Into the Unknown (The Djinn Kingdom Book 4)

by LJ Andrews

  The chaos settled. Everyone stayed in place, too stunned to move. Nova’s lungs seemed to cave in on themselves, and her breathing labored as she lowered to her knees. The people from the Below watched her in reverent fascination; finally, some who had nearly slit Atlas’s throat whispered to one another while keeping their focus on her. They seemed to revere her. It was clear she was of the family of Djinn.

  Kale stumbled to his feet, running to her side as she fell back. He laid her head in his lap, brushing her hair from her face.

  “Not again,” he said. “Nova, you’re burning up. It’s just like the fever you had on the Vengeance. You…you shouldn’t have done that,” he said, the pain evident in his voice.

  The sounds were fading around her, but in the distance, she almost believed she heard Lurlina’s satisfied laugh.

  “Ye will not win this fight.” Phoenix’s dark, grumble filled her mind. “No matter how ye fight, ye cannot win against the Great Djinn. I will meet you again on the temple grounds, little wench, mark me words.”

  The captain backed away, never taking his yellow eyes off Nova as he faded into the smoke cloud from the burning island. His presence hung like a dense disease as the destruction of Silva fell upon those who remained like a crushing rock slide, burying them in grief.

  Captain Phoenix had abandoned his crew from the Below. Once the blanket of shock subsided, the band of shadows surrounded their people who had become their enemy. It only took a moment, but eventually, the people of Phoenix’s crew kneeled in surrender. The battle was won in their favor.

  Nova’s inner torment racked her body with chills and sweats. The power had taken too much of her, and in the back of her mind, she knew she was fading from reality. The fever raged as Atlas, Kale, and some from the band surrounded her, speaking loudly and harshly at one another on the best course of action.

  “We need to get her to a healer,” Kale shouted.

  “Oh, where do you suppose we’ll find one in this state?” Atlas responded, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

  “I didn’t mean on Silva,” Kale retorted, brushing her hair again.

  Nova shook her head weakly, trying to get them to stop bickering. It irritated her last nerve.

  “What’s happened?”

  Nova’s heart swelled. Her father was near her. He was safe.

  “This has happened before,” Kale said, though his voice sounded muffled and distant. “When she used too much power too quickly, she went catatonic.”

  “Lassy,” Briggs distant gravel seemed to drag her back, but only for an instant before she faded into a delirium.

  She felt herself becoming weightless, as someone lifted her from the ground and carried her down the hill. The smell of burning wood filled her nose, reminding her of the true reality of her surroundings.

  “How long?”

  Was that Hadwin? She couldn’t tell, but it sounded like his calming voice. Someone gave a muffled response she couldn’t make out.

  Nova shuddered when someone breathed close to her face, sending chills along the surface of her neck. “Don’t open your mind, Nova.” It was Hadwin. She was certain. “I’m sorry, this is what she wanted, Nova.”

  What who wanted? Somewhere in her mind, one name came to a clarity. Lurlina. What did he mean? She wanted her to use her power? Nova wanted to scream her questions, but they locked deep in her throat, barricaded by the fever.

  “She’s going to take my daughter, too?” Varick’s voice shattered through her ears, angry and desperate.

  “If we don’t stop the fever soon, I fear that was her plan all along as her way of breaking my defenses and Nova’s. If Nova falls into the Djinn fever, I cannot protect the portion of her mind exposed to Lurlina’s gift.”

  What were they saying? Nova’s mind bled from being alert to nothingness, but she didn’t understand the snippets she thought she was hearing from Hadwin and her father.

  “Can’t you help?” Kale cried.

  “I will do all I can do. I will need the Dachians help…”

  She couldn’t hear the rest; it was too distant as if Hadwin were speaking through a pail of water. Not until he leaned close to her ear again did she make out his whispered words. “Nova, don’t let yourself fade or she will have control over you, just as your mother, girl. Fight back. I will get you back, I promise.”

  Chapter 11

  Lost in a Dream

  Raine smiled contentedly, leaning against the oversized pillows on her bed. She popped a red berry into her mouth which tasted as if dipped in sugar crystals. Unten was more wonderful than she could have imagined. The people welcomed her with open arms, and later tonight Lurlina was preparing a celebration in her honor.

