"She's right." Dax, for once, seems to be at a loss. He's not reacting to things going on around him either. This might have affected him more than I realized.
It is true that the most important thing to Ria is the artifact. Yes, destroying the city as I go down may leave an impression, but she'll still take it as a win. I can't let that happen. "Okay."
"What does that mean?" She glances from me to Dax.
I lift my hands up and stare at them, wiggling my fingers. It's so strange that they are scorching with red and blue flames, but it doesn't hurt at all. I better get a handle on it because right now I'm a ticking time bomb.
"I have no clue." Dax takes a step closer and stares as the fire dances on my fingertips. "She's kind of scaring me."
Not able to speak any longer now that I'm trying to contain the raging inferno inside me, I close my eyes and focus. Holy shit, I didn't realize how bad it's gotten. I'd been so focused on my grief that the artifacts have taken over inside of me.
My power is swirling so fast inside me the colors seem to blend into one, and I can't separate them from one another. All right, the first thing I need to do is calm down. My ears are ringing from how loud my heart is beating right now. Taking deep, calming breaths, I try to quiet the adrenaline rushing through me. If we're going to make it out alive, I've got to contain this. I can't believe I've put so many people I care about at risk.
Charlie's passing could be all for nothing if I don’t get this under control. I can't let that happen; I need to get all of the artifacts and put Ria in her place... for him if nothing else. I imagine a cool blanket in my mind, and cover the chaotic mess inside my core.
"Oh thank heavens." Melody releases a heavy sigh. "She seems to be calming down."
The artifacts flare against the blanket, but I make sure the blanket doesn't slip off and keep it in place over them. I push them down, trying to extinguish the magic further and hoping that this will do the trick. I'm not sure what else I could come up with at such short notice.
After a moment, the ground stops shaking, and the crash of lightning stops echoing throughout the village.
Thank God this is working. I pull the darkness tighter almost as if I'm swaddling the magic inside.
"You're doing it." Dax's tone isn't as tense, and he whistles. "I was worried there for a minute."
I open my eyes and take in my surroundings. The tornado is now gone, but there is a bunch of debris left in its wake. The balcony is no longer on fire, but pieces are falling down as it cools. The ground is streaked from lightning strikes. This once-put-together town now seems as if it's falling apart.
Brad and the other agents are standing off near the building we had originally hid behind. He's frowning and staring at the balcony where Charlie died. It's almost as if he feels my eyes on him because he turns his head in my direction. His shoulders are slumped, and his face is lined in pain. "I'm so sorry."
At least I'm not the only one grieving right now. I can't answer him, but I nod in reply. I'm afraid if I try to speak, I'll break down all over again. I'm not sure I could come back from it a second time.
The middle door of the building swings open, and after a few moments, Ria steps through with Tide following behind carrying Charlie.
My heart breaks all over again. Charlie's head is drooping, and it bobs with every step Tide takes. His whole body is limp, and there is no sign of life whatsoever. I'm about to pinch myself again, but when I reach for my arm, it's sticky with blood.
With each step, Ria stares into my eyes, making sure they never waver. "Just know, we used some of the healing waters and restored his body to what it was. This is a sign of good faith."
Good faith? Seriously? She shot my boyfriend in the head, and by removing the damage, that shows good faith?
"Oh, how kind." Dax's tone is low and menacing. He takes a step toward them and scowls. "You shot him, but hiding what you've done is so much appreciated."
"You better watch what you say." She lifts her chin and snarls. "That could be you just as easily."
"Can you stop with the threats?" I'm tired of this song and dance. At least now, she's letting her true colors show. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"We're giving you his body so you can do whatever your world does for him to rest." She motions for Tide to hand Charlie over to Dax. He takes Charlie’s body and holds him close so he doesn’t bobble. I’m glad he’s taking care of Charlie.
Ria continues her little tirade. "But you need to leave with all your little cronies and soon. I will not tolerate you destroying our world." She turns her head and arches an eyebrow at Melody. "And you, I’ll deal with you later."
Melody startles and takes a few steps away from Ria, getting closer to me.
Shit, they're going to punish her. How can they be so cruel, especially to one of their own? I'm so tired of all of these power-hungry, self-absorbed assholes. It ends now. "If you think I'm leaving without the Water Artifact, then you're insane." This jerk is going to get what she deserves, I'll make sure of it.
Her eyes widen, and she pushes her finger into my chest. "You little..."
I lift both hands up and ask for the flames to light my hands once more. It obliges now that I've removed the blanket
