She tried again, and then again. She looked at Ava, wild-eyed, “What have you done to me?”
She tried again.
Ava lifted her hands, ready to deliver the final blow…then, she stopped. She saw sadness in Lareina’s eyes, knew the fear that engulfed her.
Lareina, seeing Ava’s hesitation, leapt out of the circle and ran. She didn’t look back, she was running for her life and she knew it. The crowd cheered. The council moved the crystals and the Clutch guards went after Lareina.
Ava looked towards the sky and released the intense power from her body. It shot out as a massive lightning bolt that lit the entire sky for a moment. She closed her eyes and held her hands out; earth replaced water and filled the crevice Lareina had created. The wind calmed.
Everyone grew really quiet as they watched Ava. The first person to say something was Shawn, “Do you want us to follow her off the island?”
“Let her go,” Ava shouted, a newfound strength in her voice. “She has no power. She can never hurt anyone else.” The crowd roared as one.
Ava shook her head; the noise of the crowd echoing in her ears. They were all there now; Aunt Avalene, Greta, Ruby, Mr. John, Sherri; even Alec’s dad and grandmother were there. Ava felt dizzy and overwhelmed but also better than she ever had. She wobbled just slightly, holding her hands out for balance.
Alec took her in his arms and Aunt Avalene came up behind them. Everyone surrounded them and cheered. More people must have hated Lareina than they had thought. Ava smiled up at Alec as he picked her up and carried her towards the castle.
Now she would have her coronation and the Vangeretta family symbol would once again fly above the castle and its gates. Even the Clutch guard’s uniforms would be changed immediately. Aunt Avalene and Sherri helped her to get ready. Ava stopped to look at herself in the mirror just as Brea burst into the room.
“Ava!” She ran over to her, “You look so beautiful.” She hugged her.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” Ava whispered.
Brea nodded, “I’m glad you are too.” She pulled back, admiring Ava’s dress. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you, Brea.”
Brea looked up, “I just found out about my mom.”
Ava suddenly felt sick.
“She’s alive, Ava!” Brea threw her arms around her again, “She is the one survivor they found! It had to be the protection thread. It saved her…you saved her.”
“Where is she?” Ava wiped at the tears in her eyes.
“She’s in a hospital in Miami.” Ava shook her head, “She’s doing fine. I just talked to her on the phone. Shawn pretended to be with the Coast Guard and said they just found me. I’m going to go see her in the morning.”
“Wonderful,” Aunt Avalene said.
“I’m so glad she is okay.” Ava closed her eyes, “I can’t believe this is really happening.”
“It is Shug,” Aunt Avalene stepped forward. “Now, I think…,” she listened for a moment, “we better get you out there.”
They hurried though the castle to the ballroom downstairs. Ava waited in the small room behind the ballroom, as the council made their announcements and introductions. Pictures of all the True Elementris' who came before her lined the walls of the small room. Ava glanced at the picture of her grandmother Nadia. It almost seemed like she looked right at her. Ava smiled and took a long breath.
“Ava, Alec said, entering the room, “I’ve been looking for you.”
“I was getting ready,” she said, relieved to see him.
“I know,” he smiled, looking at her. “You look…so unbelievably beautiful.” He paused, “Here.” He held his hand out.
“What is it?” she reached for his hand.
He opened his palm and pressed something cold and heavy in her hand, “It’s your necklace.”
She looked down at it, “How did you get it back?”
“Don’t worry about how. Turn around and let me put it on for you.”
She turned and held up her hair as he clasped it. She couldn’t help but worry. She couldn’t lose him to the curse. She wanted to be as happy as everyone else seemed to be, but she couldn’t.
He turned her around and looked into her eyes, “I love you, Ava.”
“I love you too.” She was barely able to get the words out without crying. Then she heard her name.
“Her Majesty, Avalene Vangeretta!”
Alec pushed open the door and they all surrounded her as she crossed the stage. “Our True Elementris, Avalene Vangeretta!” the council member shouted. The crown was put on her head and everyone cheered so loud that she couldn’t hear what anyone close to her was actually saying. Aunt Avalene took her hand. Ava had tears streaming down her face as she looked out at everyone and then back to Alec beside her. Everyone assumed they were tears of joy, but these were tears of fear. Her heart was breaking in a moment that should be wonderful. She couldn’t lose him. She wouldn’t.
There was a big party afterwards that lasted late into the early morning hours. Everyone celebrated Ava’s victory. A group of guards returned and announced that they had followed Lareina to the mainland. She wouldn’t be a threat to anyone anymore. Ava found herself spinning in circles with all the attention. Everyone wanted to talk to her; they all had questions. She nodded her head as she pretended to listen as a council member congratulated her on what a great battle it was. Ava felt completely overwhelmed as the night spun on. She didn’t know whether to feel, happy, excited, or worried. She looked around trying to figure out where Alec had gone. She didn’t see him anywhere.
