He slid down the wall, “They think you’re the next True Elementris.”
“What...how…I mean, why would they think that?”
“Because, they set me up so that I would lead them to the next True Elementris. I went to your house and you were wearing the Vangeretta family necklace.”
“Yeah, but I’m not magical at all.”
“I know. They made a mistake. We’ll figure something out.”
“Why are you in here? I thought you were with Ava.”
“I was. I came back to try and find out what they knew and when I got here...” he paused, “she set me up…for murdering a guard.”
“You didn’t though.”
“No, but no one will believe me.”
“This is so screwed up.” She whimpered again, “We were on the boat…the storm came from nowhere. And my mom,” she paused, sniffling. “I don’t know if she made it...”
Alec didn’t know what to say. “Ava’s going to tell the others. My dad will help us…somehow.”
…Ava…
Ava had just decided she was lost when she saw the sign…Miami, five-miles ahead. She kept her foot down on the gas. She couldn’t cry anymore. Dried tears streaked her face. The reception was spotty and Ava was only catching parts of the radio broadcast as a woman excitedly rattled off the latest update about the cruise ship accident. “One survivor found…still recovering bodies…horrible tragedy. Caribbean Cruiseline…no statement yet…names of victims to be released after family members notified...”
Ava gripped the steering wheel harder…so hard her hands ached. She turned into the first marina she saw. There were people everywhere and it was broad daylight. She had no idea how she was going to steal a boat, but she had to. She parked the truck and ran her fingers through her hair. She slipped out of the truck and made her way through the crowd and down to the dock.
She passed a salesman showing a sailboat to a young couple. That day with Troy flashed through her mind. If only she had known. She shook the memories from her mind and continued moving on down the dock. There were tons of boats in the bay and the sky was bright. She looked up at it. She couldn’t conjure a storm yet…not until she accepted her gift. Maybe she could do something to clear out the crowd though. She popped her fingers and continued walking as she called wind. She called it with everything she had. A small breeze seeped over the water. She could feel the power of the ocean now. She worked harder. The wind picked up, waves broke over the bay and caused the boats to rock, and a dark cloud moved slowly over the blue sky.
Ava looked over her shoulder, noticing the young couple following the salesman towards the safety of the building. A few others made their way back down the long dock, fearing a storm. There wouldn’t be a storm. She didn’t have that kind of power yet. She focused her attention on the water again and imagined the waves crashing hard against the dock. They picked up instantly. Whitecaps broke and slapped against the surface of the deep blue water. Some of the boats that were close by began to turn towards the dock.
Ava kept moving and by the time she reached the end of the dock, there were only a few people left who might see what she was doing. She looked around. No one was watching her. They were all too busy tying their boats off or making their way back down the dock. She spotted a speedboat with a layer of green wrapped around the hull. She swiped an extra gas can from the next boat over and stepped down into the speedboat. Her heart raced and her adrenalin pumped harder. The waves picked up and splashed over the dock. She glanced around one more time, then whispered the spell to start the boat.
Three others started too. She didn’t try to shut them off, just reversed the boat and turned, heading out of the bay. She pressed buttons on the GPS and programmed in the latitude and longitude that she thought would get her the closest to the middle of the Bermuda triangle.
It was dark by the time she reached her destination. She could feel something pulling her in the direction she was going. A warm, happy feeling slid over her. She could feel it there somewhere. The island. She couldn’t see it, but she was sure she could feel it.
Lightning lit the dark sky, followed by an unnerving crack of thunder. Rain sprayed her face and the wind picked up. The wind was out of control, but it was the most beautiful storm she had ever seen. As the boat entered the center of the storm the waves grew larger and larger. Her small boat tipped from side to side. She held onto the wheel, blinking at the rain.
Then she saw it.
In spite of the storm, moonlight glowed and reflected on the outline of an island. She drifted closer, watching the wave’s crash against the thick stone wall surrounding the island. The storm cleared and the moonlight lit up the area where they parked the boats. She felt sick and impatient. She pulled up slowly, passing the boat dock and tying off to a tree branch that stretched out over the water. She knew she didn’t have the power to face Lareina yet. She knew she might never leave this island or see Aunt Avalene again. She got out and inched along the wall anyway. She couldn’t see over it and in the dark she didn’t notice the guard tower until it was too late.
She glanced up and saw a man staring down at her.
She blinked up at him, “Huh?”
“Is this your first time…on the island?”
She nodded.
“I’ll open the gate for you…you’re going to love it.”
“Thanks.”
What looked like a wall in front of her slid backwards and then to the side, revealing a multitude of flowers and a stone path leading towards a castle. Just inside the gate was a statue of five people holding hands and looking to the sky. Just like Alec had described it. Her heart raced when she looked down and saw her last name. It was printed across the bottom by one of the people’s feet. She continued ahead, trying not to look suspicious.
The castle glowed with lights and a few people walked across the square. A group of three guards dressed in black walked past her. They all had the same scorpion rose tattoo that Alec had.
“Do you need some help?” one of them said, stopping.
She stopped also and turned around. “No…, I’m okay.”
