Read Online Crystal Moon by Elysa Hendricks - Free Book Online

smells for the nose and the heart.”
    Zoa wrinkled her nose and giggled. “You smell like quinar.
    Can I learn to smell people’s emotions, too?”
    “I don’t know. I’ve never tried to teach anyone to do it.”
    “Father says I learn quick. I can do sums better than Etam,
    but,” she added with a flash of honesty, “he reads better than
    me. I’ll work real hard.”
    Sianna wasn’t sure if her talent could be taught, but time
    spent with the little girl wouldn’t be wasted. Like a fetid mist,
    the scent of illness hung over Zoa. If allowed, Sianna knew she
    could help Zoa’s lungs become whole again.
    Zoa snuggled close. “I’m glad you’re here. Etam says
    Father gets lonely because he sleeps alone. I get scared when
    I sleep alone. Father is so brave, I don’t think he gets scared.”
    “Everyone is afraid at times.”
    “Do you get scared?”
    “Often.”
    Soft fingers patted Sianna’s arm. “You’re safe now. Father
    will protect you.” Zoa spoke with the confidence of childhood.
    “He’s going to save everyone from the evil monster man and
    his ugly daughter.”
    Zoa’s words flayed Sianna’s heart. If the child understood
    the truth, she would hate Sianna. As would the other people
    below. The thought of that much hatred aimed at her made
    Sianna shudder. Their thoughts alone would destroy her. The
    enormity of the task she set herself loomed before her.
    A coughing spell ended Zoa’s declarations. Breath wheezed
    through the girl’s blue lips as she struggled for air. Instinctively,
    Sianna reached for her.
    To attempt a healing now was beyond foolish. Fatigue and
    hunger already sapped Sianna’s strength. A healing would leave
    her weaker still, but she didn’t fight her urge to assist. Splaying
    her fingers across Zoa’s back, Sianna shut her eyes. Warmth
     
    radiated from her hand as she concentrated on seeing Zoa’s
    illness. Colors swirled behind her eyelids, then a thick grey sludge
    crept across her vision, obscuring the pleasant kaleidoscope.
    A prickly sensation shot up Sianna’s arm and lanced through
    her chest. She gasped. Time ceased to have meaning as she
    absorbed into herself the disease destroying Zoa’s tiny lungs.
    Finally, Zoa’s spasms passed, and she leaned limply against
    Sianna’s chest. Though not yet completely healed, already Zoa
    breathed easier. A flush of healthy pink replaced the blue tinge
    around her eyes and mouth.
    The little girl stirred and blinked in confusion. “I have to go
    now. Grenna gets mad if I’m late for bed.” Zoa slipped off
    Sianna’s lap and made her way to the door. “Can I visit you
    again?” she asked shyly.
    Too breathless to speak, Sianna smiled and nodded. Seconds
    later the girl was gone, leaving Sianna alone again with Warda.
    As if he understood, Warda moved back to her side, his yellow
    eyes watching her with concern.
    Never before had a healing taken so much of her, left her
    so drained. Then never had she attempted to heal with so little
    in reserve. These last few days of fear and hardship had taken
    their toll, leaving her unfit to use her skills. The Sisters had
    often cautioned her to practice restraint in the use of her talent,
    to give a little at a time rather than all at once, to build her
    strength before attempting to heal, but when she touched Zoa,
    prudence had fled in front of need.
    Bit by bit, the tight band around her chest loosened, her
    breathing eased as she struggled to regain equilibrium. She had
    given too much, too fast to recover quickly, but she couldn’t
    regret the healing she gave the child. Zoa would live, and given
    time, Sianna would regain her strength.
    How much time did she have?
    Heavy with fatigue, Sianna’s eyelids drooped and her head
    nodded forward.
    Warda whined and nudged her hand. The feel of his cold,
    wet nose roused her to stagger the few steps along with him to
    his place by the hearth and curl up on his rug. When he curved
    his shaggy body behind her, she sighed