Chapter23: Strength in Numbers

Maerilee “What do you mean by that?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, but my question hangs in the still air of my mother’s chamber like a command. My father stands at the foot of the bed, his gaze steady as it meets mine. “You have enough power, Maerilee,” he says, his voice low but certain. “You must. You wouldn’t be where you are right now, wouldn’t have found your Ones, if the power wasn’t there. You can do this.” I blink, trying to process his words. I have power, yes. I can feel it, especially with Akin, River, and Brook close by. But enough to seal the entire room? To protect my family from whatever forces are marching on Altinna? The weight of his belief presses down on me, and I swallow hard, feeling the familiar thread of self-doubt pulling tight. “I’m not sure if I can, ” I confess, looking down at my hands as if the answer could be found in my own skin. “The most I’ve managed is a barrier around Duchess’s ball. I’m not sure I’m powerful enough to protect you all.” I