“Alec.” She paused, “I want you to understand…and I’m sure he didn’t tell you.”
“Tell me what?”
“About the dream-walking.”
“Actually,” Ava shifted awkwardly. “He sort of did…mention it.”
“Did he explain it to you?” She wheezed, “Did he tell you why he is able to dream walk?”
“No…he didn’t.”
“I figured he didn’t…Ava, I know you didn’t know much about the world of elements until recently.” She coughed, “Did your aunt ever tell you about Fasces?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Fasces,” she took in a deep breath, “is a word meaning bound together or strength through unity. It’s what those born of the Element call a rare occurrence of two born in separate circles being bound together naturally. It’s really rare and they call it Fasces mainly because no one has come up with a better name for the strange occurrence. Two born of the Element are born for each other. Destined to be together, an unbreakable bond, one to the other…something you can’t resist.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because…Ava…you and Alec are Fasces. You two are going to be together…it’s inevitable. That’s why he is able to dream walk with you.”
“So I’m the only one he is able to dream walk with?”
“Yes, when two born of the Element are bound together, one has the ability to watch the other through dreams. They say they can even contact each other through dreams.” She sat back in her chair, “You’re falling in love with him, aren’t you?” She paused, “You’re trying to fight it…it’s all too quick and you don’t know him that well. Am I right?”
Ava nodded slowly, “Yeah…but I don’t…”
“Exactly…you’re wondering why he’s acting the way he is towards you. He feels the same way. He’s in love with you, but it seems strange to him too. He barely knows you, but it doesn’t matter, it’s just there; this uncontrollable need to be with you and protect you. He was trying to fight it long before he actually met you. I told Alec about his special bond with you long ago when he was just a young boy, after he told me about the dreams of you. I told him one day he would find you and that it would be the greatest love anyone has ever known.”
“So…, all this time he’s been dreaming about me and it’s all because of this rare bond thing?”
“Yes…he’s trying to resist it. He knows that you feel it too. He never expected that you would be a True Elementris. That just makes it harder for him.”
“So…he didn’t know I was the next True Elementris?”
“No,” she coughed again, “not until a few months ago when Lareina’s Clutch came after you. He was shocked when he figured it out. It just made having the bond that much harder. And he’s acting strange because he doesn’t want you to do it…he doesn’t want you to accept your power and challenge Lareina.”
“Why though? I mean, that’s all he’s been trying to get me to do. Alec wants me to challenge Lareina.”
“No dear…he knows you have to, he knows you need to, but he doesn’t want you to because he can’t imagine putting you in danger. He’s in love with you. He’s tearing himself up inside. Alec is not selfish…he’s doing what he should do. He’s encouraging you to challenge her and help this world heal before it’s too late. He doesn’t want you to though. He is just as confused as you are. Imagine telling someone you love to jump off a cliff to save the world, knowing that you would be broken forever if they did. That’s how he feels. That’s what he is fighting inside his heart.”
…Alec…
Alec hurried to his room. He needed to talk to Shawn to find out what had gone on while he was gone. He needs his help…he has to find out what Lareina knows. And he has absolutely no idea how to go about it. He could talk to Ben of course, but he needs to update Shawn first.
Alec entered the room and couldn’t help glancing quickly at Scott’s empty bed, nor could he avoid the swift stab of pain that emptiness caused. Shawn was staring out of the window and he turned quickly when he heard the door open, “Where have you been?” he whispered. “What’s going on? You just disappeared.”
“I had to go to Ava. Draken had her. There was no time to tell you where I was going.”
“How did you know she was in trouble? How did you know Draken had her?”
“Ben,” Alec said before he thought about it. “He told me.”
“When did you see him last?” Shawn looked pale.
“Who? Ben? Alec paused, caught in the hurry of his own words, “Right before I left. He told me they were going to sacrifice her. She’s safe now, I think she’s going to do it; accept her gift, I mean.”
Shawn grabbed his shoulders, “Ben’s dead, Alec.”
“What?” Alec shook his head. “What happened to him?”
“He was murdered.” Shawn suddenly looked paler, “They…some have said that Lareina thinks you killed him.”
“Me…but I…”
The doors burst open behind him. Five guards stormed into the room. There was no time to think, it happened so fast. One minute he was talking to Shawn; the next he was shackled and on his knees in Lareina’s office.
Lareina’s shoes rang against the floor as she crossed the room towards him. Her brows were lowered, her eyes aimed directly at him. “Leave us!” She shouted to the guards clustered behind him.
They all turned at once, leaving him alone with Lareina.
“You killed Benjamin,” she suddenly looked like she was fighting a smile, “and you must be punished.” Her eyes gave her true feeling away.
Rage rattled through Alec’s bones, “You know I didn’t kill him.”
“Oh, but the evidence points directly to you.” She smiled, “You threatened him in front of thousands of people and you were the last person seen with him. He was found on the Brooden, his body laid over the circle marking wind.” She crossed her arms, “I would say it’s a strong case.”
“Let’s just stop all of this…the games. You know I know your secret. I know you talked Scott into sacrificing himself and now you’re framing me for Ben’s murder. What else do you want from me?”
