Sere from the Green (The Shape Shifter Chronicles Book 1)

by Lauren Jankowski

  “What does that make me?” she asked, looking at her hands as she began slowly rubbing them together in a circular motion.

  “Pardon?” Jet turned his eyes to her.

  “I’ve always thought I was a guardian, but that’s not entirely true, is it?” Electra stated, iciness creeping into her tone. Jet looked off to the Pearl Castle in the distance. It was made of white brick with subtle hints of gold, which made it glisten like something out of a fairytale.

  “You’re half shape shifter and half guardian. That doesn’t make you any less guardian, you’re still considered full-blooded,” he answered.

  “So good to know,” Electra grumbled, rising to her feet. “My entire life has been a lie, you only thought to tell me now, and I have a twin sister out there somewhere who has no idea what she is.”

  Jet winced at her tone. “It isn’t that simple, Electra.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Electra demanded, turning accusing eyes on him. “Or is this just one of those situations where you waited until you needed something from me?”

  “He didn’t tell you because the High Council forbade him from doing so,” a wise feminine voice came from behind Electra. She twisted to look behind her as Jet stood up again.

  Adonia stood a short distance behind Electra, looking nothing short of radiant. The queen of the guardians had long red hair and vibrant moss green eyes that seemed to pierce straight through whomever she was looking at. She held herself with an air of confidence that wasn’t haughty or pretentious. Her skin sparkled in the sunlight; the same subtle gleam that lit the skin of all guardians. She wore an orchid-colored dress with a gauzy net that resembled mist. Adonia smiled compassionately at her great-granddaughter, unbothered by Electra’s irate glare. Her smooth hands were pressed together in front of her and she nodded in greeting at Jet, who bowed in respect.

  “I hope you don’t mind, Jet, but I followed the two of you,” she spoke in her melodic voice.

  “Not at all,” he replied, glad for the support.

  Electra stormed off, stepping around her great-grandmother, not saying another word to either of them. Jet moved to follow her, but was stopped from doing so by Adonia’s hand on his shoulder.

  “Give her some space. Let her process what she has learned,” she spoke, glancing in the direction Electra had gone. “I have faith that my great-granddaughter will make the right decision.”

  Jet turned to face the regal woman. “I really need her help, Adonia.”

  She nodded in understanding, smiling. “I know. I’ve been watching her sister as well and I know that soon she will need to enter the life she is destined to have. Do not worry. Electra is strong and she is also curious. She has a lot to think about and it is best to let her work through it on her own.”

  Jet glanced down the path, longing to go after the young guardian. He wanted to offer some kind of comfort to the young woman he had come to love as a niece or even another daughter, but knew that was most likely impossible. He turned back to Adonia, a small sad smile playing across his face.

  “Passion will never forgive me for this. I crossed a line and betrayed her trust,” he stated. She reached forward and placed a palm on his cheek.

  “You have other things to worry about now,” she said. “You shouldn’t dwell on the things that you have no control over. Go home, Jet. You’ve done all you can here.”

  Jet nodded and she dropped her hand, allowing him to pass by her. She turned her head a little to call over her shoulder.

  “Make sure you have a room prepared at the mansion for a guest,” she suggested in a cryptic tone. Jet paused and glanced back to her. Adonia sometimes made strange predictions that he never really understood until they happened. All guardians had a mysterious way about them and Jet had learned long ago not to question it. He nodded once and then vanished in a flash of dark blue light.

  *~*~*~*~*

  The southern lands of the Meadows were filled with different bodies of water. There were rivers, lakes, springs, and a vast ocean that stretched as far as the eye could see. There were also large circular pools of water where the women could enjoy a nice soak whenever they had a moment to spare.

