by C. A. Bleu
* * *
Dear Aaron,
Leaving you hurts me more than you’ll ever know, but please understand that you will always have my heart. I love you with all that I am, but I must do what is best for my daughter, for the world. Lozen has given me the instructions that I need. I must sacrifice myself so that she will have the power needed to save the world. Please take care of Zara and love her like she is your own. Until we meet again.
Yours always,
Isabella
* * *
Looking up at Aaron with tear-filled eyes, she realized how hard it must have been for him. To raise her all those years, having lost the love of his life. “Aaron, I’m so sorry,” she said, reaching out to hold his hand.
Staring at her hand, he fought the urge to pull away. Looking up at her, he felt his tension relax, finally feeling like he was beginning to let go of what he had held onto all these years. “Zara, I blamed you, I am so sorry. I was not really there for you all those years the way I should have been. You needed more than what I gave you. I think a part of me has always been angry, feeling that you were the reason she left, but I know it was not your fault.”
“No, I’m grateful that you were there for me and that you still are.” Pausing to consider her next question, she asked, “How did she die, Aaron?”
He let out the breath he was holding before replying. “The autopsy showed traces of toxic herbs, belladonna of the deadly nightshade family was in her system, but I’m not sure exactly what she did or how she did it. I just know she took her own life, calling it a sacrifice. I’m not sure how she managed to hide the ring and transfer all of her power into the ring. She told me Lozen met with her frequently during the last few weeks of her life. They knew you were the one and I realize now more than ever that they were right. These past thirteen years without her have been very difficult, but I can see now that it had to happen.”
Listening, she tried to give him the support he needed before she asked, “What is the book you have?” She was curious but was also looking for a change in subject as the heaviness filling the room was beginning to close in on her.
“Well, I figured you could use this now. I have been saving it for you. This book has been passed down from each of the Trinity women to their daughter when they came of age and became pregnant. Obviously, this is much earlier than we had anticipated, but nonetheless, you are bringing a child into this world so I thought you would want to read the advice of your family and ancestors, it is all in here.” Aaron handed Zara the leather-bound journal. Immediately, she felt a source of energy and warmth humming through its pages as she took it from him.
When Aaron stood to leave, Zara quickly jumped to get between him and the door. Taking his hand, she said, “Thank you, Aaron, for everything and for being here for me now.”
Being pulled into her strong hug left him unsure what to do. Slowly his stiff arms loosened, and he raised them to hug her back for what felt like the first time. Finally letting go of his anger and resentment over the loss of Isabella, embracing his life and future with Zara. Dimitri came out of the bathroom and froze, unsure what he had missed, it was obvious something big had just happened.
Seeing Dimitri, Aaron released Zara and said, “I’ll be heading down to meet with the rest of the team. I hear we have some new intel that might prove useful to us. I’ll let you both know what I hear.” Turning to leave, he gave a quick nod toward Dimitri.
“What was all that about?” Dimitri asked, walking over to Zara.
Staring at the closed door, long after Aaron left, she was unable to form the words so they would convey the life-changing information he had just shared with her. With tear-filled eyes, she looked down at the old faded leather book in her hands, caressing the cover. An overwhelming connection to her mother and all the Trinity women pulsed through her. Dimitri wrapped his arms around her, his worry intensifying as he asked again what had happened.
Looking up she saw the concern in his eyes and a warm smile began to spread across her face. “Aaron stopped by, he finally opened up, telling me more about my mom. He gave me this book. He said it has been passed down by the Trinity women. I think it holds secrets and guidance related to our pregnancies.”
Pausing she looked down at the worn leather book. “I can’t believe it, I wonder what all is in here.” Gazing in wonder at this new tangible link to her family, she could not wait to look through it.
Dimitri hugged her, sensing she wanted, needed, some time alone. Dressing quickly, he said, “Why don’t I go downstairs with Aaron. I can probably still catch him. It will give you time to look through the book.”
Excusing himself, he raced to catch up to Aaron, he needed to know the new intel. Now more than ever Dimitri felt the need to protect Zara and their unborn child. He wanted to know everything the Protectors had learned, and hoped to make a move on Lorcan as soon as possible.
Catching up to Aaron at the end of the hall, they stepped onto the elevator together. Aaron didn’t say a word as he pressed a button opening a secret silver panel in the wall. Leaning forward, he opened his eyes for the retina scanner. A blue light shined with approval allowing Aaron to enter the code for sub-level E. There was more to this headquarters than Dimitri or Zara knew.
Chapter 37
Zara spent most of the day curled up in a chair on her bedroom balcony. Reading through her family journal while overlooking the panoramic ocean view. The book provided information about what changes to expect, not just with her body, but with her powers as well. It told about some Trinity women who had lost certain powers during their pregnancy while others had their powers become more amplified.
Since she could not contact her mother or grandmother, Zara figured that must be what was happening. Her power temporarily diminished due to the pregnancy. According to the writings in the journal, for her body to adequately grow and care for the child it must pull energy from her own powers. This provided the base of power for the child, the next Trinity. There were also stories of Trinity women experiencing new powers. As the pregnancy progresses some new powers could emerge giving insight into the future abilities of the child.
