A Clash of Storms

by Bella Forrest

  Mom and Dad quickly grew fond of Draven, who showered them with handmade charms imbued with protective and healing magic, while Viola and Phoenix were rarely seen outside their room in the treehouse. I couldn’t exactly blame them; they’d been so brutally torn apart and had nearly died trying to get back to one another. They deserved every moment alone that they could get.

  Jax had a blast in The Shade, exploring the forest and measuring his skills and combat abilities against those of our senior GASP members. He put up quite a fight when Derek challenged him, but was eventually forced to yield, as it turned out that he couldn’t use his mind-bending powers on vampires and could only rely on his physical strength. Nevertheless, he earned the admiration of the entire GASP team for every blow he gave to Derek. He also struck up an unexpected friendship with Lucas, who seemed to be exactly Jax’s type of snarky. I had a feeling Zeriel would be in a lot of trouble if he got stuck between those two.

  During our stay in The Shade, the Eritopian GASP teams were assembled, with Field, River, Ben, Kiev, Aiden, and Sofia leading the selection process for the main base and the nineteen kingdom divisions. Scarlett Novak, Pippa and Jeramiah’s daughter; Avril Novak, Lucas and Marion’s daughter; and my cousin Fiona Achilles, Yelena and Benedict’s daughter, were all assigned to the Calliope base with us.

  Dmitri was quite upset that he hadn’t yet made the cut, given his shorter experience, but both Aida and Jovi assured him that they had his best interests at heart, and that he was more than welcome to apply again next year. I had a feeling they were keen on telling him “yes” the second time around.

  Harper and Caia both applied for junior positions on Calliope, and, after some intense trials and interviews, Field accepted their candidacies, drawing groans from Caia’s and my parents. They felt like all their children were abandoning them for Eritopia, and we had to remind them that we were not only consenting and capable adults, but also just a portal away from them.

  They eventually got used to the idea and proceeded to help us with packing our bags. I was in no way willing to wear any of those horrible eighteenth-century clothes again. I needed my cargo pants and sports bras and combat boots, not crinoline and corsets and fancy summer dresses that made me boil. Phoenix was just as excited about bringing his own wardrobe to Eritopia, as he’d never gotten along with the white frilly shirts and the uncomfortable footwear.

  I found myself particularly entranced by how modern shirts and jeans looked on Draven. I was dating a men’s magazine cover model, for sure, only my guy came with really cool Druid magic and was in charge of an entire planet. Phoenix and I even took him shopping in Hawaii on our last day, making sure he came back with a stylish wardrobe of his own.

  Funnily enough, when we all gathered in front of the portal to return to Eritopia, I saw that Vita and Jovi had done the same for Bijarki and Anjani, who looked gorgeous and unrecognizable. We’d all gone for the kind of clothing that was stylish but not ultra-contemporary, mainly because we wanted them to feel comfortable wearing something somewhat familiar and, at the same time, because we wanted to avoid any crude jokes coming from the other incubi, succubi and Druids. After all, we couldn’t dress up everyone in Eritopia.

  We hugged and kissed our parents goodbye, and promised to see them in a few days, as we were already preparing a big celebration dinner in Luceria with all of our allies. We passed through the portal and returned to Eritopia, where we immediately got to work.

  As expected, a couple of days later, the Shade witches joined us, along with our parents, to help us settle in, as did several Novak elders, including Eli, Derek, and Sofia.

  We were thrilled to find the Dearghs returned to full strength, except for the six that had sacrificed themselves to put the volcanoes to sleep. They were mourned and celebrated for their selfless gesture. Zur offered up his mountain as home for the Calliope GASP base. It was the closest to Luceria, as the castle had once again been chosen as the capital. Corrine, Ibrahim, Arwen, Brock, Mona, Shayla, and our other witches soon began construction of the GASP base on Mount Zur, aided by the Dearghs and several Druids. Using powerful magic and the stone giants’ sheer strength, it only took a week for GASP to have a fully functional new HQ on Calliope.

