…Brea…
The small cabin that Alec’s father had set Brea up in was cozy. She was curled up with the baby on the bed. She was slightly amazed at how fascinating she was finding it to be just watching Emberlee. She might have enjoyed it if it wasn’t for being worried about what was going on. Shawn opened the door slightly and motioned for her to come out of the room. Brea inched away from the sleeping baby and walked quietly out. She left the door cracked so she could still keep an eye on Emberlee.
“Everything’s ready.” Shawn said. “Hazeltrouph is going to stay here with you and I’m going to the island.”
Hating what he had just told her, but knowing he had to go, Brea reached out and took his hand. She wanted him to help Ava, but she didn’t want him to go. She knew there was a pretty good chance he wouldn’t come back. They would kill him for his betrayal if they got the chance.
Shawn stepped closer “Brea, promise me that you’ll do whatever it takes to stay safe. If something happens here, head north. We’ll find you.” He held his free hand out.
“What’s this?” Brea asked, taking the envelope he offered. “It’s money and I.D.’s. Alec had identities created for us in case we have to run. I’m giving yours and Emberlee’s to you so you’ll have them if I don’t make it back.”
“Dammit, Shawn! Don’t say things like that. Go find Ava, get her to safety, then get yourself back here. That’s how this is going to work, period. I don’t want to hear anything else.”
Taken aback, Shawn laughed, “I’ll be back, Brea. I’ll be back,” he said again as he walked away.
“I should have kissed him,” she thought after the door had closed behind him. Going through all that she had, she’d expected her heart to harden, instead it felt raw and vulnerable. She felt the hard shell she had built around it fall away and she darted towards the door and ran outside. “Shawn!”
He turned around just in time to catch her as she flung herself into his arms. Scooping her up, he kissed her, then kissed her again.
…Ava…
Pain. She hurt, it was that simple and that difficult. Thoughtless, mind-numbing pain. She was suspended in a dark empty place; so alone, so confused. Bit by bit, she began to remember. Emberlee. She was in danger. With that thought, the darkness was pierced by a tiny light. It was so far away, but steadily coming closer. As it drew closer, she saw that it was a chariot drawn by winged serpents; Demeter wielded a golden whip as she rode fiercely towards her. Ava flinched as the chariot drove through her and then she felt them; the elements were rising within her. She began to heal as her Spirit element began to flow through her body. She was bathed in faint purple smoke that soothed everywhere it touched. Animals from all over the world were lending her their strength, their power. Her heart beat in time with the rhythm of the wild. She felt their energy and their hunger beating through her like it was her own. Cool water. She felt it reviving her as it bathed the last remnants of her pain away. She could see magnificent creatures of the deep. They were waiting, swaying with the current, ready to do her bidding if she needed them. The hairs on the back of her neck rose as a deep growl filled the night air. She watched him stalk back and forth in front of her; a magnificent white wolf, menacing and dangerous. The wolf’s eyes were locked on her; the anticipation of a kill clear to see. He raised his head and howled at the honey-colored moon.
She blinked and found herself back where she’d started; still trapped in their dangerous little circle, but no longer weak or afraid. She knew what she had to do.
…Alec…
Fear and anger filled Alec as he saw what they were doing to Ava. Suddenly, the candles went out and the beach went dark. Alec looked around and spotted Aunt Avalene. She looked more than a little satisfied with herself. In spite of himself, he grinned and signaled the guards behind him to spread out. They silently moved into position. He checked to be sure that everyone was in place, then yelled, “Light ‘em up!”
Fire turned night into day and the battle was launched. Alec ran towards Ava, his rage so great that he effortlessly vanquished anyone trying to keep him from his goal. Caslan. Alec reached him in a matter of seconds. Grabbing him around the chest and neck, he pulled him from the circle. Caslan twisted and managed to free himself. Throwing his hands up, he knocked Alec to the ground. As Alec regained his footing, he saw Mr. John take hold of Caslan’s arm. He held him there for a moment, then dark shadows surrounded him and he started to choke. Caslan smiled as Mr. John fell beside him. Mr. John shook with pain and the smell of his water element filled the air.
