Under the Burning Stars

by Carrigan Richards

  “What’s it like being an Elemental?” Marcel asked.

  Ava jumped from his sudden appearance. She didn’t hear him get up. She crossed her arms and bit her lip. “Fine, I guess.”

  “Which one are you?”

  “Water.”

  “What would Devon or whoever started this want with you all?”

  “To use our powers. But Devon is dead so there is no one else out there.” She only said that for his benefit. No way was she going to let a stranger know what she really thought.

  “I don’t believe it. And I can tell neither do you.”

  Could he read her mind? She didn’t feel comfortable around him. “I never said anything otherwise.”

  “You’ve seen death.”

  She looked up and met his eyes. “What?” He certainly has a knack for conversations, she thought sarcastically.

  “I know you’ve seen death.”

  “I was there when Devon died. So yeah, guess you can say I have.”

  He shook his head. “It’s deeper than that. Emotionally.”

  She tensed and her pulse quickened. “What are you getting at?”

  “It was your mother wasn’t it?”

  “I don’t like talking about it.”

  “She was murdered.”

  She clenched her fists and tried to calm her breathing. Who was this guy? Why was he so interested in her mother’s death? “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “There’s something else.”

  Ava was getting angrier.

  His eyes went blank and he stared off into space. Okay, so this guy was seriously not right in the head. Then, his eyes turned a ghostly white, almost as if his eyes glowed. Her breath hitched and she stepped back.

  “I see her standing next to Corbin,” he said.

  “What?”

  “She was a Cimmerian.”

  She slapped him across the face. “How dare you?” Why was he spouting off nonsense as if he was some sort of possessed demon? She wanted to attack him but she felt arms behind her holding her still.

  “Ava, calm down,” Gabriel whispered in her ear.

  “What happened?” Rene asked.

  She watched Marcel, whose eyes had returned to normal. He looked at her apologetically. “How dare you? My mom was not one of them.” She struggled against Gabriel’s grasp but he jerked her against his hard chest and held her still.

  “Breathe,” he murmured.

  She inhaled a deep breath and let it out.

  “Marcel, sweetie, why would you say that?” Rene asked him.

  He shook his head. “I saw something. It wasn’t clear though.”

  Ava began to relax and Gabriel loosened his grip. She batted away tears. “Please take me home.”

  “We are so sorry, dear,” Rene said.

  “I’ll be back,” Gabriel told them. “Tell Joss and Eric.”

  “Of course.”

  Gabriel took Ava’s hand, and like an automatic reaction, she closed her eyes. When she opened them, they were standing in the backyard of the Manor. They stood for a moment, Ava gripping his hand trying to calm down.

  “I’m sorry for that,” he said. His voice comforted her and she realized she was still holding his hand.

  She let go. “It’s not your fault. Why would he say that about my mom? What did he mean he saw something?”

  “Marcel is a Percipient. He perceives images or memories from a person. The images he picks up doesn’t necessarily have to be something that that person has experienced or even knows about. And they aren’t always true. Sometimes he tends to take it a little far. Like you experienced tonight.”

  Ava shook her head. “How does he pick up images that sometimes aren’t real?”

  “I think sometimes the images just get jumbled.”

  “He made me feel so uncomfortable. He kept staring at me.”

  “Yeah, he unfortunately does that with new people. It’s kinda his way of getting to know someone, but he comes off as being very forward.”

  “That’s an understatement.”

  Gabriel gave an easy smile. “I really am sorry. We should have warned you.”

  “It’s okay. Thanks for bringing me back.” She walked by him, and then turned around. “And Gabriel?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Thanks so much for today. It really was fun. I needed it.”

  “Anytime.” His eyes held a heavy gaze, and then she looked away. A second later, he was gone.

  When she walked inside, she thought about going to the library but didn’t feel like it. She was tired and just wanted to rest. Or maybe she was feeling a little off after what just happened.

  Why would Marcel say that about her mom? There was no way she was a Cimmerian. Maybe Gabriel was right about the images getting confused.

  She opened the door to her room and jumped once she saw Peter sitting on the window bench. Her heart skipped a beat. “Peter.”

  “Hey.” He stood and crossed the room. “Where’ve you been?”

  “New Orleans.”

  Peter arched an eyebrow. “Oh? For what?”

  She shrugged. “Just needed to get away.”

  “How did you—.”

  “Gabriel.”

  “Oh.”

  She wasn’t sure why she felt awkward around him all of a sudden.

  Peter sighed. “I’m not mad at you, Ava, and I don’t regret this at all. I freaked out and I’m sorry. I just never thought I’d have to protect myself against people I’ve always known. And then they looked at me like I was diseased or something once they saw my necklace.”

  “I know. That’s something we’ve had to deal with for a long time. But you can’t just leave like that when something happens. I told you this wasn’t going to be easy. I warned you. I thought you understood—.”

  “I do, Ava. It’s just different than what I expected.” He moved closer. “I don’t know how to explain it. I’m sorry for how I acted. It won’t happen again.”

  “This isn’t over, Peter. I don’t care what the Elders say. We haven’t seen the end of all of this and I need to know that you’re really committed to this.”

