by Maria Dean
The alchemists guarding the dragons tensed. "Aaron?" One called. "What do we do?"
Aaron followed Astrid's every step, his arms out in case she fell again. "Honey, please just sit down," he begged. "Is this one of your panic attacks?"
"No... shit," she panted. Once she was a few feet away from the Dragonshifters, Astrid let herself fall again. Her heart's beating grew so loud she could hear it ringing in her ears. She wanted to crumple up into a ball, to make herself as small as possible. Every set of eyes watching her was another person watching her self-destruct.
Then, a voice echoed in her mind. A soothing, familiar voice that felt like home. Breathe in, baby girl. Your aunt is counting on you. Your friends are counting on you. I'm counting on you.
She didn't need to see her to know who it was.
Astrid let her hands fall to the ground and leaned forward. Inhaling through her nose, she paused and exhaled through her mouth. Her steady rhythm of in, out, kept her grounded. She called out to her heart, to the magic pumping through her veins, asking them to slow down. Astrid could do this. She just needed it to slow down.
Her father's voice rang in her ears. "Come on, Astrid, I know you can beat this." Aaron tried to rub her back in soothing circles, but she shrugged him off. "I'm just trying to help you."
"I can help myself," she muttered. "Why did you bring me here?"
Aaron's gaze was fixed on Astrid as she tried to stand up. "I wanted you to see what we can do," he said, trying to calm himself down as well. "I want you to watch us shed their blood so we can save humanity."
Astrid forced herself to look at her friends. Christian and Giovanni, both normally well put together, were completely disheveled. Even Lorenzo looked worn down and tired, despite 'disheveled' being his usual style choice. Every one of her friends was beaten and bruised, and yet Astrid couldn't bring herself to look away.
When she found her voice, she asked, "Where the others?"
"Away, for now," Aaron replied. "I didn't think they were as corrupting as these three. Though I suppose I was mistaken, given your friend from the van."
Astrid tore her gaze away from a long gash on Giovanni's face. "Why do you have them here?" She stepped forward, making her dad take a step back. "Why do you have them at all? They haven't done anything wrong."
Aaron shook his head. "This is our only option, honey. The monster hunters sealed the rest of the dragons away in their jade city. If we want to stay alive. If we want to keep humanity alive. We need to drain the ones we have in front of us." He chuckled mirthlessly. "You know, there was a time when the hunters and the slayers were cohesive units. People like your aunt's friend used to be feared. Now they're just a little Scooby Gang, running around and pretending to be grown up."
Her head snapped up. "Stay away from Xander." Astrid's voice was razor sharp as it cut through the warehouse. "He's still young and not deserving of any bullshit you put him through."
Her father put his hands up in defense, backing further away. "I'm not threatening the kid. He gives us a lot of good information. I'm just saying he's not someone you want to align with. He's weak, Astrid. You need to have strong people behind you."
She does, the voice in Astrid's head said.
"I do," Astrid repeated. "And they're not very happy about being tied up and used for your false miracle cures."
Aaron looked at the Russo brothers. "You mean these fools? They're dangerous, Astrid. I'm disappointed you let yourself get drawn into their trap. Look at them, they're not even that attractive!" He moved behind the three, slamming his hands down on Christian's shoulders. "I mean, this one's just an idiot with a bleeding heart," he groaned. "You don't have to be smart to run your own company."
"He's an idiot, but he's a good person," Astrid countered. "Christian's work helps people who need it. That 'bleeding heart' is the reason he's so successful."
Her father continued, shaking Lorenzo. "And this one has no future! He's content to live as an artist for the rest of his life because he's never had to work otherwise."
"Don't ridicule his talent," she replied. "It still takes work to get where he's at. He did it all without having to buy his way into the industry. No one helped him do that."
Aaron stuck his tongue out at his daughter. "Fine, whatever. But look at this one," he said as he hovered over Giovanni. "He's a dirty lawyer, Astrid. He sullies the good name of your field and makes money off it. He's the epitome of white male privilege."