Enraged, Alec ran at Caslan again. This time, flames flew from his hands as pure adrenalin powered his rush. He slammed Caslan to the ground and put his forearm across his throat. Caslan choked and began to struggle. The dark shadows swirled around Alec. It took everything he had to resist their pull as he fought with Caslan. He heard Bianca scream as Aunt Avalene imprisoned her hands in hers and held her tightly. The powerful magic they were battling was no match for her rage. They had hurt her girl and in doing so had sealed their fate. Sherrie, Ms. Ruby, and Greta grabbed the others that surrounded Ava and Aunt Avalene started chanting. “Sereana Redgonda Malice.” The others added their voices: “Sereana Redgonda Malice.” Alec, holding onto Caslan with all of his strength, ignored the whispering shadows and began to chant with them, “Sereana Redgonda Malice.” Caslan, Bianca, and the others, began to shake and their faces paled. Caslan choked and Alec watched as blood began to ooze from his ears and nose, the evil shadows taking a terrible toll as the darkness left his body. The rings hummed as each one dropped to the ground and took the shadows with them. Ava was released at the same time. A small whirlwind appeared beneath her and lifted her when she would have fallen. Cradling her, it gently lowered her to the ground. Alec released Caslan and he rolled over, his strange eyes normal now. He threw his hands out; nothing happened. The circle of five were now powerless. Alec smiled and swung.
Chapter Eighteen…
…Ava…
Ava stood, stretched, and tilted her head from one side to the other. The fire circle remained even though the candles were no longer lit, but she didn’t think she was going to have much of a problem taking care of that. She concentrated on extinguishing the flame and grinned when the power of the elements responded to her call. She felt them in the palms of her hands first. The sensation was so strong that she had to rub her hands against her legs to stop them from shaking. Raising her arms she began to turn in a slow circle, whispering softly as she went. Nature responded to her call. Clouds gathered and lowered to just above the fiery circle. They formed into a circle of their own, their darkness a warning of the fury about to be unleashed. Thick, icy snow, began to fall and the circle of flames seemed almost human as it hissed and sputtered against the onslaught. The snow turned to ice; Ava shattered it with a touch of her finger.
The island was once again plunged into darkness. Stunned silence reigned as the attackers realized what had just happened. Ava raised her arms again and lightning lit the sky and struck Mount Ella. Flames shot up from its depths and split the night sky. The entire island was now bathed in a golden glow.
Free, Ava turned her attention to her attackers. Caslan, Bianca, and the others in their circle were no longer a threat. She wanted one person. Lareina. Looking around, she spotted her standing a short distance away.
Lareina tried to run and bumped right into Lyssa. Lyssa shoved her towards Ava. She fell to her knees and slowly stood as Ava walked towards her. As she lifted her head, her eyes turned black; a reflection of the evil she had become. She inhaled, then blew a stream of black smoke in Ava’s direction. It swirled around Ava and she felt the cold chill of evil as it glided along her skin. There was a faint hint of familiarity in its touch and she felt her own darkness as she stared at Lareina. It burned. It was completely different than the elemental magic. This magic was strong and cold and Ava knew she could easily turn it back on Lareina.
As insidious as a serpent, the smoke st
arted to wind itself around Ava. Ava looked at Lareina derisively, clapped her hands together and smiled as the smoke exploded away from her, then dissipated. She reached forward and placed her palm on Lareina’s chest. Her heart was pounding. Ava could feel it in her palm. Each beat coming faster than the last. Ava felt her head swim as the magic waited to be released. Dark clouds formed and lightning flashed. Lareina took a step forward, her eyes filled with cold, the dagger in her hand making her intent clear.
Lyssa started moving as soon as she saw the dagger. Lareina caught the movement from the corner of her eye and turned on her. Lyssa choked and coughed as dark smoke seeped into her nose and mouth.
