Page 35 of Fallen Star

Denser.

It no longer speaks to me.

Dean runs forward, pulling me into his arms. "What was the cost?" he asks again.

"My power. The cost was all my power."

Alex Stone

"What does that mean?" Dean asks, though I can tell he has an idea.

"I can no longer sense artifacts, or see into the world around me. I'm normal." But it feels worse than normal. It feels hollow. Empty. This has always been a part of me. It's shaped my world. My work. Given me an edge. I don't know who I am without it.

Dean seems to read my mind as emotions flit across my face. "Whatever you are, you are far from normal. You're extraordinary, and you don't need a magical connection to be a badass archaeologist or whatever you choose to do."

I can't find the words to respond, and then, I feel a burning on my arm, pulsing beneath my skin.

I suck in my breath, tears filling my eyes as I scratch at the spot.

"What's wrong?"

He looks to the queen. "What's happening to her?"

Queen Sky smiles gently. "She gave up her gift, but the dragons, through Umi, have given her another, to thank her for her self-sacrifice. And to honor the Fallen Star of Nirandel."

The burning dulls, and in its place, a dragon mark wraps around my forearm. "What does it mean?" I ask, feeling something alight within my core.

Dean helps me stand, and the queen offers me her silver cape to wrap around my shoulders. I accept it gratefully.

"You will discover over time what gift they have given you," she says. "But I do know that as a Star, you are immortal, and that has remained. Whatever else might grow within you, only time will tell."

With heartfelt goodbyes, the king and queen mount Umi and take off into the sky. I am shaken, exhausted, and stunned by all that has taken place. Dean studies my arm in wonder. "You were born for great things, Dr. Stone."

"Right now I'd settle for a long bath and an even longer sleep."

Iris takes Levi back to the Black Lotus with promises that he'll be kept under lock and key, and Dean and I follow.

When we arrive, I pull Dean aside. "There's something else I have to tell you. I had another vision while holding the egg." I take a deep breath. "Levi has a prisoner being held in a secret cave of his old kingdom. It's the king. Your brother, Fen. Levi's been feeding off of him to maintain his strength while he hunted for the Fallen Star."

"Do you know where this cave is?" Dean asks.

I nod, then sway on my feet, the room around me spinning.

Dean catches me and settles me onto the couch. "I think I can find it, if you can get us close enough."

Dean shakes his head. "No way. You're not going anywhere after what you've been through. Draw me a picture and tell me all the details you can. I'll find it myself. You'll stay here and rest."

Dean looks to Sly. "Will you take care of her? Get her a healer? Food? Whatever she needs?"

Sly nods. "You know I will, Prince."

Dean nods as Sly hands me parchment and charcoal.

I close my eyes, picturing the scene in my mind, and I draw.

When I open my eyes, I stare, flabbergasted. "Did… did I draw that?" I ask.

Because honestly, if you'd asked me to draw anything a few weeks ago, it would have looked like a glorified stick figure. But this, what I'm holding now? It's a masterpiece. It shows a castle in full detail, and the path that leads to the cave. Trees and landmarks with shading, texture and depth. I could frame this and sell it on eBay for quite a sum.