by Amy Sumida
Auntie May clears her throat. “When he knocked me out, my mind popped back to a day from my training years.” She moans and sits up slowly, staring intently into my eyes. “There wasn’t much remarkable about that day except for it being the beginning of my newly blossoming friendship with Beth. We’d been sparring, and she was showing me all of the openings I left for her to take advantage of.” She laughs and presses a hand to her temple. “That was her way of saying she was beating the tar out of me. We took a break, and our conversation turned toward our families. She’d met my sister, and I asked her if she had any siblings. I told her a story about the treehouse Jo and I built as kids, and she said she didn’t have family anymore. She told me they were killed a long time back, but she still kept their old place out west. Beth said it was in the Mountains near a big crystalline lake, and after she’d come to terms with her grief, she made it her home.” Auntie May’s eyes mist over. “She mentioned it was in a small human town off of the eastern side of the lake, and she loved sitting on her patio in the winter to watch the snow fall.” She grabs me by the hands, holding tight. “I can’t remember much right now, but I promise to keep digging. Maybe details will surface if I focus hard enough.”
I stare at our joined hands with a combination of hope and despair. “Do you think she went there to give birth?” My hands tremble, shaking hers with them. “Do you think we might find it?”
Tears break free from my control, and as soon as the first one drops from my chin, the floodgates burst. She pulls me into her shoulder and runs a comforting hand down my sticky, blood-soaked hair. “Shh, hon. It’s going to be alright.”
Auntie May holds me for some time before talking again. “Guine, if we can find the house, there’s a good chance we’ll find answers. Beth was obsessive about journaling. She wrote every single evening, and I’d wager she continued until the day she died.” My tears dry up, and I take a steadying breath. She smiles, offering me a tissue. “If anyone can help you find this place, Guine, it’s my boys.”
I wipe my face and nearly jump out of my skin when a voice sounds from behind me.
“Of course, we’ll help.” Kent places a hand on my shoulder, and I turn to get a good look at him. He’s a little ragged around the edges, but his posture is straight. Determination twinkles in his eyes. “You’re a part of us now, Guine. I’m just now realizing how that means none of us has to go it alone. We’re here for you, as you were there for us back in the warehouse.”
Phoenix peeks his head in over Kent’s shoulder and grins. “Speaking of which, Sunshine, what the hell did you do to cause the giant freaking hole in the floor back there?”
Kent shrugs him off and regards me with excitement. “Did you use the extract?” He practically vibrates with energy. My whole body warms when I see for myself that they’re healthy and whole.
“I sure did.” I grin. “Oh my goodness, Kent, that stuff’s amazing!” His eyes widen, and I wink. “We’re so making more glass grenades!”
“Ooh, nice name,” Phoenix remarks from behind the door.
“Is everyone here?” I raise my voice and stretch my neck to look around Kent.
“We’re all present and accounted for, Sugar Plum,” Ash calls out. “Thanks to you!”
“And you’re okay?” I ask anxiously.
“All good, Mo Chroí,” Declan rumbles from the front as he climbs behind the wheel. Hawk gets in next to him, and I relax at finally being able to see each of them. Kent crawls over me with a ridiculous grin, situating himself toward the back of the van. His foot knocks my arm and causes a familiar pain.
“Um, Genji,” I speak hesitantly. “I forgot to mention it yesterday, but there’s still a bullet in my arm from when Eric tried to shoot Ash.”
Auntie May’s eyebrows practically disappear into her hair as she gapes at me. Ash squeezes in by my feet and lays his head on my knee.
“I’m sorry, Guinnie. Why didn’t you say something?”
My throat clogs at the pained expression on his face, and as Phoenix and Genji settle where they can find room, I sign, “I really did forget. It doesn’t hurt.”
He nods, and signs, “It’s alright, Sugar Plum. I’ve got you.” He reaches back to shut the door, but it just bounces away when the latch fails to engage. Genji hops out to examine the door while Ashton snuggles into me.
Genji turns to me with a pained expression, and Auntie May stifles a laugh beside me. “What did you do to my baby, Kitten?” His plea cuts the tension, and I roll my eyes as he lovingly strokes the side of the van, kissing the broken handle.
I manage to keep all but one chuckle contained as I apologize. “Um, I took off when you went still on the monitor. I might have broken it?” It comes out as more of a question than a statement, and he groans while wringing his hands.
“It’s okay, baby,” he croons to the van. “Papa will fix you up and teach Kitten how to treat you properly. She’ll learn.”
My sides shake with silent laughter, and Kent rolls his eyes. He tosses a roll of duct tape out the door. “Fix it for now, Papa, and get in the damn car.”
