Successor

by Rae Miles

  I pull in more air, the burning in my lungs starting to fade. I feel everything—the ground with its grass and stones beneath me, the night air settling around my sweat-coated body. Everything aches, down to my fingertips.

  How am I alive?

  Evan…

  Again, the whisper of death. It comes from somewhere in the back of my mind, faint yet with an indestructible strength. It pulls me.

  Evan…

  What? I ask. What do you want?

  Feel, it says.

  Feel? I can feel everything, every inch of my being. I can feel my mind, too, filled with a chaotic jumble of conflicting emotions: confusion, elation, regret, agony, hope. I feel too much. What else is there?

  Feel…here.

  My mind grows quiet, and my focus falls to a warm tingling in my chest. I bring my hand to it, my arm heavy and stiff. A hard ridge rises beneath the fabric of my vest, and I realize the warm tingling isn’t in my chest—it’s on my skin.

  Reaching my fingers under the edge, I pull out the pendant my father gave me. Heat radiates from the silver triangle, circuits of color racing along the interwoven lines in a beautiful blur. The pendant is full of energy. It’s full of power. My breath catches.

  The Nexus Key.

  It’s here. I hold it in my hand. I’ve had it all this time.

  But how? This pendant was a gift from my father. He gave it to me months ago. How could it be the Nexus Key?

  Sianne, the voice whispers. My heart skips a beat.

  Of course. It was the one thing she had left to do, and she made sure it would come to me, her successor. My heart skips another beat.

  The voice wasn’t death coaxing me down. It was the Link pulling me through.

  The Link…is in my head.

  I wasn’t dying before. I was assimilating.

  I’m an elemental.

  My heart races so fast it could burst in my chest. I close my eyes and wrap my hand around the Nexus Key, squeezing it in my fist.

  It happened. I’m an elemental now.

  Yes, the voice—the Link—responds. Now rise.

  Noise comes crashing in on me, and my eyes wrench open. My head feels twice its weight as I struggle to lift it, everything stiff from whatever the assimilation put me through. My stomach drops.

  Chaos erupts around me. Everything is a jumble of legs and torsos with arms wielding knives and axes and staffs. With every strike of a weapon and smack of body on body, waves ripple through the air. They collide with each other, and the noise of battle escalates into an overwhelming sea of static too thick to see through.

  My eyes squeeze shut, and I drop my head to the ground. It’s the sound waves. They’re as clear as ripples in water, but there are so many they’re blinding me.

  The noise. There’s too much noise.

  Focus, the Link commands.

  I can’t. My teeth grind, my jaw clenched. I can’t see.

  Concentrate. Turn it off.

  I swallow hard and open my eyes, focusing through the expanding lines of the waves to the canopy above me. I struggle to define the outlines of the leaves, the shadows the firelight creates behind them. But the waves keep coming, crashing into each other and overlapping.

  A frustrated groan vibrates my throat. I can’t break through.

  Find the control, the Link says. They follow your will.

  Steadying breaths, in through my nose, out my mouth. The Link is right. Sound is my aspect. The waves are mine to control.

  This time I focus on the waves themselves, willing them into transparency and to thin from my sight, like smoke fading away on the wind.

  Fade, I command. Fade.

  Fade…the Link repeats.

  To my amazement, the waves thin and fade until my vision clears. My breath rushes out in huff, and I can feel the Link’s relief, too. A strange thing, feeling emotions not my own. Not overwhelming as I’d expected. Instead, the Link’s presence gives me a renewed sense of strength and hope; empowerment.

  Rise.

  With energy surging through my veins, I roll to my side and shove up on my hands. The sight of what I was blinded to before makes me gag.

  Carnage surrounds me. Bodies litter the ground, beaten, bloody, and broken. Laraek and outlander alike, it’s difficult to tell which is which. Across the clearing are two faces on the ground I recognize. Tavahni and Leksoi. New mates who had their entire lives ahead of them, now gone.

  Their future stolen. Because of me.

