Elemental Reality (9 page)

He looked at me intently. “I’m going to make you mine. After that you’ll forget all about Oli.” His words frightened me, making me try even harder to break free of his control.

No!
I screamed before calling him a string of obscenities in my mind.

“How unlady like,” he noted. “You don’t kiss your mother with that mouth, do you? Oh wait, she left you.”

What? What!
I roared. I broke through his darkness and jumped from the bed. He was quick and had blocked my only way out. Darkness tried to creep over me again, but I was too furious for them to take control.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he hissed.

“Get out of my way. Right. Now,” I said through gritted teeth, my hands fisting at my sides.

“Or what?” he mocked.

With all my strength I punched his jaw. He staggered enough from the blow that I was able to slide around him. Wretchedly, I wasn’t quick enough, and he grabbed my left arm. It burned at his touch. I flung my head around, ready to hit him with another blow from my fist, but froze mid-punch at the sight before me. He had a faint orange glow to him, and I swore fire danced in his eyes. It was suddenly suffocatingly hot where I stood, and my arm throbbed from the heat he produced.

“Let go of me, Cayden.” My voice was a whimper.

He growled a throaty, feral growl.

“Let go!” I cried out. I placed both hands on his chest, my left arm still in his grasp, and shoved him. Something crackled, and his grip was abruptly gone. He slammed into the wall across the room with a loud crack. Plaster powder rained down on us. My hands were glowing again. Cayden pulled himself from the wall. He shook off and growled again, his eyes seeking me out like the prey I was. I booked it out of there, glowing hands and all, and made my way outside. I started to run home, yelling at myself for not being in better shape. If I survived this I would become a firm believer in running for exercise. Hell, I would buy stocks in athletic shoes. My throat burned with each gasping breath, and my muscles ached with each step I took. Intense heat followed behind me, but I was too afraid to turn around. He was following me.

12

Grave Danger

“Callista!” Cayden shouted from behind me, his voice a demonic snarl. I peered over my shoulder and saw a tall figure dressed in a black cloak. Its flesh was marred and burned, reminding me of a real life Freddy Krueger. I froze in place, unable to comprehend what I was seeing as it crept closer to me. The voice was Cayden’s, but the face wasn’t. The heat it gave off was atrocious; my skin was on fire. Flames burst from its hands in undulating waves. A scream was stuck in my throat. I needed to move, to will my legs to carry me home and away from this thing. As the heat blistered my skin, I snapped back into reality. I whirled around and slammed into someone. Hands curled around my upper arms, steadying me. I chanced a glance, sighing in relief when I realized it was Oli. I was thrilled to see him but horrified that he too looked terrified.

“Run home, Kitten,” he ordered, eyes wide. “Don’t stop for anything or anyone. And don’t look back. Go!”

He gave me a shove in the direction of my house. I took one last look into Oli’s pleading eyes and bolted. I ran as fast as my legs would take me, never stopping or turning back. My legs cramped, and the beginnings of a stitch knotted in my side. Then I saw my house in the distance and hope of safety consumed me. With one last burst of energy, I took off. It was as if wings carried me home. My energy didn’t dwindle until I slammed the front door and dead bolted it behind me.

Panic rose in my chest, roaring in my ears with the thunder of my pulse. Each beat of my heart pounded behind my ribcage so violently it was about to burst from my chest. Where was Oli? I stared through the peephole and was greeted with a vast, empty yard. Guilt twisted my stomach like it was thrown into a grinder, and I choked back the tears that threatened to overwhelm me. My forehead rested on the door as I tried to steady my breathing. It was working until footsteps sounded behind me. My heart dropped from my chest to my curdled stomach. I whipped around, ready to fight, but stopped when I noticed a very pale Lola.

Grasping at my heaving chest, I shouted, “You scared the crap out of me.” She looked sick. “Are you okay?” I asked, voice frantic. She seemed to be in shock. I had never seen her like that, and it scared me.

