Emerald in Between: The Sezna Seer Series, #3

By Kiersten Lillis

Is a glimpse of the future a gift…or more dangerous than ignorance?

 

Home is supposed to be a haven. But for Talullah Bridgestone, the opportunity to safely grieve her losses is short-lived. A prophetic vision suggests the unthinkable: the sorceress Renevelda will return. And Talullah's home will burn.

 

Convinced her emerald's power can direct the future, Talullah consults her great-great grandmother's cryptic journal on a quest to find it. The clues lead her to the Between, a mystical realm where Potential futures become reality, if only for a while. 

 

Previewing the future could have dire consequences for an untrained Seer. But, the Between's Guardian will only give up the emerald if Talullah succeeds at an impossible task. 

 

And time is running out.

 

More than just the paths of the Potential pull Talullah in opposite directions. Caught between her loyal best friend and a charming boy who should be her enemy, her heart beats with the threat of betrayal. Of feelings unrequited. Of choosing wrong and losing everything. 

 

Talullah's home, heart, and the Between itself hang in the balance. Will she earn her third gem and steer the world onto a new, safe path…or will her choices be a catalyst for ruin?

 

Buy now to find out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kiersten Lillis
• Release date: Jun 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9781733617840

Kiersten Lillis

Kiersten Lillis is the author of the Sezna Seer Series, a YA time-altering fantasy that interrogates the relationship between destiny and free will. She spent years storytelling through audio and video while coveting the written word and trying to bribe the muse. Kiersten loves sweet tea, libraries, and the Oxford comma. She lives in Colorado with her family.

Book preview

Chapter 1

TALULLAH

The future loomed like a storm cloud on the summer horizon, near enough to sense but not quite close enough to see. Two weeks had crawled by since Talullah’s return home to River Hill from the Isle of Salire. Only two. It certainly felt like more. Grief warped time. Like Nainetha Forest’s inverse. Time passed quicker among the black-barked trees and during the nights that swallowed light like a worn traveler dying of thirst. Inside the magical barrier that protected River Hill, the minutes inched along. A single stitch at a time in the tapestry of Talullah’s life. One after another, slowly, steadily.

Talullah rolled her wrists. Her bracelet Scrys, the magical objects that allowed her to contact others and See things hidden by Manipulation magic, clinked against one another. The gentle tinkling sound she always thought of as her late friend Lynx’s theme made her chest tighten. This small token of remembrance would never fill the void her friend left behind. But it was all she had. And she would cherish every soft clang.

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

Talullah glanced toward the horizon as she walked through River Hill’s town square, the cobblestones uneven yet familiar beneath her leather boots. Wind rustled vibrant green tree leaves in front of the bruise-purple sky.

The future’s getting closer.

She couldn’t See it clearly yet, not without her emerald or ruby. Whatever moved toward her, she was powerless to stop.

She could, however, find shelter from the brewing storm.

Talullah tightened her cloak and bowed her head against the summer wind as she let herself into the library’s front door. Immediately, the smell of parchment chased away the rain-tinged air from outside.

Now, where was her sister?

Penny, the younger one, was with their father. Probably already cozied up near one of Mabel Miller’s fireplaces and spooning sugar into their tea. Talullah, however, had to find Margot, the middle sister.

A few seconds later, Talullah’s mouth curved up in a smile. Margot had been interested in cooking lately. Which just so happened to be past the history section.

Out of habit, Talullah’s feet directed her toward her favorite part of the library. She wove in and out of the shelves, dragging her finger down the spines of books she always said she’d read when she had the time. Lately, she hadn’t had much mental capacity for leisure.

Eventually, the path spit her out where she needed to be. As she predicted, Margot sat at a table flipping through a large book Talullah assumed was filled with recipes. Talullah took two steps, then stopped. Because Margot was not alone.

