by Jenn Nixon
I needed you. Her whole body trembled. The concern and fear in his eyes stole her breath. She was the one who was dependent on Zorin. He drew her like the tide to the moon. Being around him, near him, unlocked a longing she didn’t think she had any more.
The last thing she wanted was to turn him into a monster. She couldn’t ask him to help again, regardless how much she wanted to. Backing away from Rune and Zorin, she tried breathing, tried thinking about the fire, did everything she could to control it.
Cyndra, focus, Zorin’s voice echoed in her head.
No matter what she did, she couldn’t separate the emotions from the power struggling inside. Had she just killed her cousin? Was she stuck in a mirror now? Either way, Cyndra was responsible for destroying her cousin’s life. The heat spread to the back of her neck.
Look at me, he said sternly.
This time, she shook her head, spun around and ran in the opposite direction. Getting as far away from him and Rune as possible, she dropped the backpack and dashed for the bay, already feeling her legs start to give.
Her knees crushed against the bank as she collapsed. She fell into the water. The cold liquid did little to smother the heat, only subdued the flames. Someone pulled her from the water. She coughed and spit. Rune tapped her cheek and gazed down. Cyndra?
After she wiped her face, she met his eyes and mimicked his frown. “Flare up…I’m okay now.” She sat up, covertly glanced around to see they were alone. “Where’d he go?”
To the island, he said he’d meet us there.
“Probably for the best. We’re both struggling to control shit.”
What do you mean?
“Being around us is affecting him.”
I think we both know it’s more than that. Rune rolled his eyes.
Cyndra sighed. “Yeah, I’m more to blame, between sharing energycasting with him and all the siphoning help he’s given me. He’s worried he’ll need more and thinks it’ll turn him into a monster.”
He’s not a monster.
“We know that, but that’s what he sees. He’s been through some tough shit…it’s hard to shake it off sometimes and makes it hard to, you know, rely on other people.”
He can rely on us.
“Yeah.”
I know you care about him too. You should tell him.
“Why?”
Because everyone should hear it now and then. Besides, he needs you, Cyndra. Talk to him when we get back to the island. Rune’s smile faded. I hope you know the way back.
Cyndra turned her head to the boat, easily catching Zorin’s trail on the wind. Compass or not, she knew she’d find the island. Nodding, she got up from the ground with Rune’s help and jogged back to her pack. Not wasting one moment, or thinking about her friend’s comments, they ran to the boat, hopped in, and got the motor started.
Although she wasn’t looking forward to the two-hour ride, she guided the boat as close to the shore as possible, using the floodlights of the coastal town, and the bright moon to guide the way unsure what she’d find when she returned to the island.
Zorin landed in front of the decorative wall behind the mansion and bashed his fist into the air. When his knuckles collided with the barrier, an electroshock knocked him to his knees and seized every muscle. With a deep growl, he palmed the ground and panted until the pain subsided.
Mirror-wraiths screeched from inside the barrier, again fearing his presence without the casters near. He slowly got to his feet, looking for a sign of Pristy, given that he had most of the wraith’s attention. Grunting, he turned his eyes to the tower, focusing his thoughts on Mergan and calling her name.
He couldn’t break through or she was ignoring him, he suspected it was the latter. Forcing himself away from the mansion, Zorin entered the woods and felt his stomach rumble. He shut his eyes and fought the hunger pangs. Without the caster’s constant supply of nourishing power, and after the lengthy glide back to the island, Zorin was depleted and starved.
Conserving what little strength he had left, he returned to the lighthouse, catching soft wisps of Cyndra’s energy floating through the air. He was starting to understand why he felt her so strongly. He was drawn to her beyond his need to siphon. Before he was a monster, he was a caster, connected to the crystals, the power, and the earth. He missed being human. He needed the caster bond. He felt normal when he sensed her energy. Looking in her eyes made him feel like a man again.
