Under the Winter Sun (Elemental Enchanters Series Book 3)

by Richards, Carrigan

  Ava twisted out of his strong arms. “I thought I hurt you.”

  “I won’t lie. It stung,” he admitted.

  “Stung?” She was disappointed. She wanted to do more than sting her opponents.

  “It was a joke. It obviously took me by surprise. You did well.” He helped her to her feet.

  “What if I can’t do this when we leave?”

  He frowned and held her eyes with a heavy gaze. “Don’t doubt your strength, Ava. I know you remember what you can do, and I realize you’ve been heavily distracted lately. But you’ll get back to it. You’ll be incredible.”

  “What about healing? Will that ever come back?”

  “It should.”

  She nodded. “I want to kill Sorcha for doing this to us.”

  “I know. We all do.”

  They stayed a little while longer, and Ava’s stomach rumbled. She had a hard time keeping her eyes open.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked as they hiked through the woods back to his car.

  “A little. I’ll eat when I get home.”

  “No, because then you’ll ‘forget’ and I can’t have you doing that. Come on.”

  He took her to a small pizza place that was almost empty because of the late hour. Only a short brunette leaned on the counter, texting on her phone. She smiled, showing off a mouth full of pink braces. Glitter swathed her small eyelids while dark mascara made her lashes clumpy.

  “Hello. What would you like to eat?” she asked in a high chipper voice. She wore a large green off-the-shoulder blouse with a black belt around her thin waist. She was as skinny as Natalia. Her black tights were a little loose around her legs.

  Ava envied her innocence and youthful exuberance. She had missed those days of being a carefree teenager.

  They both ordered and then took a booth near the back. The kitchen had a small radio that played 80s music. The cute server brought them each a Coke and their silverware, and then retreated to the front to continue texting. Ava hoped glitter hadn’t fallen in her drink.

  After a few minutes of silence, Gabriel cleared his throat. “Have things gotten better with Peter?”

  Ava was taken by surprise. “Um. They’re about the same.” She didn’t want to talk about Peter. “So if we can’t do this, we’re Havok’s? I mean, if our souls get reaped, are we dead?”

  “We’ll defeat him. It won’t be easy, but we’ll do it.”

  “What about Sorcha?”

  “I’ll stop time and kill her.”

  “Why didn’t it work when we fought them?”

  “I couldn’t find her. At first, she wasn’t out on the field, then she just appeared.” He looked away, disappointment written on his face. He acted like it was his job to kill Sorcha and he let everyone down.

  “Do you blame yourself for not killing her?”

  He met her eyes. “I’ve tried so many times. It’s like a game.”

  “Like it was with Trudy and me.”

  “Exactly.”

  She shook her head. “How can he have such a huge army? What is he telling people to make them to join?”

  “Some of them are born into it. Or don’t know any better. Or are afraid that if they side against him, he’ll kill them. Which he would.”

  “He’s a lunatic. And they follow every single word of his. Makes me sick.”

  “Makes a lot of us sick.”

  There was a moment of silence. “Thanks for helping me through this. It still feels weird to be around everyone after what I did.”

  He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “I know it’s hard. Over time, you’ll learn to forgive yourself and not carry that blame. You learned from it, right?”

  “Oh yeah. No more Necromancers for me. Or seeking the truth about someone who never even cared about me.”

  Gabriel frowned.

  The waitress returned and placed their pizza in front of them, separating their hands. “Would y’all like a refill on your drinks?”

  “Sure,” they both replied and handed the cups to her.

  “I’m sorry,” he said once the waitress left.

  “Don’t be.”

  The waitress returned their drinks and left them again.

  They were silent while they ate. Ava had eaten almost half of the giant New York style slice.

  “So, when Corbin or Havok showed himself to me, I felt this strange pull. It was like when Devon tried to take my powers. Havok has the ability to spread disease, but Colden could reap souls. Does that mean Havok can do the same now? I mean, that’s why he’s been on a hunt for us. So he can have our powers.”

