Page 17

LIKE A CAT LAPPING UP MILK

A month passed by, slipping through my senses like sand through my fingers. I rubbed my thumb over the stone shard, staring at the edge of the forest from the training field.

In a way, it was comforting—to keep it with me as a reminder of who I was. The rune stone and I had been together for so long that I would feel odd without it.

It also reminded me of my mother and how she had often stroked my scar—whether in comfort or distraction, I’d never know.

My fingertips traveled over the etched symbol, a faint tingle of power kissing my skin with each pass. Mama had something to do with the talisman. I couldn’t think of any other explanation. Sighing, I let the stone drop deeper into the pocket of my white dress.

“Mortal realm to Ryn-Ryn. Anyone there?” Breena asked, waving her hand in front of my face.

“Sorry. Bit distracted.”

“Understandable. Kaden is quite the distraction.” She tossed me a smirk, bumping my shoulder with hers.

Warmth spread over my cheeks as my gaze shot to my best friend a few steps away.

We had told no one about the developments in our relationship … or whatever it was. We’d spent countless hours sneaking kisses, laughing, touching. I was blissfully content with my choices.

Kaden conversed with an older male Druik who was dressed in yellow. The man’s aura glowed a soft golden hue. Kaden was attentive, observing the orb of ember spinning and palpitating in the man’s palm. The Druik’s other hand gestured animatedly in time with his words as he educated Kaden.

I shuffled my leather shoes on the grass. “I … I wasn’t?—”

“No need to deny it. We all have eyes.”

Letti snorted, hearing Breena’s comment as she joined us. “She’s right, Ser. Get on with it already. It’s been a long time coming.”

My blush spread over my neck. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. We’re just friends. And that’s what we’ll continue to?—”

“Hello, friends ,” Kaden interrupted, settling his arm around my shoulders. His fingers played with the end of a red curl.

“Why, hello, you delicious morsel. What have you been learning from that Pneumalian gentleman? Do enlighten us.” Breena grinned, shifting her eyes between Kaden and me.

Breena was toying with him. She’d been working with her gift for turns and had been the one educating us for over a month.

Kaden went on without being phased, his lips tipping up. The heavy weight of his arm left me. He gestured toward the Druik in farewell as the male headed toward a group in the distance. “He was giving me some tips on harnessing ember. It’s linked with your emotions, so you need to work on grounding yourself so it isn’t as chaotic when you’re wielding it.”

“Makes sense,” I said, nodding. “That’s why my breathing techniques help me. Also, I think that’s what’s going on when I see auras when people aren’t using their abilities. They have strong, untethered emotions, and it triggers their power. I can see them simmering.” I wiggled my fingers toward the group playfully.

Letti laughed. “At least that isn’t a problem for me.”

I shrugged, poking her biceps with my pointer finger. “I don’t need ember to know when you’re having a fit.”

Letti rolled her eyes. “So hilarious, sis.”

Someone passed our group, sneaking glances at us. It was Xeni, a shy smile tilting her mouth.

Letti noticed the young Draumr as well. “Ah, I’ll see you later,” she mumbled, stepping in the warrior’s direction.

A knowing smile spread across my face.

“Oh, young love,” Breena breathed. “What a wild and ridiculous ride.”

A humming acknowledgment rumbled in my throat. I’d have to check in with Letti soon—be the nosy sister she knew and loved.

“All right, you two. Let’s do this,” I insisted, shifting my attention to the task at hand.

I focused on my gift’s source within my body, which I had discovered was unique for each Druik. My nape tingled as I called upon it, my aura washing over and through me in iridescent ripples.

The constant drumming of my star-shaped mark against my spine worried me as if my power was a beast aching to be untethered.

I breathed through the distraction, binding my ember, only allowing it to simmer. I didn’t want it to overpower me or cause irrevocable damage to others.

Breena focused, her body bursting in a bright poppy-red blaze. Kaden stepped away from her, his hands flying up to protect his face, his aura flaring.

Kaden was now able to heal minor wounds with little effort. His ability to influence plants and flowers was progressing steadily. Daily, he practiced in the forest, calling to and working with the vegetation around him.

His enthusiasm and pride for his evolving abilities were contagious. Hestia would have been proud. My lips tipped up, my eyes softening at the thought. My aura shimmered bright for a moment.

The other day, Kaden had summoned several twisting vines. They had crept toward him over the mossy ground, heeding his call. Groaning, the nearest trees had stretched their branches in his direction, wanting to join them.

We had screeched with excitement, dancing and hugging each other. That led to enthusiastic, frantic kissing. Hands scrambling all over each other.

Stop , I scolded, taking a deep breath and forcing myself to concentrate.

Breena grinned, cupping her hands as sparkling flames flickered over her, condensing into a sphere of swirling red sparks and hazy, heated waves within her palms.

I shuffled closer to her, mouth agape. “So, you’re basically a giant fireball?”

Breena chuckled. “Sort of. I can control temperature. Make a shield around me and those close to me. I can pack my ember into this fun ‘lil sparkle ball. If you find having an extra hole in your body fun, that is.”

“Remember, I’ve been kind to you.” Kaden winced, opening one eye and grinning. Breena chortled mischievously, one foot feinting toward him. Kaden ran behind me, gripping my waist.

I gasped at the contact, not only because his touch stirred something within me but because my power immediately tugged at his greedily.

Kaden released me as I spun to face him, a look of wonder flashing across his face. He had felt it, too.

