Page 41 of Of Withering Dreams
I breathed through the distraction, binding my ember, only allowing it to simmer. I didn’t want it to overpower me or cause irrevocable damage to others.
Breena focused, her body bursting in a bright poppy-red blaze. Kaden stepped away from her, his hands flying up to protect his face, his aura flaring.
Kaden was now able to heal minor wounds with little effort. His ability to influence plants and flowers was progressing steadily. Daily, he practiced in the forest, calling to and working with the vegetation around him.
His enthusiasm and pride for his evolving abilities were contagious. Hestia would have been proud. My lips tipped up, my eyes softening at the thought. My aura shimmered bright for a moment.
The other day, Kaden had summoned several twisting vines. They had crept toward him over the mossy ground, heeding his call. Groaning, the nearest trees had stretched their branches in his direction, wanting to join them.
We had screeched with excitement, dancing and hugging each other. That led to enthusiastic, frantic kissing. Hands scrambling all over each other.
Stop, I scolded, taking a deep breath and forcing myself to concentrate.
Breena grinned, cupping her hands as sparkling flames flickered over her, condensing into a sphere of swirling red sparks and hazy, heated waves within her palms.
I shuffled closer to her, mouth agape. “So, you’re basically a giant fireball?”
Breena chuckled. “Sort of. I can control temperature. Make a shield around me and those close to me. I can pack my ember into this fun ‘lil sparkle ball. If you find having an extra hole in your body fun, that is.”
“Remember, I’ve been kind to you.” Kaden winced, opening one eye and grinning. Breena chortled mischievously, one foot feinting toward him. Kaden ran behind me, gripping my waist.
I gasped at the contact, not only because his touch stirred something within me but because my power immediately tugged at his greedily.
Kaden released me as I spun to face him, a look of wonder flashing across his face. He had felt it, too.
I blinked a few times, gasping as a tumbling current of green streamed into my gleaming haze, my energy drinking in his like a cat lapping up milk.
He took a step back, holding up his hands. His awe vanished, an unfocused look slamming over his face.
“Something isn’t right,” he rasped, his voice shaky.
My aura gobbled up his energy, dazzling flashes and swirling rainbow-like flecks pulsing over me in time with the frantic beat of my scar. Glowing, branch-shaped patterns crept down my arms, my shaking hands illuminating.
“What the ever-loving feck?!” Breena squealed, her cherry glow extinguishing.
Kaden’s eyes widened, his knees giving out. As he crumpled to the ground, my voice failed me, a silent scream ripping through me.
People from the training field ran toward us, my unchained abilities attracting attention.
My mind spun, my pulse erratic. I couldn’t concentrate on breathing. On binding my power. Panic tore through me, my body trembling.
My body burned with the need to consume.Mine.
Mine!
“Seryn!” I vaguely heard my sister’s voice, but I could not be bothered with the distraction.
Kaden was covered in sweat, his hand reaching out to me, his eyes pleading as I took and took and took.
His energy was potent, and I hungered for it.
He must be powerful if he isn’t depleted yet.
Delicious.
“Breathe, Ser.” His plea came out as a ragged whisper.
Yelling and gasping.