  “I don’t know. Seems likely.”

  Ava nodded and played with her napkin. “Since my soul is promised to Havok, what exactly does that mean? That I’m supposed to just hand myself over?”

  “Havok can’t take your soul unless you let him. Or he overpowers you. He had every chance to take it when you were in that room alone with him. But he didn’t.”

  “He could’ve. And the more time we sit around, the stronger he becomes. I can’t believe she did that.”

  “We’ll find out why.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not sure I want to know. It makes me feel like I was nothing to her.”

  “Like she abandoned you.”

  “Yes.” Her voice strained, and her eyes watered. She clenched her teeth and gripped the edge of the seat, unable to catch her breath. She jumped up from the booth and left the restaurant.

  The cold air kissed her face, and she inhaled a deep breath. Then, she felt Gabriel take her hand and pull him to her. He wrapped his arms around her, and she let go of her tears.

  They arrived back at the Manor a little after eleven. Ava needed to sleep and contemplated staying there, but she wanted to check on her father. She found Peter in the library next to the fireplace with Katarina and Ilya. A few others sat around at the tables.

  Natalia spotted Gabriel and then her eyes fell on Ava. The look on her face told Ava she wasn’t thrilled to see them walk in together.

  “Thanks for tonight,” she told Gabriel.

  “Where have you been?” Natalia asked.

  He gave her an annoyed look.

  “I’ll see you later,” Ava said and ambled toward the door. She was hesitant to join Peter since he was deep in conversation. She wanted to see if he’d come over later, but she didn’t want him to reject her again. He didn’t even notice that she was there. He was animated when he spoke, almost like Jeremy was when talking about something he loved. Peter gave an easy laugh and Ava decided not to bother him. Perhaps his new friends were helping him through his grief.

  There were too many people inside the parlor. Their voices were too loud and overwhelming. It was hot. Ava cooled herself, but the room still felt suffocating.

  She stepped out, leaned against the wall, and exhaled. She couldn’t go on like this. Peter’s distance. His weird feelings of conflict. The awkwardness. And the constant on-edge tension. He was trying to figure things out. It wasn’t her. He just needed some time.

  Her stomach coiled and the pizza threatened to find a way out. She swallowed the lump in her throat as her ears rang. Her knees weakened, and she braced herself against the wall. Ava clutched her necklace, which began to warm against her skin. She had to calm herself before it glowed.

  “Ava?”

  She silently cursed and looked up to see Lance. “Yeah.”

  “You okay? You look like you’re going to throw up.”

  “I think it’s something I ate.”

  “Do you want me to take you home?”

  She waved her hand and stood up straight. “No, I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? I hope you’re not getting sick like Melissa’s parents. Gillian got sick today, too. Seems like everyone is.”

  “Yeah, my dad’s got the flu.”

  “Has he asked for Savina’s help?”

  She shook her head. “Stubborn.”

  “That doesn’t sound familiar at all.
” A half smile flickered across his face.

  “I don’t have the flu. I’ll just go home, take a shower, and sleep.”

  “I’ll walk you to her car then.”

  She nodded and he took her hand. She squeezed it tightly like it was the only thing keeping her from exploding. He opened the door, and for once, she welcomed the cold.

  “Where is Peter? Why isn’t he with you?”

  She swallowed hard. “He’s inside hanging out with the Russians.”

  “Oh. It’s none of my business, but are you two really okay? Even though I’m dealing with my own stuff, I worry about you.” He nudged her with his shoulder.

  She leaned against her car. “Yeah, we’re fine. He’s stressed because he feels like he has this huge expectation from everyone to fulfill. And of course dealing with Seth’s death.”

  “I’m sure some of the stress comes from Gillian.”

  “She’s not helping.”

  “I know. I don’t like how she’s changed so much, you know?” He leaned beside her.

  “We all have. Even Thomas.”

