Chapter 104

“You think you can drain him,” Declan said. It wasn’t a question.

I nodded slowly.

“I think the healing power works both ways.” My pulse quickened as I spoke the words aloud. “It can be reversed. Instead of healing… I could take.”

Declan’s gaze turned sharp, like a predator spotting movement. “Life force.”

“Yes.”

Silence stretched between us. Then Declan walked toward the maps spread across his desk.

“If you try and fail,” he said quietly, “he’ll kill you immediately.”

“I know.”

“And if he finds out I helped…”

“He’ll kill you too.”

A muscle in his cheek twitched. He didn't look away from the maps for a long time. Then, finally, he turned to face me.

“What do you need from me?”

A rush of energy flooded my veins. “The dagger. The silver one with the ruby. It does something to my power. Every time he holds it, he can reach inside me and force my power to come out.”

Declan’s fac