"I'm helping Animus get his magic back," I said.
Every hair on the water spirit's mane stood on end and his whiskers whipped in the air like a tornado tossed them around. Behind him, water crashed onto the sand.
"What?" Nautilus roared.
I didn't move. I refused to let him intimidate me.
Nautilus narrowed his eyes, peering sharply at my body like he was trying to see something invisible. A flicker of surprise crossed his expression. He moved back an inch.
"You say you are helping him get his magic back," Nautilus growled. Then he turned his glare on Animus. "So, your intention is to steal it from me, just like you did before?"
"It's not stealing if it was mine to begin with," Animus said.
He came to stand at my side, close enough that our hands brushed together.
Nautilus's face twisted into a snarl. "What did you just say?"
I put my hand across Animus's chest, both as a display of protection and to interrupt him from replying with a snarky comment that would dissolve the conversation.
"Wait," I said. "I remember when Zak went to help at the coast because it was in disarray. You were involved. Is that right, Animus?"
He crossed his arms. "Yes."
"He said something about Nautilus losing his powers. About them being stolen."
"That is correct," Nautilus interjected. "The spirit you've beenplayingwith is a traitor and a thief!"
Animus opened his mouth to argue, but I cut him off.
"Talk to me, Animus. Not to him," I urged.
Animus grimaced. He looked wary, like he was afraid of having this conversation. But he didn't have to be. I held his hands and gazed into his eyes, hoping to communicate my feelings.
"I'll always be on your side, no matter what," I said. "I've heard everyone else's version of the story. Now, tell me yours."
Conflicted emotions flashed across Animus's face. "I appreciate it, Leveret. But there is no other version. I stole magic from Nautilus."
Nautilus barked out a haughty laugh. "There it is! He admits it!"
We both ignored him.
"Why?" I asked, rubbing my thumbs across the backs of his hands to soothe him.
Animus chewed his lip. I wished he wouldn't do that—I'd have to kiss it later to make it feel better.
"I was..." Animus sighed. "Very, very mad."
"You wanted revenge?" I suggested.
His eyes widened. When they were big like that, they resembled a pair of moons.
"Yes," Animus murmured.
"Are you sorry you did it?" I asked, more curious than anything.
"Not particularly," Animus admitted.
"Okay. That's fine."