The Keepers: Archer. Rae Rivers

her, Declan could wield fire with impressive ease, and Ethan handled the wind as though it were child’s play.

      You’re a Beckham witch, Sienna, so start acting like one.

      Archer’s words came to mind, stirring the emotions she’d avoided until now. Although he hadn’t elaborated, she’d known what he’d meant. She’d spent years watching her mother and grandmother in witch mode and she’d learned from an early age that Beckham witches were fighters. They were strong and they fought for what they believed in. They were kind, loving, respected, often feared, and lived their lives to maintain order. They weren’t afraid of their powers and embraced it as a gifts, using their magic to make the world a better, safer place.

      An instant flush broke out through Sienna as shame trickled through her. She closed her eyes and allowed the truth to sink in.

      She’d spent the last two years being everything a Beckham witch wasn’t.

      Sienna opened her eyes and stared at the water for a long while before moving silently toward it. Maybe, just maybe, if she acted like a powerful, confident Beckham witch, she might actually start to feel like one. She was reaching but there had to be something better than the anguish and fear that had been her permanent sorrow buddies for the last few years.

      A small whirlwind of energy began to quiver inside her, a gentle fluttering that symbolized hope. The awakening of her powers?

      There was only one way to find out.

      With careful ease, her heart pounding against her ribcage, Sienna quietly raised her arms toward the pool and gave way to the trance that usually took over when channelling her powers.

      The water swirled inside the pool, slowly and softly at first. Once she’d gathered momentum, she raised her arms slightly. A low wall of water followed suit, hovering quietly above the pool before collapsing with a loud splash. Two attempts later, Sienna was ready to scream with annoyance.

      I can do this, dammit!

      Drawing in a deep breath, she pushed aside the frustration and tried again, this time, giving more of herself to the magic. The water swirled slowly at first but soon caught momentum and moments later, it was swirling faster and harder. With a gentle movement of her arms, the water rose up to form another wall that remained hovering in midair.

      The ability to make the water do as she pleased was incredible, and a brief jolt of euphoria landed in her gut. When Harper had attacked her in the forest, she’d used two powers to subdue him. Air and fire. It had taken a few tries and she’d channelled both elements with difficulty, but with a control that had surprised her.

      Curiosity and confidence spiked, Sienna concentrated on keeping the water mid air with one hand whilst stirring up a whirlwind in the forest beyond with the other hand. Moments later, she had a whirlwind of forest debris heading her way. The sight frightened her, only briefly, but bold instincts had taken over, driving Sienna to a depth she’d been too afraid to touch.

      The whirlwind picked up speed as it approached, gathering fuel along the way. Once she had both elements of nature side by side, she twirled her arms in circular motions, her mind and body completely in tune with the elements. Both elements immediately began swirling in circular motions, faster and faster until Sienna herself was panting.

      And feeling even bolder, Sienna slammed her hands together, creating a full-blown collision of water against wind. Water and forest debris exploded into an impressive scene around her, leaving her breathless.

      Gasping for air, her shoulders heaving from the unleashed adrenaline, Sienna stared at the chaos she’d created. Water, stones, sticks, leaves, small plants, and even a tiny tree littered the pool area that had only moments ago been spotless. Now it looked as though a mini tornado had taken place while they’d all slept.