I PANTED WHILE RUNNING THE length of the second floor, my energy extended as I scanned the area, to see if any enemy had been missed. The air currents were gone, Kassie's presence no longer in my mind though I could pick up a sense of excitement through her energy.

Pushing myself, legs burning and heart pounding, I resisted calling up my elemental side, preferring to be myself for the moment. Alek felt not too far ahead of me, and I couldn't wait for this night to be over. ...