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“You should be, too,” Ada claims. “You’re a queen, Madi, whether you want to be or not. That’s the decision you made when you stayed.”
“I know,” Madi acquiesces. “I just wasn’t expecting you to be so prepared. And ruthless.”
“Something needs to be done with Nesta,” Ada declares with such conviction we all straighten our posture.
Madigan nods as she bites at her lip. “Yeah, but you’re talking about more than just poisoning her. We’ll be attacking her in such a way that she might retaliate against her own people, Ada.”
“They aren’t her people,” Ecaeris snaps. “They’re yours.”
“You’re right,” Madi says to Ecaeris before turning to Ada. “I know what you need from me.”
Thinik speaks up from where he’s propped against the wall. “She didn’t say anything.”
Madi squeezes Ada’s hand. “She doesn’t have to. I’ll be ready to get it done.”
“And we’ll end this,” Ada tells her. “With or without the other queens.”
26
ADELAIDE
DAY SEVENTY-SEVEN
On Earth, there’s a saying about sleep being for the weak. I’m not ready to give it up. I don’t care how strong I may be. A sleep-deprived Ada is no good to anyone.
So, why do these ancient goddesses keep interrupting my few restful hours? Why can’t they visit in person during daylight?
Regardless of my wants, I find myself walking circles around the fountain outside the palace… In my dream. It’s a wonder to behold. I won’t complain about that. And even though I have a decent understanding of my element, I still can’t comprehend how water sits like it’s inside an invisible bowl.
Blinding white light floats toward me from the forest, and I need no introduction. As she gets closer, the lumens dims, allowing my eyes a precious reprieve from the burn. Her face is just barely recognizable, though she’s too bright to really make out her features.
“I usually enjoy these fountains from afar,” Spiran absently comments, dipping her fingers into the water.
“I’ve marveled over them since I arrived, but I rarely have time to enjoy being in their presence.”
I observe as my statement causes Spiran’s eyes to glow an ambient blue before returning to her normal shade of bright light.
“Do you know how they were created?” she asks, the thought of that blip in time turning her voice reverent.
She waits patiently for my answer, though she turns away from me as if she’s hiding sudden shyness. It’s almost like she wants to talk about it with me, but maybe I’m projecting.
“I would love to know how they were created,” I admit, running my hand through the side of the invisible bowl.
Droplets fly from my skin back to their home. They don’t belong anywhere else. I know this, but it’s a strange thought to have because it isn’t really mine.
“The original goddesses created them with great power and care. They act as temples of protection for the elementals who carry their likeness.” She looks over her shoulder at me. “Should the people leave, they would lose their protection.
“What about the people who can’t control an element?” I inquire.
“On this island, even if they can’t control an element, they’re still connected,” she tells me, tipping her head to stare at the clear night sky. “They can feel it deep in their bones, and so they adapt to being near water or plant life or what calls to them. If you put a Dweller in your village, he would still grow a garden despite all the work he would have to put in.”
Spiran circles the fountain, gaining a better view of the moons. “We goddesses were lonely, tired of each other’s company, and we became fond of the people who spoke to us. But we didn’t know our favors would lead to prayer and more difficult tasks to fulfill. When we couldn’t deliver, they not only turned on us, but each other as well.”
“They started a war?” I speculate and sigh. “My goddess is better than yours, and I’ll show you by killing you.”
“Exactly,” she replies. “The fountains were built during a grand world war fought between the species before we split from the dark island.”
“We who?” I ask. “What other species?”
