Behind My Shadow - Book Three

13. Wind In My Hair, I Was There

I am shaking, freezing cold, and struggling to force more power out of the magic burning in my veins.

Gotta...summon...two...more...elements!

My teeth are clattering but I force myself to focus on spirit and stagger up to my feet. I lower my arms slightly to hold my hands out to the crowd and squeeze my eyes shut, feeling the tempest worthy wind lash my wet, whip-like hair across my face.

With a sudden burst of strength, I summon spirit to me and I can feel it radiating from the people. I can't read their minds -I'm too weak for that- but I dig deep into their soul energy and am able to draw their colored auras out into plain sight.

My eyes fly open as everyone gasps. Whoa! I'm stunned too. Their colored spirits are hovering over their heads like neon, fuzzy lights.

Incredible! And really gorgeous. I quickly take in everyone's colors and, as I thought, the Queen of Hearts' is red, she's a crimson caster. A crimson aura is typically only reserved for dark people with evil in their spirits. Typically. I mean, Vyndren is a crimson caster and I wouldn't say he is hopelessly evil.

I smile as the audience starts cheering again. They too may be soaked to the bone and freezing cold while being caught in the middle of this elemental storm, but at least they are still enjoying themselves, I think with relief.

I somehow hold onto their auras and now bow my head as I struggle to summon my last element.

The sun.

I've never done this before! How am I going to even begin to manage all of this?!

I hoarsely cry out with effort as I force my magic to reach beyond the distance and now I scream with pain as the magic in my blood abruptly ignites as if my veins have suddenly been caught on fire.

I've never summoned so much magic before!

I'm forced back down to my knees as the pain and the strain of such a feat nearly cripples me. Thanks to my second Labor, I'm able to keep my scream of agony in my chest as I pour more power into my last element.

I throw my head back with a silent cry as I force my arms up one last time.

Everyone suddenly gasps with shock and enchantment and now I can feel the warmth of the sun washing over me.

I struggle to open my eyes, my entire body is trembling so violently, everything is blurry as I helplessly shake. But now my heart is soaring as I watch the sun fill the entire sky.

It washes the darkness away as it steadily rises. Its light pours through the towering wave and casts an ethereal glow of turquoise light over the entire island.

I shakily cry from the endeavor as I force the sun to rise just a little higher...

It suddenly slides behind the moon and an ephemeral veil of darkness is cast over everyone.

"The eclipse!" Everyone starts exclaiming with awe.

I force myself up to my unsteady feet once more, every movement sends an electrifying bolt of pain stabbing across my entire body but I want to be standing for this moment.

Suddenly the entire island begins quaking violently, everyone is abruptly thrown off their feet as what feels like the entire world is rocked.

It ends momentarily and I breathlessly collapse, weakly releasing my command over the elements with a shaky smile as I watch the fire, earth, water and wind return to their natural states and everyone's aura melts back into their chests. The sun rapidly slides back down and disappears into the heart of the ocean as the enormous wave falls back down into the sea.

A monstruous spray showers everyone as nightfall settles for the second time tonight.

There is a moment of anxious silence, everyone seems nearly too afraid to even move before the Judge staggers up to her feet and loudly announces, "our Promised has completed her third Labor!"

I knew it! My heavy eyes slide close with exhausted. I did it!

The audience erupts in boisterous applause, cheering and chanting my name.

"Congratulations, Promised Adara!" The Judge calls.

I weakly lift my hand to wave at the crowd. I am absolutely exhausted to my core but nevertheless, the feeling of pride and accomplishment has never felt stronger coursing through my bloodstream.

Another Labor successfully conquered!

Now me and the six elements are one. It'll never be this hard to something any or all of them ever again. I almost can't believe it.

"Congratulations, Adara, my dear!" Dad carefully helps me sit up. "You were absolutely revolutionary!"

"Well done, Adara!" Quill takes my hand to help me to my feet. I sway a little bit but manage a broad grin for the crowd and a hearty wave. "How are you feeling, love?"

"Honestly," I wearily chuckle. "I think I'm gonna ghost the afterparty. I'm kinda dead on my feet." I glance at the White Knight. "That is, if you think that'd be okay."

Dad smiles faintly and shakes his head. "My dear, you have done more than enough tonight." He takes my hand to kiss. "Well done, my dear. Well done. I am so proud of you."

I smile with pleasure, my heart feels like it's bursting with pride.

I can't believe I somehow managed to do it again!

My third Labor is officially done.