‘What is?’
‘Only that the first time I found the Eye, touching it felt like being struck by lightning,’ I muse. ‘Except this time – nothing. It’s just as cold as when I threw it into the portal.’
‘What?’ Fox asks sharply.
I glance up at him, startled by the edge to his tone. ‘When I touched it before, it was incredible butagonizingtoo. I remember seeing stars. I thought I might die from the pain. I could feel the power racing through me, as if it were in my blood.’
‘You’ve never mentioned that until now.’
‘Didn’t I?’ I arch a brow and take another swig from my cup. ‘Well, it makes a nice change – knowing something you don’t.’
Fox jerks his chin towards the Eye. ‘Can I see that a moment?’
I shrug and pull the chain over my head. As I drop it into his palm, I attempt to translate his curious expression.
‘I know!’ Flint announces. ‘Why doesn’t Blaze give us a show?’
I turn to him. ‘What d’you mean, ashow?’
‘Oh yes,’ says Spinner. ‘Let’s see what the Eye can do, Blaze.’
‘I don’t actually know how touseit yet,’ I admit. ‘Returning Elva’s gifts was an accident.’
‘What about the third trial, when you summoned that storm?’ Flint asks.
‘I suppose I just sort of … willed it to happen. I asked for my power to be returned to me and it was, though that power was already mine to begin with. It’s complicated. I’ve still got a lot to learn. Fox says it took him years to figure out the complexities of Sifa’s Eye.’
‘Oh, come on, Blaze. What’ve you got to lose?’
I sigh and scramble to my feet. ‘If I agree to try, will you stop pestering me?’
Flint nods sagely. Spinner leans forward eagerly, but Sheen’s gaze is fixed on Fox, who tosses me back the Eye.
‘Here.’
I catch it, wobbling slightly, my reflexes somewhat clouded by liquor. Furrowing my brow, I begin to concentrate.
A whole minute passes. Then another.
‘Are we sure it still works?’ Spinner whispers loudly.
Flint shushes her.
At that moment the bonfire suddenly glows bright blue, the flames leaping higher and higher, spitting out sparks that glitter like sapphires.
Flint lets out a whoop while Spinner bursts into raucous applause. Even Sheen raises his cup in approval. I blink several times and the enchantment comes to an end. I stare at the carpet of powdery blue ash round my feet and feel my face split into a triumphant smile, but it fades abruptly the moment I catch sight of Fox’s expression.
‘What?’ I ask. Then, more defensively, ‘Not impressive enough for you?’
‘It’s not that.’
‘Then what is it?’
The others have turned to stare at him too.
He fights to keep his voice neutral. ‘A … complication.’
Flint frowns. ‘Spit it out, Earth Cleaver. What’s the problem?’
