Descending Darkness(58)

We all nod. “Technically, it was Ryanne. She’s the one that had the vision, and honestly, I’m sure she could have handled it herself even if we weren’t there. I mean, did you see her? She was bada—”

“Emma,” I warn.

“Sorry, got carried away.” She draws her hand across her mouth and twists. Throwing the invisible key over her shoulder, she leans back against David.

“Did she explain to you how she came into magic?’ I ask Jane.

“Yeah, when she turned eighteen, she started showing signs and...I’m guessing you’re Colton?” I nod. “Ok, and you touched her and it all went on from there.”

“So you do believe in the magic? You don’t think we’re all crazy?” Logan asks.

“Well, we heard a commotion in the backyard, so we went over to the window and looked out. I saw Ryanne fighting some guy, completely kicking his butt. I was totally impressed. And then he just flew backward without her even touching him. Then, she turned around and something flew out of her hand and hit another man in the chest. I don’t see how that would be possible otherwise. And that guy,” she pointed toward Larkin, “transported us here. That definitely wouldn’t be possible unless we’re suddenly in a Star Trek episode, and since none of you look like Spock, I highly doubt that theory.”

“I’ll be right back,” Larkin says. He transports out of the room. Jane and Ross both stare at the spot he was for a couple seconds before turning back to us. For people who didn’t know magic existed an hour ago, they are taking everything pretty well.

“Ok, can you continue from where you were before? The part where we were almost attacked before and how Ryanne got stabbed?”

Liam starts explaining everything again. When he would leave something out, we would interject comments. I didn’t realize just how much she’s been through until we put everything out like that. For the next half hour, we explain what has been happening this summer. Ryanne isn’t on an internship like Jane thought. She is out fighting the “bad guys.” I can tell that Jane doesn’t like hearing about all the times Ryanne has been injured. Liam doesn’t go into too many details when it came to the injuries. None of us like hearing about them again.

Occasionally, she will glance over at Ryanne, who is still sleeping on my lap. I know it is a lot to take in, especially after finding out that everything you were told was a lie. “So, she’s supposed to defeat this Dravin guy, and Dravin was the one who sent all those men to kill us. You guys are all here training.” She turns to Tom. “You told me that she was on internship, so she could work on her magic…without me knowing.”

“I’m sorry, but it was for your safety. We didn’t want to get you involved in everything. It’s dangerous,” Tom says.

“And it’s not dangerous for her?”

“Look Jane, Ryanne knew and still knows what she’s getting into. She’s saved all of us numerous times. We’re trying our best to protect her. She’s stronger than she looks. You can’t underestimate her. She’s proven that to us,” Tom says, “countless times.”

“I know, I know. But I mean you have to look at it from my perspective. I’ll never replace her mom, I know that, but I was the one there when she cried herself to sleep every night. I was the one there when she didn’t have anyone else. She didn’t have any family or friends, and I tried to be that for her. I just found out that she was bullied in school, that she has magic and is basically being hunted because of it, and that she’s supposed to stop some freaking dude who wants power. I can tell you all care about her, but it’s a little overwhelming. I mean, I thought she was on some boring business internship this summer, and I find out that she’s been risking her life the whole time. That she actually died!”

Natalie reaches up and grabs onto Jane’s hand. Jane takes a few deep breaths and instantly calms down. “How’d you do that?” Jane asks.

“Magic. I can sense emotions, feelings, and intentions. You were starting to get worked up, so I helped calm you down,” Natalie explains. “Look, I’m pretty new in this group, but I’ve seen the loyalty they all have. They’re doing everything that they can to keep her safe.”

Jane nods and looks around the room. Her eyes stop on me. She looks at me and then to Liam. “So you’re not actually with Ryanne even though you were her date to my wedding?”

“No, I’m not with Ryanne. I’m her protector,” Liam says.

Jane turns and looks at me. “And you are?” Her eyes linger on Ryanne in my lap.