Magic Awakens (Dragon Mage Book 2)

by Dyan Chick

  The Mages stood at attention, their eyes following us as we gathered near the passenger door of the car. My chest felt tight as I waited for them to make the first move.

  Finally, movement out the corner of my eye alerted me to Jasmine, the head of the Order. She wore a long dark skirt and a floral blouse with loose sleeves that fluttered as she walked. Bangles on her wrists jingled as she moved.

  Behind her, McKenzie, the head of security followed. Today she was wearing jeans and a Chemical Zombies tee-shirt, still not looking the part I'd expect for a person holding her title. Maybe that was part of her strategy.

  "Morgan," Jasmine clasped her hands and nodded in the traditional Mage greeting. It had been years since anyone had used the formal gesture on me. She didn't even use it when she came to see me this morning.

  Tangled between my upbringing and a sense of rebellion, I half reciprocated, nodding, but not adding the hand gesture. "Jasmine, McKenzie." Looking behind me, I swept my hand toward each of my friends. "This is Dima, and this is Alec. They're helping me find the missing Mages."

  McKenzie's eyebrows rose in surprise, but she kept quiet, seemingly waiting to see how the older mage responded before she spoke.

  Jasmine, to my surprise, clasped her hands and nodded to each of my friends. "Welcome, you are true friends to help with such matters."

  Working to keep the suspicion from my face, I stared at Jasmine and McKenzie. Had the Order changed since I'd last dealt with them? Since my mother's funeral, I'd avoided them at all cost.

  Doing my best to be civil, I smiled. "That they are."

  "We are so happy you've decided to help us on our mission to save the other dragon mages," Jasmine said.

  "Yeah, we're going to have to talk about that," I said. "We have some things that need taken care of first."

  "Oh?" Jasmine swept her arm toward the double doors at the front of the house. "Why don't you come in. We can discuss what you need to take care of."

  My breathing grew shallow as I followed her across the threshold. There were so many memories in this building. Meeting my mom for formal functions, attending ceremonies when she moved up in rank, holiday parties.

  I stopped, frozen, and stared at the formal parlor to the left of the main entryway. The rest of the group moved ahead of me, but I couldn't move. The scene from that day played out in my mind. I could still picture the chairs and people dressed in black. The little paper plates filled with various food items they wanted me to eat. Conversations happening all around me despite the fact that we were gathered to remember my mother. The rest of the world had moved on, and mine had ended.

  The mages said they'd be there for me, but just days after her funeral, charges were brought against my mom, saying she'd neglected her duty. How quickly they'd turned on me. When the charges were dropped in a matter of days, after the hunters finally caught her partner, the one who was really to blame, they tried to apologize, but the damage was done. It had been another mage that betrayed my mom. And the very mages who said they'd be there for me had turned their backs on me when they thought I was the daughter of a traitor. I left the next day.

  "Morgan?" Alec's hand was on my shoulder.

  Shaking myself from the vision, I looked up at him. "Sorry."

  "You okay?" he asked.

  I took a deep breath. "Yeah, just been a long day."

  We turned and caught up to Jasmine and Dima, who had stopped at a formal sitting room. I looked behind me and realized we were alone. "Where are the others?"

  It was hard not to be suspicious of the mages. There were a dozen of them outside, and now we were alone. Were they preventing us from leaving? Had we made a mistake in coming here?

  "Those are our perimeter guards," Jasmine said. "Since the dragon incident, we've learned there are more dragon mages than we thought. Several of them came to us. We're hiding them in this building so they remain safe."

  "Hiding them?" I stiffened. "Like in the basement or something?"

  "Of course not," Jasmine sat down, "they have guest rooms. There are no prisoners here."

  I bit down on the inside of my cheek to prevent myself from saying something I might regret. It was proving more of a challenge than I thought it would be to come back here.

  "Please sit," Jasmine said.

  "It's okay," Alec said. "We're not going anywhere."

