Free Lexan's Pledge (Starbright Novellas) by Hilary Thompson Page A

mother said lots of families were trying to do it: desperate to replace Keirna and push Asphodel back into the sunlight. And with all those people trying and failing, it doesn’t sound to me like fate was changed. It certainly wasn’t easy. And even it seemed like your parents succeeded with your birth, it could have been the stars all along.”
    We’re standing in the shadows at the edge of the woods, and I turn away to survey the light pouring down on Madna’s strange house. The walls seem to have pushed themselves from the hillside like rock formations, and it’s not clear which came first, the house or the hills.
    Perhaps human will really isn’t so different from divine prophecy: either way the gods’ plans are made and carried out.
    Stian stands on the front porch, waiting for me. I shove the journal back into Lexan’s hands and jog away from him – away from thoughts of fate and sunfire and everything that lies before us.
    “I was beginning to think you’d never come back,” Stian grins, handing me a plate of bread and cheese. He takes a large bite of his own sandwich – more meat than bread.
    “We’ll probably go again after lunch,” I admit, keeping my eyes on the food.
    “Then I’ll come with you. Rea and I are through marking the maps. We can leave for Tartarus as soon as our supplies are gathered.”
    I glance up at him, rubbing tension from my neck. “So soon.” Although I know what we have to do, I’m enjoying the safe, easy life at Madna’s house. I’m not anxious to be hiking through the woods again, sleeping on cold ground and eating roasted meat.
    “Where’s Lex?” Zarea’s voice calls out onto the porch. “I fixed him a plate.”
    Stian glares, then tucks the distaste away when he sees me watching.
    I say, “You don’t need to worry about helping me train. I’m used to sparring with Lexan anyways. Surely you have other things to get ready.” He shrugs, noncommittal. Earlier today, Lexan and I agreed that Stian and Zarea shouldn’t know about our powers just yet. He still doesn’t trust them.
    And even though it makes me nervous to admit, I have to agree for now.
    Lexan strolls onto the porch just as Zarea bangs the door open with her foot, both hands full of food.
    “Thanks, Rea. This looks amazing. Food looks good, too.” Lexan smiles at her, standing a little closer than necessary. She grins and tosses her hair back.
    “You’re welcome to it,” she says.
    Stian makes a small choking noise and turns away, looking out at the forest. I gulp down several bites while listening to Lexan and Zarea laugh and talk in low voices. Stian remains shut away from all of us, staring into the distance.
    “Ready?” I ask Lexan and he purses his lips, obviously not ready yet.
    “I guess so. Maybe we can go for that swim when I get back, Rea,” he says and I can feel Stian tense beside me.
    “Yeah, Tre,” he speaks up. “I’d love to get you in the water too.”
    Lexan’s smile slips, then hooks back crookedly. “Let’s go, Trea.”
    We hurry along the path. I struggle to keep up with Lexan’s pace.
    “What’s going on between you and Zarea?” I ask as we reach the small clearing.
    Lexan runs his fingers through his hair, standing it up in spiky waves. “I don’t know. Just flirting, I guess. I really think she’s just trying to make Stian jealous.” He looks at me for a long minute. “Be careful with him, Tre. I don’t think either one of them has exactly moved on.”
    I’ve noticed this too, but I’ve been trying so hard to ignore it. I just hope Stian has been honest with me. Well. Recently, anyways.
    We start again, clasping hands and trading glances, but nothing seems to work.
    “What are you feeling right now?” Lexan asks suddenly, his hands falling from mine.
    “I don’t know. Worried, I guess. Tired. Why?”
    “I wonder if these powers work like our abilities – with emotion as the base. Your bravery is always stronger when you’re angry or