  She chided herself for being so leery about the Kismet. Lurlina said she was beginning to gain a connection with Nova. It had worked, Raine said to herself, smiling. Soon her friends would join her in Unten. Her cheeks flushed with heat as her thoughts drifted to the truth; soon Atlas would join her. He would be safe.

  Biting into another berry, she made her way toward the tower window. Wispy clouds surrounded the bottom gardens of the temple. The gardeners were busy tending to the lush shrubs and blooming flowers.

  Raine’s heart swelled with gratitude for the turn her life had taken, yet in her mind she felt remorse for ever thinking so terribly of the Djinn and Lurlina. Nova had to listen and push through her prejudice—she just had to.

  The door to her room creaked open as someone came in. Raine turned, rubbing a sudden chill from her upper arms. It was the same woman who brought her food every day, with the young girl trailing close behind. The woman’s face pulled into a large wide smile, creating a glow in her countenance which could only accompany someone truly happy.

  “Thank you,” Raine said taking the tray. The woman only nodded, smiling wider, her almond- shaped eyes glowing with excitement. “Would you like to join me? It gets so lonely eating alone sometimes.”

  The woman looked at her in surprise. As if someone pulled a curtain back on a new stage, the woman’s joyful countenance flashed to a face of sunken eyes and downturned lips with gilded chains shackled to her wrists. The young child’s curious expression was blank, lost in sadness. The child’s eyes were puffy from tears, with her chubby cheeks now sunken and thin.

  Raine blinked, and once again the happy, jovial woman stood in front of her shaking her head, while her daughter watched her with bright eyes.

  “No, no, you eat. Busy,” she said, bowing low and backing out the bedroom door.

  Raine’s heart pounded wildly as shock ran through her body at the trick of her eye. It had been so frightening to see such a drastic change, but now as she calmed she realized she’d only imagined the upsetting image. Rubbing a new chill from her arms, she slowly picked at her breakfast, trying to shake the sunken eyes of the woman and child from her mind.

  Once the clouds lifted from the lower gardens, Raine ventured outside to explore some of the other levels of the mountain. There were so many terraces and paths, she had yet to see them all. A purple bird with green splashes across his breast dove low, singing a cheerful morning tune. She breathed deeply, enjoying the outdoors and the grounds the longer she stayed. Above, the puffy white clouds created a barrier; a frown covered her face as she was reminded about all the turmoil and chaos which went on above. Launi had been, she thought, a good place to grow. But after seeing the order and peace in Unten, Launi was nothing but crime and clean-up.

  People above exploited one another to gain prestige and power. Pirates ruled the skies as she had learned too well. Beholders and cunning traders used their talents for gain, never truly helping others. She leaned against a large stone pillar covered in spiraling vines. Petite blue flower buds lined the vines which felt like satin against her bare arms. The pale, green gown she’d found hanging in her armoire this morning was wrapped tightly around her shoulders and chest, then opened in layers of silk and satin which blew like feathers in the breeze.

  “Have s
ome thoughts on your mind do you, miss?”

  Raine looked up. The old woman was leaning on a curved walking stick. Her shoulders were covered in a glimmering gray robe. She had dark eyes which seemed to sparkle with a hint of mischievousness as if she had a playful secret on the tip of her tongue. It was clear she once had midnight-black hair, but now, pulled up in a high knot, it was peppered with gray and white. Her cheeks wrinkled in a kind smile as she waited for Raine’s reply.

  “I’m sorry, am I in your way for your work?”

  The woman shook her head. “I’m here to serve those who need me. Perhaps I should serve you today.”

  Raine eyed the old woman curiously. “I didn’t catch your name.”

  “I did not give it,” was her quick response.

  Raine gnawed on her lip, determining if the woman was teasing her, or if she was simply coy on purpose. “I see. I’m Raine,” she said holding out her hand.

  The woman took it, giving it a gentle squeeze. “A pleasure, Raine. Are you troubled?”

  Raine shook her head. “Quite the opposite. I’ve never been so content.”

