by Jen L. Grey
I understand. I don’t want to split up either, but we have our people to consider. Cinder flew closer to him, their flames touching. Also, we need a moment with our parents to tell them about each other. We can meet back up at the territory line later on.
That is a valid point. Hestia’s quiet voice spoke up. I’m not thrilled about it either, but we need to check on our families.
They were all teaming up against him. He didn’t like it, but hell, they had a valid point and a plan to meet up several flickers later. Fine, but we only separate for half a volcanic cycle, no longer.
You should know that’s a given. It’ll be hard enough being apart from you that long. Cinder’s sincere words were filled with love.
A new raspy voice entered the mix. Where will I go?
Fury couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Aidan, you can talk with us? That meant Aidan considered himself one of them and thought of Cinder and Fury as their leaders.
Yeah, it’s no big deal. Aidan huffed and became silent.
It is to us, but of course, you’ll be coming with Pele, Brenton, and me. Cinder made it sound so matter of fact it was hard to argue.
That’s what I was hoping for… His voice trailed off, and he took in a deep breath. Do you think they’ll accept me?
Whether they liked it or not, he asked a valid question. Thankfully, Aidan’s flames were now more blue than black, but he still appeared different, and phoenixes weren’t a fan of change. Fury wasn’t sure what to say to make him feel better.
You realize it doesn’t matter what they think? Cinder’s words were filled with determination. We accept you as one of us, and I’ll make sure everyone else does, too.
I told you we’d have her support. Pele flapped her wings hard to catch up to the others.
Aidan didn’t respond, but he continued at a steady speed.
If we’re heading back to South Pyr, we should split off from the others now. Every time Joash spoke, it was as if he dreaded it.
Fury hated that this was, in fact, true, but this was the best course of action. Fury linked only to Cinder using their mate bond. If you’re late, I’m coming for you.
Cinder
Those words sent shivers throughout her body. She knew this was the last thing he wanted, but it was the best course of action. Get Hestia to look for answers while you speak to your parents. When we meet back up, we can then determine our next steps. There was no way she trusted Joash enough, to be honest, if he were to find critical information.
Don’t worry. Fury’s tone had an edge. I don’t trust Joash either. I’m not sure if I will ever be able to again. Keep our link open and please be careful.
I love you. That’s all Cinder could say. They didn’t say it often because they both knew it. But with the distance, she had to make sure she said the words.
Love you, too. Fury grazed his flames over her once more and turned, heading east. Come on, let’s go.
Be careful, Hestia. Brenton called after them.
Hestia turned around and raised her phoenix head in his direction. You too.
Cinder found it hard watching Fury leave, so she did the only thing she could do. She faced onward, hoping that they didn’t make a grave decision splitting up.
Chapter Thirteen
Fury
When they neared their Kingdom, Fury couldn’t believe his eyes. Not only was the temperature the same as the outland areas, but the grass was longer and higher than when he left, and trees had popped up everywhere.
Oh, no. Hestia stilled for a moment in the air before catching her breath. What’s happening?
More of our magic must have left. Joash flapped harder, increasing speed.
At this point, Fury struggled to fly, but adrenaline filled him. He had to hurry and check on everyone.
Within a few flickers, the kingdom appeared, and people were out and about, still performing their work as always. But their shoulders were slumped and their skin seemed pale.
Something was wrong, and Fury knew it had to be connected with the Seer. He pushed himself harder and saw the castle that he shared with his parents come into view. Both of you go see your father and check on him. Fury then linked solely to Hestia. And when you can, go down to the library and see if you can find something.
I’ll go as quickly as I can. Hestia promised, and both she and Joash flew back to their home.
It was strange. He didn’t view it as home, anymore. He landed within the opening of the Royal Chambers and headed off into the study where his parents normally sat.
Mother? Father? Are you here? He didn’t want to spook them. After all, it had been a while since he’d been there.
Fury? Shula’s pretentious voice answered his call. What are you doing here?
What a great way to reunite with your parents after you’ve spent so much time apart. It’s not, ‘Hey, we’ve missed you,’ or, ‘We’ve been worried about you.’ Checking on you and Father. He opened the study and found Shula sitting on the couch, her dark hair pulled up into a phoenix twist and a book open in her lap.
His father was sitting with his legs crossed on the opposite chair, scanning a book of his own. Cane’s hair was almost the same shade as his mother, and his small hips were accentuated with how he sat. He placed both feet back on the floor and shut his book. “Are you back for good?”
