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Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back. She let her consciousness expand out
into the cold void of space, seeking the brilliant energy that signified the ley lines.
Behind her closed eyelids, the lines shimmered into view, their seductive energy calling
to her. The blues and greens were darker in this quadrant, clearer in the absence of
man-made clutter, but they still formed that glittering maze that tempted her to
immerse herself in its power. She ignored the temptation, searching amongst the
strands for the one she needed to follow to reach their destination. She examined each
strand, discarding one after the other. Instinct would tell her when she d found what
she needed. Greens. Golds. Blues. The lines were seductive, tempting her to lose herself
in their beauty. Still, she searched.
And then she found it. The line that would lead her to the Globar system. She
narrowed her focus, concentrating on that one line, drawing the twinkling energy into
herself, and using her hands to direct it to the massive engines of the ship. Dimly, she
felt the vibrations as the ship began to move through space, picking up speed as she
strengthened the flow of power, acting as a human conductor.
She reveled in the feel of the energy coursing through her body, captured by her,
controlled by her. The temptation was there, always at the back of her mind, to draw
more and more power until there was no going back. She d merge completely with the
brilliant energy of the lines, become one with that incredible maze. It became harder
and harder to resist. Every time she channeled the power, she hesitated just a fraction of
a second longer before letting it go. She d always used her father to anchor her to this
life -- to reach out to if the temptation were too great.
But he wasn t here.
Time had no meaning in her trance. The power flowed through her to the
engines in a steady stream, and she remained passive, letting it use her. Dimly, she was
aware of planets, stars and the other heavenly bodies as they came within range, only to
disappear as the ship hurtled toward its destination.
It could have been nanosecs or whole solar days before she sensed her
destination approaching. Reluctantly, she let some of the power slip away, loosening
Anne Kane Stargazers 2: Willful 33
her hold on the line. She could feel the engine slow as she came out of the trance. Her
body sagged against the harness as fatigue overtook her. When the auxiliary power
kicked in, she emerged completely, and exhaustion slammed into her. She opened her
eyes to find Bryce striding toward her, concern plowing deep furrows into his
handsome brow.
How long& Her voice cracked and she couldn t finish. She must have held the
power longer than she d intended. She felt spent, every last ounce of her reserves
drained.
Too long. Why the hell didn t you let go before this? Bryce s hands were gentle
as he unbuckled the restraints. When she would have fallen, he lifted her in his arms
and dragged a blanket over her naked body. You scared the hell out of me. Don t you
ever do that again.
Jazlyn smiled weakly at the rough affection in his voice. Typical male, he seemed
to think he had the right to give her orders. I m a Stargazer. I don t take orders from
merchant captains.
So this is what you do when I m not around. Jazlyn started as Tyler s deep
voice boomed out cheerfully from the far side of the bridge. She peeked over Bryce s
shoulder. Tyler had one arm draped possessively around her cousin.
Mika smiled up at him with adoring eyes, before she turned a concerned look in
Jazlyn s direction. Did you overdo it? You know your tutor warned you. Those lines
can devour you whole if you re not careful.
I m fine. She felt silly, held in Bryce s arms like a small child while her cousin
lectured her. Just a little tired.
You can rest for a cycle before the next jump. Tyler looked at the dark red
planet visible on the observation screen. That s Makus 1 off to our left. We stocked up
on supplies before we left New Zanadles, so we don t need to dock. He glanced at his
partner. No need to alert any Council spies that we have a Stargazer onboard.
Anne Kane Stargazers 2: Willful 34
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