by K.N. Lee
“You created me, then.”
Inora’s fingers dug into the tender flesh of Elise’s hands as she pressed her thumbs into the center of them. Burning heat replaced burning cold, putting real agony into the place of aching numbness.
“Stop! Ouch!”
“No!” Inora said sharply. “You stop. Stop trying to resist. I am activating your inner power. I want you to embrace the power fighting to escape.”
“But, it hurts!”
“Embrace the pain, Elise. You need to learn to use it. Now, more than ever, your life is going to depend on it.”
A piercing, mournful whistle bounced off the tree trunks, as if a man was calling for his hunting dogs. The wind must have pushed clouds over the sun because the light in the glade suddenly dimmed, leaving Elise and Inora surrounded by too many shadows.
By this point, Elise was trying with all her strength to yank her hands back. The burning was intolerable, and she was too scared to look down, afraid she’d see only charred flesh.
When the feeling of burning gave way to intense cooling, she was forced to look down at her hands, still held by her grandmother
Only, she didn’t see Inora’s hands. She saw bright blue light shooting upward from her palms and into the sky.
Even worse was when she looked back up into her grandmother’s eyes and saw the icy blue had turned into molten gold.
“We are not like most mages.” Inora’s voice was still light, but a dark rumble purred at the back of her throat.
“What?”
Memories of her mother’s powers flooded her mind. Moving things with her mind. Hovering a few inches off the ground so she could reach something from a tall shelf. Sorting through the images more carefully, Elise realized she had never thought those things were odd.
Just as this new understanding dawned, Elise realized she had missed something really important.
“You’re—you’re an Ocura.” It wasn’t even a question.
“Yes. I am. And, so are you.”
“But,” Elise closed her eyes, working to recall more and more memories. “Ocura’s are rare. How did you keep this a secret for so long? Why?”
Inora smiled. “All good questions.”
She couldn’t help the loud yelp she let out when she looked down and saw that the ground was far below them. They were floating softly and easily, a several feet above the tree canopy of the forest.
A hawk swooped around them in lazy circles. It studied them carefully, ready to flee if it deemed them predatorsc.
“Now, for the next step,” Inora said and let Elise’s hands go.
She let out another yelp, expecting to fall to her death. Her heart pounded in her chest. Instead of the dizzying sensation of falling, she felt nothing. Cautiously, she opened her eyes and saw that she was still hovering in the air with her grandmother.
Inora laughed. “I was right. You may have your mother’s looks, but you have an equal amount of my abilities inside of you.”
“Your abilities?”
Inora laughed again and held up her hands, allowing Elise to watch as the golden light pouring from them sustained her in the air. It rippled and melted back into smooth, porcelain skin.
“Are you keeping us both from falling? Or, am I holding myself up?”
“What do you think?”
The hawk circled around them again, this time coming close enough that Elise could make out the patterns on its feathers.
“I don’t know,” she said, exasperated.
Inora spun in circles, the skirt of her black dress flaring out to match the swing of her long black veil. She flashed a smile at Elise.
“The truth is simple,” she said. “We cannot fly, but our inner power is strong enough to sustain us for short periods of time.”
Elise felt the blood drain from her face. “How long will it last?”
“Are you afraid?” Inora asked tauntingly.
Elise’s posture wilted ever so slightly. “I am.”
“Understandably so,” Inora said. “And, that’s a good thing. If we are going to remove Caden and put you on the throne, you’ll need that instinct to get you there. We cannot have another power hungry wizard taking his place.”
“Take his place?” The words were torn from Elise’s lips.
Inora took her by the hands again, and they were lowered back to the ground.
“So much control already,” she murmured. “This gives me hope.”
“Hope for what?” There was no rancor in Elise’s voice now. Just desperate curiosity.
The sky suddenly seemed too big and open. She wanted to go back to the shelter of the trees, to hide, to return to what she knew back in the castle.
“Elise,” Inora said. “Things are going to get worse here before they get better. I told you this because I want you to be able to defend yourself.”
“Against what?”
“In case, something happens to me.”
“What would happen to you?”
Inora turned back to her, her eyes hooded with guilt. “What we’ve done was against the gods. But, it was to save this realm from your father’s madness and quest for immortality. He made an oath.”
Elise frowned. “What oath?”
“Your father did something he shouldn’t have,” Inora said. “He gave away something that didn’t belong to him.”
The anticipation was maddening. Elise could barely breathe from the anxiety clutching her throat. “What was it?”
Inora’s eyes met hers then, and every inch of her skin prickled at what she heard next.
“You, Elise,” she whispered, tears pooling in her eyes. “He bartered your soul and that of the many mages of this land to Drefen, the Lord of Death.”
Swallowing, Elise covered her mouth with a cold hand. Her words came out breathlessly. “For what?”
“Eternal life.”
The leaves and tender new branches of the trees brushed against her skin as Inora guided her through the trees.
