by Jen L. Grey
“Didn’t she cast out her brother and leave him behind to become a prisoner?” Aithne motioned at Joash and arched an eyebrow.
“But he deserv….” Hestia stopped herself and became quiet.
“Exactly.” Aithne lifted her worn cane and jabbed it in the Seer’s direction. “The same thing with her. My older sister betrayed our family, and the only thing that may connect us in any way now is blood.”
The Seer cackled and smirked. The sound was terrifying, and she looked even creepier with her mangled teeth. “Oh… Don’t flatter yourself.”
“Oh, don’t think I’m proud of it.” Aithne wrinkled her nose in disgust. “I wish every day that I never knew you.”
“How are you in so much better shape than her?” Cinder glanced from one sister to the other. Her forehead furrowed.
“That is a long story.” The Seer closed her eyes and smiled.
If Fury had thought the Seer was terrifying before, right now she was a living nightmare.
“A story that should be shared immediately.” Aithne snapped her free hand and motioned to one of the guards in the back.
“Well then, please let me have the pleasure.” The Seer tugged at her hands, but the rope didn’t budge. “How are these ropes still enchanted?”
The doors opened in the back, and one of Aithne’s guards walked in with a chair.
Aithne pointed to a place against the wall, and the guard set the chair down beside her.
“Because they were specifically designed for this day.” Aithne sat and leaned over to rest her cane against the wooden wall. “But please, go ahead. I’ll interject where I see fit.”
Do you think that we’re being played? Fury connected with Cinder, needing to know what page she was on.
Let’s hear them out. Tension was evident in her voice. I have a feeling we’re about to hear one Hell of a tale.
Chapter Eight
Cinder
“I love telling stories.” The Seer licked her lips and took a deep breath.
“Oh, I believe that.” Aidan’s contempt couldn’t be hidden by his voice.
Pele glared at him. “Stop. Let’s hear what she has to say.”
“So, after the kingdoms had split and the Southern Pyr King banished those who wished to head back North, the wanderers didn’t have anywhere to go but further south toward the dictator’s lands that they’d all fled.”
Fury’s hands landed on Cinder’s shoulders. His apprehension increased hers further. Sometimes it was a bad thing to be so in tune with your mate.
“You see, the kingdom of the Dictator's was draining and gobbling all the magic around it.” Her eyes glanced at Aithne and Aidan, and a small smirk quickly flitted across her face. “Including the people who lived there.”
Oh, gods. Pele’s shock registered through their link.
Cinder’s stomach dropped. “Wait.” Her head jerked toward Aithne. “Does that mean you were part of the original group that was cast from Southern Pyr?”
“Yes, I was,” Aithne said as she stared off deep in thought and pointed at the Seer. “And so was she.” She leaned back in her chair as if the past was too heavy on her shoulders.
“So that’s why your flames are black and don’t appear to be as strong as ours.” Brenton tapped his fingers on his leg. “But the kids have deformities.”
“That’s because they’re still being drained.” Aidan ground the words through his teeth.
“But that can’t be true.” Fury’s hand tightened on Cinder’s arm. “The Seer’s flames are bright orange.”
“And one reason why she and I are now enemies.” Aithne shook her head and closed her eyes. “I don’t know how, but she somehow escaped being drained and ran off from us all to hide in that volcano.”
“I’m a good survivor.” She laughed as if those words were a joke.
“Well, let me tell you, Aithne looks to be in way better shape than you.” Aidan smirked and ran a hand through his short, black hair.
The Seer’s smile dropped, and she pulled at her arms once more. “You’ll pay for that.” She spat at the ground and hissed. “Wait until you see me at my height of power. You’ll regret those words, I promise.”
“I hate to say this, but I agree with Aidan.” Joash appeared from the back and stood on the other side of the room. “Magic only hides what’s underneath. This is you, and it’s ugly.”
“How dare you?” She pulled her arms upward, trying to break through the rope, but it held.
They were goading her, but right now, Cinder wanted more information. “She may not be drained, but something isn’t agreeing well with her.” The black magic that had tried to take over when she was close to death rose in her mind. “Perhaps something dark.”
“No…” Aithne’s voice croaked, and she gasped. “Please tell me you haven’t gone that far off the deep end.”
“Oh, sister, it’s not dark.” She closed her eyes and raised her head. “But soon, Pyr will be everything it can be.” The Ancient One began laughing even harder than before.
“That’s enough.” Fury tugged Cinder closer to him. “She isn’t going to give much more than what she already has.”
Joash nodded and walked over to assist Aithne. “He’s right. Let’s get going.”
It took a moment for Aithne to acknowledge their presence again before she stood. “Yes, let’s get going. I can’t be around her much longer.” As she walked out the door, she stopped in front of the two guards. “Do not let anyone in to talk to her and most importantly, keep an eye on her at all times.”
“Of course,” both guards murmured in unison.
They walked the rest of the way back to the common area in silence. Cinder couldn’t believe that not only did they get fooled by the Seer, but she was damn crazy on top of it.
