by P. A. Peña
“You can’t disobey orders you weren’t given. Of course, the Alliance doesn’t agree with what you did, but the bottom line is you foiled Nobody’s plan. While Cecelia and the Scarlet Mage did escape, we did manage to apprehend quite a few of their members. And most importantly, no one lost their lives due to your actions. With all things considered, we are willing to continue working with you. We still believe we can guide you on the right path.”
Tears began rolling down Virgil’s face as he looked down at the shiny metal card in his hands. “Why would you do that for me?”
“We are more than just a military force, Virgil,” Roxanne said. “We are a family. Always remember that.” Virgil looked up at Roxanne and smiled. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I can fill you in on the finer details we’ve uncovered. Given what we found at the stronghold and what we’ve recovered from the grimoire, we now know what Nobody’s goal is.”
“Are you serious?” Virgil said, his eyes wide with excitement. “You got into the grimoire?”
“It took quite a while, but Ash and Cordellia managed to break the curse warding it. I hate to admit it, but Cecelia is a powerful witch. Likely an elder. At any rate, Nobody is planning to resurrect someone. Or perhaps something.”
“That makes sense,” Virgil said with a nod. “They had a skull placed on the altar at their hideout. I suppose the demons they had tied up were meant to be sacrifices then.”
“You saw the remains?” Roxanne exclaimed. “What did they look like?”
“It was just a skull, but it had horns curved into spirals. It was big, with sharp fangs, and it had three eyes.” Roxanne let out a heavy sigh, and a frown crept onto her face. “What? Do you know who that is, er, was?”
“Yes, and it is just as we feared.”
“Why? Whose remains were those?”
“Agramel, the Devourer.”
“Agramel,” Virgil said, “as in the Demon Lord Agramel? The one who sparked the Blood War?”
Roxanne nodded. “The very same.”
Virgil ground his teeth as he looked down at his hands. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I should have destroyed the remains. I could have—”
“There’s no way you could have known what they were, and who knows if you would have even been able to reach them in the first place. You’ve bought us valuable time. According to the grimoire, the resurrection ritual must be performed on a solstice and with a catalyst. And not just any catalyst will do. It has to be a Dragon’s Treasure. Speaking of which, I know it must have been painful destroying the Fang of Kayveon. It was the only thing you had left of your father.”
Virgil tensed. “I’ll be okay. After all, there was no other option. If I hadn’t done it, Aurelia and I would have been killed for sure.”
“Well, the Alliance sincerely appreciates your sacrifice.”
Virgil paused as he thought of Daniel. Their fight played out in his mind. Every cut. Every jab. Every chance he missed, because he wasn’t strong enough.
“Is everything okay?” Roxanne asked.
Virgil nodded. “I know I have no right to ask you this, especially after what I’ve done. But if I tell you something, will you promise not to tell Clayton or Aiden?”
“I’m afraid I can’t guarantee that. They are our allies and your leaders.”
“I figured you would say that.”
“That being said, I would still like you to tell me what is troubling you. It is my job as your king and mentor to assist you in whatever way I can.”
Virgil exhaled, and looked Roxanne in her eyes. “My brother, Daniel, he’s the Scarlet Mage.”
“He’s what!” Aurelia shifted in her sleep to the sound of Roxanne’s raised tone. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I thought you said your brother was dead.”
“I believed he was,” Virgil replied. Roxanne fell silent, stroking her chin as she processed the information. “I need to get stronger. If fighting Daniel made one thing clear, it’s that he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to reach his goals. A lot of people are going to die if Nobody isn’t reined in.”
Aurelia turned in her sleep once more, this time with more vigor.
“We’ll talk more about this later,” Roxanne said as she stood up and walked towards the door. “Enjoy this rest, because it’s the last you’ll see of it for a while.” Roxanne opened the door. “By the way,” she said, looking back, “she’s slept by your side every night. We’ve barely been able to tear her away to take care of herself.”
Roxanne left the room, leaving Aurelia and Virgil alone. Gently, he placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a light shake. Slowly she pulled herself up and wiped the sleep from her eyes.
“I was only resting my eyes, Virgil,” Aurelia opened her eyes frantically, nearly bursting into tears as she saw him.
“Don’t cry,” Virgil said. “I’m al—”
In one quick motion, Aurelia leaned over and planted her lips onto Virgil’s. Shock washed over him, leaving his eyes wide open. “I-I’m sorry,” she said, her face flushed red. “I shouldn’t have—”
Aurelia fell silent as Virgil reached over and placed his hand on her cheek. They drew in closer to one another. As they did, their eyes closed as if on instinct. Their lips touched, and they melted into one another. Each second that passed wasn’t nearly enough. Again, and again, they pulled back, only to reposition and lock lips once more.
Virgil’s senses were ablaze. The sweet smell of peaches flooding his nose. The quickening pace of his heartbeat ringing in his ear. The smooth touch of Aurelia’s skin pressed against his own. The divine taste of her lips. His mind stripping away every last article of clothing wrapped around her body.
The doorknob turned, prompting Aurelia to pull back into her seat. “You’re awake,” Logan said as he stepped into the room. “Aurelia, you were supposed to come and get me when he woke up.”
“S-sorry,” Aurelia said hastily. “I, I forgot.”
“No worries. I’m here now.”
“I’m, uh, I’m glad to see you’re okay,” Virgil stuttered. “Olivia didn’t give you too much trouble, I hope.”
Logan placed his hand over his stomach. “She got a few shots in, but I managed to take her down. She was nothing compared to the Unbreakable Fist.”
“I suppose that’s your code name,” Virgil replied. “So, you two have been lifted from probation as well?”
