Phoenix

by Jessica Wayne

Anastasia stepped beside Dakota. “Maximus,” she said, his name practically a snarl.

  His blond hair was slicked back, his mouth smirking with victory. Keep fucking smiling. She couldn’t wait to wipe that smug grin from his face—permanently.

  Dakota gripped her hand, and she looked down to see her skin was glowing. The contact of his skin against hers sent a ripple through her, making her feel even more powerful.

  “Oh, this must be your bestie, huh? The one you were always hung up on.” Maximus laughed and looked at Dakota. “Tell me, Anastasia, how would he feel about knowing you murdered someone?” He bared his teeth.

  “She deserved to die,” she said to Maximus. “Ophelia was a psychopath. Which, I suppose, is why the two of you got along so well.”

  “You will not say her name!” he screamed.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, does that bother you, Maximus?” she taunted. If battling him all those years had taught her anything, it was that maximus was a loose cannon. Anger was his weakness. She held her palm up and watched the orb form on her palm. “Tell me, would you like to die like her?”

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Anastasia. Would end badly for your boy and his mother.” Maximus pointed behind her, and she turned.

  They were completely surrounded by Brutes. Instead of panic, her magic burned in response. She felt every single strand of power as it weaved its way to the surface.

  For Gregory.

  For Annabelle.

  For Tony.

  For Brady.

  For Shane.

  For Andrew.

  For George.

  The list grew on and on in her mind as each face flashed through her memory. If Mitch had been telling the truth—and he had no reason to lie—they were all dead. Every single last member of her family except for the two standing beside her now.

  What the hell did light or dark magic matter now? She looked over at Dakota who stood beside her, a pillar of strength even now during what might turn out to be her darkest hour.

  There was only one way out of this. She possessed one tool she knew wouldn’t fail her. The only problem was, it could also be the one choice that would change her forever.

  “Put it out, Anastasia!” Maximus screamed, and she opened her eyes. Whatever was reflected in them must have scared the shit out of him because he took a step back.

  “Ana,” Dakota called for her, but she pushed his voice aside, needing to focus. For the first time, she pushed away her fear, and succumbed to the dark.

  Power surged through her veins, and she felt it hammer into her body, nearly knocking her over. Dakota’s grip tightened on her hand, and she used him to anchor her in the present.

  She breathed deeply and stared into the face of her enemy. “You don’t stand a chance against me, Maximus.”

  “Maybe not.” He raised the gun to Dakota. “But I have other ways of dropping you to your knees.”

  “No!” Elizabeth screamed.

  “You killed Ophelia, and now I’m going to take your precious Dakota away from you.”

  Anastasia stared at him, no worry in her mind; he wouldn’t get the chance to kill anyone today. She released Dakota’s hand and opened her palms to reveal two glowing orbs. They were no longer the bright white lights that she’d conjured before, but rather twin balls of swirling green power.

  Maximus sneered. “I’ve seen that trick before.”

  The balls exploded, and Dakota dove on top of his mother as each tiny shard buried itself into the chests of the Brutes that flanked them.

  Maximus stared at her and then looked back to the bodies behind her in shock as they disappeared into piles of ash.

  “Ever seen that trick before?” she asked, her voice dripping with anger.

  The Brutes behind him charged her, and as each one drew close, she threw her palm out, sending a ball of magic through their chests. They fell, one by one, until all that remained was Anastasia and Maximus standing in the center of a pile of ash.

  Lightning split the sky above, and she wasn’t sure whether it was a storm or an effect of the magic surging through the air.

  Maximus lifted his gun and aimed it at her heart, but before he pulled the trigger, he froze. His head tilted as though he listened to something she couldn’t quite hear. Anastasia spun to search for Dakota, and saw he and Elizabeth were both frozen as well.

  “My dear child. What have we here?” Vincent appeared in the clearing beside Maximus.

  49

  Anastasia

  “You,” she growled.

  “You are fascinating.”