A boy with golden brown skin and a tidy haircut popped out from behind a shelf. Margot screamed, then clamped a hand over her mouth, looking around as if the librarians might materialize to chastise her. The boy’s broad shoulders shook with silent laughter. Margot removed her hand from her face and swatted the boy’s arm. Talullah was just close enough to hear her sister scold the boy with a simple, Not. Funny.

He slid into the chair next to Margot and leaned a bit closer. Not even a little?

The corners of Margot’s mouth twitched. Talullah could tell her sister was fighting to hold back a smile. Nope. She popped the p sound, then continued turning pages, keeping her eyes focused on the book.

Interesting. Something about the dynamic between the two reminded Talullah of herself and her best friend Dhalian.

Sorry to interrupt, Talullah said, announcing her presence as she approached the square table.

Margot looked up, her eyes widening. Tuley? A beat later, they widened even more. Oh, no. I forgot. I’m sorry. I got caught up with... She gestured to the book.

Talullah smiled, biting back a reply that would suggest the books weren’t the only reason Margot had lost track of time. Do you remember who you’re talking to? No apology necessary. But we do need to get going if we want to make it to Mabel Miller’s before the storm hits.

Right. Yeah. Okay, I’ll just put these on the cart.

Talullah turned her attention to the boy. I’m Talullah, by the way. Margot’s older sister.

The boy straightened. James. He cleared his throat then added, Madam.

Talullah laughed. Just Talullah would be fine. So, how do you and Margot know each other?

Margot returned in a frenzy, her eyes threatening to burn holes in Talullah. School. Let’s go. She grabbed her bag with one hand while dragging Talullah by the other. See you later.

Nice to meet you, James, Talullah called over her shoulder, laughing.

As they headed back outside, Margot grumbled, I can’t believe you sometimes.

Talullah held her hands up. What? All I did was introduce myself.

"It was the way you did it. The tone." Margot folded her arms across her chest.

Sorry. I just want to be a part of your life. I feel like I missed so much just in the last few months.

And whose fault is that? Margot stalked down the steps and onto the path, not waiting for Talullah.

Talullah winced. She followed, a rebuttal poised on her tongue. But she couldn’t release the words. Margot was right. It had been Talullah’s decision to go to the Isle of Salire, arguably for good reasons, and in the end, she’d helped save a lot of kids. But in doing so, she’d had to leave behind her family again, and they also needed her. She really couldn’t blame Margot for being mad at her. From where her sisters stood, it probably felt like Talullah cared about everyone else more than them.

Talullah picked up her pace. Her voice was crackly and weak when she finally caught up to Margot. I’m sorry. For the hundredth time.

Margot grumbled, scuffing the sole of one worn boot against the cobblestones as she walked. Finally, she lifted her gaze and sighed. I’m not really mad anymore.

Talullah quirked an eyebrow. You sure about that?

I just missed you, that’s all. And I totally understand why you had to go before. A pause, and then a bit softer, And why I’m sure you’ll have to leave again.

Dunamai’s Eye hung heavy against Talullah’s collarbone. The reminder of having only half her stones made it pulse with her heartbeat. She wouldn’t lie to her sister, not about this.

I will. Eventually. But not yet. She gently bumped Margot’s shoulder with hers. They approached Mabel Miller’s teapot shop. Talullah marveled at the variety of teapots in a rainbow of colors. Glass, ceramic, even metal pots were poised in the display window. The pane looked like stained glass with all the colors reflecting through it.

A chime like a brief kettle whistle announced their entrance as Talullah and Margot walked through the door.

Mabel Miller pulled the reading glasses off her nose and let them dangle around her neck by the beaded string. A crooked smile spread across her face, brightening her fawn colored cheeks. Well. I see the other half of the Bridgestones have arrived. Go on back. Your father and Penny have a table already.

Mabel Miller used to simply sell teapots and kettles, tea leaves and accessories. But she expanded a year or so ago by opening up the lounge in the back and converting it to a tearoom, complete with light food offerings, and of course, an extensive tea service. By the looks of the iridescent pearls hanging from Mabel’s ears and dangling from her wrist, the decision had been good for business.