"Frankly, so are you," Astrid said. "You've killed people and got away with that. Had I or mom done any of the shit you're doing, we'd be in prison. Mom is even worse off than I am. And you left us vulnerable! You're putting us in danger simply because you don't like how mom was raising me!"
"It's not like that," Aaron said as he circled back around. "Astrid, you just need to listen to me. I only want what's the best for you."
"If you only wanted what was best for me," Astrid said as she quieted down, "you would let my friends go." The tears welled up in her eyes before she knew it was happening. "Please, dad. They're not going to hurt anyone."
Aaron reached out and cradled her face. "Is that what it would take to make you happy?" He asked. "This is all for you, Astrid. I just want you to be happy." She nodded. "All right. You can choose one," he said as he looked back at her friends. "One of the Russos can leave with you. But just one. The rest of them are coming with me."
She inhaled. A win, though a small one. There were seven Russo family members at risk and only one she could save. Astrid broke eye contact with her father. Surveying the brothers before her, her heart broke every time she noted a bruise or a scrape.
Poor, sweet Christian. A puppy dog of a human being who just wanted Astrid to be happy. He wanted to protect her, in a smothering way that didn't give her room to breathe. But his heart made her soar.
Weathered but curious Lorenzo. He understood her worries about the world and saw the same problems that she did. Too aloof when he wanted to be and too panicked when she didn't want him to worry. His wit and intellect kept her on her toes and never ceased to entertain her.
And then there was Giovanni, the only one who respected her autonomy while supporting her from the sidelines. He was rough, finicky, and only cared for the things that would benefit him the most. But there was something to admire about his raw strength and charisma.
They were all good choices to save. Making the next decision would pain Astrid no matter who she chose.
"Which Russo is it going to be?" Her father was almost teasing her at this point.
Her mother's voice came back. So many Russos to choose from. Who's going to help you escape?
The word burst out of her mouth faster than she expected. "Irene," she said quickly. "I choose Irene Russo."
Aaron looked at her blankly. "Who?"
She kept her focus away from the confused brothers. "Irene. Small, black pixie cut. I think you're keeping them in the other room. You said I had to pick a Russo, not one of these Russos."
Her father waited for a moment. Clearly, he thought she was joking. Astrid held her ground, never breaking eye contact. "And you're serious," he said firmly. "You don't want to save one of your suitors? Someone to love and cherish you?"
"You asked me to pick, and I did it. I don't need to explain my choice, dad." Astrid pointed at a stray alchemist, lurking in the shadows of the warehouse. "Either send that guy or go get them yourself. I'm not going to wait patiently."
Aaron sighed. "You're my daughter, all right. Never backing down from what you believe in." He flagged the stray alchemist down. "Stay here while I go get the shifter."
Astrid muttered something along the lines of 'Thanks, asshole' and waited for him to leave. When he did, the alchemist sauntered over to Astrid. He looked her up and down, smirking as he did so. "What are you looking at?" She asked him.
"Aaron just never told me his daughter was so..." The man licked his lips, "delicious."
I'm going to need a cold bath after th
is, Astrid thought to herself. She shrugged, maintaining her neutral façade. "Dad hasn't seen me in a long time. Things change."
He circled Astrid, closing in behind her back. "You know, you could always forget about the lizards over there and move toward real men. I'm sure it would make Daddy happy."
"There's always one," Astrid muttered.
"What?"
Astrid didn't speak. Instead, she swung her foot backwards and nailed him in the groin. Her fists still cuffed together, she brought them down over his head and nailed him in the back of the head. "Who needs men when I'm a rampant bisexual?" She snapped, kicking him again.
"Hey!" Another alchemist barreled toward her. "Don't move!"
She braced her shoulders and prepared for impact. Sliding a foot back, Astrid fell into a fighting stance and let him shove her a few feet. When he recovered, she slammed into him and looped her hands around his neck. Pulling the cuffs together, she choked him until he began to gasp for air. Astrid let go and watched him slump to the ground. With no more nearby guards, Astrid turned to the Russos. "All right," she muttered as she ran around to Giovanni's back. "Let's get you idiots to safety. Again."
