“I never thought I’d live to see this day. Now you know the truth.” Maximus walked past me and placed the sterling silver heart-shaped locket on the desk.
How did he get her locket? Letoya never took it from around her neck.
“The question is. What are you going to do about it?” He left out of my window.
Chapter Five
Trevor
Pain shot through my chest. The hard-compact dirt felt like granite. I wiped the grit from my eyes. Why did Victoria save me? The water smelled of salt and looked inviting. There was no sign of Victoria but I know she’s watching me. I was sure she would kill me but I’m grateful that she spared my life. Lily and I can now be together forever and get over the wedge that has been between us.
Darkness had fallen so the day is gone. I ran southwest toward the city of Captona, where Lily lives. Captona was a beautiful peninsula surrounded by impressive mountains. I never wandered through Captona. I avoided it like the plague. The people that lived there seemed to be dreamers living in another universe. Most of the time they were overly optimistic and never inquisitive.
The weather here in Captona feels like a fiery furnace. The dry heat feels like it bakes your flesh straight off your bones. It hardly ever rains in this city, yet the land is covered with lush green foliage. Valcrum takes care of all things everywhere. Many complain that Valcrum splits his time from Xunder to the other planets, and wish he was here on Xundar more frequently than he is. I’m grateful that Valcrum isn’t here often or Victoria would be the least of my worries.
Passing the mountains, I reached the outskirts of the city. The city had a rustic feel with each home built like a Caribbean mansion. Lily’s home was no different. It was crazy how sweat trickled down my brow. I should not be nervous but I am. This is the first time I have been to Lily’s house. There are many times I came to spy on her missing her presence, but those times do not count. She never knew I followed her closer than her shadow. She loves me and I love her. What could go wrong?
There were no lights on. Every window that I looked at had shadows crawling on the walls. I forced my lower limbs to move closer to the red door. I was not greeted with her lovely melodic voice. This is not right. Something is wrong. Ignoring the uneasiness that caused my stomach to rock I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. A leather-bound brown journal was on a table.
Peeping around the corners I rushed to the journal. I have not read Lily’s mind, and now that she admitted she loves me, I have no reason to. I’m drawn to the journal despite the million reasons floating through my mind. Leaning over the edge of the table I see the bold script clearly.
I told Trevor I loved him. It happened like a speeding bullet. There must be something wrong with my brain. How do you love someone that caused your death? It shouldn’t matter that he did it so we’d be together. He is not the perfect person, but he fills a void I never knew I had. I’m drawn to him. He sacrificed his life for mine. Why? What makes me different from any other woman’s he’s met before? I will never know.
I was planning to live my life without him. Those very words have tumbled from my mouth often, yet I sit here dazed, lost, and utterly confused at the thought of never seeing him again. How can I exist knowing he died for me?
If I have ever doubted her feelings, there is no way I can now. Where is she? The rose garden at night does not seem smart. Dashing out of the door, I headed down the rocky path behind the house toward the rose garden. There were no footprints. Valcrum has not gifted her with any powers yet, so she is prey even here in Xundar. The wind blew the pink petals across the path and the flowery scent drifted across my nose as I neared the entrance.
Rushing inside, I took the path to the left, which led, deeper into the garden maze. It is the path that I would take if I wanted to be alone. I reached the end but Lily was not there. The whirl of the wind was grating my nerves. I dodged the prickly parts as I crawled through to the other side. The scent of salt made me stop dead in my tracks. Victoria would not go after Lily. Why, when she spared my life? Shaking my head, I cleared my thoughts as footsteps drew closer.
Looking around there wasn’t much time. This area of the maze had one way in and one way out. I climbed in the middle section concealing myself in the thick bushes of roses. Thousands of thorns dug into my flesh as I held myself in place. A petite black-haired woman came into view. Her striking green eyes were like oval seafoam, exotic stones. She drew near and the scent of saltwater clung to her skin.
Is she a nymph? Victoria can’t be trusted and I have never seen her before. Instead of appreciating the roses she was more interested in looking around. Who is she? I have never seen her before. I would remember. Anyone blessed with eyesight would recall meeting her. Ten minutes passed and one moon descended. She turned and headed toward the path on the right leading to the other side of the garden.
