Taken: The Pteron Chronicles

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

  “What does any of this have to do with what you were doing at The Society headquarters?” I questioned. “We don’t have time for you to wax philosophical.”

  “Wax philosophical? Those aren’t the words I’d expected from an art history major.”

  I shouldn’t have been remotely surprised he knew my college major, yet I was.

  He smiled from ear to ear. “I know so much more about you too. But scaring you isn’t going to happen.”

  “Where are they?”

  “Hailey, be aware of this one.” Eloise linked her arm with mine.

  “The Pixie is right. I’m dangerous, but not to you.” He watched me intently.

  “Just so everyone in this room is clear, the souls we are talking about are not normal ones. This is not the case of someone willingly choosing to be moved into a new body.” Eloise stepped even closer to me. “We are talking about souls altered by the darkest kinds of magic. Mixed together with some alchemy.”

  “The darkest kind of magic?” Xander raised an eyebrow. “Who knew pixies could be so overdramatic?”

  We didn’t have time to worry about saving face. “I’m just going to come right out and admit I’m confused.”

  “I am too. Don’t feel bad.” Noah rubbed the back of his neck.

  Eloise raked her teeth over her bottom lip. “Okay. I think the best way to explain it is that someone used magic to make this guy. He is pretty much like a Frankenstein, made up of lots of different pieces.”

  “His soul. Not his physical appearance?” I asked for clarification.

  “Yes. His outside is who knows what. Probably some poor human who took a wrong turn one night.”

  “That is false. I was born in this body.” Xander’s voice lilted. “Well, one of the souls was.”

  “And all of the souls got put in him after being mixed together?” I wasn’t used to being so confused. Wasn’t being a Lightness supposed to provide, well, illumination?

  “Yes, using dark magic.” Eloise still had her arm linked through mine.

  “How do you know this?” Cade gave Eloise a skeptical look. “Not that I’m doubting you, but I’m trying to make sure I understand.”

  “You’re doubting me, but that is fine. I would doubt you if our roles were reversed.” Sometimes Eloise’s straight shooting was such a breath of fresh air.

  “Is she right?” I looked at Xander.

  He smirked. “Maybe, maybe not.”

  “Is it impossible for you to give a straight answer?” I felt my frustration threatening to boil over into anger.

  “Impossible?” He shook his head. “No. But I don’t want to. That’s a very big difference.”

  16

  Wyatt

  “Wow.” Galloway stared at me with her mouth hanging open when we stepped out of the projection.

  It was my fault. I’d chosen a memory I never should have. “I didn’t want to share that with you.” I didn’t want to share it with anyone. I also hadn’t wanted to relive it.

  “You were really upset.” Her eyes were wide. “Like really upset. Bordering on depressed. Or not even bordering. I didn’t know Dragos could be that way.”

  “Of course I was upset.” I’d chosen one of my strongest memories of where Owen and Daisy were hiding out. It was from the months when all I could think about was Hailey and convincing her that we were unequivocally meant to be together.

  “You love her.” Galloway’s voice was barely a whisper. “Really, really love her.”

  “You had to have realized that already.” I needed to mate with Hailey. I needed us to be officially and eternally bonded together. Until then it was going to slowly drive me crazy.

  “I’ve never actually seen you together.” Galloway kicked a few stray rocks with her sneaker. “Or did you forget?”

  “Oh. That’s right.” Just because I wanted to be glued to Hailey’s side didn’t mean I was able to.

  “But at least that’s all the past. You are together now.” Galloway looked up at the darkening sky. “Well, maybe not physically this second. But you are together-together. You know what I mean.”

  “Yes. And your projection travel worked. I don’t really get it, but that doesn’t matter.” It had been fast. But not painless. That didn’t matter. I’d be facing way worse pain if I couldn’t protect Owen and Daisy.

  “Nope. And I couldn’t explain it even if you wanted me to.”

