Both nights she had woken to screams of pain. They kept her awake for hours until finally silence returned, and she was able to drift back into sleep. In the mornings he appeared young and energized, making Rain wonder why he was using the villagers more often than when she first arrived. Neither of them spoke about the nightly proceedings. Rain was terrified to ask him, for even though he was kind to her, she knew what his anger was like and did not want it directed at her.
During this whole time she had not seen Elex once. A small part of her wondered where he was, but she pushed that curiosity aside. It wouldn’t do her any good, and she didn’t want to get either of them in trouble. She figured he wasn’t in the mountain fortress since he hadn’t invaded her private thoughts in some time.
Each day she learned knew things. Not only could she now manipulate fire quite competently, but also water and air. One day she had actually produced a small twister in Aziz’s office. They both laughed as books flew around them in a literary funnel. Aziz appeared content to keep her focused on the elements, the basics of magic. She bit back complaints, reminding herself to be patient.
Late on the second day, as the two of them ate in companionable silence, there was a slight but familiar tug on her mind. Hello Elex, she sent out. A sense of amusement that was not her own filled her head. A second later his magnificent form dropped gracefully from the ceiling, large wings extended in all their glory. Rain couldn’t help but admire his beauty, and felt another sense of amusement from an outside source. Clearly he could sense her admiration, so she quickly closed off her mind like she had been practicing. As he folded his wings behind him, he glanced at her briefly, a slight smile on his lips. Oh yes, he knew exactly what she had been thinking when she first saw him. Her cheeks felt hot and she looked back down at her plate.
“Ah, Elex,” Aziz greeted, placing his utensils down. “I was beginning to worry. What news do you bring from the south?” Rain’s head snapped up and looked at Elex curiously. He had been in the south? This was news to her.
“Father,” he greeted, before answering his question. “The two armies fought for an entire day before calling a brief truce. They looked evenly matched from where I flew, which I assumed the leaders had realized.”
Aziz sat back, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully. “I’m surprised,” he admitted. “I didn’t think this would go longer than a day. Did anyone see you?”
Rain watched as a brief look of irritation crossed Elex’s face. “Of course not,” he said, slightly offended. “However, I believe they could sense me, but I stayed above the clouds.”
“Interesting,” Aziz muttered. “And today?”
Elex’s jaw clenched, and Rain got the sense he was not happy. “It seems the two brothers had agreed the night before to end the battle with a single fight between the two of them. I didn’t know this until this morning.”
Aziz’s eyebrows shot up. Rain could feel herself begin to sweat. She didn’t know why, but she was suddenly very nervous. “I must say, those two seem to always surprise me. Stop delaying and tell me who won.”
Rain saw Elex shift uncomfortably on his feet. It was the first time she had ever seen him look truly nervous and unsure.
“Neither, Father. They called a truce and have joined forces.” Rain jumped in surprise at the sound of Aziz’s chair crashing to the floor. He stood, his face dark with anger.
“Callum is a fool,” he spat out. Rain could almost feel the threatening air around him.
“Who have they joined forces against?” she asked, her voice quiet. She already knew, but felt like she needed it confirmed. Aziz’s eyes met hers, she shrank back into her seat. He watched her for a minute before visibly relaxing his features and posture. She sat up a bit straighter, still cautious of his mood.
“Do not be frightened, my Queen. Those fools cannot harm us,” he said, reassuringly. “What about the boy?” he asked, turning back to his son.
Elex shook his head. “The forest person was watching the skies, as if she knew to look for me. I realized Callum would not deliver him, but couldn’t find an opening to retrieve him myself. There is something else,” he added, as Aziz grew angry again. Aziz stopped to look at him expectantly. “The boy…his abilities have fully developed. I saw him fight and he moved as if he had been born fighting. His skills rival that of any of the older soldiers. I would go so far as to say he is the best fighter I’ve seen. He also accomplished space-shifting. I’m not sure who else noticed.”
