The Vampire Gift 3: Throne of Dust by E.M. Knight

helps?” Morgan hisses. Her impatience is showing, too. “A blue glow is just something the untrained mind imagines it sees in the presence of a spell being cast! It’s an illusion, it’s not descriptive; it doesn’t help me. True magic is a swirl of colors and patterns in a pulse of gossamer threads and fantastic shapes. A single spell makes a beautiful kaleidoscope, a wonderful tapestry, in the mind of the witch who casts it.” I notice Eleira edging closer, hanging on to every word. “The blue glow is what all others see. So of course a spell was cast, of course the weapon was cursed, but what I don’t understand—” she spins away angrily, and almost slams into Eleira as she does, “—is how .” “Well, I’ve told you everything I know!” I fire back. “You don’t think I want my leg to get better?” “Forget your leg,” Mother snaps. “I’d cut it off and make you a cripple if I could be sure it would save your life.” Eleira gasps. “But the corruption is worse than that. It’s already in your blood. It will spread through your body. I’ve kept you alive, but these healing spells are not my forte.” She curses. “How I wish Xune was still alive today!” “Who’s Xune?” Eleira asks softly. Mother turns on her. “Never you mind. Shouldn’t you be back simpering by my son, or—” Eleira slaps her. “I do not ,” she announces, standing up to full height, “simper!” Morgan laughs. “You want to challenge me, little girl?” She draws her lips back to show her fangs. “I could end your life in a second. And I would,