by Olivia Ash
“What are you two laughing at?” I ask, practically seething.
Jesse says, “Do you know how cute you are when you are angry?”
I shake my head and utter a few unsavory words under my breath.
“We still need to discuss one last thing,” Gideon says, looking directly at Soren. “I haven’t spoken to Lady Alene.”
“What?” I ask.
“There’s not much time left,” Soren says.
“Time left for what?” I ask and look to Milo and Jesse who both seem just as lost as I am. Milo even shrugs.
“I agree. But my hands are tied.” Gideon moves to behind his desk. He flips open a black file and runs his fingers along the page. He taps a spot and huffs.
“Will someone please tell me what is going on?” I ask.
Gideon shrugs. “We must trust that she knows what she is doing. She is well aware of the situation.”
Okay. I know this has something to do with me. But why they aren’t telling me specifics? I don’t know, and I definitely don’t like it.
“That’s the best we can hope for then,” Soren says.
I throw my hands up, exasperated. “So, you’re not going to let me in on this little thing you two are discussing?”
“We can’t,” Soren says, and leaves it at that.
I gawk. “Then why discuss it in front of me?”
“Because time is of the essence, and we are here,” he simply says and leaves it at that.
“The only thing left to discuss now is who is sleeping where,” Gideon says.
I turn toward him. “What?”
“She’s sleeping with me,” Soren says.
I about-face and narrow my eyes on him. “No. I’m not.”
“I can’t have her sleep with me,” Gideon says. “There are rules I can’t even bend. It wouldn’t look good and may draw unwanted attention to her.”
“Right,” Soren says.
I look at Jesse and Milo who watch the exchange and I can tell they are just rolling with the punches. But a glint in Jesse’s eye flickers as he stands straighter and says, “Let’s take turns.”
“I’m not a freaking item to be passed around!”
“Not only that,” Gideon adds, “But you and Milo, though talented and powerful, are just as inexperienced as Wren is when it comes to the way things work not only here at the academy, but in the magical world as well.”
“Then it is settled,” Soren says. “She stays with me.”
“It’s my room or not at all.” I put my foot down, tired of arguing. “Damn it all. If I have to agree to a constant escort this is where I draw the line.”
“They do have a point.” Milo shrugs as I turn my glare on him. “It’s true.”
“Traitor,” I say, but it lacks the punch I wanted it to have. He makes me soft.
“There’s always a bit of fun in sneaking out,” Jesse adds. He winks as I look at him. I shake my head, but I can’t keep away the smile that stretches my lips.
“Like hell,” Soren says.
“Look. As endearing as all of your masculine protection is, I’m putting my foot down. My room or not at all.”
Soren clenches his fists and huffs through his nose. “Dammit woman!” He storms toward me and launches me over his shoulder.
“Put me down, you brute!” I pound his back and I hate to admit I’m not putting my strength into it because as much as this man infuriates me, I have a soft spot for him, and I can’t help it. I truly don’t want to hurt him.
As he storms into the hallway and down the length of several corridors, heading toward the House of Phoenix, I say, “Put me down or I’ll blast you into next week.”
He snorts. “Please. You would miss me. You can’t even hit the broad side of a barn.”
“I’ll show you broad side of a barn.” I start to wiggle and kick with everything in me. It’s no use. He tightens his grip around me.
“If you’re not careful, I’ll have to teach you a lesson later.” He purrs the words, completely unaffected by my insults and attempts to wiggle free.
I huff. “Put me down. I’ll walk.” It’s a lie. I just hope he doesn’t pick up on that.
“This is for your own good.”
“Who’s really benefiting from this arrangement? Me or you?”
“You weren’t complaining earlier.”
I growl and just give in. There’s no use in fighting, and I can’t even get free from his lock-tight grip. I give up on fighting to get free, but that doesn’t mean I’m not livid.
Because carrying me around like a ragdoll, makes me freaking angry.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
As soon as I am completely calm, we reach the door to my room. Once he sets me down, he grabs my shoulders and forces me to look him in the eyes.
“Be quick. The longer you are here, the more likely Deacon will find you.”
I level my gaze on him as I frown. “Thanks for the warning, mighty protector.”
He huffs through his nose as he tightens his grip on my shoulders. “Please, Wren.”
“Okay, okay. Am I grabbing toiletries and all my clothes or just enough for a few days then we can make a trip back?”
He stands in front of me, staring blankly. “Your choice. Just make it quick. Whatever you can grab and carry.”
“Carry while you are carrying me or walking?” I ask with a smile.
“Woman, if you don’t get in there right this second, I’m tossing you over my shoulder again and you’ll be forced to wear my clothes.”
I giggle. “Can’t have that, now can we?”
Although, the thought of his clothing surrounding me makes my heart flutter a little.
I stand on the tips of my toes and kiss him on his cheek. “I’ll be right back.” I turn and face the door. He stands behind me as I walk in. I half-expect him to follow me in, but the door slams shut no sooner than I’m through.
Spinning around, I try to open the door, but it’s frozen in place. I can’t get the damn knob to wiggle much less turn. Commotion filters through the door, and I can hear a physical struggle ensue. Soren grunts in pain, and my heart freezes in my chest. I know that was him, and he’s in trouble.
