He nodded. “Come on, is it that surprising that magic is simply your imagination coming alive?”
“Yeah, shouldn’t there be some spell with words or anything?”
He shook his head. “Look in your memories, you should see that I don’t use words to cast magic. I simply think it and it happens. And yes, you have some restrictions. You have to try to learn what you can do. Other than that, I don’t know what to tell you.”
She blew out a breath and closed her eyes as she lifted her hands. The temperature around her hands lowered, then ice enveloped her arms.
Blinking, she tried to shake, but nothing. The strange part was she wasn’t freezing. Nope, it was cold, but not uncomfortable.
“Relax. Think warmth, the sun.”
She did and her hands heated up. The ice melted, dripping into a puddle. “What the hell?”
“You’re a quick study. Control will come with practice. But while you’re in the human world, you’ll want to be careful. Very careful. Don’t want to scare the mundane.”
“Help me figure out control.”
“I will do everything I can to do that. Give me a moment to think of how.”
Nodding, she walked away, staring at her hands where she focused the cold. Instead of just at her hands, she focused it above her hands. Water started to gather, then freeze. And as more water was drawn to the ball, the ice grew.
“I’m doing it.”
“That’s it. Concentrate. Take my words and find your own interpretation.”
“I’m trying,” she answered.
Alenathos moved to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Relax. You’ll figure this out. With my help, your friends, even your mother’s.”
“I hope you two work things out.”
“Why?” he asked softly. “I don’t know that she can forgive me. I left without a word, never to see her again, in hopes she would live.”
“She will understand. I’ll help her see why you did what you must.” She squeezed his hands. “Come on, I’m ready for more learning.”
Chapter 15
Maddock sat on the couch a moment, then stood to pace. After a few moments he sat again, bouncing his knee. “When will he be here?”
The sooner he had Lana in his presence the better. If she had a chance to meet her parents, he may not be able to sway her.
His mother took a seat on the couch. “Maddock, relax. McDermot is on his way now. When your manservant called, I gave him a spell to ensure he came, since you wouldn’t give the man any information.”
“Why are you helping? I thought you despised my plan.”
“I am your mother. I’d rather see you succeed even if I don’t agree with your choices.”
“Why do you enjoy tormenting me?”
“Do you want my help? Or not?” she asked, clearly agitated.
“Thank you.” He moved to the window.
“You’re welcome. Now was that so hard?” she asked.
“No, no, it wasn’t.” But it was terrible. He hated that she had the foresight to ensure the prick came, and that it meant she had been spying. Something she did all the damned time.
And he wanted to know what her plan was. His father was too busy on business trips back and forth between Earth and Faery. His father loved beautiful women and gorgeous men. He strayed from his mother all too often, and yet, they still acted as if in love when together.
His mother was conniving, manipulative. And she had her own share of lovers, but she was far more discreet about her affairs.
Maddock didn’t waste his time on anyone who couldn’t push him further ahead. He’d found that too many people wasted time on frivolous things like love and sex. Too many women wanted him for what he could give them, and he didn’t want to share his wealth or power with a weak, needy bitch. He needed strength at his side, and if that wasn’t from marriage, then an alliance, one he could manipulate.
Lana had been the perfect candidate before her mating. And still, he wanted her. He’d spent too much time ensuring the outcome he desired.
There was a knock on the door and Maddock turned, rushing to the foyer. He found McDermot on the other side. “We need to discuss your new contract.”
“If you’re wise, you will bring me my sister and be done with this nonsense.”
“If you value your sister’s life, you will abduct Laniela and Elondril. Laniela is a newly awakened dragon and mated to the last Hyter Sprite. They are in Washington State. They were last seen near Waterfront Pizza, though I can’t pinpoint where this place is.”
McDermot growled. “You want them both?”
His mother interrupted. “If they are mated, one will work. The other will follow in a matter of time. And in the human world, it might be easier to obtain one than both.”
And if his mother didn’t have a point, he would argue. She did.
McDermot held up a hand. “Before I go anywhere, I want to see Shayna and ensure she is unharmed.”
“Very well, follow me, but don’t try anything.”
* * * *
Reance rubbed at his temples. He was about to admit the truth to a dragon. The bond they shared would prevent her from harming him, not to mention the fact he was practically immune to fire, but if she requested he break the bond, he would.
He only helped Alenathos because he was right to take Lana from her mother. The only outcomes he saw were all tragic with one or all dying in horrible ways. None of them deserved it. As it was, Alenathos was often harshly punished. But at the time, he had no way to free the dragon from his sister’s hold.
Alenathos asked for his help, and he had already formed a plan. He set her up in the same city as Isadora, with a family who would care for her. He hadn’t foreseen Maddock Delnias learning the truth, or he would have done more to prevent that outcome.
At least she was always safe, and her mother protected her as well as a human could.
“Call her. You won’t stop stressing until then,” Aeryana said softly.
“I’m nervous. I’ve seen several outcomes.”
“Well, Lana is safe for now, right? If Fuerah comes to her aid, she’ll remain safe.”
