Chapter 27 #2
As a pack, the rabdogs focused on his weapons, their lips peeling back to display not one but two rows of jagged teeth. Their bodies vibrated, every muscle coiled with malice. The air thickened, abuzz with collective aggression.
Think!
“What are you waiting for? Afraid of losing a limb?” Jasher swung the axes, taking another step forward. A single bead of sweat traced the curve of his jaw and dropped from his chin, landing on the smooth foundation under our feet.
I felt it move and splash. Felt every tinge of moisture in every part of my being. Inhaled its salty bouquet and reached for it…
Something seized me. An unseen hand that gripped my ankles and yanked me down, down into the thin sheen of water soaked into the stone.
The world blinked out, swallowed in a rush of darkness.
Then, just as suddenly, I absorbed the droplet and rose.
But I was no longer behind Jasher. I shielded him, facing the pack.
I blinked rapidly. So did the rabdogs. “What—just—happened?” I demanded.
“Looks like it’s your time to shine, princess,” Jasher said, now calm. Amused even. “Do it. Dance within the mist.”
Did he say dance…within mist?
The rabdogs growled at me and advanced.
“How?” I cried and braced for attack. They crouched in unison, preparing to pounce.
“I’ve waited lifetimes for this moment. Do it. Dance,” Jasher commanded, and this time, my body obeyed as if compelled by the cuffs I no longer wore.
My body melted into motion, gliding into an elegant ballet born of visions and dreams I hadn’t known I’d harbored. At first, I swayed with tentative grace, a gentle rocking in time to the tender melody humming in my bones.
The rabdogs watched, mesmerized. Without attacking.
Muscle memory took the wheel, shredding hesitation. My movements deepened into fluid spirals and soft, hypnotic turns that flowed like silk on water.
Kevin, as unhelpful as ever, offered commentary.
You are doing so good at not dying.
Wow! That was almost graceful.
I am very proud and mildly alarmed.
Though the atmosphere quickly dried, I continued to sense the subtle shimmer of unseen moisture, as if the molecules danced with me, pulling and releasing my body in quiet pulses of energy. Guiding me in waves of ethereal grace.
The aggression of my audience gradually sharpened into fear, and the rabdogs backed away as a pack, finally diving out of the cavern. When they vanished, I stilled, and the world tilted, as if the foundation under my feet dissolved. Then I collapsed, all strength abandoning my legs.
Strong arms caught me before I crashed. I could do nothing but sag against Jasher’s chest, movement utterly impossible.
“I did it,” Kevin announced. “You’re welcome.”
“Shut up, Kevin,” we both mumbled.
I snuggled deeper into my Tinman’s chest. Facts bubbled up in my brain, and I spoke them as they came, the words slightly slurred. “Water maidens perform the dance for only two reasons. To please a lover or mesmerize a foe. None can resist the transcending dance.”
“That’s right.” Jasher smoothed a lock of hair from my brow. “I certainly couldn’t. I am enraptured.”
“But it zaps our energy, making us vulnerable to attack.” Which would’ve been good information to have before I performed. But I couldn’t regret it. The rabdogs had fled, no blood had been shed, and we’d circumvented a vision.
“Do not worry. I’ll keep you safe.” Jasher carried me toward the corner. “It’s said that those who observe the dance are forever enthralled.”
He eased me upon the comforter, on my side, and I whimpered when he drew away. To my delight, he paused, deliberated, then stretched out behind me, enfolding me in his wings and warmth. His sultry scent fogged an already fogged mind.
“What do you think?” I mumbled.
“I think…you should sleep.” His breath fanned my nape. “I meant what I said. I’ll let nothing happen to you.”
“But you’re being so sweet to me. I want to stay awake and enjoy it. Tell me something. A secret.”
At first, I thought he would refuse. Then, he softly admitted, “Ian injured my wings while you waited for him at the Ring of Truth. He wanted my name before he fled. Said Malkom demanded it. I was no longer compelled, but I pretended I couldn’t give it. Ian…reacted.”
Aaah. When Jasher confessed he’d done it to himself, he’d referred to Ian. I nuzzled closer to him, offering comfort. “Ian’s crimes against you won’t go unpunished. I swear it. But you are not Ian, Jasher. You are…mine.”
His arms tightened around me. “In the nest, I wanted to take his head. But he already suspected my connection to you, and commanded me to stand down. He’d vowed to kill you as soon as he gained the Ember if I aided you. Took everything in me, but I finally broke his control over me.”
“You did it, and you saved me,” I whispered. “I will forever be grateful.” Trusting him, I let my muscles go slack, until even the ache of vigilance faded.
Darkness carried me away—and broke. I stand upon the mountaintop, wind tearing at me. Smoke burns my lungs.
Below, a battlefield churns in chaos. Above it, monstra wheel in a tightening ring, their attention fixed on a single, suspended figure.
Andrea. Her water-wings beat in flawless rhythm, light and lethal, every movement effortless. But Jasher comes into view, flying among his brethren. Jasher, who didn’t live in Andrea’s life.
I blink and suddenly, it isn’t Andrea in the sky, flapping water wings.
It’s me.
Air thrums around me while power surges through me, steady and certain, leaving no room for fear. The monstra circle closer, teeth bared, hunger sharp in their eyes.
I smile. “Come.” My voice carries farther than it should, echoing across the expanse. “Try.”
The word hasn’t finished echoing when my eyes fly open. In the vision, and in real life.
The dream faded. My pulse hammered. My lungs dragged in oxygen too fast, too shallow. Stone walls, dim light. Jasher slept behind me, his arm locked around my waist, his breath warm against the nape of my neck. Solid. Real.
I let myself sink into him, the last of the vision loosening its grip, no match for his heat, now seeping into me. The cavern was quiet, save for the soft rustle of rainbow wings at the entrance.
One thought lingered, sharp and unanswered, long after my pulse slowed.
The time loop had brought us full circle to pit me against the whole monstra army. Did the Ember expect to drain my strength as it had once drained my mother’s?
Was that to be my end?