Page 82 of Stormvein

“What else forms part of a storm? Wind, hail, snow possibly, and …” One eyebrow hikes. “Rain.”

When he puts it like that …

“Try calming yourself. See what happens to the rain.”

“Just … what? Think happy thoughts and the rain will go away?” I can’t keep the sarcasm from my voice. “Should I clap if I believe in fairies too?”

The hint of a smile that’s been teasing his lips breaks through, and one corner of his mouth kicks up. “I don’t know what fairies are.”

Of course,that’swhat he focuses on.

“Sit.” He waves a hand, and shadows pool, turning into a raised cushion of darkness.

He waits until I’ve lowered myself, and then sits across from me.

“Nothappythoughts, Ellie. Calm. Centered. Your power responds to your emotional state. Learn to control one, and you’ll gain mastery over the other.”

I want to argue more, to dismiss his theory, but curiosity wins out. I close my eyes, focusing on my breathing, trying to find the calm center I tried to locate in yoga classes back in Chicago.

In. Out. In. Out.

As my heartbeat steadies, I become aware of something else—a resonance between the rhythm of my breath and the pattering of rain against stone. When my breath quickens, the rainfall intensifies. When I slow it down, the drops become less frequent.

“Oh my god,” I whisper, opening my eyes, and finding Sacha’s gaze on me. “Itisme.”

Sacha nods. “Another aspect of your power. One you can learn to control rather than being controlled by it.”

“How did you know?”

“Being rained on after annoying you earlier was a clear giveaway.” The dry note in his voice makes his amusement clear. “But the first clue was after Ashenvale. When I faced Sereven. The storm came too suddenly, the lightning struck the soldiers, but didn’t touch me. No natural storm behaves that way.”

“So now I control the weather.” I wanted it to sound skeptical, but it comes out more like resignation. “Anything else I should know about it?”

“Probably.” That smile appears again. “We’re in uncharted territory, Ellie. Everything that’s happened between us—Ashenvale, River Crossing, the healing … it all defies explanation.”

I fight not to blush at his mention of Ashenvale.

Outside, the rain has gentled to a steady patter rather than the driving downpour of before. I can feel the connection now that I’m aware of it—a tether between my emotional state and the intensity of the storm.

“Can I stop it entirely?”

“I would imagine so, with time and practice. For now, it’ll appear with your emotions, and leave when it’s run its course.”

“Great,” I mutter. “So now I’m causing storms when I’m upset. Another thing I didn’t ask for in this world.”

“Power rarely asks for permission.” His voice is soft. I’m not entirely sure he’s still talking about the storm. “But understanding it helps.”

Varam comes over. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we should discuss how we want to approach Stonehaven tomorrow.”

Sacha nods and rises. “Practice,” he tells me, before walking with Varam to a secluded area away from everyone else.

I look toward the sealed entrance where rain still falls, gentler now, steady rather than raging. Just like my emotions.

Another piece of the puzzle falls into place. This power that was awakened at River Crossing, that’s grown stronger since Sacha’s healing, it’s not only about light or familiars. It’s connected to elements, to weather, to the storm.

Stormvein.

I focus on the sensation of the rain falling beyond the cave, imagining the drops slowing, the clouds thinning. To my amazement, the sound of rainfall diminishes further. Power rushes through me, different from the light. It’s cooler, more fluid, but unmistakably mine to command. It isn’t separate from me, but an extension of my will.