“The tang of residual blood, faint as it was, danced along her senses, like a fizzy drink on her tongue. Everything sharpened, came into focus and awareness: The background buzz of the radio tubes in the other room that was usually inaudible nearly drowned out the music. The miniscule cracks in the enamel sink became a web of flaws.
The effect was almost dizzying; Callie never felt more alive than when she took in the coppery scent.
Every mage had an affinity for a particular element that strengthened and enhanced spells. Fire, air, water, earth…
Hers was blood.”