Scorched by Magic (The Baine Chronicles #7)(10)

That was a total lie, of course, but it worked. Rusalia turned her wide gaze to me, still angry, but full of fear also. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, not bothering to look at me as she spoke. “Now let me go!”

Knowing that was the best I was going to get, I cut the ties to my magic, releasing her in a flare of light and sound. As the remains of my spell shattered into ethereal shards, Rusalia was left standing there, eyes wide. She took a deep breath and stared at me like she was trying to decide what I’d do next. Then, obviously deciding I wouldn’t chase her down, she took off running into Comenius’s room.

“Well, that went well,” Rylan said as the door slammed hard behind her.

I sighed, shaking my head as I pulled my beast back inside me and returned to human form. It was going to take a lot to teach that girl, and I felt for Comenius. He shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of shit.

“Thank you for trying to get through to her,” Comenius said, weariness filling his voice. “But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t interfere like that again. She probably just hates me more now.”

“I’m sorry.” My heart ached for Comenius’s predicament—I truly didn’t know what to do to help him. “Hopefully she’ll keep her head down for the rest of the day, at least.”

“Perhaps we should consider taking her to a specialist,” Elania said from behind the kitchen counter. Her lips were pursed, her elegant black brows drawn together into a frown. “Someone who knows how to treat children who have suffered trauma. She needs professional help, Comenius.”

“You’d have me hand my daughter off to someone else to take care of?” He shook his head. “Rusalia will hate me even more if I do that.”

“Yeah, but it might be good to have a third party to help mediate between the two of you,” Rylan pointed out. “It’s clear you both have issues that need resolving.”

Comenius scrubbed a hand across his face. “I will consider it. But money has been tight recently.”

“You know I’m always happy to help you out with that,” I offered, but Comenius shook his head.

“I appreciate that, Naya, but I am a grown man.” He gave me a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I have run from this problem long enough—I must face the consequences and deal with it on my own.” His expression softened a little. “Still, it means very much to me that you came over.”

“I should have come sooner,” I said as helplessness filled me nearly to bursting. I wanted to do something, only I didn’t see what I could do other than be there for him. Knowing it wasn’t enough, I embraced Comenius and Elania once more. “If you change your mind, or if there’s anything else I can do, let me know.”

They nodded to me as I left Com’s place. While my heart was heavy, I had to respect their wishes to stay out of it. I’d just have to let them do their best and trust that things would work out.

So even though it weighed on me, I tried to put the problem out of my mind as we sped back to Rowanville. Maybe I couldn’t help Com right now, or his equally unhappy child. But there were other people coming to me for assistance today, and I was determined to give them my best.





4





It only took us a few minutes to get to the consulting office—a small corner house in Rowanville that used to host a dental practice. I’d chosen to rent the place rather than buy it because the project was still experimental, but if it turned out to be a success, I would look for a permanent location and regular staff.

Rylan went in ahead of me to check for any intruders or hidden bombs—he took his bodyguard duties very seriously, for which I was thankful. I followed once he gave the all clear. The inside of the house was clean and simple—there was a waiting room with comfortable chairs, magazines, and a few toys for children. A twenty-something receptionist, on loan from a nearby office for this part-time gig, sat behind the utilitarian wooden desk to receive petitioners. I greeted her, then moved past the waiting room and down the hall. There were two more rooms—the first door on the left was my audience chamber, and the second, further down, was a sort of cell that Iannis had insisted on setting up in case any criminals or unruly petitioners found their way in and needed to be detained.

After Rylan performed one final safety check, I went into the audience chamber and settled in behind the wooden desk. Like the waiting room, it was a simple space with a single desk supplied with stationary, a small filing cabinet, and visitor chairs. A window to my left looked out onto the side street, and a magical mirror located in my desk drawer allowed me to peek in on the waiting room. I was also wearing my heirloom ring, a treasured gift from my father, which would alert me if anyone entering the premises harbored ill will toward me. Between my bodyguard, the mirror, and the ring, I was perfectly safe.

I pulled the mirror out from the desk. To my surprise, there was already a couple sitting in the waiting room with a small, dark-haired young boy. That was fast, I thought, a ball of nerves suddenly forming in my stomach.

“You’ve got this,” Rylan assured me, scenting my change in mood. He patted me on the shoulder. “You want me to bring them in?”

“Yeah.” I straightened my shoulders. I was only here for the morning. Might as well make the most of it.