Page 104 of A Whisper of Cinders

I try to think of sunny fields, the grass I can only imagine between my toes or sand. Sand is also a possibility, but that leads to water. And water leads to a clear blue lake, where a beautiful waterfall sits. Where a male appeared that I wasn’t expecting, yet…

I pick up my pillow and cover my face, numbing the growl that is tearing from my throat. Sleep will not come for me, not with me being this restless.

I throw the pillow away and look out the window. No snow falls from the sky. A walk could do wonders. Lights dance between the trees, so I won’t be all alone. Besides, what is there to fear?

I walk to my closet and change into a more weather appropriate outfit, before I put on my shoes and grab my coat. The cool air will hopefully cool the heat that doesn’t seem to disappear.

My feet sink deep into the snow, my balance wavering, until I reach the cleared path, finding other fae walking as well.

Lightbulbs float around them and I wonder when I’ll be able to create my own light. It might be basic magic, but I have no idea where to begin. Luckily, there are little lights along the path, so I’m not completely walking blindly.

The fae I come across appear human to me; no magical glow or pointed ears as far as I can see. But why is Conláed the only one who remains fae all the time? Even Ami still appears human most of the time.

Help.

I halt. The voice is so faint I nearly mistake it for the crackling of the branches above my head.

Help me.

A chill runs down my spine. I turn my head to the left, seeing a path there that I haven’t walked before. I can’t see much, there aren’t as many lights there.

Please…help…me…

Screw it, there’s no time. And I have powers now, right? What’s the worst that can happen?

I run onto the unfamiliar path, my eyes adjusting to the dimly lit surroundings, until I reach a clearing overlooking a lake. I can only tell by the sound of water hitting the land. It might be the one I saw outside of the window once.

Help…me…

“I’m coming!”

I look around, searching for the owner of the voice, but it’s so dark, I barely see a hand in front of me. I walk in circles and call out, hoping the fae is still conscious and can hear me.

A bit of light would be handy right now.

I stop in my tracks. My power is fire, I should be able to at least summon a little flame to help me, right? Placing my hands in front of me, palms up, I try to think about conjuring a flame, the scorching heat it might bring with it. I open my eyes when a faint tingling starts at my fingertips, but there are no flames to be seen. Not even a single spark.

Help…

The voice silences, the sound so weak now.

Damn it, Mai!

I close my eyes again, thinking about the desire I felt that led me to taking this walk. It burned so hot, I thought I would catch fire, even surrounded by water. I breathe faster and feel my temperature rise, right when my right hand contracts and an electric shock runs through my palm.

A warmth caresses my face and I open my eyes, seeing a faint golden flame flickering in the palm of my hand. I smile, the edges of the flame rippling with my quick breaths. I try to regulate it and watch as the edges become steadier.

Huh. Here I was only minutes ago, telling myself I couldn’t produce light. Would you look at that! I’m so telling Ami about this.

A low grunt echoes around me and my joy disappears. Someone’s still in need and by the sound of that, I am running out of time.

Only then I look up, scanning the clearing until my eyes land on a dark shadow lying in the snow near a big tree. I rush over, carefully trying to keep my flame from extinguishing. I land on my knees, the material of my trousers instantly wet, and carefully grab the shoulder, turning it towards me.

“I’m here! Are you hu —”

But as soon as my fingers touch the rough material, the figure evaporates in the wind and all there is left is the cloak.

What the…?