Pushing all his thoughts aside, Zorin approached the lighthouse and knew he didn’t have the will to make the climb to the top. Instead, he stretched out on the ground, lying on his side, facing the dock, and adjusted his wings until he was comfortable enough to shut his eyes and try to sleep and if lucky, talk to Mergan.
“Zorin,” Cyndra’s sharp call tore him from the dreamless slumber. He jerked and shot upright, to see both casters staring down at him. “Did you see Pristy?”
“No, I’m—”
The determined caster made a beeline for the field. Rune stepped closer and offered his hand. Zorin clasped him by the forearm and stood, stretching his neck and wings as he watched Cyndra stomping through the field.
I was hoping she’d talk to you, but she’s going back in.
“She’s being careless,” Zorin huffed.
Mirror-wraiths screeched in the distance.
Cyndra dropped her backpack and sprinted toward the woods.
Zorin sensed the wraiths moving beyond the barrier and turned back to the Rune. “Stay in the lighthouse.”
Thankfully, the caster nodded. Zorin ran toward the field, waiting for the wind, and lifted into the air when a strong gust whipped through the grass. He needed to gain enough height to make it over the trees and adjusted his wings, which slowed his speed, but not the lock he had on Cyndra with his eyes.
Rising higher, Zorin soared closer to the tree line, spotting the light of Cyndra’s flames through the dense woods. When the wraith’s screeches echoed, Zorin tilted to the left, tucked back his wings and descended, picking up speed.
You’ll never get past all the wraiths.
I have to see. I have to know.
The caster and her fire exploded into the field behind the mansion like a comet. Two wraiths blocked her way. Cyndra lifted her fiery arm and blasted them both with her flare. One swerved and the other vanished. The remaining mirror-wraith swirled higher in the air and then retargeted the caster.
Zorin dove head first toward the wraith. It shrieked and shrank back, then slipped through the barrier with half a dozen others already approaching the back of the mansion. She’d never make it to the door let alone the tower. He tucked his wings and sped toward the ground. He had to stop her, before she did something stupid, again.
He neared the barrier and stretched out his arm as she reached the rock wall and knew he miscalculated.
Cyndra jumped.
He grabbed her wrist the moment he landed, but she was already halfway over the wall. Cyndra’s foot hit the top. She gasped and tripped forward dragging him toward the barrier. Instead of letting go, he gripped tighter and fell with her.
She slammed back, knocking her head against the ground.
He landed next to her on his side with a hard thump.
“What the shit?” she shouted, slamming her flaming fist on the ground as she glanced over. Then her eyes widened. “Whoa.”
Zorin uncurled his fingers from her wrist. He glanced back at the wall and furrowed his brow realizing he was inside the barrier.
The screeching wraiths tensed his muscles.
He jumped to his feet, balled his hands, and extended his wings, ready to take on all the wraiths if need be. Cyndra, prepared to defend herself, moved beside him with her flaming hand at the ready.
Surprisingly, no wraiths came.
When the caster lifted her brow then directed her chin toward the mansion, Zorin nodded and followed, tamping down a dozen thoughts and emotions spinning inside his head. Although he knew the way to the tower, he stayed behind
, in case the wraiths changed their mind and decided to come after Cyndra again.
At the top of the spiral staircase, she paused and lifted her hand to brighten the dark corridor ahead of them. Lack of light wasn’t her only concern. Even without the siphon, Zorin sensed the fear and curiosity driving her forward. He set his hand on her shoulder. Her sharp, surprised breath electrified his whole body. The sensations that followed made his stomach drop.
“I have to know. I don’t want to be right. I hope I’m not right,” she whispered and shuddered.
“Whatever happened, we will undo it,” Zorin said, making a promise he had no idea if he could keep. He removed his hand before the urge to siphon overcame him.
Cyndra nodded, walked the narrow corridor leading to the prison room. His pulse raced as they drew near.
When Cyndra reached the door, she paused again then sighed. “I didn’t mean what I said. This wasn’t your fault, what happened to Pristy…I’m the one to blame.”
