Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

She lifted onto her toes and jiggled about. “Neither do I. Could we go now?”


“Whenever you’d like.” He looked to Goldie. “Does now suit you?”

“Absolutely.” Her cheeks puffed out as she bubbled with excitement.

Faith snagged my hands and twirled me around. Goldie laughed and joined us. Maslin linked in and grinned. “Ladies, Elizara’s it is,” he said.

I held my breath. I couldn’t be any happier. My sister and Goldie had met, and now we were going to see Elizara.

Travelling through the dark took no time at all, and then we were there and my feet sank into the orange desert sands of No-Man’s Land. Next to us, the bright yellow of Elizara’s canvas awning rippled in the breeze.

Faith rubbed her chest, looking about in all directions. “My heart’s beating so fast.”

“Me too.”

Maslin lifted the flap and called out to Elizara. “I’ve brought visitors. Both your nieces.”

A squeal sounded from inside. There’d be no more waiting. In the past twenty-four hours, my life had taken on new meaning. This was all too much. My mouth dried completely out.

“My nieces.” Elizara erupted from the tent in a blur of white, almost knocking us all to the ground. “Look at you.” She cupped my face, and then Faith’s. “Both of you. Welcome.” A beaming smile for Goldie and Maslin. “We have so much to speak about. Come inside.”

Maslin lifted the flap higher as Elizara yanked Faith in and Goldie laughed as she followed. I stood, grinning as sheer pleasure coursed through me.

“You need to go in, Hope.” Maslin still held the flap.

“I feel too happy.” I tapped my dry throat. “I’ve never imagined such bliss.” I coughed and thumped my chest and wheezed. Oh, so thirsty.

“When was the last time you drank?”

“Yesterday afternoon, no, morning. I’ve got to drink. It feels like all the moisture is draining right out of the air.”

“Those with the water skill can’t go without it for any long length of time. It’s worse for us than any other. You must drink constantly throughout the day.”

My sight dimmed to one singular pinprick of light, and I swayed.

“I’ve got you.” His arms came around me.

“Hope?” Silas’s muffled voice resounded in my head. “I can feel your accelerated heartbeat. What’s going on? Where are you?”

So much heat.

It blazed through me, like fire, singing my throat.

“Water,” I croaked to Maslin as my entire world spun. Then nothing. Darkness enveloped me.



“I didn’t have forewarning. She has to be all right.” Faith’s voice echoed inside my head.

“Those with the water skill must drink water continuously.” Liquid dribbled into my mouth and down my throat. “Nice and slow, Hope.”

I dragged my eyelids open. Maslin held a cup to my lips and my head to his shoulder.

Elizara stroked my arm. “Maslin will take you to the oasis. You’ll need skin-to-skin replenishment for full recharging.”

I gulped the water, desperate to get more.

“You had me so worried.” Goldie squeezed my hand.

Faith had the other. “You have to drink. All the time. Elizara and Maslin said so.”

“I’ll take her now. We won’t be long.” Maslin set the cup down.

“Go quickly,” Elizara urged.

Dark replaced the brightness of her tent as he ’ported us. At the edge of the oasis, he removed my boots then carried me in until the blessed water rose over my hips and to my chest. I swam free and dunked to my shoulders.

I shuddered with need, pushing my hands through the water and spreading my fingers out. The water swirled like liquid silk, a lavish sensation I wanted to curl into and be absorbed by. I kicked away, diving and tumbling below the surface, desperate for more.

As I came up, I slicked my hair back and treaded water. “This is perfect.”

“Water is your lifeline.” Maslin swam beside me.

“Where are you? I’ve searched your bedroom and you’re not there.”

Silas’s voice pounded down our link.

“I’m swimming. I’m fine.”

He sighed, almighty loud. “What aren’t you telling me? I couldn’t get through to you and you weren’t blocking. It’s like you blacked out.”

“I did. Apparently, I can’t go without drinking water.”

“You lost consciousness because you didn’t drink?” His tone was incredulous.

Swirling his hands through the water as he treaded, Maslin said, “Carver?”

“Uh-huh.” “I’m fine now, Silas, and you shouldn’t worry. I have to return to Faith and Goldie.”

“No more blacking out or I’ll chain you to my bed so you can never sneak away again.”

“I’d like to see you try. Later.” I laughed.

Maslin eyed me. “He cares for you, but that doesn’t mean your soul-bound match is a good one. I’m here if you need me. I have sworn my allegiance to the Wincrest family, and to the people of Dralion, and I swear it personally to you. Whatever you need, I will give.”

His words were a deep promise, one that touched my heart.