  Field and Aida oversaw the project, making sure that the training grounds and facilities were designed and equipped to mirror Calliope’s difficult terrains, including its dark jungles and sharp mountain ridges.

  The senior GASP members, led by Derek and Sofia, then offered agent and officer positions to Eritopians willing to join our organization. They were clear in stating that they could lead their people and collaborate with GASP at the same time, seeing as both endeavors were not mutually exclusive.

  Anjani, Jax, and Bijarki were the first to accept after Hansa, followed by Heron, Zeriel, Wren, Isla, Rebel, Thorn, and all the young Druids, as well as Patrik and Draven. Any Eritopian could join, including those in newly-acquired positions of power, as GASP was designed to not interfere with local official roles, but rather support them. Hansa, however, preferred some personal freedom for a change and handed the Red Tribe reigns over to Anjani, who became chief and worked with the other succubi to organize a long-term alliance with the incubi of Calliope.

  They believed that if they could look past their differences and live together in free cities like they had many millennia ago, without impeding one another’s freedoms, the succubi and incubi could set a better example for the other kingdoms and further help in unifying the people. Hansa confessed that she had grown tired of the responsibilities and the rhetoric between their people, and felt that Anjani could be of more use to this new initiative. She also preferred to focus on GASP, because there were fewer responsibilities and because there was the possibility of exploring other worlds within the In-Between and discovering new, different creatures.

  Jovi and Anjani shortly announced that they were a pair, after Hansa’s departure to GASP. The reactions they got were quite mixed, ranging from frowns and disapproving scowls to giggles and genuine cheers. Aura and Almandine were the first to demand a marriage ceremony, but both Jovi and Anjani brushed the concept off, stating that they were still in the early stages of their relationship and they didn’t want to rush into a wedding.

  Jax’s decision to join GASP had initially confused his wards and the Mara people. He appointed nine of his wards to a council to lead the Maras on his behalf, and report to him directly. The tenth ward was entrusted with being his eyes and ears in White City, making sure that the Maras kept to their laws and always welcomed GASP members into their community with arms wide open.

  I could feel Jax getting closer to the Novaks, and his fascination for the vampires seemed never-ending. He confessed that he’d always felt like there had been some kind of curse on the Maras, since they were confined to walking freely only at night and feeding off blood, but, after spending time with the vampires, he’d come to appreciate his nature a little bit more. His kind was, after all, Eritopia’s equivalent to vampires.

  Draven really came into his own as a Master Druid of Calliope. With a little help from Corrine and her artistic eye, we were able to redecorate Luceria—it was way too creepy all in black. The citadel was completely transformed, dressed in white marble, with brushed brass towers, broad archways, and beautiful statues and relief sculptures as architectural details. The throne room was given a makeover, too, clad in soft golden silks and decorated with massive golden chandeliers and two large portraits of Genevieve and Almus, which had been discovered in the art section of the Druid archives in Stonewall. As expected, Draven and I had our master bedroom set up with a giant canopy bed, all dressed in white satins and iridescent organza drapes. It looked like a little slice of heaven, and we spent every night hiding beneath the delicate covers and making love until the early hours of the morning.

  Bijarki and Vita were also an official pair now, as were Field and Aida. We’d set them all up with their own quarters in Luceria, though they spent their time split be
tween the castle and Mount Zur. Phoenix and Viola were accepted as a couple by the Daughters of Eritopia in a more official capacity that allowed Phoenix to ascend to a more influential role across the galaxy, in a council position even. Given that Phoenix was basically dating a Daughter of Eritopia, the people of all twenty kingdoms seemed to have a special kind of admiration for him. They listened carefully and often followed his advice. After all, the Daughters had been so inaccessible since the beginning of time, and yet my brother had gotten himself into a relationship with one.

  I was ridiculously proud of him, but he was reluctant to embrace this new role, since he was more interested in spending time with Viola and training with GASP. He didn’t refuse it, though, as he figured he might need it someday.

  The pregnant succubi of the Green Tribe were soon reunited with their sisters, as were the Bajang cubs of Stonewall with their families. Tamara got Eva back, as well, as the young Lamia had been kept away from the war, hidden on Marton with the Bajang cubs.

