A Dawn with the Wolf Knight (Married to Magic, #5)

by Elise Kova

“It is impressive to watch a witch work,” Conri appraises as we start walking in the direction of the next marigold bloom. “Your ability to summon spirits is uncanny.” “Evander summoned a water spirit for our passage.” “Evander is an odd lykin.” Conri laughs lightly. “It is best not to use him as a measure for the rest of us. And he is far less graceful than you with these skills.” “Odd how?” I ask, trying to sound casual despite my deep curiosity. “Careful, Faelyn, or I might be jealous of you inquiring about another man.” Conri says the words easily enough, but I see the flash of warning in his eyes. I laugh and link my arm with his. “I am only asking if I need to be worried about my sworn protector.” “Ah, nothing like that, my dear.” He pats my forearm. “While the lykin can see spirits, we cannot commune or bond with them in the same way as a witch. It is what makes our oath to the great wolf spirit so unique, and a notable exception—we cannot simply call upon spirits as we please, or communicate with them.” I imagine that is also what makes Aurora so valuable to them… If they cannot call upon spirits, then they hoard what power they do have from them. “There are some lykin who have an easier time harnessing our power and seeking out spirits than others, for one reason or another. But even then, it is not guaranteed the spirits will oblige. We cannot command their loyalty as you can.” His wording grates. “I do not command spirits.” “No?” He motions to the small flowers ...