Successor

  She gives me a resigned smile. “Okay.”

  ****

  “You are looking well.”

  I sit down across from Maemon in the council garden. We’re alone, the other elders off who knows where.

  “None the worse for wear,” I reply. My neck is bruised, as is my ribcage, along with a smattering of other bruises and cuts on my arms, shoulders, and legs. I look like hell but I’m alive, so I can’t complain too much.

  She smiles. “And your friend? I trust she is feeling better.”

  “She is. She should be strong enough to go through the rift.”

  Her brows draw together. “Do you still intend to leave today?”

  After getting patched up last night and making sure Kirahl could handle the rest of the injured scouts and sentries, Ren and I had gone to the elders to debrief them. When I explained I unknowingly had the Nexus Key in my possession, they suspected that was why the redirection finally went through—the key acted as a beacon for the Link, guiding it to me when Taustin had the Sahasrara Orb destroyed. He was ultimately the cause of his own demise.

  “Yes,” I say. “I want to let Leila rest a little longer before we go.”

  “I imagine you are waiting for the scouting party to return, as well.” Her eyes flicker, a knowing gleam.

  She is not wrong, the Link whispers, goading me.

  Shut up. I resist the urge to roll my eyes, and I swear the Link laughs.

  “Any word from them?”

  “The area has been cleared and secured. Once they finish patrolling the borderlines, they will return.”

  I hesitate a moment. “Do you think they’ll find her?”

  Maemon sighs, looking tired. “It is difficult to say, but we need to make every effort. Since both Taustin and Lasula are dead, Ryka is the most likely person who knows the location of the other keys.”

  “What will you do with them if you find them?”

  “We will send emissaries to return them to the elementals.”

  My mind churns with last night’s revelations, the things the elders kept from me. I understand their reasons, I do. But it doesn’t change how hurtful those lies were. Or how angry I still am.

  “I wish you had trusted me enough to tell me,” I say, my voice quiet. “Lasula and Ryka, what Taustin really wanted with the Nexus Key.” I search her face. “I would’ve been able to handle it.”

  Her lips press together, her expression turning apologetic. “Taustin was quite persuasive when he wanted to be. We were not certain you would see past his reasoning to the consequences of his goals.” She blinks, lifting her brows. “As for Lasula and Ryka, we did not want to instill prejudice in you against them. Taustin was exiled when they were children. It would have been arbitrary to associate them with his choices. It came as a shock when they chose to side with him in the end.”

  My brows lift and I give her a droll look. “You do realize that’s exactly what you did with me, right?”

  Maemon nods, looking contrite. “I do. For that, I sincerely apologize. You have more than proven your loyalty to this clan. And given what we now know about Sianne’s disappearance, we understand and respect her choice. The Laraek will be forever grateful for her sacrifices.” She gives me a pointed look. “If not for them, you would not be here, and we would still be enduring Taustin’s wrath. So on behalf of the Laraek, I thank you for all you have done.”

  My chest lightens at her words, my discontent subsiding. I give her a small smile and a nod.

  She lifts her brows. “How are you adjusting?”

  A half laugh comes out. “It’s interesting. I thought having the Link in my head would make me feel like I’m going crazy. But it’s been pretty easy so far. It’s…natural.”

  The elders were impressed I was able to harness my abilities so soon after becoming an elemental, especially being able to reverse time. Maemon had commented that something truly horrific must have happened for me to choose, and succeed, returning to the past. I gave a simple answer, saying I needed to fix things. I couldn’t tell them about Ren, not with him standing right next to me. I could tell Maemon was suspicious, but she didn’t push on it.

  Her smile grows. “Sianne said something very similar when her assimilation completed. I am glad to see it suits you, as well.” Her smile disappears and she looks curious. “Based on various accounts of last night’s ordeal, your use of your ability was quite effective. I have spoken with a number of elementals in the past, and they all claimed their control was strongest when they engaged their emotions. I do not mean to be intrusive, but since you have descended from two planes, I am curious to know if your experience was the same.”