  Ren lays a few feet from me, his eyes glassy and empty, staring at nothing. Stones dig into my knees and the cut on my palm as I crawl across the grass to him. Grief and guilt make me shake all over, and I lift my hand to his cheek. His skin is cold and hard, nothing like it’s supposed to feel. Sobs wrack my body and I collapse next to him.

  I failed him. I failed them all.

  No, the Link whispers.

  I take in the chaos around me through bleary eyes. “This is all because of me. Everyone is dying because of me.”

  You can change things.

  “How? How can I possibly fix this?”

  Change, it says. Return.

  Return? “I don’t understand.”

  Return, the Link repeats, and undo what has been done.

  A shiver races up my spine, and realization almost knocks me over. “Show me. Show me how.”

  Focus, it says. Always focus on the point.

  The right moment comes to me, and I set my mind on it. With one last look at Ren, I close my eyes. “Do it.”

  At first, nothing happens. The sounds of fighting still fill my ears, and I wish nothing more than to shut them out. Instead I focus all my concentration on the one point I need. The image turns over and over in my mind, and I block out everything except that one moment.

  A low hum fills my head, and everything in me starts to tingle. I concentrate harder and the noise around me fades before coming back in strange, staccato beats. They remind me of reverse piano strains, starting quiet and light before building to a crescendo and ending abruptly. The heaviness of a backward pull fills me, and I open my eyes, gaping in utter awe.

  Everything is reversing. Weapons swing back instead of forward. People are pulled apart instead of colliding. Lacerations close with no evidence they were ever made. The peoples’ mouths move in a strange way, too.

  The dead on the ground come back to life, rising like ghosts to reclaim what was taken from them. A wave of relief falls over me as Tavahni and Leksoi rise like the rest. I look away, not wanting to watch how they were killed. It doesn’t matter now. It won’t happen again.

  The reverse battle swells as the numbers grow to the original count, and I know I’m nearing the point in time I’m returning to. My legs are stiff as I force myself to my feet, and I tense as an outlander backs into me. But he moves right through me. I’m the ghost, not them.

  A pull bids me from across the clearing to the Laraek’s side. I move through countless outlanders and Laraek until I’m standing where I need to be. The beginning of the fight passes and everybody is back on their separate sides of the clearing. Then comes the moment when Taustin ordered the Sahasrara Orb to be destroyed.

  My body rises from the ground, followed by my raging attack on Taustin. Trapped air burns my lungs as I wait, my tears ready to fall. Taustin’s swing reverses, and there it is.

  Ren. Alive.

  A shuddering exhale escapes me, and tears spill down my cheeks at the sight of him on his knees, his eyes full of life.

  He’s alive!

  Prepare yourself, the Link warns, cutting through my elation.

  I wipe the tears from my face. The union ceremony to Taustin comes undone, thrilling me. Ren and Ryka rise to their feet, the knife removing itself from her abdomen and flying back to Taustin. The tense conversation between the two men reverses, and Ren recedes into the shadows, leaving Ryka unaware of his approach. It’s down to the last moments. I close my eyes and brace myself.

  The backward pull slows, the staccato
sounds fading. Then all goes quiet, and I jerk at the sudden feel of falling. My eyes spring open and I gasp. Everything is back to normal.

  Well. As normal as things can be when you’ve just reversed time.

  Disorientation makes me sway, and Kais’ steadying hand lands on my shoulder. He eyes me with uncertainty. I blink a few times to clear my head, then give him a nod. His hand falls away, replaced by Zaeza’s. She has Leila’s arm slung around the back of her neck.

  “Please reconsider your decision. The security of the Nexus Key is more important than the Laraek. Doing this is not worth the risk.”

  My hand lifts to grasp the pendant around my neck, hidden from view. The key vibrates, warm against my skin.

  They cannot know.

  The Link is right.

  My hand finds Zaeza’s instead. “The key is safe, I promise. He won’t get anywhere near it.” A reassuring squeeze. “Now go warn the elders.”