As they reached the building, Cinder noticed that Aithne seemed to be more hunched over than normal, and she had dark circles under her eyes. The emotional toll seemed to have gotten the better of her. “I know there is a lot to discuss, but I don’t have it in me tonight,” Aithne said.
“Of course.” Cinder could only imagine what it would be like to learn something awful about her sister. Granted, she and her sister didn’t spend a lot of time together. Yet, even with her being groomed as heir, she and her sister had been able to have a more normal life, though their paths didn’t cross often. For that matter, she hadn’t talked to her father and mother in ages. The thought left an empty hole in her heart. She thought they would check in. “Go rest.” And that brought to mind another issue. Where were they going to stay now that they weren’t trapped in the volcano?
“Thank you for understanding.” Aithne bowed her head at Cinder. “Joash, take them to the two vacant homes next to you. I’m sure you can figure out the sleeping arrangements yourselves.” She shuffled off, not even saying goodbye.
“Where are you staying?” Aidan arched an eyebrow and leaned back so he was standing on his heels.
“In the house next to your old place.” Joash took the lead and headed south. “Yours is one of the vacant ones she was talking about.”
This section opened to another span of houses, but the painting on the ceiling here was so different. It was Pyr, but this one seemed to rumble with power. Mount Cinder stood tall, but now there was lava spewing out so much higher than it had been. There were phoenixes in flight around it that were varying shades, but one was the lightest orange she’d ever seen. It almost looked yellow.
That is amazing. Fury linked to her. Do you think that’s the great king?
Maybe. That would explain several things. Why do you think she drew that here?
To remind us of what we lost? Fury slowed as he studied the painting.
“We better hurry.” Joash hadn’t slowed and seemed unaware that he was leaving them behind. “Aithne likes to wake early.”
“Now that’s a very true statement.” Aidan chuckled and stayed close to Pele. “When she’s ready to get moving, she expects everyone el
se to be ready, too.”
“How do you know what time it is down here?” Hestia craned her neck just so she could see the whole painting.
“You must get acclimated to the earth’s pulse.” Aidan pointed to the ground and kicked at it. “It works best starting out barefoot.”
“Are you messing with us?” Pele bent to the ground and picked up some loose dirt.
“No, I’m not.” Aidan placed his hands over hers so she held the dirt in the palm of her hand. “In Pyr, Mount Cinder controls our cycles, the dirt has the same rhythm as the lava. Close your eyes and connect to it.”
Pele followed his instructions and was silent for a moment.
“Is he right?” Brenton grabbed some dirt himself and examined it.
“I don’t feel a thing.” Pele sighed and pulled her hand from his, dropping the dirt back on the ground.
“Don’t worry.” Joash rolled his eyes and chuckled. “I’m still not good at it.” He pointed to a house. “This is where I’ve been staying. I have one other room if anyone wants to stay with me.” He pointed to a house on the left. “This is one of the vacant houses she was talking about and that,” he said while pointing at the right of his house, “is the other house that is vacant. Each one has two bedrooms.”
“I’ll stay with you Joash.” Hestia’s cheeks reddened, and she picked at her nails. “If that’s okay.”
“It’s fine.” Joash gave a sincere smile to Hestia. “Come on, let’s go get some rest. I have a feeling we all need it.”
“Yeah, okay.” Her face lit up, and she followed him in the direction of his house. “See you guys soon.”
“Which one is your place, Aidan?” Fury reached over and placed an arm around Cinder’s waist.
“That one.” Aidan pointed over to the one on the right.
“Okay, Cinder and I will stay in the other one.” Fury pointed to the other vacant house and stopped. “If that’s okay with her.”
A small giggle left Cinder. “Of course it is, and honestly, I’m ready for some sleep.”
“I’ll stay in the same place as Cinder.” Pele secured all her daggers and wiped her hands on her pants.
“That means it’ll be me and you.” Brenton grimaced but headed toward the house. “Let’s just get this over with.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay with me?” Aidan’s dark eyes seem to plead with Pele.
“Yeah, I need to be close to her.” Pele’s voice softened but stayed firm. “I’m her guard after all.”
Not saying another word, Aidan turned and walked into the house.
“Great, I hope he’s the silent and brooding type,” Brenton mumbled under his breath.
“Well, in the volcano, I would’ve said you had nothing to worry about.” Fury shook his head and gazed where Aidan had just been standing. “But after today, I’m not quite sure.”
“Right now, I think we all need rest.” Cinder wasn’t sure that would change anything, but at least they could decompress.
“That I can agree with.” Brenton reached down and ran some dirt through his palm again. “I’ll see you later.” He closed his hand, trapping some dirt, and followed after Aidan.
I hate to do this, but do you mind giving me a moment with Pele? Cinder could tell her friend was under duress and seemed torn.
Of course. Fury’s voice sent chill bumps down her back. But I won’t be far. I’m still leery of everyone.
So am I. Right now, all Cinder wanted to do was curled next to Fury and sleep the last few flickers away. So much had changed. We won’t be long.
“I’m going to go check the place out before you two enter.” Fury walked off quickly so that Pele couldn’t object.
“That’s my job.” Pele pouted and stretched her arms.
