Slowly, their aura’s melded with mine, each blending until the force of holding so many at once threatened to split me in half. Their thoughts and experiences raced through me, and for the briefest of moments, my thoughts focused on Naira. And then, she was gone.
The brilliance from my new aura forced everyone to shield their eyes. It shone white like the reflection of the sun on fresh fallen snow. My left forearm throbbed dully, drawing my attention to it. A deep blue tattoo signifying the bond’s completion stood out on my wrist. It began with a horizontal line just below my elbow. Connected to it, another line ran down my arm until it reached my wrist where two circles like a bull’s eye target lay together. Inside these circles were symbols I didn’t recognize. It was delicate, yet bold and I looked to the others to see if they had the same marking. They didn’t.
“Thank you,” my breath was as heavy as my heart. The experience had wiped me out, but there was so much more that had to be done. “There is a traitor among you,” I announced, “one that intends to report our plans to Herra.”
I scanned the crowd before me and conjured The Voice, forcing it to become a power to expose instead of killing.
“Reveal yourself.” I commanded, my voice reverberating off the cold stone walls. An elderly woman shuffled forward, grunting as she fought against the command, unable to stop herself from obeying my words. Even as she struggled, I could see through the disguise.
With a sweeping motion of my hand, I removed Xerin’s powers. The disguise ripped from his body and he collapsed at my feet.
“I forgave you once for your insolence,” I shouted, furious he had attempted to trick me into believing he was someone else. “This time, I will not be so kind.”
I raised my hand, palm flat and horizontal as if Xerin floated in my hand. This time, instead of speaking the word, I thought it and crushed my hand closed. Xerin folded as if he were in my hand, crumpling into himself. When I released my grip, he disappeared altogether.
A murmur mumbled through my onlookers and many of the leaders stepped back. The last thing I wanted to do was kill anyone, but we were beyond that now.
“Herra has sent her followers to try and capture me. To try and kill me. It will not happen.”
I reached for a chair across the room and pulled it toward me. When it neared my hand, I grasped its back and swiveled it around so I could sit. I was too tired and the migraine had exhausted me.
“Kenneth has fought in many battles and I will rely on his experience.” I announced and waved to him.
Confidently, he stepped forward, nodding a thank you. “As we speak, a handful of my elite are intercepting Herra’s people and they will be disposed of. As for Herra, I suggest we attack first. She won’t be expecting it. With most of the families support, I do not see us failing.” He paced the gray concrete floor. “We cannot afford to take any chances though. Already, the Farasi Family has intercepted the initial plan. Now, we must make changes.”
I leaned against the chair, studying the faces before me as Kenneth laid out his plan of attack. Most of the people reacted the same way to his news; they hardly moved. Occasionally, one would nod their head or frown, but their concentration was devote. By the time Kenneth asked if there were any questions, none spoke.
The plan would work. Eliminating Herra as well as The Master was not impossible and the relief of having a plan finally in order was a small comfort. When Kenneth finished, I excused the crowd and exited the room, trudging up the narrow staircase. I rubbed the back of my neck as I reached the top. Too tired – far too tired.
I needed to lie down. Not wanting anything to do with my burned bedroom, I opted for one of the guest rooms. As I reached the handle, Gavran called my name. The last thing I wanted to do was explain to Gavran what had happened to his brother. I didn’t even want to face it.
I waited for Gavran to reach me.
“Is he dead?” His face was pained.
I nodded. “I think so.”
“Why would Flynn do that? Why didn’t you stop him?”
“He betrayed us. I wasn’t even expecting his attack.”
“Why would he kill Thayde? We took him in!” Gavran was searching for some meaning – meaning I could not give him.
Saturated with anger, his voice undulated. “You’re The Link! Why didn’t you stop him? Freeze them, anything!”
I didn’t reply. What good is having infinite power when you couldn’t even stop someone from killing the one you loved? Old feelings of helplessness bared their fangs and I motioned for Gavran to follow me. He closed the door behind him and crossed his arms.
“It was so unexpected,” I began and closed my hand over my pounding forehead. “Gavran, I honestly wasn’t expecting an attack in our home. I just, froze.” Hearing myself say the words brought tears to my eyes.