Page 27 of Ecliptic

A tear slid down my cheek as my soul flame’s eyes met mine.

“It seems you have still not mastered control of your new form, causing your attacks. It is imperative you remain calm,” Alvar said, ruining the moment, and I swore if one more person told me to stay calm, I was going to explode.

The otherworldly Light swam in my veins, remaking my body and blood, but now in an elven body that could sustain and wield such power. I kept the information that I killed aflower to myself, and Rowen didn’t mention it either. Let them keep their hope a little longer.

“We are allowing you to stay within the village, but with great trust that you will learn to control your emotions,” Nepta said, standing from her chair and retreating to the edge of the vast chasm.

I understood her completely. I couldn’t risk another panic attack.

I silently pleaded to the Elder Spirits that I would find my footing before I succumbed to the death growing in us all.

After the gathering, I watched the Summit members leave one by one, waiting until Nepta was the last to remain.

“Rowen, I will meet you back at home,” I said, his gaze darting to Nepta in her quartz headdress and simple frock, her back turned to us. He nodded, understanding that I would like to speak with her alone.

Silently, I walked to Nepta and stood by her side, gazing at the extinct waterfalls that no longer filled the Vale with music. We stood shoulder to shoulder. “I’m going to do everything in my power to help. But I need your blessing to visit the prisoner. He might be the key to solving all of this.”

“Keira, my child,” Nepta replied, our gazes facing forward. “He is in detainment. I am sorry, but you are not to see him. We do not know his intentions nor why he is here. What if he wants to use you as a weapon, or you have an attack? Either way, I see no positive outcome from your speaking with him at this time. It is out of the question until we know more and your powers are under control.”

“But I think it will help?—”

“I felt your storm cloud brewing overheadjust moments ago. You are unstable. It is as clear as day. I have spoken on the matter, and my word is final. You are to do nothing until you have mastered yourself.”

My mouth was left agape as Nepta turned from me and left me to my thoughts. But my inner well was as empty and desolate as the lost falls.

12

The following morning, I woke in a sea of white sheets. After Nepta’s firm ruling, I was in shock. I didn’t even remember my walk back to the dome. Not to mention, I learned the Elder Spirits reforged me in the likeness of the Ancients.

I struggled to master the powers I had, and now, they were enhanced tenfold. Everyone wanted me to remain calm, but how could I under this immense pressure?

“How are you feeling?” Rowen asked, rolling over onto his side to face me.

I popped my head over the barricade of pillows I constructed, my hair no doubt looking a wild mess. “Trying not to think too hard about anything, honestly. Thinking is a slippery slope these days.”

“How about we enjoy breakfast on the beach today?” he asked, resting on his elbow with his head in his hand. He smiled at me, though it didn’t quite reach the corners of his eyes. “To help get your mind off . . . not thinking.”

“Am I even allowed?”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

We ate breakfast at the beach pavilion, soaking in the serene ocean views. It was hard to fathom how there could be so much water yet not a drop to drink.

Thanks to the drought, food was scarce and mainly consisted of salted beans, seaweed, and dried berries. Our welcome-home feast must have been a delicacy saved for a special occasion. And though this spread wasn’t nearly as appetizing, I needed to eat. My metabolism in this new elven body was through the roof.

Rowen finished the food on his tree ring plate and immediately began sharpening his ax.

I was a much slower eater than Rowen. I had to plan and construct every bite to perfection, eating in a clockwise manner and ensuring every rotation ended with a dried berry as a palate cleanser. Whereas Rowen mixed it all together, not even glancing at what he shoveled into his mouth. What a barbarian!

“I think your ax is sharp enough now,” I said, realizing he still ran his blade over the whetstone.

He lowered his hands to his lap, squinting at me through the sunlight. “I need to find ways to keep my hands busy. If they are idle too long, I start getting funny ideas.”

“Funny ideas?” I asked, finishing up with my plate.

“Ideas like running my hands along your body, hiking up that dress, and tracing my touch up to your pretty pussy.”

A barbarian indeed!

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