Empowered (Unbound, Book 6)

Chapter Forty-One

"See?" I asked, facing Luna and Zach while Calin stepped to stand at my side. "We tried to trigger transportation and I didn't move. I may have an affinity for fire, but I couldn't duplicate Zach's power to become fire."

"That was cool," Calin said. "I mean, seeing Nora covered with flame from head to tow was cool—a little disturbing but crazy powerful. Seeing Zach become flame? I'll never see that again."

"See?" I rolled my eyes at Calin and shifted my weight, crossing my arms as I glanced back to Luna and Zach. "We agree I have deflection. How I developed is to be determined. I probably always have and have gotten stronger—I had a shield up. It probably diminished it when it was. My guess is Devland has always had it, but he isn't responsible for the missing people or their abilities being stolen. We just proved it."

"We proved you don't have the abilities, and that just verifies that you didn't inherit through your essence after you were born. It doesn't exonerate Devland," Luna said.

I wanted to scream but growled instead, barely refraining from stomping my foot. "I think it's time to leave."

"Nora."

"No, Zach. The last couple of days have been exhausting, and I'm not even referencing the spell we used to combat my fears." I looked at Luna. "I have gone along with all of these suggestions—even these tests—because I want more than almost anything to figure out who is taking people to steal their magic. At first, I thought your suspicions about Devland had truth in them. No matter what test we come up with, you won't be satisfied that it isn't Devland. You've already determined he's guilty and you keep insinuating I should be able to prove it, but at this point I can't figure out if I'm offended or just plain mad."

"Why would you be offended?" Zach asked.

"Because. You keep saying I'm powerful because I inherited it. Yes, I am part of my parents, but I am not them. I can advance and surpass them on my own. You forget that each generation of a family has pieces of each that came before them, not just their parents. I'm mad we can't stop with something that's obviously a waste of time, and I'm offended you think so lowly of my own capabilities independent of my parents."

"Of course, we know you are beyond capable, Nora," Zach said.

"No. You don't. I told you I didn't sense anything with my empathy. I have sensed Devland before, you know. I can do it again. I can sense Maible. If they have unnatural abilities, I would sense it without a spell being needed because that part of their magic wouldn't be related to me. Not only did you not believe it, you made me doubt it until I took these stupid tests to prove what I knew."

"That wasn't our intent," Zach said. "I've suspected Devland since before you were born and that's hard to let go of. He may not be responsible but Devland isn't what I call good. You forget your mother left him. We both knew you'd be the one powerful enough to help the community. I have always believed you are capable. We were excited to have an actual lead."

I sighed and leaned into Calin, resting my head on his shoulder. The outburst that burned as hot and ferocious as a ball of fire thrown against a wall exploded and faded to nothing. My emotions were numb.

"Let's go," Calin said, wrapping his arm around my waist.

"I'll just make you some fresh coffee." Luna rushed away as Calin turned me to face the door.

"What do you think?" Calin asked Zach once Luna was out of sight.

"About?"

"Devland."

"You know, I think I'm going to help Luna. I think I need a shot of espresso," I said and pulled away.

"I'm sorry, Nora, I—"