Page 157 of Cursed Evermore
I inhaled, slow and deep, focusing. Through the air I searched until a flicker of something electric pulsed through me. Then it grew. Wild energy, primal and endless rippled over my skin.
Thiswas it. The Fray. The legendary source itself, thrumming with untamed power that had existed since the beginning of time. I let the raw current wash over me, until that knowing feeling Arielle spoke of warmed my heart, and I knew I was connected.
When I opened my eyes, Arielle looked pleased. “You feel it, don't you?”
“Yes.”
She nodded toward the tree line. “Now reach out with your powers and call for one who wishes to answer with these words:naveria eun lâmer.”
I followed her guidance and spoke the words. At first, nothing happened.
Then, like a whisper of wind against my consciousness, I felt it. A presence.
Moments later, leaves rustled and a flutter of wings broke the stillness. A small silver-feathered bird emerged from the canopy, no larger than a sparrow, but unlike any I'd seen.
Its feathers shimmered in the light like polished metal as it circled above us in slow, deliberate spirals before drifting down, the air stirring with its descent.
I drew in a sharp breath as it hovered before me, its dark gaze locked with mine with something that felt like reverence.
“It's an Ashwing Sparrow,” Arielle whispered, as if speaking any louder might break the spell. “Put your hand out and hold it.”
My lips curved with quiet pride as I raised my hand slowly. The sparrow drifted closer, its tiny talons brushing my skin with a featherlight touch before it settled on my finger.
I stood, and Arielle rose too.
“Blessed Mother,” I muttered, my voice whisper-soft.
“Nowthatis trust.” Arielle nodded.
We both chuckled.
The bird chirped in response, then bowed its little head before taking flight again.
I watched it soar away, my heart rising with it.
“This is what it's like to be a mage here,” Arielle said, her words taunting me. The last word lingered in my mind—here.
It was onlyherein the magical realm that I could truly embrace my powers as a mage. When I returned to Stormfell, this exhilarating experience would end. “Feels like freedom.”
“It is.”
We continued watching the sparrow as it climbed higher and higher, but then another sound came. Heavier and slower. A shadow swept over us, blotting out the sun for an instant. The sparrow fled as a massive raven circled above, its feathers slick as oil, its eyes catching the light like molten gold.
At first I thought it was a creature answering my call, then it descended and stared straight at me with a look that sent a shiver throughout my body.
Arielle's smile vanished.
“Don't move,” she said under her breath.
The raven cocked its head in an almost human motion. The shiver I'd felt previously settled like a boulder in the pit of my stomach.
“What is it?” I kept my voice low, afraid to speak. “Is just a raven.”
“No.” Arielle's gaze stayed locked on the bird. “And that's not a raven. It's one of Dreynthor's spies.”
Who in the hells was Dreynthor?I was about to ask when the raven let out a single harsh caw, the gritty sound tightening my lungs.
It launched skyward. Arielle raised her hand and muttered an incantation.
