Armed & Magical

Whoever said ignorance is bliss must have died a horrible death with a really surprised look on his face.

Most girls get flowers or candy. I get a declaration of martial law.

My family's big on denial. And if we denied something long enough, we thought it'd go away. I know that's not how it works, but we're in denial about that, too.

There was a momentary lull in the shooting and spellslinging, and the kid started scrambling to his feet. I grabbed his arm and pulled him back down. “In my family that’s not silence; it’s reloading.

You wearing a thigh sheath?” “Now what would be the sense of wearing just one? I have two thighs.

I just had his hand in a vise,” I protested indignantly. “It wasn’t like I had a dagger in his ribs. ‘Hand in a vise’ is simple assault or, in my case, self-defense. ‘Dagger in the ribs’ is attempted murder. My family did teach me the difference.

Mychael said the rock’s not affecting you, and from what I’m seeing I’m inclined to agree.” “I beg to differ.” “Feeling evil?” Justinius asked. “No.” “Having an urge to overthrow governments, kill thousands?” “No and no.” “Take over the world?” “Too much work.

Vegard and Riston's job today was to guard and protect me. And considering that I was in a tower room in the Guardians' citadel, it looked like a pretty plum assignment. I mean, how much trouble could a girl get into under heavy guard in a tower room? Notice I didn't ask that question out loud. No need to rub Fate's nose in something when I'd been tempting her enough lately. Phaelan had generously his guard services as well, just in case something happened to me that my Guardian bodyguards couldn't handle. Phaelan's guard-on-duty stance resembled his pirate-on-shore-leave stane of leaning back in a chair with his feet up, but instead of a tavern table, his boots were doing a fine job of holding down the windowsill. I don't know how I'd ever felt safe without him.

Do you trust me?” Tam said it almost too softly to be heard. I hesitated, sighed, then reached down and took his hand. Tam’s fingers wrapped warm and strong around mine. The magic sparked between us, though this time it was warm and tingling, not violent and lustful. “Though you’re the last thing I need,” I muttered. I heard the smile in his voice. “But I’m the first thing you want.

Tam knew what I was saying. He stared at me, his expression unreadable. “I need you to support the ceiling above the tear I’m going to make.” “Yeah, yeah. I got it. You pull; I push. Let’s go!” “I need control and delicacy, Raine.” I snorted. “Too bad you’re stuck with me.

Mychael stopped me with a hand on my arm. “Raine, when we get inside, let me answer all of the questions.” “What, you don’t trust my diplomatic skills?” “You don’t have any.