Chapter 43

Neivayka rubbed her aching shoulders, trying to decide which body part hurt the most. She was sure it was her shoulders, but her calves and hamstrings were coming in a close second. Then again, there was the throbbing ache in her temples as she tried to block out the constant voice that was nagging at her to let it out.

“Neivayka, you are not paying attention,” Elder Steval growled at her.

She popped her eyes open and glared at him. “I am. But my head is killing me, and my body feels like it’s on fire. How the hell am I supposed to meditate?”

“Clear your thoughts, concentrate on building the wall around the voice,” he instructed her impatiently.

“What bloody wall? What is it made from? Do I imagine myself building it or that it’s just there?” Neivayka fired off to him.

“Just build the damn wall, Neivayka!” he snarled.

She let out a loud, frustrated sound and jumped up to begin pacing through the room.