  He reached up and held her head in between his hands. “Yes. I am. I love you, Ava and I will protect you.” He kissed her. The electricity buzzed inside her. She had missed the way his warm lips moved against hers. And the way he touched her face. She felt his want and desire.

  His lips trailed along her jawline to her neck. Her heart pounded faster with each kiss. “I’ve missed you.” Peter wrapped his hands around her hips and pressed her against the door. Her necklace warmed against her skin as she let out a low moan.

  And then Thomas’s anger set in.

  Peter groaned and pressed his forehead against hers, their heavy breaths mixing. “This sucks.”

  Yeah, it did. They had to figure out how to hide it from everyone. Or maybe Thomas needed to learn to deal with his anger.

  “So how was the trip?” Peter asked.

  “It was good up until the end. I’d never been to New Orleans. It’s so beautiful there. And alive. Like you can feel the energy buzzing all around you.” She looked up and he was smiling. “What?”

  “You’re so adorable when you talk about something you like.”

  She smiled. “I really wish you came with me.”

  “I’m sure we can go back together. It’s a great city.”

  “You’ve been there?”

  “Yeah. So what happened at the end of the night?”

  “Joss, Eric, Gabriel, and I went to see some of their friends. Everything was fine, I guess, until Marcel came in the room. The rest of them went to do shots, so then it was just Gabriel, Marcel, and I guess his boyfriend Rene. I don’t know.”

  “Are you okay? You’re tensing up.”

  “It was just unexpected. Marcel kept prying into my life. At least he could tell I had seen death and started talking about my mom. Then he said she was a Cimmerian.”

  “Dark Enchanter, right?”
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  “Yeah. Well, I kinda slapped him.”

  Peter raised his eyebrows.

  “It shocked me. I didn’t know what to do or say. He said he just saw an unclear image.”

  “How?”

  “He’s a Percipient. Apparently, he is very intuitive to people and can tell what they’ve been through or sees images of that person that aren’t necessarily true. I don’t know. The whole thing was creepy and he made me really uncomfortable.”

  “That would creep me out, too. Did he explain it?”

  “No, I wanted to leave right then and there so Gabriel took me back. He said Marcel is always like that and that they’re just used to him.”

  “Does your dad know him?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t seen my dad. I came straight here and then saw you.”

  A smile tugged at his lips. “It’s a great ending to an awful day.”

  His lips brushed against hers, so soft and warm. His fingers tickled her neck, which sent her heart into overdrive. Every touch made her kiss him harder. She felt the wall against her back and then anger began to swell inside her. It was overwhelming.

  Peter drew back a couple of centimeters, but Ava held him from going further. “I feel like he’s standing here watching us.”

  “I know. We just have to learn to block it.”

  “I’m assuming that’s easier said than done. How have Melissa and Lance managed?”

  Ava thought for a second. “Good question. I should find out their secret. It won’t always be like this, though.”

  “Why don’t we go on a date?”

  “Like a real one?”

  He chuckled and met her eyes. “Yes. We need to get out together. Just one night worry free. Just us.”

  Ava felt her lips stretch into a grin. “Okay.”

  “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow.” He kissed her once more and then he moved toward the door.

  “You aren’t staying?”

  He smiled. “I would love to but I shouldn’t. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Ava didn’t want him to go and knew it was because of Thomas’s anger. Damn these necklaces. Ava wanted to send Thomas a message telling him to stop being so angry, but didn’t. She decided to go to bed since it was late and she had been out all day, but her mind flashed with Marcel and the things he said.

  Who was he to call her mother a dark Enchanter? There was no way her mom would ever stand next to Corbin.

  But then she saw her mother. Her confident smile and her warm gray eyes. The sun shone high above in the bright blue sky and Ava laughed with her mom. Then everything turned dark. It was cold and her mother’s smile turned menacing and her eyes emotionless.

  Ava jerked awake and clutched her necklace. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the same thing. Her mother becoming dark.

  She had tossed and turned. Stared at the clock. Then, finally just gave up. She needed something to occupy her mind. Other than her mom being a Cimmerian. Like that had ever happened. Marcel was wrong. But why did she still have a nagging fear that he wasn’t?

  Maybe she needed to research Percipients. Just to see how right they were. It was almost like an automatic reaction that she headed for the library. It was still dark outside, but it was late and the sun would rise soon. Ava walked inside and found Link, asleep, on an open book. She gently nudged him and he shot up with frantic eyes.

  “Sleep well?” she asked.

  He rubbed his face. “What time is it?”

  “Almost four.”

  “Damn. What are you doing up?”

  “Can’t sleep. I need to find some information about Percipients. Have you read any?”

  He yawned. “Yeah.”

  She sat across from him. “So what did you learn?”

  “Just that they see images of things that happened to a person or someone related to them.”

  “How true are those images? I mean, can’t they sometimes be wrong or just see something random?”

  He pursed his lips in thought. “I guess it’s possible. I don’t know. From what I’ve read it sounded like they were pretty dead on with the things they perceived or saw. Why?”

