by Jenn Nixon
He jumped down and folded his wings closer to his back, offering her half a smile as he glanced over. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, thanks,” she replied, willing the heat in her cheeks to go away. “Comfy couch.”
“Left behind by—”
“The previous owners? Yeah, I figured…Rune might sleep for a week on that bed.”
“If you return, you’ll have to give it a try,” Zorin said, relaxing his shoulders and wings and gazing back toward the mansion. “She is there, Cyndra. I feel her power as clearly as I do yours. I don’t know how she’s shielding herself from you or what that mirror is, but…I need to find out.”
“That’s way deeper than I was ready to go,” Cyndra said and ran her hands over her face. “There’s so much shit in my head…I don’t even know what the fuck to think.”
Zorin pressed his lips together and gripped the railing. Expecting him to go into a lecture or another history lesson, Cyndra approached only to see him shut his eyes and hear him sigh. There was no denying their connection now. The closer she got, the more her left hand tingled.
“I’m sorry about the picture, Zorin,” she whispered. “I feel like I’m constantly grasping at straws. I’m trying my damnedest to keep it together, killing soulless, being chased by wraiths, learning my grandmother—”
“You have my sympathies, Cyndra. Your grandmother, Evelyn, was one of the strongest casters I knew besides Mergan,” Zorin sighed. “I was one of her followers, not part of Mergan’s army, but I should never have trusted her, believed her. I never wanted the humans to suffer like this.”
“Why do you say that, humans, like we’re not—”
“It is of their making,” he grunted, pushing off the railing and circling around the widow’s walk. “They called us unnatural, inhuman and set us apart from humanity. They turned the world against us.”
“But you’re still human, regardless of what she did to you.”
“Do I look human to you, caster?” Zorin snarled as he spun around and met her eyes. That life and vibrancy from the picture was long gone. She didn’t want to think about what he had suffered during the war. She wasn’t sure she needed to know what Mergan did to him either. On pure instinct, she reached out with her left hand and grabbed his, causing the tingle to ride up her arm again. Cyndra was no longer scared of the winged man standing before her, hiding more pain than she wanted to imagine. When his eyes flashed, she jerked back. “You know, don’t you?”
“That we share energycasting?”
“Yes.” Zorin frowned and offered his hand to her.
“Yeah, I figured that out, too,” she said, sliding her palm over his. Zorin inhaled and shut his eyes. The tingle rode up her arm again, wrapping around her shoulder and tickled the back of her neck. “Are you doing that?”
No. His projection was soft, somehow calming her. You are a rare caster, Cyndra, and your power is growing. Did you evoke your energy?
I don’t even know what that means, Zorin. She furrowed her brow and retracted her hand, feeling much more than she understood.
Zorin sighed as he opened his eyes. “Did you alter or transform anything?”
Cyndra shook her head.
“Create or move something?”
“The wraith, yes, I moved one…didn’t even realize I was doing it.”
“The crystal will always protect you if it can.”
“Oh, I see,” she said, nodding “Good to know. Still doesn’t explain why the wraiths came after Rune.”
“No. Why did you think it was taking him to the mirror?”
She shrugged. “The mirror-wraiths have faces that look like a mirror and just so happen to drag him to a room with only a huge ass mirror inside.”
“I don’t understand.” The gargoyle rubbed his chin and turned his head to the mansion again.
“Obviously not,” she said.
Zorin whipped his head back.
Cyndra smirked. “You deserved that one.”
“Touché,” he replied as the tension filled his face again despite her attempted joke.
“Maybe the mirror is her prison cell?”
“The mirror is the least of our problems at present. It’s more important I tell you the reason I asked you and Rune to come here. You need to know the whole truth.”
“I’m not going to like this, am I?”
“Probably not.”
“Well, spit it out then.”
“Only casters can break the protection barriers, freeing me from Mergan’s control and this island.”
“Control? What do you mean?”
Zorin’s face became stone and his eyes stilled. Cyndra almost reached out to comfort him, but he started talking.
