In Flames, Destined Series Volume 1

by Elissa Daye

  “Take her to the dungeon.” Lysandra turned her back on Lady Anna and walked back to the keep. When she made it to the doorway her feet almost fell from underneath her, but the women surrounding her caught her at once.

  “My lady, you need to rest.”

  A sharp pain ran across her stomach, almost as if to answer the concern that ran between the women. She tried to hide the pain from her face, but it was easily readable. April came around to face her and put her hand on her face. “If you want this child to stay safe, you must go rest at once.”

  It was clear that the crowd around her brokered no argument. She let them assist her up the stairs and into her room. When they helped her into her bed the tears started to fall down her face. She cradled her hand around her belly as sobs started to rack her body. April and Layla climbed into bed on either side of her and held her close. She fell asleep when she no longer had any tears or voice holding her to the waking world.

  She awoke to a knock on the door. “Come in.”

  “I’m sorry to interrupt your nap.”

  “It’s quite all right, Garrett.”

  “We need to leave as soon as we can.” He looked almost apologetic.

  “We’ll be fine, Garrett. You must take as many men as you can. Terryn will not have left the fortress unprotected.” It was an easy lie to tell. While they would need as many men as possible she had another reason for sending them away. Terryn would never dare to come for her if so many people were present.

  “Yes, my lady. We’ll leave at once.” Lysandra did not look up when the door closed behind him. She closed her eyes knowing she would need whatever rest she could get. She would have to do more than survive what happened next. She had to protect her people from the dark snake that slithered in the shadows.

  Lysandra’s dreams were fitful, but she got whatever rest she could. She had dismissed the others for the rest of the day knowing they had their own projects to attend to. She watched for prying eyes as she snuck down the stairs and out the door. It was dark. Hardly anyone stirred within the keep. With most of the men away it was easy to make her way to the stables unnoticed.

  She saddled a chestnut mare, then fastened a bridle quietly around it. She used the stepping stool next to her to mount and had the horse move at a slow pace through the bailey, trying to make as little noise as possible. There were no guards at the gate. This did not surprise Lysandra for her destiny was calling her, clearing the way for the path that had already been cut for her, a path lit by the fire in her eyes.

  She traveled the path she had made several times before, ignoring the shadows that followed behind her. Only a light trail of moonbeams lit the way as she rode slowly through the woods. She could have made her way there with her eyes closed, for she knew every turn, every rock, and every stone that took her to Eden. When she reached the clearing she carefully swung her legs from the saddle, grimacing slightly at the pull of muscle she felt in her swollen abdomen. She tethered the horse to a low hanging branch and rubbed her belly gently. “It’s all right. It will all be all right. I promise.”

  She went to the bench in the middle of the clearing and sat awaiting the presence of the one man whose evil heart had made such an impact on her life from the very moment he laid his wicked eyes on her flesh. She did not have to wait long. She heard him approach and turned toward him, hiding the challenge in her eyes. She must let him think he had the upper hand, at least until she knew Aiden was free from harm.

  “What are you doing here? Preying upon the helpless? How predictable.” She could not let him think she would go with him easily. She would have to put up a fight or it would not seem realistic. She raised a rock next to her, threw it as hard as her arms could manage, and watched as it smashed into his shoulder.

  She stared at him as he stepped closer. He sneered at her, his threat flashing in his eyes. He went to grab her, but she sidestepped his embrace. She kicked him hard in the groin, hoping that at least that part of him would be incapacitated. “You bitch!”

  She could see him clearer now as he lunged for her again. His hair was the color of a starless night with curls that attacked his head like slimy snakes. Its lackluster locks contrasted with the pale moonlight outside as his face contorted in a rage she could not understand. The pale, cracked skin shifted like scarabs below the sand as his anger boiled to the surface. His mouth opened in an outraged scream and, the instant he opened it, his teeth were snarling at the world like sharp pick axes stuck in the cavern of his gums. His steely blue eyes were now clouded with blood red fury. This man was deadly. Even though she knew her magic could easily free her from this situation, she knew she had to let him win. When he lunged at her again she pretended to fall. He yanked her up from the ground and arms as strong as steel held her close.

