Page 65 of Of Withering Dreams
I helped Kaden stand, securing my arm around his waist. He leaned into me, accepting the assistance. “So, you can transport, huh? Like Melina,” he mumbled, putting a glowing hand on my cut. It sealed over in an instant.
I cringed, curling my fingers into my palms. “Now we know what the ring can do.” I sighed, swallowing my unease, realizing that was why the ring was familiar … because Melina had something similar.
“Once again, never a dull moment with you, my friend. That will come in real handy during the trials.” Breena chuckled.
I clenched my jaw together, nodding once. “There’s the damned orchid, by the way.”
“That’s just … just phenomenal,” Rhaegar murmured, crouching beside it. “It hasn’t released any of its petals yet.” He pressed his lips together, scrunching his brow before looking at Kaden. “Think your gift would help?”
“Let’s find out.” Kaden kneeled in front of the mystical flower, calling upon his ember, guiding it over its form. The orchid’s aura flashed silver as Kaden’s energy tried to commune with it. After a couple of moments, he pulled his power back, frowning. “That’s a no. That thing is blocking me.”
“Makes sense, considering its capabilities. Perhaps the orchid is immune to ember manipulation,” Rhaegar said. Kaden and Rhaegar stood, similar looks of puzzlement lining their faces.
My scar vibrated as I regarded the bloom. I kneeled and couldn’t help but run my fingertip gently over the dark stem. It was as if the flower was calling me, yearning for my touch. A glistening crimson drop ran down its shoot, pooling in the moss where the earth met rigid, gray leaves. I looked at my arm—the blood from my cut had dribbled down my ring and finger, depositing itself on the divine plant. I swiped my hand over my breeches.
A shiver ran down my spine and spread over my skin, goosebumps sweeping over the surface. The orchid quivered in response, its metallic aura sparkling around. Its bent stem bobbled momentarily, and then three petals released, floating to the moss. I scooped the precious gifts into my palm.
With a grin spreading wide across my mouth, I stood and presented our victory to my friends. I chortled, seeing their mouths hanging open, gently tucking the petals in my pocket. “Looks like you were right, Breena. We are the dream team.”
We carriedan unconscious Sebille out of the meadow, and fortunately, the three men from her team lurked among the trees. With sheepish looks galore, they vowed to get her back to safety.
Once we retrieved our supplies, I securely wrapped the petals in a small black leather pouch, positioning its long cord around my neck. It was daunting to think of the immense power I carried. It thrummed against my breastbone with every step.
Was it wise to hand over such a gift to the Elders? Over the last few months, my distrust of them had flourished. If I was honest with myself, I had been wary of them and the Dormancy for far longer. My thumb swept back and forth over the pommel of my dagger as my thoughts spun.
With their abilities nearly reaching celestial levels, I worried how the orchid would be used. I didn’t believe for a moment that Melina, Lucan, or any of them would use it for the good of the mortal plane. I lifted my chin, stacking my spine, and took a deep breath.
“So, how do you all feel about handing these over to the Elders?” I lifted my necklace, letting it sway back and forth.
Breena puffed her cheeks, blowing a dramatic exhale from her lips. “I thought you’d never ask. I say—feck ‘em.”
Rhaegar chuckled, shaking his head as we walked.
Kaden rubbed his palm over the stubble lining his jaw, raising one brow. “You know what? I agree with Breena. Why should they have something so powerful when they already have such divine ember?”
Rhaegar’s face fell as the last of his amusement dropped to the earth. “Do you not fear accusations of treason?”
“Rhaeg, you haven’t told them?” Breena responded. My brows lifted, fingers dropping the necklace back in place. The warrior glared at her, his eyes flashing. The message was clear. And it was that he wanted her to shut up.
She did not. “Oh, bugger off. I’m appalled you haven’t broached the topic already.” He heaved a sigh, staring up at the forest canopy.
“So … do tell,” Kaden encouraged, his voice raising an octave. His fingers pushed through his hair, his eyes going back and forth between Breena and Rhaegar.
“Oh, nothing much. Just a ‘lil rebellion is all.” Breena laughed, waving her hands through the air.
Kaden’s mouth dropped and then snapped closed as he stood taller. “I’m in.”
I smacked him on the chest. “What the void, Kade? You don’t even know what she’s talking about.”
“I don’t care. If it’s to help Midst Fall and to stand against the Elders, I’m in.”
Rhaegar sighed, “All right. Yes, there is a small network of like-minded people throughout the realm—those who agree that the Elder Laws and the Dormancy are unmerited. That the Elders abuse their power. If word gets out, you know what will happen.”
“Like I said—I want in.” Kade clapped a hand on Rhaegar’s shoulder.
“Well, it won’t matter anyway … you’ll forget about this when the Dormancy ends,” I added, looking at him as if he’d eaten a bug.
“That’s where Rhaegar comes in. He won’t forget and will communicate with you through our contacts,” Breena countered, smiling smugly.