“I don’t really know if things are okay, Cal,” she said in a quiet, shaky voice. “Oliver was here earlier; he and Dad were talking outside on the patio in hushed voices. All I heard him say was ‘Callie’s in danger,’ and Dad looked like he was about to faint.” My jaw dropped, and Lola continued. “Then Oliver tensed up and took off in a hurry. When I heard you slam the door I thought it was Oliver coming back with you. Did you see him? I tried calling you. Dad’s still outside, maybe we should talk to him?”

I nodded and followed her outside. What was Oli saying to Dad, and who were they talking about? How did Oli know I was in danger? Did it have to do with our connection? Panicked, terrified, and exhausted, I was sick of everyone hiding stuff from me. My gut said that the “stuff” they were hiding was that Freddy Krueger-like thing.

Dad sat on a patio chair and stared off into space. He didn’t even notice when we came outside. I closed the sliding glass door and carefully approached him. Lola sneezed one of her thunderous sneezes, and Dad practically came two feet off the chair. When he laid his eyes on me, relief spread across his face. He jumped up and scooped me into his arms.

“Thank God you’re okay. I thought something terrible happened.” He squeezed me with more strength then I knew he possessed and kissed my hair. He finally relaxed his grip and took a step back. He stared at me for a long while, examining me as if I had been in an accident. “You’re not hurt are you?”

“What?” I asked nervously. “Of course I’m fine; I was just . . . out.” My voice wavered. I hoped he didn’t notice.

“You were supposed to be with Oli, not—”

He stopped when Oli suddenly appeared at my side. He gave Dad a small nod, and a silent understanding passed between them. Too consumed with relief at seeing Oli, I ignored their exchange. My heart leaped for joy that he was okay. Oli gathered me into a tight embrace, and my tears threatened to spill over.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” I whispered, tone genuine.

“Dad knows, doesn’t he?” I breathed into his ear. “You told him.” The last was a statement.

He nodded against my head.

I pulled away. “How did
you
know?”

“Darkness shrouded our connection,” he said, his tone full of loathing. “I’m sorry, Kitten. I had to tell your dad. It’s time you two talked before someone gets hurt more than you already have.”

“Dad?” I turned to him, the one word suspicious.

Dad sighed, sounding defeated. “Why don’t you and Lola take a seat?” He motioned to the patio chairs. “I have something for you girls. I’ll just be a moment.”

Dad went inside, and the three of us sat. Oli moved his chair next to me and possessively linked his fingers with mine. He gave me a reassuring smile that eased the swarm of frantic butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Moments passed before Dad returned holding a single envelope. He sat in front of us at the patio table, looking pale and distraught. The hand that held the envelope shook.

“Girls, this is a letter from your mother.” He visibly gulped. “She wrote this before she was taken.” He paused to let his revelation sink in.

I sat up straighter with an overwhelming urge to clean my ears. Did he just say she was taken? My muscles tensed and went limp all at the same time. Then anger filtered in. If she had been taken, why hadn’t we been looking for her?

Seeing the understanding in our eyes, Dad continued. “She never left us. She never wanted to leave you girls, but she had to protect you.” His eyes reddened with unshed tears, and his pulse noticeably thumped in the vein running up his neck. “I’m sorry I kept this from you,” he choked out, “but your mother wanted me to wait until the right time. Recent events have made it clear to me that the time has come.” He slid the envelope across the table, hand still shaking. “Read this. I’ll explain the rest and answer any questions.”

I snatched the envelope off the table and ripped it open with a hunger to read something my mother wrote to us. I unfolded the paper inside and recognized her handwriting instantly. Lola leaned over my shoulder to read along.