  “I'm going to kill you.”

  He laughed. “No, you won’t.”

  She conjured up another ball of light and heaved it at Vincent, but he put up his hand, and the ball crashed to the ground, leaving nothing but a small scorch mark in the grass.

  Anastasia’s mouth fell open.

  “My brother trained you well, but not well enough, it seems.” He waved his hand, and something ripped her backward. Her back hit the side of Dakota’s car, pain momentarily blurring her vision. Fear surged through her; how the hell was she supposed to defeat him?

  “You are capable of so much, Anastasia. I knew it from the second I laid eyes on you. It’s why I only relocated you when I’d originally set out to kill you.”

  “I’m supposed to thank you for placing me at the hands of someone who beat me?” She rose to her feet quickly.

  “It’s unfortunate that Mitch treated you the way he did, but it seems as if it only benefited you in the long run. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  She stared at him, blood pumping like lava through her veins. Her pulse roared in her ears.

  “If you come with me, I will spare them, and I will train you to become so much more than you are.”

  “Why the fuck would I come with you? You killed them all!” She charged him, but he flung her aside again.

  “You abandoned them, Anastasia. So who is really the murderer? You may not have raised a hand against them, but you sure as hell didn’t help.” His eyes were silver, his pupils twin pools of darkness. “I am giving you a second chance to save someone other than yourself.”

  “I won’t turn dark,” she cried as she tried to push up from the ground. Her movement was futile, as his magic just pressed down on her harder, an invisible barrier pinning her to the ground.

  He shook his head, annoyance twisting his features. “There is so much more than light and dark, Anastasia. One day, you will see that.”

  “My father wouldn’t join you, and neither will I.”

  His jaw tightened at the memory of his brother, and for a moment, his eyes flashed blue. He shook his head, and they were silver again, so quickly she was sure she must’ve imagined it. “Gregory was weak. It’s unfortunate that things ended the way they did with him.”

  “You had him killed,” she snapped, the grief sending a fresh wave of pain over her.

  “He was weak,” he repeated, all traces of the momentary pain erased from his hard face. “So afraid of his own power that he left his innocent daughter unprotected.”

  His words cut through her like a knife. “He was not weak!” She blasted out of his hold and sent a ball of light flying toward him.

  “Everything that has happened, everything that I’ve done, has been because he wouldn’t be who I needed him to be.” Vincent growled and slammed her back again.

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  Not answering her question, he continued. “He even lied to you. Spent five years trying to dampen your power knowing it would lead to your death. He was a coward.”

  “No! You’re lying!” she cried, and although she felt the strain on her mind and body from the magic she’d used, she sent another blast aimed directly at him.

  It smacked into an invisible barrier, and she crumbled to her knees. Her body shook, she could still feel the depths of her power, beckoning her closer, but the idea of diving into the swirling pool had her terrified. What if she didn’t c
ome back?

  “Am I? Tell me, did my brother teach you about the portals?” He paused only briefly. “I’m guessing he didn’t. I'm sure it was just an oversight and not a way to keep you from leaving.” He knelt in front of her and gripped her by the throat. Her lungs burned from the lack of oxygen as he lifted her from the ground. “If you won’t join me, then you must die.” He squeezed tighter, and his silver eyes flashed back to blue.

  “Anastasia.” He dropped her and stepped back as if she were toxic.

  She stared up at him, her breaths coming in wheezing gasps.

  “I’m sorry.” He shook his head, and Anastasia stared at him, more confused than anything.

  “For what? Kidnapping me? Or killing my parents?”

  “I—” He shook his head again, and when he refocused on her, his eyes were blazing silver. “I’m done with you!” He flung his hand out, and Anastasia slammed back into the ground. Although he wasn’t touching her, she felt his hand around her throat and she struggled to breathe.

  She fought to get free from his invisible hold, and black spots swam in her vision. If she didn’t get free soon, she would die.

  She knew it.