  I stare at her before I blink and look at my hands in my lap. “It was.”

  She sits in silence, and I know she’s waiting for me to elaborate. I debate whether or not to tell her the one thing I’m trying not to think about.

  The burden does not have to be yours alone to bear. Leave it to the Link to become my new voice of reason.

  A deep breath. “It was anger. And grief.” I swallow and look up. “Grief made me return.”

  Her brows draw together. “Who?”

  My mouth opens but I hesitate, closing it again. She waits, patient as always, until I say, “Tavahni and Leksoi.” When she remains silent, I bite my lip when the backs of my eyes start to burn. I pull in an uneasy breath. “And Ren.”

  She nods, quiet and thoughtful, as if she suspected as much. “We form bonds in many ways throughout our lives, be they friend or family. A bonder’s connection with a Link, for instance, is considered one of the strongest known to our people. I cannot speak from personal experience, but I am certain you will agree it is a bond like no other.”

  I nod because she’s right.

  “However, the strength of that connection pales in comparison to one between two people who care deeply for each other—no matter what form it takes.”

  The corners of my mouth turn up, and after a moment of contemplation, I say, “The Link claims the mind…the heart belongs to the rest.”

  She smiles in return. “Indeed.”

  Not sure how to say what I need to, I rest my hands on the table in front of me and go for it. “Look, I know we haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. This has been a stressful time for everybody. I don’t want you to believe I harbor you any ill will. I’m not leaving out of anger, and it’s not my intention to cause the clan hardship in any way.” I shake my head, drawing my brows together. “The Laraek people are a part of me, and leaving means I leave a part of myself behind.”

  She reaches across the table and places her hand over mine. “You also take a part of us with you.”

  I turn my hand over and grasp hers. My fingertips push her thin skin into soft folds. “Thank you for everything.”

  She smiles, nods, and we separate.

  “I better go.” I stand.

  “Scouts will escort you to your arrival site when you are ready. Safe journey.”

  I nod and weave my way out of the garden for the last time.

  ****

  Leila is taking a small dish from Kirahl when I walk into the healing lodge.

  She spots me. “Hey,” she says and drinks from the bowl.

  “Last dose?”

  “Doctor’s orders.” She smiles and hands the bowl back to Kirahl. “At least it tastes better than some of the stuff back home.”

  “She’s good at what she does.” I quirk a brow at Kirahl when she looks at me. “A little too good.”

  Her brows pull up and in, questioning me.

  “I’m still not happy with you, you know.”

  She gives me a patient, knowing smile. “You did not expect he would sit by while you were at risk, did you?”

  I scoff. “Of course not. I’d hoped you wouldn’t encourage him, though. What did you give him, anyway? When I left, he could barely sit up.”

  Her smile becomes a grin. “You have your abilities. I have mine.”

  I laugh. “Fair eno
ugh.” I glance at Leila, who’s picking apart sections of a citrus fruit. “Thank you for taking care of her. I don’t want to think about what shape she’d be in if it wasn’t for you.”

  She places her hand fondly on the back of Leila’s neck, who looks at her and smiles. “It has been my privilege. The time spent with her has been…interesting.”

  “I can imagine what you’d think if you could understand half of what she says.”

  She laughs and pulls her hand away. “I will miss her company”—she looks to me, her expression earnest—“and yours.”

  My heart clenches a little. I don’t think she’ll ever realize how grateful I am to her. This woman has been an anchor for me. She listened, offered advice, and took care of me when I needed it. For the first time in my life, I’ve gotten a taste of what it’s like to have a mother.

  Footsteps come through the entrance behind me, and my heart jumps in hope. A pang of disappointment hits my chest when Kais comes in.

  “The scouts are ready when you are.”

  My stomach flips. It’s time to go home. “That was fast. The party’s back from patrolling already?”

