Ignite by Hannah Parker

Author:Hannah Parker [Parker, Hannah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: young adult fantasy
Publisher: Hannah Parker
Published: 2020-01-01T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“I’m impressed,” I whispered, navigating the narrow path with a caution unmatched by Mara’s elegant steps.

“By what?” she replied.

“Well...everything really. But I meant you.”

“Me? Why?” she seemed startled.

“You still remember this place, after all these years...how...how long have you been away?”

“Time is...different, here, for us. What seems like years for you is only a few weeks or months in this place. It’s all still familiar to me; it’s still home.”

I could almost feel a bit of sorrow in Mara’s words. Did she truly miss it here? Was our world just a temporary trip? Was it work? I didn’t want to pry but, I felt almost bad for her.

“I’m sorry,” I uttered carefully.

“For what?” Mara replied hesitantly.

“Well, I don’t know. That you can’t be here, all the time. That you can’t be home.”

We came upon the pools before Mara could respond. The path split into several directions, some leading into the surrounding forest, and others to more pools. The steam that rose from them danced into the night air like fairies disappearing in a whirl as they curled upward into the blackness.

Mara remained silent as she tossed off her boots and clothes without a single care. Long, golden hair that had been carefully braided was unravelled, swaying down to her hips as her naked form glided into the warm waters. A few moments passed before she rose up, a look of relief reflected in her grey eyes.

“Well? Coming in?” she smiled.

I wasn’t like Mara. I cared about who looked at my small frame, naked or not. She was tall, fit, and beautiful. I was a little goblin disguised as a Human, or so I liked to believe.

“Oh, c’mon. It’ll help with that wound on your back,” she called, splashing water in my direction.

I scowled falsely, taking off my mud-covered boots and throwing them in a heap. I took a few steps down, feet greeting the hot waters with a whimper.

“It’s too hot,” I protested.

“Liar,” she teased.

I sighed, glancing around to make sure no one else was around. I was quick to remove both my shirt and trousers; giving no second thought to removing the gem from my pocket as I hurled myself into the depths to remain unseen.

I could hear Mara’s laughter below the water just as I resurfaced, the splash I’d made with my entry soaking our pile of clothing off on the side.

“Shoot,” I grumbled, staying partially submerged to my chin.

My reflection stared at me as the water settled, green eyes filled with so many questions; about home, about our people, about myself.

“A Human Arcanon,” Mara went on,” never thought I’d meet one in my lifetime.”

“How do we know for sure?” I pressed, finally peeking out of the water to my shoulders. I found a seat near the edge, deeper on the opposite side of the pool’s entrance.

“I guess we don’t,” she replied. “But we can do a few tests. See if you’re truly worthy.”

I was puzzled by her words. What kind of tests did I have to

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