Max is walking farther ahead, playing with the orbs of light. And, by playing, I mean that, every so often, he plucks a green one from the air and tosses it around like a baseball.
Green, just like his eyes and his magical light powers. I doubt that’s a coincidence.
“We call this place The In-Between,” Holden says as a golden orb of light lands on his shoulder. “But it’s basically the place that links all the worlds.”
It takes me a gulp or two to process his words. “So, what world are we going to now?”
“Our world.” He pets the light with his fingertips. “Also known as Elemental.”
“Just how many worlds are there?”
“More than even I know about.” He gives me a sidelong glance. “I know it’s a little overwhelming, but when you start going to the academy, you’ll learn all about our world.”
“Are all humans that go there aware of your powers?”
He shakes his head, collecting the light in his hand. “No. Actually, most of them don’t know about us.”
“But, how do you keep it a secret from them?”
He winks at me. “With magic.”
“Oh.”
God, this is so much to take in. Powers. Worlds. Orbs of light that act like pets.
“What are these light thingies anyway?” I point at the ball of light in his hand.
Smiling, he sticks his hand out toward me with the light resting in his palm. “This is what we refer to as essences. They exist only in The In-Between and, like our eyes, their color represents their power.”
“So, they have the same powers as you guys?”
“Yes. Only, they never connected to a body.”
“Connected to a body …?” My confusion morphs into shock. “Wait. Are you saying these things are what create people …? Creatures like you?”
He nods, somewhat amused. “Although, not all of them will connect to a body. Some will always just roam The In-Between. Those we refer to as wild essences.”
I glance curiously at the wild essence in his hand. “What does it feel like when you hold it?”
Pressing his lips together, he moves his hand in my direction again. “Touch it and find out.”
“Will it …? Can it hurt me?”
“No. Wild essences are as pure as untainted souls. I’m not sure if you’ll actually feel anything since you’re human, but I’m curious to find out.”
It seems as if I should be afraid, but every single part of me is begging to touch the orb of light. So, like a magnet to metal, my fingers drift forward, the tips slipping through the light. A wave of heat and iciness courses through me, then a gust of wind kicks up, blowing through my hair and across my skin. Seconds later, the clouds begin to shower rain as lightning bolts zap and thunder booms, rumbling the ground.
“What the hell?” Holden peers up at the sky.
I gasp as electric energy surges through my veins, and Holden’s attention whips to me as rays of light swarm around me, like a multicolored tornado.
“Hold perfectly still,” Holden whispers as the rays of light eddy around me.
“Are they going to hurt me?” I whisper, my voice shaky.
“No, they’re drawn to you.” A crease forms at his brows. “Sky, is there any way you could have powers?”
I swallow hard, willing the words to leave my lips. But again, I remain silent.