Kingdom of Ruins

by Jen L. Grey

  That’s the thing. The only thing that mattered to him was her. “I disagree. I need you with me.”

  “And I could’ve come back. We can’t risk Hestia and Pele’s life for our own selfish reasons.” Her face softened, and she took a step closer to him. “We’re leaders for a reason, and at times, we have to put their needs before our own.”

  Those words hit him hard, but he couldn’t agree that she wasn’t more important. “I get that, but right now, I feel like we all need to be here and on the same page.”

  She stepped into his arms and stood on her tiptoes, pressing her lips against his.

  These were the best memories he’d ever had. He didn’t have any good memories before her. The one that had stood out within his mind until he met her was the day his parents had killed him during his first life cycle. They had hoped to bring someone more calculated and manipulative back, but he was the exact same. Just wiser to his parents’ true intent. “I love you, so I can’t apologize for saving you.”

  A small, sexy chuckle left her lips. “Just promise we make big decisions together.”

  “I promise to always make the important ones with you.” Even if it meant saving her. Those last few words stayed put inside his own mind where they were safely tucked away.

  Those few moments of togetherness were enough to replenish some of the energy inside him. Even though he didn’t want to pull away from her, he leaned back and brushed his fingertips over her lips. “Let’s go find the others and let them know what’s going on.”

  With her eyes shining a little brighter, Cinder took a step back and nodded. “Yes, let’s go find Hestia and Brenton. They need to know what happened.”

  Even after all this time in the cave, when Brenton’s name was spoken, it crawled underneath Fury’s skin. It wasn’t even the fact that he had claimed his mate for his own at this point. It was that he only looked out for himself. The only thing that he had going for him that Joash didn’t was that Brenton didn’t try to be manipulative and was okay being left out. He just wanted to exist, which made him the worst kind of coward.

  However, they were all in this together right now, but Fury wouldn’t go out of his way to help or protect Brenton. Maybe if the Seer came flying toward him, they could all fly faster than him, leaving him to his own demise.

  Cinder intertwined her fingers with his and pulled him down the hallway. “They’re at the opening.”

  Any luck with anything? Fury tapped into the conversation that Hestia and Cinder were having.

  Nothing more than usual. Hestia sighed. We can’t find anything that’s different from all the other times.

  Each time when only a partial group was called by the Seer, the others would try to find a way out of this volcano. They’d never been comfortable allowing the Seer to call all the shots, so they’d been trying to find a weakness in the barrier.

  We’re heading down to our room if you want to join us. Cinder tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice, but Fury knew better. Something happened, and we need to find a way out fast.

  You can’t leave me like that. What happened? Hestia’s anger rose enough to feel it through the connection.

  The Seer tried to force Cinder to use more of her power or kill her. In his mind, the ancient woman really didn’t care one way or another. It was a means to an end, whatever that might be.

  Is everyone okay?

  Fury tugged on Cinder’s hand, leading her down to the bedroom that they had agreed to meet Aidan in. Let’s just say…

  Everyone is fine. Cinder arched an eyebrow at him and placed her fingers to her lips. That’s all that matters. We need to regroup right away.

  We’re on our way. Hestia faded out from the link.

  “We’ve got to find a way out of here and fast.” Cinder bit at her bottom lip and glanced around.

  Cinder

  They didn’t have a ton of time before the others would be here. Cinder ran her free hand along the black volcanic wall that seemed to have jewel sparkles throughout. Her hand slid across the rough igneous rocks that had a myriad of colors from teals, pinks, and purples. This was the one thing she loved about this place; if anything. Mount Cinder didn’t have walls like these even if it was more powerful.

  “Hey, are you okay?” Fury’s brown eyes warmed her soul more than flame ever could. They were a dark brown and in the right light almost the color of the powerful rock they all worshipped.

  She needed to tell him about the twisted darkness that had turned violent and angry, but now wasn’t the time when the others would be there so soon. “Of course. It was just a lot of shit that went down all at one time.”

  “That is an understatement.” Fury’s large rough hands reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her plush against him. “Seeing you like that was awful.”

  It was silly, but in all this, she hadn’t even considered what it would’ve been like to see him like that. Now that she had calmed down, she knew without a doubt she would’ve done the exact same thing for him. “I’m sorry I got mad.” She turned now that they were at the large amethyst that would allow them entry into the girls’ room and held her palm against it so the hidden door opened. “I just don’t want to lose you either, and with you already being down a life just makes it that much worse.”

  “Do you think it’s fun for me to think of losing you and having to try to patiently wait and watch you grow?” He narrowed his eyes at her and grinned. “I need more adult time before that happens.”

  She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped. Even in dire times, he was always able to make her smile.

  Cinder! Pele’s strong frantic voice filled her head. We’ve got a problem.

  Not missing a beat, Cinder included Fury into the mind link. What’s wrong? Are you okay?

  Yes, I’m fine. There was a pause and then a groan. I… I don’t know what to do.

  Fury glanced down the hallway as Hestia and Brenton appeared at the other end. Just tell us what’s going on.

