Page 142 of A Whisper of Cinders

Beautiful sun kissed skin, chestnut curls that lay perfect every single time, high cheekbones and a strong jaw, a mischievous grin, burning amber eyes.

Something tugs inside of me, a little sensation traveling from my heart straight to my head.

Conláed?

Silence remains, but I try again, ignoring the screeching sounds outside of my dome.

Conláed? Can you hear me?

I’m certain I didn’t imagine him talking inside my head that night. I try once more, but before I get the chance, a faint voice whispers back. Maily?

Relieve makes my heart jump and builds another layer around my dome. I can’t believe it worked.

The Myrvael took us, all of us. They are still here, Conláed, and I don’t know how long I can keep them away from us.

Panic washes over me, but not mine. His.

Where are you?

I don’t know, we’re in a cabin, somewhere in the middle of nowhere. You need to bring Althea and the other healers as well.

His heartbeat stumbles. Are you hurt?

I shake my head, realizing a second later he can’t see that.

I’m fine, but please hurry. I’m running out of time.

I’m on my way, sylvaethrin, hold on.

The tingling sensation disappears after that. I keep my eyes closed, to maintain my focus. I hope he’ll find us, I know he will. It’s Conláed, there is nothing he can’t do.

I hear the others stir behind me. Good, they’re okay, at least that’s something.

A cool hand touches my neck and I welcome the relief it brings. “Gorgeous, you’re burning up. Stop this, we can fight them together.”

Not sure why his voice penetrates my state of focus and why I even answer for that manner. “I’m okay, you are not. You’re still weak. I can feel it. I can hold on a little longer, at least until help arrives.”

Deep down I know I’m far from okay, I’ve reached the limits of my power. The lash out this morning asked a lot of me and maintaining this is not a walk in the park either. The rot searches weak spots in my shield, trying to go underneath it to drain us. But I will not let them touch my friends.

I push even harder. Help is on the way, I just have to hold on.

A cool hand touches one side of my cheek, the other one. Someone puts a hand across my heart, on my stomach. Two hands hold my shoulders, another my back, steadying me. Hands land upon each of my knees.

My temperature lowers slightly, it’s enough to win me some energy. My friends are helping me, just like I am keeping them safe. And when a feather light kiss lands on my forehead, I erupt.

Light shines from behind my eyes, changing my view on things to high definition with vibrant colours and exceptional sight. A light beam shines from within me up to the night sky, like a beacon. The flames of my protective dome burn wilder, purple colouring the fire as well.

I feel a tug near my heart, as if someone’s calling out to me. The ground shakes beneath us. More Myrvael? Can they create earthquakes? I don’t think I can protect us from that, but I at least have to try.

Ravaging sounds erupt around us, the snapping of wood as loud as a thunder strike now. It goes on for a couple of minutes, maybe longer and then, utter silence.

Two heartbeats pass.

Open your eyes, sylvaethrin, you are safe.

Conláed. He is here. I open my eyes, or at least try to, but my body refuses to cooperate.

“Maily. Open your eyes for me.”