by Sela Croft
I found my cottage secure behind its protective field, so settled into a window seat to enjoy the view of the magical forest. My animals were frolicking in their natural habitat, unconcerned about my issues. The moon was high in the sky, the stars sparkling below.
My home was my respite, so I tried to settle down. I could relax by practicing my magic or talking to my plants and animals. But something nagged at me.
It wasn’t Alban’s intimidation tactics, as I was used to those. The king had no other way of dealing with others, unless they were gods. His exchange with the dark gods had been remarkable, since it was the most respectful I’d seen him.
Yet the big issue was Mirela. I was quite aware of her importance to Draven. Love has a way of making a man blind and vulnerable. On the surface, the king’s intent to rip them apart was simple. With his love taken away, Draven would be more malleable.
But it went deeper. My aptitude in deciphering Alban’s psyche had been useful. While he raved about taking Mirela and demanded my cooperation, I absorbed his inner essence. It was one of my harder tasks, since getting in Alban’s head was not pleasant.
Yet there was much to be learned—particularly about his interest in Mirela. The king might be insane, but he wasn’t stupid. He was conniving and had a greater purpose in wanting Mirela. Now that I had a chance to breathe, I examined the situation further.
It was one thing to be in love, but Mirela played a more significant role in Draven’s life. It went beyond forbidden love. Her appearance in the realm gave her a hand in the future. The prophecy had spelled it out: Destiny will lead the pair to rule as king and queen of the ocean world.
There was a reason that they were to be together that went beyond romance. If Mirela ruled as the queen, she would have a significant impact on the realm. It dawned on me that was what Alban objected to. He’d known of the prophecy for as long as I had.
I possessed a skill that I could draw upon. It was called backward knowing, meaning that I could look into the past. By entering a trance, I could see and hear an event that had already happened, whether I’d been involved or not. It wasn’t recall or flashback, because it was another’s past.
I was even able to see events that had occurred before I’d known the person. The power wasn’t random, because it had to be connected to a person I was familiar with. My talent enabled me to reveal an intricate history, if I found it interesting.
To prepare, I reclined on a velvet sofa and closed my eyes. Going into reverie didn’t require effort, as I’d utilized that state of consciousness on many occasions. All I had to do was relax and focus. I fell into a calm state, listening to the birds and the rustle of leaves outside my window. My thoughts were of Mirela and of her past.
I quickly discovered that she’d been telling the truth when she’d spoken of her idyllic childhood. It was like watching a fairy tale, with one major difference—her father. Mirela’s mother Jeanne had kept her maiden name of Godwin, because she hadn’t married.
A view into Mirela’s thoughts showed that she’d been innocent of what had transpired around her. A distant father provided support, but little else. When Jeanne had talked with Mirela about the past, she’d been less than forthcoming.
Yet I was able to see into Jeanne’s thoughts. She’d known much about Mirela’s father that she hadn’t shared. I could see why. The man’s lifestyle was less than respectable, and he’d fathered many children by other women. He had unique power that I became aware of through Jeanne’s thoughts.
Mirela had no idea who her father was. She hadn’t even had a name to call him. And she hadn’t seen him since she was a baby—a visit that she was unable to recall. He was remote and aloof, too involved in his own life to spend time with any of his children.
Jeanne had taken great care to protect her daughter. She’d held back information and rarely spoken of Mirela’s father—with good reason. As I unraveled the past, much became clear. And why Mirela was special was no longer a secret.
The thing was that no one else was aware of this. They’d had peeks into abilities that Mirela possessed. But since she didn’t know her history, she’d hadn’t been able to talk about it. Where she’d come from and why she’d been spoken of in the prophecy hadn’t been fully explained.
It was time that it was. Armed with the knowledge I’d uncovered, I surfaced from my reverie and opened my eyes. It was appropriate to make a visit to the castle and have a heart-to-heart with Mirela. It was only fair for her to know more about her past.
I found Mirela in the library with Draven and Calina. That was good, because I wouldn’t have to tell the story more than once. It was better to convey what I’d learned to all of them together. But it appeared that I’d stepped into the middle of an intense conversation.
It looked like Draven was just leaving, so I said, “Don’t go yet. I have to tell you something that you’ll want to hear.”
Draven stepped back into the room. “I have matters to attend to.”
“It will be worth your while, I promise you.” I walked across the room then took a seat.
“We’ve just been discussing a vision I had,” Calina said. “It was about Alban and was quite unsettling.”
“That doesn’t surprise me,” I said. “I’ve had my own discord with the king.”
Calina’s eyes widened. “Recently?”
“Yes, but I daresay that I won’t see him again soon,” I said. “I’m afraid that he’s likely revoked my visitation privileges.”
Draven sat next to Mirela. “May I ask why?”
“I was about to tell you.” I paused. “Alban had the gall to demand that I lead Mirela away from safety, then deliver her into his care.”
The others stared at me.
“It could hardly be called care, though…because he intends to kill her.” I shuddered as the words left my lips. There was no need to detail Alban’s reference to making Mirela suffer. My point had been made.