To my dearest Callista & Lola:

What you are about to read might be very hard for you to understand. I made it quite clear to your father that I did not want you to read this until the time was right, so if you are currently reading this then that time is now. Girls, remember when we always used to tell you how special you are? Well, you two are more special than we could have ever imagined. I’m not just saying that because you are my girls, but because it is true in more ways than one. The hardest thing I’ll ever do is leave the three of you, but I’m doing it to protect you. Some evil people want to take you away from us, but they’ll take me instead. Protecting you girls has always been my first priority. They’re almost here, so I’m sorry I can’t tell you anymore in this letter. Just know that you will always be in my thoughts. Listen to what your father has to tell you and please try to understand.

I love you.

Mom xoxo

Lola snatched the letter out of my trembling hands and read it again. I couldn’t even look at Dad. He’d known about this for twelve years and never said one thing to us about it. Mom could still be alive, and we could have been searching for her the entire time. Or at least we could have called the police and reported her missing. I was suitably distraught, and the helpless feeling that consumed me fueled my fury quicker than Cayden ever had.

“Dad, why did you wait so long?” A cry lodged in my throat. “She told you to wait until the right time to tell us, but why now? I just don’t understand why you wouldn’t tell us the truth,” I yelled, infuriated and holding back the tears that burned my eyes.

“Because,” Dad said, resigned, “what happened today is exactly what your mom wanted me to wait for.”

He jumped out of his chair, startling me. He paced back and forth with his hands clasped behind his back and his Thinking Face on. After several revolutions, he turned to us and let out a heavy sigh.

“We’re not human,” he admitted. “You’re both Alkuaine Faeries. Alkuaine means elemental. You possess the controlling power of all five elements: earth, fire, wind, water, and electricity. Your mother is an Elementit Faerie who possesses four elements: earth, fire, wind, and water. I’m an Elementit Conjurer, possessing three elements: water, earth, and fire. Buried somewhere deep down inside you are your powers. Not only can you manipulate the elements, but you can also conjure them.” I opened my mouth to say something—anything—but he held up his hand. “There’s more,” he said, sounding exhausted.

“Callie, you were born in a place called Tehokas City, also known as T. City. It’s a city created out of the elements, enhancing Fey and Conjurer’s abilities. Within your first month of life, we realized you possessed all five elements. There hasn’t been an Alkuaine Faerie or Conjurer in over fifty years, and even then it was a rarity.” Dad practically fell into his chair. He was silent for several seconds, but I knew there was so much more he was going to tell us. Lola’s mouth hung open in obvious shock, and Oli sat back with tired yet intent eyes.

“Your mother and I told the Elders of your abilities,” Dad said, rubbing at his eyes.

“Who are the Elders?” Lola blurted.

Dad frowned, discernible displeasure written all over his face at her question. “There are two Elders: Mace and Nevaeh. They’re the oldest and most powerful in T. City. They’re sort of like governors and protectors of the city. That’s why we went to them. We were worried the about the Palo Demons.”

“Why?” I asked before I could hold it back.

Dad didn’t look too happy with my question choice. He sighed as if the whole world had landed on his shoulders. “There are Demons all over the world. They’re wanderers, and depending on where they go they devour whatever the strongest element is in the area. But Demons can only possess one element at a time, making them jealous of the Faerie and Conjurer communities. We’ve been at war with them for as long as history has been written. The only reason we’ve survived for as long as we have is that we can possess electricity and Demons can’t. But only Alkuaines possess electricity. Demons have slowly been gaining ground in the war.” Dad was rubbing at his eyes again.

“What he’s trying to say,” Oli said, squeezing my hand, “is that the Demons have killed off all Alkuaines so they would have a better chance at winning the war since they can’t possess electricity. If the Demons from all the different elemental communities came together, they would be on equal ground with the Faeries and Conjurers. Being born an Alkuaine Faerie placed you in grave danger.”

13

Reality Unfolds

My heart thrummed wildly at his words. “Wait.” I turned to face him. “How do
you
know all of this?”

“I’m a Conjurer,” he said matter-of-factly.

In my speechlessness, Dad cleared his throat and said, “We were hoping the Elders would help us protect you, Callie. When they offered we refused.”

“Why?” I asked, feeling sick.

