Page 42 of Of Withering Dreams
Frenzied movements.
They all whirled around my subconscious, my power swatting them away.
From the corner of my eye, Rhaegar’s bulky form lurched away from me, his rune a shooting star through the air as my ember tossed him backward.
I blinked. Moments whizzed by me, then everything seemed to freeze in place.
Kaden was still, lying on his back, twitching. His hands clawed at his chest.
The pattern on my arms and hands burned brightly, dazzling sparks vaulting from my fingers as if they were kindling, ready to ignite.
Time sped up, a flurry of motion circling me.
Three of the Elders were at the front of the crowd now.
Lucan’s glare burned with intensity, his eyes flicking between me and Kaden’s incapacitated form. Ryboas stared impassively as if this was something he witnessed every day.
Melina’s eyes shone wickedly as she sucked her bottom lip, her hands clasped gently in front of her. A wide grin sliced across her face, her teeth glinting.
A soothing voice cut through my awareness. “Little Star. It’s all right. Let go of Kaden.”
Mine!
More!
Kaden’s eyes were fluttering, his skin pale, his aura diminishing.
I whimpered.
“That’s it. Hear my voice. Pull your ember back.” Gavrel approached, and another whimper escaped my lips. His tattoo was blazing as he reached for me.
“Don’t!” I cried.
His eyebrows drew together, his hand pausing. Then he tilted his head, and the corners of his lips tipped up gently. His eyes softened as his fingers grazed my glowing arm.
My aura reared back from his touch but then curled into it. His rune flared. My lungs inhaled deeply. I blew out a huff of air through pursed lips, willing my ember to release Kaden.
My aura shivered, flicking the green glow from its clutches. The light from my hands and arms seeped into my skin, and I panted, my power tucking within me, satiated.
Gavrel caught me as my knees gave way, my body wilting to the grass as if my muscles turned to jelly. I didn’t have the strength to stand, but my attention flew to Kaden, my hands flying to my mouth.
His chest heaved fitfully from the exertion. He threw his arm over his face as he lay on the grass, catching his breath.
Filled with remorse, I took in the witnesses around me, my face and chest burning a deep shade of crimson. Hushed shock blanketed the crowd; feet shuffled, and heads dipped in dismay.
Xeni held Letti protectively, but my sister left her embrace to come to me, hugging me and smoothing my hair. A sob left me, and I gulped a second back. Breena approached, rubbing my shoulder for a moment.
Gavrel stood on my other side. His voice was clear as he directed the crowd to leave. “All right, enough. Please go about your day.” He nodded at Rhaegar, Breena, and Xeni. They, along with other guards, immediately helped redirect everyone.
“Another good show, pet,” Melina cooed. “Come to my chambers after the dinner hour tonight. Gavie knows the way.” She spun, her hips swaying as she walked away.
A growl rumbled through Gavrel’s chest, and I placed one hand on his calf.
Ryboas lifted a straight eyebrow; his mouth puckered as he studied me briefly. He departed, his red robes fluttering behind him like flames.
Lucan tossed a final sneer toward Kaden as he turned to leave, his twisted cane stabbing into the grass with every step.
I stood, Letti’s supportive arms helping me to my feet. She kissed my cheek and squeezed my shoulder. I offered her a small smile. “Go on. I’m all right.”