He smiled and shook his head to move his sandy blonde hair from where it was hanging in his face, “Must be a first timer…I’m Shawn. Let me show you around.” He turned to the other two. “I’ll catch up.”
They walked off…one of them giving her a quick once over before turning away.
“I’m really okay…,” she managed, “you don’t have to show me around.”
“Nonsense,” he smiled and gestured with his hand out, “that’s the castle…where the True Elementris lives.” He paused, “Do you know all about the history or did you just find out about your gift?”
“I already know.”
He turned, “Follow me.”
She looked around and followed him. As soon as they were away from everyone, he lowered his voice and said, “I know who you are, Ava.”
She froze…her face burned.
“Alec,” he whispered, while continuing to point around them like he was showing her different landmarks. “He’s my best friend. I’m going to take you to a trail that leads down to the prison, but you have to go alone. I can’t be seen down there or I will be in there with him.” A guard walked past, dressed in all green.
Shawn nodded at him. “And that’s Mount Ella,” he pointed at the large volcano in the distance. “Here,” he slipped a key in her hand. “This will get you in the back gate. Your power won’t work in there.”
She nodded, following him as they rounded another turn.
He looked behind them, “Where are the others?
“What do you mean?”
“Alec said his father would come.”
She paused, “I didn’t tell them.”
Shawn stared at her for a moment and then tilted his head toward the trees. “There is a trail back there…it leads to the back gate of the prison. That key will open it. I’m going to walk away and you can slip down there.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Tell Alec I tried to sneak back in, but I couldn’t make it. If he needs me, he knows what to do.”
She nodded, “Okay.”
He gave her a long look, “I hope you do it, there are people you have never met, and never will, who have made great sacrifices so that you have your chance. I truly believe if anyone can beat her…you can.”
She looked back, not sure what to say.
“Alec…, he’s in love with you, you know.” He blinked and walked away.
“I know,” she whispered after him.
She glanced around and then turned towards the trail, barely even daring to breathe until she was under the cover of the trees.
She followed what looked like an old path. Her heart was beating so fast she was sure she was about to stroke out. Her pulse pounded in her temples. She was scared…any minute they could find her and it would all be over. She couldn’t give in to the fear though. She had to find them. She had to help Brea. This was all her fault. She went from walking to running. The branches slapped at her legs and she had to jump over dead limbs on the ground. She could feel the panic setting in. She had to push through it.
She saw part of the stone wall showing through a gap in the trees. She turned towards it and gripped the key in her hand. The moonlight barely lit the ground here and every sound jarred her frayed nerves. She bent down and pressed her ear against the wall. Inside she could hear the sound of muffled voices and keys rattling.
After a moment the voices died down and the sound of rattling keys seemed to be moving further away. She held her breath and stuck the key in. She turned it and slipped inside before she had a chance to change her mind. She looked back and forth; her heart pounding. It was dark, only a faint glow from the gaslights lit the inside. She could barely see inside the cells as she tiptoed past them.
“Ava?” he whispered her name.
She turned, looking back at the cell she had just passed. She inched towards it, “Alec?”
“Yes. How did you get in here?” He stepped to the bars, the gas light flickering on his face, “Are you here alone?”
“Yeah.” She knelt in front of his bars, “Tell me how to get you two out of here.”
“The key Shawn has will open the cells, but…“
“I have it,” she stood up and stuck it in. “Where is Brea?”
He slipped out, “The next cell, but…“
“Come on, hurry up,” she interrupted him, slipping the key in the next cell lock. “Brea…I’m here.”
“Ava,” Alec said. “She can’t leave.”
“Brea, get up…” She looked at Alec, “Wait, what are you talking about she can’t leave?”
He let out a breath, “Only a True Elementris can release a normal person from the island. Remember, I told you that.”
“Yeah, but I’m…“
“Not yet you’re not. You haven’t had your eighteenth birthday yet.”
Brea finally woke up. “Ava!” She ran to the bars. “Get me out of here.”
“Hold on,” Ava turned to Alec. “What will happen? Like she can’t physically leave? Some kind of invisible wall will stop her or something?”
“No…not an invisible wall. Her heart will stop.” He swallowed, “I guess it’s some kind of way for nature to protect the secrets of the island. The same way it only appears for those born of the Element.”
“Are you sure?” Brea asked.
“Yes, I’m sure.” He shook his head, “A few people have tried to escape in the past.”
“We have to do something,” Ava rubbed her temples. “I can’t just leave her here.” She turned to Alec, “Why didn’t you tell me that part in the dream?”
“I didn’t…”
Keys rattled. Boots pounded the stone floor. Voices shouted commands. A siren sounded.
They all turned at once. A guard and four Greens rounded the corner.
“Run!!” Brea said.
Ava paused, “I can’t leave you!” She grabbed Brea’s hand through the bars.
Brea squeezed her hand. “Don’t be stupid Ava!” She pulled her hand back, “Go!!”
Alec snatched her hand and they ran towards the front gate.