Chapter Twenty-Two… (Alec?)
Feeling strong arms encircle her from behind, Ava momentarily tensed then relaxed as her body recognized Alec’s. As the crowd continued to celebrate all over the island, Alec pulled Ava away. He took her out to the Brooden and folded her into his arms and then he kissed her.
She pulled back, staring into his eyes, “I can’t lose you, Alec.”
“You won’t.” He smiled at her…his eyes were unsure though.
“I hope you’re right,” she said. Then, pushing her fears away, she kissed him.
When the crowd settled down some, they met his father and grandmother in front of the castle. Ava had to release his grandmother from the island.
They turned as Ava and Alec approached them. Hazeltrouph smiled and so did Alec’s grandmother. “I’m ready to go home, dear,” she said breathlessly. She held her hands out with her palms up, her hands shaking slightly.
Ava placed her palms on top of hers, “I release you from the island.” She paused before moving her hands, “What would you have done if I had not won the challenge? How were you going to get off the island?”
She smiled, her eyes twinkling in the moonlight “I knew you would win. You are a True Elementris dear.”
Ava smiled back to her and moved her hands. “What about Alec?” she whispered. Do you know about the curse?”
She nodded, “Don’t worry dear…your connection to him is much stronger than any curse.” She turned and walked away with Hazeltrouph.
Alec came and stood next to her watching as they left. He put his arm around her, “I love you, Ava.”
She turned towards him looking deep into his emerald green eyes, “I love you too, Alec…always.”
……
The next morning as she stared out of the window from the top floor of the castle she felt different. Rain sprinkles the glass, but this is a different rain. This is not a sad out of control storm like the one she watched the day her mother left her. This is a rain of release. She is in control of it and it is part of her. Strong arms slip around her waist as Alec wraps her in his arms lending her his strength with the promise of his love. She leans against him, accepting his promise and offering one of her own with her surrender. Thunder echoes in the distance. Something new is on the horizon, a completely new chapter of her life is about to begin and she is ready.
Available now
TheVanger
etta Curse ~Exposure~
For more information about The Vangeretta Curse series, like us on Facebook:
I would love to hear your comments.
~Christina Mobley~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Mobley is a married, mother of four, who spends her days caring for her children and their family home. She grew up in Florida, living on the banks of the St. Mary’s river, and as a child always had a fascination for storms and the power they wield. The Vangeretta Curse series was inspired by that fascination.
~Exposure~
The Vangeretta Curse
Christina Mobley
Sale of this book without a front cover may be unauthorized. If this book is coverless, it may have been reported to the publisher as “unsold or destroyed” and neither the author nor the publisher may have received payment for it.
Copyright ©2013 by Christina Mobley
All rights reserved
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
First published in the United States in March, 2013. For information about permissions to reproduce selections from this book, write to Permissions, Christina Mobley, at [email protected]
The Library of Congress has cataloged this edition as follows:
Mobley, Christina. The Vangeretta Curse: Exposure/Christina Mobley p.cm. YA, fiction. ISBN: 978-1477555750.
Cover design by Steph’s Cover Design:
http://stephscoverdesign.wordpress.com
This book is dedicated to my children. Without the love you have taught me, I would not have these words to share.
If these were my last words to you, I would tell you to chase your dreams. You really can do anything you want to. It’s never too late to fix a mistake, or change your path. You only get this one life, so make it count. Most importantly, always know that I love you, now and forever.
I also want to thank my editor, Melissa Davis. You are so much more than my editor. You are my dear friend. You have helped me bring this story to life. You take my jumbled thoughts and make them something others can understand. I will always be grateful that you helped me make this dream come true.
Thank you to the readers who took the time to help with this book. Your feedback has helped the story in many ways.
Thank you everyone for being so supportive and cheering me on.
Chapter One…
As a morning storm builds around Element Island, Ava’s dreams flash from one scene to another. She senses the Earth’s new births and knows that her connection is stronger than ever. The whispers of the Elements are now a constant comfort. She is the True Elementris.
The storm reached her window and rain began to splash against its panes. Jarred from sleep as lightning split the sky and thunder shook the earth, Ava sat up; her heart beating wildly as she struggled to orient herself. She’d been dreaming again, trapped in the same nightmare she’s always had; five years old again, small hands pressed against a window while she is screaming for her mother. The scream echoes and follows her into wakefulness, causing a lingering sadness that is difficult to get rid of.
Rising, she sees her reflection in the mirror. Looking at the image reflected there, she can see that there is very little left of that young girl now. Her eyes are lighter and her once chubby, little-girl-cheeks, are carved and firm. “Only a dream,” she reminded herself, as all that had passed since that day drifted through her mind. She turned away from the mirror and walked slowly towards the window; time to get rid of the sadness.
