Page 219 of Gift from the Wing

I receive a kiss from each of my men, relishing the subtle shift in their moods. I know missions are nerve-wracking, and I’d never downplay that—just because I’m feeling confident today doesn’t mean I’m not mentally prepared or in denial that something could go wrong. There’s always the possibility and likelihood, but I’m not going to worry myself sick with nerves when I have no reason to this go around.

I slip off my shoes and walk away from the group, each step paired with a slow, steady breath. The earth hums beneath my feet, grounding me, and I focus on centering myself in its steady pulse, merging with Elementra’s raw strength.

My knees sink into the wet grass on my final exhale, bolstering the connection I started with each step. I rub my palms down my thighs a couple times, then turn them upward, calling forth a shift in my index fingers.

I begin on my right palm, carefully tracing the mark of the Nexus. This time, I only need one layer instead of all five. With steady hands, I repeat the process on my left palm, then hold them together, feeling the warmth of blood pooling between my fingers.

As the river of red starts to drip through, I open the earth beneath me. It mixes with the soil, turning to thick mud as I focus, gripping tightly onto the fabric of the connection buried within. The threads of magic tug at my own, and I set it free.

“Passages through time and space, show me your travels through this blessed place.”

With my hands pressed into the now damp earth, the ground trembles faintly as my magic spreads outward. Like a ripple in water, my blood forms invisible vines, snaking through the territories in all directions, seeking the portals scattered across the realm. Little throbs vibrate beneath my skin, reverberating through my bones, each one distinct, each one carrying its own unique frequency.

Then the first true pulse hits me.

It sends a buzz through my mind—a soft, gentle breeze. There’s no huge punch of power or overwhelming flow of energy. It’s just…there.

It’s closed.

I allow myself just a fleeting moment to cherish it—the first time I’ve ever wielded the power that has only passed through the women in my family. The weight of that hums through me, but I quickly refocus as the next pulse comes.

Closed.

Closed.

Closed.

My body feels electrified. The thump of the earth beneath me flows with every beat, every vibration, as I map each portal’s status across Elementra. The farther I push, the fainter the connections become, but thefabric of the realm remains ever present, its web of energy binding me to each closed portal.

As the vines of my blood reach the end of the territory’s lines, they snake their way back to me, and the tie to Elementra slowly starts to recede. The connection breaking isn’t a forceful one—I’m not shoved to the ground like when I closed my pocket dimension for the first time. It’s a gentle, tender release.

“Very, very good, filia mea. That was perfect. One step closer.”

The pride in CC’s voice reverberates through my body, adding to the lingering small aftershocks of the portal’s pulses. My skin shivers from both it and my water element flowing out to clean my hands off.

“Thank you for being here for this.”

“I’ll never miss the big things, filia mea.”

A warm smile crosses my lips, and I push myself up to stand, commanding my air to dry the water from my pants around my knees. That small breeze seems to be the only circulating air around. My anxiously waiting Nexus and family behind me sucked it all up, holding it in while they waited for me to finish.

The glow on my face stays in place as I turn to face them. “They’re all closed.”

There’s an explosion of excitement as I’m surrounded by my guys. Their feverish kisses and praises are heady and I snicker at how the roles have suddenly reversed. I’m as calm and focused as I’ve been all morning, while all of them are jumping with joy.

I’m ambushed with sweet smiles, tight hugs, and warm endearments by everyone else when my men give them room. It’s emotional, thrilling, and settling all at once. Of all the things I’m able to do, that felt more natural than any of it. There was muscle memory within me, that’s never been present before, guiding me, coaching me, and silently supporting me from the depths of my mind.

“Using the knowledge of those before you is a sensational experience, Adored.”

“It is. I thought it was amazing to just know facts, but using my ability was something completely different just then. Certain portals I passed, I couldpinpoint if it was my mom or grandma who opened it. I didn’t expect that to happen more than once or without me focusing on doing that.”

“There are moments when I speak of the Keep’s times long ago, and the elder of my flights’ knowledge will come through. His energy is ancient and distinct, easy for me to identify. A sense of wisdom falls over me when it comes forward. With time, it wouldn’t surprise me if you’re able to feel many more generations before you, depending on how your communal knowledge continues to be fed to you.”

I smile over at her, thanking her for her insight into this new and thrilling experience. I’m grateful that she’s here to help me navigate this and she will be as well when Draken’s fully comes forward. I know it will. I’ve already seen clues and picked up on the hints she’s dropped.

I’ve noticed changes in him lately, not bad ones, but more so, my dragon man coming into his own. Yesterday, there wasn’t much of a shred of the over-the-top energy jumping around him. He didn’t avoid or joke his way out of tough conversations, and when all was said and done between him and Keeper, he was freer.

“That was phenomenal, child. You should’ve seen the energy encompassing you. It was blinding,” Gaster says excitedly, bursting through the crowd.

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