Before he responded, she pushed the door back and gasped. She darted into the middle of the room and crouched down. Zorin followed her in and gaped at the sight.
Mergan paced the length of the room, walled behind misty white glass. Finally, after all these years he’d see the look in her eyes when she spoke her lies. Mergan couldn’t hide from him any longer.
Mergan, he called. She didn’t move or make any indication she heard him. Mergan?
“Shit,” Cyndra grunted, drawing his gaze. She rose from the floor and showed him a leather cuff with a crystal weaved into the straps. “Maybe Pristy took it off, to leave us a clue.”
“You don’t see her?”
“What? Who?”
“Mergan,” Zorin said, pointing to the glass prison. “She’s right there.”
“All I see is walls and the mirror, just like I said before.”
“I don’t see a mirror, Cyndra.”
“What the shit?”
“What the shit, indeed,” he replied, glancing to the wall opposite the door while she approached the glass. Nothing happened when she touched it. She frowned and sighed heavily as she gazed down at her cousin’s bracelet. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”
“Not your fault. We all knew the soulless would show up, seems like the wraiths can’t stay away from the power either, but what do they want with us?” she asked, crossing the room to the far end.
“I have no idea.” Until they knew exactly what she saw on the empty space of wall he was staring at, Zorin didn’t want her to get closer. He clasped her hand, feeling the residual warmth from her firecasting and tugged her away from the wall. “We should get back to the lighthouse. I may be deterring the wraiths but they will become restless with you near.”
“Yeah, and none of us should be alone until we figure this out. It’s driving me bat-shit crazy.”
Zorin chuckled softly and released her hand. “I’m certain Evelyn left you enough information to ease your mind.”
“If not, I’m hoping you can fill in the blanks…with whatever you remember.”
“Anything you need.”
“Don’t say that, you don’t mean it,” Cyndra snapped. Her face fell and she covered it with both hands. “I’m sorry. I’m tired and hungry and angry…Hang on.”
“What?”
“We got through the barrier together…” The caster lifted her left hand. He arched a brow and clasped it with his. Zorin shut his eyes, feeling Cyndra’s marvelous energy and a hint of her fire slide over his skin. Yes, he felt her exhaustion and curiosity and a dark fear she hid deep in her soul, yet above all that, he touched on the tremendous sense guilt and suffering she carried. Maybe the caster could understand him. She said something, but he didn’t hear her, he was too enraptured by the potency of their bond, feeling almost human again.
Zorin, I see her, Cyndra’s voice barked through his mind. He opened his eyes to see the terrified caster glaring straight ahead. Then he saw the mirror behind her. You see it now?
Yes.
Can she see us?
No, nor can she hear me. He stared across the room, seeing exactly what Rune had described, a big ugly mirror against the wall. That is where the wraith was heading?
“Yeah,” she replied aloud and took a step back as the temperature in the room elevated.
Sighing, he released her hand and stared down. “What have I done this time?”
“Nothing,” Cyndra said, heading toward the door.
He blocked her way. “How many times do you think you can tell me the same lie?”
“We should get back—”
“And we will,” he said, stepping closer. When her cheeks darkened, his whole body tensed.
“It’s not you, honest,” she whispered, fisting her heated hand.
“If you need me to siphon your fire, Cyndra, I will.”
She shook her head furiously. “That’s not it.”
“Then what…haven’t I gained your trust?”
“It’s what I’m feeling. Your energy is—”
“You sense my energy?” Zorin’s stomach dropped.
“Stronger than the crystal bond, stronger than the others…” She trailed off and glanced up, looking beyond the gray skin and stone-like features of his face. “I can feel you from miles away, Zorin.”
Despite the thump in his chest and the heat on his cheeks, he responded logically instead of focusing on what it could mean. “Your powers are progressing exponentially. It’d be wise to return to the lighthouse and get away from the wraiths.”
