Was that threatening psycho Troy still around or had he really gone? Nightshade smiled. “Sorry I fell asleep when you came in. I don’t know what happened.” Ruby knew; Troy had sent Nightshade to sleep so he could intimidate her without interference. She joined Nightshade on the bed and snuggled against his chest while rubbing her sore shoulder. She still smarted from Troy’s criticism, but she reluctantly admitted there was some truth in what he said. She had put up with her affliction for years but never explored if she could use the strange energy. She hadn’t wanted anything to do with the magic or supernatural, especially after her mother was found dead floating in that loch, her face frozen in terror. Ruby was sure something had killed her, although the police had called it an accident. Nightshade tickled her ear with his breath. “Ruby, love, are you all right? What did Troy say to you?” “He told me off for not letting you bite me and for not learning how to use my power.”
