Foretold (Daughters of Saraqael Book Three) by Raine Thomas Page B

thought to them, Caleb’s first thought had been, Of course. They were all bound together, for good or for bad. What did it matter that he and James were less than a century old? The sisters were far younger, but rather remarkably powerful. Now they all shared some of that power.
    They really were going to change everything.
    He noticed the elders approaching. They glanced from one sister to another, ultimately focusing on Skye. He imagined their thoughts were flying rapidly between each other.
    Ini-herit had paused briefly by Olivia to place a hand on her head and now walked to Skye to do the same. After a moment, he nodded. “She will sleep for a while,” he predicted, catching Caleb’s gaze. “To restore her energy.”
    Then he surprised Caleb by placing a hand on his head. His eyes glowed liquid silver again and Caleb felt renewed energy flowing through him.
    “Thanks,” he said, prompting a nod from the elder.
    “I have never felt anything like that,” Zayna said, her brown eyes wide. She moved closer to Skye and gazed down at her, her bright yellow skirts brushing Caleb’s leg. “How did she contain all of that power by herself?”
    Jabari stood beside Zayna. “She believed she could. So she did.”
    “Such faith.” Malukali shook her head in obvious wonder.
    “Energy such as hers does not exist among Estilorians,” Uriel said, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. “It is far too pure.”
    “It didn’t exist here,” Gabriel corrected. “It does now.” He caught Caleb’s gaze.
    “We have always known that Skye was the most vulnerable to a non-physical attack,” Knorbis said. “Her absolute faith and open-mindedness make her more susceptible to the influences of others who would wish her harm. But it also allows her to do what she just did…wield power greater than any one of us could possibly handle.”
    “Did you sense how she sent the energy out?” Sebastian asked in his deep, calm voice. “Control like that is beyond the ability of most Estilorians, even those with centuries of being. I did not expect it from Saraqael’s youngest.”
    There were murmurs of agreement.
    “I have no doubt that this ritual was successful,” Jabari said. He looked at the perceptive Wymzesti for confirmation and received Knorbis’ nod. “I believe that we should perform this same ritual at each of the class homelands as we bring Saraqael’s daughters there to introduce them in the coming weeks.”
    Caleb and James frowned.
    “Why don’t we see how they get through this experience before we go jumping on that idea,” Gabriel drawled dryly. He shifted Amber’s weight. Her limp arm slid from her waist to dangle lifelessly in the air. Caleb had to steel himself against a smile, as he realized Gabriel had done it deliberately to achieve a dramatic effect.
    “Of course,” Jabari agreed, bowing his head in acknowledgement. “We can meet again to discuss this after they have regained their energy. They should most definitely have the option to decide against doing this again.”
    As Caleb caught James’ gaze and then Gabriel’s, they all exchanged similar, concerned thoughts. They all knew the sisters would never say no to the elders’ request.
    No matter how much it put them at risk.
     
    Amber, Olivia and Skye slept through the rest of that day and night and well into the following morning. None of them so much as turned over throughout the hours of the deep sleep.
    Caleb wasn’t sure whether or not to be concerned. Skye didn’t generally move restlessly during the night, but she did always sleep on her side. At the moment, she was resting on her back in the same clothes she had worn during the ceremony. Gabriel said in a low tone that the sisters looked like they were in comas, whatever that meant.
    The hours passed with excruciating slowness. He tried passing time with Gabriel and James playing cards, but none of them had been able to focus. Besides, Caleb was more comfortable being in the