Kingdom of Ash

together, when she had seen the army that
might save Terrasen, she’d known. She’d felt
the fire sleeping under this city, and knew
they had come here for a reason.
She had come here for this reason.
A river still flowed from the dam, harmless
and small, wending toward the lake.
Nothing more.
Aelin lifted a glowing hand before her as
blessed, cooling emptiness filled her at last.
Slowly, starting from her fingertips, the
glow faded.
As if she were forged anew, forged back
into her body.
Back into Aelin.
Clarity, sharp and crystal clear, filled its
wake. As if she could see again, breathe again.
Inch by inch, the golden glow faded into
skin and bone. Into a woman once more.
Already, a white-tailed hawk launched