by Jean Booth
He gave me a minute to check it all out before directing me to the chairs. We’d just gotten comfortable when a soft knock sounded on the door, quickly followed by the same young man Stephan had spoken to earlier. He carried a platter with two glasses and two chilled pitchers, both with deep red liquid filled to the brim. I was impressed that he didn’t spill anything. I’d have had the plush beige carpets stained crimson by now.
“Your drinks, sir. I brought extra, thinking you’d be more comfortable with privacy. I hope I wasn’t too presumptuous. Would you like me to pour the first glass?” He carefully placed the platter on the small round table between us, hand hovering over the first pitcher in anticipation.
“Yes, thank you, John. You may assist Marcy for the rest of the night.” Stephan was careful to not look directly at John, so he missed the look of absolute bliss that crossed over his face at this new task. My seemingly endless list of questions continued to grow, causing my head to throb.
“Miss Natasha, your belongings are being retrieved. They’ll be deposited into your room, where they’ll be waiting when you’re finished here. If you need anything, just ask one of us and we’ll gladly assist.” I met his excited eyes as I thanked him. He looked back at me with eager intensity. He left without another word.
“What’s wrong with him?” The whisper left my mouth before I could think to censor myself. Thankfully, John had already closed the door.
“What do you mean?” Stephan replied, sipping his drink delicately.
“He’s very excited. No one’s ever that eager to do things for other people. It isn’t natural.” I lifted my legs into my chair, tucking my feet beneath me. I settled into the plush softness, prepared for a long discussion.
“You’ll find all my staff more than willing to meet any need you may have at any given time.” He drank deeply from his glass, refusing to meet my questioning gaze. Settling down in his chair, he crossed his ankles and changed the subject. Since he changed it to the subject I really wanted to talk about, I let him. “Tell me about what happened in Atlantis. Please.” I knew he added the please for my benefit. Taking a large gulp of my drink, grateful when I felt the familiar relaxing effects of the Dracula’s Vein course through me, I started talking.
I told him almost everything that happened in Atlantis, leaving out only the details of my intimate moments with Raif. He didn’t need to know those. It felt good to finally be able to tell someone what happened there, to finally be able to put into words my experiences of the mythical Atlantis. I talked for hours, elaborating on all the minute details of everything I saw, felt, and experienced in his homeland. While I talked, he sat back in his chair, sipping his drink and staring at a blank space on the deep blue wall. I wasn’t sure if he was listening or lost in thought, and I didn’t care. I wanted—needed—to tell someone about Atlantis, and he was the first person I’d been able to talk to about it.
When I finished, we both sat in silence. I chugged the remaining drink from my glass, thinking of my last day with Raif, my emotions warring between grief, anger, hope, and apathy. I replayed every moment we had together in my head, subconsciously releasing the barriers I didn’t know I’d placed to protect me from his essence. I could feel him again. It took me a moment to realize that the anger I’d been feeling wasn’t just my own; he was just as angry as I. I took comfort in that small connection to Raif.
I risked a glance at Stephan, who continued to watch the blue walls as if they would answer the riddles of the universe for him. It was a long while before he spoke again, ruining the peace I’d finally settled in. He turned his head, the anger swirling in his magnesium eyes startling me out of my tranquility. Belatedly, I realized he wasn’t searching for answers so much as trying to gather his thoughts.
“Raifuku has deceived you.” His voice rumbled with the anger of a turbulent sea.
I slammed the bathroom door closed behind me, angry that Stephan would accuse Raif of betrayal. I looked in the mirror, anger and frustration causing flecks of teal to swirl in my black eyes. The swirling was yet another one of the many changes I’d experienced since mating. I was angry with Stephan and angry with myself for wanting to ignore the truth of his words. Mostly though, I was angry with Raif for leaving me alone. I slumped against the wall, my anger deflating in frustrated desperation. I missed him so much; all I wanted at this moment were his strong arms around me.
