Too bad she didn’t have a clue how to do it.
Instead of biting cold, the void tingled against her skin, calling to the magic in her bones. She jerked the stone figurine from her pocket, clutching it in her fist while she concentrated on the connection to the gargoyle who’d given it to her. A sharp tug in her chest drew her in the direction of a bright door only a few yards away, the magic surging through her veins until it burned, when something slammed into her hard, spinning her away from the door and sending them crashing into a bright light and through a different portal.
Morgan came to consciousness slowly, pain reverberating in her skull, making it almost impossible to think. She concentrated on her surroundings, and immediately knew she was no longer earthside. The air was cleaner, richer, not so thin as on earth.
A sharp sting in her hand had her twisting up her arm. Inside her fist was the small gargoyle dog. She would almost swear it dug its claws in her hand to wake her up, which was pure foolishness. She prodded it with her magic to make sure, but couldn’t sense anything but thick void magic.
Exactly like the magic at the Academy.
She eyed the little critter suspiciously, but the pup stubbornly remained stone.
Only when she tried to tuck him back in her pocket did she realize the little critter was nearly twice his original size.
A noise behind her had her quickly shoving him down her shirt, the shock of cold startling a gasp out of her. Thankfully the stone quickly warmed against her skin. Something at the back of her mind, an instinct perhaps, warned that she should keep the pup’s presence a secret. She quickly sat up, shoving her long hair out of her face, then groaned when the world swirled around her. She swallowed repeatedly, until she no longer felt like throwing up, and gingerly lifted her head.
“Traveling between worlds can have that effect on some.”
Morgan turned slowly until she located the source of the voice. The man had his back to her, but he was so hauntingly familiar she froze, and her mind struggled to understand what had happened to her.
Then it clicked.
He was the one who’d grabbed her in the void.
“Nah, I’m guessing I feel like shit because you decided to jump on my back like a kid demanding a dammed piggyback ride.” The energy to pull him through the portal had left her exhausted, the magic sluggish in her blood. Not wanting to be at a disadvantage, she forced herself to her feet, stumbling when her legs failed to hold her weight for a few seconds.
She glanced up and saw the planet Earth suspended in the sky, the beautiful swirl of clouds skimming across its surface, the landscape so close and vivid it was hard to look away.
And somewhere on the surface her men were fighting for their lives.
Morgan scanned the area for danger, hoping the gargoyle had followed her through the portal, but she saw no sign of him anywhere. They were in a forest, the trees far enough apart that she could see any threat long before it approached. Worry sent her spirits plummeting. The last sight she had of the gargoyle was of his shredded wing, and the remaining harpies swarming him.
Tearing her mind away from the guilt over leaving him to die alone, she focused on her surroundings. A large lake was spread out to the left, the surface disturbingly calm. No wind rustled the trees. As she stepped forward, she noticed the grass was so thick it was like walking on plush carpeting.
The area should’ve been beautiful, but the eerie silence made it feel unnatural.
And she had a feeling it was because of him—the man standing at the edges of the shore.
He appeared young, maybe five years older than herself, but age could be deceiving with paranormals, many of them hundreds of years old while still resembling teenagers. He was a little unkempt, his appearance rumpled, his black hair shaggy and untrimmed, the chin-length strands snarled. His clothes, while very courtly, were decades or more out of date.
She could tell by the way he stood at perfect attention that he was a warrior. Tension practically vibrated from him, his muscles bunched, his fists clenched, as if he was seconds away from shattering or bursting into action if startled.
She had no doubt he could kill with his bare hands without batting an eye.
“Who are you?” She yanked her hair back into a ponytail while she studied him. There was something about him that drew her, something important that she should know, something so familiar she ached to be near him. They weren’t mates, but their connection felt just as deep and significant. The dangerous aura around him made it difficult to pinpoint what bothered her.
She tensed when he turned toward her, and her jaw dropped when she got her first look at his face. His eyes were a combination of silver and black, as if pure magic from the void filled him, the silver flecks seeming to move in their depths. As she watched, the colors separated until it looked like he had silver eyes, the black bleeding into the center until he had normal pupils.
Whatever he was, he was no longer human, and hadn’t been for a very long time.
“I’m a warden.” He straightened abruptly to his full height, making her jump back slightly.
She blinked, expecting to hear a name rather than an occupation, but curiosity got the best of her. She swallowed hard, not sure she wanted to know the answer. She knew of only one place that had wardens…prison. “A warden of what?”
His brows scrunched together, his expression telling her she was an idiot for even asking. “Of the void.”
“What is your name?”
“I—I don’t know.”
For the first time, he seemed so uncertain, so lost, she couldn’t stop herself from edging closer. While the urgent need to get back home rode her hard, a tiny bit of her felt responsible for this man. “What do you remember?”
He looked at her oddly, his eyes narrowing so dangerously, she instinctively pulled back. “You pulled me out of the void.”