Aziz sucked in his breath. “Are you certain?”
“It only happened twice, but he moved faster than I could see. He was literally at one spot, and then appeared in another. There is no doubt,” answered Elex. Rain watched Aziz absorb this, his eyes narrowed in thought.
“We need to get him here. His body must be absorbing the energy off the land quicker. It is adjusting to being in this world again, and not in the other. I must get him back!”
Rain had no idea what they were talking about. Was there more to Aiden than she had been led to believe? “How will you get him now?” she asked, risking interrupting them. They both turned to look at her. Aziz smiled a knowing smile. There was definitely something she was missing.
“My dear, I always have a back-up plan.” He walked over to her, holding out his hand. “Come I will show you.”
Rain rose, placing her hand in his. He led her out of the dining room and towards the large cavern where he kept his beasts. She thought they were heading in there, but he took a left instead. Behind her, Elex walked in silence. She could hear him breathing and desperately wanted to look back, but forced herself not to. When they reached the end of the hall there was a solid wood door. Aziz let go of her hand and pulled out a chain that had been hidden beneath his shirt. Attached to the chain was a ring of keys; too many for her to count.
While they waited, Rain felt Elex draw closer. His breath stirred her hair, and she could feel the heat of him against her back. He leaned in closer, breathing in a deep breath, like he was smelling her. It raised goose bumps along her arm. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was smelling her simply for her scent, or her blood.
“Do you mind,” she whispered, turning her head a fraction towards him.
“Nope,” he answered, keeping close. His reply made her bristle, but she didn’t argue further. You look beautiful, by the way, his voice echoed in her mind.
Bite me, she shot back, and then instantly regretted. She cursed herself inwardly at her choice of words. Why would she say that?
Already have, he replied, clearly amused. But I can definitely oblige again, if that is your desire, he purred, no longer amused, but something else. Rain sucked in a breath. He was aroused, she realized, heat racing through her body. Just the mention of the word desire brought a whole slew of images, she quickly fought back. What was she doing? The sound of the door opening snapped her attention back to the present. Ignoring Elex, and closing her mind again, Rain followed Aziz through the doorway, which led them into another hall.
There were three doors on her right side. These ones were not solid though. At the bottom of each were small openings filled with bars. She realized they were cells for prisoners. Is this where he kept his victims? She wondered. Aziz stopped at the last door, searching his ring for another key. Suddenly her feet felt planted in the floor. She was immobile in the doorway, unsure of what he was about to show her.
Elex’s hand landed on her lower back, gently pushing her forward. He kept it there as they both walked down to the last cell, and for some reason Rain didn’t mind. Something about his touch seemed to ease some of her fear.
“Let me introduce you to my alternate plan,” Aziz said, sliding a key into the lock and turning it slowly. The door squeaked on its hinges as it opened. He stood back, motioning for her to look inside. She hesitated, but only for a moment, before taking a step forward.
Inside the cell was quite dark. The floors, walls and ceiling were plain stone, with nothing else in the small space but a pile of
hay to sleep on. It smelled horrible, like human waste and unwashed bodies. She had to cover her mouth to keep herself from gagging. Aziz lifted one of the torches off the wall and held it up. It lit the small space just enough for her to make out what was inside.
Huddled on the floor were two bodies, cowering in the corner. Their clothes were filthy, and their eyes squinting against the light. Rain looked at them curiously, wondering what it was about them that seemed off. Then she realized what it was – their clothes. They looked like the ones Aiden had arrived in. She looked at the boy and girl and wondered who they were.
“Are they from his world?” she asked, even though she knew the answer again.
“Yes,” Aziz answered, looking down at them like they were animals. The girl moaned, curling into herself more. The boy, though weak, was positioned in front of her, protectively.
“You think Aiden will trade himself for them?” she asked. The boy seemed to straighten at Aiden’s name. She watched the realization and horror dawn on the boy. He had no idea where he was, she thought, or why he was there.