I bang on the door and call out for him. He doesn’t seem to hear me. Or worse, he can’t respond. My heart is in my throat as my eyes sting with the threat of tears. I’m panicking, trying to get the damn door to open with no change in results.
A bright white light flashes around me, and a boom vibrates through the air, deafening my ears and shaking me to the core. Just as quick as it starts, it’s over, leaving intense silence settling around me.
It takes a few moments, but once I can focus again, I’m in the garden. Lady Alene stands patiently waiting for me to acknowledge her. And as I do, she smiles.
“Hello again, Wren.”
“What is going on?” I ask.
“You have been selected for a fifth trial.”
“Soren is in trouble,” I say. “We have to get back.”
The lady’s stony brow furrows. Her eyes gloss over for a moment. As she is silent, I’m desperately looking for a way out of here and back to Soren. Finally, Lady Alene says, “No. He’s fine. Though I’m not positive what you saw, it was likely a part of the trial.”
I shake my head. That was not part of any trial. I know this. It wasn’t all some show to set my nerves on edge. What I heard was real. I have to get to him. To save him.
The lady rests a hand on my shoulder, and as I take in her expression, she smiles. “Trust me, sweet one. He is well.”
I bite the corner of my lower lip and I give in a little. I’m still worried, and will be until I see him again, but I have been given no reason to distrust Lady Alene before now. I don’t see why that should change.
“A word of caution, my friend,” she says, placing both hands on my upper arms.
I’m struck by the fact she considers me a friend. I smile, because it’s a nice sentiment.
“Once the trial sta
rts, there will be no exit or escape.”
I cock my head to the side, wondering if there was an exit or escape on any of the other trials.
“You must see this one through to the very end, no matter what happens. You cannot give up.”
Though I don’t know what she means by this, I do know what to do. My plan? Get through this as quick as possible so I can see Soren for myself.
Finally, I nod.
“Follow me.” She turns and walks along a path that forms to her right. It curves downward, along the face of the cliff. Within minutes, we’re at the end of the path, barricaded by two large mirrors. The images within each are as different as night and day. In fact, they are night and day.
I turn my puzzlement toward the lady. “What am I supposed to do?”
She simply smiles and says, “Follow your heart.”
I watch as she walks away, leaving me to stare at the mirrors. As soon as she is out of sight, the path disappears, blocking me in with a fence of dense trees. The ocean crashes against the edge of the island and rushes into the inlet behind the mirrors. On my right is the cliff face.
Above me, the sky is stuck somewhere between day and night, bending together above me in a weird, yet beautiful, array of sunlight and stars.
As I rake my gaze around me, everything I take in is beautiful, magical, wonderous. Like a different world, where everything seems to be brighter, more vivid, and full of life.
To get through this and save Soren, I have to focus. “Follow my heart.”
I clear away my concern for him if only long enough to complete this trial. I can’t mess up now. Not when I’m so close. Not when Soren needs me. Not when I’ve just found four men I don’t want to ever live without.
Breathing in deep the sea air, I face the mirror and repeat, “Follow your heart.”
I assume this means to listen to my intuition, like I did when selecting a house, and pick a mirror.
One mirror is day, either sunrise or sunset. I can’t really be sure. The vivid colors of light blend together and shine over a thick meadow of yellow grass dancing in a slight breeze. The border of evergreens stand guard to this small, private paradise, and small white lights that remind me of sprites dance through the air, chasing butterflies in colors that match the rainbow.
It’s a peaceful scene that makes me want to take a walk through the tall grass and see what discoveries there are to explore. I see this place, and I think of warmth, happiness, contentment.
But I also know better than to buy into something at face value. Nothing is ever as it truly seems, and that is truer still with anything here at the academy. Especially with trials.
I step to the second mirror and take in its image. This one is of night. A full moon crests over the horizon, larger than I’ve ever seen. The stars in the sky are an array of different colors that twinkle like glittering gems. The Milky Way swirls over the edges of the trees, glowing bright as the moon. The meadow is alight with glowing flowers in hues of purple, pink, and blue. Sprites twirl and weave through the air in this image as well.
A shadowy creature flies above the meadow, blocking out the moonlight. It almost reminds me of a dragon, but the shape isn’t quite right. It disappears into the left frame, just as quick as it came. Whatever creature that was, it was too fast for me to get a good look, but I swear the thing only had wings and a tail. No legs.
With the moonlight unobstructed again, I return to my study of the scene before me. I’m in awe of the beauty of this serene landscape. It reminds me of warm summer nights, running through the grass behind my childhood home. A time where things were simpler. Peaceful.
But I know better than to think that this choice is a simple one, nor should it be hastily made.
But one thing seems clear to me—the day mirror represents light. The night mirror represents dark and shadows. With that respect, picking the day mirror would be choosing the light. Whereas, picking the night mirror would be choosing the dark.
Yet, I stand here, staring at the two images, wondering what the catch is, if any.