The rag in his mouth fell out when she ripped the knot open. "Astrid," he breathed, flexing his jaw.
"Giovanni." So much she wanted to say, all condensed into his name. She ripped Lorenzo's gag open, with Christian's falling soon after. "Can any of you burn these cuffs?"
Lorenzo blew a small flame out into the air. "I can try," he croaked. Astrid couldn't bear to think of how it got that hoarse. "Come here."
The steady fire melted the cuff links just enough for Astrid to break them. Snapping the cuffs apart, she ran around again and began to work at their bindings. "I need one of you to go back and find the others," she said quickly. "Matilde and your cousins are still trapped. If my dad can get Irene, that means they're all still alive. We still have a chance. We can..."
Christian lifted Astrid off the ground in a hug. "I was so worried!" He exclaimed. "I heard you were in a coma and then Matilde said something about your apartment blowing up ..."
"I'm sorry, what?" Lorenzo interrupted.
"And then we all got taken, and I thought they were going to kill you, Astrid. I thought he was going to hurt you and make us watch."
Astrid sighed. "This isn't about hurting you, Christian. It's about hurting me." She pushed his chest, forcing him to take a step back. "One of you go help your cousins. Two of you, actually. I don't trust you on your own in this state. Whoever's left should stay with me."
"I will go," Giovanni said as he shed his jacket. "Hold this for me, will you? It's..."
"Armani," Astrid finished. "I know." She slipped her arms in to the jacket which enveloped her in Gio's scent. "Christian, go with him. And don't try to argue with me about it."
He shut up and followed his twin out the door. Immediately, a flame burst forth in the hallway. Astrid's father rolled out of the way and back into the warehouse, an irate Irene following behind him. Aaron tried to run forward and fell to his feet. "You're a smart girl," he snarled as he tried to stand. "Too smart for your own good. This place is crawling with backup. They'll get your friends in no time."
Astrid grabbed Lorenzo's arm and prepared herself to portal. "You're the worst, Aaron," she snapped. "And you will not get away with this."
Her father sidestepped Irene, who tumbled forward and crashed into Astrid. "What, you think you're just going to portal out of here? It's not that easy, sweetheart." He reached into his jacket and retrieved a glowing blue crystal. "This will hurt you, but it's all for a good reason. This stone combats the very magic that helps you Alices portal. I purchased it when I married your mother, just in case."
Astrid winced. Of course he would've found something to hurt her mother. That was all he seemed to do.
He can try, baby, but he won't get far. Look up.
Astrid craned her gaze up, past her father, searching the rafters of the warehouse. Even though she was angry with her mother for hiding from her, Calypso was the kind of backup Astrid needed. Not an army of angry Dragonshifters, but one pissed off woman with a vendetta.
Now, Nova's library laughter made sense. Her secrets, though wounding, made sense. Calypso was back. They just had to hide it so Aaron wouldn't find out.
Out of the darkness of the rafters, a tall woman strode out. It was too far for Astrid to make out the finer details of her face, though she knew she might not recognize her anyhow. But the big hair, the saunter in her walk, that was something she would never forget. They were things Nova and Calypso shared. Things her mother had passed down to her.
"Hey mom," Astrid whispered.
Aaron caught it and nearly dropped the stone. "Calypso?" He said, turning toward the rafters.
Irene burst forward and tackled Astrid's father, grabbing the stone and chucking it at her. "Crush it!" They shouted, decking Aaron straight in the face.
Astrid caught the stone and stepped on it with her boot, shattering it straight down the middle. "You two need to run," she said to the Dragonshifters. "I'll stay to make sure everyone else gets out."
Lorenzo shook his head. "Astrid, I just got you back. I'm not letting you go again."
How such a small sentence made her react so vehemently, she didn't know. Astrid whirled on him. "You didn't lose me, Lorenzo, you left. There's a difference. And right now, that's exactly what I need you to do." She pushed Irene toward him. "Now get out."