  With a nod at him, I sat down on the couch facing Jasmine's chair. Alec sat next to me and Dima took the chair next to Jasmine.

  "So, how did the three of you come to be involved in all of this?" she asked.

  "Not everyone is afraid to mingle with those who are different," I said.

  "Morgan," Jasmine leaned forward in her chair, elbows resting on her knees. "I know what you've been through. I was there. I witnessed the way you were treated and it wasn't right. If I had been the one in charge, that never would have happened."

  "Serendipity," Dima said.

  "I'm sorry?" Jasmine asked.

  I turned to Dima, curious where she was going, and thankful that she spoke up.

  "There were a series of serendipitous events that connected the three of us, and now we're all a part of it," she said.

  Jasmine leaned back. "I see. And the break-in to the daylight cells? That was to rescue you?" She nodded at Alec.

  "Yes," I said. "It's been a busy week."

  "I would say so," Jasmine said. "Morgan, I wish you would have come to us right away. We could have helped you from the beginning."

  Eyebrows raised, I stared at her.

  "Fair enough," Jasmine said, answering my silent protest. "But at least let us try to make it up to you."

  "Okay," I said. "I need help finding a Fae named Tavas."

  Jasmine flinched. "Isn't that the wanted Fae that all the police are searching for? The one who killed Jimmy?"

  "Possibly," I said.

  "This isn't the time for a vendetta," Jasmine said, "I know you're hurting..."

  "It's not about that," I said.

  "It's the Oracle," Alec said.

  The room grew silent and we all stared at Alec.

  "You've been to an Oracle?" Jasmine said. "Recently?"

  "A few hours ago," Alec said. "He said we have to find Tavas to put a stop to all this."

  "If we find him, we'll be able to save the missing mages," I added.

  Jasmine sat quietly for a moment, as if she was contemplating how to turn us down or re-direct us in a direction she wanted. Internally, I prepared to threaten to leave.

  "Alright," Jasmine said. "We'll help you."

  "You will?" I asked.

  "I do expect your help in return," she said.

  This wasn't unexpected. The whole magical community ran on favors. I just hoped that I'd be able to find out what was expected of me before I agreed this time. James still had a favor to play. A little rush of panic fluttered inside me as I wondered if he'd survive long enough to cash it in. "Of course. What would you need me to do?"

  "The mages with dragon blood," she said, "especially the younger ones, will need some guidance and support. Things are going to change for all of you now that you've been exposed to the magic of the dragon. If you haven't felt the changes yet, you soon will."

  I nodded, thinking back to making fire without words. Quickly, I focused on other things, not wanting to spontaneously combust in here. James had said something similar, that I'd need to learn to control it. "I've noticed, but I'm not sure what you want from me. There's nothing I can do to help them."

  "But you can," she said. "There are a lot of younger Mages that look up to you."

  "Why?" The word came out harsher than I meant.

  "Because you left, you made it on your own. Things are changing, old traditions are dying. More mages than ever are choosing to live in the world outside of Realm's Gate."

  "Wait, are you saying the kidnapped mages were living in the human world?" Alec cut in.

  Jasmine turned away from me, to look at Alec. "All the missing mages were eithe
r living in or visiting the human world when they were abducted."

  That made things more complicated. If they were taking mages from the human world, did that mean they were hidden there? The human world was huge. They could be anywhere.

  "Even if I agree to help, I don't think there's anything I can do. I don't know anything about being a dragon mage," I said. "I didn't even know that was possible until a few days ago."

  "This might help," a new voice said from behind me.

  I turned to see McKenzie holding a book. She extended her arm, offering it to me.

  After taking the book, I stared at the brown, leather cover. "What's this?"

  "We think your mom left it for you," McKenzie said.

  "What do you mean you think she left it for me?" I asked.

  "It appeared a few hours after the dragon attack, at the seat your mom used for Order meetings." McKenzie pointed to the book. "Look."