The shadows of the forest fell around her and leached all the warmth of the sun in the sky from her body. The darkness chilled her blood, and one question pounded in her brain.
What has my father done?
Chapter Nineteen
Night fell, and Destan retreated to bed after surveying the castle grounds.
Elise had gone into the forest with her grandmother, and while he wanted to follow and observe, he found himself staring into nothing as they vanished.
Another indicator that he’d found his purpose.
He’d stood there, waiting for them to return as he came to the realization that something was at work at Devynshire Castle.
Magic.
As the meager staff snuggled in, covered themselves with wool blankets, and drifted into peaceful slumbers, Destan stared at the ceiling, fighting what he knew was to come.
Sleep and Destan were lifelong rivals, and he knew what awaited once he closed his eyes and let the darkness take over his mind and body.
Before long, he lost the battle to stay awake, and as quickly as he’d done so, he fell—sinking into the darkness and empty void of his mind.
He tried to catch himself, to awaken despite the pull that grabbed him and yanked him downward. It was to no avail. Every inch of his body was left immobile—frozen—Destan was left helpless, unable to stop the oncoming onslaught of images and sensations.
He tensed, expecting the worse. Usually, fire and screams of horror filled his mind, and the heat would absorb into his skin. But, as he opened his eyes, he was not surrounded by death and destruction.
To his surprise, he saw light. Seven orange suns beamed down on him, hovering in a purple sky with white puffy clouds and a flock of birds.
Destan frowned as he stepped forward, his bare feet sinking into lush grass.
Where was the blood and bits of bone scattered at his feet? Where were the cottages burned to ash and weeping widows clutching their charred infants?
In his hand was a sword,
and in the other was a flicker of fire floating above his palm.
Singing filled his ears, and he spun around, breathless, hoping for a glimpse of who sang such a serene song.
Whomever sang had the most beautiful voice he’d ever heard, and left him feeling joy he hadn’t felt in so long. For a moment, it reminded him of his mother’s lullabies. The memory of her face was faded, but he closed his eyes against burning tears.
He wiped his eyes, angry at the emotion that returned to him after so long.
“What is this?” Destan asked himself as he opened his eyes.
The flame in his palm turned blue and flew off into the sky. The wind—sweet with the scent of pine—blew around him, sweeping through his dark hair as his flame became encased in shimmering crystal.
Within the crystal, was Elise. With a sword in hand, she broke through the colored walls, and emerged with a battle cry. She wore blue armor, and a fierce look on her face that was unlike any expression he’d seen her display.
She wasn’t the shy, meek girl he guarded.
She was a warrior.
As he shielded his eyes against the brightness of the sunlight, the banners from kingdoms all across Titania were thrown toward her. Blue, red, gold, and green. Their banners floated and encircled her as if they were dance partners, waiting for their turn.
Armies and nations bowed in allegiance, falling at her feet as if she were a god returning to her creations.
He watched as she hovered in the sky, black hair whipping around her face, energy orbs glowing from her palm and hilt of her sword. She glanced down at him, and gave a nod of acknowledgment. With that nod, a faint—knowing—smile came to her full lips.
She took his breath away, and he was brought to his knees by her confidence and beauty. She’d never smiled at him.
It was then that he awakened.
He shot up in bed, and glanced down at his hand to see a mark etched into the flesh of his palm—the mark of a sunburst. He traced the wavering flames with his finger, and stared in awe at its sudden appearance.
Covered in sweat, he left his bed. The silence surrounding him was now deafening—maddening.
He raked his hand through his hair, and grimaced at how matted with perspiration it was. He put on his boots, and headed outside and into the night.
Once he stood in the cooling air of the emerging spring season, he exhaled and closed his eyes.
Mentally, he recounted everything he’d seen within his dream, and tucked it away into his memory. He didn’t want to forget any detail.
After he vocally retold the dream to himself, he opened his eyes. satisfied. He wiped his face and leaned against the stone wall and stared at the moon.
For once, his dreams were of something beautiful.
And, for once he wished it had been real.
Chapter Twenty
The winding pathway through the woods was barely visible beneath the darkness of the trees.
Weeks had gone by since the revelation of her magical ability was revealed, and as spring came fully into fruition, her ball was fast approaching.
Tall oaks blocked almost all traces of light. That which did shine through only highlighted the roses that grew all along this part of the woods.
To think that her father’s magic had passed down to her only made her heart beat faster.
From as early as she could remember, she knew something awaited inside, but she could never speak of it or explore it without fear.
Now, especially, having magic was dangerous.
“Keep up,” Inora whispered. “The path changes if you aren’t paying attention.”
Elise’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Yes. If you don’t stay close to me, the path is likely to enchant you and lead you to the edge of a cliff.”
With a gasp, Elise quickened her speed until she was nearly touching Inora’s back. She did want to hold her hand. But that was simply not done.