“I don’t need anything else from you. I know everything I need to know. You think you’re smarter than me. I know that you have been meeting the True Elementris. I know who she is, thanks to you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh yes you do.” Winds swirled through the room. “Did you really think Ben suddenly wanted to be your friend? I had him leak those things to you purposely. I knew you would lead us right to the True Elementris,” she smiled, “and that’s exactly what you did. I figured leaking a few meaningless secrets about Scott and about The Waerven claiming to have the next True Elementris would be worth the reward. And it was, or it will be once she arrives. You stupid boy, you led us right to her.”
He couldn’t speak, he could barely even breathe. Enraged, he tried to break free of the chains. She called the guards back in to take him down to the prison to await his trial. There would never be one. He knew that. Trial, or no trial, she would make sure he ended up dead.
…Ava…
Ava couldn’t sleep. She stared up at the blank walls. Was everything Alec’s grandmother said really true? Is that why she was so drawn to Alec? She had felt something for him the first time they met. She had wanted to kiss him even though she couldn’t see him there in the dark and didn’t know him at all. She turned over, unable to get comfortable as she thought about everything she had learned.
It was no use, no matter what she tried she couldn’t find sleep. She got up and knocked on Aunt Avalene’s bedroom door.
Aunt Avalene looked over the top of her book as Ava walked in, “What is it, Shug?”
Ava was close to tears, she felt like she was going to explode. “I’m going to do it Aunt Avalene. I’m going to accept my gift. I want you to show me what I need to know to beat her.”
Aunt Av
alene shut the book and stood up. “Are you sure?”
Ava nodded, “I’m sure.”
Aunt Avalene smiled and hugged her. “I want you to be prepared. Let’s call the others to help us get you ready.”
“Okay,” Ava smiled, feeling exhilarated by her decision.
The others were there quick. They were all excited to hear the news about Ava’s decision. The excitement gradually turned to a sense of purpose as they realized how little time they might have and they all began to plan how to help get her ready. Aunt Avalene knelt down on the ground, “Get down here, Shug.” She took Ava’s hand and pressed it into the ground, “Do you feel it?”
Ava moved her fingers in the dirt, “I don’t think so.”
Aunt Avalene put her hand over Ava’s and suddenly a slight vibration went through Ava’s hand. Then, the earth began to tremble under her hands. Her heart pounded and suddenly the ground shook uncontrollably.
“Focus, Ava. Calm down and control how much you let the earth respond to you. Remember you are in control of it…don’t let it take over.”
Ava dug inside herself and pushed her fingers further into the ground. The ground stopped shaking so much and she realized it was mimicking her feelings.
Everyone applauded when she stood up. Mr. John put his arm around her, “You’re going to be fine. You have amazing abilities for someone who hasn’t accepted their gift yet.”
“Thank you.” Ava smiled up at him.
They spent the rest of the night practicing. The next day they worked on control and everyone was surprised by her abilities. They talked to her about the fight. Hazeltrouph taught most of that part. “Push me back,” he said standing in front of her.
Ava shook her head, “Are you sure? What if I accidently call fire?”
“There is no reason to be scared of your power Ava. Know yourself and be confident that you are in control, not the elements. Look at your gift as a part of you instead of a separate entity.”
Ava pushed her hands out and thought about wind. A slight breeze began to blow and then she pushed harder. Hazeltrouph fought to walk towards her. She pushed harder.
“Don’t let me reach you Ava!” he screamed over the wind, “Push me away. Get control…use your emotions to control your elements!”
She pushed as hard as she could. Something inside suddenly clicked. She realized the elements were a part of her; connected to her very breath, her heartbeat, and her deepest emotions. The wind pushed Hazeltrouph back to where he started.
Ava threw her hands towards the sky. The ground shook slightly beneath her feet and all the other elements reacted to her amazing feeling. Even the animals in the woods reacted. Squirrels skittered down trees towards her, birds sang in the wind and a wild cat screamed from the edge of the tree line. It was as if they were celebrating with her, but really they were celebrating as a part of her.
Ava spent the whole day preparing for the battle that would soon be hers to fight. Hazeltrouph explained that keeping control of her emotions would be just as important as keeping control of her elements. “She will try to trick you. You need to be ready for anything. Don’t let the fear take over.” He smiled, “I think you’re ready Ava. Lareina won’t be able to beat you.”
Ava tossed and turned for hours that night, her mind racing between her family, Alec, and her birthday choice. When she finally drifted off to sleep she found herself on the shore of the river again. The wind tossed her hair and her heart thumped with anticipation as she whirled around to look behind her. He walked towards her just like before. This time though, she felt different. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest, an intense rhythm that gave her such joy. She could feel it. The pull between them, the uncontrollable love she had been trying to fight. His green eyes leveled with hers as he took the last two steps toward her.
She didn’t hesitate; she flung her arms around him feeling his warm skin through her shirt. She pressed her cheek against his. She felt guilty for making his torture worse by accusing him of pretending to care for her just so he could talk her into accepting her gift. Now she knew the truth. “He had never wanted her to accept her gift, but he’d had to ask her to.” “Alec, I’m sorry.”
