Page 118 of A Clash of Stars

“Oh damn. I almost forgot. Griffin is just so—”

She was in my face in a heartbeat, eyes darkened and super pissed. I looked into her eyes and smiled because she just broke the wall into her mind for me to see it. She had a lot of questions about Griffin, and she was interested.

“To answer your question… yes, he is so—big.”

I winked at her, and that’s when the idea materialized in her mind. She laughed, threw her arms around me, hugged me, and whispered in my ear.

“Thanks for that kick in the ass. I needed it.”

She pulled back, smiling at me, rolled her eyes, and walked away to greet Griffin. I watched his muscular build lean down, reaching his arms around her waist and picking her up. Spinning her. Her strawberry blonde hair swirling around by herback was a sight to see. Her eyes sparkled up at Griff, and I knew they had to be totally into each other.

My job here is done.

I turned around to meet Bethany’s stare, and she was beaming.

“Well, hello there. Long time no see!”

She ran and hugged my neck, and I hugged her back just as much.

“Are you all right?”

I nodded to answer her question. Afraid if I opened my mouth, I would start crying. I glanced up at the house behind her.

“What’s this place?” I asked the group.

Bethany turned, looking at the worn-down wood-paneled building, and sighed. “This is where you will find out how to use all of your powers, and then we will finally finish this curse, per your husband’s orders.” She turned and looked at me. “Yes, I know you are all-powerful. I’ve known since you walked in the door to my cafe. I also knew that Madok wasn’t himself. After seeing you, I knew what my father had talked about for so long would finally come to fruition.”

Her eyes softened as she stepped closer to me, gently caressing my cheek in her soft hand. “I also knew that Evander was your true prince. He had to be. How he looked at you that night in Manzanita was soul-crushing.”

My heart was saddened hearing his name. I wanted him to be here with me. He should be here with me. I didn’t quite understand why he would send me off on my own without him, and maybe he felt like I needed to know how to overcome all of this on my own. Maybe he is protecting me, but is there a simple answer?

A loud voice turned my attention around. “All right,Queen Clara, we don’t have much time.” Griffin smirked at me, “Follow me.”

Like I’ve said before, Griffin could tell me to do anything, and I would. His overwhelming presence wasn’t harsh, but it was intense. Everyone was drawn to him, and I could see why.

So, I did what any girl would do and followed him into the raggedy old red barn. He threw down his swords and gestured to me to do the same, so I did. The clashing of metal shrieked loudly, causing me to wince slightly. We stood a few feet from each other, and he smiled wickedly.

“Little Clara, it’s time to see what you can do. We’ll review the list of all the possible powers you could have at your fingertips. We know you can control nature. I’ve seen that. We don’t know which other powers you have access to…”

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Griffin. I— I think I am not supposed to use them yet. Something inside tells me I need to be wise in using them.”

Griffin sighed, rolling his eyes at me, “Seriously, Clara? How will you even know what you possess if you don’t try? We don’t have to do anything…crazy. Just a little bit of each to see how powerful you truly are, but obviously, the one I want to know is how much power you have of mine.”

I replied, “What even is your power, Griff?”

He placed his hand over his chest as if offended.

“Seriously? That hurts my feelings Clara, but if you must know, I have superior…abilities.” He winked at me.

I knew he meant that sexually, so I ignored his crude remark and rolled my eyes.

“I can zone in on the enemy, better vision, hearing, strength, pretty much anything and everything that makes you the best warrior. Let’s see how you do. First, place your feet firmly on the ground and close your eyes. I want you to listen and see if you can anticipate my approach.”

I sighed, knowing damn well that Rhysette blood had already flowed through my veins before the Variance. “Okay, let’s do it.”

I zoned in on my listening, unsure of what I was doing. I relaxed as best as I could, focusing on my breathing. My eyes were closed, and I should’ve seen darkness, but I didn’t. My vision was highlighted in red as I saw Griffin walking in circles around me. I could hear his breath and his steady heartbeat poundingin his chest. I knew he was behind me, and with my eyes still shut tight, I saw him approaching me from behind.

He reached around my neck, and I grabbed his forearms and threw him over me in a somersault. He hit the ground with a thud, and my knee pressed against his chest.

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