What felt like warm wings wrapped around the part of Topher's psyche that was not the dark creature. Rachel had promised her cousin safety, and she would deliver it. She had the raw power to, but she preferred not frying family members' brains. She was using some of the power, but it was backing up her refined strength.

You are not wanted, Animus. You should learn to not force yourself on my cousin. The green fire bars of Animus' cage were reinforced by strands of red peeking out from the tongues of flame. Once she was confident the cage would hold, Rachel sent in two small talons of her own energy between the bars. The raptor-footed shapes clawed at Animus, trying to take bits of psychic energy away.