Thanks, Madam Miller, Margot said.

You’re welcome, dears. And just let Rose know if you need anything extra.

Talullah waved at Madam Miller, though the woman had already returned her attention to the book on the counter in front of her. Margot led the way, in a hurry to eat, if her grumbling stomach was any indicator. But Talullah took her time, noticing the small details she often ignored but had missed while she was away.

Like the way the pale brown boards beneath her feet had a springy quality to them as she walked. Or the way the dark blue of the archway reminded her of Gwendolyn Caprico’s tent at the Hidden Market.

She made a mental note to Scry the Capricos and see how they were settling into their new home across the sea. Last she heard, they were heading to Zenzhari Cove, a port town near Calla, where her friend Jothi lived.

As she passed through the archway and into the tearoom, a wave of gratitude and grief hit Talullah. She was so glad to be home with her family, to hear her sisters bicker and laugh, to hug her father. But at the same time, she couldn’t help thinking about those she’d left behind on the Isle of Salire. She’d considered Scrying Preceptor Hakaru to see how he and the others were rebuilding the Isle and the school. Every time she lifted her fingers to the sapphire on her golden reusable Scry bracelet, she stopped. She could barely think about Lynx and Beck and all the other kids who’d died on the Isle without crumpling into a sobbing heap. Talking to Preceptor Hakaru would just heighten all those feelings. Someday, she’d check in. When she felt more stable.

She did, however, allow her mind to wander to Renevelda. What was the sorceress doing in the prison the Suditza of the Present, Katamai, had conjured for her? How long would the goddess keep Renevelda locked up and to what end? How secure was the trap, really?

Tuley! Pennilyn said, breaking Talullah from her thoughts.

Talullah forced her anxieties away for now. Her family deserved her full attention. And while she couldn’t always keep her mind in the present, she owed it to them to try her best.

So, she touched the sapphire in her necklace and breathed in deeply. The smell of warm cinnamon, which seemed to follow her family wherever they went, grounded her. It was real this time, not like the illusion in Preceptor Hakaru’s office. The real thing worked even better to quell her nerves.

Hi, Penny. Father. She took her seat. Are these for me? She pointed to the empty mug and a large iced roll at her place.

Wooks dat way, Margot said, her mouth full. She’d managed to down most of her own pastry in the time it took Talullah to make her way to the tearoom.

Margot. Manners. Their father cast a stern look toward the middle sister, but then cracked a smile. He handed her a poppy red linen napkin, which she used to dab at the corners of her mouth. She swallowed, then said, Sorry. I was just so hungry.

Talullah added sugar and a splash of cream to her tea. Well, reading can work up one’s appetite.

Oh, you did end up at the library, after all? Their father sipped his tea, his expression full of interest.

Margot’s wild eyes darted to Talullah. She could tell her sister was willing her silently to not mention James. Interesting indeed. If he was merely a friend, why would it be a problem for their father to know they were hanging out? He’d never had a problem with Dhalian and Talullah spending time together.

Talullah contemplated mentioning this out loud, but the desperation in Margot’s face cooled Talullah’s desire to embarrass her sister. For now, at least.

Yes, I did. I was looking for recipes. Margot chewed her final bite of cinnamon roll slowly and deliberately.

Find anything worth trying? their father asked.

Margot shrugged and made a noncommittal grunting noise.

And what have you been up to, Penny? Talullah asked. She hoped Margot would consider this diversion of attention a peace offering. The flush creeping up Margot’s neck rivaled the napkin she’d set to the side of her empty plate.

Margot audibly sighed, slumped back in her chair, and held her large teacup to her lips, hiding most of her face. But she offered Talullah a relieved expression with just her eyes.

Father took me to the sewing supply shop. Penny beamed. I’m signed up to do a trial with the seamstress and wanted to get a head start. Suddenly shy, Penny looked down at her hands where they lay clasped atop the white linen tablecloth. Do you think...I mean, would you have time...