“Not really.” She turned away to avoid the accusation and intensity in his eyes. “It was more like you latched onto me and shoved me out of the void.”
He took a step toward her. “You called to me, and I had no choice but to obey.”
And he didn’t appear happy about it.
“I did no such thing!” She went over her actions, worried that he could be right, that she might have accidently called him in her ignorance, but could recall nothing but the need to get back to the Academy. “I was thrust into the void against my will. I just wanted to return to the Academy. They’re under attack, and I need to return immediately.”
Too bad no one had bothered to teach her how to open a portal.
They said she was too inexperienced to work such complicated magic, that she needed to learn the basics first.
To hell with them.
She would not leave her men vulnerable, forced to face the battle on their own. She concentrated on the magic in her bones, pulling as much as she could to the surface. The runes that marked her back remained stone cold, as they had ever since the ritual designed to kill her failed. She suspected claiming the magic as her own made the volatile power retreat deeper inside her, claiming her as she’d claimed it.
The heat in her veins warmed, then grew to a simmer, but no matter how hard she concentrated on forming a portal, the magic refused to leave her body. She quickly became dizzy under the strain, her body practically sloshing with magic. It was too much, the heat now scorching. Only when she felt like she was being turned inside out did she accept defeat.
When she opened her eyes, the air in front of her shimmered, like sparklers were dripping down from the heavens…and she was trapped in the center of the bubble. She reached out, expecting heat, and couldn’t have been more surprised when, instead of pain, the sparks soaked into her skin with a hum of pleasure. The dizziness faded slowly as more and more of the tiny bursts of light drifted over her skin.
When the air cleared, she glanced over to see the warden staring at her with a look of concentration, and she knew he had prevented her from returning to help
her men.
Morgan didn’t understand how he, a male, was able to use magic without becoming violently ill.
She didn’t see a talisman, nor did she sense any stored magic, either.
He was like no wizard she’d ever seen, which only deepened the mystery around him.
What exactly was he?
His face remained impassive, but his eyes whirled, giving away his emotions, part fierce concentration, the other part pure terror—probably at the thought of being pulled back into the void.
“What did you do?”
“You said the Academy is under attack. You might have tremendous power, but you’re not trained. In time, you might be able to counter my powers, but until then you must remain here. It’s not safe for you to return.”
“What right do you have to decide that?” Her cheeks heated as anger roared through her. “My mates are back at the school. They’re in trouble and need my help.”
“All the more reason for you to remain.” The infuriating man only shrugged, resolute in his decision. “If you go back, you will only put them in more danger.”
The metals of her rings and cuff liquefied, streaming down her hands until the familiar pommels of her blades formed in her palms. “You have no right.”
“You are of the noble bloodlines.” Interest darkened his eyes, but he appeared unconcerned at the threat.
“I’m a trained hunter.” She ignored his comment, secretly glad he didn’t guess exactly which noble bloodline she came from. “It is my job to keep others safe. Open the portal.”
It wasn’t a request.
“No. You’re not trained, and your magic work is sloppy. It’s too dangerous for you to venture into the void without proper training.”
“It’s hard to learn when everyone associated with the void is dead.”
He appeared startled, his eyes beginning to swirl until they resembled the void once more. She could practically feel the magic radiate from him. “Explain.”
The urgency of his demand caused her to jerk back, and she dropped into a fighting stance, automatically bringing up her blades. Only when he didn’t advance did she allow herself to straighten. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you. I don’t know anything about the primordial realm.”
“But you’re obviously of noble birth, a descendent from one of the twelve great families.” His eyebrows lowered ominously.
“The fact that people keep saying it doesn’t make it true.” She was coming to hate her bloodlines. “My mother was the last of her line. She died trying to save me, ripping open a portal to hide me in the human world, only I lost my memory when I passed through the void. As far as anyone else is concerned, the bloodlines of the gods are extinct except for the king’s, and I would like to keep it that way.”
Which was technically correct.
He didn’t need to know she happened to be part of the king’s bloodline.
He appeared stunned by the information.
“Send me back.” She kept her voice soft, not quite pleading, and allowed her blades to melt back to simple jewelry.
“No, your presence will only distract them. They will needlessly risk their lives to keep you from harm.” The stubborn man shook his head. “You know I’m right.”
“I’m trained as a warrior, an asset. I can help protect them.”
He thought about it, then shook his head. “They are not worth the loss of your life.”
Morgan was so frustrated by his reply, she stormed away, unable to be near him without giving into the urge to smack him.
“Your mates wouldn’t want you to put yourself in danger. They will come for you when they are able.”
He was partially right. Her guys would move heaven and earth to find her, but the last thing she wanted was for them to enter the primordial realm.
They nearly didn’t survive the last time.
No, she needed to find a way to get back. But first, she needed to stop wasting time feeling helpless, like she was failing them by not being there to guard their backs. Her energy would be better spent getting home.
