Page 37 of Of Blooming Embers
My jaw shifted to the side. “Well, when it tries to suck everyone dry, that’s what happens.”
Her eyes narrowed, looking at the sky. “You have yet to commune with it fully.” She held her palms out toward me, and warmth sizzled over my spine. “Let go. Breathe. Let it wander a little.”
I wiggled my shoulders, concentrating on breathing. My aura burned, flaring in spurts. It was hungry. Frustrated. It boiled around me, grasping at the Augur.
Mine.
My chin jutted forward as I thrust my hands out. Iridescent boughs zipped over my forearms and hands. I grit my molars against the throbbing scorch.
Gilded sparkles curled up my arms, a cool, winding caress. My ember flinched, unsure if it was being attacked or soothed. “Breathe, child. Relax. Crown to heel.”
My lungs expanded, jaw moving from side to side. I’d been clamping my teeth so hard they throbbed as I released my bite.
It’s okay.
You’re okay.
“Keep going.”
I pushed air out, contracting my belly, concentrating on each limb and joint. The burn lessened, and my aura swayed rather than snapped around me, the fractured rainbows dancing instead of mauling the air.
Tentatively, it prodded against the Augur’s energy like a cat pawing at a mouse.
Is it … is it playing? Or hunting?
“Let it be what it’ll be. One cannot fight their nature. Fight themself. It would be like cutting off the very flesh that holds you together.” My eyes, like glowing ice, reflected in the deep honey pools of hers. A kind smile stretched over her lips. “One can only build fellowship with their ember.”
My eyelids fell, threatening to spill the wetness lining my lower lashes. I wanted what she spoke of. I was so tired of the fear. Of the exhaustion coursing through every fiber of my body.
But I refused to hurt those I loved. Refused to burn the world down because I couldn’t control myself.
Enough.
My chin wobbled at the demand. I wasn’t sure if the thought was mine or my ember’s.
Both.
We’d both had enough.
All right. Let’s commune,I offered to myself, my palms rising to face one another in front of my chest.But don’t bloody kill anyone today, or I swear to the Ancients.
My energy buzzed, dazzling incandescence pulsing in colorful waves along the branch patterns until a spinning glow formed between my fingers.
The female backed up, her slippers swishing over the slab. Slowly, her glittering light unfurled from my arms.
Warmth tingled from my scar to the bottom of my spine. I breathed in, counting the pulsing crests of my ember and blood as they poppled within me.
“More,” the Augur directed, smoothing her hands down her wispy robes.
So,welistened.
“Listen, child.”She shuffled atop the flat rock, clasping her fingers in front of her.
I plopped onto the peaty mound with a huff, propped my elbows on crossed legs, and hung my head, sweat dripping down my temples.
“Ember isn’t simply about bloodlines and elemental gifts. It’s about energy. It’s about how your very essence connects with the worldaround you and the Ancients. While it’s rooted in the elements, it effloresces into the aether.”
“Eh, it’s story time, is it?” Breena jumped onto my hummock, making it wobble precariously. I swatted her ankle, and she laughed, situating herself next to me. The clash of metal sounded in the distance. Gavrel and Rhaegar were busy sparring.