  “That’s starting to become all too common.” After all of my years, I stopped putting in the effort to understand things I couldn’t control. Maybe it was laziness, or maybe the realization that it didn’t matter. One only had so much energy to divvy up. “Okay. I don’t know how we are going to be received, so be ready for anything.” Owen was generally a levelheaded guy, but not when he was worried about his family.

  Galloway raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t Owen practically your brother-in-law?”

  “Yes, but I was the one who turned him into a Drago, albeit to save his life. But more importantly I’m here without Hailey, and she may be in danger. He’s going to blame me for that.”

  “How will he know she’s in danger?”

  I started walking down the steep rocky mountainside toward the entrance to the cave. “He’ll know. I assure you of that.”

  “You never know. Maybe he’s focused on his wife. She’s pregnant, right?”

  “I’m sure he’s focused on that, but when I show up he’s going to be asking about Hailey. Just be prepared. That’s all I’m going to say.”

  “I’m always prepared.”

  “Good.” We reached one of the Dragos I’d left on guard duty. I hadn’t been back in weeks, so it was a relief to see they were still doing their job.

  “Wyatt.” Marshall, one of the youngest Dragos nodded at me. “You’ve returned?”

  “I need to see Owen.”

  “Have you found Troy?” I’d expected that question. We’d all been worried about our leader.

  “Yes.”

  “Where is he?” Marshall rolled his shoulders as if off-setting a heavy weight.

  “I’m not sure. But he’s fine.” It sounded lame, but it was the truth. Like all of us, he had his own job to do.

  “Why do you need to see Owen? What’s happened?” Marshall grimaced.

  Yes, he was definitely in pain. “What’s going on? Why are you grimacing?”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “It has to be something.”

  “We were attacked last night.”

  “Attacked?” Worry shook me as I reassessed the area. What threat had I missed? “Owen, Daisy? Are they hurt?” My heart nearly beat out of my chest.

  Marshall shook his head. “They’re fine. Whoever sent the swarm was trying to scare us. We took them out. But we all need rest. That’s why I’m the only one out here.”

  “What kind of swarm?” His answer wasn’t what I’d been expecting.

  “Insects. None we could identify.”

  A swarm of insects? I processed what he shared. I had so many questions, but finding Owen and his family took top priority. “Thank you for defending the land.”

  “Of course.” Marshall nodded. His eyes lingered for a moment on Galloway.

  “We need to find Owen.” I walked off before Galloway could strike up a conversation.

  “Who’s that? He’s cute,” Galloway asked as soon as we had rounded the corner of the steep slope.

  “Marshall. He’s a good guy, but he doesn’t need any distractions right now.”

  Galloway laughed dryly. “Seriously? You’re going to go there? I’m a distraction? Because I’m a woman? If Hailey could hear you now.”

  “Stop that.” I stopped and spun to look at her. “I’m tired of everyone saying stuff like that. I support women. I’m not a sexist prick, and Hailey isn’t worried about every little thing that comes out of my mouth.”

  “Okay. Calm down.” She held up her hands protectively.

  “I’m stressed out. Don’t push me too hard.”
/>   “I’d listen to that warning.” Delilah appeared a little ways down the mountainside.

  “Where have you been?” I didn’t want to tell her, but I was glad she was there. I hadn’t meant to snap at Galloway. I could have used a distraction myself. I was nervous about facing Owen.

  “Ah, off exploring.” Delilah preened.

  “Likely story.” Galloway rolled her eyes. Evidently she had forgiven my outburst.

  “I’m sorry, okay? I shouldn’t have snapped. I’m just stressed.” Stressed didn’t begin to cover what I felt

  “It’s fine. I shouldn’t have brought up Hailey like that.” She gave a slight smile. “We’re good.”

  “Thanks for the lift.” Delilah led the way as we continued down. “I didn’t want to stay there forever. Not my favorite climate.”

  “What’s your favorite climate?” We reached a level area, and I turned so we could head up a steeper bank toward Owen’s cave.

  “One I can leave from easily.”