“You are a good friend to come and tell us,” Mirela said. “And not to acquiesce to such demands.”
“I’m not sure that friendship was what swayed my decision,” I said. “Alban cannot order me about like he does to everyone else.”
“In any case, it is a relief that you didn’t do his bidding,” Draven said.
“I must tell you that his interest in Mirela is…obsessive.” I waited for that to sink in.
“The king wants to take her from Draven to break his spirit,” Calina said.
I smiled. “Oh, that would be too simple. I don’t deny that would be to Alban’s advantage, and that he would like nothing better. But…that is not the sole reason.”
“I know the king pretty well,” Draven said. “And I can assure you that he will rip Mirela away from me, knowing that it would break my heart. That alone would be enough to motivate him.”
“But the stakes are much higher,” I said, then looked at Mirela. “Do you recall our conversation about your role in this kingdom?”
Mirela furrowed her brow. “Very clearly. What about it?”
“Before I answer that,” I said, “let me ask you another question. Haven’t you wondered where your unique abilities came from?”
Mirela hesitated. “Sure, I have. Some of my talents didn’t begin to surface until I met Draven. I assumed it had something to do with him. My abilities are magnified around the supernatural, and I am stronger when I’m with Draven.”
“And there are reasons for all of that.”
Draven glared at me. “Are you going to tell us or just string us along with this bedtime tale?”
I let his sarcasm roll off me. “It’s not made up. I’ve seen into the past and feel it’s important to share what I’ve learned.”
“How did you do that?” Calina said.
“My method is not as important as the result.” I looked at Mirela. “You, my dear, are a hybrid.”
Knowledge showed in Calina’s eyes, but Mirela was going to require more explanation. “Your father…is a sor
cerer.”
That seemed to have the correct effect. Mirela raised her brows. “Like you? My father has the abilities that you do?”
“In effect, yes. Although I’m not saying his abilities equal mine—just that he has them.” I took a breath. “Your father is a sorcerer, albeit a promiscuous one.”
Mirela flushed. “Yes, I am aware that he had other children.”
“Many other children.”
“How is it helpful to tell Mirela about her father’s unsavory background?” Draven said.
“Don’t you think she’d want to know whom she’s dealing with?” I looked at Mirela. “You are descended from a magic bloodline. I had my suspicions when I witnessed some of your ability. It took Alban’s excessive interest in you to prod me into looking deeper.”
“Did my mother know?” Mirela said.
“I can tell you with certainty that she did. But she chose to protect you.” I rolled a shoulder. “Or she thought she was protecting you.”
“You can’t protect a person from the truth,” Mirela said. “Did she know the prophecy was real? When I dreamed it, then she ordered me to forget about it…did she realize what she was doing?”
“Your mother knew exactly what she was doing,” I said. “She was convinced that Draven came from a dark world and feared him taking you to his realm beneath the ocean.”
“But Draven is good for me,” Mirela said.
“Not in your mother’s mind,” I said. “You were her innocent, sweet daughter, and she intended to keep you from being tainted by evil.”
“I am the daughter of a sorcerer, and a vampire as well,” Mirela said, as though trying to get a grip on the truth. “I have the powers of both, a hybrid, as you referred to me.”
“You must see why Alban will go to any lengths to destroy you,” I said. “He is an ancient vampire yet does not have the powers of sorcery. For that, he must depend on others—which is the reason he hasn’t turned me away from his court. He’s quite aware of the value of sorcery. Draven will have you by his side, and that is abhorrent to the king.”
“The prophecy foretold that you and Draven will rule,” Calina said. “Long ago, Alban must have realized that your sorceress abilities could help secure the destiny that he’s determined to avert.”
The floor beneath us rumbled and the lights flickered. It seemed that delving into the past had done more than provide information. By digging into Mirela’s history, I’d awoken a dormant sorcerer. I lifted my hands to let the others know to stay calm.
“I believe we can expect a visit.” I looked at Mirela. “My prying into your father’s life has drawn his attention. I doubt he likes having his secrets revealed.”
Mirela stared wide-eyed at an apparition that began to form in the middle of the room. The mist took shape in the image of her father. She gaped at him.
“Mirela…I find you in strange company,” he said.
“Father? You… I can’t believe it,” Mirela said. “You look just like you did in the few photographs Mother had of you.”
Her father smiled, and lines crinkled at the corners of his eyes. “It is a good look, don’t you think?”
I could see that he was a charmer. It was no wonder he had so many women. His sorcery must have gone to his head, so he fancied himself above usual protocol. He’d taken license to father children at will, without taking responsibility for raising them.
I smiled inwardly. Or maybe he’d read one too many Greek myths and Zeus had become his role model. He was a god who had many consorts and fathered numerous children. He was infamous for his erotic escapades. Even other gods who weren’t his offspring had referred to him as Father. It didn’t take much imagination to figure out why.
Mirela looked over at me, clearly needing support.
“What do you want?” I said, looking at the apparition. Her father hadn’t teleported to the realm but had created an astral projection.
