The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

“Thanks for sharing,” Emil said. “Let go of the root and
reach for Kieran.”
There was a soft grunt, and then Kieran cursed. “I can’t
reach him,” she gasped out.
“Try again.” Emil shifted as if he were trying to position
himself to grab her one hand with both of his, which would
enable him to pull her up on his own, but I could sense his
fear and worry.
My heart lurched. I could totally understand Vonetta’s
hesitation. I shifted restlessly, hands opening and closing at
my sides.
Casteel folded an arm around me from behind. He
squeezed. “She’s going to be fine. They’ve got her.”
I nodded as I glanced to where Delano was looking at
the floor once more. His concern tripled, and I had a feeling
the section near him wouldn’t remain much longer.
Frustration rose within me. What good were my gifts right
now? I could harness the eather to ease pain, to heal, and to
harm. Why couldn’t I use it now, when help was so
desperately needed?
Why couldn’t I? Better yet, who said I couldn’t?
Another crack sent a jolt of fear through me as pieces of
the tunnel under Emil began to break. Casteel cursed. If the
section went, not only would we lose them, we’d be unable
to return.
I had to do something.
I had to try.
Forcing myself to calm enough to focus on the image I
was building in my mind. I closed my eyes, pouring all good
thoughts into what I was creating. I didn’t want the eather
to harm. My chest hummed as I saw the webbing of
shimmery light seeping over the floor. I pictured it slipping
into the hole and surrounding Vonetta. I saw it lifting her—
Vonetta gasped. My eyes flew open. A silvery glow crept
along the walls of the cavern. Kieran pitched forward,
reaching into the tear as strings of light lifted Vonetta. He