“You and Rune are right. Mergan transformed me into this monster, promising me my sacrifices would protect all casters. Promising she would turn me back after the war.”
“But my grandmother imprisoned her,” Cyndra gasped.
“Once the Shield died, Mergan and I could sense the crystals and casters again so I ventured off the island to find you. She said those who survived would reawaken and release the barriers and finally set her free. In return, she’d change me back. I realize now, she must remain in Evelyn’s prison until her lies are untangled.”
“Did she know that Mergan did this to you?”
Zorin shook his head. “I…don’t remember. But, I place no blame on her, Cyndra, your grandmother was a phenomenal caster and one of the best people I’ve ever known. Whatever she did, her sacrifice saved us all.”
Tears sprang unexpectedly from her eyes. Three days full throttle with little time to process it had finally caught up with her. She covered her face and stifled the cry before it escaped her lips. When Zorin’s arms came around her, Cyndra sniffled and shuddered, but didn’t move otherwise, trying to remember the last time anyone had hugged her. His embrace was cool and strong, yet calming in ways that transcended the crystal bond.
No one who survived came away unscathed, but together, I believe we can uncover the truth and learn why the world forgot.
Cyndra tilted her head to meet his eyes, seeing a spark of hope. Then we need to find my cousin and unlock Evelyn’s journal. It’s the only clue we have left.
Zorin nodded and half-smiled down at her. I will do whatever I can to help you, Cyndra.
For the record, she said, reaching up and touching his cool cheek with warm fingertips, you’re not a monster and yes, you still look human to me.
He tensed and backed away. “You’re wrong, Cyndra, I am a monster in this form. It is a side I contain well and hope you never see.”
Stunned by his self-loathing, she tried to think of something to say only to watch him duck into the lighthouse without another word. When she reached the main living area, Rune was standing at the stove watching a pot of water. She didn’t see Zorin.
Pleasant morning, Rune said, grinning.
“Same to you. How was the bed?” she asked, still a bit jealous.
A little lumpy, but better than anything I’ve ever had. Rune’s grin wasn’t fading. Cyndra lifted her brow at him as she sat down. He opened his hand and showed her a palm full of dried leaves. I made some tea.
“With earthcasting?”
He nodded. Took me about an hour. I went outside while you and Zorin were talking.
Before she asked where he’d gone, Zorin walked out of the bedroom holding a huge pile of clothes. He dropped the entire lot onto the couch, glanced back, and sniffed the air. “What are you making?”
Tea. Would you like some?
“Yes, thank you,” he replied. “It takes a few hours to reach Baltimore by boat and it will get cold on the water. Keep whatever you want.”
“Thanks,” Cyndra said, trying to meet his eyes. Zorin didn’t give her a chance and darted up the stairs. She sighed and went to the pile to take a peek.
Didn’t go well, I’m guessing? Rune asked as he came near and rifled through the pile.
Mergan is the o
ne who turned him into a gargoyle, she replied, watching him scowl. Sorry, but she transformed him, with energycasting. She can feel the crystal’s power and casters like Zorin. Whatever my grandfather did to protect us vanished after he died. She wanted him to bring casters here to undo the barriers and let her out, promising she’d turn him back. But he says she’s been lying to him the whole time.
Run shook his head. That’s terrible.
“I know, but he’s right, we can’t release her or those barriers. Besides not being strong enough, we don’t know how…or the whole story,” she said, sweeping her gaze across the room toward the box sitting next to her bag. “And for some reason, Zorin’s as ready to go as we are.”
After we have tea, Rune said, grinning.
“We can share a rationbar if you’re hungry,” Cyndra offered, hoping he nodded his head so she wouldn’t feel guilty about eating breakfast two days in a row.
Only if you let me buy us lunch when we get to town.
“Not really a fair trade.”
It is if you count yesterday. He shrugged went back to the stove to make the tea while she continued looking through the pile of clothes.
