Page 23 of Winter Goddess
Crispin nods. "Maybe I'm just trying to make it easy for us, but it would make sense. They are ice dragons living in a hot Realm. It's like the changing of the seasons, having both temperatures at once."
"Wouldn't my mother know about her, though? I can't believe a Goddess can just stay under the radar for so long, especially if she's representing one of the seasons."
"About that," Tamara says and pulls a book from her dressing gown's pocket. "After you mentioned Dewi, I decided to do some research. She's mentioned in here, but not as a Goddess."
She hands me the book, knowing that I'll be able to read its entire contents within seconds. I lay my hand on its cover and take a deep breath, before letting the knowledge stream into me.
"Oh."
"Exactly," Tamara confirms. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"What is it?" Storm asks impatiently.
I smile. "Dewi is described as a demigoddess in here, the daughter of a dragon shifter and an unnamed God. She was raised away from the Realms and grew up amongst dragons. Now she's a Goddess. Remind you of someone?"
Their auras are shifting when they realise what it means. "She's like you," Frost gasps. "A demigoddess turned Goddess. That means she could be Autumn, but because the dragons are so reclusive, nobody has named her as such. That also explains why Beira didn't know about her."
I nod. "Exactly. I think we've found our Autumn, and luckily, she's already on our side. Finally some good news."
"Find Autumn or Winter will thaw," Crispin recites again. "That means that without her help, we would probably have lost the battle. That doesn't mean that we'll win it though, even with the dragons. It's not going to be easy."
"Aye, and Spring is missing. We need ta find Flora." Arc has been quiet until now, which is unusual for him, but I don't have the time to worry about it.
"Yes, our priority right now is to find the Spring Goddess and any Crispin clones that might still be in the Palace. Storm, you're in charge of the search. Arc and Frost will help you. Tamara, please inform the Council and our allies."
"What about me?" Crispin asks, a shadow surrounding the rims of his aura. He doesn't want to be left out.
"You're with me," I tell him with a smile. "There's something I need to do."
Chapter Eight
Iteleport us to the top of the highest tower. I don’t think I need to be outside, or all the way up here, but it makes me feel a little more confident about what I’m about to try.
“Want to explain what we’re doing here?” Crispin asks, walking to the edge of the tower and looking down. It’s still dark, but a thin slice of dawn is appearing on the horizon behind him. Soon, the sun will rise and a new day will begin.
“I need to feel the balance,” I say quietly, hoping that it doesn’t sound too silly. “Both my mother and Blaze mention it, and Beira said that I could somehowfeelit. I need to know how bad things are.”
He nods. “How can I help?”
“Keep watch. I don’t want to be surprised by overenthusiastic guards or assassins.”
Crispin chuckles. “Are you putting guards and assassins in the same category now?”
“They’re both annoying.” I shrug. “Spoken like a true Princess, ey?”
He laughs. “Indeed. Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone disturb you.”
“Thanks. And if I start muttering prophecies like Blaze, please ignore them. I’ve had enough cryptic advice for one day.”
He laughs again, his aura turning a beautiful gold. In another life, I’d hug and kiss him right now, but I’m not that Wyn anymore. I can’t be.
I sit down on the cold marble and cross my legs. Maybe I should start chanting om to make this even more ridiculous? I have no idea what I’m doing.
My mother’s voice echoes through my mind.Without balance, all Realms will crumble. I can already feel it happening. Focus, and you'll feel it too.
I close my eyes and take a few deep, slow breaths. I've never been good at sitting still. As soon as I do, I think of something that needs doing, or of something I really want to do. But this is important. Focus, Wyn. Focus.
I concentrate on my breath without actually changing it. In, out. In, out. The air flows into me, and then out again, connecting me to the world outside. I can hear Crispin behind me, breathing the same air. Everyone in this Palace is breathing in and out, everyone, everywhere. I feel connected to them through this simple, essential motion.