  I laughed under my breath. “I won’t respond to that one, but I’ll give you the same warning I gave Galloway. Be prepared for any reaction from Owen.”

  “He’s a Drago with a Pteron side. Do you think I’m not prepared?” Delilah hurried ahead.

  “Good point.” Galloway climbed beside me. “Both of those sides are known for being volatile. Put those together and bam. Could be a mess.”

  It was a mess I didn’t want to think about. “All right. That’s enough about that. We’re almost there.” By almost there I meant we had almost reached the beginning of the steepest climb. Delilah easily ran ahead, and I watched to make sure Galloway was set. Normally I would have flown up, but I didn’t want to take the chance of being spotted if anyone else was around, especially not after Marshall told us about the swarm.

  Finally, we reached the top, and we covered the short distance to the mouth of the cave. Several large boulders blocked the inside of the cave from view.

  “I don’t suppose there’s a doorbell on this thing?” Galloway nodded toward the cave.

  “No doorbell. But I can let him know we’re here.” Technically I could have moved the boulders, but I didn’t want to sneak up on Owen. I also assumed he had other security set up.

  I picked up a large rock and gave the signal that it was safe—a set of knocks we’d established before I left.

  One of the boulders moved slightly, and Owen slipped out. His face was pale, and his blond hair was a mess. “Where’s Hailey?”

  “Uh, great to see you too.” I gave a stupid answer to buy myself a moment of time.

  “Answer me first. Where’s Hailey? Why are you here without her? What happened?” His eyes were glazed over as if in exhaustion. It took a lot to get a Drago—or Pteron—that tired. “What’s going on?” he looked around and spotted Galloway. “Where’s Hailey?”

  “Hailey is fine.” At least she had better have been. I pushed away my own worry. That wasn’t going to help the situation.

  “Where is she?” He looked around, his expression growing more crazed by the second. “I don’t see her.”

  “She’s tending to some other things. But she is okay.”

  “Tending to some other things?” He grunted. “And who is this you’re with?” He pointed to Galloway.

  “Hi. I’m Galloway. I’m a Twister, and I’m here to help.”

  “I wish I knew what you were here to help me with, but first, who are you?” Owen turned his attention to Delilah.

  “I’m Delilah. The greatest Halzin Demon that has ever lived.”

  “Oh.” He nodded. "Like Glendale.”

  Delilah gasped. “No. Not like Glendale.”

  “But he’s one of those…” Owen trailed off.

  “He is. But I’m much better.”

  “If you’re much better, could you do me a favor and bring my sister here? I really need her.” Owen shifted his weight from foot to foot.

  “Need her?” That got my attention. “Why? What’s going on?”

  Owen glanced all around. “You weren’t followed?”

  “No. We traveled through a projection.”

  “A what?” His eyes narrowed.

  “A memory projection. You don’t know what a Twister is, do you?”

  “No.” He shook his head. “But right now I don’t care.”

  “Why? Is Daisy okay?” I should have asked that question first, but I’d been on the defensive. I really needed to keep my cool.

  And that’s when I heard it. A faint cry from the other side of the boulders. It was low, but it was audible. “Wait? Is that…?”

  “Yes. But where is Hailey? No one sees the baby until she gets here.”

  “The baby?” Galloway’s mouth fell open. “It’s here?”

  “We need Hailey before we get to see it?” Delilah examined her paw. “Please, explain your logic.”

  “I’m not letting anyone in until Hailey is here safe and sound.”

  “Fair enough.” Delilah put her paw down. “Give me a moment. I’ll get her for you.”

  “Only if she’s found the key already. She needs to read the book.” I wanted to see Hailey more than everything, but she needed to finish her quest.

  “Book?” Owen asked.

  “It’s a book of prophecies,” I explained. “We found it in the rubble, but it needs a key, and—”

  “Rubble?”

  “Oh wow. You don’t know, do you?” Galloway asked.

  “Know what?” He looked between us.