  I looked down at the book and noticed that there was an embossed name on the cover: April Drake. I could feel the blood draining from my face as I stared down at my mother's name. "It just appeared? How is that possible?"

  "I think it was dragon magic," Jasmine said. "She must have known a spell to make it reappear if a dragon came by."

  Only half hearing her response, I opened the book. It smelled like old parchment, and roses, just like my mom. On the first page was a letter, addressed to me.

  Dearest Morgan,

  If you're reading this, I'm gone and things are changing around you. Nobody should have to carry the burden of our bloodline alone. It's possible you'll never encounter a dragon, and never need this book, but if you do, and you're reading it, there is much you must learn. I've filled these pages with all I know. I wish I could be there to help you myself, but I know you can do this. You are a brave young woman. I love you. Mom

  Tears blurred my vision and I wasn't sure if I was angry that my mom never told me, or happy to have something of hers after all these years. Whatever I was feeling, it had to wait. Wiping my eyes, I swallowed back the lump in my throat. Sniffing, I closed the book. "It doesn't explain why I'd be any good at doing this."

  "You've got help in that book," McKenzie said. "We don't know anything about Dragon magic, or what it will do when mixed with a Mage. We don't know if it even reacts the same to all of you. But you've got some authority with that book and we think the others will respond to you."

  "It makes some sense to me," Alec said. "And it's not a bad deal."

  I glared at him. "You think it would be a good idea for me to be teaching others how to do something I don't even know how to do?"

  "You have James," Dima said. "If we find him, I bet he'll help."

  "Who's James?" Jasmine asked.

  "Nobody," I said. "A friend. He's missing, too."

  "Another missing mage?" McKenzie said. "That's up to seven, then."

  Jasmine's expression darkened and she looked up at the other woman. "You sure?"

  McKenzie nodded. "Seven if their friend is missing, too. At least that we know of."

  "Why does that matter?" Dima asked.

  "Mage thing," I said. "Seven is a powerful number. It's purposeful. Nothing is a coincidence when it comes to magic."

  "But James isn't a mage," Alec said.

  "Doesn't matter," I said. "Seven with dragon blood, it has to mean something significant."

  "What if they're just getting started?" Dima asked. "What if they take more? Maybe it doesn't mean anything."

  "If they wanted all those with dragon blood that they could find, they wouldn't have framed me and risked my life. They would have just taken me first," I said. "This is purposeful."

  "I agree," Jasmine said. "It's dangerous for all of us."

  I stood. "We have to find Tavas. We need a locating spell. You in?"

  Jasmine rose from her seat in a graceful swirl of fabric. "Divination room. Five minutes. I'll find the other eleven."

  "Other eleven?" Alec asked as Jasmine and McKenzie hurried away.

  "We need thirteen for a locating spell. I told you, numbers are a big deal," I said, taking a few steps in the direction of the divination room. Pausing, I turned to my friends. "You two have to wait here. You can't follow me into that room."

  "Why not?" Dima asked.

  "Yeah, we'll be fine," Alec said.

  "No, you won't. It's too much magic in one place at one time. It's dangerous to anyone without Mage blood." I handed the book to Dima. "Guard this with your life."

  8

  The divination room looked just as I remembered it. While I'd never actually performed any spells in this room, I'd wandered through all the rooms on this floor while waiting for my mom often as a child. Now, I found myself being asked to take a seat.

  I ran my fingertips over the smooth, polished wood of the table. It had exactly thirteen high-backed chairs with embroidered cushions on the seats and backs. The black marble floor sparkled in the light of the crystal chandeliers. My mom told me the marble was imported from the Fae Realm long ago, before it was closed off.

  Facing the door, I leaned against the back wall, wondering how long the spell would take. We'd been given a time line and I wasn't sure how long it would take to find Tavas. And until we found him, we couldn't go after the dragon mages.

  McKenzie walked into the room, alone. "You sure about this?"

  "About what? The spell?" Before I even finished speaking, I realized what she meant. "You mean Tavas, right?"

