Page 367 of Kingdoms of Night

It was the most beautiful experience I’d ever had, and I was eternally grateful for it.

The heat of my hands, and magic pouring from my body basked Elian’s body with light until he was fully illuminated. His skin went from pale, to fully colored with life, and vitality.

He awakened, gasping for air.

And—in an instant—my ancestors vanished.

Tears dripped down my cheeks as Elian’s stormy eyes opened and looked into mine. I reached for him with a hand, and he held it there, cupped to his cheek.

“Thank you.”

It was beautiful to discover what I could truly do.

I had much more power than I ever imagined.

Even so, I found myself dizzy.

I fell back.

Golden hair like her father’s trident, sparkled in the night. Elian knelt down, pulled me into his chest.

The warmth was like an embrace from her long-departed mother who’d just been there helping me save his life.

He rose to his feet, and somehow we went from the ground, and into the calm night air.

There was solace in that singular touch, and as my eyelids fluttered closed, I somehow knew that all would be well now.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

A NEW HOME

Silence and darkness welcomed me when I awakened.

A sharp pain burned my throat. I coughed and gagged on the smoke-filled air that wafted over me.

I pushed myself up onto my elbows.

I wasn’t on the shore anymore, nor was I in the Colony.

I was in a cabin…on a ship, Captain Elian’s ship.

After the fight with Captain Blackthorn, I was utterly depleted of energy.

Elian flew me back to his ship, and laid me in his bed before I welcomed sweet sleep.

The smoke came from thin pillars of light that burned on the small table at the end of the bed I now lie in. There were maps plastered all over the wooden plank walls. In the far corner was a large desk with papers scattered all over it. Some were stacked high, and scrolls were piled onto one another amongst them.

Curious.

I leaned closer to it to get a better look at the maps, and winced at the pain in my side. It radiated throughout my body, and I couldn’t help but cry out.

Everything ached. My face, back, hands, and calves were nearly numb. I felt as though I’d been beaten.

The cloudiness in my head was dizzying and irritating.

As I stared at the flickering light, I tried to focus on the magic within. I’d never doubt the strength and power of my healing abilities ever again.

The light of the flame faded, and my inner power took its place, spinning before my eyes like a ball of glowing blue and gold. It spun, and grew in size, until it was as big as a dinner plate.

---