After she picked out a few useful pieces, Cyndra eyed the lavatory and knew she had to take advantage of the shower, even if the hot water didn’t work. She carried the new clothes over to her backpack and pulled out her blue bowling shirt, clean undergarments, and a loose fitting pair of cargo pants to go with the new black t-shirt. Shoving everything else into her pack, Cyndra picked up Zorin’s heavy footsteps echoing below.
Completely forgetting about the tea, she grabbed her satchel of essentials and dashed for the lavatory before he arrived so he couldn’t bark at her to get ready to leave. Cyndra only needed ten minutes, then they could leave the island and all the confusion it offered behind.
Despite sensing both casters, Zorin entered the living space to find Rune sitting across the table from a full mug of steaming tea and no Cyndra. The happy caster lifted his head then hand in greeting. He motioned to the stove. Inside his bowl was more tea, hot and welcoming.
Zorin signed thank you.
Rune dipped his head.
“I have something for you as well. It’s not much.” Zorin set a handful of blueberries onto the table. The caster’s eyes sparkled as he signed awesome. Zorin chuckled. “Your optimism and joy are infectious, Rune. I’m sure your guardians are proud of the man you are.”
I hope so. He shrugged and sighed. It’s difficult being away without contacting them.
“Cyndra can find a postmaster in town to send a message for you. I’m certain a weapon or two from below will fetch the fair price to cover the fees.”
Rune shook his head. I cannot risk anyone knowing who they are.
Nodding, Zorin retreated to the stove and took his time enjoying the tea. The hot liquid easily warmed his insides while the caster’s residual power nourished the rest. The scent of wildflowers wafted through the room. He pulled the bowl from his mouth and stared when Cyndra walked out of the lavatory. His whole body tensed as she ran a hand through her chestnut hair, slicking it back. Her olive skin was dirt free and glistening from the shower. Although her cheeks were already rosy, they darkened further when he locked onto her brilliant hazel eyes.
Zorin got us some berries. Rune projected gleefully, luckily drawing her gaze.
Lifting the bowl to sip the last of his tea gave him a moment to ease his elevated pulse. Zorin stared at the tealeaves stuck to the bottom chalking up his reactions to the growing bond with the caster and not the beautiful woman who emerged from the lavatory.
“I have a can of deviled ham I was going to use for trade, but if you’re hungry,” she said, gazing over the rim of her mug before taking a long sip.
“This is enough for now, thank you,” he said, trying to keep his tone even. When she half smiled and nodded, Zorin relaxed and noticed she was wearing one of the shirts from the pile of clothes. Content his meager offerings were of use, Zorin finished his tea, mentally preparing a checklist of lessons, history, and information he needed to share with the casters during the boat ride.
The early signs of the sun peeked in through the windows. Both casters eyes went wide. Then they dashed up the stairs, leaving him and their tea behind. Smirking, Zorin went to the sink to rinse his cup and let them enjoy the sunrise, knowing he had plenty to do before leaving the island and exited the living area ready to get to work.
Cyndra’s chuckle echoed through the air as she and Rune came down the stairs. Zorin pulled a grenade from an otherwise empty crate and added it to the pile of knives, a short sword, and guns he had in the weapons chest. Bringing more would raise suspicion. Between the two casters, they’d easily make a trade for anything they needed or wanted in town.
“What’s all this?” Cyndra asked, palming the handle of her sai as she came off the last step with the dirty hat on her head and the pack secure on her back.
“Weapons for trade.”
Rune shook his head.
“For whatever you need. I have no use for this and if it helps, it’s yours,” Zorin said, pulling a black duffle bag from a broken shelf and setting it next to the weapons. “Or keep what you want—”
“Not the guns,” Cyndra said sharply and rubbed the back of her neck. “You don’t want to be caught in the EZ with a gun, even to trade it.”
You know the Eastzone better than either of us. No guns. Rune smiled, walked over to the pile, and instantly picked out the knife Zorin figured he’d keep. After he slipped it next to the others on his belt, Rune nodded at the remaining knives and the short sword, shrugging when Cyndra rolled her eyes at him.
