thrive. Unlike the other elements, air is invisible. We are only aware of air through his effects. Close your eyes to completely connect with the element.”
I obey, closing my eyes. Suddenly, a burst of air swirls all around me, rustling my hair, nearly pushing me over with its ferocity.
“Air moves swiftly,” Holland whispers. “It is the only element that changes as it is influenced by the other elements. Fire makes it warm, almost too hot to bear. Water makes it hazy, frosty, dangerously cold. Air is ever-changing and always self-aware—two qualities you must encompass if you wish to restore your powers.”
I nod, keeping my eyes closed as I hold my arms out to my sides. I smile as the air brushes against my skin, working its way through the fabric of my cloak until it caresses my bare skin.
“Turn to the southeast corner,” Holland orders.
I open my eyes as I turn, and I face the fire altar. Stacks of firewood bundled together for the altar, with a smooth surface made from a large tile. Flames decorate every inch of it, the bright streaks of paint almost glowing in the moonlight. Atop the altar there is a wand, matches, thorns from a cactus, a pile of ash, dragon’s blood oil, and a red candle.
“Fire’s power is pure and strong. This element is often considered the most powerful and the most useful of the five. Fire is primal and dangerous. He invokes both life and death. In fire, we find passion and safety, much like the warrior’s spirit. Fire is courageous and destructive. It both destroys and renews everything it touches.”
The air sizzles around me, ignited by fire’s warmth. I welcome it even when it becomes hard to breathe. I feel the heat deep within my bones, but it stifles the chill. In a moment, when I must release the element, the burst of cold air will settle over me again, and I will miss the heat. Sweat beads at my temple, and my chest heaves as I struggle to breathe.
“Return north and face us once again, where you will connect with the spirit element,” Holland says.
Reluctantly, I spin to face him, but I do not watch him. Once again, my sight lands on the offerings he has put out for me. This time, there is no altar. Each item that represents the spirit element is placed on the ground and forms a complete circle at the very tip of the pentagram. There is a golden crown adorned with crystals, a third-eye jewel, a small glass doe, several quartz crystals, a spiral wheel relic, and a white candle.
“Spirit is the bridge between the physical and the spiritual, between the material and the celestial realms. Spirit connects the body and soul, forming one unique being. All the elements work together, commanded by spirit, to become one within you.”
Slowly, the elements I released spark to life once again, forming a complete circle within my core, fueling my desire, rejuvenating my strength. I am no longer cold or hot. I am perfectly sated, utterly at peace in this brief moment in time.
“Do you feel the connection, Ava?” Holland asks. “Listen as each element speaks to you. Obey their command. Submit to their strength.”
“Yes,” I say, breathing heavily. “I am connected.”
The bliss swelling within my heart is almost too much to bear. I spent weeks on my deathbed, simply waiting for time to stop, for the darkness to take over. I lost myself the day I hexed my coven, and it has taken far too long to find my joy again. This moment, when I am reunited with the elements I so desperately crave, I am elated. I am at peace. The emptiness is gone, and though the darkness remains, I feel stronger. I feel as though the evil is no match for my fury.
I open my eyes, and Holland and Will are no longer standing at the tip of the pentagram. They are mere feet before me. Both dressed to match me, they shimmy free, removing their garments to reveal their bare chests.
“It is time now, Ava,” Holland explains.
Will snaps his fingers, and all five candles—one for each element—is lit aflame. The ritual has officially begun.
“Relinquish your hold over the moon,” Holland orders. “Reverse your spell.”
Shaking and heavy with fear, I look at the moon. I stretch out my arms beside me, angling my head upward so I can stare at her glory. She is bright white with splashes of gray, almost iridescent against the