Awakening (Book One of the Eklektos Series)

Chapter Twenty Three

The sun rushed in through the open window and danced across polished wooden floors. Kali stretched, easing the tension out of her muscles slowly. She was starting to get used to sleeping on the sofa, but it wasn't as comfortable as she would like. Then again, the sofa wasn't to blame for her restless night.

Her mind was buzzing. No matter what she did, she couldn't switch it off. When she woke, nausea settled deep in her chest, refusing to give any quarter. Like a bubble that refused to burst, rising up in the back of her throat. Too many thoughts stampeding through her mind. It was too much to keep track of. So full that it was empty.

Over the wordless clamouring, she recalled that it was her birthday. Biting her lip, she impulsively glanced over to the drawer she had stuffed her mobile phone in. She had staved off the urge to check it every day since arriving in Camelot. Some days were easier than others.

Turning her back, she hovered at her bedroom door. Hesitated, her hand an inch from the door handle. With shoulders tensed, she darted inside and grabbed an armful of clothes from the drawers. Whatever was in reach would do. She was in and out within seconds, but her skin still crawled. Flinging the clothes onto the sofa, she threw herself into the shower without stopping to undress.

When the prickling sensation across her skin finally abated, Kali peeled herself out of the soaking clothes and busied herself with her things. The sunlight was a pale wintry yellow, peeking through the skylight. She followed the trails of glittering dust particles when she ran out of things to do before it became too much. Just one look, she told herself. It didn't matter. Either way, it didn't matter.

When she turned it on, Kali wished that the battery had died. She hoped that something would interrupt her. But it was still early enough that the only sound that could be heard in Camelot was birdsong. Groaning at her lack of control, Kali waited for the messages to update. She watched, chewing on her bottom lip.

Nothing. Part of her argued that it was still early. It had only been her birthday for a few short hours. But still her heart plummeted; the truth weighed heavily on her, constricting her chest with an iron band. She sighed wearily, muttering "Why would this year be any different?"

Tossing the phone onto the table, Kali strode out of the room. Without completely making up her mind, she wandered through the camp. Her feet took her to the Colosseum. Sunday was the only day the demigods got a lie in, and the arena was empty.

As soon as she stepped into the arena, the cool grass giving way to coarse grit, Kali realised she had forgotten shoes. She looked down at her bare feet, curling her toes around the layer of sand and dirt. She would regret it later, she was certain, but it was too late to do anything about it.

Kali closed her eyes as she walked forwards and focused on feeling the dirt beneath her. Feeling its pulse through the soles of her feet. A gentle, albeit chilly, breeze swept around her. Kali felt a smile come to her as she heard the tinkling tune it brought. Like laughter, in the form of a wind chime.

As the breeze swirled and dances, Kali moved with it, tracing its currents. Her direct contact with the earth beneath kept her grounded, and helped her remember her breathing. Following the wind, Kali started to go through the drills she had practised with Tom and Sage. It was demanding to concentrate so fully on her movements, but her mind was blissfully quiet.

While Kali focused, the god of war marched slowly over to the Colosseum. He always knew the moment she stepped into his territory. Her blood sang to him. Instead of approaching her, he sat casually in the stands to watch her train. She seemed not to notice him; he had never seen her smile the way she did as she danced with the wind. He recognised the forms as she practiced, but she never moved with such grace and poise in classes.