I inhaled a long, deep breath. The water was already helping me gather my wits, and watching Zoe Dawn frighten the imbeciles was waking up my senses as well.
I held out my hands and pressed the air at the three men’s faces. Jako swatted at the pressure while Leed and Beck ducked, trying to escape it. As they moved, I shifted the air pressure with them. Then I pushed the air away from them, creating a bubble of no atmosphere around the three. Covyn dropped to her knees and shuffled away as the men each tried to suck in a lungful of air.
Zoe Dawn pushed her fire closer to the men, just as Antoine and the female guard came running toward them. Covyn continued to shuffle on her knees, but she was heading in the wrong direction. The female guard sprinted to her and dragged her back to her feet, just as Antoine yanked Beck out of the void of air, followed by the other two.
“What happened?” Antoine yelled at them, as I twirled the wind around their heads. The shorter man grabbed at his long hair and held it away from his face.
“They have been activated,” Beck shouted back, pushing everyone away from us.
“You already knew the redhead had been activated,” Leed yelled over the roar of my wind, shoving Beck from behind.
I grinned, and Zoe Dawn exchanged a delighted look with me.
Beck shook his head and raced for the ship, grabbing Covyn by the arm, but Zoe Dawn’s flames danced up his legs. I almost laughed as he leapt to one side, then the other and released Covyn when he fell onto his back. From out of nowhere, a short man sprinted full speed at Jako and tackled the larger man to the dirt. They tumbled across the ground, then the tiny man jumped to his feet and kicked Jako in the ribs.
“Randall.” Zoe Dawn breathed his name, relief washing over her face.
Covyn took off at a clumsy run and flew past all the men, not stopping until she reached us. Jako rolled away from Randall, and the rest of their group sprinted toward Beck, who was patting his legs to smother the fire.
Randall raced toward us, with another woman I had never seen before sprinting right behind him.
“Thank you, Randall,” Zoe Dawn said, hugging him tightly. She turned to the woman. “Anna Rain, I am so sorry. I had to save Kia Lynn and I knew you would try to stop me.”
Anna Rain leaned in and embraced Zoe Dawn with her one free arm. “I am just grateful you are all safe. We need to return to the sanctuary now. The other’s machine has broken through the barrier.”
Color drained from Zoe Dawn’s cheeks, but she simply nodded in response. I did not understand who “the others” were, but we did not have time for explanations.
As we turned to leave, the dirt swirled and danced to the side of their ship. I pointed. There was another anaman ship hovering near Beck, with its weapons pointed directly at the group. Antoine and Leed held up their hands and backed away. Beck cursed and rolled toward the bay door of his ship. They fired and barely missed Beck but struck the entryway, leaving a gaping hole.
Jako took one look at the hole and tore off in the opposite direction, with the female guard hot on his heels. They would not be repairing that hole anytime soon.
The ship landed as the other three men ran off as well. A familiar male anaman waved at us from bay door. I squinted at him. It had to be Alex’s father. I recognized him from the day Zoe Dawn stole their device.
“She sent help,” I cried, jumping up and down with joy. I threw my arms around Zoe Dawn and squeezed her. “And you saved us. Thank you, sister. Thank you for never giving up on me.”
“I love you, Kia Lynn,” Zoe Dawn whispered in my ear. “Now let’s get out of this place.”
I wrapped my arm around Covyn’s waist as Alex’s father raced toward us. He scooped Covyn into his arms, and we followed him back to the ship.
Maybe the anamans weren’t so bad after all.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Mother Gaia
ZOE DAWN
“Their machine has broken through the barrier,” Malcolm said, his face large on Jax’s screen. “We need Zoe Dawn and Kia Lynn here to complete the unification. It is only a matter of time before they clear the debris and excavator.”
“We are nearly there,” Jax replied, his fingers flying across the table.
I could not see what he was doing, but I was beyond caring at the moment. Alex’s mother, Adina, had brought us food and drink. She was now using a cylindrical silver device to mend Covyn’s gash and swollen eye, along with her cracked rib. It was fascinating to watch her wounds heal right before my eyes.