I collected myself and opened the door. Stephan was standing with his arms braced against the frame. His magnesium eyes swirled with anger, his body tightly strung, raw power vibrating off him in waves. Refusing to be intimidated by his aggression, I crossed my arms in a defiant stance and stared right back.
“Explain,” I demanded, my beast refusing to show weakness. She didn’t like anyone trying to intimidate us, no matter how much he intrigued her. I was grateful for her strength. I just wanted to cry or scream in frustration. He sighed, head drooping to his chest with exasperation.
“I do not even know where to begin.” His voice was a strained whisper, like he’d been screaming for hours.
“How about the beginning, and we’ll go from there?”
“Come.” He held out his hand to me in invitation. “You know most of our history, but not our culture. We will start there.”
Instead of bristling at his order, I followed him back to the chairs. I was exhausted from the emotional turmoil of the day; my constant inner battle with my beast had drained all the fight out of me. I was dying to know more about the culture of the people I now obviously belonged to, and my beast was dying to be closer to Stephan. Going with him to discover how and why Raif lied was in both our best interests. I curled back in my chair and waited for him to start talking. I didn’t have to wait long.
“Atlantis has always been known as the land of the seven isles, ruled by Poseidon. When he had children, he gifted them each portions of the land he loved so much. Atlas was given title of king, and his nine brothers were to be princes of the remaining parts of the islands,” he began. “What was purposely kept from the tales was that each clan on each island holds certain powers. As you already know, Raifuku’s clan holds the ability to shift shape.” His eyes grew dark, the magnesium swirling again in agitation at having to mention my mate’s name.
“Yeah. Apparently, we can become big cats. I’ve already been a lioness, tiger, cheetah, and a leopard.” I smiled at him in reassurance that I wasn’t unhappy about this development. I loved that I had the power to change; I just wished I’d had some warning beforehand. He softened, relaxing into his chair.
“I’m not surprised that you’re coping so well on your own. You’re a strong woman. I am surprised at how quickly you’ve adapted to taking multiple shapes. That usually takes a few decades of intense training to learn.” He smiled back at me, finally relaxing as he started his teaching. “Sumner is the isle of the Changers. On the northeastern border, Prince Eraemon ruled. He died with many of the others during the last war. His people are confined to shift only to the shape of a bear. They can take any type of bear form but have never fully been able to embrace any other creature. This shape helps them maneuver across the rocky, mountainous terrain of our homeland. The claws help to grip the mountainsides; their hides protect them in the harsh winters the peaks see almost year-round.
“Prince Autochthon’s people are what you know as Werewolves, and they lived in the northwestern portion of Sumner. That part of the island is thick with forest. Wolves are naturally superior in the hunt and protection of that territory. They are pack animals, striving to protect and care for their own above all else.” The air chilled, Stephan’s eyes darkening as he continued.
“Prince Mneseus ruled the southern border of Sumner, and his people are true Changers. Mneseus was the Warrior Chieftain—a fierce, noble man who valued few things over the passion he held for war. He preferred the agility, stealth, cunning, and independent nature of the cat, but was able to shift into any shape necessary to fight his enemy. Before he died, Raifu
ku’s father was worshiped as a god in many of the lost cultures of the Americas. He went mad, yet hid his slide into madness behind his proud stature. Many died that didn’t have to when he was finally destroyed.”
“Wait,” I said, ignoring the haunted look he held at the memories I was forcing him to relive. “You mean I can shift into anything I want? I’m not stuck as a cat? Not that I’m complaining, but that’s incredible.” My mind was whirling with the possibilities. I could be a bird. I’d always dreamed of being able to fly, to conquer my fear of heights by changing into a bird and flying to a safer place. My lips curved into an excited grin. Stephan smiled with me.
