Cruel Magic: A Victorian Faerie Tale (Iron & Thorns Book 1) by E.B. Wheeler

Author:E.B. Wheeler [Wheeler, E.B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowan Ridge Press
Published: 2022-08-23T04:00:00+00:00

Cassandra poured a cup of tea from the lukewarm kettle, her thoughts swirling like the amber liquid in the delicate bone-white china. Cradling the smooth cup in her hands, she stared down the corridor where Henry had slipped away. Perhaps Domin should know he was planning something. But Henry had trusted her. She couldn’t betray him.

Drawing a deep breath, she approached Domin, who stood keeping watch by the front window. He gave her a questioning look.

She offered the cup, forcing a bright smile. He took it with a nod and went back to staring outside.

“Don’t you ever rest?” she blurted out.

He raised his eyebrows. “Of course.”

“I mean, I know you’re, um, not human, but you still eat, and I would guess you need to sleep too.”

“I do. I am alive, after all.” His lips twitched, and Cassandra wondered if he was laughing at her.

Jairus’s foot paused from tapping to the beat of Amy’s music. “You’re not mortal, though, are you? It doesn’t seem like you can be killed.”

Domin set down the tea and folded his arms. “Were you planning on trying?”

Jairus laughed. “I ain’t that crazy.” He leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his knees, and his expression grew serious. “It’s just…I don’t generally work with other people—I don’t like the risk.”

His words were heavy with sorrow. Cassandra sensed a story behind them, but even if The Rules didn’t forbid her from asking, she wouldn’t pry into his pain.

Domin’s expression softened, and he nodded.

Jairus met his eyes. “If I’m going to work with allies, I’d like to know their strengths and weaknesses.”

“My life is bound to Henry’s,” Domin said. “As long as he is alive, I will not die easily.”

“Does that mean if Mr. Stewart dies, you do too?” Cassandra asked. Did Henry know Domin’s life might hang in the balance while he went about his risky scheme? Domin studied her, and she felt as clear as glass.

“Henry is the last of his line. If he were to die without an heir or betray his heritage, I would have to find another branch of his family to serve, or I would become…vulnerable.”

“That iron shot hurt you, though,” Jairus said.

“Yes. Magic is a kind of energy, and iron interrupts its flow.”

Jairus cocked an eyebrow. “But not silver?”

“Silver can reflect magical energy and throw off its balance. It works best against humans using a magic that’s unnatural to them. If you’re looking for new weapons, rowan wood absorbs magical energy. It’s slower but effective.”

“Good to know.” Jairus rubbed his lightly stubbled chin. “So, can you change into anything you want?”

“Within reason,” Domin said.

Jairus chuckled. “I’m not sure what that means when it comes to shape-shifting.”

“I cannot significantly alter my size or take a form very different from my true nature. I have never tried to change myself into something inanimate because I’m uncertain if I would be able to shift back.”

“You can look like anyone, though? I fought a skinwalker in Sante Fe—”

“I am not a skinwalker.” Domin curled his lips back in disgust.

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