Page 52 of Siriarna

Then I twist.

Chapter26

Siriarna

I’ve just left Roman and I’m standing near the Zen River. A strange feeling of déjà vu pricks at the corner of my mind. Pushing it aside, I smooth down my golden dress and scan the Zen. Braxton is rushing toward me, “Hi,” I say showcasing my biggest smile, “I was hoping to find you here.”

His forehead is creased and his eyes are bleak, “Listen, Siriarna, there’s something I need to tell you…there is a ball of energy on its way to Evolirium right now and we have to stop it. Otherwise, it will likely destroy our realm,” he says urgently.

I have no idea what he’s talking about. This is definitely not what I had pictured for our reunion after months of being apart. “I don’t understand,” I say shaking my head. “How do you know this?”

“I have seen it before. I had to turn back time,” he says grabbing my arm. “We have to hurry to the meadow. There’s not much time.”

I knew something felt different, the time shift explains my earlier uneasiness. My legs are heavy as we trudge forward, my heartbeat frantic at the thought of this precious realm in danger.

Roman is on the grassy mounds as we approach. He startsto speak, but Braxton ignores him forging onward. He follows behind anyway.

Now in the meadow, Braxton points to Evolirium’s atmosphere. There’s nothing there and I’m beginning to question his sanity.

“What’s going on Braxton?” Roman says as confused as I am.

“There,” Braxton points.

Now I see it. It’s just a spec of light in the far distance, but it’s moving at a remarkable pace.

“Oh my gods,” Roman says as he spies it too.

I have to think, and quickly. Will my power be enough to stop the impact? Neither Braxton nor Roman know of my abilities. “I’m going to need your help. Both of you.” I voice matter-of-factly.

Two questioning stares are aimed at me, but no verbal response follows; my tone yielding the desired no-time-to-explain effect.

“When I give the order, Braxton, I want you to slow time without stopping it completely. We can’t let the object get too close or the explosion from impact will still cause devastation to the realm.” I direct. “Roman, I’m going to need you to send my power to the target at the speed of light. If we work together, we can stop this.”

Thankfully, my speech comes across more positive than the way I truly feel about this last minute, and highly rushed, plan. It’s possible we’ll die trying, but we are at the mercy of time. And we are the only ones in the realm who know of the imminent threat.

Please help us.I silently pray to the Fates.

Roman speaks out, “I don’t understand, Siriarna. What are you talking about?”

Settling my eyes firmly onto his, I say, “There’s no time to explain. Trust me.”

He nods.

I switch my gaze to Braxton, draw in a deep breath and stand firm, “Now, Braxton.” I yell.

He does as instructed, conjuring the ribbons of Time to his palm. Then he expertly twists the cord to slow Evolirium’s rhythm. His Propensity power is impressive. However, I notice his clenched jaw and reddening skin tone. Time to strike.

Summoning the largest ball of electricity I can create to my palm, I release it with every ounce of force I can evoke. “Now, Roman.” I shout.

Roman engulfs my electricity with Light and sends the electromagnetic waves toward the target at light speed as Braxton releases Time. It hits the energy ball with a fortunate stroke of serendipity. All that is left of the menacing object is a firework of scattered fragments illuminating the sky. A beautiful and mesmerising averted catastrophe.

“We did it.” Roman says pulling me into a hug.

Braxton shoots an icy stare in his direction. “How did you get your magic back?” he asks me in a softer tone than his expression portrays.

I disengage from Roman, who also raises an eyebrow. Before I have time to explain my immortality, a chariot descends into the meadow, led by two golden maned extraordinary immortal horses.

Apollo throws a matching golden ladder over the side. “Roman, Siriarna, come with me. Now.”

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