“Sorry about what?”
“Not trusting you.”
He pulled back from her, “Ava, I need you to remember what happened before you fell asleep. Are you on a boat? Did they find you?”
She shook her head, feeling a little foggy. “No…I think I fell asleep in the cabin. I was in the room after your grandmother talked to me. I’ve made a…”
He cut her off, “Are you sure you’re in the cabin?”
She paused, “Yes…, I’m sure.”
He looked confused. “She said…, Lareina said they’d found you. She said I’d led her to you.” He blinked, “She said you were on a boat on your way here now.” He stopped talking suddenly and his eyes widened.
“What?”
“Brea…” He closed his eyes and then opened them “I went to her before I found you with Draken. She was wearing your necklace, she was on the news after her stepfather attacked her mother. She was wearing it.”
“And…E Construction has been next to her house…watching her probably. You don’t think…”
“That they think she’s the next True Elementris.” He finished for her, “I think that’s exactly what’s happened. They think Brea is the next True Elementris.”
“She’s on the cruise right now though.” Ava paused, “Oh my god…Lareina is going to kill her. Why did I give her that necklace? This is entirely my fault.”
He gripped her shoulders, “I need you to calm down Ava…we will figure out what to do.”
Tears streamed down Ava’s face, “I have to help her.”
“We will…You have to wake up Ava. You have to get to her before she reaches the island. I’m stuck here. I’m locked in the prison. Lareina knows everything. She killed a guard and framed me for the murder.”
“Okay. Wake up, wake up!” She screamed franticly.
“No…take a deep breath…you have to be calm so you can wake up and remember all of this.”
“Okay,” she took in a deep breath.
“Don’t come alone, Ava…,” his voice faded away. “Get help…”
Ava’s eyes popped open. Her heart was racing and tears were streaming down her cheeks. It was early…everyone was still asleep. She flipped open her cell phone and clicked on the news headlines. Her signal was sketchy. Finally the page popped up. It was the top story and her heart dropped as she read it.
“Miami cruise ship caught in a freak storm. One survivor found so far.”
She pulled her jeans on and raced from the room to wake up Aunt Avalene. She paused outside her bedroom door, her hand hovering over the door knob. They will never let me leave. She took in a breath and crept slowly down the hall and outside.
A dense fog hovered over the ground. The sun was just beginning to peek through the trees. A slight orange glow backlit the fog as it wound through the thick forest. She had no idea what she was going to do, but she knew she needed a car. She looked at Aunt Avalene’s car and then turned and stared at Hazeltrouph’s truck. She had never stolen anything… “I have to.” She ran towards his truck and pulled the handle. The door was locked. She closed her eyes and made a hook motion with her pointer finger; she had seen Alec do that to unlock her car. It worked.
She pulled the door open and inched inside. She was careful to shut the door. She closed her eyes as she tried to remember the spell that would start the car. The words were there…hanging on the tip of her tongue. She slammed her head backwards into the head rest. Then she remembered.
She held her hands over the steering wheel and concentrated with everything she had. She could feel the warm electricity working through her veins.
“Ina Creaneta Saturea!”
It started. The engine’s RPM’s jumped all the way over the gauge and then leveled out.
She practically screamed with ex
citement. She gripped the steering wheel and backed out slowly. She was careful to be quiet, trying not to wake anyone up. When she got to the bridge, she took a deep breath and stomped down hard on the gas pedal. She wasn’t scared now. She couldn’t be. She had to get to Brea. The truck flew across the bridge and seemed to almost leap to the other side. She sighed in relief and pressed the gas again. She needed a boat, but for now she just needed to get to Miami.
Chapter Eighteen… (Island)
…Alec…
Alec could hear the chains rattling. The footsteps drew closer. The sound of heels clanked on the stone floor. Two Greens walked past his cell. And he saw her. Brea in chains; her eyes half open. She could barely walk and she was soaking wet.
He jumped to his feet and ran to the bars.
Lareina stepped into his line of sight…and smiled. “I figured you would like to watch her suffer until…,” she lowered her voice, “I kill you both.” She turned and walked away.
He slammed his palms against the bars and caused them to make a horrible rattle but that was the most he could do. No matter how angry and out of control he was, no fire flew from his fingertips. No spell worked. He’s always known magic doesn’t work in the cells, but he could never have imagined how frustrating it would be to not be able to use something that has always been that much a part of you.
He waited for the guards to leave. Thomas was one of them. He sent Alec a pitying look as he passed. Alec remembered wondering if he should have brought Thomas in. It was too late now, he had been tricked by Ben and now they thought Brea was the next True Elementris.
He crouched down by the bars in the corner. The stone wall between their cells was thick, but he could hear her whimpering.
“Brea?” he whispered.
The whimpering stopped.
“Brea?”
“Who’s there…?”
“It’s me, Alec.”
He could hear her coming closer, “Alec? Warrior boy?”
“Yeah, it’s me.” He pressed his face into the bars, “Are you okay?”
“No,”she whimpered. “Why am I here? Why are you locked up in here?”
Elementris, Exposure, Eruption Box set: The Vangeretta Curse Series Page 22