“They were going to take you away from us to keep you safe,” Dad said. “They wanted us to tell everyone you died so there would be no suspicion as to where you went. Your mother and I decided to run away and not tell anyone where we were going. We came here and played human, hiding what we are to keep you safe. And then you were born, Lola. We weren’t expecting you to be an Alkuaine Faerie too, but to our surprise you were. Lying to you both was the only way we knew how to keep you safe. Using your powers could have brought us unwanted attention and put you both in danger. Not training and keeping you in the dark is the only thing that’s kept the Demons away this long.”

“And Mom?” I was nearly in tears now.

“The leader of the Palo Demons—Demons who can control fire—paid us a visit a few days before your birthday those twelve years ago. His name was Keaton.” The name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on where I had heard it. “He offered us a choice: Scarlett or you two.” Dad pointed between Lola and me. “They gave us only a few days to decide, but your mother already knew her decision.” A tear trailed down his cheek. “She would have done anything to protect you girls. Anything.”

I let everything soak in, nauseated, tired, and terrified at the revelation.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Lola said, outrage simmering beneath the surface. “Why would they take Mom and not us? Wouldn’t it be easier to kill us when we were innocent, powerless children?”

Dad massaged his temples as if the conversation gave him a headache. “Demons have their own rules to follow that the universe has placed upon them. Breaking those rules has an immediate consequence. Killing an innocent results in instantaneous death.”

Noticing my Dad’s fatigue, Oli jumped back into the conversation. “They could have made you into Palo Demons, but that can sometimes have mixed results with someone so young. Besides, their city, Palon, is running out of resources. Adding two more fire Demons in the mix would only deplete their resources that much quicker. Right now they’re desperate to take over T. City for survival.”

“So your saying they didn’t want to babysit us?” I asked, still in a state of shock.

“Exactly,” Oli said. “Which leads me to believe they took your mum knowing one day you and Lola would try to rescue her.”

“Because they wouldn’t have made her into a Palo Demon,” I exclaimed, understanding.

“Probably not,” Dad agreed, a tiny smile edging his lips.

“They were smart,” Oli continued. “By keeping Scarlett—your mum—captive, Keaton has guaranteed that you two will come to them when you’re older and not-so-innocent anymore. And they wouldn’t have to have someone follow you all the time.”

“Those clever bastards,” I growled. I was sick. Sick and furious.

“What are we waiting for?” Lola cried out. “Let’s go break her out of whatever kind of jail they have her in.”

“Considering neither of you has had the proper training in harnessing or controlling your powers, we can’t go,” Dad said, his tone stern.

That was when I snapped. “This is complete bullshit.” I pointed at Dad. “You hold this from us for twelve years when you could have been training us. Since the beginning of the month I thought I was crazy. Being able to sense, feel, and smell the elements all makes sense now. You should have told us sooner.” I turned to Oli, pulling my hand from his grasp. “And how did you find me? Who are you, Oli? Who are you?” I repeated furiously.

“I’m an Elementit Conjurer, like your dad,” said Oli patiently. “Except I can manipulate all four elements.”

I crossed my arms, not satisfied with his answer.

“We’re connected, Kitten,” Oli said earnestly. “I wasn’t lying when I told you we’re soul mates. If we didn’t have that connection I wouldn’t even be here.”

Yesterday, as he held me on the couch and told me we were soul mates, I thought them to be only words. Meaningful words, yes, but still just words. A romantic gesture, I thought, but I believed him beyond any shadow of a doubt.

“What does that mean?” The words were barely choked out.

“We’re not like humans,” said Oli. “If there is a Faerie—Conjurer in your case—that is meant for you, then there is a connection no amount of time or distance will be able to sever. It’s completely instinctive.

“Earlier this month I woke up in the middle of the night with an overwhelming need to find you.” A small smile captured his face. “When I called my mum, who was living in Tehokas City at the time, she started naming all the girls my age who lived there.”

“Why?” Lola asked, interrupting Oli.