Childish fears and habits would have to be put away.
“Where are we going?” Elise asked, wringing her hands as she followed Inora into the secret glade she’d sectioned off from the rest of the world.
“The Spirit Realm,” Inora said, simply.
The world spun. “What?”
Inora sighed, as if Elise should have known these things naturally.
“As an Ocura, you are free to walk the bridge between the living and the dead. It is where we draw our strength and seek guidance,” she explained.
“Why must we go there now?” Elise asked, her eyes darting to the shadows that began to encroach on them.
“Because, you are now ready to connect with your spirit guide. Meeting her will unlock the full potential of your power.”
The path opened to a shiny black gate that appeared before them in the center of the woods. What was once crowded trees and rose bushes, was now a slick white-washed courtyard with a narrow castle that stretched high into the clouds.
Elise swallowed and looked to her grandmother. “Are you sure I’m ready?”
Instead of replying, Inora turned to Elise and gave her hands a quick squeeze. Something in Inora’s blue eyes worried Elise. She couldn’t decipher if what she saw were more secrets, or fear.
“Aren’t you coming?” Elise chewed her bottom lip and glanced at the castle. How the clouds were thick and gray at the very top was beyond her, while it was a clear, sunny day just beyond the woods.
She shook her head. “I cannot. You must go alone.”
Elise tensed. “You didn’t tell me that.”
“Do not worry. You will be fine. And, I will be here at the gate, waiting for your return.”
“Promise?”
“Of course, dear.”
The screeching of the gate made her jump, as it opened outward, nearly scrapping her with the double doors.
She moved to stand beside him and waited for the gate to fully open.
“Go now, Elise. Do not show fear.”
Elise swallowed another lump in her throat as she stepped inside the courtyard. There was no reply, just the soft hum of the wind that wrapped around her, chilling her cheeks.
Inora was gone, and it was just Elise, the fog, and the creepy castle at her back.
She turned around.
“I won’t be afraid,” she whispered to herself. “I won’t be afraid.”
Spinning around to face her fate, her teal gown swished around her legs. A faint outline of a thin woman stood out in the darkness. Her white skin was translucent, her gray hair almost reaching her knees.
Without a word, the woman turned and entered the castle.
Elise’s breaths quickened as she realized that was her cue to follow. She forced her feet forward, and tilted her chin upward.
The bubbling in her belly left her feeling nauseous. Two statues stood at either end of the main entrance; black dragons, with eyes of gold.
For a moment, she expected the demon to shift its gaze, and glare her way. Shivering, Elise kept her eyes averted and walked up the slick, stone steps. The light that came from deep inside the entrance only mildly comforted her.
She had to step into the tall doors all alone.
One last glance back at the gate did little to soothe her nerves. Elise didn’t think she’d ever wanted Inora by her side more than that moment.
Did she truly think she was ready?
Inside, Elise covered her exposed arms. A chill in the air startled her.
“Apologies, Elise,” a soft voice said from behind her.
Elise stiffened and glanced over her shoulder. The Spirit Guide stood there as the doors closed on their own.
With thin green eyes that had an upward slant, the spirit had taut skin and the appearance of a woman in her twenties.
“I am Samira,” she said, with a bow of her head.
Elise swallowed, and nodded. She couldn’t find her voice, despite trying.
“Have you been well?”
Elise nodded, and watched as Samira walked before
her in a shapeless black dress that hung long to her ankles. The flickering light behind her was distracting, seeming to dance and grow brighter and brighter.
It was a fire, crackling so loudly that the sound echoed throughout the empty castle.
Clearing her throat, Elise glanced upward to the second level where there was nothing but darkness.
“I’ve been well, thank you, Samira.”
With a small smile, she looked Elise up and down. “It is a pleasure to finally make formal contact with you.”
“Formal?” Elise asked, her brows furrowing. “What do you mean?”
She tilted her head. “You know that feeling you get when something is about to happen? The nudge in the right direction. The whispers on the wind…”
Realization filled Elise’s chest and she inhaled. Her eyes widened. “That was you?”
Samira nodded. “It was.”
With a flourish of her hand, a soft breeze swept through and caressed her face.
“Your old friend,” she said, her voice soft and soothing.
Tears burned Elise’s eyes, and calm washed over her.
“It was you all along,” she said, and Samira nodded, confirming.
“All along, my dearest,” she confirmed, and looked to her with glowing eyes. “Now, let’s unlock your power’s true potential.”
That sparked something inside of Elise that she couldn’t deny. A smile came to her face, and her heart thumped as she imagined all she’d be able to do once she knew how to use her power—how she could destroy the person who took everything from her.
“Yes,” Elise said, nodding. “Let’s.”
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Thanks for reading Throne of Deceit. I hope you enjoyed it. Please consider leaving a review if you did! The sequel, Throne of Malice is available for preorder now.
Also, check out my new series Awakened
or Waking the Dark.
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