Shocked, she found notes in the margins of the book from her mother. Entries that were directed to her. Information about how her mother’s power over water had been her only power until she had become pregnant. It had been then that she was first visited by Lozen Trinity. It was then that she realized she was able to see and talk to those who had died.
Her mother wrote about talking to Lozen and a couple of other Trinity women who had helped her when it was nearing the time that she would need to sacrifice herself. Zara read on as her mother wrote about all the love she had for her. It filled her heart more now than ever since she was not able to see her mother.
Looking up from the book, relaxed and content, she glanced out toward the ocean. It wasn’t long before she was lulled to sleep listening to the waves. Feeling the warm ocean breeze caress her face she was soon lost in a peaceful dream. A dream that suddenly turned dark as she found herself standing, looking down from an upstairs window. Balling her fists, watching as Aaron, Dimitri, and a small group of Protectors dressed in black fatigues and armed with weapons loaded up into two cars parked in front of the house. She knew in her gut they had found Lorcan and were going after him without her. Her blood ran cold at the thought of being left behind.
Jerking herself awake, she worked to catch her breath, staring out into the calm teal blue waters. Looking around, she realized neither Dimitri nor Aaron had come back to update her from the meeting. Dressing quickly, she ran out into the hall. Running to a nearby window facing the front of the driveway, she gasped when she saw her dream playing out in real life.
There they were, loading up into the two vehicles she had seen in her dream. There appeared to be seven men and women dressed in black fatigues, armed with weapons. Bristling with anger, the hairs on her arms rose, they were leaving her behind. If they thought they were protecting her th
ey were wrong. She knew they needed her help as much as she needed to be there when Lorcan was taken down.
Facing the yard in front of the house she closed her eyes. She had learned that she could still see perfectly once she was tapped into the power and energy of the elements. Seeing Dimitri as he paused to look back toward the front door, he was obviously struggling with not telling her they were leaving. She watched as he climbed in the front seat next to Aaron in the lead car and they slowly begin to pull out.
“I don’t feel right about this Aaron,” Dimitri said, looking out his window at the reflection of the house in his side mirror, half expecting Zara to come running out to stop them. Knowing she would be angry and heartbroken at being left out of this attack.
Suddenly his body was thrown forward as the car lurched up, having hit a massive tree root that appeared out of nowhere across the driveway. Casting a quick glance toward one another, they shared a silent understanding that Zara was behind this. They watched as the giant palm trees that lined the drive on either side reached out their limbs, growing longer and longer toward one another, intertwining and effectively blocking the entire driveway. Jake was in the back seat of their car watching in disbelief, he had never seen anything like this before.
Dimitri felt her before he saw her, his own skin revealing how deep their connection was. The electric current of her power crawling up his arms the closer she came to them. Turning in his seat to look out the back window, he saw Zara dressed in her black boots, tight black pants and a black tank top with her long beautiful red hair blowing out behind her as she walked. Anger etched across her face, enhanced by the tips of her red hair engulfed in flames.
The sight of her took his breath away, her steely glare and the flashes of red sparks in her golden amber eyes made his panicked heart skip a beat. She was raging with anger and frustration directed at him and Aaron. Nearing the car, she walked up to the rear passenger side door and stood waiting for Aaron to unlock it.
As soon as the lock clicked Zara got in without saying a word, power sizzled off her in waves. The three men watched in silent awe as the flames disappeared from her hair and the trees up ahead slowly untangled themselves from one another, allowing them to exit. They felt the car gently resume its traction on even ground as the massive tree root disappeared.
“Zara, you don’t understand…” Aaron said, attempting to rescue the situation.
Cutting him off with the fierce power of her stare, they locked eyes in the rearview mirror. “Just drive, Aaron. You can fill me in on the way. Don’t think I will forget about this anytime soon.”
Closing his mouth, he nodded and slowly eased the car forward. Dimitri spoke first, guilt eating at him. “Intel came through that Lorcan had left for his property in California. It appeared from the surveillance back at Erebus’s estate that Lorcan had a meeting planned for tonight with what sounded to be Erebus’s most elite criminal contacts from around the world.”
When Dimitri paused, Aaron cut in, “Erebus’s mission of spreading hate and destruction across the world has slowed since his death, but Lorcan is moving forward. If we don’t stop him, terrorism and rage will soon spiral out of control with no end in sight.” Aaron smirked to himself. “Lorcan, it seems is quite insecure. Demanding to see his followers face-to-face and show off his full authority in the wake of his father’s death. It’s the perfect opportunity for us to take them all down.” Looking back at Zara in the rearview mirror, there was a vow in the look of his eye, this would end tonight.
Dimitri continued, “The Protectors feel certain they have singled out Lorcan’s personal cell phone number to trace and at this moment, they believe that Lorcan is less than ten miles away at one of Erebus’s estates. They sent a small team out a couple hours ago to observe and report back on anyone going in or out. So far twelve men and four women had arrived. Some were leaders of foreign countries, some were prominent businessmen and women, and some were well-known terrorists.”