“Where is Aiden?” the boy asked, his voice hoarse from disuse. His question was directed at her. She crouched down, so that they were at eye level. He kept his focus on her, too afraid to look at Aziz. He was not afraid of her, Rain realized. Not like they were of Aziz. This angered her. She needed to be feared, so that she would not be underestimated.
She smiled, a slow smile, not a comforting one, but one of someone who knows they are above the other. Then she called on the fire from the torch Aziz held, and held out her hand, her palm flat and facing the ceiling. In the next instant, a small flame appeared, floating above her hand, close to the boy’s face. His eyes widened in shock and she watched as he realized she was not as safe as she seemed. She brought the flame closer to him, causing him to shrink back closer to the girl. Rain heard her whimper even though she kept her face hidden.
“You do not get to ask questions,” Rain said, her voice soft. There was no denying the warning beneath it. Elex and Aziz stood silently behind her, letting her take control of the situation. “Tell me, what are your names?”
The boy struggled to swallow, licking his dry, chapped lips. “E-Ethan,” he stuttered.
“And the girl?”
“Melissa,” he replied, shifting so his body covered hers a bit more. Rain smiled at the small act of bravery. If he thought he could protect the girl, he was sorely mistaken.
“Who are you to Aiden?” she asked, wondering if he would actually come to save these two.
“We are his friends,” the boy answered, his voice shaking.
Friends, she considered. Yes, he’d probably come for them. Aiden was the type to protect anyone close to him. “Well let’s hope your friend comes to your aid,” she replied, standing up to leave. Aziz looked approvingly at her as she walked back into the hall. He shut and locked the door again, and then he was beside her, holding on to her arm gently.
“Well done, my dear,” he said.
“How long have they been here?” she asked, following him back down the halls.
“Since the day he arrived. As I said, one must always have an alternate plan.”
“What will you do now?” He didn’t reply as they walked back through the tunnels, ending up in the dining room again. The sky above them was turning dark. Rain let the fresh air inside the room relax her again. Aziz stopped just inside the doorway, clearly preparing to leave her.
“Go get some rest, Rain, and we’ll continue your teachings tomorrow,” he said, his voice gentle, but firm in instruction. She was not allowed to roam around is what his tone told her, which was fine. She needed a long bath and a good night’s sleep. She had a feeling that things were going to get a lot more complicated, and that she should be prepared for them. “Elex, I want you back in the South by morning.”
“Yes Father,” replied Elex.
“I want this wrapped up now,” Aziz continued, as if Elex hadn’t spoken.
“I will try my best, father.”
Aziz gave him such a cold stare, Rain felt herself shiver. “Aiden is surrounded by people, it’s no wonder it’s so difficult to get at him,” Rain said, conversationally. For some reason she felt a compulsive need to defend Elex from Aziz’s wrath. They both turned to look at her. Aziz slightly annoyed, and Elex surprised. She had a strong urge to roll her eyes at him. It wasn’t like she was always mean to him.
Most of the time, his voice answered her unspoken thought. She gave him a forcible mental push, shoving his presence away.
“Well, there is always the other option,” Aziz said, after seemingly thinking over what Rain had said. “If you can’t get to him, we’ll go with plan B.”
“What other option?” Rain asked.
“The girl,” Aziz answered.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Never in his life had Wolf been as terrified as he was when he saw the arrow hit. Without thinking, he had raced to her. Just as her body fell he was there, catching her against his chest as they both hit the ground. Her eyes met his with confusion and fright. The arrow was deep in her arm. Better her arm than her chest, he thought with a sense of relief.
“What happened?” Elisa asked, blinking up at him.
“One of those bastards shot an arrow at the King, but it missed him and almost hit Lily before you pushed her out of the way,” he said, gently brushing hair off her face. Others were yelling, but they were nothing but a distant hum in the background.
