Chapter 32

“Sláinte!” Gregg lifted his tumbler of scotch for a toast.

The games were hard, but now that it was over, Allie was eager to celebrate.

“Allie, I have something for you.” Gregg gestured to his office. “We’ll get back to the festivities in a moment.”

As they crossed the darkened room, she saw an ancient-looking, enameled box resting on his desk.

“Another weapon? I can’t keep taking such priceless things from you. It’s too much.”

“Just have a look, you stubborn little minx. I think you might actually like this one. Think of it as a Christmas present if you must.”

She lifted the ornate lid to reveal a pair of exquisite crystalline blades. Each was clear as glass, sharp, and slim with an oddly shaped hilt. She could grip them with her fist, leaving the intricate guard to protect her hands. Or she could wield them like daggers in a more traditional approach. The potential for flexibility had her intrigued.

“These are akin to the more common Asian sai. I think they might be the right choice for you. I know you really don’t enjoy this aspect of your training, but these blades will act as an extension of your body, which should feel more natural. You fight well, but when I put a weapon in your hand, you fall apart on me. I’m hoping this will make a difference.”

Allie felt an unusual spike of interest. There was something about the sai that called to her. They were beautiful but intimidating, like she couldn’t possibly be good enough to wield them. As she stroked the razor-sharp edge, a strange musical sound echoed from within. She flinched at the cold shock surging through her like ice.

“They’re so old,” she whispered reverently. “A powerful woman gave them to you. Her ancestor forged them using the ancient power when it was pure. Infused with the strength of their previous owners, they are stronger today than when they were pulled from the fire thousands of years ago. They have no equal. And now, they belong to me?” she finished uncertainly. Allie dropped the sai back in the box as if burned. “What was that?” Those words hadn’t come from her.

“It seems I was right,” Gregg murmured sadly. “They belonged to my good friend, Kassandre, who was a very gifted Clairvoyant. Somehow, the weapon’s memory has spoken to you.” His smile was stiff. “They would only acknowledge you as their owner if you had the gift of true clairvoyance. It is going to be very exciting to watch you grow into your full potential, Alexis Carmichael.”