“Yes, with time you could shift from shape to shape with minimal effort. There have been some who have honed their ability so well that they are able to shift only parts of their bodies, a partial shift. I’ve been told that it takes extreme power, skill, patience, and energy to shift only a portion of your body. There is even a story of a chimera roaming the lands before it was shot down, leaving only the corpse of a man lying dead in its stead. There was only one being powerful enough to contain the shapes of many, and they say that attributed to his madness.”
I sat in horror at the thought of shifting into various parts of creatures and possibly getting stuck like that. I worried every time my body changed that I’d never be human again. A shudder slithered through me as I realized the chimera he was talking about was Raif’s father. Thinking back again on my time with Raif, I remembered that he’d walked in the dark, with only his eyes shifted to that of an animal. I knew then that he was powerful, but I didn’t truly understand the magnitude of his power until now. I was amazed and humbled at the knowledge that such a formidable person was my mate.
“The royal house, descendants of King Atlas, are telekinetic, as you learned from your human-turned-Atlantean friend, Michael. They can teleport themselves or any object from one point to another. I have heard that King Nereus never honed his powers, preferring to let others do things for him. He shuns his birthright and disgraces the Atlantean way of life.” His face contorted in disgust.
“That sounds like a crappy talent for the highest-ranking member of your people,” I blurted out, without thinking. I blushed, opening my mouth to apologize. He stopped me with a smirk and slight shake of his head.
“All the powers we were gifted came from the land with Poseidon’s blessing. King Nereus had never had to face anything more difficult than deciding what he’d have for dinner, until you came along. I’ve been told he let his powers wane until they were no stronger than when he’d first developed them. Imagine though, fighting a battle and being able to transport your enemy’s army anywhere you wanted in the blink of an eye. It is truly an awesome power in the wrong hands.” His eyes glittered with mischief.
I was sufficiently humbled, amazed that any one person could become so powerful. My ability to shift form seemed dull in comparison. I was having a difficult time wrapping my mind around all the implications of what the people of Atlantis could actually do, so I took a sip from my refilled glass to calm my shaking nerves. It didn’t help, because he continued.
“Atlas’s twin, Eumelus, now controls Melic. That island holds sway on powerful soul magic. Prince Eumelus rules the western borders, which is mostly mountainous with the fertile plane in the south. He leads the Necromancer clan. The ability to raise and control the dead is truly a terrible power to be harnessed. Only those who are pure of heart and strong in mind and spirit are able to truly master and wield this ability.
“Before we sank, Melic was divided between two princes, Prince Eumelus, who we have just discussed, and Prince Amphres. Prince Amphres ruled the eastern half of Melic, a land covered in mountains, its people widely dispersed among the caves and valleys. Prince Amphres learned to communicate with his clan by Dream-Walking. They have the ability to not only enter another’s dreams, but to also shape them into anything they desire. Few, like Prince Amphres, have been so powerful that they’ve been able to actually transport their dream selves into the reality of another and observe things as they happen.”
I shuddered, briefly remembering the strange dream I had on the plane. I was afraid that I may have Dream-Walked, but couldn’t bring myself to ask Stephan about it. I wasn’t convinced I wanted to hear the answer.
“What happened to him? Did he die when Atlantis sank?”
“Sadly, Amphres went mad after Atlantis sank. We were driven to horrific ends, and he wasn’t capable of sustaining life in that manner. He was one of my many brothers who requested a swift execution.” Stephan’s voice was soft, filled with a pain I hoped I would never know. Clearing his throat, he continued. “I’ve already told you of the Changers on Sumner. We’ll spend the next few weeks getting you comfortable with your animal nature before training you on battle techniques and testing your limitations.”
I was a little drunk off the Vein and so excited about the thought of finally learning about myself, I almost missed what came next.
“The last four lands that create Atlantis are centered directly on the compass points. The Elementals, as we call them, all gain their powers from the various elements. The Earthens are stronger on land, Nymphs in the water, and so forth. They can take their element and mold it to their will. Rotsem is in the north. It’s a thick, lush, tropical, forested land, and its people control the element of Earth. You want a mountain? The Earthen clan can pull the land forth until the sun is blotted out.