“Soul mates are always the same age,” he explained. “When I told her I wasn’t being pulled to T. City, she started to name off a list of the elemental cities. I told her my soul mate was hundreds of miles away from the nearest elemental city. For one of our kind to live outside an elemental city, let alone that far away from one, is highly unusual. My mum hoped it was you, Callie. They knew your parents since before you were born.” Oli coaxed my hand from my crossed arms and intertwined his fingers with mine. “It was decided then that my mum and dad would come with me.” He sounded sincere, and I believed him.

Switching topics, I said, “Cayden’s a Palo Demon, isn’t he?”

“Yes,” Dad said. “I can only guess that Keaton has gotten antsy and doesn’t want to wait for you to come to him. If you had been trained, your power maturity would be at its fullest right now. Because you have never released your power, it’s trying to burst from you without rhyme or reason.”

“What do I do?” I demanded. “Help me!”

“It’s too late for help.” Dad hung his head, defeated.

Wonderful.

“So what’s going to happen to me?”

“Your powers are going to burst out of you,” Dad said. “And there’s nothing we can do about it.”

“But what does that mean?” I insisted. “Will it hurt?”

Dad and Oli exchanged a pained look, then understanding hit and twisted my gut.

“I’m going to die.” It was a statement, and neither of them disputed the claim. “My powers will explode from my body, and I’ll be-be g-gone? You’re not even going to try and save me?”

I looked between Dad and Oli. Dad wouldn’t meet my eyes, and Oli appeared grief-stricken. I couldn’t believe this. I gritted my teeth and balled my hands into fists. I wanted to slam them into something—or someone—but I stepped off the patio and into the grass before that could happen.

“I can’t believe either of you,” I snapped. “Dad, you lost Mom, and now you’re just going to let me die?” I turned to Oli. “And you said we’re soul mates, yet you’re doing nothing to help me either? You’re both just going to stand there and watch me die? Lola isn’t going to die too, is she?” The thought brought about a grief so real and devastating I almost dropped to my knees.

“No. Lola’s safe,” Dad barely whispered, still refusing to make eye contact with me. “She’s still capable of receiving the proper training. But there’s nothing we can do for you now.”

I couldn’t believe those words came from his mouth. He wasn’t even going to try to save me from dying. A scream that began building up from the beginning of the conversation finally exploded from my chest. “Do
not
just stand there and let me die,” I cried. My throat clenched as angry tears threatened to burst out.

I couldn’t stop glaring at him. My heart pounded behind my ribcage, trying to impale itself on a rib. My body had turned into an enormous ball of anger and was about to detonate like a fierce cherry bomb. The sky grew dark and lightning streaked across it. Rain and wind whipped across my face, and my hair thrashed uncontrollably. Heat flooded my hands and spread like an untamed brush fire. It felt as if I was burning from the inside out, as if the blood in my veins was replaced with white-hot fire. A tremor erupted beneath my feet, and Lola gasped. I glanced her direction and saw her gaze fly between me and something directly over my shoulder. Curiosity overtook my fury, and I whipped around. Something bright pink with black spiked edges fluttered behind me. I spun around again, my back to the others, but nothing was there.

“Holy hell,” Lola screeched, standing up so fast her chair flew backward.

I spun around so fast I almost lost my footing, but there was still nothing there. I must have looked like a dog chasing its tail. What was going on? That was when I caught my reflection in the sliding glass door. My hair flew around frantically, and a purple glow emanated from my exposed skin. As I stood there, stunned by the storm surrounding me, I watched in awe as the vivid pink and black spikes expanded like lava shooting out of a volcano. I had sprouted wings. Like actual wings. I turned to the side, still not believing what I was seeing, but they were very real, and they were stunning; huge, bright pink wings that faded into black with spiked edges. The swirls and spirals of white and grey looked like they were meticulously painted on with the finest of brushes. They were the same wings that had appeared in my dreams so often. Now they were part of my elemental reality.