Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

Focusing on my bubble of levitating water, I pushed my fists into it. The water melted around my hands with a slight gurgling sound. Nice. So cool and refreshing.

Goldie edged around the bubble as she eyed my position. “Now, this really is water on the go.”

Maslin chuckled as he set his hands on my waist, taking care not to jostle my arms. “The water is connected to Hope. You follow in our ’porting airstream in case this doesn’t quite work out.” A teleporter could do that, provided they caught the scent within a second of the other’s leaving. It was a way to ensure they came out at the same spot, but without traveling together.

The dark consumed us as he ’ported, the water swishing down to my elbows, but with a thought, I kept it from sliding further. Seconds later, we returned in the sunlight, the great winding outback river before us.

Goldie arrived in our wake. “Excellent. You transported it. Now, aim for the stars.”

I lowered the water I had to the river then turned my hands palms-up and focused on taking so much more.

A wave rippled outward from the center, and with a sweeping motion of my hands and a thought to scoop all I could, a huge mass rose, bubbling around the edges. Water poured in on itself until I controlled and drew it into a circle.

Up. It had to go up. My focused directive made the new bubble rise.

Wow. Goldie gasped but I didn’t dare turn.

A rolling sphere of precious liquid, murky and holding sandy particles, continued to rise. As I plucked it free, waves rolled out to each side of the river and washed onto the bank. The river quietly settled.

“I’m loving it.” Maslin had the widest grin on his face. “Lift it above us. You’re going to have to insert your hands into it as you did before. We need the connection for ’porting.”

Whoa. That was one monster amount of water. No, I could do this.

I lifted my hands high, and energy poured through me as my decision was set on its course. The massive bubble caused a shadow as it ascended over us and bobbed into place.

Lowering it a fraction, I drove my fists into the surface.

Goldie dipped her head. “Don’t you dare drop that. That’s much bigger than the last one.”

“I won’t.” My heartbeat sped into high gear.

“I’m ready when you are.” Maslin set his hands on my waist.

“Go.” Sweat beaded along my brow and more trickled between my shoulder blades as we traveled through the dark.

Then we were there. Above me the balloon of water churned, an energy of its own forming and swirling within from the jump through space. It wobbled and liquid sloshed and spat to the ground. It hissed and steam plumed from where cool water hit hot, dry soil. “Um, guys. I’m not sure I can hold this.”

“Set it down in the watering hole. You’ve reached your skill’s limit!” Maslin yelled as the bubbling mass stewed.

I sent the water from me in a flash and covered my head with my hands. It boomed as it hit.

Goldie squealed and grabbed my hands. “You did it.”

A rush of water streamed to the outside of the watering hole. The surge of water cascaded over the bank and flowed over thirsty ground to our feet.

Wiping my damp sleeve over my face, I grinned. “I really did it.”

“Hell, yes.” Maslin strode to the water’s edge and shoved his hand into it. “It’s a touch warmer than usual, but it’ll cool.”

“I can see it, but I can’t believe it.”

“What you did is amazing. I’ll test it properly.” He kicked off his boots and walked in to hip depth then dove. He was going for a swim?

I laughed as his head broke the surface and he spat a fountain of water from his mouth. “What are you doing?”

“Celebrating.”

Goldie looked skyward as birds appeared and flew down. They skimmed the surface, flapping their wings with a gaggle. “You filled it. So quick. This changes everything.”

Maslin let out a hearty shout as he fell back, arms splayed wide as he went under again.

Where there was water, there was life.

Another bellowing shout came from Maslin as he took to swimming from one end to the other.

“I don’t think he’s coming out anytime soon.” Goldie slapped my arm.

We relied on water for the necessity of life, and now it was here, where it hadn’t been mere minutes ago. I couldn’t stand still. I grabbed my boot. “I’m going to join him.”

“There won’t be any time.” Dad’s voice rang clear in my mind.

I dropped my foot to the ground. “Hey, you were watching.” He rarely missed the big stuff, and this was pretty big.

“I’m so proud of you.” Deep satisfaction laced his tone. “It’s an incredible skill to have.”

“Are you sure I don’t have time for a swim?” Maslin swam with fast strokes, and I wanted in.