I lay the pen down beside the necklace, then pick up the small piece of ceramic. My thumb runs over the jagged edge and fractured lines. It was once a piece of something else, something finished, that belonged somewhere else.
Now it’s far, far away from where it started.
There’s no telling where all it’ll travel.
My power flows through my fingers and the vase-like shape rises naturally. I leave the center hollow, and the material onthe lighter, but indestructible side. I don’t want their loss to feel heavier when they hold this.
I want it to be easier to carry.
The blue and ivory color the small piece already was spreads across the surface. I don’t change that about it. They swirl together in a beautiful blend.
Next, I create a lid that will fit carefully and seal enough to protect what’s inside but not so tight it feels unreachable.
My power recedes into my hands, and I turn the container around twice, admiring the swirls of colors. It’s like the clouds dancing in the sky.
“Very good, Thayla. It’s all beautiful,”V whispers.
“Thank you,” I breathe as I set it down gently.
My throat constricts painfully when I turn and face Mrs. and Mr. Armend. My fingers trail over the stone slabs separating us as I slowly make my way over to them.
I’m not sure who cleaned them up, but I appreciate it more than I can explain. Whether it was done in case Lambrit and Laney had decided to come see them one last time or not, I’m thankful the evidence of what they went through in their last moments has been washed away.
My exhales echo around the quiet room. It’s almost too quiet.
The tremor in my hands intensifies as I reach out to them. I can’t bring myself to only let my palms hover. Despite the fact I’d rather be detached in this moment, I can’t truly be.
These are people who meant the realm to people who mean the realm to me.
I place my hand in each of theirs and force the lump in my throat to go down. For now. I’ll call it back forward in a moment.
“I’ll take care of them.”
My voice cracks on my whisper, but my words feel too small for what I really mean.
“I’ll make sure they’re never alone. I’ll make sure they keep going even on days they don’t want to. I’ll stay. I’ll be here every step of the way. Beside them, behind them. Wherever they need me to be. I’ll be here.”
My power stirs in my throat. I swallow, commanding it to travel to my hands.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
On my exhale, my power wraps around their hands as I release them and fight back the tears threatening to slide out the corners of my eyes.
I’ve put it in my mind that my power of Obliteration could never be gentle. It devours, erases, leaves nothing behind.
Not this time.
It doesn’t lash out. Doesn’t rage or consume. It moves slowly, deliberately, like it understands. Like it’s listening to my fears and proving me wrong.
Their bodies don’t burst into a cloud of nothing. Theysoftenas they fade into something weightless, something peaceful, until ash gathers where they once were.
A relieved, watery breath escapes me. Then I look at V.
“How do I—”
“Little goddess.”
I gasp, whipping my gaze to Kyzen, then behind him, where the others are standing.
