“What are you talking about, Jess?” my brother asked. “What does the magic have to do with anything?”
“I think he’s in the same state I was in a few minutes ago—but only because we both had Marinette’s signature inside us when I defeated her. The whole theory of magic being, it has to go somewhere.”
Naomi shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s just a hunch, but if Danny was alive when I took Marinette’s soul it means I caused his current state by killing her”—I gestured down at his limp body—“but if he was already dead, I don’t think I can save him,” I answered truthfully.
“So you think you blew up Marinette’s magic inside his body?” Ray asked.
I nodded. “Something like that. The curse was eating him alive when I defeated her, and when it exploded, this might have happened. Maybe he’s in a form of stasis from the shock?” My voice rose in excitement. “Marcy said I blew up the wards, which were hers. Well, the magic in his body must have done something equally as big. Now I just have to figure out what—and try to undo it.”
“Oui,” Naomi replied, a hesitant smile on her face. “If there is life inside him, I know you can find it.”
I buried my hands firmly in Danny’s fur and murmured, “Come on, Daniel Walker. Let’s do this.” I grabbed on to my magic and began to push it inside him, careful to go slow. My magic felt strong and heady, and once it hit Danny’s system, it took off on its own, rushing through his body too quickly for me to control. We have to pull it back! I shouted at my wolf. It’s too much—
It hit something.
I watched in awe as my golden signature broke apart, each color bursting alive at the junction of his brain and spine. What is it doing? I asked. Each piece of magic seemed to have a different task to do. The base of the neck was a key connection point for all wolves. One that decided life and death. A broken neck meant there was no communication from the brain to the body. Is that Marinette’s signature lingering there? It was hard to tell because it was so faint. It was possible when the curse exploded inside him that it had done major damage to his spine—damage Danny couldn’t repair because the connection points had been too badly injured. But if the tiniest bit of her residual magic had hung on, he had a chance. It had kept him from dying completely.
As my magic separated, it began to try to heal the damage. All at once there was a popping sound and Danny’s body thrummed below mine. I fed him continuous magic until I swayed.
“Jessica,” Rourke said. “It’s time to pull back.”
“Yeah,” Ray added. “Easy does it, tiger.”
When I let go of him, I felt drained, my magic snapping back into my body in a rush. I fell to the side, exhausted by the effort. “Danny, I hope that was enough.”
Then I closed my eyes.
18
A moment later, a wet tongue lashed up my face. My eyes sprung open. I was so relieved to see Danny awake I threw my arms around his neck. He began to shift back into human form immediately and Rourke helped me up. We all took a few steps back to give Danny some space.
Except Naomi.
She remained locked into place beside him. She wasn’t going to leave him easily.
“Let’s give them some room,” Ray said, ushering us backward. “They’re going to need some privacy so they can… you know… bond or something.”
“They’re not going to bond right here,” Marcy tsked. “But I agree. Let’s give them some space. Hey, speaking of mates, has anyone seen mine?”
“I’m sorry, Marcy. I forgot to let you know. I left him in charge of keeping things clear on the outside. We didn’t know what we would find in here or if this bokor had called in backup,” my father answered. “I just summoned him. He should be here shortly, and he’ll be very happy to see you unharmed.”
“That’s good to know. And you don’t fool me one bit, Callum. He would’ve been of no use to you in here if I were in trouble. It’s smart to keep us apart if you want your second in command to act like a second. I wholeheartedly agree with your choices and hope you keep it that way. But now I need a little mate fix.” Marcy dusted off her hands. “It’s been a hell of a day.”
Instead of being offended, my father tossed his head back and laughed. “You’ve got a good head on you, witch. James is a lucky man.”