  “No!” Vincent screamed, and the hold released. Gasping for air, Anastasia pushed to her feet. He was staring at her, eyes blazing blue. “You will pay.” He roared and disappeared. She crumbled to the ground and gasped for breath. What the fuck was that?

  “Anastasia!” Maximus screamed.

  She looked up as a gunshot rang through the trees. Maximus crumbled to the ground. Dakota stood behind him, gun raised, his eyes wide. When their gazes locked, he lowered the gun and rushed to her.

  “What the hell happened?” He slid to his knees, Elizabeth right beside him.

  Anastasia stared past them at the trees. What was she supposed to do now? Why hadn’t Vincent killed her? It wasn’t like she’d been able to do much to stop him.

  “Anastasia,” Elizabeth’s voice was soft.

  “I bet he didn’t even teach you about the portals.” Vincent’s words rang in her mind, and she wondered if it were possible to return without a vial. It had to be, didn’t it? She hadn’t seen him use one in the cavern. She had to try, even if it meant risking using too much power.

  “I have to go home,” Anastasia finally said. She had to see if what they’d said was true, needed to witness the destruction with her own eyes before she could move forward.

  “To Terrenia?” Dakota asked, his brow furrowed.

  She nodded.

  He pulled her to her feet, and she gripped his hand like a lifeline, her body still shaking uncontrollably. Did she even have enough power left?

  Dakota took a deep breath and squared his shoulders, tightening his grip on her hand. “Then let’s go.”

  Exhausted, Anastasia closed her eyes and searched for any trace of power left. She imagined Terrenia, much like she did when she pictured the orbs of light to summon them.

  Elizabeth gasped. “Oh my.”

  Anastasia opened her eyes. A portal glowed brightly in front of them. The swirling blue light called to her, a beacon beckoning her home.

  What would she find when she stepped through?

  Elizabeth grabbed her other hand, and Anastasia swallowed hard, looking at her two remaining loved ones. “Are you sure you want to come with me?”

  “Yes,” they said in unison.

  Dakota squeezed her hand, and their connection gave her the strength she needed to move forward.

  If her friends in Terrenia were all dead, Vincent would pay for it just like he was going to pay for the other deaths he was responsible for.

  Somehow, she would make him pay for every single pain-filled moment he had caused her and those she loved.

  Taking one last deep breath and gripping the hands of Dakota and Elizabeth, Anastasia stepped into the swirling blue light.

  50

  Anastasia

  They emerged from the light just outside the training cottage.

  She had done it! And better yet, she didn’t feel as if the excess magic had changed her.

  Anastasia looked around, scanning the area for damage, but there was none. She felt the first wave of hope surge through her. Maybe they’d been lying!

  Breaking into a run, she raced down the path toward the village’s center. As she rounded the last corner, her body impacted with something hard, sending her flying back to the ground.

  “What the hell?”

  “Tony!” she screamed, jumping to her feet. She wrapped her arms around him, relief surging through her as she held onto the man who’d been so much more than a friend to her.

  “It’s about damn time! I was so worried.” He squeezed her fiercely, then set her down on her feet.

  “Everyone else?” she asked, searching the area.

  “What about them?”

  “Are they alive?”

  Tony nodded, and Anastasia let out a cry.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m fine,” she sniffled. “Vincent told me he killed you all. Tony, I thought you were dead.”

  “You saw Vincent?”

  She nodded.

  Dakota cleared his throat behind her, and Tony looked over her shoulder. His eyes widened, and Anastasia stepped to the side.

  “Tony, this is Dakota Parker, and his mother, Elizabeth. Dakota, Elizabeth, this is Tony.”

  Tony extended his hand to Dakota. “I’ve heard many things about you, Dakota.”

  “Same.”

  “Elizabeth, it is lovely to meet you.” Tony took her hand and held it for a breadth longer than he had Dakota’s. “Did your husband not accompany you?” he asked.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “He passed away a few years back,” she answered sadly.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Anastasia told me wonderful stories about him.”