That was a trick question, and he wasn’t sure how to answer. “Not for good, but to help figure out why all the power isn’t being drained from our lands.”
His mother chuckled and leaned back in her seat. “You think you’ll be able to figure it out just like that? We’ve been looking for volcanic cycles, not flickers.”
“Yeah, but I already know the person causing the problems.” He was tired of how they spoke down to him. “Do you?”
“Did you come back to give us attitude?” Cane slammed the book on the chair and stood. “If so, you can turn around and go again.”
“I won’t be leaving until this has been reversed.” If it weren’t for his people, he wouldn’t have come back.
“You’re not King yet.” His mother stood and looked down her nose to him. “What the Hades has she done to you?”
“You mean the same person causing this disaster?” He couldn’t believe his parents. They’d always acted like this, and it bothered him then. But now… it was unacceptable. “That’s what tends to happen when you try to use people.”
“No, she couldn’t.” Cane stopped in his tracks, and his brow creased. “The Seer wouldn’t…”
“She was isolated for a reason and held us prisoner.” Fury couldn’t wait to get back to Cinder and awake from this nightmare. “Didn’t you ever think about why you couldn’t reach me?”
Cinder
Pele flew ahead while Aidan was traveling behind Cinder. It seemed silly to Cinder, but as soon as they got near the territory border, Pele was insistent that Cinder had to be protected. There was no telling where the Seer was and if she had allies.
Brenton, for once, didn’t hover in the center with her but rather on the outskirts, though still in between Pele and Aidan. At least he was making some progress.
When the border appeared, Cinder somehow wasn’t shocked. She had figured that all of Pyr was being bled dry from its magic. There was grass growing across the border into North Pyr. There had never been grass there before. They had all made such a mistake idolizing the Seer. The Ancient One that knew all. What a bunch of ice.
I expected your kingdom to be a little more barren. Aidan’s shock registered through the bond. I mean... His gaze went to the volcano.
Trailing his gaze, Cinder was surprised at what she saw. The once vibrant, explosive volcano hummed more than rumbled, and the smoke trickled from the top instead of its once marvelous, constant flow. How is this possible?
It’s the Seer. Pele’s anger flowed off her flames like the once volatile Mount Cinder. What has she done to our kingdom?
Without her power, what will come of us? Brenton’s voice
cracked with fear.
Cinder reached out to Fury. It’s bad here.
There was no response at first, which worried Cinder until his deep, strong voice finally answered. It’s not great here either. However, the worst point is my parents. I’ll be coming to you before long, and then Hestia can meet us later.
Are you sure that’s wise? Cinder didn’t want to discourage him, but she was trying to put his people first. That’s what rulers were expected to do.
Yes, I’m about to lose it here. He paused for a moment and sighed. You’re my home now.
A small smile spread across her face. You’re my home, too. I’ll see you soon. She had to find her parents right away. There was much to do. As she turned her focus back to the problem at hand, the black inky presence from before appeared right inside her mind. It was odd because the last time it did this, she was almost dying, but here it was while she was strong.
It brushed against her like it used to, its icy black tentacles almost massaging her mind. It felt nice; even the cold. It was almost alluring, but soon the tentacles began poking instead of resting.
She flinched and cried in pain, but it didn’t stop. It continued its pressure and to infiltrate her.
The others around her seemed unaware of her agony almost as if her cries were only internal. She wasn’t sure how to fight it off. The probing soon turned into digging as it slipped inside her mind. She screamed at the top of her lungs, and a dark laugh took over her brain.
A male’s voice sounded as rain hit flames. It’s time for me to rise again. Soon, Amaria will be mine once more.
The End
About the Author
Jen L. Grey is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Fantasy genres.
Jen lives in Tennessee with her husband, two daughters, and miniature Australian Shepherd. Before she began writing, she was an avid reader and enjoyed being involved in the indie community. Her love for books eventually led her to writing. For more information, please visit her website and sign up for her newsletter.
Check out my future projects at my website. www.jenlgrey.com
Also by Jen L. Grey
The Artifact Reaper Series
Reaper: The Beginning
Reaper of Earth
Reaper of Wings
Reaper of Flames
Reaper of Water
The Pearson Prophecy
Dawning Ascent
Enlightened Ascent
Reigning Ascent
Stand Alones
Death’s Angel
Rising Alpha
Stones of Amaria (Shared World)
Kingdom of Storms
Kingdom of Shadows
Kingdom of Ruins
Kingdom of Fire