  “If you want this child to live another day you will come with me.” He held a knife to her belly and she stopped her struggling right away, going placid against him. “Cedrick, get her tied up.”

  Another man entered the clearing with a rope. She had not even heard him at the edge of the woods. She was so focused on the malicious man in front of her. He tied the rope tightly around her hands, binding them so closely that she felt a tingling fire start to burn her wrists. She was yanked away by her hands and placed on her horse. Terryn grabbed her horse’s tether and steered them from the clearing. Lysandra tried not to let her mind wander too far, for she was keeping an eye on the changing scenery around her.

  Chapter 39

  Darkness faded in and out around him as consciousness eluded Aiden. His thoughts still echoed around him in the land of dreams. Terryn’s men had stayed close to the daily regimen that Terryn had set up before he left. He was whipped and beaten several times a day. It was enough to knock him out, but never enough to kill him. Terryn needed to keep him alive so that he could continue to make his life hell. He could only hope that Lysandra remained safely out of his clutches. He had no idea why Terryn hated him so vigorously or why the leader of the Tiberon Clan wished to do him so much harm. Aiden had never started the battle between the two clans; he never instigated a fight, but he had never backed down from one either.

  Aiden had respected the wishes of his elders, the ones who had trusted Blackwolf to him. They had not wanted to create more of a rift between the two clans. At one point many years ago it had been suggested that they work to bring the Tiberon Clan back within its fold, but the leaders of Tiberon felt that they were above their humble beginnings.

  It made no sense to Aiden. Even now he was reminded that each of their clans had been suffering from the same curse. Perhaps Terryn’s people blamed Aesov’s lineage for their misfortune. Maybe it was just a battle that started long ago, some disagreement that no longer had ties to the present. He cared not about some prattling fool’s vendetta. He was more interested in promoting the best life he could for his people. Seldom did he dwell on the past as that often made the future less productive. For the past few months he had focused on providing a safer life for his wife and their unborn child. He no longer feared the upcoming birth, for Lysandra was right. She was a strong woman with a power that amazed him.

  Aiden fell into a deep sleep and woke in a different place. Twilight was gleaming through the tops of the trees, giving him enough light to make sense of the scene in front of him. It was Lysandra’s Eden. He could smell the jasmine flowers, see the cherry blossoms scattering quietly to the ground in the darkness. He felt a gentle breeze caress his face and knew that it carried the love of his Lysandra to him. He sat down on the bench with ease, for while his image was covered in scrapes and bruises his dream self seemed to have no earthly ties to the pain of his battered form.

  Aiden knew her the moment she entered the clearing. Lysandra floated to him, surrounded by a bright yellow light that reminded him of a warm, sunny day. “Lysandra.”

  The whisper carried on the wind and Lysandra caught it with her smile. She walked closer to him and offered her hand. Lysandra felt the breeze on her fac
e and realized that they had both ended up in the land of dreams together. She felt hope filling her heart and it was almost effortless. She sat down beside him and put her head on his shoulder.

  “Lysandra, what happened to your face?”

  “I’m sorry, what?” Lysandra lifted her head serenely, then turned away.

  “Where did that bruise come from?”

  “Oh, it’s nothing, Aiden. I’m fine. The baby’s fine. We’re all fine.” She could not believe he was making a big deal over a small bruise when he was sitting next to her with his body splattered with blood from the many cuts that lanced all over him. Lysandra’s eyes darted away from him. Nevertheless, he would be furious with her when he found out she had left the keep. She really had no choice if she were going to keep her family safe. She just needed to distract Terryn long enough for Garrett to free him.

  “That is not nothing. That is most definitely something marking the face of my pregnant wife. What the hell happened?”

