Page 97 of A Touch of Gold and Madness

“Are you sure about that?” another male voice piped in from behind Onyx, saving me from the assault.

The kid with flaming orange eyes that sparkled with mischief stood with a smirk on his face. “Well,” he said. “Looks like you are, in fact, full of rainbows.” He looked way too pleased with himself.

I recalled the remark he’d made in the meeting, “Well, isn’t she just full of rainbows?” I remained silent, observing the younger male, who oddly resembled River.

Onyx looked at my eyes and barked a laugh as it registered. “Blaize, meet the ever-cheerful Princess Gray. Gray, this is Blaize, the Hollow’s resident nuisance.”

Blaize punched Onyx in the arm. “I take offense to that.” He picked off the invisible lint on his white shirt before settling those fiery eyes on me. “I’m the bringer of joy, but it comes with the drawback of attracting joy killers. One must overlook such deviants and keep the spirits high.”

Who was this kid? He had a naturally easy aura about him, making it difficult not to smile.

Onyx rolled his eyes. “That’s a little excessive…”

“’Tis not!” Blaize declared with conviction. “The likes of you and those of your kind are what’s excessive. You with your…” He crinkled his button nose, scrunching up his high cheekbones. “Your rabble-rousing and childish antics.”

“I think you’re confusing me with yourself, Blaize,” Onyx said, shaking his head.

Blaize whipped his head to face me. A black strand of hair fell loose from the top knot on his head. “Is he bothering you, my lady? I caneasilyget rid of him.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Blaize. Do I need to get River to personally remove your obnoxious ass?” Onyx said, clearly exasperated with this conversation.

“Joy killer,” Blaize muttered with an eye roll. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, exposing the tattoos adorning his native skin, shimmering in gold.

A smug smile painted Onyx’s attractive features. “Works every time.”

“Well,” I said, turning my attention to Blaize. “Thanks for the introduction. It was…uhnice…to meet you.” The word “nice” felt like a flat word to describe that exchange.

“Seriously, if he bothers you,” Blaize said, jabbing a thumb toward Onyx. “Let me know. I’ll take care of him.”

“You’re like the little brother nobody asked for.”

I chuckled, and both males lit up from the simple act. “I’ll see you guys around. Thanks for the sparring session, Onyx. Nice to meet you, Blaize.” I offered a small wave as I backed away, dipping my head before turning around.

I wasn’t sure where I was heading, but I needed solitude. Social interaction drained me after so long.

I meandered around the Hollow’s property, finding trails where the sun streams drifted through the trees, giving the place an ethereal glow. A cozy copse was nestled off to the side, surrounded by verdant grass where Elementals lazed around, enjoying the warmer weather.

I drifted back toward the lake Orion had shown me the previous day. He was right. The beauty and quiet brought a majestic feel to the space. The water lapped against the bank hypnotically, silencing my thoughts.

I found a large boulder perched under an oak tree. I climbed on top, hugging my knees to my chest as I stared ahead and absorbed the pure energy—not for my Kinetic magic but to restore my soul.

My entire life had flipped upside down. Had someone told me a few weeks ago that this was where I’d end up, I’d have questioned their sanity.

A soft breeze caressed my cheek, tickling my scalp. Ripples in the water waltzed over the sparkling surface. The new power within me stirred, itching to flow freely.

I closed my eyes and listened to the power’s gentle pleas. Holding out a hand, I released a stream of air from my palm.

My eyelids drifted open, and I tested my limits by swaying my hand from side to side. Air zig-zagged back and forth before I pushed it outward toward a pile of fallen leaves. A swirl of red, orange, and yellow shot upward, scattering sporadically. But I made them remain, levitating on a wall of air.

I smiled. Peace. This was a peace that I’d never known I could have.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

I jumped, losing concentration of my control of my element. I spun around on the boulder.

Chrome hunched in shadow near the lake’s clearing, looking like an avenging angel ready to toy with his mark.

Chapter 37

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