  The Seer has come to, and she wants to talk to you both, especially Cinder. Pele’s thoughts filled with concern. I don’t know what to do. She promises to explain everything if you both return to the training room; alone.

  There is no way in Hades I’m bringing Cinder back there to her. Fury balled his hands into a fist and shook his head.

  What exactly is everything? Cinder had to know what the old one was offering. She hadn’t offered them anything of her free will so far. Right now, she had to repair the damage she’d done so maybe they could learn something... anything. There was so much going on, and none of them had a clue as to what was actually going on.

  Absolutely not! Fury’s voice was so loud that it rang in their heads. Why are you even suggesting it Pele?

  Because… For the first time ever, Pele’s voice cracked. She promised to explain why Aidan is different and why you both are soul mates.

  We’re on our way. Cinder had made up her mind. They were locked here anyway, so it wasn’t like the Seer couldn’t come and find them. At least, right this second, she was allowing them to feel as if they had some sort of control, so they needed to grasp it and make it worthwhile. Because who knew if there would ever be another chance at trying to get answers.

  Chapter Three

  Fury

  If Cinder thought there was any way he’d let her go back, she had another thing coming. “You are not going anywhere.”

  Hestia’s warm eyes met Cinder’s. “What’s going on?”

  “We’re heading back to the training grounds.” Cinder took a few steps toward both Hestia and Brenton.

  “Like Hades we are.” Fury rushed in front of Cinder, knocking Hestia aside against the hard stone wall.

  “Watch it,” Brenton yelled as he pushed Fury back hard. “You’re going to cause someone to get hurt.”

  “No, I’m fine…” Hestia forced a grin and raised both arms.

  Of all the times, now was when Brenton decided to get heroic. “As if you can talk.�
�� Fury’s body began convulsing, and his shoulders became rigid.

  Something hard smacked into his shoulder, forcing his attention back to Cinder. “Did you just hit me?”

  “Someone has to be the voice of reason.” Cinder placed both hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at him. “Stop being a dimmy. This is what the Seer wants.” She motioned toward the four of them and then to the training area. “She wants us to fight one another so she can get ahead.”

  Begrudgingly, Fury had to admit this was probably the case. However, he wasn’t willing to say those words to her right now.

  “Why would you think that?” Hestia took a step closer to Brenton and kept her focus on Cinder.

  “Well, Pele asked for me to return to the training grounds.” Her eyes were staring back at him full force. No one had the ability quite like Cinder to render him completely speechless. “Do you think she would just willingly want me there? The Seer’s playing mind games.”

  “You’ve just now realized it?” Brenton huffed and ran his fingers through his hair. “She’s been doing it all along, but she has increased her efforts the past few days.”

  “So what does that mean?” Hestia tapped her foot and let out a sigh.

  “I don’t know.” Cinder mashed her lips together and stared down the path. “But we have to figure it out… together.”

  “Fine, I’m not thrilled about this.” It hurt Fury to admit it, but he also knew her words held merit. “But you’re right.”

  “Thank you.” Cinder spun around to begin her trek back to Pele.

  Fury reached out and grabbed her hand. “However, we’re going to be doing this together, side by side.”

  Her shoulders straightened as she spun back around to him.

  Cinder

  Every ounce of her was ready to fight him tooth and nail. It’s not like he could prevent something horrible from happening to her. However, when her eyes landed on his face lined with worry, she couldn’t help but soften toward him. “Of course we’ll face her together, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take a few steps away on my own.”

  He opened his mouth to reply but stopped short. “Come on, let’s go. We’re wasting time.”

  “You guys lead the way.” Brenton stepped to the side so they could pass him and Hestia.

  Well, at least some things haven’t changed. For a second, Cinder had wondered if Brenton might be becoming less of a dimmy.

  The four of them began the walk back toward the training grounds in complete silence. The only sound that could be heard was the brush of their feet against the smooth stone floor.

  Within several longer flickers, they returned back to the training grounds. The odd thing about the training grounds was that it never appeared the same way more than once. It was as if the Seer could create whatever vision was needed for whatever the objective she wanted accomplished. In their first days here, each time she had made it seem that the area was some sort of cave or tunnel. Then, the next sessions it seemed to be more like the homes they lived in while training with their fire or swords. And most recently, it had been wide open air so rocks could fall or water could pour down from the sky.

  However, this was the first time the place appeared to be of another land. There was green stuff that looked like grass covering the ground and trees that appeared to be as tall as Mount Cinder itself.

  There was a table that looked like it was made of wood with seven chairs circling it. The Seer sat in one chair that faced the direction from which Cinder and the others arrived while Aidan sat in between Pele and the Seer.

  Pele’s face was sullen, and her blue eyes peered up toward Cinder without her lifting her head. Aidan’s hand was in hers, which was a first. They were mates, but Pele forced herself to keep her distance for Cinder’s protection even if it wasn’t what Cinder wanted.

  Aidan’s black eyes were focused directly on the Seer, and he wore a mask of indifference so much more than Cinder had seen from him before. She’d never seen anyone look at her with the amount of disgust that was clearly written on his face.

