Page 84 of Of Withering Dreams
Drink.
I flinched at the distant, weak voice flitting through my skull.
With a quick intake of breath, I eagerly pulled out the pouch, plucked out a vial, and shoved it in his hand. “Take this.”
“What is this?” He held it up, eyeing the silvery powder, wrinkling his regal nose.
He watched me in bewilderment as I stuffed the pouch back into my pocket and withdrew my dagger, pricking my finger with the tip.
His eyes widened. “What are you?—”
“It’s the way.” I grabbed the container from him, tugging its stopper out with my teeth and letting it drop to the stone floor. Blood beaded on my fingertip, and I held it over the glass, letting a few drops fall. It melted into the powder instantly, its ruby hue turning silver as the tonic frothed and sizzled.
I bit my bottom lip, and Gavrel’s mouth fell open as the concoction’s color morphed—it was as black as this bottomless pit but with shimmering, star-like specks swirling within.
“We didn’t fail during the Weeding.” His mouth snapped closed, and he shifted closer. I took a step back. “If you can’t or won’t help me figure out what’s going on. Maybe the Mirage Orchid will.”
He called out my name as I gulped the potion, its effervescence prickling my throat.
A rush of stinging heat swept from my belly and radiated through my limbs. My skin tingled as if I was freezing and burning up simultaneously.
Then nothing. My fingers flexed, and I looked at Gavrel. The look of concern and irritation he gave me was palpable. “That was ridiculous. I hope you’re pleased with that little show.”
I chuckled. “To be honest, I thought it would be worth it.” My shoulders dropped. “But I don’t think it’s work?—”
A searing burn ravaged every corner of my skull, and I screamed, clutching my head.
Then the world blinked as if I had never existed at all.
30
BITS OF ASH
BACK THEN
… THE NIGHT AFTER MY EMBER ALMOST DEVOURED KADEN.
The day had been terrifying. My ember almost seriously hurt Kaden, devouring his ember like a famished beast.
Correction. Ididhurt him.
My shoulders sagged as Gavrel and I approached Melina’s quarters. I thought I had learned how to regulate my abilities, but clearly, I was wrong. My ember still controlled me when it spun out of control. Thank the Ancients Gavrel had been there.
He knocked once, and Melina bid us to enter. He led us to the center of her impressive sitting room. It was drenched in gold-and-black silk. She perched on a silky black settee, her legs crossed and head tilting.
“Stay, Gavie,” Melina instructed, her eyes squinting and scanning me as if mentally peeling the skin from my bones.
The commander hesitated before stepping closer to my side. Her mouth pinched. My nose chilled, the air temperature dropping another notch, lungs prickling with the frostiness of it.
“Here,” she snarled, one pointed nail tapping on the cushion’s glossy material. She uncrossed her legs, her long gown falling open at the slit in its side, exposing one shapely leg.
Gavrel sat, keeping as much distance as the sofa would allow. Leaning her hip and side into the tufted seat, Melina crossed her legs toward him, draping her elbow over the top of the settee.
She stared into my eyes, testing me like Mr. Burlam had done when I first met him, but it was clear this wasn’t the same game. The air was heavy and menacing, pushing into my pores from all angles.
I shifted so my weight was balanced across the bottom of each foot. My gaze didn’t waver as I fortified the mask of indifference across my face, fingernails pressing into my palms.
“Ah, yes. There she is,” Melina purred. She placed one hand on her knee, her fingers toying with the shiny fabric, drawing circles, her tourmaline ring glittering on her thumb. Her other arm inched closer to Gavrel, the backs of her fingers grazing his shoulder.