I blinked a few times, gasping as a tumbling current of green streamed into my gleaming haze, my energy drinking in his like a cat lapping up milk.

He took a step back, holding up his hands. His awe vanished, an unfocused look slamming over his face.

“Something isn’t right,” he rasped, his voice shaky.

My aura gobbled up his energy, dazzling flashes and swirling rainbow-like flecks pulsing over me in time with the frantic beat of my scar. Glowing, branch-shaped patterns crept down my arms, my shaking hands illuminating.

“What the ever-loving feck?!” Breena squealed, her cherry glow extinguishing.

Kaden’s eyes widened, his knees giving out. As he crumpled to the ground, my voice failed me, a silent scream ripping through me.

People from the training field ran toward us, my unchained abilities attracting attention.

My mind spun, my pulse erratic. I couldn’t concentrate on breathing. On binding my power. Panic tore through me, my body trembling.

My body burned with the need to consume. Mine.

Mine!

“Seryn!” I vaguely heard my sister’s voice, but I could not be bothered with the distraction.

Kaden was covered in sweat, his hand reaching out to me, his eyes pleading as I took and took and took.

His energy was potent, and I hungered for it.

He must be powerful if he isn’t depleted yet.

Delicious.

“Breathe, Ser.” His plea came out as a ragged whisper.

Yelling and gasping.

Frenzied movements.

They all whirled around my subconscious, my power swatting them away.

From the corner of my eye, Rhaegar’s bulky form lurched away from me, his rune a shooting star through the air as my ember tossed him backward.

I blinked. Moments whizzed by me, then everything seemed to freeze in place.

Kaden was still, lying on his back, twitching. His hands clawed at his chest.

The pattern on my arms and hands burned brightly, dazzling sparks vaulting from my fingers as if they were kindling, ready to ignite.

Time sped up, a flurry of motion circling me.

Three of the Elders were at the front of the crowd now.

Lucan’s glare burned with intensity, his eyes flicking between me and Kaden’s incapacitated form. Ryboas stared impassively as if this was something he witnessed every day.

Melina’s eyes shone wickedly as she sucked her bottom lip, her hands clasped gently in front of her. A wide grin sliced across her face, her teeth glinting.

A soothing voice cut through my awareness. “Little Star. It’s all right. Let go of Kaden.”

Mine!

More!

Kaden’s eyes were fluttering, his skin pale, his aura diminishing.

I whimpered.

“That’s it. Hear my voice. Pull your ember back.” Gavrel approached, and another whimper escaped my lips. His tattoo was blazing as he reached for me.

“Don’t!” I cried.

His eyebrows drew together, his hand pausing. Then he tilted his head, and the corners of his lips tipped up gently. His eyes softened as his fingers grazed my glowing arm.

My aura reared back from his touch but then curled into it. His rune flared. My lungs inhaled deeply. I blew out a huff of air through pursed lips, willing my ember to release Kaden.

My aura shivered, flicking the green glow from its clutches. The light from my hands and arms seeped into my skin, and I panted, my power tucking within me, satiated.

Gavrel caught me as my knees gave way, my body wilting to the grass as if my muscles turned to jelly. I didn’t have the strength to stand, but my attention flew to Kaden, my hands flying to my mouth.

His chest heaved fitfully from the exertion. He threw his arm over his face as he lay on the grass, catching his breath.

Filled with remorse, I took in the witnesses around me, my face and chest burning a deep shade of crimson. Hushed shock blanketed the crowd; feet shuffled, and heads dipped in dismay.

Xeni held Letti protectively, but my sister left her embrace to come to me, hugging me and smoothing my hair. A sob left me, and I gulped a second back. Breena approached, rubbing my shoulder for a moment.

Gavrel stood on my other side. His voice was clear as he directed the crowd to leave. “All right, enough. Please go about your day.” He nodded at Rhaegar, Breena, and Xeni. They, along with other guards, immediately helped redirect everyone.

“Another good show, pet,” Melina cooed. “Come to my chambers after the dinner hour tonight. Gavie knows the way.” She spun, her hips swaying as she walked away.

A growl rumbled through Gavrel’s chest, and I placed one hand on his calf.

Ryboas lifted a straight eyebrow; his mouth puckered as he studied me briefly. He departed, his red robes fluttering behind him like flames.

Lucan tossed a final sneer toward Kaden as he turned to leave, his twisted cane stabbing into the grass with every step.

I stood, Letti’s supportive arms helping me to my feet. She kissed my cheek and squeezed my shoulder. I offered her a small smile. “Go on. I’m all right.”

One of her eyebrows rose, but she didn’t say a word before walking toward Xeni, who was waiting at the edge of the barracks.

I looked at my feet, pushing them into the ground. My body felt unsteady, but my legs carried me to Kaden.

Kaden’s arm slipped from his forehead as he looked at me.

“I’m so sorry,” the tattered whisper fell from my throat. He sat up, wrapping his arms around my legs, burying his face in my thighs.

“It’s okay,” he uttered, his words muffled. “Looks like we need to practice more.” He smiled, his green eyes finding my icy blues. I frowned, rubbing my hand over his thick mop of hair.

His arm fell heavily across my shoulders as he stood. My hand wrapped around his waist. I wasn’t sure what else to say as we held each other, keeping one another steady.

Perhaps I was in shock; words and feelings ripped from my senses. Kaden was unusually reserved as we drifted to the palace, Gavrel trailing close behind. We were three restless shadows slinking away from the setting sun.