“Go for it, you look more like a trader than I do,” she said with a twinge of jealousy she tried to mask by adding, “extra dollars never hurt.”
“We’ll need fuel to return on the boat or other means of travel, depending on where we go next,” Zorin said as he opened the door.
Rune collected the bag and followed him out.
“Yeah, guess we’ll play it by ear,” Cyndra replied from behind.
Zorin smirked when Rune came up alongside asking what she meant. Make the plan as we go.
Thanks. How do you understand all her odd sayings?
I was slightly older than you when the flare hit. I…don’t seem to age in this form. He pressed his lips together.
I’m sorry, Zorin, Rune said, shaking his head. Did you lose family during the war?
“No,” he said softly. “But that is a tale for another time, my friend. Do you want to drive again?”
Rune shook his head. You should. I don’t know where we’re heading.
“Very well.”
I’m glad you’re going with us.
“As am I.”
Cyndra glanced over, but didn’t say anything and quickened her step, reaching the dock first. Although he didn’t mean to make it awkward between them again, it served the situation well. Getting too close to the caster only tempted his growing hunger for her energy, it took all his strength not to open the siphon when he comforted her on the widow’s walk.
Zorin cheated and glided to the boat, landing on the deck before either caster reached the boat. Rune, as usual, was smiling, while Cyndra appeared lost in thought as she climbed in.
Given the circumstances and especially after everything they’d learned, Zorin more than admired her strength and determination to move forward and search for answers. If he had met her during the war, perhaps he would’ve made different choices. But she was only a child when the world ended. Now, she was the most powerful caster on the planet and Zorin was going to do everything possible to help her get even stronger, regardless of any sacrifices he had to make.
One of the old sayings she often read in the faded pages of her grandparents’ paperback novels had been three’s a crowd. Right now, Cyndra was overjoyed she wasn’t alone with either of her traveling companions. Rune’s jovial and light-hearted spirit made it easy to forget her troubles and chitc
hat about nonsense. Only she wasn’t up for talking. Zorin’s dark pull and wounded soul stirred a longing inside that Cyndra didn’t realize she had after a decade alone.
Trying to forget everything that happened on the island, she gazed toward the mainland, watching the ghostwood and new trees lining the land pass by. Every half mile or so, a sand dune or small beach broke up the monotony of the scenery.
Thirty minutes into the ride, Zorin glanced back to catch Rune’s eye. They shared a private conversation for another minute before Rune nodded and looked her way.
“What?” she said.
Zorin wants to help us train.
“Practice here on the boat?”
“For what I’m suggesting, it shouldn’t be an issue. Most are simple exercises meant to help you strengthen the connection to your crystal,” Zorin replied, keeping his gaze forward as he guided the boat along the shore. “And while you practice, you can ask the rest of your questions.”
Sounds fair to me.
Cyndra snorted. “How much time do you have?”
“I will make the time,” he replied, deadpanned. “Whatever knowledge I hold, it’s yours for the taking.”
Besides the continual tingling in her hand reminding her of their bond, his words, the way his deep voice splintered through her, continued to confuse and excite her. What kind of monster would be so bold as to help a couple of clueless casters or comfort a practical stranger? He was more human than he claimed to be. Zorin’s head spun. His icy eyes flickered when she stared up at him. Are you in my head?
No. He turned his attention back to the water.
Cyndra sighed and shrugged over at Rune who was patiently waiting for her answer.
All right, good. What’s first, Zorin?
The gargoyle chuckled slightly as his wings and shoulders dropped. He glanced back for a moment, displaying half a smile. “The most efficient way of mastering the elements is to first understand what you can do with it, determine your level of ability. A rather fun game we used to play as children became an early gauge for our parents once they realized what we were doing.”
“Which was…” Cyndra said with a huff. He always had to tell a story and never got straight to the point.