Take Me

You're not lifting the rock so much as you’re displacing what’s around it so it can be free. Just like you gathered up earth and rock for us when we were on the verge of—”

“Got it.” I didn't need him to recap what went on back there.

I would never forget how panicked, useless, and helpless I felt at first, watching them and knowing they were maybe a heartbeat away from tumbling down into endless darkness.

I shook it off before focusing on the rock again, and this time, I did what Elliot suggested. I almost hated how much easier it was this time—that was stubborn, but I kind of wanted to do it on my own without him giving me hints. I lifted the rock like it was nothing and then dropped it a few feet away. It landed with a thud hard enough to make the ground under my feet shake.

“Good work,” Elliot said.

Okay, so I might have been annoyed with him, but it was still nice to hear his approval.

“What else can I do?” I asked. Now I was almost skipping, bouncing on the balls of my feet. It was like being given the keys to a brand-new jet plane like they used to use back when fuel was available. I wanted to test out the controls, see what this baby could do. Only in my case, this baby was power that came from inside me. “Make it explode? Could air penetrate the rock?”

“How about we leave that for another time when we aren’t trying to avoid notice?” Parris said. A glance at him told me his head was on a swivel, looking out for any sign of trouble.

“Yes, nothing says ‘don't worry, we won't hurt you’ better than an exploding boulder.”

Elliot chuckled at Garret’s description before answering my question. “You should be able to create life—plant life, that is,” he explained. “Earth magic is extremely powerful and useful. Handled correctly, it could completely eradicate famine.”

That was almost humbling. “I could grow crops?”

“If given the opportunity to hone your abilities, yes,” Elliot said.

Now I wasn't thinking of myself so much as a lightning-shooting badass. I was an earth mother, bringing forth life and sustenance, nourishing those around me.

And if they pissed me off, I could drop a rock on their head. Easy peasy.

I was about to ask Elliot more questions, but the clear worry on his face made talking about my powers seem less important.

“Are you expecting them to attack us? Do you really think that would happen? Be honest.,” I asked.

“I can't say for sure. Witches are unpredictable. When you worship a goddess who feeds on souls, you aren't exactly playing by the rules the rest of us live by.”

“Feeds on souls? So, like, what? They're going to kill us and suck out our souls for their goddess?” I asked.

“Let's hope they don't…and give them as little reason as possible to confront us.” Elliot said it like it was no big deal.

I was starting to wonder if it was too late to turn back. Nobody had told me about this soul goddess.

“It isn't as if they go around hunting for souls,” Elliot said before he paused, screwing up his face like he was thinking. “At least, I don't think so.”

“This is getting better all the time,” I said.

“What else can you tell us about them? It's been so long since we were separated,” Garret mused. “I know we changed without them. I suspect they changed without us.”

“Yes, I think they did. Even though you Synians are their natural mates, that doesn't mean they'll be warm or accepting of your presence in their lands. The superstitions they always fell back on are now all that sustains them, or so they believe,” Elliot said.

“We all fall back on whatever we can to comfort and sustain ourselves,” I murmured.

“That sounded almost profound,” Parris pointed out with a wry smirk.

“Hey, I'm more than just a pretty face and some holes you can fill.” I wiggled my fingers at him again like I was about to send him flying, and his epic eye roll told me he got the message.

The sun was starting its descent, and darkness crept up on us seemingly out of nowhere. One second there was plenty of light to see by, and the next, I had to squint to see what was ahead of me as I navigated the uneven terrain. I watched Parris, walking in front, and used him as a guide. If he tripped, I knew to look out.

Still, there was no working around my natural clumsy tendencies. Even though I tried to watch my footing, I pitched forward and almost broke my nose against Parris’ back. He spun and caught me in one smooth, fluid movement. “Are you all right?”

“We should carry her,” Garret decided. “It will be safer that way. We can still see better in the dark.”