Genji does some temporary maintenance and reluctantly gets back in his seat.
“We all heard what you two were talking about, Guine,” Kent says once Declan has us moving again. “You’re family now, and we take care of each other. I put in a formal request with the Council, but just so you know, we’re with you. We’ll dig and find this house out west, and we’ll go with you to get your answers.”
A chorus of agreement surrounds me, and tears spring to my eyes once more.
“Thank you,” I choke out. Auntie May slides another tissue into my hand with a wink, and I can’t help but laugh.
I may be covered from head to toe in vampire blood and guts, and bawling like a baby, but in this moment, I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I battled an Old One who considers me his property, but I survived. I’ve discovered horrible truths about my past and have more questions than answers, but instead of being weighed down by any of it, for the first time, I feel loved. Free. Kent, Genji, Phoenix, Declan, Hawk, and Ash have each carved out a place in my heart, and I’m stronger for it. Auntie May holds me like a mother should and lets me roll through grief and pain and loss and joy in her arms. I glance around the van at the seven faces staring back at me and finally get it.
This is my family.
This is my home.
About the Author
When not writing, HK Khan teaches dance and music classes. She is an avid reader who loves to crochet and take photographs, and dabbles in many different types of art. Her husband is awesome and supportive (even if he's not really into her genres) and they have a wonderfully weird kitty named Serenity (yes, after the spaceship from Firefly).
Follow HK Khan on Facebook and on her website!
CLAIMING FLAME
Claiming Flame
Elementum Genus | Book 1
Desi Lin
After years of being shuttled from school to school, Sera has built walls to keep others out, too afraid of being hurt when she has to leave. So, when three boys, all part of the same Genus, take an interest in her, she tries to keep them at arm’s length. Sera tries harder to keep the boys’ away in an attempt to protect them, and trying to stand on her own, when her dorm matron decides she needs a firm hand. The boys refuse to give up and as an important date for any Elementum looms closer, can she learn that her real strength, confidence and courage lie in letting three boys in?
CLAIMING FLAME: ELEMENTUM GENUS BOOK 1
COVEY PUBLISHING, LLC
Published by Covey Publishing, LLC
PO Box 550219, Gastonia, NC 28055-0219
Copyright © 2017 by Deni Lin
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the writer, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in criti
cal reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Cover Design Copyright © 2017 Covey
Book Design by Covey, www.coveypublishing.com
Copy Editing by Covey Publishing, LLC
Printed in the United States of America.
First Printing, 2017
Also by Desi Lin
Elementum Genus
Claiming Flame
Dedicated
Dedicated to my mom, Carol – For always believing I could do anything I set my mind to- Except drink without a straw.
A Special Thanks
In the fourth grade, my teacher encouraged me to write, telling me he saw real talent in me. I adored stories and was an avid reader, so it seemed natural to follow his advice. Writing became my escape, my coping mechanism to deal with the bullying I suffered. I never believed I could share my work with anyone and for the longest time, I didn’t.
Then one day I stumbled upon a new author and a style of story, the reverse harem. Once I was done devouring the available books, I went looking for more information. What I found was a special group of birds (and a couple dogs) who took me under their wing. They saw talent and they nurtured it. They encouraged and advised. More, though, they were simply there when I needed them. I’ve made best friends and gained a support group for life. They’ve been my shoulder to cry on, my faith in myself, and my courage to put myself out there. Too numerous to name individually, they know who they are.
Every author needs those who keep her on task, ensure the story makes sense, and be there to hold her hand or hash things out when characters go awry. Those whose belief in her helps her believe in herself. Kiersten, HK, Amanda and Lyn. I couldn’t have gotten here without them
Without these people, this book wouldn’t be in front of you. For that, I owe them more than I could ever repay, but I’m hoping they accept a simple
THANK YOU.
Table of Contents
Glossary
Mythos
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Glossary
The Elementum are a society living within our own. They are as old as we are and as such, developed in ways unique to them. Here you will find a reference for the terms used throughout this story.
Ventis – Person with control of air element
Ignis – Person with control of fire element
Terra – Person with control of earth element
Aqua – Person with control of water element
Genus – Group of Elementum whose abilities are strongest together. One element per Genus is the norm.
Iunctura – Joining of Elementum abilities into a Genus
Foederis – when an Iunctura is broken
Sapientes/Sage – Elder Elementum who serve as leaders and advisors
Concilium Maximus – Grand Council. One Sapientes from each Concilium sits on this Concilium. These are the overall leaders of the Elementum.
Tabularium – the Elementum library and archives. One archive is located in each major metropolitan area that is home to Elementum.
