Page 160 of Walking in Darkness

“Rise. Rise. Rise.”

The whispering voice fell on my ears and infiltrated my soul.

Valeen.

I wondered if the rest of them could hear it, too. If they experienced the urging that pushed at their spirits.

Because a tremble rolled through the multitude of Laven. A rippling of power.

And it hit me so hard and fast. A tsunami that nearly knocked me off my feet. A swelling of light that swept them in an undertow.

Hands were suddenly touching me everywhere. Every single Laven who could get close enough to set them on me. Those who could not, placed their hands on the Laven in front of them.

Until they were all linked.

Together.

Together.

Everyone understood it then. It was the only way Ambrose—Kreed—would meet his end.

Together.

Together.

And that power built and built. Energy crashing and surging, growing stronger and stronger as it gathered between all of us.

Amplified.

Magnified.

The compulsion to expend it became nearly unbearable, and with Pax’s hand in mine, Dani’s in the other, I stepped forward, leading the group closer to Ambrose, whose expression twisted in cynicism.

In hate and disgust.

Though it flickered with the fear I’d recognized. The desperation he’d felt when he realized I couldn’t be so easily defeated.

And I wondered if he knew that, with us together, he could not prevail.

Because I felt it.

The sheer force that begged to be released.

As if the world moaned to be freed of his chains. As if the hearts of the oppressed begged for this retribution.

We all moved as one as it gathered to a breaking point.

To one tiny pinpoint of volatility.

My insides screamed from the pressure of it.

The feeling as if I might explode. Rend apart to become one with the light.

True fear streaked across Ambrose’s features, and he suddenly shouted, “End them!”

The Ghorl thrashed, their fiery tendrils lashing out at the same second that I dropped Dani’s and Pax’s hands and released the energy.

A shock wave flashed across the area.