  Passion sat in one of the smaller pools, the warm clean water washing over her nude flesh, relaxing her. Her eyes were closed and her face was turned toward the sunlight. Normally, she had a lover accompany her to the water lands, but today was one of the rare times when Passion desired solitude. Raising one hand, she listened to the delicate splash of the droplets rejoining the larger body of water. She ran her fingers through her wet hair, enjoying the fresh smell of the trees that surrounded her. Ocean’s lands were the only place the guardians were allowed to be naked outside of their own rooms. Passion smiled, recalling the clothing rule as one of the many she’d delighted in breaking during her younger days. She used to enjoy strolling nude down the halls of the Pearl Castle or in other lands. In her mind, the body was nothing to be ashamed of. After Electra had been born, she had curbed some of her wilder ways.

  Passion glanced over her left shoulder when she glimpsed pale powder blue, noticing one of the water messengers standing nearby. The woman had light brown hair, which was tightly braided and held in a neat bun. She stood near a tree trunk that served as a table, prepared to approach with a silver decanter of water if called for. Passion sighed and turned her eyes forward again. It was nearly impossible to get any kind of privacy outside of her room. Messengers were everywhere, waiting on the guardians hand and foot. It became annoying after a while, though Passion was sure she was in the minority feeling that way.

  After another moment in the water, Passion stood up and stepped back onto solid ground. The messenger hurried over with a towel, slipping it over her shoulders.

  “Thank you,” Passion murmured, offering a friendly smile when the messenger nodded and stepped back. Passion ran the soft fabric up and down her body, allowing it to soak up any excess liquid. When she was done, the messenger was right there with the scarlet dress she had been wearing prior to getting in the water. Once again, Passion thanked her as she slipped on the dress. She pulled her wet hair back in a messy ponytail as she walked down the path that would take her back to the Pearl Castle.

  Passion smiled when she recognized Phoenix, the youngest daughter of the head fire guardian, walking down the path toward her. Phoenix was about a year younger than Electra and had a similar rebellious nature. The two women had bonded while growing up in the Meadows. Phoenix had flowing dark red hair and golden eyes, looking every inch a daughter of the lands of fire. The younger guardian frowned when she neared Passion, nodding in greeting and pausing when they met on the path.

  “What are you doing here?” Phoenix asked. Passion looked around at the fields of golden grass, before turning her gaze back to Phoenix.

  “Last time I checked, I lived here,” she replied with gentle teasing. “Aneurin hasn’t gotten his way yet.”

  “No. I mean, I saw Jet and Electra walking a few minutes ago and I just assumed you were going to meet up with them,” Phoenix replied, gesturing over her shoulder. Passion froze, her heart pumping faster.

  “Jet was here? Talking to Electra?” she asked, doing her best to mask the fear in her suddenly small voice. Phoenix shrugged, a cool wind brushing through her long hair.

  “Yeah, he left a few . . .” she trailed off when Passion suddenly ran past her, sprinting toward the castle.

  *~*~*~*~*

  The first level of the Pearl Castle was always bustling with activity. There was a sea of pastel colors as messengers rushed around, delivering important letters and other documents from one guardian to another. There was usually a guardian or two waiting for a meeting with Adonia or Artemis. The guardians — being polite and dignified by nature — rarely ever fought and always managed to avoid hindering another’s business. Even though there was constant movement on the castle’s lower level, it didn’t affect the overall serene atmosphere.

  Passion stormed throu
gh the large doors, hurrying through the multitude of messengers. She reached the marble steps and began running up them, heading for the third level. Messengers and other guardians swiftly stepped out of the way when she passed them, recognizing by the look on her face that the guardian of passion was not happy.

  “Passion?” an austere voice called from somewhere behind her. Passion knew who it was, but ignored her. There was only one guardian she knew with that voice and she was someone whom Passion did not want to talk to at the moment.

  “Passion, I know you can hear me. We have to—”

  “Not now, Calliope!” Passion snapped as she spun around to face the muse. The muses worked under her and most of them disliked her, mainly because she was much younger and less experienced than they were. Calliope was the head muse and thought Passion was an irresponsible screw-up. When Passion had been growing up, Calliope had been her tutor. The eldest muse found it demeaning to work for someone she had once taught and had no qualms making her feelings known.