  She nodded, then leaned against the doorframe. Arms crossed, her posture radiated unwelcome and resentment. It was obvious that she did not agree with Jasmine on this venture.

  "Look, I have every reason to hate the guy. But the Oracle says he didn't kill Jimmy and that he's the key to figuring all this shit out. So unless you have a better idea, I need to find him. Fast."

  "You never told us about the rest of your visit with the Oracle. What else did he say?" She dropped her arms and walked over to the table and rested her arms on the top of one of the high-backed chairs.

  "I told you the important stuff," I said.

  "I doubt that," McKenzie said. "You see, I have a gift that very few mages have. It's one of the reasons I do what I do."

  The hair on the back of my neck stood on end as I kept my eyes locked on hers. What was she talking about? And where was everyone else? "And what gift is that?"

  She moved away from the chair and walked around the table, stopping next to me.

  It took a lot of willpower to keep from stepping away from her. She wasn't a large woman. She was a few inches shorter than me with a petite build. But she sure was good at striking an intimidating pose.

  "Are you threatening me?" I asked.

  "No, but you might want to start telling the truth. You want to know my gift?" she asked.

  Not willing to indulge her, I remained silent. Waiting for her to respond.

  She smirked. "I know when people are lying. And you are not telling me the truth."

  I laughed, tossing my head back. She had nothing on me. Even if she had the ability to sense when someone was telling the truth, she couldn't dig around in my head. Only those with psychic gifts had that ability. And mages could never gain that level of mind-reading. She was probably part oracle, or part siren, getting some of their magic, but wasn't powerful enough to use it for much.

  "What's so funny?" McKenzie's brow furrowed. She took a step back.

  I probably looked like a crazy person, which was fine. "You think you're tough. But I've seen your type before. Raised in the human world, finds out about Realm's Gate, someone tells her she's special, she feels important. And now, that girl is hungry to prove herself. Did I miss anything?"

  McKenzie glared at me.

  I'd probably been a bit too harsh, people who weren't natives to Realm's Gate didn't like when others found out. I wondered what her retaliation would be, then realized it didn't matter. The Mages wanted my help, which meant, on some level she had to at least be civil.

&n
bsp; Before she could speak, Jasmine walked into the room, followed by almost a dozen people I didn't recognize. The group filed into the room, the only sounds were their shoes against the stone floor.

  I looked over at the still silent McKenzie, her mouth turned down in a scowl. She seemed like she wasn't letting go of what I said to her.

  Jasmine walked over to her and rested a hand on her shoulder. "McKenzie, we'll see you after the ritual."

  Forcing myself to hold back a gloating smile, I watched the other mage go. While her gift for knowing when someone was lying was useful in her role as a head of security, it was unlikely she'd ever learned how to do any spells of this difficulty. She was out of her element in this room and she knew it.

  McKenzie started to close the doors behind her, flashing me one last look of annoyance before she shut them completely.

  "Morgan, please take the head position," Jasmine said.

  I'd been so busy watching the other woman leave, that I hadn't been paying attention to the movement in the room. Had Jasmine just asked me to take the head position? Looking around at the table, I saw that all the mages were standing around the table, Jasmine included. The only open place was at the head of the table. The position reserved for the person who would do the casting - the one who ran the whole show.

  "I'm sorry, you want me to lead the ritual?" I asked.

  Jasmine nodded. "You're the only one who has met the Fae we are trying to find. The connection will be strongest from you," she said.

  Swallowing, I moved to the head of the table. That was true, of course. Any time you were completing a spell or a ritual that involved a specific individual, your best bet was to use whoever you had that was closest to the person. If you were trying to heal someone who was sick, having their child, or spouse cast the spell would give you the best results. I should have known that a searching spell would work the same way.

  Taking a deep breath, I stood behind the tall chair. The lights in the crystal chandeliers above the center of the table flickered. Me taking the step behind the last empty chair had charged the table. There was no time for introductions, our magic was active, waiting for me to begin.