What is it? Talullah asked gently.

Would you be able to teach me to backstitch? Penny looked up, her round emerald eyes brimming with hope. I mean, since you’re home now and all. Father offered, but—

Their father interjected, There are some skills better taught by a sister. He winked at Talullah. She’d mentioned to him she’d been feeling disconnected from her sisters, and this was his way of helping them get back to each other.

A rush of warmth flooded Talullah’s chest. Of course I can. I’m honored you’d ask.

Thunder rumbled. Mismatched picture frames rattled on the walls.

Rose? Talullah’s father called. By chance, do you have a box we could put the rest of these pastries in? It seems a storm is coming.

As Talullah wrapped her swirled cloak around her shoulders once more, and she followed her family toward home, a nagging feeling in the back of her mind warned that more than a summer thunderstorm simmered just out of sight.

Chapter 2

TALULLAH

The clouds waited to release the rain until Talullah and her family had arrived home. But only just. No sooner had they stepped onto the front porch than the first fat drops splashed onto the wood steps.

Isn’t Dhalian supposed to come for dinner? Talullah’s father asked after he’d closed the door behind them. He peered through the curtains and out into the front yard.

I think so, Talullah answered. Though I don’t know if he’ll come in this weather.

Oh, I think that might be him now.

Talullah joined her father at the window. Sure enough, a tall blur streaked toward their house. Their houses weren’t far from each other, but by the time Dhal reached the doorway, he was soaked through.

Water flattened his normally curly hair, but his hazel eyes shone bright. Am I early?

Right on time, Talullah’s father said. I’ll get some towels. He limped down the hall, his cane with the fish handle grasped in his left hand, as usual.

Talullah gestured for Dhal to step onto the rug in front of the fireplace. You could have just waited until it stopped raining. She laughed.

Dhalian scoffed. Absurd. I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to beat Margot at Gates and Bridges.

Margot snorted. She pulled a white wooden case from the sideboard. Pieces rattled on the inside. As if you have a chance.

Dhalian pointed at her. Hey. There was that one time I almost beat you.

Almost doesn’t count as winning. Margot headed toward the kitchen table and opened the case, setting up the game.

Talullah’s father returned and tossed Dhalian a large towel. Dhal, after all these years, I think you know arguing with her is pointless.

Of course it is. But it sure is fun. He smirked and toweled off his hair.

I’ll leave you kids to it, then. I’ll be by the fire. He adjusted the large leather-bound book under his arm.

Going over the ledgers again? Talullah asked.

Just seeing what’s what. At that, he sank into his favorite chair and leaned his cane against its arm. The carved fish’s red eye seemed to watch her, but it looked duller than usual. Her father was normally meticulous about polishing it. If he’d let that go, how stressed was he really?

Ready to lose like champions? Dhal asked, looping his arm through hers.

Talullah released her lip from between her teeth. She didn’t realize she’d been biting it.

She sighed. If we must. You know she’s going to be unbearable.

Dhal shrugged. At least we’ll be together.

I heard that, Margot called. I’m ready when you are.

Penny slid into the chair across from Margot. Come on. Maybe if we all team up against her, one of us will win.

Talullah laughed. Somehow, Penny, I think she might still beat us. She’s always three steps ahead. She narrowed her eyes at Margot. Are you sure you can’t see the future?

I don’t need to cheat to win, thank you very much. It’s called strategy. Margot nodded to each of them as she dealt the cards. And knowing your opponents.

Still. It feels almost pointless to try.

Talullah and Dhal each took their places and arranged their pieces in front of them.

I don’t know, Dhal said. Every once in a while, even the long-shot wins.

Margot won three games in a row before she tired of ‘so little competition’ (her words) and retired to her room to read. Penny skipped out after losing the first game. Talullah and Dhalian had switched to playing Paladins, a game better suited for two.

