Page 40 of Of Withering Dreams
Amonth passed by, slipping through my senses like sand through my fingers. I rubbed my thumb over the stone shard, staring at the edge of the forest from the training field.
In a way, it was comforting—to keep it with me as a reminder of who I was. The rune stone and I had been together for so long that I would feel odd without it.
It also reminded me of my mother and how she had often stroked my scar—whether in comfort or distraction, I’d never know.
My fingertips traveled over the etched symbol, a faint tingle of power kissing my skin with each pass. Mama had something to do with the talisman. I couldn’t think of any other explanation. Sighing, I let the stone drop deeper into the pocket of my white dress.
“Mortal realm to Ryn-Ryn. Anyone there?” Breena asked, waving her hand in front of my face.
“Sorry. Bit distracted.”
“Understandable. Kaden isquitethe distraction.” She tossed me a smirk, bumping my shoulder with hers.
Warmth spread over my cheeks as my gaze shot to my best friend a few steps away.
We had told no one about the developments in our relationship … or whatever it was. We’d spent countless hours sneaking kisses, laughing, touching. I was blissfully content with my choices.
Kaden conversed with an older male Druik who was dressed in yellow. The man’s aura glowed a soft golden hue. Kaden was attentive, observing the orb of ember spinning and palpitating in the man’s palm. The Druik’s other hand gestured animatedly in time with his words as he educated Kaden.
I shuffled my leather shoes on the grass. “I … I wasn’t?—”
“No need to deny it. We all have eyes.”
Letti snorted, hearing Breena’s comment as she joined us. “She’s right, Ser. Get on with it already. It’s been a long time coming.”
My blush spread over my neck. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. We’re just friends. And that’s what we’ll continue to?—”
“Hello,friends,” Kaden interrupted, settling his arm around my shoulders. His fingers played with the end of a red curl.
“Why, hello, you delicious morsel. What have you been learning from that Pneumalian gentleman? Do enlighten us.” Breena grinned, shifting her eyes between Kaden and me.
Breena was toying with him. She’d been working with her gift for turns and had been the one educating us for over a month.
Kaden went on without being phased, his lips tipping up. The heavy weight of his arm left me. He gestured toward the Druik in farewell as the male headed toward a group in the distance. “He was giving me some tips on harnessing ember. It’s linked with your emotions, so you need to work on grounding yourself so it isn’t as chaotic when you’re wielding it.”
“Makes sense,” I said, nodding. “That’s why my breathing techniques help me. Also, I think that’s what’s going on when I see auras when people aren’t using their abilities. They have strong, untethered emotions, and it triggers their power. I can see them simmering.” I wiggled my fingers toward the group playfully.
Letti laughed. “At least that isn’t a problem for me.”
I shrugged, poking her biceps with my pointer finger. “I don’t need ember to know whenyou’rehaving a fit.”
Letti rolled her eyes. “So hilarious, sis.”
Someone passed our group, sneaking glances at us. It was Xeni, a shy smile tilting her mouth.
Letti noticed the young Draumr as well. “Ah, I’ll see you later,” she mumbled, stepping in the warrior’s direction.
A knowing smile spread across my face.
“Oh, young love,” Breena breathed. “What a wild and ridiculous ride.”
A humming acknowledgment rumbled in my throat. I’d have to check in with Letti soon—be the nosy sister she knew and loved.
“All right, you two. Let’s do this,” I insisted, shifting my attention to the task at hand.
I focused on my gift’s source within my body, which I had discovered was unique for each Druik. My nape tingled as I called upon it, my aura washing over and through me in iridescent ripples.
The constant drumming of my star-shaped mark against my spine worried me as if my power was a beast aching to be untethered.
