Second Sight (Hollows Ground Book 1)

by J. A. Culican

  Luka grabs my elbow softly as I go to open the door. “You okay?” His hand drifts down to mine and he entwines our fingers. “You seem a bit flustered.” He gives me a small smile.

  I shrug at his statement and pull the door open. “Yea, just tired, I guess. Kinda been a long night. I wasn't expecting you to be up and ready to go as soon as I got here.”

  “I haven't been up long. But when I woke I had a ton of energy. Whatever that guy threw at me was definitely charged with something.” He bumps his shoulder with mine and pulls me through the door. “I have a surprise for you.”

  We stroll hand in hand down the dirt path on the side of the hospital. I think back to the brick building last night that the Gypsies were being forced into. I wonder if Luka knows of the place and how he feels about it? I want to ask, but I’m scared I won't like his answer. Of course he knows about the safe house, he grew up here and was raised to be a soldier for the Shades.

  “We have caves all over the city.” Luka interrupts my thoughts. “The magic that houses the city is stored in some. Others are used for mining resources. The one I'm taking you too has been abandoned for many years.”

  “Umm.” That sounds creepy. Why would he be taking me there?

  “It’s special. The magic that used to live within the walls has been used up. In its place, something quite remarkable has been left behind.”

  “Why did you want to bring me there?” Sounds interesting now, not as creepy as before.

  “It was my grandmother’s magic that lived there.”

  “Since her magic is no more, she’s―”

  “She died well before I was born. I never had the chance to meet her. My parents always told me stories about how strong her magic was. The sky's the color it is because of her.” Luka smiles. “I used to come out here all the time to get away from everything. I could just forget about things. My parents. Training. The Wraiths. And yet somehow, being there I’d feel close to her. I know it’s silly since I never met her, but at the time, I needed a connection to my family. Anything to not feel alone.”

  I grab the necklace hidden under my shirt. I know exactly what he meant. Not a single day has gone by that I don't think of my family, that I'm not reminded of them. Not once has this necklace left my neck. It’s my last connection to them.

  The narrow dirt path under my feet begins to open up the further we walk. Mountains peek over the trees. I’ve seen glimpses of them before but never paid them any mind. We scoot around a large boulder and come face to face with a large opening at the base of one of the smaller mountains. Luka pulls me through the opening and I’m immediately greeted by paradise.

  Pink and blue crystals hang from the ceiling like icicles and a purple stream flows through the middle of the cave. Light bounces around the cave from small holes leading to the outside. Everything glitters. I’ve never seen anything like it. Didn’t think anything like this could exist.

  “The magic crystallized around the stalactites that hang from the ceiling. When the magic still lived here, they were a much darker color, but as it died off it left behind these bright crystals. We really have no need for them here. It’s not like we can sell them above ground; crystals like these shouldn’t exist. Some of the more influential Shades have jewelry made from the crystals, but most can't afford the cost to mine and mold the jewels,” Luka explains as he runs his hand over one that almost touches the ground. “Sometimes I feel like her magic is still here, or at least some of it,” he whispers.

  “It sure feels magical.” My eyes follow the sparkle of a bright pink stone near the water.

  “Most Shades walk right by places like this and think nothing of them. Magic has always been a part of their lives, and therefore not special. Just normal.” Luka pulls me closer to him. “But for you, this is all new. You still see the beauty in it all. How amazing it is that all this exists.”

  My gray eyes meet his. The light from the crystals bounces off his eyes, making them glow. The peacefulness and wonderment of this place is simply enchanting. I’ve spent most my life hating my gift. Hating what lives within me. But now, I see it’s much more than just a curse. It’s magic. And it’s amazing.

  “I know I forced you to come here. That you wanted nothing to do with this life or your gift. But the last few weeks, spending each day with you. It’s given me a real purpose. Before I was just a soldier for the Shades. A warrior. A means to an end. But now . . .” His hand entwines in my hair around my ear. “Now, I feel like it means something. You mean something.” Luka pauses as his eyes scan the cave around us. “I want you to stay in Hollows Ground because you want to be here. Not because you feel forced to. I want you to stay for me. I’ve been drawn to you since that day in the park.”

