Elevated powers were impossible to predict. They could include almost anything, but the most common power was saltation—the ability to travel instantly from one place to another. In some cases, elevated powers were linked to elemental powers. My grandmother, for example, could saltate, as well as command currents, storms and sea creatures. Once one elevated power manifested in a Velcarin, others could follow over the months to come.
With a plastered-on smile, I cast my gaze out to the sea of faces watching me with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Scanning the crowd, I caught sight of a familiar shock of long white hair. Doran’s nod of encouragement did nothing to ease my heart palpitations.
A hush fell over the assembled crowd. The sound of waves colliding against the shore seemed to grow louder, as if the ocean was raising its voice in defiance.
Then I saw it. The bioluminescent flowers had begun to bloom, unveiling vivid petals of blue, purple, and yellow. The assembled crowd collectively gasped at their beauty.
My stomach dropped. Midnight.
I reached for the source of my power and felt… the same.
Slowly, all focus turned to me. Guards encircled me, shielding me from the crowd.
Sweat, unwelcome as dirt in my mouth, slicked my body.
Once again, I reached for my power. Squeezing my eyes shut, I focused on summoning it.
Then, I felt it.
A chilling gust of wind stirred the air, causing sand to dance and fabrics to rise. The enchanted lights illuminating the pavilion flickered and died, the bioluminescent plants wilted.
But it was not the wind that raised the hairs on the back of my neck. It was a feminine voice, high-pitched and mocking. “Am I late for the party?”
Chapter 4
Standing at the edge of the crowd was a figure shrouded in long, black robes that covered her entire body and a hood that concealed her face.
Cries rang out from the crowd.
“You!” my grandmother cried, eyes wide and outraged.
“It’s been a long time, Callianassa. I said I’d return,” taunted the figure in her shrill voice.
My grandmother looked murderous. “You are not welcome here. Seize her!”
The guards charged, but their hands went straight through the figure’s body, as though she was no more than a shadow. Stumbling and exchanging looks of confusion, they turned to their queen for direction. “Your Majesty?”
Ignoring them, my grandmother addressed the female. “How did you get past the enchantment?” she demanded, loathing etched into her features. Loathing and something else I had never seen from her before.
Fear.
“I am here, but I am not here,” the figure crooned. “Projection of the spirit allows me to travel past even fortified magic.”
“Take your wretched spirit and leave,” my grandmother spat.
The crowd murmured their support of the queen.
The figure clicked her tongue. “Don’t be so hostile. I’ve come to offer you a bargain.”
“I do not wish to hear anythingyouhave to offer.”
“Come now,” said the figure, gliding unhurriedly towards us. Terrified nobles dodged out of the way as if she was truly here. Some ran towards the pavilion. But I stood rooted to the spot, unable to tear my eyes away. “It’s been twenty-two years. Surely you tire of the curse.”
The air escaped my lungs, and, for a moment, so did every thought and feeling in my body.
This was the one who was known for making bargains. The one they called the Crow. The witch who had cursed us.
“I will never make a bargain with you,” my grandmother hissed.