“Yeah, maybe that will be enough to gain her forgiveness.”
“Don’t worry, Reance. You can be very diplomatic when need be. And now is one of those times. Appeal to the mother. Explain what you saw.”
He gripped his necklace. “You should go.”
“No, I’ll stay. She’s going to realize the truth of your words.”
“I hope you’re right.” He called on Fuerah.
Fuerah appeared before him, her scarlet hair falling around her in waves. “I wasn’t expecting to hear from you. I thought all was well.”
Reance took a fortifying breath. “I need you to listen, without a word until I’m done. I don’t expect forgiveness, but perhaps some understanding.”
Her brows knitted together. “Very well. Speak.”
“I helped Alenathos hide Laniela to keep her safe from those who would rather kill her or use her. I know where she is. In fact, you’ve been in her presence more recently. But I knew if she stayed with you, she would have been used in terrible ways, or slaughtered to prevent her from ever coming into power.”
Her eyes closed, her fists clenched, but Fuerah kept her mouth shut.
“You have to know I did it to protect her. I also know you would have never given her up without a fight, and your life would have ended trying to protect her. I did this for you, for Laniela, even for Alenathos. It was the only way I believed you all would live and could one day mend what was broken when he took your daughter.”
“Is she safe?”
“For the moment, but she needs your help. She was recently awakened. She knows the truth, what she is. Maddock Delnias wants to take her for his own. He had manipulated the man who raised your daughter into an arranged marriage. Once I learned of this, I dissolved all arranged marriages and resol
ved the debt the man was in. However, Maddock is still trying to sway her to his side. Both Laniela and Elondril are in danger now.”
Fuerah held up a hand. “My daughter mated a Hyter Sprite? The only one left living?”
“Elondril is a good man. He would do anything to protect her.”
She smiled. “That I’m aware of. I’m simply stunned she chose a sprite.”
“She didn’t know she was dragon. Nor did he. I kept the secret from everyone. She goes by Lana. I don’t believe she knows her name is Laniela. She runs Shenanigans with Isadora.”
She nodded slowly. “Why did you do it?”
“Because Alenathos knew what his people would do to her. He also knew what Saressa would do to take her and make her a slave. One forced to do terrible things. And I saw enough that he convinced me easily. I am sorry I couldn’t tell you until she knew, but it was the only way to ensure her safety. I watched over her the same as I watched over Isadora. It was the only thing I could do to make sure she came into her power on her own terms, and now she needs your help to learn control. I believe Alenathos is with her now, teaching her to use water and ice. But you need to help her with fire. Otherwise, she may cause some disastrous wildfires that the humans cannot contain.”
“He did this to protect her?” she whispered, a tear forming in her eye.
He nodded. “He didn’t want to break your heart, but you know what Saressa would have done. Or not, but you have a small idea. What she would have done would have been far worse.”
She nodded slowly. “I wish he had told me. I wish we could have found another way.”
“If Saressa had seen you with Laniela, she would have known whose child she was. If she even heard a rumor, she would have known. She could have forced him to bring her in.”
Nodding, she lifted a shoulder. “And now what? How do we prevent her from being bound to a monster?”
“By her choice, she is bound to Elondril, who happens to be her mate.”
Fuerah shook her head. “But why?”
“It seems Maddock wants to do the same to her. However, with a bond in place, that can’t happen. He’s not strong enough to sever the tie to Elondril. However, I think their mate bond is stronger than even that.”
“Would you have allowed me to leave Faery to protect her?”
“If you had asked, yes. However, the outcome would have broken your heart. So I didn’t give you a chance to ask. For that I am sorry. I consider you a friend. I hope you do me. And know that I didn’t want to take your daughter away, but it was the only way I could guarantee all of you get a chance.”
She wiped at her eyes. “I spent years hating Alenathos for taking our girl. I wondered if he took her to Saressa himself.”
Reance touched her shoulder. “It broke his heart to betray you. He knew what would happen if he didn’t. If I had any other chance to keep you or Lana safe, I would have done it. He fully expects your hatred.”
A sob escaped. “I don’t know if I can forgive him.”
“That’s something you need to decide, but I think when you talk to him, you’ll see how terribly this tore him apart.”
She stepped back, nodding. “It’s obvious this troubles you. I can only imagine it was even worse for him.”
“It was. Now, let me open a portal, but he may not stay when you show up. He’s convinced you will always hate him.”
She pressed a hand over her heart and let out a breath. “A part of me wants to, but the other half knows he only did what he thought would save us all. I would have done the same to protect them both if I thought it was the only way. I need to hear it from him before I decide.”
“Take your time, and when you’re ready, I’ll take you to her.”
“Now, please. It’s been more than thirty years since I’ve seen my little girl.”
Reance dipped his head.
Smiling, Aeryana moved to leave the room. “Have a safe trip.”
Chapter 16
Controlling the magic wasn’t nearly as hard as Lana imagined. With Alenathos giving her loose descriptions to be interpreted, it was easier than she would have ever hoped.