  As before, she and Gilahn share a look before they turn and head back toward the village, followed by the sentries Kais sends with them. And like before, I watch them leave. But this time I don’t worry I’ll never see Leila again. I know I will.

  “Wait for my word.” My gaze turns to Kais. “This isn’t over.”

  A crease forms between his brows, and he searches my eyes. He must see something different than before, for his expression clears, and he casts a warning look to the others.

  Taustin wears the same expectant scowl when I face him. Without a word, he lifts the ball in his hand. Except now, it’s nothing more than a simple toy.

  I bet you’re glad to be out of that.

  You have no idea.

  The corner of my mouth twitches.

  Leila is safe. And I’m an elemental now.

  Taustin has nothing over me. In my mind, the Link and I grin as one.

  “Your pledge, Bonder.” The growl in his words reveals his impatience.

  The shadows behind Ryka are too deep for me to see Ren, but I know he’s there. I need to make my move before he makes his.

  Here goes nothing, I warn the Link.

  A handful of steps brings me to the center of the clearing. Squaring my shoulders and lifting my chin, I meet Taustin’s gaze with an even stare. “No.”

  A silent beat passes between us, and his eyes widen as a laugh grates in his throat. “No?” His brow twitches upward, challenging me. “Do not forget, Bonder, I hold your very life in my hand.”

  “If surrendering it will protect everyone from you, then so be it.”

  Fury lights his eyes and he growls, “You pledged your word to me.”

  Ironic, the Link remarks.

  A derisive smile pulls my lips wide. “I lied.”

  Without knowing whether it will work, I thrust my hand out. The Link hums in my mind, and a vibration travels down my arm to my fingertips. Like a flash of lightning, waves shoot from my hand in a concentrated stream toward Taustin. Instead of hitting him, they strike my real target—the ball. It explodes in a blast of plastic and purple fluid. Taustin whips away and covers his face. A cacophony of shocked gasps and yells erupt from both sides of the clearing, followed by silence.

  Murmurs rise behind me, words steeling my will.

  The Laraek have found hope.

  Please don’t let it be misplaced.

  My stare at Taustin is filled with challenge. He turns and looks back at his empty hand, glistening in the firelight. He cocks his head, assessing me as he shakes what remains of the ball from his hand, flinging away small pieces of plastic and liquid.

  “I must admit, you had me fooled. You appeared every bit a bonder.” He shakes his hand again, and this time red coats his fingertips. A gash mars his palm, but he pays it no mind. “You must realize this changes nothing. I will cut through every Laraek until I receive the Nexus Key.”

  I shake my head slowly. “I’m not going to let that happen.”

  He sniffs. “Elemental or not, you do not have the power to stop me. You see, I have an advantage you will never overcome.” His eyes narrow. “You lack the ability to kill. You are weak, just as Sianne was.”

  An unexpected swell of anger fills my chest, and I realize it’s coming from the Link. I may not appreciate Taustin’s insults toward my mother, but the Link is far less accepting. After all, it was bonded to her, and from what I’ve been told, the connection was strong.

  Easy, I warn. This could backfire.

  Sianne had more strength than he will ever know, it replies.

  My lips press together. I know.

  Movement in the trees behind Taustin catches my eye.

  Ren.

  Trying to warn him off could expose him. If what happened in the discarded future is any indication, nothing I say or do will stop him from going after Taustin. He has a vendetta, and now that he knows I’m an elemental, he has no reason to hold back. I just hope the element of surprise is enough.

  All the times he startled me come to mind, and I almost laugh.

  He is good at what he does, the Link comments.

  No arguments here.

  Ren’s shadow moves closer and I lift a shoulder. “You’re right. I’m not going to kill you.” I look back to Taustin. “But it doesn’t mean I’ll stop someone else from doing it.”

  Ren lunges, bringing a knife to Taustin’s throat and jamming one of his arms behind his back. Taustin lets out a startled grunt, and the outlanders whip toward him like an angry horde, drawing their weapons, ready to attack. The Laraek stir in confusion, and I hold my hand out to halt them.