Lily might be in danger. Victoria never gives up. She must be up to something. Why let me live? Crawling from the brush I crept to the entrance. Passing by Lily’s house I see a shadow on the wall. Whoever it was in the house was much taller than Lily and the black-haired nymph I spotted in the rose garden.
Thoughts of where she went when she was avoiding me exploded in my mind of, she must be at The Realm of Reflection. It was the only place that Lily would be. My body vibrated as pure energy shot through me, and I teleported there. Teleportation drains you of all your energy, but I needed to find Lily now. Blinking I looked around the city.
“Where have you been,” asked Dylan. He floated over to me and slapped me on the back.
“It’s a long story but I am here now. Have you seen Lily?” I turned and glanced toward the crowd that was forming in the center of the street.
“There were whispers that she went to see Valcrum,” said Dylan. He shrugged.
“Why?” Lily should be at home. Did someone do something to her? My fingers dug into my palm. It could be worse. Valcrum wouldn’t let anything happen to her so that is a plus.
Pushing myself through the crowd, I spotted a group of girls. All of them were huddled into a tight circle and I could not make out anything that was said. I hate gossiping hags, but I’m desperate to know what happened to Lily. I knew Beth would know. Beth gets all the details of everything that happens here.
“Ladies, what’s going on here?” Tapping Beth on the shoulder I stepped back giving her my most dazzling smile.
“Right now, nothing much. Lily fell upon her knees and begged Valcrum to end her sorrow,” said Beth.
“Why was she in so much pain?” A part of me did not want to ask but I didn’t have any choice. I was helpless to save myself the pain I knew was coming.
“You almost got yourself killed and she could not bear your death on her conscience,” said Beth.
“Valcrum killed her,” Thalia said. Her black hair blew in the breeze.
Fuzzy spots floated behind my eyes. Everything went black. I could hear them but I could not see them. She can’t be dead. Lily was supposed to live. Lily loves me but she would not sacrifice herself knowing I am dead. Did she think we would be together in death?
“How do you know that Thalia? I never heard that,” asked Beth? She tossed her red hair over her shoulder and adjusted her glasses.
“Valcrum nodded and she disappeared before my eyes,” said Thalia. She walked away from the circle of ladies.
My crimson life force seeped from my eyes while sharp pains stabbed through the center of my chest. Emotions swirled around in my head like an unbalanced wash machine. Tipping my head back, a roar ripped from my diaphragm. I need to gain control over myself before I annihilate myself by internal combustion, but I just can’t. Opening my eyes, I held my hands in front of me, as my spirit began to break into small particles and fade away.
I felt weightless. Great. I am here at the tree of reflection. Why does Valcrum torture me so? Just let me die already. He would probably allow my spirit to drift in a maze for all eternity never finding Lily’s spirit.
He can mess with my life but not Lily’s.
Valcrum will pay for killing her. He does not care about us. He only cares about himself and his control over everyone. He should have told Lily to think about her request not just grant it arbitrarily. Valcrum only cares about the thousand-year peace treaty used to keep peace everywhere. Leaning against the tree I push off to float back and forth in the dark space. I have got it. I will destroy the only thing Valcrum cares about. He will feel what I feel right now. I smiled until my teeth pierce into my skin, dripping mercury substance down my chin.
Five years pass slowly. The two moons go down and I am once again in darkness. There is no weather here on this realm. This place is a place of solitude and reflection. I have reflected and now I am biding my time. I am cold inside. I am empty like a carved-out coconut there is nothing on the inside. A light flashed across the sky. The amber hues casting unwanted heat over me, and I basked in the awkwardness. My emotions scatter in my head, my powers ignited all at once, and my feet turn into small particles as I disperse in the wind.
Opening my eyes, I am faced down on the ground in Xundar. Floating I head to Sanctar. Dylan always needs quiet and answers to stay centered, so he goes to the Sanctar, where he is guided on how to live his life. Why would anyone want someone else to decide how they should live? I do not want anyone sifting through my memories and deciding which ones make me a better spiritual being.
It hurt to walk this slow. Passing through the heavy door, I slowed my pace when several people lifted their heads. It was very hard creeping through a temple of worship. I don’t think there’s a quieter place in all the universe. There is nothing wrong with praying and humbling yourself but I don’t want to do it all day. Who wants to pray all day?