  The woman’s eyes widened slightly. “Wonderful news. Being naturally content, there’s nothing quite like it is there. Nothing can make you question your surroundings.”

  Raine’s eyes narrowed. “What an odd thing to say. Do you think I have reason to question my surroundings?”

  The woman simply smiled. “I suppose that would be up to you to decide, my dear. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance should you need it.”

  “Wait, what was your name?” Raine called after her as the old woman limped down one of the pathways.

  She turned slowly, her dark eyes seeming to glimmer in the sunlight. “I am of little importance. Keep your mind’s eye clear, my dear, and then you will become naturally content.”

  She stalked away, the walking stick clicking against the flagstone pathway. Raine peered over the small stone wall which lined the upper terrace from the drop down the mountain. The woman was nearly past the second terraced garden, halfway down the side of Mount Dia, an impossible rate for a woman of her age. Her words rang in Raine’s thoughts. Such a curious, odd woman, but Raine couldn’t help but wonder if she was simply making conversation or subtly cautioning her.

  “Raine, please won’t you come?”

  Pacem waved her over as she shook her head from the strange encounters she’d experienced through the morning. He was dressed in bright yellow, his tunic tied with a bright blue sash.

  Fitting for such a warm, sunny morning, she thought. He looked like he was a fallen sunbeam with his happy clothing. His bright eyes were lit with excitement, which caused her to rush across the garden, nearly running over a woman elbow-deep in a purple flower bed.

  Raine rounded one of the corners of the temple with Pacem; he stepped behind her, nudging her ahead by the small of her back. When she entered the opposite courtyard, it was clear what he was so excited about.

  Raine’s breath caught in her throat as Atlas ran toward her, his shoulder-length hair blowing behind his neck, free and perfect. Beneath his light shirt, she could make out the Vengeance tattoo on his wrist, and the strength of his arms seemed to bulge through the material more than she remembered. Behind him was a large, dark ship with jagged sails, bobbing strangely above the marble walkway. Kale was on deck unloading several crates to the temple servants below. No sign of Nova, but Raine was certain she was nearby, most likely already reunited with her mother.

  Covering her dropped jaw with her hands, she stood frozen while Atlas sprinted the entire length of the courtyard. The smile on his chiseled face sent a shiver down her spine. Opening his arms, he scooped her up and spun her around.

  Raine wrapped her arms around his neck, filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his safe arrival. Burying her face in his shoulder, she breathed in his woody scent, as if he’d spent days in the deep pine forests.

  “You’re here,” she said pulling back. “I was so worried you wouldn’t get the message from Lurlina.”

  “Because of you we probably avoided a big battle,” he said, his perfect smile spreading across his face, even as his eyes shadowed. “I’m so sorry you were taken, Raine. I’ve tried so hard to get you back. Once you were taken, I realized how much…well how much you meant to…us.”

  Raine’s cheeks flushed as Atlas tugged at a strand of her hair. “You mean so much to me. All of you, I mean,” she responded awkwardly. “Is Nova here?”

  Atlas nodded, tugging on her arm. “She went to find her mother. Come on, we found Kale, too.”

  Raine smiled, allowing Atlas to tangle her fingers in his as he pulled her closer to the ship. The temple staff jabbered happily as they carried crates and canvas bags of supplies toward the front entrance. Pacem stood by Lurlina near the edge of the courtyard, winking at Raine.

  Raine mouthed the words ‘thank you’ to Lurlina, who only smiled and nodded.

  “Kale, look who I brought to say hello,” Atlas called up to the main deck of the ship.

  Kale turned, his face painted in relief and happiness. “Good job, Atlas!” he called down. “Bring her up here. That girl owes me a hug for all the stress she’s put me through.”

  Raine chuckled. “You and Kale have learned how to be friendly, it would seem. He sounds so different, I’m curious what you’ve been through to bring you together.”

  Atlas said nothing; he simply helped a dark-haired man lower the gang-plank to the ship. Atlas led, still holding tight to her hand. Raine laughed pleasantly, offering a nod of thanks to the man who’d helped. His face was bright and joyous at first, but in a single instant, it shifted to a dim, cold, scowl. His skin wasn’t vibrant and light; on the contrary, the olive tone was pallid and his eyes were dark, empty, and sunken in just like the servant from earlier. He watched her with no change in his expression, and his limbs clanged together with shackles on his wrists and ankles.