  Ren is just as weak as before, which puts him at a definite disadvantage. But if anyone is going to kill Taustin, it’ll be him.

  His gaze meets mine, a hint of pride coloring it—pride for me. The corner of my mouth twitches, but my eyes narrow, and I shake my head. I’m not any happier about him being here now than before.

  “Don’t think I won’t kick your ass for this later.” I point at him, then say to Kais over my shoulder, “I need to have a few words with your mate.”

  Comprehension falls over Taustin. His expression alters, turning snide. “This must be the Laraek’s great defense commander,” he says in a strained voice, his eyes searching to one side. “Much time has passed since we last met.” Ren jams his arm farther into his back, and he grunts. “Pity it did not remain the last.”

  “You can blame your arrogance.” Ren leans closer to his ear. “I assure you the past will not be repeated.”

  Taustin makes a noise in his throat. “It would be an improvement over your father, but that is not difficult to accomplish.”

  I grit my teeth, wanting to send another blast toward Taustin. I picture him erupting like the ball, and a dark satisfaction fills me.

  No, the Link whispers, and a cooling fog rolls into my chest, taking the edge off my anger. It is not our way.

  My lips pinch together. This whole emotional control thing is going to take some getting used to. The Link is right, of course, but I still want to see him suffer.

  “What do you know of accomplishments?” Ren’s grip on the knife tightens, his knuckles turning white. “You have yet to obtain the one objective you have strived for since I was a child.”

  “Some goals are worth the wait, such as your death.” A muscle twitches in Taustin’s jaw. “I look forward to finishing what was started.”

  The corner of Ren’s mouth quirks. “You are welcome to try. Perhaps then you can restore your incompetent reputation.”

  Taustin starts to chuckle deep in his chest. My scalp prickles. Ren and I look at each other.

  Not good. My limbs start tingling.

  “Indeed,” Taustin replies.

  He throws his head back, colliding with Ren’s cheek. The knife pulls away from his throat, and he rips his arm free. Before I can react, he turns and slams his fist into the gash in Ren’s shoulder, sending him stumbling back with a pained growl erupting from his throat.

  “Attack!” Taustin’s command rips from him.

  �
��Now!” I yell and thrust my hands forward, willing the Link to follow my lead.

  My adrenaline surges as streams of concentrated waves shoot toward the charging outlanders, striking several and knocking them off their feet. I rush forward with the rest of the Laraek, but something slams into my side and sends me to the ground, knocking the air from my lungs. I whip around to find Kais with his arm wrapped around my waist and breathing hard. An arrow sticks out of the top of his shoulder. His jaw tightens as he reaches up and yanks it out, giving me a quick nod, as if to say, “Think nothing of it,” and gets to his feet.

  Still on the ground, I look up, and my adrenaline spikes again. Chaos surrounds me, and the sound waves from the fighting ripple through the air, blurring my focus.

  Concentrate, I tell myself. Fade.

  I repeat the word over and over, willing the waves to dissipate like steam, and soon they start to clear. Relief fills me until I catch glimpses of Taustin and Ren going after each other. My heart rate jumps, and waves blur my vision again.

  The surges of adrenaline and panic are affecting my concentration. They need to be kept under control or I’m as good as dead.

  Want to give me a hand here? After all, the Link has a knack for keeping my emotions in check.

  A current of calm flows through my chest, and the waves clear from my vision.

  Concentrate or it will falter, the Link warns.

  I shove to my feet, grabbing a discarded staff from the ground. Kais clashes with an outlander, yelling in protest as I take off toward Ren.

  Doing my best to dodge swinging staffs and flailing limbs, I’m halfway across the clearing when two outlanders rush me. Pressure builds in my chest, and I thrust my hand toward them, a charge shooting out and knocking one on his back. The waves reverberate on impact, blurring my vision before clearing. The other is on me before I can strike out again, and I lift my staff to block the axe he swings down at me.