  “All of this scares me. I haven't been close to anyone is a long time. The last person I cared about―” I close my eyes as an image of Drina floats through my mind. “She was my best friend. One of my only, really. I saw her die. Twice. Once in a dream and once as it happened. The pain―”

  Luka wraps his arms around me and pulls me tight. “I know you're scared. You have every right to be. The things you’ve seen, the things you’ve lived through. I’m sorry you had to go through it all.” His arms tighten around my shoulders. “I promise, Ela, I promise I will do whatever I can to help you gain control of the visions.”

  A pop echoes around us. I can feel Luka as he sighs, clearly agitated at whatever just happened.

  “Alec, how can we help you?” Luka asks over my head.

  I turn around in Luka’s arms, his arms still strong around me, and find Alec.

  “Kasik is requesting the two of you. I was told to bring you both to him immediately,” Alec answers as he looks at the ground.

  “How’d you find us?” I ask as I take in his fidgeting.

  “Kasik knows where all are always. Part of his gift,” Luka replies for him and walks us toward Alec. “No worries, Alec, you're only following orders.” Luka slaps Alec on his back.

  Alec wraps his arms around us and instantly transports us to Kasik’s throne room. I haven't been back here since my first day in Hallows Ground. Kasik and Luna are perched on the stage in front of us. The magnificence of the room is drowned out by the view I just left.

  “Welcome,” Kasik’s voice booms through the room as he claps his hands. “I wanted to congratulate you both on a successful mission yesterday. I’m glad to see you up and moving so soon, Luka.”

  “Thank you, Sir. The hit wasn't as bad as predicted, it seems,” Luka answers.

  “Good, good.” Kasik takes the steps off the stage and stops in front of us. “I’d like to talk about Mirela’s training.” He raises an eyebrow at me.

  “It’s going very well. As you saw yesterday, she has already gained a considerable amount of control over her visions. Not to mention her hand to hand combat is impressive,” Luka explains.

  “Yes, so I’ve heard and seen. My only concern with Mirela now―” He begins to pace in front of us. “Is her loyalty.

  “She was snooping around the safe house last night. She was told to go back to Luka’s,” Luna sneers. “The safe house is nowhere near Luka’s.”

  “I heard crying. I thought someone was hurt.”

  “It was none of your business.” Luna bounds off the stage toward us.

  “I was just trying to help,” I counter.

  “Yes, you wanted to help by questioning our protection of the gypsies.” Luna shakes her head. “She must go, Father.”

  “They were crying and scared. I just asked what was going on―”

  “That's the half-truth,” Kasik cuts in. “You forget I can tell when you're lying. The reason you were there is true. But you do question our protection.” Kasik stops in front of me. “Right?”

  “They didn't seem to want to be there. I just wanted to know what was going on.”

  “I have a solution to this dilemma,” Kasik continues, not bothering to acknowledge my explanation. “The truth is you have gained
some control of your gift, and with continued training I can see you fully in control. Which would make you quite powerful. Of course, with that kind of power, if you chose to turn against us.” Kasik pauses. “If you can prove your strength, I can prove to you why your loyalty should lie with us.”

  “How do you want me to do that?” I ask.

  “Easy. A fight. But not just any fight.” Kasik gestures to Luna. “You will fight Luna and you will win. If you lose, you will be eliminated. Do you understand?”

  I nod my agreement. A fight. Against Luna. How am I supposed to win against someone so powerful? Someone who can move things with their mind?

  “Good. Prove to me your strength.”

  Or die.

  Kasik doesn’t waste a second in transporting us all to the training grounds. It seems when he said I would fight Luna, he meant now.

  “I don't like this, Ela,” Luka reiterates for the hundredth time.

  “Nothing we can do about it now. I have to fight her.” I throw my long, dark hair up in a ponytail, pulling the band tight.

