Damn it, he couldn't wait until their magicks found a balance and he could relax.

After he'd showered, dressed, and gulped down a cup of black coffee, he filled up another mug and found Claire and Theo out in the backyard.

He was the only one who hadn't dressed in a winter coat and gloves. All he had to do was tap a little magick and he stayed warm. Just like his own private furnace. Adam guessed Claire could do it, too.

"Now, push it," Claire directed.

Earth magick pulsed as Theo pulled up about twenty little sprouts from the frozen earth in the backyard. His breath showed in the crisp morning air with his exertion. Green stalks lifted their sleepy heads and unfurled their leaves.

"Shit." Adam stood beside Claire. He studied the new growth that had sprung from the ice-covered ground. "Have you ever been able to do that before, Theo?"

Theo took a break from staring at the new plants to glance at Adam. Awe had transformed his face. He blinked. "No."

You didn't get awe from Theo very often. Disdain. Anger. Silence. Not awe. It was jarring.

"That's crazy." Adam turned to Claire. "And incredible."

Claire shrugged. "These were some of the first tricks that Rue taught me once I became his handmaiden. My magick was stronger in days." She frowned. "Magick is harder to wield here on Earth, though. It feels heavier here."

"Do you know tricks for fire magick?" Adam used a little power to heat the cooling cup of coffee he carried.

"Yes, of course. I can't do for you what Rue did for me because I'm not a daaeman, but I can help you both improve your elemental skills."

Theo turned toward her. "How did Rue give you the other three elements?"

Theo had been fascinated with her ever since she'd freed her unique power, and it wasn't for Claire's sparkling personality or beautiful face. Theo was a power hound; there could be no doubt about that. He was an already highly skilled witch and was enthralled with her because she was even more highly skilled.

"He did it with daaeman magick." She pursed her lips. "Honestly, I'm not sure how. It was a progressive thing, over years. He would augment my power at certain times of the year, day, hour. Grafting spells onto it, twisting it and molding it. Sometimes even in the middle of the night. It seemed complex and, until recently, I suspected I was very valuable to him because he'd managed it. Then he bounced the elium into me and sent me tumbling down the rabbit hole with two Atrika on my tail."

"Not that I want to defend Rue or anything," Adam said, "but it sounds like his hand was forced. He's probably coming after you as soon he can. Of course, if I have anything to say about it, he's not getting you back."