Ava quickly put an end to the attack, then returned her attention to Lareina. She grabbed Lareina’s arms and pulled her close. The dagger now rested against her breast. Ava felt no fear. She pulled Lareina closer. Lareina responded by moving the blade up towards Ava’s throat. Ava felt it prick the base of her neck and the heat of her anger turned cold and dark. Ava threw Lareina away from her and whispered a quiet command. The dagger immediately glowed red in response. Lareina screamed and flung the it away from her, cradling her burning hand. Ava hurled Lareina backwards and walked towards her. As she did, lightning flashed. It was time, she had to kill Lareina.
Seeing her intent, Lyssa started running towards Lareina. Lareina looked between the two sisters, her fear and rage battling for dominance. As she ran, Lyssa held her hands out. Ice formed and froze into the shape of a dagger. Lunging forward, she plunged the icy blade into Lareina’s heart.
Ava stopped and let the magic fall away. The elements calmed. Lyssa stood in front of her with blood running down her melting dagger.
Ava looked around. The fighting had stopped. Those that were still able, hurried away. Caslan, Bianca, and the others in their circle were dead. Aunt Avalene walked around them and took the rings from their lifeless bodies.
Ava looked back at Lareina. She was dead, it was over. Relieved, she turned away. It was time to check on the living. Thomas held Lyssa in his arms. Aunt Avalene, Ruby, Greta, and Sherrie were checking on Mr. John. She met Alec’s eyes as she saw him walking towards her. She smiled when he put his arm around her and whispered, “It’s over.”
…Brea…
Shawn had left hours ago. She prayed that he would be able to help Ava. She felt so helpless having to wait here. She had one duty though. Protect Emberlee. She would do whatever was necessary to protect the tiny angel in her arms.
“Brea?” She thought she was imagining his voice, then heard it again.
“Brea?”
She stood quickly as the door opened and Shawn walked in. “They took Ava to the island. I just spoke to Thomas. The island was attacked, but they’re all okay. We can go back.”
“Is Ava really okay, Shawn?”
“She’s fine, Brea.” Brea sank down onto the edge of the bed, her relief enormous. Shawn sat down beside her and put his arm around her.
“I’m so glad you didn’t have to go. I was so worried you would be hurt.”
“No. Nothing can hurt me now, except you.” He ran his finger over her lips, then kissed her.
A tear rolled down Brea’s cheek as she closed her eyes and put her arms around him. This was home. Wherever they might go, whatever they might do, as long as she was in his arms she would always be home.
…Ava…
Ava paced back and forth in front of the dock. She had spent the morning putting the islands protection back in place. She would restore the storm after Emberlee’s arrival. The first boat arrived and Thomas stood to get out. Lyssa ran towards him and jumped into his arms. Ava smiled ruefully, thinking it was a good thing that Thomas was so big or they might have both ended up in the water. Thomas released Lyssa and turned to Ava and Alec, “They should be right behind us. Shawn said that Emberlee is fine. Your father is coming with them.” Thomas turned back to the boat he’d arrived in as two women emerged from the cabin. They cradled babies in their arms. You could tell by the look on their faces that they had been through a lot.
Ava felt tears gather in her eyes. “Welcome,” she said, speaking softly. A moment of complete understanding passed between the three women as they looked at each other. Two Clutch Guards disembarked next, each looking a little scared as they awkwardly tried to figure out the best way to hold a baby in their large hands. Alec grinned as he watched them, thoroughly enjoying their discomfort. Ava looked at the babies curiously. Was Emberlee really a part of their circle? Had the True Elementris magic really split forever?
“There they are, Ava,” Alec almost shouted.
The second the boat docked, Ava climbed aboard. Smiling, much relieved now that she could actually see Ava, Brea handed Emberlee to her mommy. With Emberlee cradled against her breast, Ava reached out and took Brea’s hand, “Thank you, Brea. Thank you for taking care of our baby girl.” She looked up at Shawn, “And thank you for bringing them back safely.”
