Page 230 of Gift from the Source
I know what we’re moving up the to-do list.
Twenty-Six
Tillman
The cool dirt becomes muddy as Will’s blood slides down our joined hands.
Unlike any other blood that’s colored my palms, hers creates a vibration that sings through my bones.
“Ready?” I ask quietly.
“Ready.”
Her blood wraps around my element and drags it through the destruction.
Everywhere she leads me, I sprout roots, nourish the soil, and command life to grow. From where we kneel, to Aunt Rory’s farthest ward, together we mend the land that just a few days ago was bathed in death.
Hundreds of shades of green burst across the flourishing forest. Trees that range from as tall as her to as tall as our treehouse erupt from the ground and reach for the sky.
Our eyes scan the blooming beauty, but my gaze lands on the most gorgeous sight.
Her.
The sun kisses her soft skin, and the breeze blows her long light brown hair around her flowy dress. She stares out over our blossoming creationlike it’s something precious. Like the sight of new life brings her the utmost happiness in this moment.
The smile on her face is one I imprint on my mind as hard as I can.
It’s come and gone over the last week. Each remembrance brought tears to her eyes, while each small moment spent with our family brought that smile.
Life has been a whirlwind the past few days and we’ve taken it in stride.
Word spread immediately of the fires raging and war cries heard from the palace grounds. When the people started seeking answers from their territory’s council members, they were informed of their removal.
Well, just as Willow predicted, the Drovers asked to step down after they fought brutally beside the other shifters.
Aurora granted them their request and sent word of their valor and dedication to the realm in our darkest hour.
As for the rest, her decree spoke the truth and dragged their names through the mud.
For the time being, E.F. officials have been posted in each territory as mediators for the people to the Ruling Nexus. In the coming weeks, the people are going to elect three families that they feel will serve their territory best.
Those three families will go through extensive interviews with our Nexus so we can judge their intentions. We’ll decide who has the best interest of the realm and its people.
Corentin gave the speech in the Central two days ago of the change in ways the next council line will be elected. Hundreds and hundreds of people showed up. The Central was bursting at the seams with people from all over the realm.
He made it clear if the remaining elite thought they’d strong-arm their way into the five and intimidate their way into the elections, then they better think again.
The crowds erupted in a roar of joy.
I’ve never seenhim smile so much.
Yeah, it’s only been a week, but my brother came back a new man. He’s still the commanding, control freak he’s always been, but now he’s putting it to use in a whole new light.
That first night after battle, we spent our night wrapped in the arms and body of our Primary. The next morning, he was ready to reshape the realm.
He already has meetings set up with the other Headmasters to implement his new rules and regulations for Primaries. Which is basically the exact opposite of what the old rules were.
Today was a hard one, though.