  “True. Glad he’s not a jerk anymore. What did you and Gabriel do tonight?”

  She felt herself smile. “We went to the waterfall and I created a tornado.”

  “You did?” His eyes widened. “That’s awesome, Ava. Are all your powers back?”

  “Not all, but I’m getting there. This has been the worst six weeks of my life.”

  “No kidding. Funny how we seemed so unsure of it all before. Then when the ability subsides, we learn to appreciate it.”

  “When did you ever feel unsure?”

  “You know, when our powers developed. It was scary. But talking to Melissa helped a lot. I swear, she’s never afraid of anything.”

  “Neither are you. I’ve never seen you fear much.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t share that with anyone but Mel. I’m surprised she never spilled the beans.”

  “Melissa the Gossip Queen.” Ava laughed quietly.

  Lance rolled his eyes. “That woman told me every single thing that anyone did in that school. And it didn’t matter what it was. Some chick wore a gaudy orange skirt, or some dude came to school with a cowlick.”

  Ava snickered. “Cowlick?”

  “I kid you not. Cowlick. What do I need to know that for? I think the next day she brought the guy some gel.”

  She laughed harder.

  “She even bought a subscription to a fashion magazine for a teacher of hers. And then she’d tell me little changes in that teacher’s outfit.” He shook his head. “God I miss that woman.”

  Ava frowned. “Me, too.”

  Lance wrapped his arm around Ava and held her tight. After a few minutes, she left the Manor. When she arrived at home, she checked on her father, who was sleeping on the couch. If he wasn’t any better tomorrow, she didn’t care what he said, she was going to Savina. It had been a week already. She showered, then made herself comfortable in the easy chair. She fell asleep to her father’s quiet snores.

  CHAPTER NINE

  WARNING SIGN

  The small house rested under several dogwood trees. Ava hadn’t been there in months, but with Gillian sick, she thought she would visit and try to make amends. She was tired of the resentment and attitudes.

  She paused once she reached the faded white door. The paint had chipped off in a few places and the porch had seen better days. Ava felt like the boards would break and she’d fall through into who knows what was underneath. Leaves cluttered in the corners near the railing and a wind chime softly tinkled a gentle lullaby.

  Ava rang the doorbell. A few minutes later, an older version of Gillian answered, a smile in her wide blue eyes. Gray hair intertwined with her black curls, and she wore an oversized sweater in an attempt to hide her plump figure.

  “Hey Mrs. Madison.”

  “Well, Ava, come inside. It’s been ages since I’ve seen you.”

  She followed her and looked around at the small dim living room. It was filled with family pictures and a lot of pink. Mrs. Madison was also obsessed with Mickey Mouse. Figurines, pillows, clocks, anything Mickey was everywhere. It was too messy for Ava.

  “I came to see how Gillian’s doing.”

  “Oh, she’s fine.” She waved her hand. “She just misses Jeremy.”

  “She hasn’t been at school this week.”

  Mrs. Madison settled in an old recliner that Ava was sure it would fall apart at any second. “I know.” She sighed. “I try to get her to go, but she refuses.”

  Ava studied her. “She’s not manipulating you, is she?”

  “I’m pretty good at keeping her out of my head now. Would you like some tea? I just made some.”

  “I’m good, thanks. I’m gonna go check on her.”

  “Good. See if she’ll actually get out of that darn bed.”

  She made her way down the hall to Gillian’s room and knocked on the door.

  Gillian mumbled something, and Ava guessed she told her to go away. She rolled her eyes. Opening the door, she found Gillian under a heap of blankets, her hair barely showing.

  “Are you deaf?” she asked.

  “Yeah.” Ava closed the door. “What are you doing?”

  “What’s it look like? Why are you here?” Her irritation pulsated through Ava’s necklace.

  “Making sure you’re okay.”

  “I’m fine. You can go now.”