  “It’s not important right now, Aiden.” She looked away from him and attempted to summon whatever courage she could. She knew he would not back down.

  “Lysandra, so help me, if you don’t tell me what happened…”

  “You’ll what, beat a hasty escape, then come punish me for my wicked behavior?” A salty smirk lit her face.

  Aiden huffed angrily beside her. “I just may have to.”

  “I dare you.” She grinned at him. “Not to worry, my love. I can handle myself.”

  “Where are you?”

  “With you always, my love.” She was not baiting him purposefully. She just needed him to listen to what she had to say.

  “Lysandra.”

  “Listen closely, Aiden. Garrett interrogated Lady Anna. He knows where you are. Your men should be there shortly to free you. When you are free, then you’ll need to come find me.”

  “Find you?” Aiden’s temper was rising. “Lysandra, where the hell are you?”

  “Well, if I am correct with my calculations I am at least two days to the east of Blackwolf in some run down castle owned by some blustery old bald man who Terryn keeps referring to as Josiah.”

  “Terryn? What the hell? That bastard. Did he do that to you? I’ll kill him.”

  “Of that I’m sure of.” Lysandra smiled softly at her husband and ran a hand across his cheek. He did not need to know that she planned on doing that very same thing. “Please stay with me until they arrive. I’m sure it will be any moment, my love.”

  They stayed there together in the middle of Eden, resting in the land of dreams that blanketed them with the comfort they had been missing. The weight of the impending moon on his shoulders was nothing compared to the idea that his love was in danger. In two days the moon would hit and Aiden could only hope his men had found him before then. He was more resolved than ever to finish this war between him and Terryn, regardless of whatever or whoever started it. Terryn was a dead man.

  It was as if Lysandra could hear the echoes of his thoughts. Yes, Terryn would be a dead man, and very soon. She sat up when Aiden’s spirit flashed in front of her. “Aiden?”

  “I can hear a battle cry, Lysandra. I think our troops are here.”

  “You must go, my love.” She kissed him softly, doing her best not to show the sadness in her heart.

  “I will find you, Lysandra.”

  “Goodbye, Aiden.”

  Aiden awoke to the sounds of heavy battle. He heard the striking of swords, the shouts of war, and deadly screams pierce the air. Being so far away from time and space, he had no real idea how long the battle lasted. When the sounds of fighting stopped, heavy, clanking footsteps clattered down the steps leading to the dungeon. He said a silent prayer to the gods, hoping above all else that his men had won.

  “Lord Aiden?”

  “How many times do I have to tell you to call me Aiden? Garrett, get your carcass down here and get me out. Lysandra is in danger.” Aiden made his best attempt to stand, but fell over in a heap on the floor.

  “You’re no good to her in this condition, Aiden.”

  “My condition matters not. That scumbag has my wife.”

  “Terryn?”

  Aiden did not bother answering. “Get me up. We ride at once. She’s at least two days ride from Blackwolf. That’s at least a three day journey.”

  Hang on, my love. I’m on my way! He sent his love into the air, hoping that it would carry on the wind to where Lysandra was being held. For once the frenzy of the moon did not scare him. He would channel the beast in hopes that it would get him to his love that much faster.

  Chapter 40

  Lysandra awoke from her dream feeling slightly colder from the absence of Aiden. It had been a day since Aiden had rested with her in Eden. She closed her eyes, desiring nothing more than to see him one last time, but he was no longer there. It did not worry her, for she knew Aiden’s men would fiercely protect their leader. Lysandra tossed back the covers and winced when her feet touched an icy cold floor. The fire had burned out long ago and the room was covered with morning chill. While she was not happy to be Terryn’s captive, at least he had not thrown her in a dungeon. Instead, she was locked up in a smaller room with only a tiny window that let in some of dawn’s early light. She walked over to the water basin and splashed water on her face. The freezing liquid bit at her delicate skin, but at least it helped her wake up.