The siblings nodded in unison as they pulled out their licenses.
“I’m the White Lotus,” Aurelia said.
“Well,” Virgil replied, showing off his license, “I definitely have the coolest code name, that’s for sure.”
Logan scoffed. “In your dreams, maybe.”
Virgil paused, thoughts of his father flooding his mind.
“Is something wrong?” Aurelia asked. “You’re not hurt anywhere, are you? I can cast the Saint’s Breath again.”
“No,” Virgil answered. “I’m fine. I was just remembering a dream I had.”
“Was it a good dream?”
“I think so.” Virgil smiled. “Listen, guys. I have something to share with you. The Scarlet Mage is my brother. Daniel.”
Logan took a seat on the edge of Virgil’s bed. “Your brother? I thought he was dead.”
“So did I.”
“How do you feel about it?” Aurelia asked. “I can’t imagine what you must be going through.”
“It might sound odd, but I’m actually okay. That wasn’t my brother. Not really.”
Logan’s brow raised. “‘I’m confused. You just said—”
“I meant he’s not the brother I knew,” Virgil explained. “He’s different now. I wanted to believe he had been bewitched, that he was being forced to do what he’s done.” He chuckled as he shook his head. “Even though I never sensed such a thing in his aura, I convinced myself that it was true. I don’t know what he’s been through, or how he’s gotten to where he is now, but he’s not Danny anymore.”
Epilogue
<
br /> The air was dense. Thick. So much so, it was hard to breathe. Between the mist, trees, and grass, visibility was terrible at best. Nonetheless, Roxanne led the way through the forest.
An immense pressure cascaded upon Virgil. Each step felt heavy, as if his feet were weighted down. Had it not been for his previous training with Roxanne, the forest would certainly have crushed him the moment he stepped foot into its borders. He slipped. His knee thumped against the ground, and he grunted as a shooting pain surged through his leg.
Roxanne glanced back. “It’s not too late to turn around.”
Virgil took a breath. “I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said, as he pulled himself back to his feet.
Roxanne nodded, and the two of them continued on. They moved closer and closer to an immeasurable aura off in the distance. The two cleared the forest and found themselves in an enormous field. White flowers stretched across the plain, and the sky was as gray as steel. Most notable, however, was the tremendous tiger that lay sleeping. It had white fur and long blade-like spikes sprouted from its back along its spine.
Roxanne approached the tiger. “Father, I’ve come to see you.”
Slowly, the beast woke up, turning its attention to Roxanne. It yawned, and a gust of wind nearly toppled Virgil over. “Roxanne,” Ateus replied. “It’s good to see you.” Ateus tilted his down, and an irritated scowl washed over his face as he looked at Virgil. “I see you’ve brought a guest as well. You do remember that mortals are forbidden in the Aetherial Realm, don’t you?”
“Forgive me, but I need to ask a favor of you.” Roxanne turned to Virgil, giving him a nod.
“Ateus.” Virgil stepped forward. “I come seeking your guidance.”
Ateus leaned in closer to Virgil. His eyes were as white as cotton, and he glared with an intensity that eclipsed the sun. “Those merely seeking my guidance need only pray to me. You, a mere mortal, have invaded my home. You have stepped foot on holy lands. Laid eyes upon that which you are not worthy to behold.” Ateus groaned. “You want a lot more than my guidance, boy.”
Virgil swallowed the lump in his throat. “I’m sorry,” he began. “You’re right. I do want, no, I need a lot more from you. If you would be so kind, please teach me allostry.”
END
Acknowledgments
Writing Inassea Chronicles: The Blighted Flame has without a doubt been a journey. It has been a long road filled with a multitude of ups and downs. At times, it felt as if I would never be here writing these words . . . but here we are.
To my loving wife, Seantel. Words cannot express the love and gratitude I feel for you. Without you, none of this would be possible. You believed in me before I had the confidence to believe in myself. You pushed me to pursue my dreams. You’ve heard every idea. Every plotline. Every concept that may or may not ever see the page. Thank you for all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do. You’re the greatest!
To my critique partner, Senita. Working with you has been a truly amazing experience. Growing up, I was never the type to share my work. Writing groups in school were never my thing, and I dreaded anytime I had to participate in such a thing. You, however, changed that. Your insight and advice have helped me grow as a writer, and I’m truly grateful.
To Sam. Hiring you to critique my work was one of the best decisions I could have made for my book. Without you, Inassea Chronicles: The Blighted Flame simply wouldn’t be what it is today. Furthermore, it was you who introduced me to my editor when I was struggling to find one. I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve helped me with.
To my editor Jocelyn. Thank you for all of your work polishing up my
book and helping me ensure it was ready for publication. You came highly recommended, and you surely did not disappoint. It was a pleasure working with you, and I certainly hope to do so again in the future.
And finally, everyone reading my book. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means the world to me that you would find my work intriguing enough to pick it up and give it a shot. There are so many other things you could be doing instead, and so, it warms my heart to know you have chosen to spend your precious time reading the words I have written. I hope you find them enjoyable, and know as I continue to write, it is you I am thinking of.
About the Author
P. A. Peña is an author writing adult science fiction and fantasy novels. He discovered his passion for writing as a child, however, he initially planned to be a mechanical engineer leaving writing as merely a hobby. It wasn't until he made it to college and received a push from his wife that he decided to seriously pursue his passion. Patrick currently resides in Michigan where he was born and raised. If he isn't writing, he is likely playing video games, watching anime, reading, or spending time with his wife and daughter.
For more information, visit www.patwritesbooks.com.