  “I’m so glad you decided to come and talk with me.” The Seer’s face had a large bump on the side from where Pele must have hit her. But even within the short amount of time Cinder had stood there, the bump was growing smaller.

  “It’s not like we had much of a choice.” Cinder was tired of whatever charade they were playing. They must figure out a way to finally get ahead of this woman.

  “Oh, dear. It’s not like that.” The Seer’s face smoothed into a grin that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m sorry about earlier. Please, sit and let me explain.”

  The last thing Cinder wanted to do was sit with this woman, but Pele asked her here for a reason, and it was apparent that she was beating herself up over it. At the very least, she still needed the Ancient Woman to continue thinking she was calling all the shots.

  Stop this flicker. Fury opened the link between them. We aren’t getting close to that woman.

  Not missing a step, Cinder kept her eyes steady as she joined her at the table. We still need to give her the illusion of control and to allow her to believe that we still… trust her. It’s the only way to find a way out of here.

  She’s right. Brenton side-stepped Fury and sat on the other side of Pele. This is about surviving right now.

  Fury’s bitterness laced every word. Of course, you’d think that.

  Hestia paused for a moment and glanced between the others and Fury. I’m sorry, but they are right.

  Fury

  In flickers like these, it made him realize that the group revered Cinder as their true leader which was fine under normal circumstances. Just not now when she was wrong.

  The Seer stood with grace, but there seemed to be something off with her power. Her skin wasn’t quite so smooth, and there was a line between her eyebrows. “I figured out of everyone, you would be the one to hold back the most. After all, I almost hurt your other half.”

  “Hurt?” He snorted while his whole body tensed. “Is that what you want to call it?”

  “Fury…” Cinder narrowed her eyes at him.

  “No, it’s fine, dear.” The Seer giggled and quickly glanced at Cinder. “Let him speak.”

  Please don’t do this. Cinder’s voice cracked, and she stared straight into his eyes.

  Of course, that was his undoing. “Let’s be clear that I’m very upset over what happened.” Even though it went against his every instinct, Fury knew that Cinder was right. They had to gain the upper hand. “And it goes against everything I believe in to be standing here.”

  I’m sorry, Fury. Pele’s voice was full of remorse. I shouldn’t have asked for her to come, but it wasn’t just about Aidan.

  Enough. It was rare for him to use this tone, but he didn’t have time to listen to all of Pele’s excuses. “Yet, for her,” Fury said as he pointed to Cinder, “I’ll do what she asks, but make no mistake, if you pull anything like you did earlier, you won’t have another chance like this.”

  “Understood.” Anger seemed to flare in the Seer’s eyes, and she quickly glanced at the ground.

  “So, go ahead.” Aidan leaned back in his seat like he was about to watch an amazing show. “Please, tell us what you promised Pele that she so desperately had to know.”

  “Don’t be an ass.” Hestia frowned and crossed her arms.

  Cinder flipped her long blonde hair to the side and focused on the Seer. “No, Aidan is onto something. You called us here. Why?”

  When the Seer stepped toward Cinder, a cold shiver ran down Fury’s back. It was hard to keep himself in check, but he moved behind Cinder’s chair and placed his hands on her shoulders. This is the closest to sitting I’ll get.

  A chuckle echoed in his mind. That’s fine, she was expecting you to do worse.

  “Now that you’re all here, I guess it’s time to share my story.” The Seer’s musical voice seemed to have dulled and was more of a lullaby. “Where should I begin?”

  “The
beginning is usually the best place to start.” Aidan leaned toward Pele but turned so his full attention was on the Seer.

  The Ancient Woman’s eyes narrowed into slits before she took a deep breath and laughed. “Well, there is a reason that the two of you are soul mates.”

  “They complete one another.” Hestia smiled as she stared at Fury and Cinder.

  “Of course, child.” The Seer reached over to pat one of Hestia’s hands before Brenton shifted so that his body blocked the Ancient One. The Seer stopped short and moved back a few feet. “But it’s time for the kingdom to be united. That’s why I’ve been pushing your bond so hard.”

  That’s skatá. Pele glared at the Seer and took a rapid breath. “Why now?”

  “Because the power of the kingdom is growing wilder, and the cycle of the volcano has begun to turn chaotic.” The bump was now completely gone from her head, but there was something different crawling underneath her skin.

  “That’s bullshit.” Brenton stood from his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Nothing strange has been going on here.”

  “It’s because I’ve been protecting us,” the Seer huffed as she began a slow pace in front of them. “It’s been hard, and that’s why I lost control earlier. I’m so…” The Seer glanced at Cinder. “Sorry.”

  You’re not believing this, right? Fury linked to everyone but the Seer and Aidan.

  Of course not. Cinder lifted forward in her seat and smiled. “I’m so sorry we doubted you. I’m sure it’s been hard, but getting back to your point from earlier, why now did fate choose Fury and me to be mates?”

  “Oh, dear.” The darkness seemed to recede some from the Seer, and her usual glow appeared back in its place. “It’s fine. I hate that I allowed myself to grow so weak. It won’t happen again.”