  Luka pulls me over to him. “Look at me, Ela. Luna will fight you to the death. If she wins she will kill you.”

  “I think you forget. If she wins, I’m dead anyways.” At least if Luna kills me, Luka might have a chance at not meeting the same fate.

  “She relies on her magic. It’s her weakness. Here.” Luka shoves two knives in my hand. “You’re each allowed one weapon of choice. You’re strongest with these. You’re quick.” Luka rakes his hands through his hair. “Watch your whole self. She can attack you from any angle. She will throw everything and anything at you. She gets caught up in it, forgets what she’s already thrown. Use it to your advantage. Use her magic against her. Then get in and get out. Got it?”

  “Yup.” Nope.

  Luka’s hands drop from his hair and fall to his hips. “Don’t lose. I can't lose you, too.” Luka’s eyes plead with me.

  “No worries. I want to lose just as little as you want me to.”

  I try to lighten the mood a bit. Chances are I won't be leaving this fight alive. And if by chance I do, I’ll be killed anyway.

  “Fighters to the center.” A Shade I’ve seen around calls to Luna and I.

  I bounce to the center and plop my mouthpiece in my mouth. Luna bounds to the middle, nose scrunched, eyes on fire. If looks could kill, this fight would already be over.

  “Three ways to win. Tap-out, knockout or death. Good luck.”

  “Not too late. You’re welcome to join your friends in the safe house,” Luna smirks.

  “I’m good.”

  Luna and I slap hands and head to our respective sides. The green in Luna’s eyes swirls, indicating something will be heading my way any second. I flip my knives out and begin to stalk her around the enclosure, weaving this way and that. Luna has relinquished a weapon of choice, citing her magic as her weapon. Luka was right about her. Her ego might be her downfall.

  I hit the ground hard as two chairs collide above me, pieces of metal and plastic scattering across the mat. Bouncing back to my feet, I slide beneath Luna, sweeping her feet out. She hits the ground with a thud. We both get to our feet at the same time, arms clashing in an all-out brawl.

  Luna’s just as quick as me and we exchange blow for blow. My fists are bleeding, as are Luna’s. My head aches from the last hit Luna got through my blocks. I kick at her ribs to push her away from me, then bounce on my toes, trying to shake some of the pain away. I re-grip the knives in my hands as I assess Luna in front of me.

  The hairs on the back of my neck begin to prickle as light emanates from Luna’s eyes. Something big is heading my way. I twist my head over my shoulder just as a huge ball of energy comes chasing after me. Wisps of blue crackle as it heads right for my head. I charge toward Luna and wrap my hands around her waist, pushing her to the ground.

  A bright light explodes above us as the ball of electricity collides with the lights above us. Sparks rain around us as a force field of electricity cages us in the ring. Luna pushes me off and looks at the shield that surrounds us.

  Jumping to her feet, Luna stumbles toward me. “Look what you did,” she squeals in anger.

  My hands push off the ground and I'm on my feet, eye to eye with Luna. “Serves you right. Cheating. Using someone else's magic to defeat me.”

  “Wrong. Nowhere did it say I couldn’t borrow from others,” Luna smirks.

  “Looks like your Father thinks otherwise.” I point to Kasik.

  Through the electric field, I watch as Kasik yells at Arrum. It’s clear by his submissive stance that he won't be helping Luna again. One point for Kasik. Maybe he really does want this to be a fair fight.

  “Look around, Luna.” I wave my hands, still clenching my knives. “I bet you wish you’d picked a weapon now. Your magic is useless against this field. Can’t throw anything at me through here.” I duck as Luna attempts to take off my head with her fist.

  “I’ve trained with the best Shades my entire life. You, you just had Luka for a measly few weeks. I can take you down with one hand tied behind my back.”

  I hold my knives out in front of me as I get my body into fighting stance. Luka made me hold this position for hours during our training. It’s become second nature now. I exhale, centering myself as I wait for Luna to make the first move.

