Page 108 of Rising Out of the Darkness
“No one said we couldn’t use our dynamis.” Killian shrugged.
They looked ridiculous, arguing like little babes. Nayla was laughing so hard that I was sure she was going to fall off the boulder that she perched upon. The scene before me was heartwarming, as if, for just a small moment in time, we had no weight upon our shoulders. Warmth bloomed in my heart, the feeling spreading throughout me.
Closing my eyelids, I reached for that feeling. It was like I could almost see a bright string of light swaying in front of me. With a deep breath, I wrapped it tightly around me, prepared to hold onto it with everything that I had. I set the end point in my mind. My eyes flung open and I released it all.
Whips of hair assaulted my cheeks as I glided through what felt like time itself, right to the spot I’d intended. Materializing before me were the strong shoulders of two very hard-headed men. All at once, the connection of my dynamis snapped, this time because of my own command.
The gust of wind I’d created by landing tousled their hair, causing a mischievous smirk to spread over my lips. Liam faced me, mouth open. Killian’s grin was proud.
Before my courage slipped from me, I dug in deep and pulled on the happy feeling. Another gust of wind flew through me as I released a smidge of Tempest dynamis, launching the two men into the icy river behind them.
A thud and the crackle of leaves behind me alerted me that Nayla had officially fallen off the boulder.
Two sopping wet men emerged from the water. The desire for revenge flickered in their wicked smirks as I squeaked in pure terror. Before I had a chance to zephyr away, thick hands wrapped around my arms, launching me into the river with them.
Chapter 42
Declan
When I’d arrived in the City of Ash, I’d been given my usual quarters. Sleep had evaded me. All night I’d shifted beneath the covers, lying wide awake reliving the nightmare of yesterday as it pulled the strings of my thoughts. Images of my guards’ faces and the terrified look across Elena’s face as she brushed her fingertips against mine were branded across my aching heart. Each time they flashed before my eyes, the sear only became more excruciating.
Now, wiping the exhaustion from my face, I tried to focus. The midday sun blazed down upon me, and sweat beaded across my brow. I had a meeting scheduled with Edan’s council in an hour. Why he had asked to meet with me separately beforehand had my curiosity piqued.
Footsteps drummed against the smooth, white stone terrace that overlooked the training arena. Like my father, Edan lived a life of luxury and excess, thriving from the coin that he took from the people of his city. Exotic and rare animals were trapped in gold-painted cages sprinkled around his gardens. Extravagantly carved furniture and tapestries made of silks and velvets decorated each room in his villa. Everything was eithergilded or adorned in jewels, pristine and polished, just like the marble floor beneath our feet.
“Declan.” He nodded, folding his arms over the ledge, mirroring mine. “You know this marriage is going to take place, don’t you?”
It appeared my father had gone behind my back and made this deal with Edan, despite my refusal.
“You and I both know what a good alliance it will make, especially considering the state of your father’s reputation.”
Edan’s sneer made my dynamis flare. He’d been after the crown of this kingdom for as long as I could remember. This marriage would be the closest he’d ever been to it, which was exactly why I was going to ensure it would never happen. Especially when the intel the Rebellion had discovered about the Nightshades over the years continued to point back to Vragos.
That was the other reason for being here, to speak with my informant, Brand. A raven had sent word a few days ago that there were new developments in uncovering our mole within the Rebellion. We were so close I could almost taste it.
The crunch of gravel and the murmur of voices below snapped me back into our conversation.
“I’ll see you later for the council meeting.” I shoved past him as he chuckled under his breath.
“Say hello to my daughter for me.”
There was no need to look back. I could feel his smug smile assault me from behind as I stormed my way down to the training arena.
With my dynamis already on edge, the last thing I needed to stumble upon was Adara running her hands through Will’s hair. He sat there with pink cheeks and made no attempts to stop her.
Ever since Elena had trusted me with their story that night in the tavern, I itched to unleash my shadows upon him. My fists curled as I thought about what his last words had been toher, the accusations made and the hurt and shame that festered inside her sweet soul because of them.
Clearing my throat, I stalked towards them, whipping my shadows against a crate beside them, causing them to separate immediately. Taking pleasure in their wide-eyed expressions, I passed between them until I came face to face with Will.
“I don’t have all day. Show me what you’ve been working on.” My voice was laced with unspoken threat.
Blond waves flopped across his face as his nervous blue eyes shifted to Adara’s for permission. She dipped her head, and he made his way to the center of the ring.
Will unleashed his Flame dynamis in searing waves. The flames burst with increased intensity, but it wasn’t anything groundbreaking. Adara shifted towards me, caressing my biceps. Recoiling, I stepped to the side, tucking my arms against my chest.
“How the times have changed,” she scoffed. “I remember a time when you used to like my hands on you.” The smile she gave me was anything but demure.
“That was one time, a very long time ago, Adara. A mistake that lives in the past where it belongs.”