  Raine jumped back in surprise, stumbling off the gangplank. Atlas leapt from the plank, kneeling by her.

  “Raine, are you all right? What happened?”

  She glanced at the dark-haired man once more. His plump, full face was bright again, but he watched her in concern. Stepping closer, the shackles were gone, nothing bound his wrists and ankles. Raine clasped the side of her head, feeling her heart throb in her throat as if it were trying to escape her chest.

  “What’s happening?” she breathed out.

  Behind her, Pacem watched curiously, but Lurlina’s face had fallen to an angry scowl. Raine looked back at Atlas. His beautiful eyes were bright, nearly translucent, and his skin seemed lighter.

  “Atlas,” she said wrapping her arms, around his neck. Where she imagined she would feel warmth, she felt nothing. Her hands rested on his neck, yet it was as if he wasn’t there. “Atlas, what’s happening?”

  “Raine, everything is fine, are you all right?” he said, though his voice was muffled and strained.

  “No!” it was Lurlina’s cry. Raine turned around, releasing Atlas.

  Lurlina was darting across the courtyard after someone, her white robes flowing behind her. Raine held her breath as she watched Kamali rush toward her, her face determined and furious.

  “Kamali, stop,” Lurlina snarled.

  But Kamali ignored her cries and knelt next to Raine. When she met Kamali’s eye, the temperature seemed to drop and the clouds billowed around the sun, casting a dim shadow across the temple courtyard.

  “Raine, it isn’t real. Believe me, don’t let her break into your mind,” Kamali said, the desperation in her voice heavy. “Tell Nova I love her. I may not be able to when she comes. She must use the dagger. You must break free, Raine. Take the ship, LEAVE NOW!”

  Raine backed away as Kamali was overtaken by two sullen women whose faces were gray and angry. She took in the courtyard; the plants were still beautiful and stunning, the temple still gilded and shining. But the staff was dressed in shabby, tattered clothing, most with silver chain
s on their wrists, ankles, even some on their necks. The people watched on curiously, no one smiling, no one cheerful. Only misery.

  She cried out in sudden shock when she saw Pacem. He was watching, but the power in his eyes was disturbed. His face was vacant as if he had no soul inside, not the cheery, polite Djinn she’d first met. Raine turned toward the ship, hoping Kale and Atlas could leave quickly, but only a small skiff bobbed in its place.

  “Atlas!” she called out. He was gone.

  A crushing realization struck her. He had never been there. Neither had Kale. They were shadows of who they really were. She cursed herself for not seeing through their cordial, friendly banter. It was not the Kale and Atlas she knew.

  Raine pulled herself onto the small deck of the ship, tugging on the rigging so the sails caught the breeze.

  “Where will you go, Raine?” Lurlina cried, her red hair blowing as the weather seemed to mimic her emotions. “You’ll be lost in the Unknown! You’ll never survive.”

  Raine tugged the sails harder, ignoring Lurlina’s threats as she sent the small ship shooting into the air. Glancing over the edge, she saw the destitute people of Unten watching her fly into the gray skies without so much as a piqued interest. Tears burned her eyes. She’d been so blind; the entire life she thought she’d experienced was false, one of Lurlina’s tricks. And she’d fallen for it.

  As she rose higher, she saw burned fields of the towns and dead, fallen forests. Small, tattered shacks replaced the quaint homes of Luge she’d once visited. Unten was a wasteland torn apart by the rule of the Djinn. As the stormy clouds wrapped around her ship, cutting off any view of the Below, she thought of the Kismet. What had she done? She’d told Lurlina so much. She’d never called to Nova with the tool, and now she was certain the Kismet had done nothing but harm those she loved in Launi.

  The wind currents beat against her skiff as she passed through a heavy, blinding cloud bank. The air was light, yet felt as if it wrapped around her lungs, squeezing the air from her chest. Raine coughed as she held the small helm firmly against the pounding wind.