  Tamara nearly broke into a fit of rage when Draven bluntly told her that he wasn’t going to mate with Eva, as per the original terms of their alliance.

  “I simply cannot hold up my end of the bargain anymore,” he said to her as we gathered in the luminous throne room. “I am sorry, Tamara.”

  “What am I going to do with your apologies, Druid?” Tamara scoffed, while Eva sulked in one of the guest chairs, crossing her arms and glaring at me like I was Azazel or something. “Your word was your bond!”

  “True, but that was when we all thought I was the only Druid around,” Draven defended himself, straightening his back. I found him particularly charming in that black three-piece suit, complete with a classic white shirt and the diamond Seal of Calliope hanging from his neck on a solid gold chain, a symbol of authority and power throughout the galaxy.

  Tamara needed a couple of minutes for her anger to subside, but she ultimately agreed with Draven. There were enough Druids now to help the Lamias reproduce, not just the forty on Calliope, but also the couple hundred who’d survived in the other kingdoms. We’d been surprised to see that many had survived, and subsequently thrilled as it made replenishing the entire species a lot easier.

  “I’ve already removed the stigma from the Lamias,” Draven added. “Relations between Druids and Lamias are no longer forbidden, nor will they be frowned upon. However, I do expect the Lamias to stay civil and not go after innocent children.”

  “I am speechless, Druid.” Tamara graciously nodded. “After all these years, you’ve finally done what your forefathers were too afraid to do… Thank you, on behalf of all Lamias.”

  “It is the least I can do in return for not keeping my word regarding our alliance against Azazel,” Draven replied.

  “Also, let’s get something straight,” Tamara frowned. “The Lamias have not gone after incubus and succubus flesh in thousands of years. So, please, do not feed into that old hysteria about Lamias eating children. I would never do such a thing, and neither would any of my sisters…”

  The door opened, and Flynn, one of the young Druids, walked in. He wore elegant black velvet trousers tucked into navy-blue Wellington boots, topped with a white cotton, sleeveless shirt and a short black velvet cape on one shoulder. His arms were still reddish from his new tattoos, as all the young Druids had been tested and initiated into their appropriate skill levels. Flynn had earned himself direct entry into the Fiftieth Circle, judging by the number of black bands tattooed on his arms.

  He stopped before us and bowed respectfully, his gaze darting to Eva. The young Lamia immediately reacted, sitting up straight, beautiful, and dignified like the princess she was. I was amused and relieved to see she’d already forgotten about Draven.

  “Pardon the interruption, Master Druid,” Flynn said.

  “It’s fine, Flynn. Is everything okay?” Draven asked with a frown.

  “Yes, sire. You asked me to inform you when it would be ready.”

  I noticed Draven’s expression change, his forehead smoothing and his eyes briefly flickering black before he nodded.

  “Thank you, Flynn,” he replied dryly. “And congratulations on your Fiftieth Circle.”

  “Thank you, sire.”

  Flynn walked away, unable to resist glancing at Eva on his way out. The corner of her mouth twitched as the doors closed behind him. Our obnoxious but not all that bad little Lamia had a crush.

  “Tamara, will you please excuse us? Serena and I have some business to attend to.”

  Draven didn’t even wait for Tamara to respond. He just took my hand and walked us out of the throne room.

  “Make yourselves comfortable, if you wish,” Draven said over his shoulder before the doors closed behind him. “Lunch will be served soon. There’s lots of raw meat!”

  I stifled a grin as I followed him up the white marble main stairs, bathed in ribbons of sunlight pouring in from the tall lateral windows.

  “Where are we going?” I asked, keeping up with his rushed pace.

  I could feel his excitement and a hint of nervousness.

  “You’ll see,” he replied, not leaving room for other questions.

  That made me even more curious, but I decided to let him lead on this.

  “Well done in there, with Tamara and Eva.” I changed the subject as we reached the mechanical elevator at the top of the stairs.

  He pulled the large iron doors open for me to get in, then joined me, shutting them tight and pulling the lever on his right. We were going upstairs.

