A black mass about the size of my hand slithered under both their skins like an animated tattoo.

Antonia clutched Isabella's shoulders with a surprising strength, pretty much the only thing keeping her granddaughter upright. Healing magic pulsed out of her hands.

I pushed up Drio's sleeves to touch his bare skin and streamed my magic inside him, praying it would be enough to keep him stable until Antonia could get to him with the full force of her power.

Antonia ...