The flames and water had combined, creating what felt like a boiling tornado. A golden sheen shone throughout; I was starting to get the feeling gold was my color.
Once we have gathered all of the half-Walkers, we’re going to destroy the Seventine. Fury’s confidence was unwavering and I could feel it through the bond.
She liked the power, maybe a little too much. Which might end up being a problem in the future.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. They’re an original power. They might know a few things we don’t, Talina said, always the voice of reason.
Exactly, I added. Like how the hell do I separate the three of us without draining you both?
I pulled my power, slowly trying to unravel the cord, but there was no change. I also tried to walk away, but the cord just extended. I knew I was the only one who could disconnect us. The other girls didn’t have any control.
I’m sorry, I said, knowing I had no choice but to drain them.
Nothing was working: the bond was strong and unwavering. I started to pull energy from them both. As before, my endless well had no trouble taking and containing the huge influxes. It took longer than the last time and when I felt the cords weakening, instead of continuing, I reached out, mentally grasping both and yanked as hard as I could. They resisted me for a split second before tearing away from the girls. All three of us hit the ground.
“Well, that wasn’t as bad as last time,” Fury said, pushing herself up to rest on her forearms.
I wanted to answer but at that moment I was fighting the power inside.
“Let it go, Red.” Brace was by my side. “You know what you have to do.”
He helped me to my feet.
“You should see your marks, Abbs.” Lucy was close by, helping Talina to stand. “There are pulses of gold in the red.”
I couldn’t answer; I was too focused on getting rid of the energy. I started toward the ocean. I hadn’t meant to move quickly but I was so fast it was almost instant. With a deep breath I gathered the excess flowing through me and shot it from my body. It left in a blue and gold flash, igniting into a series of fireworks out over the turquoise depths of the ocean.
“Well, at least we know she’s good for the entertainment at the Walker gathering,” Magenta said. She was dry and back to looking perfect.
“Shut up, you annoying-as-hell Walker.” I expected Lucy to have spoken but it was Fury. I was surprised until she added, “No one gets to insult super Abby but me.”
She gave me a half-grin, just the corners of her lips turning up.
We’re a half-Walker family. We can fight but no one else is allowed.
I picked up her thoughts, which was the first time I’d been able to do that. And I could tell she hadn’t intended me to hear them. I tightened the energy around my mind, effectively shutting out the others. It was much better not hearing anyone except Brace; he was always a presence in my head.
You better believe it. But you have to know that when you’re connected to the girls I cannot reach you. The melding bond is still intact but it’s as if communications have been suspended between us.
His deep tones washed over me, soothing the last of the ragged edges left from the overload of energy.
I don’t like it when I can’t talk to you, I said, taking his hand and threading our fingers together.
Josian cleared his throat, capturing everyone’s attention. “I think we’ve had enough training for the day, and there needs to be some brainstorming regarding this new conduit power and how to control it.” He looked proud.
Lallielle, who was beside him, just looked worried.
“I think it’s time to head to the field and mark out the territories. Is everyone coming?” he continued.
We all nodded.
I was distracted then as Quarn drove up in one of the small forest buggies. There weren’t many vehicles on First World, but I really enjoyed travelling in the small, open-aired all-terrain buggies.
They were green in color, low and fast with a visible roll cage. The engine was almost silent but I could hear when it cut off and Quarn jumped out, moving toward us. He’d been back at the castle with Lucas, assisting in some security concerns.
Lucas’s news that I’d missed earlier had been an assassination attempt on both himself and his father. First World had never had such an occurrence before, and it had been initiated by the head of armies, making it even more serious. Quarn was going to be gone a lot trying to restore a semblance of order, and Lucas needed someone around he could trust.
“How is everything with the royals?” Lallielle stepped forward to give her oldest friend a hug.
Quarn returned it wearily. He looked to be dead-on-his-feet tired.