The storm pounded its fury on the roof. It hadn’t let up over the past two hours. River Hill hadn’t gotten this much rain all at once in a long time. Would the river flood?

Would the water rise like the tidal wave Renevelda had commanded on the Isle of Salire? The one that devoured Viltresor’s king in a split second.

A tap on Talullah’s boot shook her from her reverie. She lifted her gaze and met Dhal’s mischievous grin.

Sorry, is it my turn?

It would be if genius hadn’t struck me at the last second.

Talullah glanced at the game board. All of Dhal’s pieces taunted her from his home base. She sighed and offered him a mock-annoyed expression. You won again? Are you cheating somehow? Is it that newfound Sight of yours?

Dhalian laughed. Occupational hazard of having only Master Norr for company for a few months. He’s a terrible loser, though. Even worse than you. He nudged her foot with his again. Talullah’s heart swelled. She’d miss him when he left for his next assignment.

Let’s do something else. I need a break. Talullah got up and stretched her arms high above her head.

Scared you’ll lose again? Dhal lifted one eyebrow.

Scared, no. But I don’t need to be able to tell the future to guess my odds. The only person around here I can beat at anything is Penny, and that’s only if she’s distracted.

Raindrops speckled the window over the sink as Talullah filled the kettle and set it on the stove to warm.

Talullah’s sisters had been enjoying their summer now that school was closed. They’d spent most days from sunup to sundown running around with the other kids, doing whatever kids did. Talullah seized whatever time they offered her.

Pewter for your thoughts? Dhal sidled up next to her and leaned against the counter. His dark brown curls flopped to the side as he tilted his head, inviting her to share.

Dhal had practically grown up in this house with her, but having him there felt different now that they were older. Now that she knew some of the thoughts in his head and intimately, painfully, acknowledged her own.

Nothing could come between their friendship, though. She couldn’t handle that. So despite the way her heart jumped when he grabbed her arm or the way her blood warmed from her toes all the way to the tip of her skull when he fixed his hazel eyes on hers, she kept her mouth shut and her hands—and lips—to herself.

How long are you here for this time? Talullah set two mugs down and scooped peppermint tea leaves into strainers, which she nestled inside the mugs. She streamed hot water over them and inhaled the calming scent.

Not sure. Master Norr’s working on a contract with Calla, actually.

Really?

Dhalian nodded.

You should see if you can meet up with Jothi while you’re there.

I thought about that. I’ve written them a letter. We’ll see how it all works out. Viltresor’s shaky politics have everyone on edge.

The kingdom had survived the past few weeks without a king or queen on a collection of the merchant guild heads, but a territory of its size and commerce needed a strong ruler to govern them all.

Dhal took a sip of his tea. Rumor has it King William sent someone from Terrapese.

Makes sense. King Eviliv didn’t leave any heirs. And Renevelda disappeared the night she murdered Eviliv and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

You think Katamai really contained her?

I’m in no position to question a goddess. But I do wonder if it’s a permanent solution or just delaying the inevitable.

Emerald wisps snaked into the edges of Talullah’s view. Over the past few months, she’d learned that letting the visions come gave her fewer side-effects than fighting them. Without her emerald, she couldn’t call them on demand. Instead, she followed their whims. A frustrating and often inconvenient position to be in. Maybe I’m about to find out.

She placed her mug on the counter and sat down in the chair closest to her, closing her eyes as they filled with cloudy green shapes. She’d been having more prophetic visions lately, more than she’d ever had before. Maybe having her amethyst and sapphire had something to do with it. She could now better control her visions of the past and present. Having two gems stabilized her. Gave her a bit of confidence.

The emerald shapes took form in her mind. Glass shattered all around her, once, twice, a dozen times. Shards rained down on the polished wood floor, an echo of the raindrops out her window. Her boots slid in a puddle of something. Water? Blood? She couldn’t tell. Her hair and clothes whipped around in a strong gust of wind. The air smelled like fresh flowers. A silhouette, tall and commanding, stood at the end of a long hallway. A flicker of light revealed the icy blond hair and sharp smile that haunted Talullah’s dreams. Renevelda.