And her father encouraged the blending of fire and water. She couldn’t avoid it. Both wanted to bubble up at the same time.
Something changed. She felt it in the air.
Alenathos dropped to his knees and bowed his head.
She turned to find Fuerah. Lana’s heart skipped a beat. “Mother?”
A tear fell down her face. “Daughter.” She moved to her.
Alenathos didn’t make a sound.
With amazing strength and poise, Fuerah looked at Alenathos. “Get up, Alen. We can discuss what you did later. Right now, I understand she needs help learning her gifts.”
He didn’t move, and his voice shook. “She does. And she’s learning fast, though she can’t seem to call on just one element yet.”
“She doesn’t have to call on just one. That’s the beauty of being both fire and ice.”
Alenathos nodded. “Exactly. However, there may be times where one will come in more handy than the other. So learning wouldn’t hurt, though it doesn’t need to be the very first thing she learns.”
“Very true.” Fuerah stopped before Alenathos and touched his head. “Stand up. I’m having a hard time hating you right now. I feel your pain as strong as my own.”
He stood and slowly met her gaze. “I’m sorry, Fuerah.”
Closing her eyes, she nodded, then hugged him. “We’ll discuss all of that later. Right now our girl needs us.”
Lana stepped forward. “He did what he thought he had to.”
Fuerah dipped her head. “Unfortunately, that knowledge doesn’t make it hurt less. Though, I’m willing to listen to him. Reance has convinced me it was done to protect you. I believe that. He was so happy when he held you the first time. I was crushed when he disappeared. That bitch Saressa tore everything from us.”
“She wasn’t the only threat to my daughter. My own family would have liked nothing better than to kill her as well,” Alenathos explained. “Doesn’t make it right, but it’s the truth. I’m not sure what your people would have done.”
Lana smiled sadly. “Look, not to be a jerk, but I don’t see why me being mixed is such a big deal.”
Fuerah sighed. “For dragons it’s far more a concern than most Fae. There are types of Fae that can’t breed with their own kind because they are all men or women in one race.”
“Why is it different for us?”
“Because we’re the guardians of the elements. And mixing the elements into one dragon makes them far too powerful. Only some of the earliest dragons were mixed, and as far as anyone knows, they are all dead, and have been for ages.”
“Well, I won’t go back to Faery, and it won’t be an issue.”
Alenathos snorted. “Not for the dragons, but for those Fae who can come and go easily between the realms. They will want to use you. Theoretically, you can be made to control your mother and me, even with a master bond in place.”
“Lonny won’t do that.”
“Elondril?” Fuerah asked.
Lana nodded. “Yes, my mate.” She watched her mother, a defiant smile on her lips.
Fuerah smiled. “You love him?”
“Very much. I was just too stupid to admit it for far too long.”
“Why?”
“My fa—Divad put some stupid ideas into my head. That I was weak, that I was some kind of freak. He told me the awakening would be bad for me, and it stuck.”
“Which reminds me, I need a word with Divad,” Alenathos growled.
Lana spun toward him. “Not until after I talk to him. You’ll only scare him off. I need my own answers.”
Alenathos sighed. “Together, and I’ll keep my hands to myself. I simply want to know why he traded you for his own freedom.”
“The Delnias family is full of slimy bastards who would do anything to gain
power. However, they never make it very far before being knocked down a few pegs,” Fuerah commented.
Lana nodded. “That’s why I had Lonny bind me to him, the same way Isadora bound Alenathos, and Reance bound you. That way no one can take advantage of me.”
“He’s a good choice. He knows what it means to be a slave, even just in name. And he won’t ever use that against you.” Fuerah stepped closer, then reached out.
Lana hugged her. “It’s nice to know I have parents who care about me. Even if I wasn’t raised by them. It’s the same as Isadora.”
Fuerah nodded, her eyes closing. “So I’ve heard. I wish I had known. Maybe I could have found you a better home. Maybe things would have been better.”
“Divad was good to me, even after Diana left him and took me with her. He wasn’t horrible. I just knew there was something different between me and my sister. I guess I should have known I wasn’t his.”
“I want to strangle him. He was supposed to treat you as one of his own.”
“Yeah, what if he didn’t really want me? You can’t expect him to love me as much as the one he wanted. He was good to me. I just felt different. That’s not his fault. I couldn’t be more different than them anyway.”
Fuerah shook her head. “Why them?”
“She would never step foot in Faery, and he would be able to teach her what she needed to know about Faeries. And with his idiocy, she wasn’t going to run into a Fae who wanted to drag her through the awakening before she was ready. Or so I thought.”
“Yeah, Maddock is foolish enough to attempt that. And Divad is a coward.” Fuerah shook her head. “So, where did you start with teaching?”
“The basics. She hasn’t had any of that before. Where else would I start?” Alenathos asked.
A smile lit Fuerah’s face as she met his gaze. “Very well. Show me what you can do.”
* * * *
Reance took a seat on the couch. “Sorry for dropping in.”
Isa shook her head. He always knew everything. “Is there a reason you didn’t tell me about Lana in the last year?”
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