By the time we left the library, the sun had started to set. The night creatures were awakening, and their noises echoed in the air. Cole led me through the forest until we came to a clearing in the middle of the pine trees.
“Call the elements, Mar,” Cole said.
Nodding my head, I held my arms out. “Air, I beseech you to join me.”
The wind blew hard. Instead of the silver tendrils I’d become accustomed to, small, winged creatures encircled me. One floated in front of me and I could see its catlike face on a tiny human body. It closed its eyes in a slow blink and, instinctually, I did the same. Delighted, the creature started spinning around me. Soon, the others were following it.
“Fire, your presence would be a blessing,” I said, encouraged.
The circle grew warmer and winged lizards fi
