*~Gabrielle's POV~*
My fingers brushed the lantern's surface.
"My lady, what are you doing?" Penny whispered behind me.
I turned, glaring. "Didn't I tell you to keep quiet?"
I faced the lantern again, forcing a deep breath. I needed silence to switch it on. The last time I did, everyone had been quiet. No distractions. No heartbeat pounding in my ears except mine.
Now, I could hear Penny's pulse thundering, her restless feet tapping against the floor. I bit down on my lip, gripping the lantern tighter—firm enough to hold, gentle enough not to break. I searched my mind for a memory, a spark, anything that could return my powers.
Nothing.
I tightened my hold again, closed my eyes. A small gust of wind brushed past us. My heart jumped—this was how it started last time. I opened my eyes..
Still dark. No glow. No light.
The disappointment hit me like a slap. I tried again, harder, until my hands trembled. Nothing.
