I wondered what it felt like to fly.
As soon as the word fly entered my mind, my wings gave a strong flap.
It happened so fast, I couldn’t control it. The force of that single wing flap thrust me forward, slamming into the bathroom wall. I screamed as my body came to a crashing halt, then fell backward onto the floor.
I heard a door slam and I knew they must have heard.
“Disappear. Disappear. Disappear,” I frantically repeated, willing my wings to vanish.
The door to my room suddenly opened and I heard Kade’s distressed voice as he crossed the floor to the bathroom. “Emma? Emma, are you okay?”
He stood in the doorway, his brow furrowed with concern.
I glanced to my sides, and noticed my wings were gone, but one single feather lay right next to my hand. I quickly covered it, then burst into laughter. I couldn’t help it, and I couldn’t stop it. I laughed so hard my belly and face began to hurt.
Kade stood there, with a look of confusion on his face. Then Dom and Thomas peeked around him with similar looks.
“Did the transformation make her mad?” Dom asked.
“Is she alright?” Thomas whispered.
“I’m fine,” I giggled. “There was a bit of water on the floor and I slipped. Being surefooted certainly wasn’t my gift.”
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Kade asked, reaching his hand out to help me up. “I heard you scream, and thought something bad happened.”
“Yes. I’m totally fine, and I’m sorry for scaring you.”
I took his hand and immediately felt the familiar electrical current.
Kade grinned and pulled me up into a hug.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he breathed.
“Hey, Emma. Did you discover your gift?” Dom asked.
I nodded, and while in Kade’s arms, willed invisibility.
We instantly vanished.
“Damn. That is so freaking cool, but it’s also kind of unnerving. I would never know if you were invisible… watching me… maybe even stalking,” Dom said with a straight face.
I willed visibility and we reappeared.
“Don’t worry, Dom. I’m not a creeper.”
“Well, if you ever wanted to be… I guess I wouldn’t mind. As long as I’m not in the bathroom.”
“You’re so gross,” I laughed.
As I exited from Kade’s embrace, Dom threw a playful punch at me. Without really knowing what was going on, my hand automatically grabbed hold of his arm, and launched him in the air over my head. He slammed into the ground with a thud.
I gasped and let go, stepping back, holding my hands up.
Kade and Thomas were frozen, staring at me with the widest eyes.
“Shiiiit,” Thomas breathed.
“What the freaking hell?” Dom yelled, holding his side.
“Dom, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I couldn’t control myself. I’m so sorry,” I stepped forward, begging for his forgiveness.
“Don’t touch me,” he warned, leaning away from me.
“Emma. It’s alright,” Kade said softly, walking over to me slowly and gently backing me away.
“It’s not alright,” Dom moaned. “Your chick just picked me up like a child and body slammed me. I’m surprised she didn’t jump from her bed and finish me off with the People’s Elbow!”
He looked up at me, his eyes were narrowed and I felt horrible. Then suddenly, his demeanor whiplashed.
“Holy crap, Emma. You freaking kicked my ass,” he howled with laughter. “Oh my God. She’s a beast!”
I didn’t know what to say. I still felt horrible, but his outburst of laughter made me feel a little better – and a bit embarrassed.
“We seriously have to warn everyone not to make any sudden moves around her.” Dom got up from the floor; groaning like an old man.
“She’ll be fine. She just needs to learn how to control her new gifts,” Kade said. Then he and Thomas began laughing beside me.
Dom stretched his back. “Damn… that’s gonna leave a mark.”
“I’m really, really sorry,” I repeated.
“I’m fine. It’ll heal in a day,” Dom said, shaking his head. “You really are something.”
“Yeah, she really is,” Kade said, looking at me with appreciation. “Two gifts? Invisibility and super strength? Makes me wonder what else is in there,” he said, throwing his arm around me.
“You know what’s not in me? Food. I’m starving,” I said, trying to change the subject.
“Sounds good to me. Let’s go get the Warrior Princess some grub,” Dom added, walking out the door.
“Ha-ha-ha,” I said, not amused.