“I have a matter to discuss with Draven. As Mirela’s father, I should have come much sooner, but I’ve been…busy.”
“State your business,” Draven said, obviously displeased.
“It’s a family upset that I wish to smooth out. Mirela’s mother is distraught over her disappearance and has become aware that she was abducted to this underworld.”
“Draven didn’t abduct me,” Mirela said. “I am with him of my own free will.”
“She is correct,” I said. “Another had her abducted, but I’m sure that’s beside the point.”
Mirela’s father looked on. “It is of no consequence who kidnapped her. The fact is that her mother wants her back.”
Draven shook his head. “That’s impossible. If you will look with your own eyes, you’ll see that Mirela has been turned. She drank my blood and became a vampire. As a consequence, she cannot return home. She belongs here now.”
“Her mother won’t be satisfied with that news.”
“I don’t want to go back,” Mirela said. “I’m where I belong. I choose to be with Draven and to stay in Lumea.” She sighed. “Although I do love my mother and wish to see her again. I certainly don’t want her to agonize.”
“We’ll negotiate, then.” Mirela’s father looked at Draven. “You will allow her to visit her mother at regular intervals. She will need to be able to count on those visits.”
“That can be arranged,” Draven said. “I’ve already assured Mirela that she will be able to see her mother again.”
“Why do you care so much?” I said, truly curious.
“Jeanne…I mean Mirela’s mother is enraged. I fear the world above will not survive if she is not placated. That’s the extent of her love for her daughter.”
“And you fear her?” I said.
“I have a particular fondness for women, but…I don’t claim to understand them. What I want is to have some peace, and I won’t hear the end of this until I return and assure Jeanne that she can count on her daughter’s return.”
Draven took Mirela’s hand. “I will see that it happens.”
The form reverted to mist, then vanished. Mirela stared at the empty space. “That was…amazing.”
“That was quite a performance,” I said. “Your father is not without ability.” I narrowed my eyes. “Which brings us back to what we were discussing—before we were so rudely interrupted.”
“The future of the kingdom and Mirela’s hand in destiny,” Calina said.
“I want to nudge things in the right direction,” I said. “I can work with Mirela and assist her to perfect her skills. She may need all the power she can muster.”
“If she is willing,” Draven said.
“I would be grateful for that,” Mirela said. “This is all very…overwhelming. I could use a hand.”
“It’s settled, then,” I said. “I will arrange sessions with you. For now, take extra care to stay beyond Alban’s reach—at least until you are up to the confrontation.”
“I have no wish to let Alban anywhere near me,” Mirela said.
Draven’s jaw stiffened. “I will see to her protection.”
I had no doubt that Draven would keep his eyes on Mirela, but fate often dealt in the unexpected. I was anxious to begin her internship, but I could tell that she’d had enough for one day.
“I’m sure this is a lot to take in,” I said. “I’ll leave you with Draven to think things through. I’ll be available to you, as promised.”
Then I left to allow the dust to settle. With the new insight I’d provided, Mirela would have a better grip on things. She could no longer shirk her responsibility in the future of the realm or the outcome of the war. I was certain that her role was key, although I couldn’t predict how it would manifest. I was glad that she was aware of her history, and had confidence that she would act accordingly.
CHAPTER 46 – DRAVEN
When Selene left, I looked at Mirela. “You took that news well.”
“I’m glad to know about my heritage,” Mirela said. “I wish to use all my strength to
help win the war. Discovering that I have more power to tap into is encouraging.”
Calina frowned at me. “What about your promise that Mirela could visit her mother?”
“I will make good on that,” I said. “But I cannot allow it until the realm is safer.” I turned to Mirela. “I hope you understand that it would be too huge a risk to leave now, as you’d travel beyond the protections I can offer.”
“I can’t go home as long as we’re at war.” Mirela wrinkled her brow. “My mother knows what happened to me, so will be consoled—but what about my friend Lana?”
“Yes, I remember her well,” I said. “It’s possible that your mother has shared what she’s learned.”
“Especially since Lana knew of my persistence in reuniting with you,” Mirela said. “She would understand that I’d crossed into another realm. She’d be surprised…but it’s likely that she’s guessed.”
“I can get a message to her that you are safe and will be in touch,” Draven said. “I cannot say more, as it would be too risky.”
“That would put my mind at ease,” Mirela said. “I’ve wanted to let her know, but I didn’t dare alarm my mother. But now it won’t matter.”
I looked into Mirela’s eyes, sensing how much she cared about her friend. That was the kind of person she was. It rattled me to my core to think of her in Alban’s grasp. The revelation by Selene about the sorcery connection made sense, though.
Alban would want to possess Mirela at any cost, and he had strength behind him. I could not allow that, yet I worried that it might still happen—that the king would use treachery and reach through the protections I’d placed around Mirela.
The king’s lust for Mirela was a knife to my gut. Selene hadn’t said what exactly he intended to do with her. He would kill her, but that would be a mercy after he did his worst. I knew what he was capable of, having seen him in action. His hatred for me would fuel his torture of the woman I loved.