  Ava let out a frustrated sigh. “Are we seriously going to be like this forever? I’m so tired of it. Melissa and Jeremy are gone, G. We need to stick together as much as we can. So can you please put on your big girl panties and drop the act?”

  Gillian pulled the blanket down and stared at Ava. “Stick together? What like you have the last few weeks? Refusing to come to the Manor to train or be around anyone but Peter. You’re certainly one to talk.”

  She dropped her shoulders. “I know, and I’m sorry. But you haven’t made it easy for me to be around you.”

  Gillian frowned. “I know. I guess I needed someone to blame. Peter was easy. Poor excuse. You don’t hate me?”

  “I never hated you.”

  “I would if I were you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’ve been a bitch to you.”

  “Yeah, you have. But I don’t hate you.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because even though you despise the fact that I’m with Peter, I still consider you my friend. I need you, Gillian.” It was hard for her to say those words, but they were true. She did need her friend.

  “I know. I need you, too. I felt like you chose Peter over us. I mean, for a while it was all about him. Like he was more important. And it pissed me off because I felt like you only wanted to help him out. When Savina brought him into the picture I couldn’t figure it out. But he’s a protector. She brought him in solely for that reason. You got lucky. But he wasn’t good at it. He didn’t train enough.”

  “I know all this, okay? He’s training a lot right now so he can be good at it. You can’t expect him to be an expert already. He hasn’t had eighteen years to prepare like we have.” Ava could still see the blame in Gillian’s eyes. She shook her head. “Look, I came to see how you were. You seem fine so I’m gonna go to the Manor. You’re welcome to come.”

  Gillian crossed her arms in front her chest, refusing to meet Ava’s eyes.

  Sighing, she opened the door and closed it behind her. She walked into the living room and found Mrs. Madison glued to the TV. “I’ll see you later,” she said.

  Mrs. Madison looked up. Ava bent over and hugged her. “You be good and don’t worry about her. She’ll come around eventually.”

  “Yeah. Take care,” Ava said, then left. She felt Gillian’s regret, but it would take more for Ava to make her go back inside. She had tried to talk to her, but guessed Gillian wasn’t ready.

  That night Ava went to the Manor to train. Practicing with the group, she became quicker and stronger with her fighting skills. As
she trained with Gabriel and Lance, she noticed Thomas and Nicole weren’t there. When they broke for dinner, she saw Link heading inside, and caught his hand.

  “Where’s Nicole?” she asked him.

  “She’s not feeling well. I told her to rest tonight and come back tomorrow.”

  She exchanged a look with Lance. “So are Gillian and my dad.”

  Lance scratched his head. “Thomas has been sick.”

  “It is that time of year,” Link said.

  Ava nodded, but something didn’t feel right. She thought about it, and realized a lot of students and some teachers had been out recently.

  “What are you thinking about?” Lance asked.

  She lifted a shoulder. “About how a lot of people are ill. Do you think so many of us are getting sick because we’re vulnerable right now?”

  He grabbed the back of his neck. “Could be. Makes sense.”

  “Let’s go inside,” Link said. “It’s starting to rain.”

  “Don’t like the water messing up your hair?” Lance joked.

  “It makes it frizzy.” Link whined and then they laughed.

  Ava rolled her eyes as they headed inside. She found Peter and made her way toward him. He had a blank stare on his face but she felt his hesitation, confusion, and then frustration.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Nothing, why?” His eyes snapped to hers. He always did that. Then, he’d tell her he was fine, and give some excuse for his behavior. He was exhausted. Or he was fine. Or he needed to go do something.

  “You seem kinda out of it.”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  Ava reached for his hand, but he cleared his throat and raked his hand through his thick brown hair. He avoided her eyes.

  She silently groaned. Why couldn’t he hold her hand? They hadn’t spoken to each other much lately. She was giving him his space. That was what he wanted, wasn’t it? Or did he want space from her? She shook her head. She was letting her insecurities get the best of her. Her emotions were severely off balance.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. I’ve just been in a funk.”