Tileatha was given her power that evening. I can see her. The fire stretches wide, flickering around her until the flame connects to her head. No one knew her gift since Father told us to never speak of it. It should always stay a silent connection between us Fallen Embers and the Gods.
However, Tilly told me. Unsure why she did if she had planned to kill me.
But I never told her I was grantedthree. That I was granted thedragons.
Except Koen.
Unsure why our gifts from the Gods must stay a secret.
My dragons were gifted to me that evening, each one representing the Gods of the Realms. They are my protection. They knew my sister was bound to betray me before I ever did. I can still vividly see my dragons falling down from the sky through the fire that scorched me, when no one else could.
They vanished in the air after each one touched my arm. I wonder now if they waited for me to return to connect with me at last.
Fire wielding—my first gift from the Gods. It’s ironic that I now scorch people to their death. I begin to wonder if my father and Koen taking me to the Darklands when I died altered something within my gift. I wonder if the oracles used dark magic, cursing me before the curses were even brought onto the Realms.
My red stone pulses, brightening against my arm.
Through the wind that kicks up the sand I see the dragon of darkness, soaring towards me and slamming into my chest.
I wince, groaning through clenched teeth.
My second gift—the ability to communicate with the animals from the Gods. It’s as if the Gods knew they were to send the horses to help us against the darklings. But I also wonder if they knew the Realms would betray the treaty with the dragons.
My yellow stone begins to spark, lightning up the hues of the sun.
Ice comes soaring towards me, then water, then air.
My back hunches before I let out a raging scream, feeling the memories and powers come to me all at once.
The last gift… I remember now.
The Dragon Ember.The gift to control and wield the dragons. The Gods knew I needed them to bring peace back with the shifters.
The fire tornado that twists and growls begins to weaken, disintegrating into the sky.
I let out a trembling breath, steadying my rapid heart rate as I rise up on my knees. The elder stands before me with a soft grin along her lips.
“Time to take down the Queen of Eekatia.And your sister.” Her brows rise, and a bright light begins to pulse around her.Within a split second, she shifts into the dragon and soars in the sky over me before diving into the sand. The others follow.
The soft melody that led me home,here in the Realm, echoes in the wind and gently fades as the dragons soar away.
Some underneath ripple in the sand, causing rocks to bounce along the land. Others dive up then down, as if we are in the sea.
I intently watch as I stand, steadying my weak balance around my Fireninze’s neck. My chest rises and falls as I rest my head against her, her fire weakening for me.
“Serene!” Theon shouts.
Kaine trips in the sand, falling face first as Koen sprints around him, his eyes locked onto mine. His tousled curls bounce as he runs, his boots digging into the sand, making it almost impossible to reach me.
“Are you okay?” Koen catches his breath, slowing down his pace. “Are you hurt?” His emerald eyes filled with fear scan my body frantically.
I nod. “I’m good.” I reach for my arm, feeling the heat of my stones begin to fade. “We need to finish the race. I know what I must do.”
I grunt, weakly wrapping my arms around my horse and trying to lift my leg. But I slip, my boot slamming into the sand.
“Let me help.” Koen swiftly walks around the horse, grabbing my waist to lift me up. The suit rubs against my skin with his firm hold.
He places me on the back of my Fireninze without struggle, gripping my thighs firmly as he stares into my eyes. The fabric of my pants is barely giving due to its tightness. The sun is beginning to rise behind him, casting a soft, golden light around him.
