new way of marrying two people.

Charles and Katherine look so happy, beaming at each other. They are different too. Never before have I seen a tarnished get married. Katherine is still shaving her head, tattoos across both her and Charles’ faces. It's so much a part of them. I only notice when I stop to think about it. Both are wearing nice clothes but not spelled like an Envadi's would be. Simple dark green breeches and white shirts for them both. Elegant material made up simply, but beautifully.

“Does anyone have any words of wisdom for the bride and groom before we start?” the tarnished woman next to them says, her voice clear. It's harder to tell because of her tarnished state, but she looks older, like she might have gray hair if she still had hair. She's dressed in bright colors, an orange skirt and a bright pink shirt.

No one says anything. Even if I could think of something, I'd remain silent. All my advice can be given in private. Not that I have any more to give now that she's taken my advice to get married. That's the best I could do.

“Never take advantage of having each other,” Serena says, her voice cracking with emotion. “Enjoy each moment.”

I swipe away the tears that trickle down. Serena would know better than anyone else just how important those words are. I scoot closer to Jack, wishing it could be any other way.

“Charles,” a male tarnished says, “Remember that your wife is always right.”

There's a small amount of laughter through the crowd. Not enough to break the peace of the moment, but enough to bring back the spirit of happiness.

“Always say you’re sorry when you've made a mistake,” a female tarnished says. “No matter how small, you'll be happier in the long run if you admit your wrong doings and work to fix them.”