Hearing all this new information, Zara could feel her anger begin to ebb. How had her day changed so quickly from her quiet peaceful moments earlier to joining a deadly entourage in search of Lorcan? Feeling the shift in her mood, Dimitri reached his hand back and she took it, giving him a squeeze of reassurance.
“We’ll still be talking about this later just so you know,” she said with a wink as her love and worry for Aaron and Dimitri now outweighed her anger at being left behind.
Finally noticing Jake beside her, she felt his sigh as he released the nervous breath he’d been holding. Deep down she knew they all were trying to protect her, but Dimitri and Aaron should have known how much she needed to be on the front lines of this attack. Sending up a silent prayer for all who were listening, she asked for any help and protection they were able to give. Though she could no longer see her departed family, she could feel it in her heart they were there, and they were watching.
Chapter 38
It seemed like only a few minutes had passed before Aaron was parking their car. They were at a small quaint neighborhood park a few blocks south of Lorcan’s oceanfront property. Shaking his head, he could not believe that all these years they had been so close to him.
With each passing second Zara felt the electric current in her veins growing stronger in anticipation. So many emotions rolled through her as she processed what they were about to do. Closing her eyes she let the surge of power wash over her; connecting her to the elements in a way that she had not experienced before. She felt a tangible connection to the world around her, a fire burning in her veins. When she opened her eyes, she heard a gasp from Jake sitting next to her. Aaron and Dimitri turned around and they too stared in awe.
Zara was glowing, a deep golden hue, and her amber eyes sparkled as if they had a fire emanating from within. Her long red hair appeared to be slowly floating in the golden hue surrounding her. “I’m ready,” she said, looking at each of them.
Turning, she looked outside at the children and families still playing in the park. The three men watched as the wind picked up, slowly at first, but it soon became more intense, swirling with the threat of an imminent storm. They watched as the families began to gather their children and leave quickly. Soon, it was only them left in the parking lot.
Aaron had never seen Zara look this way before, she seemed stronger and more determined than he could ever remember. A fission of fear sliced through him at the thought of something happening to her. Knowing she would stop at nothing to end Lorcan, he worried it just might be too much for her to handle. Looking at her now, his heart froze. An overwhelming sense of dread settled in his gut. What if something went wrong? What if this was the last night he ever saw her?
Zara was the first to exit the car as the wind died down around her. Breathing in deep, she basked in the feeling of her connectedness to the surrounding elements. The swell of power making her feel whole and invincible. Her feet were rooted to the earth, yet light as air. The passing breeze tingled against her skin in greeting letting her know it would be there for her. Even the trees swayed as if pointing out to her they too were ready and awaiting her command.
The greatest source of power though was calling to her from beyond the tree line. Turning, she cast her gaze toward the ocean. From her current vantage point only specs of ocean appeared, but Lorcan’s property rested directly on the beachfront. Sending her energy toward the water, she let it know she would be calling on it soon. Feeling a warm sensation from her ring, she looked down, surprised to find that it was glowing a soft shade of gold with crystal blue surrounding it.
It was nearing dusk as the sun began to drift down lower in the sky. The other vehicle of Protectors was parked in a similar proximity to the property, but they were coming in from the north, a few blocks over. Falling into step behind Aaron, with Dimitri and Jake flanking her, she hoped Lorcan’s need to feel power and authority from his followers would create a blind spot for them to be able to sneak in.
Cutting through a neighboring yar
d near the property they saw two unexpected guards step out the front door of Erebus’s home. Taking cover quickly, the Protectors stood in the shadows of trees at the house next door. Zara couldn’t stop the visceral reaction that awakened inside her at this threat. In an instant, both guards went down, grabbing their throats. In no time, they were both left lifeless, she had sucked the air from their lungs. Jake’s mouth hung open in shock as he stared at her, her eyes shining, two small golden glowing orbs.
Grabbing her by the shoulders, Dimitri pushed her further back into the shadows. “Zara, you cannot do this on your own, you have to let us help. I don’t want to lose you and I know what using a lot of power can do to you.” Pausing briefly, closing his eyes, he said softly, “It’s not just about you or me anymore.” Glancing down toward her stomach, though there was no visible sign of her pregnancy, she understood. The look on Zara’s face told him that he had gotten through to her.
Relaxing her shoulders, the glow in her eyes faded, revealing her beautiful amber eyes, golden flecks sparkling. Grateful for his words, she realized she needed to be careful not to use too much power, since she did not know if it could harm their child. Sharing a brief kiss, he gently touched her stomach before stepping back up next to Aaron. Emerging from the shadows, feeling a renewed sense of purpose, she hung back with Jake as they all walked onto the property.
Chapter 39
Lorcan paced slowly back and forth in front of the group gathered before him. With his long black cloak billowing out behind him, he was the spitting image of Erebus. It had taken quite a bit of work to get some of these men into the country, but it was important to him that they met face-to-face. Many were on the terrorist watch list, and he had used a lot of money and power to get them here. He wanted them to fear him more than they had feared his father. Too much of his life had been spent in the shadows, those days were over.