  Calliope took a step back at Passion’s sharp tone. It was rare that the guardian directed anger at her. They didn’t care for each other, but like all guardians, they respected each other and treated one another with civility. If Passion barked at her, it was a sign to back off for the time being. Calliope turned back, making her way down the steps. Passion watched her until she disappeared down the first flight of steps before continuing her mad dash.

  Once Passion set foot on the third floor, she began to run down the hall toward Electra’s room. The detailed tapestries and paintings on the walls became a blur as Passion dashed by, keeping her focus on her destination. The daylight took on an almost soft blue glow on the upper levels, giving the space a dream-like appearance. Passion reached the tall wooden door and knocked on it, waiting for her daughter to respond.

  “Electra?” she called, reaching for the curvy gold lever. She pushed it down and opened the door, stepping into her daughter’s room and searching for the young guardian. Passion swallowed as she moved to the desk, looking for a note or anything that would tell her where Electra was.

  “She’s gone,” a stern voice came from behind her. Passion gritted her teeth and turned back to the door, keeping a hand on the desk. Her mother, Artemis, stood in the doorway with her arms crossed over her chest. Though she was slender, Artemis still had an intimidating presence. Her short raven-colored hair was neatly brushed away from her face and her dark blue eyes had a serious look to them, as they always did.

  “Where is she?” Passion asked, not attempting to hide the anger in her voice.

  “I don’t think she would want me to tell you,” Artemis replied, unbothered by her daughter’s tone.

  “I am not in the mood for this, Mother,” Passion warned. “What did he tell her?”

  “What you should have told her a long time ago,” Artemis answered, her tone remaining even. Passion let out a half-laugh, nodding.

  “Never miss an opportunity to preach to me, do you?” she said.

  “Maybe if you had more respect for the rules of your people, I wouldn’t have to. You certainly wouldn’t be in this situation if you had listened to me twenty-eight years ago.”

  “Wow, just wow. You’re still holding that against me. You’re still dwelling on what happened over twenty years ago,” Passion snapped.

  “You had two daughters by a shape shifter, Passion. Not just a shape shifter, an assassin. A murderer. I think I’m allowed to chalk that up to reckless behavior on your part.”

  Passion glared at her mother before turning her attention back to the room, walking around as she continued to look for any sort of note. She and her mother had always had a shaky relationship, turbulent even before the incident with Roan. After Roan, the only time they could muster the strength to act civil toward one another was when Electra was around. When Electra had reached her teenage years, she had witnessed a few clashes that took place between Passion and Artemis. The daughter of Passion always managed to remain neutral. She loved them both and so stayed out of their arguments.

  “You have to start taking responsibility for your actions—”

  “Because you did so much better as a mother,” Passion shot back as she spun around and faced her mother again, relishing in the brief stunned expression that crossed Artemis’ face. Passion rarely went low, but when she needed to, she made sure her words struck hard.

  “You got off easy, Passion,” Artemis said, a hint of anger lacing her voice. “You are lucky you weren’t banished.”

  “You’re not exactly blameless in my so-called indiscretions, mother,” Passion shot back.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Artemis asked, almost daring her daughter to respond.

  “You smothered me! You never let me make any decisions! You were so terrified of me becoming another disgraced guardian that you turned my life into a prison!”

  Passion was close to tears. She needed to find Electra and explain . . . everything. She ran a hand through her hair as she started to pace, feeling close to panicked. Her emotions were running wild and her mother wasn’t helping matters.

  “I was right about Roan wasn’t I?” Artemis asked coolly.

  Passion let out a sob of laughter. “Yes, mother, you certainly were. Congratulations.”

  Passion ran her hands over her face as she turned away from her mother and sank down on the bed, swallowing her tears. She would not let her mother see her cry.

  “You’re still in love with him, aren’t you?” Artemis suddenly spoke again. Passion could feel her eyes slowly change red as she turned her furious gaze back to her mother, who now stood above her.

