This is a piece of cake.
My newfound confidence is exhilarating and energizing. Finally, I feel like I can handle what’s thrown at me. The sensation of something being wrapped around my ankles is gone. I wiggle my toes in my shoes and flex my calves. I was just imagining things before.
Slowly, I lower myself to the floor and fold my legs underneath me neatly. Just as I do every time I start my training with Kazh. Taking on this position gives me comfort. My pant suit, while sharp and structured, has enough room for me to feel comfortable. I straighten my back, place my palms on my thighs, and exhale a long breath.
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.I can fucking do this.
That same airy coldness brushes over my shoulder. My whole body freezes. I glance around the darkness trying to see who the fuck is here with me.
Nothing is here…
I blink andsomethingis here.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
PHOENIX
Despite my thundering heart, I keep my breathing steady.
I can’t afford to lose my shit.
Not right now.
Goose bumps rise all over my skin at the looming presence behind me. It radiates cold, raging power. One that makes me shiver. I’m not imagining things after all. This, whatever this is, is actually happening.
The presence remains behind me for a while, breathing down my neck. It feels like it’s waiting for me to see something, something I keep refusing. The urge to run away screaming is overwhelming. It takes everything in me not to give in.
Suddenly, the presence shifts and moves to my left. It’s so close I can feel its touch on my cheek as it passes and settles in front of me.
My eyes are wide open, yet I can’t see anything. I can only sense the powerful presence, the airy and cool touch of it on my cheeks each time it breathes.
I blink.
When I open my eyes, a mist appears out of nowhere. Slowly, the white tendrils swirl and weave together, becoming brighter. It hurts my eyes to look at it after being in the dark for so long. I blink into the light, but even with my eyes open, I can’t tell what I’m supposed to see.
A low, cool voice inside my mind says,You believe you’re worthy of ruling.
It’s a question, but it also isn’t.
The presence is speaking to me in my mind. Can it read my thoughts, too?
I see every corner of your being, every inch of your soul, every side of your mind. I see things even you don’t see.
I snort.Then you know the answer.
But do you?
The question makes me pause. Do I want to rule? I’m not sure, but I say,Sure,I want to rule. I don’t know if I’m worthy. Is anyone?
A pleasant laugh echoes in my mind. The mist grows brighter, stronger. A figure forms inside the white smoke. A few heartbeats later, a young woman materializes in front of me.
She has long auburn hair weaving down her shoulders and back, just like mine. Her features are determined, yet soft and feminine. The wide hazel eyes are stark.
Those are my eyes.
I don’t know why it takes so long for me to process it. They’re my mom’s hazel eyes looking at me. I got them from her. All of my sisters did.The only thing you got from me is your eyes and those legs. Everything else comes from your father, especially that attitude.
Tears burn the back of my eyes, and I cover my mouth with both of my hands to stop the sob tearing through my lips. For a heartbeat, something else flickers inside me, a feeling of home sosharp it guts me. I miss my mom so much it hurts to breathe, to exist. To have her stand in front of me, oh so close, is so painful.