  “I thought they’d be a lot more difficult to handle!” I added with a sigh.

  “Me too,” he replied. “I could’ve sworn Eva had developed an obsession with me. The way she leered at me was not easy to ignore. But, in the end, I did make a point. There are plenty of Druids for them to be with. Besides, if she were to persist, I would’ve just referred her to the Daughters for a final judgment.”

  Draven had begun appointing new Master Druids to the other planets. Thadeus and Ori had been given Persea and Purgaris, respectively, with seventeen more kingdoms left to assign when the remaining Druids were tested and approved by the Daughters.

  It had become the general rule that all disputes were to be handled through a judiciary system, independent of the Master Druid, and, if they couldn’t reach a resolution, the case would then be referred to the Nine Daughters of Eritopia for a final judgment. They would listen to each argument carefully, then vote on a verdict. It was fair and impossible to overturn.

  Slowly but surely, order was being restored in Eritopia. In a month or so, the treason trials would begin for all the incubi who had fought against the free nations. Sverik was going to be the first to be judged by a jury of his peers.

  The elevator brought us to the top level, where we took the last flight of stairs leading up to the terrace. It looked absolutely stunning in white marble, with ample archways dressed in red and yellow roses, and pale yellow organza veils fluttering in the warm summer wind. Elegant benches and tables had been set in the middle, as the platform now served as a relaxation space for the Druids and the upper-echelon officials of Luceria.

  A pale flying horse waited on the edge, its white mane thick and curly.

  I stilled then, recognizing the creature’s glowing violet eyes. It was one of the surviving shape-shifters, now a permanent member of our quirky “household”.

  “Draven, what are we doing?” I asked, even more confused.

  He squeezed my hand and kept me close as we walked over to the shifter horse.

  “I want to show you something,” he said without looking at me.

  He mounted the shifter horse, then offered me his hand for support. I took it and climbed up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist. My palms pressed against his rock-hard abs as the horse neighed and took off, its wings spread out, feverishly flapping as it flew south.

  I could feel Draven’s heart beating frantically in his chest. It echoed mine, but I kept my composure and refrained from
asking him more questions as the horse carried us over rolling green hills and valleys covered in beautifully scented orchards before the dark jungles and swamps began to unravel below.

  My breath hitched as I saw the mansion rising in the middle of an open field. We were going back to where everything had started… and my heart beat faster as we got closer. As soon as we landed in front of it, I could see the changes.

  The old plantation house had been redecorated with brick-red masonry and French windows, thick white columns adorning the sumptuous main entrance, and a gorgeous flower garden complete with beautiful magnolia trees in full bloom.

  “Oh, wow,” I mumbled as we slid off the shifter horse and moved toward the mansion. “This looks amazing!”

  “Do you like it?” Draven asked, his voice lower than usual as he walked behind me.

  “Yes! It’s… It’s beautiful! How did you do this?”

  “The Daughters had the ancient wards work their magic on it,” he replied. “Just one of the many gifts they said they’d bestow upon us for everything we’ve done. Come on, let me show you around.”

  He smiled, then took my hand and led me to the back of the house, where I couldn’t help but gasp at the sight of a manicured lawn, complete with a stone-walled pool and patio furniture. An orchard sprawled beyond it, and a thick fence surrounded the property. I turned around and saw the greenhouse was still there, annexed to the back of the mansion and filled with exotic plants and trees.

  Draven watched my reactions quietly, as I marveled at all the beauty that the ancient wards had conjured. It looked like a miniature palace, elegant but not pompous, its gardens respectful of the surrounding wilderness.

  “There’s a new protective shield in place,” he said.

  I looked up and around at the fence, but I couldn’t see any golden glimmers like with the previous protective spell, and I certainly hadn’t felt anything when we’d come through. I gave him a curious glance, and he smiled.

  “You can’t see or feel it,” he explained briefly. “It’s a bit different this time, but still designed to keep all hostiles out. It’s wider by a mile, and it reads into a creature’s very soul. If their intentions are not pure, they can never come in.”