Page 114 of Cages and Crowns
Across the line that separates the stone floor and the grass, targets are set up. Canvas and hay made to look like chests and arms. I stare at their figures, ten of them lined up and ready. Ready for me to aim at? Hit?
I don’t know.
“I need to see them.” I spin around, my boots squeaking against the floor, to face Kassius.
“See what?”
“The shadows. Call your aether.” I sigh and look down at my hands. Pale palms stare back at me and I dig deep, searching for the spark. A tiny tingle starts in my palm, but nothing appears.
“I can’t call it.”
“Try harder.” He snaps and I look up at him.
“It’s not for a lack of trying, Kassius.” I snap back and he glares.
“Again!” He yells and I stare back at my hands. I dig my nails into mypalms and then throw them open. A spark appears and is quickly snuffed out. I groan and try again. Another spark appears and this time I feel it in my arms.
Stars explode out of my hands, shooting straight to the ceiling. I squeal and throw myself back as debris rains down.
“Again.” He repeats. I stare up at him with renewed energy and open my palms. The sparks come easily, and I feel my entire body light up. I laugh as I stare up at the sparkling light in front of me.
“It’s so beautiful.” I whisper. I will for more power, more strength and then I spin, shoving my hand through the air and towards the first dummy. A bolt of star-filled lightning hits the target in the arm, the entire thing going up in flames.
“Again.” Kassius repeats it time after time until every target is burnt to a crisp. Men with buckets come and extinguish the flames before righting them back up on their stands. I smile and spin to look back at him. His eyes widen and he takes a step back.
“What?” I whisper.
“Your face.” My hand reaches up, but I feel nothing.
“What is it?” I say louder, panic coating my tongue like venom.
“Your veins, your eyes. They are black.” He stutters and takes a step forward. His fingers press to my cheek, and he gasps. “Gods, it’s true. Itisthe curse.” Tears prick my eyes, and he grabs my arm. “Come on.”
“Where are we going?”
“You can’t keep this thing inside you.” He snaps as he drags me into the hallway.
“Kassius, wait!” I snap and pull myself to a stop.
“It will kill you. I can feel it. It feels just like her—Amaya. I don’t know what will become of you if we don’t deal with it now.” His voice is rushed, urgent.
“I’m scared.” I whisper and he grabs my arms.
“I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Chapter Fifty-Six
The Caged
The day is still bright as we round the corner of the hallway and take the stairs. I chase after him as fast as I can, sweat beading on my neck and dripping down my back. Kassius opens the door to Enzo’s room without knocking. Scarlett is standing there crying and Enzo is glaring at her.
“What is it?” Enzo snaps, turning towards us.
“We are doing this.” Kassius snaps back before turning out of the room.
“Scar, are you alright?” I ask, stepping up to her. She shakes her head and pushes my hand away.
“I’m fine.” She mutters as she runs out of the room. The only sound we hear is her door slamming.
