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“The Goddesses created the first woman in their image, who then gave birth to the human race. I believe that they’ve gifted a select few of us even more than their images. We have the ability to create as they do. Not on a cosmic scale, but a smaller one.”
“For what purpose?” I ask.
“To see what we would do with that kind of power. I’ve heard some speculate that we are Ebanarra’s creations, but I think we were made by Tasminya.”
“The chaotic Goddess. Why?”
“Doesn’t it just feel right? Like she wanted to spice up the world with more flavors? With magic? Just to see what would happen.”
My whole life, I’ve only ever wanted to have control over everything. What I say and do. How people react to what I say and do. I always thought I must take after Ebanarra. But Serutha’s words make far more sense.
Maybe there is no other purpose than to just live our best with the time and gifts given to us.
“Is there anyone else like us living here?” I ask. I want to meet more. I want to know what else the magic users of this world can do.
“Yes, but I will let them reveal themselves to you when and if they are ready. Just as I will keep your identity secret and hope that you will do the same with mine.”
“Of course.”
“Good. I will leave you alone with your man now. I’ve done my part. I don’t know when he will wake. Healing is exhausting,and the body needs time to recuperate. Don’t force him awake before he’s ready.”
“I understand. Thank you again.”
She nods before disappearing.
The rest of the hospital is mostly empty. I spot one woman sleeping on a cot in a corner, but she looks to be another caretaker, sneaking in a much needed nap, rather than a patient. It would seem that Serutha makes quick work of anyone who comes through the infirmary.
I don’t want to risk waking Kellyn since Serutha warned against it, so I don’t say anything. I hold his hand, stroke his fingers, let my fingers brush back his hair.
I really am fond of this brute.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
When the hour grows late, I return to my sister’s room.
Temra is not ready for bed but, rather, she stands in the middle of the chamber with a shortsword that isn’t Midnight held in her left hand. I carefully dart around her and settle myself on the bed while I watch her go through fighting stances.
“It’s weighted,” she says before I can ask. “I’m learning to train with my less dominant hand, as well as up my endurance levels.”
“Clever,” I say.
She spins and thrusts, practicing drills that someone taught her in secret. She knew I would never approve of her training to be a soldier, so she did it without my knowledge or permission. I’ve come to terms with it, mostly.
A light sweat breaks across her brow after a few minutes, and I watch in silence. She’s so determined. So fierce. Though I’m sure she practices like this daily, I can tell tonight’s exercise is because of a certain boy and his lies.
When she’s tired herself out a bit, I say, “You should forgive him.”
“I will not.”
“Temra, he saved you when I could not.”
“He prevented me from saving you when Icould have.”
“It’s all right. I got out. I saved myself.”
I saved myself.
The words rise so effortlessly, yet I’m startled by them. Kellyn was right, damn him.