Another stream of fire exited the hallway as the rest of the Russo family ran out. Beatrice and Nicole held each other up, while Matilde ran forward with vigor. Christian and Giovanni came out last, their clothes singed from defending themselves. "There are more coming," Giovanni reported. "We need to leave before they get here."
Astrid waved the Dragonshifters forward. Christian was the only one who stopped to talk to her. "I can't leave you behind," he said. "It's not safe."
"Astrid can take care of herself," Giovanni reminded his twin. "She's faced much worse than we would ever know."
Ignoring him, Christian hugged Astrid close. "Please, just come with us. Come with me. I can make sure you're okay, take care of you until you can get a new place to live. You can even just come with me."
"Christian," she said, pushing away, "this isn't the time to be sentimental."
He grabbed her arm and held her back. "Just listen, okay? While I was away, you were the only thing I could think of. I don't ever want to put you at risk again. I..."
A knife sunk into his shoulder, slipping blood down the front of his dirtied dress shirt. He sunk to his knees as he tried to cover his wound. Aaron pushed him aside and stepped over to Astrid. "Come here, sweetheart," he said. "Come back to me." He reached forward and Astrid winced, trying not to flinch when he touched her face.
Snap!
He didn't touch her. Instead, he'd gone for something else. The jade pendant Astrid had forgotten she was wearing. The key that could open the gate in the dragon's realm.
"No," she murmured.
"That's a good girl," her father cooed. "You brought me a gift."
"Aaron?" One of the alchemists called out. "Back away now!"
The room began to heat up, warming at least sixty degrees. Astrid turned and saw the large frames of six, mildly angry dragons. "I told you idiots to leave," she said. "Why didn't you?"
The golden dragon, her golden dragon, stepped forward and loomed over her. He stared her father down and snorted out smoke. "It would indeed be wise to leave now," the dragon said.
Aaron didn't need to be told twice. He backed away slowly as to not anger the fire breathing beasts. "This isn't over, Astrid," he said as he and his men exited the warehouse. "I'll be seeing you real soon."
Astrid flipped him off.
***
Seven worn out Dragonshifters and one mildly annoyed Alice wandered out of the warehouse. Matilde headed the pack, snidely telling her cousins they should've been more vigilant when it came to alchemists. "This is
why you don't rely on your dragon powers the entire time," she snipped. "Be smarter."
Christian, whose wound was already scaling over, tried to catch up with Astrid. "I'm sorry about your dad," he started.
She stopped walking but didn't turn to look at him. "If you hadn't stopped me, he wouldn't have taken the key." Astrid tried not to sound accusatory but knew it wasn't working. "I'm sorry, Christian, but now he will find a way into the dragon's realm. That was the only thing stopping them from it."
"Astrid, I didn't mean to..."
Giovanni stopped his twin, pulling him away from Astrid. "Give her space, Christian. It's the first time in years she's seen her father, and he just betrayed her. Being smothered isn't what she needs."
But you are, she wanted to say. The only one who'd ever given thought to her needs first. Who knew what kind of person she was capable of being. Astrid wanted to turn and beg Giovanni for forgiveness, to ask him if he was willing to take her back, but she continued walking. This wasn't the time nor the place. She had people to call and alert. Plans to make.
Her father had won for now, but she'd saved and united the Dragonshifters. And now, Aaron Pfeiffer had hell to pay.
***
Nova Gray stretched out on the beach at Lake Bde Maka Ska. It was still warm out, in her opinion, and she was going to enjoy the Minnesota lakes while she could. She didn't move until she saw someone lay a towel down to her left.
"I saw her," Calypso said. "And she saw me."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
Calypso sighed. "I don't know. She's so... grown up. It's almost like she's a completely different woman since I left her with you."
Nova tsked. "She is, Cali. She's grown a lot since she was a child. That girl could do anything that she put her mind to."
A moment of silence passed between the sisters. "Aaron has the key."
"Good. That means we know where he's going to go next. Don't tell me you're going back on your word."