Page 59 of The Last One
“Supreme is displeased.”
“Where is that piece of shit who ruined my home?”
“The white-haired one will be our salvation.”
I jog beside Jadon to the cottage. I can’t stop smelling the scent of night-blooming jasmine, heavier than all the burning flesh. If Elyn will burn Maford down—becauseshedid that, not me—what would she do to me? She’s extreme and dangerous, and I’m not going anywhere near her until I learn the truth about myself. Until I know what she wants and how to handle her.
But before I know any of that, I need to leave this town lest the survivors call her back…or before one of them kills me.
“I’ll go with you a ways,” Jadon says. “Just to watch your back until you’re far enough.”
My heart won’t let me admit how much I want him to join me in my journey. How much Ineedhim. But the memory of my dream of him and me in the forest remains.
Come with me.
No.
“Those flying things,” Olivia says. “I’ve read about them in my book, and I’ve heard stories. I didn’t think they werereal. Did you, Jay? Were you as freaked out as I was?”
“Olivia,” Jadon snaps. “Turn around. Pay attention where you’re walking.”
We’re running now, and the roar of the fire diminishes the closer we get to the cottage.
I don’t have the breath to say it, but yes, the cursuflies scared me, especially since I knew what they were but couldn’t rememberwhyI knew what they were. And then there was my ability to send wind. That scared me even more, and I can’t remember how I acquired that power, or if I’ve always had it.
Neither Jadon nor Olivia mention that they noticed the wind from my hands sweeping those creatures into burning buildings and slamming them to the ground. I’m sure Jadon saw it. Did he also see that crackling blue air rolling out of my fingertips?
Olivia flies through the front door of the cottage.
“I think your decision to leave is the right one,” Jadon says as we hurry up the walkway. “That’s what the village council decided tonight.”
I don’t wanna be here as much as they don’t want me, so…bye.
Once we’re inside, Jadon shouts, “Livvy, bring Kai’s clothes.”
“Okay,” she shouts from the back rooms.
Jadon rushes to the pantry. “We don’t have much, but…” He looks back at me. “Oh.”
“She needs to hurry.” I’ve already taken off the soiled tunic—I can’t stand these strange clothes touching me any longer. My amulet swings from my neck as I pull off my boots so that I can change back into my pants. I’m back to wearing a bandeau and breeches.
“You need a bag for a few supplies.” Jadon disappears deeper into the pantry.
“Hurry,” I say, pacing.
Vibrations from the hardwood floor judder beneath my feet and zing up my legs. The palms of my hands tingle as those vibrations work themselves up and across my cheeks. Something’s coming.
Olivia returns from the back rooms. Empty-handed. She looks me up and down and takes in my state of undress. “Again?”
My heart flares. “Where are my things?”
“In the loft. I washed them. Everything’s drying. Why are you naked again?”
“Because you were supposed to be bringing me my shit,” I yell.
Jadon dashes back into the sitting room, a leather satchel, his sword, and another sword in hand. “Kai, I’m giving you a sword, and I’ve put in a few potatoes and…” He looks from me to Olivia. “What’s happening?”
The vibrations beneath the floor are gaining strength. Olivia doesn’t notice, but Jadon does, and he’s now staring at the floor.