Ava opened the drapes and allowed herself to feel the storm that raged outside. The thunder was coming in waves; its roar matching the rhythm of her heart. The forbidding clouds and heavy rain sent chills dancing along her spine. She didn’t need this right now. She pressed her palms to the window, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. A warm tingling began to make its way through her body, beginning in her feet then working its way up to tickle her hands. The storm began to fade. The sun banished the dark clouds and its warmth began to heat the glass beneath her palms. She watched as sunbeams spread out across the sandy beach and began to kiss the tips of the waves as it turned the water from gray to blue. She pulled her hands back, stared out the window for a moment and smiled; that was better.
After all, she had a lot to smile about. She had defeated Lareina, found her connection to the elements, and she had found a way to save Alec and Brea. Ava felt her heart skip as she thought about all that had happened. The fact that she was legally an adult now was enough to make her pause; add to that the fact that at only eighteen she was the embodiment of Mother Nature and it was no wonder that her feet felt glued to the floor. Her smile faltered. Everything had changed.
She glanced back towards the mirror and shook her head as if that would magically clear her mind. In her reflection she still saw the young girl she was then; not the powerful leader she is supposed to be now, the True Elementris. Picking up the beautiful crown, lined with stones for each of the elements, she placed it on her head; the battle that had earned her the crown flashed momentarily through her mind as she did so. She looked at the picture of Alec beside her bed. She missed him. Since he had taken over as the leader of the Clutch, he had been gone a lot.
Today promised to be a good day though. The day that Ava had been looking forward to for over two months had finally arrived. She would finally get to see Brea again; it had been too long since her last visit. When she’d accepted her crown, it seemed that everything had changed at once. She’d moved into the castle on Element Island, Aunt Avalene had gone home, and Brea had gone off to college in Gainesville, Florida. Ava kept herself beyond busy every day, but she felt as though she was moving in slow motion at times. She was surrounded by people and she was loved by many, but with Alec gone so much, Brea in college, and Aunt Avalene no longer in the bedroom down the hall, she felt completely alone at times.
Ava glanced at the world map on her wall; the one matching the giant one in her office. There was work to be done. She felt the power of the elements begin to surge through her as she looked at the maps. There had been an awful drought in Georgia for weeks now and it looked as if her help was needed. She closed her eyes and instantly her throat went dry and she felt the heat rising from the parched earth. With her eyes still closed she could see the blinding sun and cloudless sky. She let the magic of the elements work its way through her body as she thought of rain. She smiled as the blue sky darkened and she sent a rumble of thunder as a warning to those who might not be paying attention. She could feel the relief of the earth as it began to absorb the soothing rain. She was careful to make sure the rain would provide a slow soaking—the earth was so dry that anything heavier would cause flooding. She opened her eyes, feeling a little dizzy as her energy level returned to normal, and sighed. If only she could really be there. Element Island was amazing, but she longed to be able to visit all the places her mind took her.
She walked out onto the balcony and stared out past the stone walls surrounding Element Island. The ocean breeze caressed her cheek and lifted her red hair in a whimsical dance behind her. The view was breathtaking; the clear blue water appearing to reach up to meet the morning sky on the distant horizon. Her body tensed as she caught the glimmer of an approaching boat. She strained to see, arching her neck to try to get a better view. “Could it be Alec?” She gripped the rail as the boat came into full view.
“Sanders, Inc.” Her excitement drained immediately as she read the name on the side of the boat; it was just the same diving boat she had spotted a few days before. She made no effort to hide because th
e people on board can’t see her or the island. Leaning further over the rail, she watched as the Clutch guards headed off to their daily assignments. Sighing, she turned around; it was time to get her day started as well.
Downstairs she found the Council gathered in the meeting room. She hurried past the open door before they could see her and went outside. She spotted Thomas walking ahead of her and called out to him. He stopped and waited for her, looking a little resigned, almost as if he had expected her to come and find him. “Mornin' ma'am,” he said, his deep southern accent practically forcing the two words into one.
“Good morning, Thomas.” She replied. “You’re assigned as Lead to escort Brea over right?”
He gave a single nod; slight concern crossing his face, “Yes-um.”
“I was thinking about…,” Ava hesitated as he began to frown, “Um, I was thinking about coming along so I could surprise Brea.”
He slowly shook his head as worry darkened his eyes. He took a step back, “Well…, ma’am, you know that Alec said it’s not safe for you to leave until…”
“I know,” Ava stepped forward cutting him off. “Alec says it’s not safe for me to leave the island until he finds the new leader of The Waevern, but I’ve been here for so long and it’s not like I would be in any danger. I would be with you and it would only be a quick trip there and back here.”
“Well,” Thomas’s shoulders sank, “I guess you’re the one in charge ma’am.”
Ava smiled, realizing the truth contained in his quiet statement, “I am, aren’t I? I can go if I want to. I’ll go get my things. I can make my own decisions.”
Elementris, Exposure, Eruption Box set: The Vangeretta Curse Series Page 26