“Okay.” Her face blanked. She clutched the leather cuff and went to the exit. Half expecting her hand to flare up during the walk out, Zorin ignored the guilt at brushing her comment aside.
Perhaps Rune was right. Zorin looked at her the same way Cyndra looked at him, desperate for a connection, drawn by the crystal power, needing to fulfill a void deep in their souls. The realization slowed his steps. Any man would find her charmingly irritating, stubbornly strong, and beautifully frustrating. Only Zorin wasn’t a man. He was a monster who wanted to devour her energy and bathe in her fire.
He gazed across the patio to see Cyndra jogging down the stairs. A soft breeze tickled his wings. Unsure if the barrier would let him out, he caught up to her by kicking off the top step and gliding to the ground.
“Cheater,” she said, smirking as she passed.
“Efficient,” he replied and followed her to the wall attempting to control his breathing.
“Do you want to try first?”
“No. It’s not pleasant and I am weary,” he said, lifting his left arm and tightening his jaw.
“Then let’s go. Rune’s probably worried sick.” Cyndra clasped his hand and stepped over the wall slowly drawing him near. She turned back, meeting his eyes and nodded as her grip tightened. “I got you.”
Zorin inched closer and slid his hand through easily. He sighed and jumped the wall, breaking contact with Cyndra the moment his feet touched the ground. “Thank you.”
“Likewise. You…didn’t have to come after me. I’m glad we went in, I’m hoping this is a clue,” Cyndra said, heading for the woods.
“A clue?”
“Yeah. Only two reasons it came off her wrist that I can think, she took it off—”
“Or the wraith did,” Zorin replied, nodding as he lifted a branch and ducked as he followed her deeper through the trees. “Why?”
“No idea, maybe the crystals can’t go through the mirror…if that’s where they went.”
With no answers to offer, Zorin continued silently through the wood, feeling stronger with each step, easily in control of his hunger for the time being. Cyndra and Rune, however, needed to eat. He’d have no issues hunting the island if needed. Their power would keep him strong.
She retrieved her backpack in the middle of the field and stubbornly struggled the rest of the way without asking for help, practically collapsing when they reached the lighthouse. Cyndra set the pack down and huffed. “I think I need to downsize.”
“I’ll find a secure location for the box if you’d like and you’re welcome to store anything else here,” Zorin said, hoping the gesture slowed the growing distance in her eyes. That was the last thing he wanted.
“Okay,” she said, half smiling as she picked up the pack again and headed for the door. Zorin sighed and held the door back while she went in. Cyndra gazed up and dropped the backpack. “Ugh.”
“I can carry it.”
“You don’t mind? I’m sure you’re as tired as I am after today.”
“I don’t mind,” he answered, picked up the bag and motioned for the stairs. Halfway up, Cyndra paused and braced her hand against the wall. “Do you need something to eat?”
“I think sleep first,” she said softly and continued the climb until they reached the quiet living area. Rune, asleep on the couch, didn’t stir when the wood creaked beneath their feet. “So much for being worried sick.”
“He knows we can defend ourselves and I told him to stay here.”
“Yeah, he’s a good guy.”
“Yes, he is,” Zorin replied. “He left you the bed.”
“What about you?”
“I will be upstairs in the service room.” He set the backpack next to the icebox and rounded the table and chairs. “Good night, Cyndra.”
Her brow crinkled. “Pleasant evening.”
Zorin bolted upstairs fearing there wasn’t enough distance between him and the casters to find balance between what he needed to maintain his strength and what his body wanted to absorb.
Just as Rune and Cyndra’s powers were growing, his need to siphon increased.
He didn’t remember this happening during the war, but back then he’d been—the memory struck his temple like lightning.
Mergan and her army of the twelve strongest casters formed a circle around Zorin as he knelt before her.
“Remove your crystal,” she said softly.
Zorin ripped the chain from his neck and threw the pendant at her feet.
“This is the best way to protect the island, do you want to win this war?”
“Yes. We have to protect the crystals, protect the remaining casters.”