  “Most. A few are still pursuing Ryka. It is likely she has not strayed far from the boundary line.”

  My heart falls—Ren is one of them. It would be like him to continue looking for her. Always one to make sure things are done right, even if it means doing them himself.

  I’m not sure what my expression is, but Kais’ brows draw together when I don’t respond.

  “Do you wish to wait for their return?”

  I clear my throat and shake my head. “No. Not necessary.” Disappointment weighs on my chest. Waiting will make things worse, and I’m not ready to say goodbye to him. I wouldn’t know what to say, anyway.

  Yes, it’s better this way. For both of us.

  Do you truly believe that?

  I have to.

  I turn to Leila and try to smile. “You ready?” My voice is higher than usual.

  Her eyes widen. “Time to go?”

  “Time to go.”

  She stands, and I go to put her arm around the back of my neck, but Kais’ hand on my elbow stops me.

  “Allow me.” He wraps Leila’s arm around his while Kirahl takes the other. They both give me encouraging smiles, and the weight on my chest lightens a little. With a last glance around the healing lodge, I lead the way out and head down the path toward the center. When we reach the open end, I stop dead in my tracks.

  The entire clan fills the center, and everyone is looking at me. I stand there with my mouth hanging a little, and fingertips touch my arm from behind. I start forward again with slow steps. The elders are standing at the front of the crowd.

  “I wasn’t expecting this,” I say, looking at everyone in bewilderment.

  Maemon smiles. “The Laraek were not able to bid farewell to Sianne. We did not want to miss the opportunity this time.”

  My throat tightens. “I’m sorry you’ll be without an elemental. Again.”

  Cettol, the old man, responds, “The Laraek have survived without one since before your time. Now that Taustin is no longer a threat, thanks to you, we will find a semblance of peace once again. Your absence will be felt, but we will continue to endure as we always have.”

  The clan is watching me, and I know I should say something. I think for a moment and manage a sad smile.

  “You all have given me something I never expected to find.” I talk loud enough for my voice to reach everyone. “A place where I feel like I belong. You didn’t know anything about me, and still you showed me great generosity and hospitality. I want to thank you for all you’ve done, for me as well as my friend. Neither of us will ever forget it. Or the Laraek.” I think back to my earlier conversation with Maemon and realize what she said is true. I place my fist over my heart. “I leave part of myself with you—but I also take you with me.”

  They’re all silent, no one moving. Then to my left, a hand lifts. An old man, touching his fingertips to his forehead, then his sternum before making a circle in the air in front of him. When he finishes, he lays his hand flat against his chest and bows his head. A few seconds later, someone a little farther down repeats the motion, and before I know it, the entire clan makes the gesture. I look to Maemon.

  “We carry you in our hearts, always.”

  My throat tightens again and there’s moisture at my lashes. Everybody lifts their heads, and I can only nod before turning to lead the way past them.

  When we reach the edge of the center, Zaeza, Gilahn, Tavahni, and Leksoi all wait at the main path. My steps slow as I reach them, and without a word, Tavahni and Leksoi start down the path ahead of me while Zaeza and Gilahn wait for the four of us to pass.

  Our steps are unhurried as we make our way through the forest toward the lake, keeping an easy pace for Leila. I could’ve opened a rift in the village and still reached home, but if I want to get us back to the field we left from and not clear across town, we need to return through the same spot we arrived at. The trek may be tiring for Leila, but I’m glad to have a little more time before I leave this place behind.

  We reach the lake before long, the sun glinting off its surface. I walk to the edge and look out, taking in the beauty of it for the last time. Contentment falls over me, just as when I first saw it, but now there’s a bittersweet edge. This was my mother’s spot, the place she went to for peace and clarity. In a way, it represents who she was, not just what she could do.

  Longing stems from the back of my mind, filling my chest and making my heart clench.

  You’ve missed this place, haven’t you? I ask the Link.

  The longing turns sad, almost forlorn. We both did, the Link responds.

  I sigh. It’s too bad she never saw it again.