Then she spotted a tall boy, nearly a man, crumpled at Renevelda’s feet. Dhal? She screamed. A hawk screeched above her. Talullah ran. Not toward the boy, but away. And Renevelda was right on her heels.

Her lungs burned as she sucked air in. Five steps away, Talullah tripped. She fell, but instead of hitting hard stone, she landed upright, somewhere new. Alone. Though everything stayed painted in shades of green, the wind died down and an eerie silence fell over her.

Ceramic pieces littered the ground instead of glass. She spotted a spout and a handle. Teapots.

Her heart pumped wildly, flooding her blood with anticipation.

Talullah moved to the front door. When she stepped out into the fall air, she froze, her mouth suddenly dry. Tears slipped from her eyes as she squinted through the smoke. A giant black flag embroidered with three silver stars encased in a circle, the sign of the Divine, waved atop the hill in the center of the square.

She coughed as black smoke enveloped her.

River Hill, the only home she’d ever known, was on fire.

Chapter 3

TALULLAH

Talullah came out of the vision, gasping for air. As if the smoke she’d Seen in the prediction had worked its way into her lungs for real.

The first thing she saw when her eyes focused was a pair of concerned hazel ones eight inches from her own.

What happened? Dhal gingerly placed his hands on her shoulders to steady her. His jaw clenched as he searched her face. No trace of amusement or jokes lingered on his expression. 

Something bad. The words stole all of Talullah’s energy. Why wasn’t there more oxygen in her house? Open the window?

Dhal didn’t hesitate. He walked sideways the few steps to the kitchen window and slid it open, never taking his gaze off her.

Sweet, rain-scented air spilled into the room. Talullah breathed it in as if she’d just surfaced after nearly drowning. The cool breeze skimmed over the feverish skin on her face and neck. Her short sleeve tunic rustled at the hem.

You don’t look so good, Tules. Dhalian pulled a chair in front of her and sat down. He rested his elbows on his knees and leaned forward.

Gee, thanks. She managed a weak laugh to go with her pained smile.

Here. Have a drink.

Talullah accepted her mug and sipped. The peppermint scent sliced through her remaining brain fog, and she relaxed back into her chair. Thank you. I’m okay.

Do you want to tell me what you Saw?

Talullah paused for a moment, allowing her amethyst to gather and organize the images from her vision. It sure was nice not to have to struggle to remember everything herself anymore. She shifted in the smooth wooden chair. Nothing could make what she had to say more comfortable. Renevelda’s return. And River Hill in flames. Her voice was scratchy. From fear, probably. There was no way the vision could have physically affected her... was there? She shook away that thought. If she fell into that line of thinking, she’d never welcome her visions the same way. She didn’t want to fear them. And a boy. It looked like Renevelda was torturing him...

Dhalian’s eyes widened. His brows arched up. He, too, shifted in his seat. Are you sure?

I’m sure that’s what I Saw. But it was another green vision, which means it’s something that might happen. It’s not for certain, not set in stone. Talullah’s mind worked to puzzle out what her quickening heart seemed to already realize. Which means it can be changed.

Her expression must have shifted because Dhal’s stiff posture relaxed. The concern in his eyes faded, replaced by his usual sparkle of amusement. A half-smile curved his lips.

Why are you looking at me like that?

Dhal shook his head slowly. His curls swayed back and forth across his forehead. When you came out of it, you looked...different somehow. I don’t know, it’s hard to explain. It’s like you were you, but there was something there I didn’t recognize. It scared me.

What does that mean? What was different?

It was less of how you looked and more of a feeling? He shook his head. It doesn’t make any sense. I was probably just worried.

