Royal Enchantment (Skeleton Key) by Lia Davis, Skeleton Key

that was wrapped around her throat. Sana’s pulse beat strong under her fingers, so she focused on slowing it down.
    After a few moments, it did, and Sana jerked away, releasing her hold on Ava. Taking advantage of her sister’s distraction, Ava thrust a fireball at her. Sana dodged it. The ball hit the wall in the hallway and exploded into a fiery blanket, coating the walls and floors.
    Not waiting for the female to react, Ava charged her. She hit Sana in the stomach and knocked her to the ground. Wrapping her fingers around her neck, Ava squeezed and said, “I wish you would lose all your power and ability to use magick. For my parents and all those you ever hurt, that is the least you deserve.”
    The words just tumbled from her lips without her thinking about what she was really saying. She was so angry, the only punishment short of death she could think of was for Sana to live as a mortal. No magick. Nothing but a shell in a magickal world.
    The onyx Kenia had given her, which Ava had hung around her neck earlier that morning, vibrated against her skin. Ava instantly wrapped her free hand around it. Sana saw it, and her eyes grew round. In between gasps of air, Sana said, “You don’t know what you just did.”
    Huh ? A moment later, Sana’s magickal signature dulled, then faded into nothing. Ava released her and stood. Did she just take her sister’s powers from her?
    Just then, shouts echoed from down the hallway. Ava turned to the door, only to take a step back. The flames were twice their original size and spreading fast. Okay, think . Finn had said she was elemental. Glancing back inside the room, she caught a glimpse of the hole in the wall. Wind. No, that would only fuel the fire.
    She needed water. Yet, Kenia had said Ava could do anything she desired. Hesitantly, she reached into the flames and was surprised that they didn’t burn her. “I will the fire to stop.”
    Slowly, the flames lowered until they faded completely. Wow .
    “Ava!”
    She glanced up at Finn’s voice and tears filled her eyes. “Finn.” She ran to him and threw her arms around him. “Where’s Quinn?”
    His guards stalked down the hall from different directions, each one shaking their heads. As if the mention of his name had summoned him, Quinn appeared at the end of the hallway. With an evil snear and a growl, he threw an energy bolt at them.
    On instinct, Ava threw up her hand, raising a circle, blocking them from Quinn. When the bolt hit the shield, it bounced back and slammed into Quinn’s chest. The male fell to the ground, unmoving.
    Once Ava took down the circle, Kellam glanced into the room. “What are we to do with her?”
    “She’s no threat anymore. I took her powers from her. Although, I’m not sure just how I did it. I say send her to Kenia so she can learn to be nice and to live without magick. Like all the people of Edra have had to do for so long.” Ava glanced at Finn and then drew her brows together. “If that is what you want to do. You are King, after all.”
    Finn snaked his arms around her waist and tugged her to him so their bodies meshed together. Desire heated her insides, and she ached to get him alone. One dark brow rose and he smiled as if knowing where her thoughts had gone. “And you are Queen. Your word is law, as well.”
    “Well, then we need to consult with Willow too since Sana is also a Calim.”
    Finn nodded. “We can. For now, Sana will go to your great-aunt. If Willow wishes, and thinks death is more suitable, I’ll honor her word.”
    Ava frowned. She wasn’t sure she could ever order anyone to death. Well, except for Quinn. He deserved what he got, even though it was self-defense.
    “Hey.” Finn cupped her chin and turned her face to his. “You restored the magick.”
    “What? How?”
    With a gentle tug, Finn steered her down the hall. “You were right about Quinn cursing Edra and blocking the magick. I’m not sure how he did it, but the moment he died, I felt the snap