Kia Lynn’s head lay in my lap. Her one eye was black and blue but not as swollen as Covyn’s. She had her other eye closed, resting after a long day of little water and food.
“What does he mean when he says unification?” Adina asked. She had turned her focus on me.
I brushed my hands together. “Would you trust me if I said it is something you have to see to believe?”
She stared at me for several long moments, then looked back at Covyn. “This is my daughter we are speaking about,” she whispered as she held the silver object just above Covyn’s eye.
I snapped my fingers. “Adina, this is what I mean.”
She glanced at me, and her eyes widened when they landed on my tiny flame. “How are you doing that?”
I pressed my fingers together and smothered the fire. “It comes from within me. Your daughter is connected to Kia Lynn and me through a higher frequency. I do not understand it, but it stirs deep inside me, and I cannot deny it any longer. We are destined to heal our world.”
Covyn opened her now-healed eye and our gazes met. “She speaks the truth, Adina,” Covyn said and leaned back against the cushion behind her. “Your daughter saved my life with her ice storm. It is like nothing I have seen before.”
Adina’s gaze fluttered over to Jax, and they exchanged a guarded look. They were not convinced, but they would be when we were finally together with Alex.
Scooting closer to me and Kia Lynn, Adina held the cylindrical object near Kia Lynn’s bruised cheek and eye. I felt an energy pulsating from it, like it was magic I had witnessed inside the sanctuary. Adina’s gaze lifted to meet mine, and I saw a realization wash down her face. As living forces of this world, we were capable of emitting a similar energy from the very source that created us, just like the healing object was doing right now.
The sanctuary came into view. Malcolm had lowered the shield. We sank in between two buildings and landed next to the other ship.
Kia Lynn’s eye was healed. I nudged her and her eyes sprang open, then she sat up and looked around.
“We made it,” I said, patting her hand. “Let’s go meet the others.”
Kia Lynn helped Covyn to her feet and the three of us followed Adina, with Jax right behind us. The bay doors opened toward the overgrown vegetation and a crowd of smiling faces. Alex and Dax were front and center.
“Mom,” Alex cried, rushing into Adina’s arms.
Jax moved around us and encircled both women in a tight embrace. He was nearly as big as Malcolm and seemed to crush them with his massive arms.
“We are running out of time,” Malcolm said, stepping through the crowd. He waved at me and Kia Lynn. “We must make our way to the cave fountain.”
Alex unraveled herself from her parents’ arms. I held out my hand for hers, then took Kia Lynn’s as well. Aly and Malcolm led the way, with Dax, Covyn, and Alex’s parents circling us on all sides. I did not know how we were supposed to revive Mother Gaia, but Malcolm’s instructions had not failed me yet.
We gathered inside the cave. A pool of water splashed gently at our feet. Several yards into the pool, a large rock protruded from the surface. Malcolm pointed at it.
“You three must circle the rock. There are handprints embedded in the stone. Once you connect with Mother Gaia, the unification will begin.”
“What does that mean?” Jax said, stepping forward and wrapping his arm protectively around Alex.
Malcolm shook his head. “I am not entirely su
re, but it must happen and soon.”
A scream echoed in the large space. My eyes shot toward Kia Lynn, but she was no longer beside me. I whirled around and watched as Rork dragged my sister from the cave entrance. Completely stunned by what was happening, her arms flailed around her and she kicked frantically, trying to break away from him.
“Kia Lynn!” I shrieked, racing after her.
The ground trembled and a few stones fell from the mouth of the cave. I fell forward, but Dax steadied me, then he tore off after Kia Lynn. Alex was hot on his heels, and I followed right after.
How did he sneak past all the guards? It was all I could think about as my feet pounded against the dirt.
The massive hole from Tatum’s excavator loomed ahead of us, hidden only by tall trees and buildings. The ground shook again, this time so violently I could not stop my fall into the vegetation. I tumbled through flowers and knocked my head against a boulder. Dazed, I shot back up to my feet but had to grab a tree to stop myself from falling again.