  “Get. Out,” she growled.

  “Don’t you—” Artemis began.

  “Get out!” Passion roared. Artemis fumed but turned and strode from the room, clenching her teeth when Passion slammed the door behind her. The loud bang echoed down the relatively quiet hall. Leaning her back against the wall, Passion tried to calm herself by breathing in and out, counting slowly to one hundred. Behind the door, she heard a quiet conversation between her mother and grandmother.

  “What happened?”

  “Passion threw another one of her tantrums,” Artemis replied, anger still apparent in her voice.

  “Artemis, you cannot change the past. Passion is hurting. Please do not bait her into a fight.”

  “She is hurting because of something that is partly her own fault,” Artemis replied. For a moment, there was quiet.

  “Let her be for now,” Adonia spoke softly, her voice suggesting that it wasn’t a request. As Passion sank to the floor, drawing her knees up to her chest, she heard a soft knocking on the door.

  “Passion?” Adonia’s kind voice filtered through the door and she paused for a moment, waiting for Passion to respond. “If you want to talk, I’m going to be in my office.”

  Passion listened to her footsteps move down the hallway, not wanting to talk to her grandmother. She didn’t want to speak with anyone but her daughter. As soon as she couldn’t hear the footsteps anymore, Passion buried her face in her knees and wept.

  *~*~*~*~*

  “Have you managed to get a hold of the Deverells yet?”

  Jade rolled her neck so that she was looking at Jet. The two were sitting in his study, where Jet and Lilly did most of their work. He sat behind a large desk, fidgeting as he had been ever since returning from the Meadows. The sun had set a little more than an hour ago and the study was filled with a warm glow from the few lamps set up around the room.

  Jade nodded and folded her arms over her chest. “Yeah, I spoke to Ajax this afternoon. Jensen’s taking it pretty hard, which is to be expected. He doesn’t want to talk to me.”

  “Maybe I should call again,” Jet murmured, thinking out loud but Jade shook her head.

  “I wouldn’t recommend that. He doesn’t want to talk to anyone. Nero was lucky to get two words out of him,” she replied, turning her eyes to the ceiling. “Jet, would you please let me go talk to he
r? Electra’s not going to show up, not tonight anyway.”

  Jet glanced at the clock, noticing it was after nine. “Just . . . give her a few more minutes.”

  “Okay, but I still think this is a really bad idea,” Jade commented. No sooner had she finished speaking than there was a knock on the door. Jade sat up while Jet called for whomever it was to come in. The door opened and Lilly stepped inside, a small smile dancing on her lips.

  “Electra is here,” she stated in her pleasant voice.

  “Send her in,” Jet replied, turning to Jade. “I told you she’d come through.”

  Jade shook her head and lay back down across the chair, muttering, “I still hold to my earlier assessment that it’s a bad idea.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Isis lay on the couch in her cozy apartment, enjoying the pleasant evening after a tiring week of researching mythology and the occult. Having nothing better to do, she had decided to watch a movie. The DVD was one of her favorite movies: Suspiria. Isis had an affinity for horror films, one that Steve had been forced to share. She could not count the number of times he complained to her about suffering from nightmares.

  The lights were off, but the vivid colors of the movie illuminated the dark room in blues and yellows and reds. Isis watched as the main character cautiously strode into her friend’s empty room, her wide eyes searching the space. She frowned and watched as the girl looked for any sign of the former occupant. Isis slowly sat up, remembering this part in the movie. She jumped at the quiet but stern voice of the eerie schoolmistress as she inquired about whether Suzy was looking for Sara. An unsettling feeling of déjà vu crept over Isis as Suzy insisted that it was simply impossible that her friend would disappear and was ignored. Exactly! Exactly! People don’t just disappear. Don’t let them get away with that shit, Isis thought as she shuddered. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the drapes rise in a breeze, fluttering and falling back into place.