Aelin narrowed her eyes, cocking her head at the jar.
"You ready?" She asked Feyre, who nodded.
She took a deep breath. The others had gone back inside, where there was no chance they could be harmed with... whatever they were going to do.
On her exhale, she released a burst of fire from her palms. It showered the jar in flames, and, on cue, that magnificent phoenix rose from the lid, cresting with an earth-shattering cry.
Aelin's palms glowed with red power, fire licking it way up her arms. "I'll go first," she said to Feyre. She nodded, taking a step back.
Aelin lifted her chin. "Lets do this," she growled.
The phoenix looked her directly in the eye, before flapping its great wings and diving straight towards her. Feyre shouted, but not before the phoenix, as big as a horse, crashed straight into Aelin's chest.
She gasped, clutching her chest as fire exploded in her lungs, burning her windpipe, scorching her throat. Her vison burned with the stuff, her mouth opening as fire spewed from it in a tidal wave.
You have to be able to control yourself, Your Majesty, even when you feel out of control.
A burnout was close; she never knew they could come so quickly.
To pass, you must tame fire that is not your own. Let it shrink, but not die out.
She couldn't stop it. Fire burst from her feet, lifting her off the ground. She was spread in a starfish position, fire flying from her hands, feet, mouth, ears and mouth. She couldn't see anything; only scorching, never-ending flame.
Just breathe.
She took a deep breath, inhaling smoke and ash and embers. She choked, molten lava cascading from her throat.
Breathe.
She closed her eyes, blocking out the whirling colors. She focused on her breaths, making sure to imagine her flame turning to ice, freezing over and cooling the inner fire. She imagined a hand wrapped in ice and snow grabbing onto her core of inferno, smothering it until it was a mere flicker of flame.
Her toes touched the ground as her turbulent fire slowed, the heat flowing through her veins lessening. She blinked open her eyes, and found Feyre gaping at her, a nearly invisible shield protecting her. Scorch marks marred the ground, embers littering the stones. A single, solitary flicker of flame danced in her open palm.
Well done, heir of fire. You have passed.
YOU ARE READING
A Court of Smoke and Moonlight
Fanfiction~THIRD BOOK IN MY TOG/ACOTAR SERIES~ Feyre and Aelin return to Prythian for one final battle; against the Valg king, Mantyx. Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar had helped them find a weapon, vital in their fight. Now, they must utilise what has been giv...