Something ripples through both images, and I can feel the heat and warmth of the day mirror’s sun. A cool breeze blows into me, and I’m comforted. The night is a sharp contrast to the day, with cooler temperatures, but the sounds of crickets chirping is like music to my ears. It’s cool, comfortable.
I feel at ease within both images.
But as I stand here, I’m reminded of the ever-elusive time limit that every other trial has had.
I have to make a choice soon.
Recalling what I did when walking with Lady Alene, when she told me to listen to my heart as I was deciding which path to walk on, I close my eyes and tune into my magic. I trust in it and let it guide me.
Moving toward the day scene, my magic swirls calmly and effortlessly. It feels relaxed, pleasant. Easy-going.
When I step in front of the night’s scene, my magic rushes, churning faster, stronger, more powerful.
With a sigh, I pace the space available to me between the mirrors and the trees that seemed to have gotten closer while I was occupied with making up my mind. That makes things a bit more difficult. As if a time limit wasn’t enough, I’m being pushed into making a decision.
Awesome.
Nevertheless, the decision still eludes me.
Facing the mirrors, I know what I want.
To be good. Not go dark and become a shadow mage. To do right by those around me instead of inflict pain and suffering. I know this is where I’m meant to be, but I’m worried there is a trick—a clue or hint—that I’m not seeing.
I look behind me again to see if the trees have come closer to me, and to my dismay they have.
I’m almost certain I haven’t missed anything. Obviously, there are pros and cons to each choice standing before me, but I don’t have any more time to waste.
I step closer to the day mirror, wanting to be good, light, normal. The mirror shimmers as the glass dissolves away from the frame. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and step through.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
As I step through, wind rushes around me. I open my eyes as the image of the meadow during the day bleeds away, fading into a dark, dank room that smells of dirt and must. It’s moist, and cold. It doesn’t take much more to realize that wherever I am, it’s deep underground. I’ve never seen this place before, and as I turn to take in all of my dismal surroundings, I question the idea I’m still on the island. It’s large enough to be a cave beneath the island, but I can’t tell where the way in or out is. The only lights within the room seem to shine down from a ceiling, and they only provide enough light to see the immediate area. Everything else is thick with shadow.
Finishing my survey of where I am, I turn and find Deacon Lawrence, standing under a dim light no more than five feet from me, smiling like a cat that has finally caught his prey.
“You.” My voice comes out flat, but full of the venomous warning that I fully intend on delivering if he decides to try anything crazy with me.
He smiles. “So glad you could join me. Now that I finally found a way to get you alone.”
I quirk an eyebrow and set my hands on my hips. “Explain. Now.” My magic pulses through me with the now, and I’m getting a very familiar feeling coursing through me. But I can’t focus on that for long before my attention is reclaimed by a man that is proving to be a bigger pain in my ass than I originally gave him credit for.
He chuckles darkly. “Sure. All in good time. But first …” he pauses as he starts to pace the ground in front of me. It’s a leisurely pace that signals to me that he is completely at ease and comfortable. Like he believes he’s already won. “You have been quite the busy little bee, haven’t you? I’ve been told that you were recently in contact with someone very dear to you recently. Who was it?”
“I don’t have to tell you anything.”
His pacing stops as he faces me. “Oh, but you do, Wren. You are my initiate.”
“
I’m not your initiate anymore. Whatever it is you are doing here, make it stop.”
“You wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for me. I can take my token of good faith away, take every last memory of yours and deliver you back to the trolls you hate so much.”
“I appreciate your invitation to the academy. Nothing has changed that. But, no, you won’t.” I shake my head and cross my arms over my chest. “You don’t have the power to take my memories away from me.”
I admit, I’m goading him into showing his cards. Because I only have one card to show, and that’s not going to happen. He may have the power to revoke my access to the academy, but I’ll be damned if I allow him to mess with my memories.
“I suppose you will find out soon enough. That is, unless you tell me who it was you were in contact with.”
I shrug. “Crappy sources if they can tell you I was in contact with someone dear to me, but couldn’t say who. Which really is a shame, because I’m not telling you a damned thing.”
I want to ask about who his source is, but I figure it will come out in time. Just need to be patient for a bit and drag this out as long as I can so I can formulate a plan to get out of here.
“Have you considered your new friends?” He asks, resuming his pacing and calm demeanor. “You seem to have gotten close to a few people in your short time here at the academy.”
I narrow my eyes on him. “What are you getting at?”
He shrugs and says, “Well, I would just hate for something to accidentally happen to them.”
Oh, no he did not just threaten my men.
“I’ll kill you if you even try.” My words come out flat, resolute, with no room to argue the fact. Because, if it comes down to it, I won’t even hesitate.
He clicks his tongue. “Now, now, Wren. I’m the one in control here.”
“We’ll see,” I say, never taking my gaze off of him.
He snaps his fingers. The shadows shift and an army of golems appear. My magic is thrown into the familiar sensation of being around my men all at once. And as that thought registers, the golems drag out my men. Each of them have their hands tied behind their backs with a gag covering their mouths. I want to rush to them, to hug them and apologize, but Deacon holds his hand out to stop me. Instead, I watch helplessly as they are thrown to their knees under the light behind Deacon.
