Page 64 of Fading Sun

Damien’s hand remains in mine. It’s the only thing to hold onto as I float through this strange, bright void of time and space.

My mind’s still wrapping itself around the feeling when the light converges around us and shoots us out into the cold. The snow catches our fall, but it’s so packed that it’s still a tough landing.

Damien’s hand is yanked away from mine as I tumble forward to a stop.

I look up and see Morgan and Blaze, arms wrapped around each other, kissing as if they’re the only sources of oxygen in this strange, mystical world.

They jump apart, their faces flushed with surprise… or from the aftermath of that kiss.

Morgan’s hand is on the hilt of her dagger.

She looks guilty.

What was going on here?

Before I can ask, a roar sounds from the trees, so loudly that it rattles my bones.

I whirl around and see a massive, snow-covered monster charging at us. It’s at least ten feet tall, its eyes gleaming with intelligence, its white fur blending with the snow.

“Yeti!” Blaze shouts, and then, before I can process what’s happening, the creature’s lunging toward us.

The air’s suddenly colder, as if it’s turning to ice in the monster’s presence. Inhaling it is like shards of glass exploding in my lungs.

The others are frozen as well.

It’s getting close. Too close.

And I have the power to fry this thing.

So, I summon my sun magic, channeling it into a blinding flash of light that bursts out of my palms.

The Yeti staggers back and claws at his eyes, roaring so loudly that the ground shakes again.

But he’s not fried, like I wanted. His fur isn’t even charred.

He’s just startled.

Blaze uses the moment to his advantage, shooting two fireballs at the Yeti’s chest.

They don’t get far.

Because with a huff, the Yeti breathes out a gust of icy wind, extinguishing the fireballs before they can reach him.

Blaze’s eyes widen in shock.

Morgan flings out fireballs of her own, joining two more of Blaze’s. But the Yeti blows them out, too.

Ice against fire. In an environment overrun by winter.

The Yeti’s home turf.

This isn’t good.

Just as I’m gathering more magic, the Yeti roars again, louder this time, and charges.

Damien steps forward, his eyes narrowing as he holds out one hand to channel his air magic. The wind howls around him, swirling snow and ice, and slams into the monster, sending it staggering back.

Each of its steps is heavier than the last as it struggles against the wind.

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