  Could Marcel have seen something true? There was no way her mom stood next to Corbin. She was not a Cimmerian. Could she find answers at the Cruciari? Would that be possible? “Look, I had a somewhat rough night last night and I need answers. I know I said I didn’t think it would benefit us to go to the Cruciari, but I think we should go.”

  His eyes widened. “You’re serious?”

  “Yeah.”

  “What changed your mind?”

  She shook her head. “I just need some answers.” She didn’t want everyone knowing her mom could possibly have been a dark Enchanter. Of course, she could always ask her dad, but felt it wasn’t right. Would he even know? He would have told her though.

  “Okay. When should we go? What all do we need?”

  “I’m not sure. But we need to make one thing clear.” She held his eyes, making sure he understood her. “No one finds out about this. Ever.”

  “Okay. Why don’t we leave this Saturday? It’ll give us a week to prepare.”

  “Too soon.”

  “How much time do we need?”

  “I don’t know. When the time is right.”

  He’d been right all along that they should go. Ava still wasn’t sure it was such a great idea and wasn’t sure they would actually find out any information but if anything, it was something to take her mind off of things.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  DATE NIGHT

  “I look ridiculous.” Ava stood in front of the oval full-length mirror tugging at the hem of her dress trying in vain to make it longer.

  Melissa released a frustrated sigh and smacked her hand away. “Would you stop? You look fine and Peter’s gonna love it.”

  “We’re going to see a movie. Why do I have to dress up?”

  “Omigod. Didn’t Thomas ever take you anywhere nice?”

  “Maybe once.”

  “Well, it’s good to see you dressed up. And stop adjusting the skirt.”

  “It’s too short.”

  “That’s the point.” She rolled her eyes.

  “Whatever. Where are my shoes?”

  Melissa held up black patent shoes with long skinny heels that looked more like weapons.

  Ava shook her head. “I’m not wearing those.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I’ll tower over Peter and I don’t wear heels.”

  “You do now. Come on. He’ll be here any minute.”

  “Fine.” She put the shoes on and wobbled a little as she stood. “If I break my ankle tonight I’m kicking your butt.”

  “You’ll be thanking me when this night’s over.”

  Ava stared at her. “You know Peter liked me before all this.” She gestured to the short leather dress with cap sleeves that Melissa made her borrow.

  “And now he won’t be able to keep his hands off you.” Melissa gave a sly grin.

  Ava could feel her cheeks warm. “We aren’t going to do that. But how do you and Lance hide it from everyone?”

  She lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. We just tune everyone else out and only pay attention to our feelings. I guess everyone ignores us. But since you and Peter are new and well, Thomas hates him, it might take a while.”

  “There has to be a way. I mean, we can’t feel any of the Elders or Gabriel and his coven. Just their presence.”

  “I know it must be hard, but just try not to let it overwhelm you. Practice on blocking it. Like the first sign when you start to feel it, push it away and focus on what you want to feel.”

  The doorbell rang and Ava heard Mrs. Rollins answer through the closed door. Ava’s pulse quickened once she heard Peter’s voice. Melissa’s excitement about the evening made her more nervous.

  Ava walked out and met Peter in the living room.

  “Wow.” He raised his eyebrows and Melissa nudged her.

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nbsp; “Thanks. Are you ready?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Have a great time.” Melissa flashed a wide grin.

  Ava rolled her eyes and led Peter out into the humid June night. The rhythmic sounds of the cicadas filled the air. He opened the door for her and once she settled into the passenger seat, he shut the door. He slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine.

  “You look great,” he said.

  “Thanks. I feel weird though.” She tried to make the dress cover more of her skin, but it was useless.

  “Why?”

  “Because this dress is too short and we’re just going to the movies.”

  “Well, you still look great.”

  Ava smiled. “Does this feel kind of weird?”

  “No. Why?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. With everything that’s happened and we’re going on a date.”

  “We deserve to be happy and that occasionally means going out and having a good time.”

  “Okay.”

  “So, what’s it like staying at the Manor?” he asked.

  “It’s kinda weird. The only time I’m ever alone is in my room. I miss it being just Dad and me. But he’s been busy with the Elders so it gets a little boring.”

  He gave an impish smile. “Maybe I’ll climb in your window.”

  She playfully hit his arm. “You could just stay. Savina has a room for you.”

  “My dad may not want me gone all the time.”

  “Have you thought about how to tell him?”

  “No.”

  “Maybe you could talk to my dad.”

  He shrugged. “Nothing’s going on though. I think it can wait.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Don’t know what?”

  “That it’s really over. It just doesn’t make sense. If Devon was really in charge, why would he only attack us using Halflings and two Enchanters? He knows how powerful Savina’s coven is.”

  “Didn’t the Elders explain it though?”

  “There has to be someone else behind it.”

  “They’re all locked away, Ava.”

  “Except Trudy. I bet she ran back to Caprington to gather more troops.”

  “I think you might be a little paranoid.”

  She bit back a snide remark. “Well, I’m still going to find out who killed my mom.”

  “I know. And we’ll find out. I’ll help you.”