Page 17 of For Ever More

Dian seizes my arm, then drops it as though it scalds. “Stop, Yining,” she snarls.

“Get away,” I cry out in warning. “Get someplace safe.”

Fire erupts from my hand, engulfing a branch in flames—the force flinging Dian against a tree. I crumple to the ground, digging my fingers into the earth, trying to pry away my hold over the magic even as part of me craves more. My sister is curled over, seeming almost frail despite her height. My breaths come in short gusts, my insides knotted. I’d hurt my sister, a revolting revelation that snaps me to shove the magic away.

“What happened?” Dian’s breathing is ragged as she drags herself up.

“I can’t control this power,” I admit shakily, wrapping my arms around my knees. “I hurt you, Dian. I’m sorry.”

She touches my shoulder. “You didn’t mean to.”

I look up at her, my pulse still jittery. “What if it happens again? What if… I can’t stop?”

“I’ll be better prepared next time,” she assures me, yet her voice catches.

“Should I tell the Elders?” I wonder aloud, though my instincts recoil. From my performance today, I’d fail any test they set me. They would be wise to lock me up.

“No. The Elders might blame you for not telling them before,” Dian says. “They are cautious when it comes to our island’s safety. Anything—anyone—deemed a threat will be kept away.” Her voice dips with sudden intensity. “We won’t let them find out. We will train again. I’ll help you control this magic, until the waterfall is found and you can surrender it.”

A coldness settles in my chest at the sight of Dian’s pallor, sweat beading her forehead. “All right,” I reply evasively. “But you must recover first.”

While I won’t endanger my sister by training with her again, I need to restrain this magic before it spirals out of control. Yet the only person who can help me is the very one I cannot reach… whom I’m forbidden from seeing.

CHAPTER NINE

MADAM LING IS A RARE TALENT, MY DRESS FITTING PERFECTLY yet allowing me to move comfortably, with hidden pockets sewn into the sleeves. The collar of my coral inner robe peeks from the dark blue outer garment, studded with exquisite magnolias, their wide ivory petals circling vivid pink centers. The flowers glisten as though dipped in dew, beautiful yet light, even retaining a shadow of fragrance. A red sash is tied around my waist, a matching ribbon interwoven among the coils of my hair.

Porcelain pots of flowers decorate each corner, candles on silver stands casting a warm glow. The magnolia tree outside is strung with tiny lights, more strewn across the ground like fallen stars.

As the sun begins its descent, the skies afire, Shenming arrives, the first of our guests. For once he’s not in armor, though a sword is fastened to his side, his dark gray robe patterned with copper leaves.

“My parents will arrive later.” He hands me a gift in a wooden box. “This is from us.”

“You didn’t need to get me anything,” I say awkwardly.

“Of course he did.” Dian comes toward us, her moss-green gown adorned with orchids, while peonies bloom from Ruilin’s yellow robe. “Open it, Sister.”

“Now? Isn’t it bad manners?” I ask.

“Very,” Dian confirms. “But not among close acquaintances,” she adds with a grin.

I lift the lid off the box to find a delicately painted mask with gold ribbons. “Since you will be here for the Moon Festival, I thought this would be useful,” Shenming says.

Dian glares at him. “Lacking in imagination, though.”

I ignore her, thanking him. More guests are arriving, walking up the pathway. Most attending are Father’s friends and their families, along with a few relatives. I’m introduced to more people than I can remember, smiling until my jaws ache as the visitors pat my back, my arm, my head like I’m a child again. I don’t mind, an unexpected fullness in my heart. It almost feels like I’m the sheltered girl they think I am.

Three young women approach, distant cousins on my mother’s side. I’m instinctively searching their lovely faces for a trace of my mother, though I don’t even know what I’m looking for.

After the exchange of pleasantries, Meilan, the oldest of them, asks, “Are you settling in well, Cousin? Have you made many new friends?”

“Yes,” I respond as expected. “Everyone is kind and welcoming.”

They exchange a brief look, the youngest one leaning toward me. “We hear Captain Shenming has been spending much time in your company. Our gift might come in useful.” Dimples appear in her cheeks as she holds out a large lacquered box. “The finest face powders and creams, to make yourself look prettier—”

Her older sister cuffs her ear. “Meiyi didn’t mean it as an insult; you’re pretty enough,” she says hastily as I choke back a laugh.

My cousins’ eyes slide away from me, fixing on Shenming when he appears from the kitchen, where he’s been helping Father with the food. “The captain is rarely in the company of others, except for his fellow soldiers.” Meilan drops her voice. “But you two were sighted at Celestial Peak together. He is much respected, high in the Elders’ favor. Such an attachment would be envied by many.”