Chapter 24
The peals of the city’s bells followed me across the water as the Fiorland ship left the harbor. I didn’t stand at the railing, watching longingly as the shore of Parnesia receded, but set my face toward the prow and thought of Raine.
My time in Parnese hadn’t been at all what I’d thought, but at least I’d learned to work with my power. I cupped my palm against my chest and murmured the flame-calling chant.
A wisp of orange fire obediently appeared in my hand, unbowed by the dash of sea spray against the hull.
With a thought, I extinguished it, then curled my fingers over my empty palm. I could summon my flame, I could toss sizzling fireballs and channel my power to another—but I still couldn’t manage the in-between chants.
Nor could I flick my fingers and light the lamps,