“Zoe Dawn, can you see me?” Aly said, her urgent tone slicing through me.
I blinked and nodded as two of her came spiraling into view. “I am fine, Aly.” I brushed her hands away from me just as she snapped into one person. “We have to save Kia Lynn.”
I tore off at a dead run, racing by Malcolm and Alex’s parents, then overtaking Dax and Covyn. Alex was ahead of everyone, closing in on Rork and Kia Lynn. Someone else was with them. They glanced back and I nearly tripped again, right as they disappeared into the tunnel.
Sister Nikita.
Rage thundered through my veins. I pumped my arms harder and flew past Alex. Soon she was next to me again, keeping with my stride. There was something about our abilities that gave us added strength and speed. It was astounding, but my fury was overpowering even that.
The tunnel was dark. I snapped my fingers and threw the flame that emerged farther ahead of us, one after another lighting our way. I could no longer see the others behind us and realized we were on our own to stop Nikita and Rork.
The tunnel dipped downward, and as we hit the curve at the bottom, the earth shook again. Dirt broke away from above, showering us as we ran. An alarm rang in my skull. If we did not turn back soon, we could all be buried in here.
Up ahead, three shadows poured from my latest flame. Kia Lynn was fighting back and slowing them down. I picked up speed, drawing closer. Nikita turned toward me as she held Kia Lynn’s legs together, preventing her from kicking. That was short lived, as I dove at the woman and threw her to the ground. Alex tore past us and ripped Rork away from Kia Lynn.
The earth trembled again. I froze, staring down at Nikita. The only light I had was the flame dancing on the tips of my fingers, which illuminated her icy look of disdain. From behind Rork I saw another figure racing toward us. We did not have time. I pushed Alex and Kia Lynn, and we raced back the way we came.
“You failed again!” Someone yelled at Nikita and Rork.
We did not stop to find out who it was, but I imagined it was the male anaman who had originally abducted my Kia Lynn. As we passed by Dax and Covyn, they turned around to join us, followed by everyone else until we were nearly to the mouth of the tunnel. Then someone tore passed us, skidded to a halt, and turned to block our way.
“Beatle,” Alex squealed, throwing her arms out to stop us.
The girl’s chest rose and fell with deep breaths, staring wild-eyed at all of us. “T-T-Tatum ne-e-eds Kia L-Lynn,” she stuttered as she stomped toward us. Her frame was small, but her energy was overpowering.
I pressed Kia Lynn behind me. “Over my dead body.”
“T-that can b-b-be arranged,” Beatle hissed, curling her hands into fists.
I had no doubt this girl could fight, but we no longer had time to battle it out. The ground quaked and more dirt poured around us, but Beatle did not budge.
“Good girl,” Tatum said, laughing as he neared our group.
We outnumbered them, but I imagined there was an army not far behind him.
“What are you doing, Tatum?” Jax asked, standing in between Tatum and us. “These girls are none of your concern.”
“But that’s not true, and you know it. Doesn’t she look like her?” Tatum stared pointedly at Kia Lynn.
Jax did not turn to look but nodded. “She is my family, not yours. Leave it be.”
I held out my hands for Alex and Kia Lynn to take. They did and we leaned in to one another.
“She will return. You already know that.” Tatum stepped closer and removed his laser firearm from its holster. “And when she does, she will want her by her side.”
The earth shifted below me. My gaze dropped, and I pulled the two girls closer when I noticed the dirt swirling around our feet.
“We have to do this now,” I whispered to them both. I pointed at the building whirlwind. “She is calling to us.”
Kia Lynn and Alex both nodded and reached out for one another to complete the circle. When all our hands connected, a force of energy swept through us, blowing in every direction, then shot deep within the dirt. My feet were rooted to the ground, but as the wind surrounded us and a fire ignited within it, I knew we were safe.
