“They did.”

The elf shrugged. “Well, if at first you don’t succeed…”

I pushed down the urge to pull the trigger. The girl was too close to Banan for comfort, either mine or hers. The urge didn’t go without a fight. That was fine; I didn’t plan to keep it locked down for long. As soon as I could get her out of my line of fire, I’d give Banan a performance I could be proud of. I’d even put a little magical something extra on the tip of the bolt that’d slice through his shields like hot butter.

I gazed down the bolt’s shaft. I had a gratifyingly clear shot at the space between Banan’s green eyes. He pulled the girl tighter against him. Vegard growled low in the back of his throat, and his magic clawed the air with the sound. Banan ignored him, all of his attention on me. He didn’t consider Vegard much of a threat. His mistake.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to use the Saghred?” Banan taunted me.

“I only use the rock against big trouble. You don’t make my list.” I kept my concentration where it belonged—on the sweet spot between Banan’s eyes. “Let her go.”

The elf smiled. “Not going to happen.”

I held the crossbow steady; my finger tightened on the trigger. “Never hurts to ask first.”

A familiar fire bloomed in the center of my chest. Fire to consume Banan Ryce, and anyone who might step out of a mirror to help him. The fire and the Saghred’s power that fed it blazed under my breastbone, white-hot and raging. Just call it, came the whispered impulse in my mind. The power was mine for the taking. I shoved down the fire and the impulse. I swallowed them hard and held them down. The fire flickered and writhed, trying to get around my will. I pressed harder and it stopped. The tip of the crossbow bolt wavered.

Banan saw it and laughed.

“You want the power—and I know you want me.” His voice was low, compelling. “Put down the crossbow and take me, Raine. Like you have a choice.”