“Still it would be useful to know the extent of the pain.”

“You are crazy.”

“Please.”

Low blow. “All right, but answer my question first or I won’t zap you.” Did I really just say that? The situation had turned unreal.

Ryne smiled, acknowledging the twisted logic. “If Estrid desires power beyond her Realm of Ozero, then I will stop her. I promised Kerrick that I would return our world to its preplague state—with all Fifteen Realms thriving and prospering. Once that’s accomplished, I’ll retreat to Ivdel and assume my place as its king.”

A heck of a to-do list. And it explained why he hadn’t assumed the title. Impressed, I studied Ryne. Intensity burned from his hazel eyes. Kerrick had utter faith in this man, which meant I did, too.

Ryne stuck out his arm. “Okay, now zap me.”

I gestured toward his bed. “It would be better if you lie down. Some people have a low pain tolerance and collapse right away.”

He huffed in amusement, but followed my advice. Before I took his hand he said, “Low pain tolerance? Do you judge people based on their pain thresholds?”

“Don’t worry—your manhood isn’t at stake. Well...unless you break down and bawl like a baby,” I teased. “Then I have no choice but to tell the monkeys and Flea.”

“I’d expect nothing less. Uh...have people bawled?”

“Yes. It can be very overwhelming. Just squeeze my hand twice if it gets too severe.”

“You once told me you zapped Kerrick so you could escape. How long did he last?”

Bittersweet memories surged. I’d blasted him with every ounce of strength, depleting all my energy. “I didn’t escape.” The stubborn, infuriating man wouldn’t let go. And I hoped that exasperating quality helped him now.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, I would have been impressed except I hated his guts at the time.” I patted Ryne on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I don’t hate you. Well, not at the moment. But if we keep reminiscing...”

“All right.” He laced his fingers in mine.

Magic flowed from my core, but instead of healing, I channeled it to cause pain. Starting out with a tiny spark, I gradually increased the power. Ryne’s expression tightened and he fisted his other hand. Color leaked from his face as sweat beaded on his forehead. All his muscles tensed.

He pumped my hand a few minutes after I’d reached the level most people collapse at. I stopped. Ryne lay there panting. He wiped his sleeve over his face, mopping up the sweat before it reached his eyes.

Pushing up to his elbow, he said, “Wow. That’s a significant weapon you have. And as soon as you stopped, all the pain disappeared.”

“That’s because the magic affects your nerves, but doesn’t damage them.”

“Handy.”

“As long as there’s exposed skin for me to touch. Otherwise it’s useless.”

“What about that neck thing?” Ryne pointed to the base of his skull.

“That’s harder to do in a fight. I need to touch the exact spot and send a burst of power. That move doesn’t hurt, it just renders the person unconscious for a couple hours. Do you want a demonstration?”