Talullah grabbed both his hands in hers and squeezed them. The contact sent shocks through her whole body, which were nothing compared to the tingles that zapped her when they made eye contact. I’m here. I’m still me. But Dhal’s concern lingered in both his expression and her own mind. What did it mean, really, that she’d seemed different to him? Did it have to do with the vision itself or just that she’d experienced one?

Of course you are.

You have nothing to worry about. 

"Well, we both know that’s not true, but I’m glad you’re okay." Dhal squeezed her hands once more, then pushed his chair back, creating distance between them.

Talullah shivered as a breeze ruffled the light blue curtains framing the window. Yes, the wind. That was definitely the cause of the sudden temperature shift. Not at all the fact that Dhal had vacated her personal space.

Without needing to be asked, Dhal got up and shut the window. Rain tapped against the glass, lighter now. Perhaps the storm was almost past.

He picked up his own mug and took a large swig, grimacing as he swallowed. The tea must have cooled too much. So, what do you want to do about this Renevelda thing? You mentioned since it was a green vision, it could be changed.

Talullah nodded, grateful for the change of track. She couldn’t focus on whatever had just happened between them. He was her best friend, first and foremost. Only. Nothing could get in the way of that. She needed him too much.

The green visions show the Potential Future. A path that could present itself, given the right circumstances. I think if I can figure out what events would lead to whatever I just Saw, maybe I can direct everything to a different path.

Like control the future? Only curiosity, not judgment, from Dhal.

I wouldn’t say control. More like influence. If I can figure out a way to prevent Renevelda from coming back and protect River Hill, I have to do it.

Why you, though? Why do you have to always be the one putting yourself in danger? There was that tender expression again. The one that broke her heart and stitched it back together every time she saw it.

Talullah directed her attention to the raindrops on the window so she wouldn’t have to look at her best friend. It’s like Zeri said. What is this Gift for if not to help people?

But what about the other Sezna Seers? The other Dunamarians?

They’ve chosen to lie low. I respect their decision, but I’m making a different one. With each taptaptap on the glass and rumble of thunder, Talullah’s conviction grew. This was the right thing to do. Maybe this was the whole reason she had Sight magic in the first place. I believe this vision came to me, specifically, for a reason. And I intend to do something about it.

Does that mean we’re going on another adventure?

Talullah looked at Dhal. Every part of her body stilled, except the stupid fluttering in her stomach. The image of the boy crumpled at Renevelda’s feet seared behind her eyelids, crushing the brief excitement. What if that was Dhal? We?

Dhal leaned casually against the counter. His attention was focused on the scratchy rug beneath the table. I may not have very cool, kinda dangerous powers, but I’m good for some things. I had to climb an ocean-side cliff to get you to let me help last time. He looked at her and smiled. Please don’t make me do that again.

Talullah’s mind cycled through all the reasons he couldn’t. All the reasons he shouldn’t. She tried for a light tone. What about Master Norr?

Norr deserves a vacation. He’s been talking about one for a year at least.

You really want to come with me?

There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

Four Worlds. Those words.

This was both the best and worst idea. Of course she wanted Dhal with her. Being together might make it difficult to ignore whatever treachery her emotions could concoct. But saying goodbye to him again, especially so soon, would incinerate her heart. She could control herself. She’d have other things to keep her attention. Like finding her emerald and figuring out how to prevent one of the most powerful sorceresses from returning and destroying her home. Their home. Because it was Dhal’s, too.

She nodded once, hoping this decision wouldn’t be the one to set them toward the Potential she’d just experienced. Okay.

Really?

Yeah. Talullah feigned indifference. It would be nice to have someone who can carry my stuff. She broke into a reserved grin, and Dhal eclipsed it with his own blinding smile.

Pack mule, huh? I can handle that. Any idea where we should start?

Well, first and foremost, I need my emerald. I can’t See the vision clearly without it.

Of course.

And to find that, I’m going to need a little direction. I think it’s time to visit my great aunt. She has something we’re going to need.

Chapter 4

KAI

If first impressions were to be believed, then Kai was going