My eyes rolled behind my eyelids, and I allowed myself another deep breath before inviting in the happy thoughts. Cair was the first to appear, of course. His devilish smirk, his piercing eyes, his devotion. He was perfect in every way, my entire universe, and would always be my happiest thought.

A bird chirped somewhere in the distance, and it took every ounce of strength in me not to latch onto the specific cadence and stray down the path of figuring out its species by sound alone. It was probably a bluebird, but given the time of year and the heat, it could also have been a⁠—

Focus.

With a violent head shake, I sank deeper, my mind and body finally relaxing through sheer force of will. The next visions that came to me were of the farm and the Otherworld—my home. Both were accompanied by a feeling of safety; it surrounded me as scene after scene played behind my eyes like a silent film, a comfortable blanket wrapping around my shoulders.

Finding my dad.

Figuring out I have magic.

Being able to protect my mate.

Suddenly, I became conscious of myself inwardly, vividly aware of the inner workings of my body as if my eyes had rolled too far and become detached. It was startling, and I almost lost that concentration, but familiar green rivulets dancing to a tuneless melody captivated my attention, swirling inside like droplets of colorful ink in water. It showed no signs of responding to my presence, and I could have watched the mesmerizing display for hours, but Zadok’s dulcet tones echoed in my ear, prompting me to keep going.

I reached out as he’d instructed, as if enticing a timid creature, willing my mind to capture its attention. For a beat, there was no change except for the faintest sensation of being perceived—a fizzle, as if a shiver had run down its spine, alerting it to my observation. I tried again, softer, more patient, and that feeling only heightened until the emerald wisps finally faced me. Goose bumps rose on my skin. It had no eyes, no features at all, but I knew it was studying me, deciphering my intentions. It shifted closer, chittering with caution, curiosity, and when I didn’t give it any reason to retreat, it flickered brighter, whirling around me as if in giddy recognition. I heard myself laugh, and it embraced me, a buzz of energy welcoming me like an old friend.

Once it settled, I imagined myself offering my hand in a wordless request.

It accepted.

My eyes flew open, and I was back on the hill, the sun beaming down on me, the scent of wildflowers in my nose. I lifted my arms, gasping at the sight of green flames coiling around my fingers. “Holy sh⁠—”

“That’s it, lad.” The elation radiating from Zadok was utterly infectious. “Now, keep a hold of it, and open a portal. Just like we practiced.”