Read Online Elemental Release by Elana Johnson - Free Book Online Page A

injuries—which she had caused.
    “He’s healing well,” I said evasively.
    “You’re not as good at lying as you used to be,” she said, standing. She went into her kitchen and threw away her banana peel. “I got some lunch for you.”
    We settled at her table, and I started eating the curried shrimp she’d taken from the dining hall. “Thank you,” I said after a few minutes of silence.
    She covered my hand with hers. “I’m glad you’re not as good at lying to me anymore.” She smiled, but she kept her face turned toward the tabletop.
    “Me too,” I admitted.
    She looked up, and I saw the determination in her eyes before she closed them, and then closed the distance between us. Her initiating our kiss made me so happy, I almost couldn’t contain the joyful laugh inching its way through my throat.

    Monday morning, Airmaster Rusk was not in his office. I sat in the chair to wait for him. He’d been late a handful of times before, so I wasn’t concerned. When Shane walked into the room wearing the black robes of a mentor, I stood.
    “Where’s Rusk?” I asked, alarm singing through me.
    “He and Jones are investigating another Airmaster,” he said. “He asked me to fill in as your trainer for the week.”
    “Where did they go?” The situation must be serious if Davison had sent his personal Airmaster.
    “Rhyss,” Shane said.
    Panic streamed through me, and the air outside the window reacted violently. “Rhyss?”
    “Yeah, why?” Shane peered at me like I was acting crazy.
    “My Unmanifested is on her way to Rhyss next week.”
    Shane watched me for a moment. Then he said, “Davison wouldn’t send her if it wasn’t safe.” He stepped to the balcony. “Come on. Rusk said to take you to the beach for lessons.” He launched himself into the sky, his black mentor robes flapping in the wind. The sharp, whipping sound actually soothed me.
    I remembered the peace I’d felt in Hesterton as I’d laid next to the stream. I remembered the release of hatred and anger I’d experienced when facing my brother. I couldn’t control what was happening in Rhyss, a city-state nearly one thousand miles away.
    I could control what happened here, in Tarpulin, at the beach with Shane. I could control how I treated Liz and Gabby, how I confided in them, how I advanced my training to help them.
    Airmaster Rusk’s words floated through my mind. You must learn to let go of what you cannot control. Only then will your true power over air be awakened.
    I trusted my mentor. I worried for him in Rhyss, but I let it go. I followed Shane to the beach, where he taught me to find miniscule currents among the roaring winds. It was delicate work, and the bones in my hands ached by the time we finished.
    “Can you grip the jet stream?” I asked as we flew toward the city.
    “Yes,” he said. “It is one of the most difficult tasks an Airmaster can do. Only those with extreme control—and a trusting relationship with the air currents of the earth—can master.” He landed on the balcony and entered Rusk’s office. “Can you do it?”
“No,” I admitted. “It’s what Rusk is trying to get me to do. I have a hard time even finding it.”
    Shane smiled. “Yes, I remember. But there is great power in the jet stream. Enough to alter weather patterns, cause severe storms, and inflict great damage.”
    I frowned, unsure if I should ask my next question. Rusk encouraged questions, and Shane was my friend, so I spoke. “Then why do we want to use them?” I asked. “I thought Airmasters used their power for good, not destruction.”
    “Sometimes destruction is necessary to preserve lives,” Shane said. “I could’ve used a jet stream to dispatch you and save my Council. Rusk could be using one to capture Theo. Sometimes some have to die for many more to live.” He dismissed me, but I took his words with me. They lingered through lunch, though the conversation was somber as Liz explained the situation in