Elisa lifted her head off his lap to look gingerly down at her arm. Blood trickled out of the wound, but not enough to be a major concern. As it was, the arrow was stopping much of the loss. “Ah, this is going to kill when they take it out,” she sighed. Wolf couldn’t help but let out a gruff laugh. Leave it to Elisa to keep calm at a time like this. She had been dangerously close to losing her life if it had hit any further to the right.
“Are you alright, Elisa?” Markus asked, kneeling beside her, genuinely concerned. This irked Wolf. He tensed against the jealousy raging inside him.
“I’m fine,” she waved him off, stirring to sit up. Wolf clamped down on her shoulders to keep her from moving.
“Wait,” he instructed. “Let your father have a look.” He could sense Logan and Moose standing nearby, but their attention was back on the field. Wolf didn’t want to look away from her to see what was happening to the man who had shot the arrow. Now that a truce had been made, he would be sentenced with treason and killed on the spot.
“Let me see her,” he heard the Captain say a second before he dropped down beside his daughter. He lifted her arm gently, taking stock of the injury. His eyes lifted to meet hers, and Wolf almost looked away. Such a private exchange passed between them, and he felt like an intruder witnessing it. “I always admire bravery, but next time don’t be taking any arrows for people. Got it?”
Elisa smiled weakly. “Yes father,” she replied. “I’m afraid it was more of an instinct.” He grunted, but didn’t reply.
“We should get her to the city,” Markus said. Wolf had almost forgotten he was there. Almost.
“Have someone alert your men inside the walls that the truce has been called, and start getting as many boats on this side of the water. We need to get all our men inside before dark, and housed properly. Do you have the room?” Turk asked, his voice back to the commanding one Wolf was familiar with.
“Of course,” replied Markus, looking slightly offended. “I already have my men arranging it. Should we wait to take the arrow out until then, or do it now?”
Turk bit his lip, looking at Elisa’s tiny arm. Wolf hated seeing her injured like this. “We’ll make a bigger mess if we pull it out,” the Captain said, clearly frustrated. “I think we’ll have to push it through, but I want a healer to look at it first.”
“Alright, let’s get her to the shore and onto the first available boat,” Markus instructed.
“I’ll carry her,” Wolf offered, sliding her head gently off his lap.
>
“No, I will carry her,” Markus argued. Wolf looked down and saw Elisa’s cheeks had turned a bright red. He wanted to ask her who she’d prefer to carry her, but knew he shouldn’t. She would pick Markus and then he would feel like a fool. Before either man could argue further, a third body appeared beside Elisa and lifted her effortlessly into their arms.
“No, I will carry her,” Lily said. It looked comical, this tiny girl carrying another, but she didn’t seem to be struggling at all. The forest people were notoriously strong, which is why his people avoided them at all costs. “It is the least I can do,” she said, smiling at Elisa. They took off towards the shore, leaving both Wolf and Markus standing in her wake. Logan appeared beside Wolf, his hands planted on his hips as he watched the girls retreat.
“That is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen,” Logan commented, just as Aiden joined them. Wolf looked over at him curiously, remembering what had happened earlier. One moment Aiden had been watching the fight with them, and the next he had been in front of the red haired girl. No one had even seen him move. As one, they turned and looked at him with the same questioning look. When Aiden finally turned back around, he jumped back a step.
“What?” he asked, looking at them all. Moose had joined the group at some point as well.
“What do you mean “what”?” Moose said, eyeing him carefully.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Aiden eyed him back. Wolf smiled at his friend’s bravery. When he had first arrived in Eden he flinched under anyone’s hard stare, but now he just stared right back.
“How did you do it?” Markus asked, voicing everyone’s question. It looked like Aiden was about to ask what he meant, but thought better of it.
“I don’t know. I can’t explain it,” he replied. It was becoming clearer and clearer to Wolf that there was more to Aiden than he had originally thought. At first he just assumed Aiden was a quick learner, but after watching him fight the day before, he knew it was much more than that. He moved with the skill of someone with ten times his experience. Not to mention that he seemed fearless in the midst of a battle.
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