“Prince Elasippus led the Earthen clan until he was killed in a silent uprising about six millennia ago. You were lucky to have met Stuart on the water where his powers were weakest. We’d not be talking now if he’d found you on land.” I shuddered at the memory. I still had nightmares of Stuart attacking me on the cruise ship. As disgusted as I was with his demise, I’d be forever grateful to Victoria for killing him.
“To the east lies Horindu, a dry, volcanic land ruled once by Prince Mestor. His people are Pyrokinetic, and they have sway over fire. Diampri is the southern isle, hosting the last of the fertile plane along with the Aeris. Diaprepes once ruled this land, his people controlling the winds that benefit all of Atlantis. Azaes rules the last land, Azazeil. It’s found in the west and is a forested land with a naturally occurring spring in its very center. Azaes rules the Nymphs, and they are masters of water. All of Poseidon’s kin can control water to some extent, but none are as powerful as the Nymphs. Their mastery is truly something to be admired.” He stopped, letting me take in all the unbelievable information he’d given me.
“It’s a wonder you were ever defeated,” I whispered.
“Arrogance breeds stupidity. We were naïve, drunk on the power we were just starting to accumulate and understand. Atlas thought we should be treated like gods since we held their power. He was a fool! With great power comes great responsibility.” He smiled, dimples making a rare appearance. I grinned back.
“What clan do you belong to?”
He beamed at me, and my heart did a little flip that I desperately tried to ignore. “I knew there was a reason I liked you. My brother, Atreyu, and I were born of the mated pair, Horace of the Pyrokinetic clan, and Dina of the Nymph. We were sent into the priesthood of our own free will when were very young. Priests cannot belong to any one clan. They must be males born of two clans and denounce lineage to any. Priests become Atlantis, dedicating themselves first and foremost to Poseidon’s will and the desire of the land. We are the keepers of the faith, guardians of the knowledge, and protectors of the fountains. We know all of Atlantis, and because of that, we learn all powerbases.
“When Atreyu and I joined the order, there was only one other apprentice. There have never been more than three apprentice priests and one High Priest living in Atlantis. When our High Priest died, it was up to Percival, Atreyu, and me to choose the next High Priest. I was chosen, and it was I who led the troops on our fated plunder. Since I have been banished to live amongst the Surface Dwellers, and Percival is dead by Poseidon’s hand from before we
sank, Atreyu is now the High Priest in Atlantis. It is the first time in our history that there are two who could be called High Priest without an apprentice to be found.” He sipped his drink, his thoughts lost in the continent below the sea. I had thought I’d come here and have all my questions answered. Instead, I found myself wanting to know more and amazed and slightly overwhelmed with what I’d already learned.
“So, you’re the most powerful being on the planet then?” I asked. He smiled and nodded. “And you own a bar?” My eyebrow curled up in confusion, causing him to chuckle.
“My dear, those of us who remain from the original tragedy, that have not succumbed to the madness, have created safe havens for others like us. There are other humans, like you and Victoria, who possess traits of Atlantean descendants and can be converted fully or mated.”
“What do you mean?”
“We have lived for thousands of years, Natasha. We’ve been mating with humans and evolving into something I don’t believe we were ever meant to be. I am now vampire, forced to live on the blood of others and able to transform humans into the abomination I’ve become. They would not have the powers I hold, but they would be similar to the creatures in stories you’ve read.
“When we mated with the humans, occasionally those couplings created offspring that shared our talents. Most we left to be raised in human society as their talents were mild—muted with your inferior human code.” I growled. “My apologies, but it is the truth. Your species is weak and inferior to ours. If it weren’t for our strict rules and desire to live amongst you, we would have wiped you from the planet centuries ago. And while you are an inferior species, your genetic code is dominant, hiding most of the traits that would label you as Atlantean. The few who held promise, we monitored until they either faded or the code disappeared from procreation.”