The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 18

3 months later

~~~~~

"Perfect, now I think we are ready," said Advika as she jumped down the white rock.

Zarna set off the fire set by Tej with her power of water.

Ray managed to cover the forest with dark blue clouds. "Finally, the power to manipulate the sky," he said and adjusted his light blue headband.

"I don't believe we did this in just 3 months," said Maya and spread her arms.

Advika tied her hair into a bun as Tej watched her from the corner of his eyes; the trees in the forest swayed side to side.

"Stop it, Maya," said Zarna. "It's 4 guys, let's go."

"Ouch!" said Advika and fell into Tej's arms. She had stepped on a stone and lost balance. "Careful sweet- ... I mean Advika," said Tej; their eyes locked.

Ray and Zarna smiled at other each. Maya faked a cough. "Should we go?" she said and began walking towards the opening of the forest. Advika and Tej came out of their trance-like state and followed her.

"Dude, just tell her already," whispered Ray and kept his hand on Tej's shoulder. "Yes, please," added Zarna. Tej nodded his head in a no and smiled.

"Maya!" screamed Advika as she fell to the ground.

"Brace yourselves!" cried Maya and got to her feet, ready to fight.

Tej and Ray jumped on a boy, Maya snatched his sword. Advika ran towards the white rock where she always left the book. She glanced at her watch. Why isn't the forest disappearing?

Electric pulse left his hands in the form of a psi ball. The four friends landed on the ground with a thud.

"Advika," whispered Tej and looked at Ray.

"The book," said Maya and got to her feet. The boy tied them with an invisible rope. They could not move an inch but felt the tug as they tried to move. "Who are you!?" questioned Maya struggling to free her hands. "What do you want?" asked Zarna.

The boy paid no heed to their questions and tied them to a tree nearby. He picked up his sword and ran towards the white rock.

"Tej, no," said Maya as she noticed what Tej was doing. "Don't set the invisible rope on fire, it'll burn us too," she said.

"But, Advika," said Tej. "She's alone there."

~~~~~

Advika hid behind the white rock holding the book in her hands. What do I do? He's too strong to put up a fight.

"I know you're here," said a voice.

Advika shut her eyes. "My dear book, please help me," she whispered.

"Listen, don't waste my time," said the boy moving towards the white rock. "If you don't come out, I'll kill your friends."

"No, he won't," Advika heard a female voice say. She looked around frantically, making sure not to step or sit on any of the leaves beneath. She didn't want to attract any kind of attention.