  The sadness dissipates a bit. In her last moments, she did.

  I don’t know if there’s life after death. I can’t say I feel one way or another about it. But standing here after all I’ve experienced, and with the Link’s feelings emanating within me, I can’t help but feel, for the first time, my mother is with me. Coming here has given me a piece of her to keep, and for that I will be forever grateful.

  Leila’s hand wraps around my arm. She stares out at the lake, her lips parted in awe. “I was wondering what this looks like during the day.”

  I gaze out over the water. “Amazing, isn’t it?”

  “Sort of reminds me of the lake at my grandparents’ cottage. This is way prettier, though.” She gives my arm a squeeze. “We’ll have to go visit sometime.”

  We continue along the lake’s edge until we reach the curve at the end and head into the woods. We reach the alcove, and I stop to look at the marred trunks of the trees surrounding us. They all bear nearly identical burns, each a little different from the last. As a whole, I can picture the lightning strike as it followed me and Leila through the rift. A sign of my arrival, forever marking this world.

  I turn back to the others, all wearing sad smiles. Leila gestures to Kais, signing her thanks to him. He reciprocates the gesture, placing a hand on her shoulder. She and Kirahl do the same.

  My chest tightens as I stand in front of the healer. Without caring whether or not I should, I wrap my arms around her. She hugs me back.

  “Thank you,” I say. “Thank you for everything.”

  We separate. Her eyes crinkle at the corners. “It has been an honor.”

  I glance down, opening and closing my mouth a few times before I can get the words out. “Can…can you tell him…?” My throat tightens, and I can’t finish the words.

  She lays a hand on my arm, quieting me. “I will make certain of it.”

  I give her a grateful smile and look to the others. They all nod their farewells, looking resigned. With a fortifying breath, I take Leila’s arm and help her to the center of the alcove, putting enough distance between us and the others so they don’t get pulled through the rift.

  Leila takes a breath and eyes me, uncertain. “
You sure you know what you’re doing?”

  I hold my hand up for her to take. She grabs it, her thumb hooking with mine and her fingers wrapping around the back of my hand. We do the same with our other hands, and I give her a reassuring squeeze. “I got this.”

  She blows out a deep breath and nods.

  My eyes close and I bow my head, allowing the Link to take over my mind. I picture home, the abandoned barn and field, my father’s face. Heat stirs in my stomach, spreading up into my chest and out to my limbs. The heat turns to pressure, and everything tightens as silence falls over us, leaving a faint ringing in my ears. Time slows around me, and a white shimmer seeps in at the edges of my closed eyes. The rift is open, and I wait to be pulled through.

  Leila’s faint voice calls my name. My eyes open and I look at her, the world around us turning brighter and brighter by the moment. She’s staring back toward the others, and I follow her gaze. If I could breathe, the air would stall in my chest.

  Pushing past Gilahn and Tavahni, Ren stops short next to Kirahl, his chest heaving and sweat coating his brow. His gaze captures mine for the briefest moment, his mouth moving. I think he says my name, but I can’t hear it. The pressure in my chest intensifies as the brightness engulfs me, turning everything white. And then he’s gone.

  Everything suspends in the air, like I’m weightless and time has no meaning. In the next instant, the world slams into me with deafening clarity. Cold wetness pelts my skin, and the dark of night envelopes me. Leila stands across from me, our hands still joined, and we gasp as the pressure leaves our bodies.

  We’re in the field surrounding the abandoned barn, the storm raging around us. We stare at each other for a stunned moment.

  We’re back.

  We give each other huge smiles, letting out laughs of disbelief. As if suddenly realizing we’re getting drenched, we race toward the shelter of the barn. The inside is dark and eerily quiet, the party over and the police long gone.

  We catch our breaths and look at each other, our faces glistening as water trails down from our hair. Leila’s eyes are wide with disbelief.

  “We made it.” Her voice shakes a little and she smiles. “We’re home.”