It was too late though. Four more guards cut them off, more of them poured through the gate. Alec tried to fight them off, there were just too many of them. Some of them called him by name, “Calm down Alec.” “It’s me Alec…don’t.” Alec didn’t care though. It was like he didn’t hear them. He slammed one after the other.
Chapter Nineteen… (The Curse)
Ava wasn’t sure where they took Alec. She wasn’t even sure where they took her. She was inside the castle, that was the only thing she was sure of. She glanced around the room she was in. There were maps all over the walls. A Doppler screen was in the corner. Then she walked in.
Lareina.
Ava knew who she was as soon as she saw her. She couldn’t explain it, but she could feel her power. It radiated from her in waves.
Ava swallowed hard, trailing her with her eyes as she crossed the room. Her black and gray streaked hair hung down past her ankles in a loose braid.
She turned on her heels, “What’s your name?” she tilted her head.
“Ava,” her voice shook. “She doesn’t know yet. She doesn’t know I’m the next True Elementris.”
“Ava?” she paused, mulling it over. “Hmm…why does that sound so familiar?”
“You have to let my friend go.”
“I can’t do that,” she pinched her brows together. “How did you find the island?”
“I…,” she felt her stomach clench. Any minute she would throw up all over the glossy wood floor. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes, “I’m the one you want. I’m the next True Elementris. My name is Avalene Vangeretta.”
Lareina went pale, “After Nadia’s sister Avalene?”
“Yes…she’s my aunt. Nadia was my grandmother. You have me, let Brea go.”
Lareina was silent; staring at her like someone had taken her voice. She didn’t even blink…she just stared at Ava.
“Are you going to let her go now? If you let her go, I will give up my gift. Just do what you have to…to me. After you let Brea and Alec go, I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Alec,” she practically spit his name. “I knew he had figured out who the next True Elementris was.” She paused “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
Ava just stared back at her. “How the hell did she know that?
Lareina smiled, “I’ll let them go, but you might as well leave Alec here to face his trial. It would be less painful for him.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The Vangeretta Curse…” “You mean, no one in your family told you?”
Ava shook her head.
Lareina smiled, “The Vangeretta women have always been able to get the man they want to fall in love with them.”
Ava thought about the being linked with Alec thing. Lareina must not realize that she and Alec were more than just in love.
Lareina shook her head; her eyes narrowed, “A very long time ago there was a woman named Sara. She was born of the Element. She and her husband moved to Salem. There, they met a young woman there named Victoria Vangeretta. People said she was one of the most powerful Elementris’ around.”
Ava recognized the name and got a chill.
“They said she would be the next True Elementris. She took the young couple into her home and taught them all she knew. It was all a trick though…the young man fell in love with her and left his wife, Sara. Sara was angry and heartbroken. She turned her back on the ways of the Element and joined The Waerven. She learned black magic and cast a curse on Victoria Vangeretta. A curse that would cause any man that fell in love with her to die a horrible death…leaving her feeling the horrible pain that Sara felt. The pain of having the man you’re in love with taken from you.”
“Th
is sounds like a fairytale…you’re lying.”
“No dear,” she tilted her head. “Victoria’s curse passed down through the Vangeretta family. All the women in the Vangeretta family have been able to have whomever they want fall in love with them. Every man that did, died a terrible death.”
“That’s not true,” she said, her heart thumping.
“Why do you think your Aunt Avalene is alone, and her mother was alone as well? Your great-grandfather died a horrible death just after Nadia and Avalene were born. Even Nadia’s young husband died.” She shook her head, “What happened to Avalene’s fiancé was the most terrible thing.”
“You’re making this up. My mother is happily married.”
“Did she give up her gift?”
Ava gasped and slowly nodded.
“You see…that’s the only way to stop the curse. You have to give up your gift.”
Ava stepped forward, “That’s why you’re telling me this, so that I’ll give up my gift. I’ve already told you that I will.”
“No…that’s not why I’m telling you this. You Vangeretta women are too selfish with your power to give it up. Even knowing what will happen to Alec, you will hold on to that gift. That’s how I know that I cannot make this deal with you.”
“Yes you can…I will give it up. Do whatever you have to do to be sure.”
She lifted a brow. “So you are willing to die to save them?”
Ava swallowed, hearing her heart thumping inside her head. Images went through her mind like sudden slaps. Her friendship with Brea; swimming in the river, laughing together, the tears they shared. Alec and the great love she felt for him. “Yes…I’m willing to die.”
“Fine.” She turned, “If that’s what you want. I will lock you up, let them go, and you can have a trial. I will make sure everyone believes you are from The Waerven…if you are sure?”
“I’m sure…if you let them go,” Ava said, relief, fear, and anxiety mixing together in her mind.
“Okay…we have a deal then…you won’t breathe a word about who you are.”
“I won’t.”
Lareina called the guards back in. They took her back down to the prison and put her in the cell that Alec had been in. Lareina followed them, not saying a single word until Ava was locked inside the cell. Then she turned to the guards, “Leave us.” She put her hand on the shoulder of a dark-haired guard. “You stay Tony.”
Elementris, Exposure, Eruption Box set: The Vangeretta Curse Series Page 23