Ad Aetatum – Coming of Age for an Elementum child. Takes place at eighteen. This is the first time an Iunctura can occur. This is a big deal in the Elementum world.
Lex – Elementum Police
Scholae – Headmaster of the Illustratio Academy.
Quintus – Slang term for the fifth Elementum, supposedly just a myth.
Millenia ago, back in the world’s infancy, humans rose to dominance. Like toddlers they were arrogant, and in their arrogance, they believed themselves above nature and the rules by which the world functioned. They came together first in clans, then in tribes. They pushed the boundaries of the world, until they no longer considered themselves as a part of it but rather as the rulers of it. They created civilizations, the beginnings of villages and towns, not once stopping to consider their impact on the world around them.
From these beginnings came The First. Their love and respect of nature captured the attention of The Mother herself. She watched them as they walked the hills and valleys, watched them care for the land, as others no longer did. She peered into their hearts, searched the deepest recesses of their souls and found only love and joy for nature. The Mother decided to test them, so she came to each in turn.
She found the first near a burning mountain, hand outstretched and face filled with longing. She watched as the fingers grazed the boiling red liquid, as the hand snapped back to its owner, tear filled eyes the only sign of pain. She disguised herself as an old man, storming onto the mountain and raging about the dangers, how they should seal off the mountain. Instead of agreement, she received pleas for understanding and ideas for how they could live safely in harmony with the burning mountain. The Mother smiled as her disguise melted away. For the love and care shown to fiery mountain, she granted the gift of fire manipulation. Thus, the first Ignis was born.
The next she found near a raging river. Disguised once again, she created the illusion that she worked on blocking up the river. When horrified shouts came at her to stop she ignored them, carrying on. Words flew at her, lectures on the harmony of the river, the life teeming inside it, the damage would be caused even as the blockage was torn apart with bare hands until they bled. The Mother caught up the bleeding hands as her disguise melted, healing them as the granted the gift of water manipulation. Thus, the first Aqua was born.
The third she found perched among branches of a tree. With her disguise in place, she began chopping down a nearby tree, one of the oldest in the forest, with branches reaching high into the sky and a trunk wider than three men abreast. The strike of the ax against the tree rang out several times before a hand yanked the ax from her. Gentle words told her to look at the tree she chose, to choose one more appropriate to her needs but to leave the ancient ones. The Mother’s disguise melted, and she granted the gift of earth manipulation. Thus, the first Terra was born.
The last she found in a field, twirling in the blowing wind. She fixed her disguise in place and stomped across the field, hands gripping tight to a hat threatening to leave her head. She grumbled loudly about the wind, but a hand stopped her. Words taught her about the benefits of the wind, all the good it did for nature and for people. The Mother melted her disguise and granted the power of wind manipulation. Thus, the first Ventis was born.
And The Mother smiled upon them, granted them her blessings and good fortune and bade them go and sow harmony between the people and nature.
—Creation Myth
Though the Creation Myth supposedly tells of how the Elementum came to be, no one truly knows the beginnings. We do know as long as humans have existed, the Elementum have existed beside them. Tales of The First are abundant, though our knowledge of them is lacking. Historical documents prove they once existed, but do not provide truths of their origins. The main thing to understand is The First are the founders of our society. They created the laws, rituals, and structures of the society by which we live. They established the first Illustratio Conservatory as a safe place for Elementum children to learn about themselves. It still stands in its original place near Rome. They also altered the language of their time to serve our needs. Even today, we still live by the same structure, use the same words, and
perform the same rituals. Though The First did little in regards to their supposed charge from The Mother, they set up future generations to live in safety and harmony, not only with nature but also with the realities of the societies developing around them.
Excerpt from “Shaping History: The Elementum Effect”
Chapter One
There is something to be said for changing schools, and states, every year since the age of five. Know what it is?
It sucks.
Seriously, I didn’t know whose brilliant mind decided I needed to swap schools from year to year, but if I ever found out, I might be inclined to set their hair on fire. They failed to understand what if felt like to be the new girl all the time. Being new all the time held nothing next to being a ward of the Concilium Maximus, the grand council, ruling body of all Elementum worldwide. Luckily, I only dealt with one on a regular basis, Maybelle Washington. According to the human government, she was my legal guardian. I liked May. For an old lady, I thought her to be damn cool, but her pleas failed to get the stupid Concilium to stop shipping me off to a new school every year.
It wasn’t always this way. According to May, for the first couple years I stayed with one foster family. Around the time I turned five, my foster mom got pregnant. They told the Concilium they couldn’t care for their own child and me. The Concilium failed to find another foster family, and from that point on, my permanent home became the various Illustratio Conservatories around the country.