Page 48 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

A chill zips down my spine and wraps around my torso. The marks on my arm writhe and itch my skin.

I crack an eyelid. Thick, dark shadows surround me.

Rian!

Hope flares, and my power gets a burst of energy.

The markings on my arms coil around my wrists, meeting the tendrils that wrap around me there. Together, they pull.

My shoulders scream in protest. My mouth opens with a soundless shout. I gag on the influx of water.

The monster shrieks, its cry traveling through the water against my eardrums. Shadows swirl around my body, blocking my vision, but the tentacle on my ankle holds firm.

My body spasms. My thoughts grow hazy. The end is near. I can feel it. I’m going to die.

Don’t you fucking dare. Rian’s furious roar jolts me from the brink of unconsciousness. Fight!

Ocean water continues to flood my lungs. I cough and sputter, but each effort only allows more water to rush into my mouth.

My throat is on fire. Everything burns. Even the icy water brushing my skin scalds. My nerve endings fire, my body desperate to try and find a way to survive.

There’s nothing to be done.

ELARA! Rian bellows. Fight!

My mind drifts, bobbing with the waves rolling me around like a tumbleweed blowing down a dirt path.

But then a sharp stab hits my chest.

My eyes fly open.

A shadow protrudes from my torso.

He…stabbed me?

What in the hells⁠—

The pain of betrayal is cut off when searing heat slices through my torso.

I gasp.

The warmth in my chest roars to an all-consuming blaze as my power rears its head like a beast. Only, this beast defends me.

Rian’s shadow… It released my power.

I lean into my magic’s fiery embrace, surrounded by flexible extensions that remind me of a bird’s wings. Feathers brush against my flesh and caress my neck before my head snaps back. My lips part on an agonized, soundless scream.

A roaring inferno reminiscent of Ferria’s flames blasts from my throat. The white and blue flames spiral out from me, blurring my vision with their heat and brightness.

A horrific screech travels through the water, and the tentacle around my ankle finally loosens.

Fire singes the markings on my arms as they claw at me, as if to tug me back to the surface.

I try to kick my legs, but I’m too weak. In this vortex of power, I don’t know which way is up or down. I’m still drowning.

Adrenaline flows out with my power. Whatever tendril of my magic that had been suppressing the effects of oxygen deprivation flickers out like an extinguished candle.

My eyelids shutter closed. The waves pull me down. Even if I wanted to, I’m not sure I could save myself. I can barely swim.