Crais(39)

“But you and Dune don’t have to return. Once we’ve sorted out the Seventine, I’m happy to establish you on whichever world you’d like.” Josian smiled.

Fury’s face lit up but Dune shook his head. “I’m already feeling the weakening affect of not being on Crais. I need that suns’ energy to survive. It’s how the nomads have adapted.”

Fury’s eyebrows rose and worry crinkled her brow. “Dune! Why didn’t you say anything to me?”

He shrugged. “I’ve only just noticed; it’s a very subtle drain.”

She swung around to the table. “We must leave. I cannot risk him, and without the suns’ energy he will fade away.”

An immediate thought sprang to mind, as I was reminded of how rejuvenated he’d looked in the face of her fire.

“Try your power?”

“What?” She frowned.

“Your power energizes the nomads, so maybe that’s all the charge Dune needs.”

Fury looked hopeful again. “Yes, we must try it immediately.”

“I’m not dying, Fury, there’s no need to rush.” Dune laid his hand on her arm.

But she wasn’t listening. Within seconds she’d dragged him up and moved them both across to an open space. She pushed him a step away before she burst into blue flames. Dune threw his head back, his expression one of relief.

“Better?” Fury asked, her voice echoing with power.

“Even better than the suns’ energy.” His laughter spilled from his lips in spasm-like torrents.

“I think you might be overfilling him, Fury. Dial it back, will you?” I was tired and ready for bed.

“Yes, super Abby, whatever you command shall be done,” she sneered, but she did suck the flames back inside.

“You have remarkable control over your fire power. Have you been using it for long?” Josian said, crossing his arms and looking impressed.

“That’s the fourth time,” she said. “But I’ve been controlling the energy inside my entire life. I just didn’t realize that was the origin of my fire until Abby told me on Crais.”

“Are we displaying the usual powers for Walkers?” I asked.

I’d only ever seen Walkers do the energy-ball thing and that lightning power from stalker-Walker. And since Josian had eliminated him from existence I hoped to never see that power again.

Josian looked thoughtful. “For you, baby girl, you seem to be able to utilize all of the usual Walker powers, opening doorways, energy shots but you also have some distinctive traits that are no longer accessible by Walkers, like your ability to trace and meld.” He inclined his head toward Fury. “Fury’s fire power is unique. I know of no one who can do that. And Talina also has a few elemental water powers that are exceptional.”

“So there might be something in the combination of our unique half-Walker powers which could be useful in defeating the Seventine.”

Was I naive to start hoping for an ending where we didn’t all end up dead?

Lallielle spoke up then. “Remember that each of you have a powerful mother as well.” She smiled cheekily. “And that half of your energy is from us.”

I stood up and kissed her on the cheek. “I believe it’s our mother’s power which will make all the difference in the final battle.”

Lallielle and I flashed Josian a grin.

He held both hands up in surrender. “I know better than most; women always hold the power.”

“Can we open doorways and walk between the worlds like Abby?” Fury asked.

Josian shook his head. “Talina couldn’t, I tried to teach her but her energy does not work that way.”

“Tell me what to do,” Fury demanded.

Josian didn’t hesitate, explaining the steps to access a doorway. We watched as she attempted to walk between the living and dining room, but just like Talina, the frustration on Fury’s face spoke volumes. So far I was the only half-Walker who could power the doorways.



After washing off in the spring, I finally got to rid myself of the tattered sun suit and change into comfortable sleep clothes. Somehow, half my wardrobe from First World had made it to this rock cave. And now it all had to go back. Before we’d dispersed for the night Josian had declared that we would head back home soon to explore the mountains. I hadn’t forgotten my mission and the deadline to find the next half-Walker, but it was also important to figure out where the Seventine were. Stopping their release was my priority for this short time. Maybe then I wouldn’t need the girls.

I padded silently into the room I’d slept in before and groaned. Lucy was half hanging off one side, asleep, and Talina was sprawled across the rest of the bed. I was definitely not fitting in there. In that moment I was so tired that I sank down against the hard wall. I’d get up in a minute and figure out where to sleep. I closed my eyes, shifting to avoid a sharp rock. My mind drifted off.