  She felt a small breeze stirring in the room and walked swiftly over to the window. She closed her eyes, then listened to the wind’s message. It was Aiden. He had promised to send her a sign when he was free from Terryn’s men. He was making his way to where she was, but if he made it here he could be in grave danger. She would have to figure out a plan for escape as soon as possible, one that led to the death of Terryn Tibalus.

  She hated plotting the death of another living being, but she would do anything to protect her husband and the life that grew within her. The women of Lena were fierce protectors of their families. She often wondered what would have happened that night at Elkliss if her mother’s magic had not been blocked from the emotional shock that ran through her. While the emotions of the women of Lena could enhance their Adrianic magic they could damage it at the same time. Lysandra would have to be very careful to move ahead with a purpose. No matter what emotions ran through her, the end result must be the same—Terryn must die.

  Lysandra heard the key turn in the lock and braced for the moment Terryn entered the room. She moved back to the bed and sat down to gain courage. She refused to meet Terryn’s eyes when he entered.

  He walked over to the bed and put his hand on her chin. “Still lovely.” He ran his hand down her neck, letting it roam further down her bodice. “Have you had enough punishment or are you ready to give in?”

  Lysandra jerked her head away from him. “Never.”

  “I’ve waited long enough.”

  Lysandra flinched as the sound of ripping fabric echoed in the air. She met his gaze with a challenge and put every ounce of her emotions into protecting herself. She let him touch her, let his lips scar a trail of disgusting slime down her body. She focused her attention on his throbbing member and imagined the full force of her energy disabling him before he could consummate his evil intent.

  When Terryn attempted to enter her body he swore aloud. “What the hell?” He put his hand around his cock and shook his head. His body could no longer sustain the desire that rolled through him. He was completely unable to perform.

  “Maybe next time?” Lysandra could not help but make light of his situation. Terryn’s eyes flashed with hatred and she received another slap for her efforts. She did not make a move. It was not time, but soon. Very soon.

  “You can count on it. Time does not matter. With your beloved Aiden Quinn out of the way we have all the time in the world,” Terryn taunted her maliciously.

  She knew that Aiden was not dead, but she did not let on of her knowledge. She acted deflated as if Terryn’s words had broken her heart. “That
can’t be.”

  “Oh, but it is. I left orders for his execution this morning. It has been carried out by now.” The gleam of satisfaction that lit his eyes made Lysandra a little nauseous.

  “I hate you!”

  The way she spoke to him seemed to fuel the derision in his eyes and a chuckle came forth from his lips. “Now that is something I can work with. That desire, that hate. It will be delicious, but for now, I’m afraid I’ve other things to do. I will have you, Lysandra.” He left the room as quietly as he had entered.

  Lysandra wrapped herself in a sheet and almost jumped when the door opened again. This time a man entered the room with a tray, which she found quite odd as she had only seen one servant girl. When she looked closer at him she had to rub her eyes. “I know you!”

  “Shh!” the man warned her.

  “You’re Sir Marcus. What are you doing here?”

  “It’s a very long story for which I’m afraid you may not have time.” His blue eyes twinkled at her.

  “Are you planning on selling me again?” She wrinkled her nose at him. “As you see, I’m not much use to anyone at the moment.” She patted her stomach with a smile.

  Bradford smiled happily at her. “I see things are going just as planned.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Destiny, my dear. Destiny.”

  Lysandra looked back over the past few months and pieces to a hidden puzzle started to match up. The man that had rescued her from her home. The wolf that she had seen on the way to Ghelli House. That wolf had been the same size, stature, and had the same pattern of colors to its coat as Aiden did. But more than anything, it was the eyes that had stared at her so knowingly across the forest. If this was destiny then there was something magical about this man. “Who are you really, Sir Marcus?”

  “I come from Lena, my dear. They call me the story weaver. I weave the path to fate for the women of Lena. I knew your very own mother.”

  “You must be ageless.” Lysandra felt the awe of the moment sneak up on her. “Why are you here?”