  Delilah took two steps toward Owen. “The Crescent City Hotel has been burned down to the ground, and it’s Wyatt’s fire that did it.”

  “What?” Owen no longer looked tired.

  17

  Hailey

  I was done. I was done waiting for this Alter-Warlock, whatever the heck that really meant, to get to the point. I needed answers, and I needed them immediately. I knelt down and grabbed him by the lapel of his shirt. “What the hell is going on? Tell me what you did with them. Why are you doing this?”

  “Everything has to have an end.” He smiled placidly. “Everything.”

  “That doesn’t answer my question.”

  “Sure it does. You asked why I was doing this. I told you. Everything has to end.”

  His words brought me back to the vision from Jesalyn. All the images. Everything. The Society was supposed to end. Everything had an end. “Are you telling me that’s what all this is about? About ending The Society?”

  “It’s about starting fresh. Letting things run a natural course. That’s not evil if you really think about it.”

  “It sounds like you are talking about the apocalypse.” Cade’s stomach growled. He never did eat anything at Jim’s house. The place had been completely bare.

  Xander kept his eyes zeroed in on me even as he answered Cade. “It’s not all that different.”

  “I don’t believe you.” If I had his attention I might as well use it. “This isn’t just about The Society. It can’t be. If it was you could have destroyed The Society long ago.” Clearly, this guy was strong. I wouldn’t make the mistake of underestimating him. Yet maybe we were already. Was he really our captive, or was he just playing games with us?

  “Yes, but then there wouldn’t have been the right leadership to build anew.”

  I laughed dryly. “The right leadership? And am I right that the new leader would be you?”

  “No.” He turned serious. “Not at all.”

  “Why is the Emerald involved? Why would you need to hurt an innocent baby?” I had so many questions, but that was one of the biggest. How did the emerald tie into the quest of destroying The Society?

  “Who said anything about that?” Something resembling honest to goodness surprise crossed his face. “How do you know my goal isn’t to protect the emerald?”

  “Because you killed Rose.” I’d never met the woman, yet sharing her memories made me feel as if we had a deep connection.

  “Which was one of the hardest things
I’ve ever done.” He closed his eyes.

  “That who has ever done? There are a lot of you in there.” I wasn’t buying his regret story. Not one bit.

  “I might have multiple souls, but I have only one heart.”

  “Oh, save the crap for someone else.” I watched him, waiting for him to open his eyes. Cade laughed.

  Xander finally opened his eyes. He stared right into mine “It’s the truth.”

  “No, it isn’t. I don’t know if there is any truth in anything you’ve told me so far.”

  “You’re a Lightness. Find the truth.”

  “You make that sound easy.” Everyone was making it sound easy. Maybe if I had been born a Lightness it would have been—like how easy it was to learn to fly since I was born a Pteron.

  “It is easy. The work is already done.”

  “I need to see Wyatt.” The urge came suddenly, like when you remember something so important out of the blue. “It can’t wait.”

  “And I’d love a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean they can happen.” He smirked.

  “I don’t believe anything you are saying.”

  “Yet you do. You feel it.” His words shouldn’t have felt true to me. They were lies. They had to be. Didn’t they?

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Stop lying to yourself.”

  I felt the burn. The growing orb inside me.

  “There you go.” He grinned. “Accept your power. It will show you everything you need to know.”

  “What’s going on?” Cade asked.

  “Hailey? You okay?” Eloise grabbed hold of my arm.

  “I need Wyatt. Someone get me to Wyatt.” I closed my eyes, the burning was nearly too much.

  “I don’t know how.” Sol sighed. “We’ve been over this.”

  I opened my eyes and pulled my bag off my shoulder. I pulled out the book and opened it. I already knew what I was going to read, but somehow seeing the words with my own eyes helped.

  An emerald is what it is. An emerald isn’t what it isn’t. It can come in any form. It can’t come in every form. But an emerald must be harnessed with fire. But an emerald must be balanced with fire.