“Sometimes, it’s okay to let someone else take charge.” Cinder wanted to lead the conversation to where Pele would feel as if she was the one who brought it up.
“Not when you’ve promised to lay your life on the line.” Pele dug her shoe into the ground. As she leaned down, she opened her hand and rubbed it along the ground, smoothing out the dirt. “Do you think he’s telling the truth?”
“About what?” Cinder wanted to make sure they were on the same page.
“Feeling the pulses from the volcano.” She stilled her hand and closed her eyes. “I can’t feel a thing.”
“I don’t think he would’ve lied, do you?” That’s the thing about mates. It’s impossible to lie to them because they know their mates better than they know themselves.
“It makes it easier that way.” Pele’s normal strong voice sounded unsure for the first time.
“Why are you fighting the bond so hard?” Cinder had wanted to ask that question for a while but wasn’t sure how to bring it up. Now was the perfect chance. Sometimes, it was during trying times that the truth came out. It festered until there was a breaking point.
“Because I have to protect you.” Pele began doodling in the dirt with her finger.
“Having a mate doesn’t mean you can’t protect me.” Cinder wanted her friend to be happy and not miss out on anything. “It could make you stronger.”
“How so?” Her blue hair hung down and contrasted against her pale skin. Pele was beautiful inside and out.
“Remember how I fought Fury?” Now it seemed so stupid for Cinder to have done that. It seemed so natural, and somehow, she knew they would figure things out, no matter what happened.
“Of course I do.” Her hand stopped drawing circles, and she turned her head toward Cinder. “But I didn’t understand until now. What made you decide to give in to the bond?”
“It was when you almost died.” Cinder equally loved and hated thinking back to that moment. It was bad because she almost lost Pele, but it was the exact time when she realized how precious life was and she was wasting valuable time with her mate. “It really put things into perspective.”
“But if I give in, I’m afraid he’ll become more important to me than you.” Pele stood and dusted off her hands on her clothes. “I can’t let that happen.”
“Do you think Fury is more important to me than my own kingdom?” Pele didn’t realize that having a mate in her life didn’t mean that her job became less important.
“No, that’s not what I meant.” Pele shook her head and lifted a hand out in front of her.
“I’m not saying you did, but you have to put it into the correct perspective.” Cinder had to be delicate with how she handled this conversation. If it went the wrong way, it could cause more harm to Pele and Aidan’s bond than good. “You don’t lose your ambition, drive, and duty when you succumb to the bond. It makes you stronger to do it. I’d have been dead earlier if it hadn’t been for Fury.”
“So you’re saying that if I stop fighting my connection with Aidan, it won’t change me?” Pele glanced toward the house where Aidan was staying.
“No, it doesn’t change you.” Cinder thought back on her time with Fury. “Your priorities are the same. You just have someone to rely on and gain strength from.”
“Okay.” A spark lit inside Pele that Cinder hadn’t seen in a while. Pele took off toward Aidan. “Good night.”
Cinder watched as Pele broke into a run and raced inside the opening of their house. She was sure that tomorrow would bring a lot of changes. Her eyes glanced to where Pele had drawn circles into the dirt. She smiled and bent so she could smooth the dirt. When her bare hand touched the ground, something reached out and connected with her. It almost felt like a heartbeat charged through her.
Chapter Nine
Fury
It was hard for Fury to leave Cinder, which was ridiculous since she was with Pele. But after he had been so close to losing her, he felt like he needed to be a stage five clinger.
Buying time, he inventoried the house. It wasn’t anything to marvel at. He wasn’t sure if the wood would hold if something horrible happened. There were cracks all through it, and it seemed flimsy. In his kingdom, they used rock t
o build their homes, which helped them stand the test of time.
The room with the opening was pretty bare except for two chairs that sat in the middle and a long wooden chair made for two on the other side. There was a little table with knobby legs centered with a few books resting on top of it. The kitchen area was in the next room, and it had the standard things needed by any phoenix, like a cauldron and an herb chamber, even if it was rustic looking. In the corner of the little room was a rickety round table with four seats surrounding it. This place must have been built with the idea of a small family living here. There was a short hallway off the kitchen that led to a section behind the open area.
The hallway ended with a bathroom that was barely big enough for him to fit in. It was a good thing that phoenixes couldn’t take baths because there was no way that one would fit in the house.
There were two bedrooms right across from each other. They each contained a bed and a tiny closet. That was it. How did people live like this? As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Fury was ashamed of himself. These people have lived this way their entire lives, and he was complaining about having to stay in it a day or two.
Footsteps sounded from the opening room, and his mate connection flared to life. There was no mistaking it when his mate was near. He knew that Cinder would want to check it out as well, so he waited in the bedroom on the left. It did seem a little larger than the one on the other side.
It didn’t take long before Cinder’s smoky scent hit his nose. She stepped into the doorway and glanced around. “Wow, this place is small.”
“It is,” Fury said as he glanced around. “Where is Pele?”
“She went to Aidan’s.” A large smile spread across her face before it turned into a yawn.
“That’s why you wanted to talk to her.” He didn’t blame her. Pele had been fighting the bond for a long time. It was time someone intervened and got her head on straight.