I drew invisible symbols as I visualized what I wanted. There was a stir in the air, a rush of sensation, and a tear appeared at our feet, a river not unlike the Veil, only fluorescent green. It stayed there, taking no effort, no real concentration, as if it was as natural to me as breathing. I had complete control, widening it with a mere thought or shrinking it with a gesture of my hand.

It listened to me, and as soon as I wanted it to disappear, I did so by simply waving it away. My magic gradually dimmed, sinking back into my body, unmistakably satisfied with its accomplishments, and I just stood there.

Blinking.

“I did it,” I muttered dumbly, distantly hearing Zadok’s celebratory cheer.

“You did it!” He let out a guttural laugh, and before I could even comprehend the sensation of thin arms scooping me into a bear hug and my feet leaving the ground, I was in the air, being twirled. “Well done, my son. You are extraordinary!”

I was set back down within seconds, wobbling unsteadily as I laughed at his antics. He ruffled my curls, beaming proudly, and I felt a sense of fulfillment bloom in my chest.

All this time, I had thought it was Cair opening those temporary tears around the palace, and sending us to his apartment in the human realm, but it was me. Me. It actually made sense now that it was all laid out. Not only was the magic green, instead of purple like the Veil, but anytime my mate had tried conjuring one on his own, he’d been unsuccessful. Only when I was there, standing beside him, had he made progress. It had just never occurred to either of us that it was my blood, my dormant magic that was the cause. Even now, I could hardly believe it.

I’m a freaking mage!

It wasn’t until I’d wiped the tears of happiness from my eyes that I saw Flick striding up the hill toward us, an axe slung over his shoulder—his very naked shoulder, I noted belatedly. He’d obviously decided to go to work without his shirt this morning since it was hot as balls outside. Couldn’t blame him, and if I didn’t have cum drying on my belly, and my dad wasn’t there, I would probably have done the same.

“Well done, junior.” He congratulated me in that gruff voice of his before addressing Zadok. “I’m heading down to fix the fence. I won’t be in your way.”