The Council (Darkness #5) Read Online Free PDF

not struggle to draw; she struggles to shut off the draw. Once she lays a spell, it will draw energy from her until completed. From her, and whoever is linked to her. This is an extremely rare trait, human or otherwise. I have done research, and the reason it is so rare is because those able to work with such magic are often, at one time or another, overcome with it. They succumb to magic shock—they are killed from it. Survival, then—not the trait itself—is the rarity.”
    He had failed to tell me that little nugget of information.
    “So, not exactly a gift, then. A time-bomb,” a woman with long blonde hair stated.
    “Are you sure of this, Toa?” Mage June asked in a tight voice.
    “Yes, Mage June, I am quite sure. And in some, yes, it is a time-bomb,” Toa stated in his lecturing monotone. “However, she has learned a primal, rough control of her magic, learning more control every day. She has had some close calls in the past, but at present, she is sustainable. It is her strength of character that creates this one-in-a-million magical situation. Otherwise, she would’ve been dead shortly after puberty when the trait manifested fully.”
    Another nugget that he had not bothered to share.
    “But you said others use it until they are overcome,” Mage Marius clarified.
    “Many begin training at puberty, which is when the trait is discovered. Precautions are made at that time. But, eventually, most magic workers are overcome, yes. Sasha has only recently had training. She has been surviving since age five, and this trait is no different than any other extensive and life-threatening trials she has faced in her life. She has scaled all obstacles, figuring out how to stay alive in any given situation with what is available at that moment in time. She creates some spectacular spells and chants completely randomly for this reason. Predictability is not her strength, however. She is not someone for a line crew. She cannot be counted on for uniform work. She is the head of a link and not the body. A commander, not a soldier. One must take the good with the bad in her case, and if they do, they will be vastly rewarded. If not, she is impossible to control. This is coming from someone who has tried to control her on numerous occasions.”
    I blinked back tears. I had no idea Toa had figured out the real me, internalized it, and found it a positive trait rather than a drawback. It meant a lot that he’d taken the time to understand me, and learn about me, so he could better teach me. I wanted to hug the guy.
    “Intriguing,” Mage June reflected from within her box. “Let it be known that I have tried to unravel this spell, and have yet been unsuccessful. It is an extremely simple concoction, as we are all aware, but powerful and tight in the construction. Well done, Toa, for your teaching. It is showing through. Now, Sasha, deconstruct this spell and show us some others.”
    I went through my gamut of spells I knew wouldn’t backfire, and then went through some that I hoped wouldn’t. All went off successfully within a roomful of contemplative stares until, finally, Mage June said, “That is enough. You still have much learning to do, but you are entitled to your post. You may go.”
    “Oh. Thanks.” I glanced at Toa, waiting for him to walk with me to the door.
    “Toa, please hang on a moment. I have some things to discuss with you,” Mage June said.
    Toa stared at me silently for a beat, before he said, “Go check in with Tim and his people. They arrived this evening. Stay with them until Dominicous, I, or Stefan comes for you.”
    “It almost sounds like you don’t think this facility is safe.” The woman with long blonde hair laughed as she whisked her mane off her shoulder.
    Toa’s intense blue glance held mine. The seriousness of that look and the haunted quality of it created tingles up my spine. I stepped closer to Charles and Jonas as I nodded. I defied him as often as I listened to him, but in