I keep floating higher through the earth. Staying in mist form is pulling every ounce of energy from my limbs. The air becomes hotter and dryer as I rise, which doesn’t help. To stay strong, I need water nearby.
What I wouldn’t give for a Diet Pepsi.
At last, bits of sunlight trickle into the tunnel around me. The passageway widens. Crumbling dirt gives way to cracked layers of rock. The uneven stone surface makes a natural hand ladder to climb my way out. Mist form is no longer a requirement.
I’m almost there.
I change back into my solid state; the shift releases a pop of sapphire light. For a few seconds, I watch the blue patterns dance across my skin. Maybe some day I’ll get used to being the monarkki. For now, the sight still takes my breath away. Even so, staring at myself isn’t g
