Emberlight

15. The Agreement

Feya

Martel lobbed another Perl at Feya. When the magic burst across her shield, it felt different than ice or fire. Instead, a water balloon of dread burst over her skin, drenching her with fatigue and hopelessness. She supposed that was what Martel was focusing on. Dread as usual.

She didn't need Martel's help to feel hopeless today. She had Oliana scrutinising her from the corner of the room with her trademark stern look on her face, the cogs of her 'plan' whirling behind her colourless eyes. Once Martel flicked the last Perl of pessimism at her, and Feya refused to crumble into a heap of sorrow, their leader rose to her feet.

"I want to speak to Feya alone."

For the first time, Martel looked concerned. "Listen here. Give the girl more time."

"There isn't more time, Simmons. Now, are you going to leave on your own accord, or must I help you?"

Martel flicked his hand and the door shot open. With one last frown, he left Feya's side. At least he tried. Did that count as trying?

"You can ignore Martel. He's a man still cornered by his past," Oliana said, scrunching her hand into a fist. One glow later, a Perl danced between her long fingers. She scratched the bead of magic against the table, leaving a glowing trail atop the table.

Feya stepped closer, pretending to examine the image as it came together when really her mind was alive with worry. She hoped Kelsey's excursion last night wouldn't be brought up, or Tristan's magical status. She had almost forgot to worry about herself until Oliana began to talk.

"You're going to play a pivotal role in a spell crucial to our survival, Miss Dawson. Your shield is powerful, but young. With the help of an energy channelling spell, you'll be the protector of the weak."

"Really?" Feya asked, feeling a small sense of pride followed by a heap of nerves. "But your barrier—"

"Will pale in comparison to yours. Mine is a thin veil, easily broken. We feed it Perls daily, and still it grows hungry. When the Bloodwitches want us, they won't need to knock politely."

Oliana circled the five-sided star so that a pentagram glowed like a fire breaking through from under the surface.

"The only two things that hold magic are the elements and blood," Oliana explained as they gazed at the burning symbol. "Sigils alone hold no magic. They can be carved or drawn with chalk or Perls. They can be created through the positioning of other Embers, or through a strong visualizer. It's us who has the power. Symbols channel our energy and communicate that power to others."

Oliana tapped her long nail at the centre of the pentagram. "This is where you'll stand, right in front of the Bellona of Emberlight fountain. I'll have Finn remove the statue immediately." She stroked each of the lines that made up the star. "Here's where our weaker Embers will align. They'll feed their energy to you, and in turn you will maintain your shield around them."

Oliana finally ran her finger around the circle and the trail of light ceased. "It's the first step of many to come, and I believe you are capable."

The pattern remained on Feya's retina as she gazed at the table. Stand in a fountain. Cast shield. Save lives. It sounded so simple. But only last month, magic was something that happened to other people, and she had only just learned to control it. It felt too soon.

"How many Embers will depend on me?" she asked.

"A hundred for now. Your gift could eventually save thousands if all goes to plan. Many Embers are on the run, but if we can protect them, we can unite."