A puddle of water formed at our feet, and a deep sense of peace washed over me as we were pulled downward. I could no longer see anyone but Kia Lynn and Alex. The wind, water, and fire encircled us, invoking a protection far more powerful than any rune could provide.
Then from the earth, she arose in the middle of us, a figure of stunning femininity. I stared at her in dazed silence. She pulsated with a light radiating love and acceptance, and I recognized her, soul to soul. Her light expanded, reaching through and around us.
“You have done well, my beloved daughters.” She breathed the words and they filled the space, echoing all around us.
A spark of intense energy detonated between us and I relaxed into it, our own essences expanding and ebbing and flowing as the ocean’s tides. Light swirled in, out, and all around, filling every cell in my body with Her brightness. Euphoria blossomed from my core and unfolded as we settled back onto our feet and the light dissipated.
My gaze drifted to Kia Lynn, then to Alex. Both women were lit up brightly like the sun, our palms pressed into the rock that rested inside the cave we had been in earlier. The water sparkled as if it were fresh rain, and the cave walls glittered with precious stones and crystals that had not been there earlier.
Mother Gaia had transported us away from the chaos and into the light.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Unification
ALEX
I stretched my arms above my head and grinned at my two new friends. Sisters.
Zoe Dawn’s tattoo shone bright orange against her skin. I tilted my chin and stared at my anaman marking that matched her tattoo. The sky blue sparkled as it flowed down the line.
“Mine is silver again,” Kia Lynn said, holding her trousers above her birthmark.
All three kenaz-shaped markings pulsated as one.
“We always belonged to one another,” Zoe Dawn whispered, tracing her tattoo with her fingers.
My gaze drifted to the large stone and landed on the words etched into it.
“Look here,” I pointed, leaning in closer to read it.
Mother Gaia will call her daughters to bond.
Three unlikely elemental guardians.
Two raised as sisters, unknowing their gifts lie dormant.
The final one appearing from an unknown realm, activating them with her presence.
Their unification will revive Her magnificence to Her higher self.
Creating an evolution of the collective, if they choose to follow.
I gripped the rock and turned to look at Zoe Dawn and Kia Lynn. “Our lives really were foretold.”
“What does it mean, an unknown realm?” Kia Lynn asked, her lips pursing with confusion.
I sighed as joy danced through me. “That is an extremely long story and I am happy to tell
you, but first, how long do you think we were gone?”
Kia Lynn’s green eyes sparkled like emeralds, widening from the realization. “The others. We left them alone with Tatum and Nikita.”
“Mom,” I whispered, but I was not afraid. I knew they were okay.
“After what they just witnessed, I bet the fighting ended.” Zoe Dawn splashed Kia Lynn in the face.
Kia Lynn squealed with delight as she collapsed into the water. Her arm shot up and dragged me down in with her and she giggled when my burst of laughter filled the cave. I drew in a deep breath and dove underneath the water. My eyes opened, and I stared at the white-and-orange sand beneath my hands, forming bubbles and ice beads across the bottom. The view was breathtaking.
I lifted my head slowly and eyed the other two before I leapt to my feet. “We have to go see what is happening outside. If it is this beautiful in here, I can only imagine the healing that is taking place out there.”
We danced from the water, giggling in fits at how drenched we were. When we emerged from the cave, sunlight was filtering around the tall red mountains. We had been gone the entire night.
Our gazes met and we burst into laughter again. The air tickled my throat, and I shot a glance at Kia Lynn.
She shrugged with a grin. “I can’t help it.”
It seemed our elemental abilities had dissipated, but there was a residual affect that I hoped stayed with us forever. We were connected to the soul of our planet, which meant more to me than anything else.
“They are over here!” someone shouted.
I saw a figure near the butterfly refuge, pointing at us. Then several more figures emerged, running toward us. The first one was Dax, with Mom and Dad right behind him. Suddenly we were surrounded by dozens of anamans and humans alike. Mom threw her arms around me and crushed me with a squeeze so hard it nearly took my breath away.
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