  Luna doesn't disappoint as she comes right at me with her fists held high. We lock back in battle for what seems like ages. We finally push away from each other and withdraw to our given sides. I rest my hands on my knees, keeping both eyes on Luna who is breathing hard, battered and bleeding.

  “This. Is. Ridiculous,” Luna puffs out. “You stole my weapon.”

  Luna and I are cocooned in our own little bubble. No one has tried to enter and neither of us have attempted to leave. The electricity crackles around us in a deafening roar. Kasik could have ordered Arrum to pull the shield down, but as the force still stands, it’s clear no order is given. Through the shield, I can see Luka and other Shades. Most have a look of awe on their faces, while others are angry at the turn of events. The fight has shifted in my favor and I plan on taking advantage of it. My life and possibly Luka’s are at stake.

  “You're just angry I’m winning,” I goad as I ready myself once again for battle.

  “Winning,” Luna spits out. “This is Hallows Ground. A place where magic reigns. Those who hold the most, hold the power. You hold none. Case in point.” She points to the shield. “That was my magic that brought this here.” She points to the broken chairs scattered around us. “And those. Tell me, what have you done?”

  I cock my head and focus my thoughts on Luna. “You really want to see the power of my gift? The power of death?”

  “Today’s not my day, so I have nothing to fear from you.” She smirks.

  “How do you know? Have you seen your death?” I raise my eyebrows at her as I step forward. “Because I have.”

  “You lie. I have nothing to fear here from you.” She swallows hard.

  “Your death will be at my hand,” I state boldly as I flip my knives out. “Only I hold the power to change your fate.”

  “You don't have it in you to kill me.” Her eyes follow the movement of my knives.

  “I’ve already killed many. I am responsible for many deaths in my time. I’ve sat back and watched thousands die. I helped you kill how many Wraiths?” I step closer. “Do you really believe I am unable to kill you as well?”

  “I don’t believe you.” Luna steps back, caging herself between me and the force field behind her.

  “Then let's fight.” I plant my feet and wait for her move.

  “This fight is over.” Luna shakes her head at me. “My weapon of choice doesn’t work in the conditions you’ve created around us. This fight has been forfeited.”

  “A condition you made. It’s your magic that created this force field around us. Your cheating backfired.”

  “Arrum!” Luna shouts. “Control your magic, remove the c
harge.” Luna pops her hand on her hips as she waits impatiently.

  The electric field evaporates around us almost instantly, leaving behind a static aura in the air. Luna jumps through the cables and to the ground around the ring. Kasik is waiting for her, an unreadable expression on his face.

  “You lost. Forfeited your chance to show your worth.”

  “Told you.” Luna spins around to face me.

  “No, Luna. You lose,” Kasik continues. “Mirela has won. She used her gift and her combat training to effectively defeat you. She used your own magic against you.”

  “She cheated,” Luna stammers as she faces Kasik.

  “Congratulation, Mirela. You will officially become a Shade once your training is complete. Luka will continue to be in charge of you as he has proved himself worthy of the job.”

  “Thank you,” I mutter.

  I barely hear a word Kasik says. My focus is stuck on Luka. His body is wound tight and a look of disappointment shines in his eyes. I thought he wanted me to win? I thought he’d be happy. Lord knows I didn't think I would be able to defeat Luna, even if it was on a technicality of sorts.

  I jump down out of the ring and approach Luka. No one says much to me. All are either stunned at what just happened or angry with the outcome. I don't give it much thought as I’m more concerned with what’s wrong with Luka.

  “Congratulations,” Luka says as I approach.

  “You don't look to happy that I won. I thought that's what you wanted?”

  “Of course, I wanted you to win. I just didn't like the way you went about it. Manipulating Luna like that. You didn't really see her death, did you?” Luka asks.

  “Why do you say that?” I’m stunned.

  “Your gift is to be used for good. Used to save. You have that power. But now I see you have the power of death as well. You can choose who to save and who not to. I was just surprised you would use someone's death against them.”

  “She was going to kill me. Are you saying I should have just let her win? That I should have just died? For what? To save her the knowledge of how she would one day die?”