Rosalind froze, the full implications rolling through her mind. On the side of the demons, she’d have to abandon the only thing keeping her remotely sane—though, given her whirling emotions, maybe it wasn’t doing its job so well anymore.

She closed her eyes, trying to lock her terror into her mind’s vault. Her atonement would depend on her ability to master her fear. No longer hungry, she set the plate on the table. “Let’s get started now.”

Chapter 23

As they stood in Salem Woods, the wind rushed between birch and ash leaves, and Lilu circled overhead.

Caine stood across from her in the grove. Before they’d left, he’d created a new outfit for her—black jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Of course, because he was Caine, they fit her like a second layer of skin. But at least if the spirit wanted to jump his bones again, Rosalind wouldn’t end up with a skirt around her waist.

Caine looked down at her. “When you take off the ring, I want you to imagine the mage’s aura inside your mind. Concentrate on trying to condense it smaller, so it no longer takes over your whole body. I want you to imagine it as a ball of light, right here.” He touched her sternum, and her skin sparked at his touch.

“Is that how you stay sane?”

“Eventually I figured it out,” he said. “Are you ready to start?”

“I thought we would learn some spells first.”

He shook his head. “The mage already knows the spells. I’m going to prompt her to think of them, and then you need to draw on her knowledge.”

“What if she tries to assault you again?”

“I don’t mind.”

“I don’t want it to happen.” Sure, Caine was beautiful, but it wouldn’t be Rosalind kissing him. It would be the mage. On top of that, she knew better than to get involved with an incubus. “What happened outside Elysium was just strategic so you could heal. And anyway, we’re here to learn magic so we can save the captives, not to get distracted by having fun.”

“Fine. If you’re worried about what the mage will do, I can tie your arms and legs.”

Just like Mason used to do when he beat the crap out of me. “No way.”

“It would help keep you safe. If she wants to do something against—”

“—I said no. The whole idea of it makes me want to stab you with another hawthorn stake.”

He glanced at her shaking hands. “Gods below. What’s wrong with you?”

Shit. Why was this coming up now? She didn’t need to dredge up her screwed up childhood with Caine. “It doesn’t matter. I’m just overtired. Let’s get on with what we need to do.”

“Fine. I’ll keep control of the spirit. And when we get home, you need to eat and sleep, because you seem like a mess.”

“It’s been a rough night.” Understatement of the year, right there.

“You’re a warrior. Your enemy has made a move, and its time for you to fight back. Muster your mental strength and take off the ring.” He closed his eyes, marshaling his patience. “Please take off the ring when you choose to.”