A vicious howl echoed in the trees, and Morgan whirled. The menace in the sound scattered any thoughts of heading out on her own as self-preservation took over. She’d foolishly allowed her anger to control her, temporarily forgetting the dangers of the primordial realm and the many people here who wanted her dead.
“Run.” The warden grabbed her arm, nearly jerking her off her feet as he dragged her toward the woods.
Morgan didn’t hesitate and did as instructed. “What’s after us?”
“Hunters.” His voice was grim, and Morgan stared at him curiously.
“What are they hunting?”
He scowled, as if she’d asked a stupid question.
They were being hunted, obviously, but… “How would they have found out we were here so quickly? They must be hunting something else, and we were unlucky enough to get caught up in their hunt.”
“Maybe.” But he didn’t sound convinced.
“Could they be after you?”
He immediately shook his head. “Doubtful.”
She snorted at his cockiness. “Why do you say that?”
His eyes flickered toward her for a few seconds, as if he was debating what he should say. “I’ve been in the void for a long time.”
When she opened her mouth, a sarcastic retort ready, he lifted his hand for silence. Despite both of them having supernatural speed, their pursuers were faster. They were slowly being circled.
“I’ll slow them down.” He dropped into a fighting stance, waving for her to keep going. “Don’t stop.”
This was her chance.
She could leave, open a portal without him interfering, and get back to the guys.
Morgan took a step away, but couldn’t make herself abandon the strange man.
He wouldn’t be able to hold off their attackers on his own.
They had a better chance of surviving together.
Damn her stupid conscience.
As if in agreement with her decision, her cuff and rings melted down. It only took seconds for her blades to form. Though her knives were more deadly than any gun in this world, she couldn’t help wishing for the familiar weight of her firearm. “I’m sorry, I can’t let you do that.”
He scowled at her. “I’m a warden. You must obey me.”
Morgan snorted. “Does that really work?”
“I’m your superior. You will obey.” He waited for her to follow his edict.
“Yeah, not happening.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t run from a fight.”
He opened his mouth to argue—more like make another demand—when the first hunters emerged from the trees.
They were not what she was expecting.
They weren’t monsters…they were elves.
She wanted to say they reminded her of Atlas, but she would be wrong. While Atlas was cool and aloof, these guys must have had icicles rammed up their asses. Their hair was a pale blond, the long strands in perfect order. Despite marching through the forest and hunting prey, not a piece of clothing was out of alignment or dared even wrinkle. Their pale blue eyes were cold and assessing as they circled them. One touch would probably cause frostbite.
She didn’t have any expectations of friendship. A good thing, too, since the elves pulled their weapons, moving like a single unit that must have taken years to perfect.
A trace of magic wove in the air, and Morgan was startled to realize it came from the warden. She felt stupid for not realizing sooner that although he could manipulate the magic in the void, it wasn’t his original magic.
The air around him became charged, the need for violence a physical thing she struggled to contain.
It wasn’t her need.
It was his.
A call to battle that was hard to deny.
She felt invincible, which was a dangerous thing in battle.
It could get a person killed.
A feverish glimmer entered his eyes, co
lors bled from them until they were once again black with silver specks gleaming in their depths. He looked untouchable, ready to spread murder and mayhem wherever he went. Only grim determination kept him focused, kept him from launching into action.
The warden came toward her at a rush, his arm outstretched. She tightened her grip on her weapons, uncertain what to expect. When his palm hit her chest, she stumbled backwards, a splash of unfamiliar magic wrapping around her.
Before she could figure out a way to fight it, the world tilted and dropped away, leaving her free-falling for a few seconds, until the ground smacked the bottom of her feet. She stumbled. By the time she regained her footing, the world around her had changed, and she was alone.
Chapter Five
Morgan might still be in the forest, but the bastard had somehow managed to transport her.
She wanted to say he tossed her through the void, but the explanation was too simple. It was as if he moved her from one spot to the next, teleporting her without passing her through the void, effectively blocking her from stopping him.
“You son of a bitch!”
The bastard didn’t even have the courtesy to transport himself with her so she could smack him.
No doubt trying to protect her.
When would the men in her life learn that she didn’t need their help? She wanted to stand next to them in a fight, not cowering behind the idiots.
Even worse, that kind of treatment reinforced her fear that she would never be more than an outsider.
The strange energy faded, her battle rage easing a bit with the distance. She could still feel the thirst for blood sing in her veins, the call to battle, although the need to do violence reluctantly dwindled, and fragments of her reasoning returned.
Whatever species the warden was, he was very dangerous, and a type of being she had never encountered before.
Morgan glanced around her, not sure which direction to take, when she heard the faint sounds of fighting coming from behind her.
She whirled and dodged between the trees, almost taking a header into a large trunk, when she twisted to avoid trampling over a net pinned to the ground. A squawk of outrage came from a dowdy bird caught under the trap, one she barely missed squashing. “So you’re what they were hunting.”
Heart of the Assassins (An Academy of Assassins Novel Book 2) Page 4