  “Anastasia!” Brady rounded the corner and made a beeline for her. He lifted her in a hug and set her back to the ground. He lifted his eyes to Dakota and Elizabeth.

  “Brady, this is—”

  “The infamous Dakota Parker.” Brady smiled and extended his hand.

  Dakota glanced at Anastasia and heat rushed to her cheeks.

  “She talked about you a time or two.” Brady shrugged.

  “Oh, did she?” Elizabeth asked as she smiled and nudged Anastasia. “Hi, I'm Elizabeth, the infamous Dakota’s mother.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Parker. Anastasia spoke fondly of you and your husband as well.” Brady smiled and turned back to Anastasia.

  “What’s been going on?” Anastasia turned her attention back to Tony. “Anymore attacks?”

  “No. The others and I made it back this morning. Come on, Selena will want to see you.”

  They started down the path and a giant ball of fur slammed into Anastasia, knocking her to the ground.

  Elizabeth screamed. “Ana!”

  “It’s all right.” She laughed as a rough tongue scratched the side of her face. “Hey girl,” she greeted Kaley, sitting up to wrap her arms around the feline’s neck. “I missed you, too, girl.”

  “She’s been miserable without you,” Tony said. “Following me everywhere. I was worried she might eat me one day out of anger if you never returned.” He laughed, and Kaley turned her intelligent eyes to Dakota.

  “This,” Anastasia said as she stood. “Is Kaley.”

  “What is she?” Elizabeth asked in wonder.

  “A Terrenian Feline. She’s my protector,” Anastasia explained.

  “She’s beautiful.” Elizabeth held her hand out, and Kaley nuzzled it in response. “And so soft!”

  Kaley turned her head back to Dakota, and he stared at her. A moment later, Kaley bowed to him, surprising them all.

  “What’s she doing?” he asked.

  Anastasia stared. “I don’t know. She’s never done that before.” She looked up, her heart freezing momentarily in her chest.

  Shane stood at the end of the path, his eyes fixated on her face
. Shit.

  Three heartbeats passed before he stepped toward them. “Anastasia, I’m glad to see you’ve returned.” His jaw was set, his mouth in a tight line. He wore a loose shirt, and Anastasia wondered how the wound in his abdomen was healing.

  She cleared her throat. “I’m happy to see you’re alive.”

  He smiled. “Takes more than that to get rid of me.” His eyes traveled to Dakota, who stood taller, arms crossed over his chest.

  Well, this is just great, isn’t it?

  “Dakota, this is my friend, Shane.”

  “Dakota?” Shane’s green eyes shot to her face, and she nodded. He knew exactly who Dakota was since Anastasia had told him her best friend was the reason they couldn’t be together.

  Dakota held out his hand, and Shane stepped forward to take it. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Yeah, you too,” Shane said, quickly releasing Dakota’s hand.

  Brady let out an awkward laugh, and Anastasia glared at him.

  He shrugged. “Should we go see my mom now?”

  They made their way toward the village together. The buildings were still in the process of being rebuilt, and her heart ached seeing the look of defeat on her people’s faces.

  At least they were alive.

  They stepped into Selena’s cabin, and she turned.

  “Anastasia!” Sarah greeted her with a hug, and Anastasia released the sixteen-year-old with a smile.

  “I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too.” Sarah grinned.

  “Honey, why don’t you go see if you can help Zarina?”

  “Yes, momma.” Sarah bounded from the house.

  “I’m happy to see you’re back.” Selena embraced Anastasia. “We feared the worst when you didn’t return right away.”

  “I’m happy to be back.” She introduced Elizabeth and Dakota, and looked at the large map hanging on the wall. Small, sharpened pieces of branches had been painted red, and were scattered around the map.

  “Those are known Brute attacks,” Selena explained. “As Tony and the others made their way back, they took note of where the destruction was. We were trying to determine a pattern, but so far it just seems random.”