Shawn smiled. Alec offered her a helping hand as she stepped out of the boat and onto the dock. Pulling them both into his arms, he marveled at the miracle that was his life.
Emberlee was awake and looking at her mommy and daddy with wide curious eyes. She was so beautiful, so perfect. Ava had not truly understood how much she would love this child; now she did. This love was instantaneous, fiercely protective, and completely unbreakable. Emberlee raised her hand and Ava kissed it softly, smiling when Emberlee grabbed her finger and held on tightly. She looked at the two women and the four babies. Alec had warned the doctor to be on standby and he was there with them.
Emberlee squirmed in Ava’s arms and turned her head towards the other four babies. Sensing what she was about to do, Alec released Ava. She walked over to where the mothers were standing with the other children. When she reached them Emberlee squealed and the others started to cry. Songbirds of every color and hue came as if called and formed a circle around them. The ground shook and water splashed over the sides of the boats. The wind caressed them, ruffling the little hair they had. Then it stopped, and so did the crying.
Ava knew in that moment that Ann Marie’s prophecy was true. There would never be another True Elementris. The magic had been split and these children would indeed be very important in her daughter’s life.
Two nights later, on the night of the Solstice moon, the stadium seats were empty except for one person. Lyssa. Ava walked towards her and took a seat next to her. “You okay?”
“I should be asking you that,” Lyssa said, smiling at Ava.
Ava returned her smile, “Yeah. I’m fine. I’m just glad to have Emberlee back safe and sound.” Ava tilted her head. “Lyssa, are you truly okay? Lareina was your mother and on some level this must be hard for you.”
“She was my mother, but she was evil. She would never have left you alone. It had to be me, Ava. When I looked at you that day, I could see the darkness in you battling against the light. I was terrified that if you killed her, the darkness would win. I needed to protect you and I did.”
Ava reached out and hugged her, “Thank you, Lyssa. I don’t know what would have happened if I’d been the one to kill her. I’d like to think that I’m stronger than that, but dark magic is dangerously seductive. Who knows, turning me towards the dark may have been Lareina’s plan all along. It’s certainly diabolical enough.”
They both thought about that for a moment. “Wow, what a downer conversation this is. Enough of all that, you ready for the Trials?” Ava asked.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Lyssa grinned.
…Ava…
The stadium overlooking the training grounds were full. Several members of the Clutch Guard stood facing her. Their black uniforms were crisp, the boots shined, their expressions fierce. The Greens stood behind them, poised and ready. Finding Lyssa in the center, Ava silently wished her luck. This was going to be tough. Looking at the Greens who would be competing today, Ava saw many that already deserved to take their rightful place among the Clutch Guard. Th
ey had fought fiercely to protect the island. She could have just appointed them, but they had trained hard. The Trials were their rite of passage and they wanted to earn their place among the elite Clutch Guards, not just have it handed to them. Ava tapped the microphone, “Please be seated.”
Everyone took their seats except the Clutch Guards and the Greens standing behind them. “In the wake of all that has happened, we considered canceling the Trials. That would have been an injustice to us all, especially to those competing here today. As a people, we deserve to preserve our traditions, this place, Element Island. From Clutch Guards and council members, to visitors, and even some ordinary hero’s,” Ava smiled at Cook and Brea, “You all came together to fight for it, to fight for all of this.”
“The Clutch guards are some of the bravest among us, their protection is vital to our survival. The men, and women,” she smiled winking at Lyssa, “willing to dedicate their lives to protecting us deserve the utmost respect. This night is theirs, and whatever the individual results of tonight’s trials may be, this night is a night of victory for us all. Let the games begin! Light ‘em up!” The crowd erupted as Ava threw her hands up and sent two bolts of lightning toward the sky. They formed into an image of her family crest; the woman with upstretched arms cradling the moon.
Elementris, Exposure, Eruption Box set: The Vangeretta Curse Series Page 85