Turning right, I headed down the narrow hallway leading to the back cellarium. The cellarium was the most beautiful thing about this place. It was all encased in glass and overlooked the water. It’s something about the water rushing against the rocks and the gentle breeze that flowed, which invoked a calming atmosphere. Dylan was facing the water kneeling on his knees. His head pressed against the marble floor. He’s been in Xundar for over a hundred years, and he still has not settled in. How much confusion can one mind have?
“Are you done praying?” I tapped him on the shoulder until he lifted his head. Rolling my eyes, I stepped back.
“I was not done, but I can’t seek answers from Valcrum while you’re here. Your energy is too chaotic for a sense of center in here.” Dylan stood to his feet.
“Why do you need to seek answers from him anyway? You need to trust that the answer lies within you.” It dawned on me, that Dylan was not going to join me in defying Valcrum unless he does not know what we are doing. He is loyal to a fault. His comment about my energy rubbed me wrong but I didn’t tell him so.
“When was the last time that you visited Earth?” I allowed my voice to elevate and it echoed off the walls.
“What are you doing?” asked Dylan. He pushed me into the hallway facing the wall. He leaned up against the wall holding his chest. Once he exhaled, he peeped around the corner checking the hallways.
“We vowed never to speak of that night. What were you thinking?” He ran his hands through his long blonde locks.
“Do not be so afraid. Who would hear us talking here?” My heart pounded as he looked like he would faint. I hated to cause him so much worry but I needed him.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Dylan started pacing back and forth rubbing his temples.
“Valcrum knows that we went to Earth. He is coming to destroy us. We have one chance to save ourselves.”
“We can’t protect ourselves from Valcrum. Are you crazy?” asked Dylan. He turned away and walked down the hall.
Rolling my eyes, I caught up with him. “What are we going to do?”
“I don’t know what you’re going to do,” said Dylan. He tossed my hands off his shoulders.
“I did not go to Earth by myself and I did not make you come.” I’m still surprised that Dylan disobeyed Valcrum and followed me down there. I never thought he would do it. A part of me is glad he has not asked how Valcrum knows we went to earth.
“I’m going to fall to my knees and beg for mercy. Valcrum may destroy me but it ends here. I can’t undo what I have already done, so I must face the consequences. What other choice do I have?” asked Dylan.
“Valcrum is not as powerful as he appears to be. We can hurt him and save ourselves.” I did not expect Dylan to be ready to die. I still have more warriors to recruit and a revolt to start. If he wants to live under Valcrum’s rule like a slave, he will do it alone.
I don’t have time for this. Time is never on our side, and it is like a noose around our neck. I am not giving Valcrum the opportunity to punish me for my crimes. He has done enough when he killed Lily. I turned the corner, my strides confident as I headed out toward the door. I am weary of trying to save him when he wants to live on his knees. Why would I live on my knees when I am meant to live like a king?
“You’ve lost your mind. How can we hurt Valcrum?” Dylan yanked me around to face him.
Shaking off his hands, I flung the door open. My heart pounded loudly in my ear as my pulse leaped at the base of my neck. I could feel my anger swarming inside me, heating my inner core until my eyes glowed with restraint.
“Trevor. Answer me. How are we going to hurt him?” Dylan pulled me around to face him. I gave up attempting to reach Dylan, and yet I reached him anyway. The determination I saw in his dark blue eyes made my lips curve. Dylan does have a backbone somewhere in his spineless body.
“Valcrum only cares about the thousand years of peace between all beings because he draws his power from all of us. Once we destroy that peace, all our true powers will manifest and we can save ourselves.”
“You’re crazy. If we break the thousand-year peace treaty between all life forms there will be death everywhere. Nothing will ever be the same,” said Dylan. He brought his hand up to forehead massaging his temples.
“If you want to die fine. You owe me. I need you to gather everyone that wants to reach their full power potential to meet me back here in an hour.” I needed to stack the odds in our favor and I know just how to do it.
Turning away from him, I headed back toward the way I came. I needed all my strength for what I was bout to do. I would sacrifice all to make Valcrum pay, even my life. I have never feared death and I am not going to start now. My footsteps halted when I heard his question shouted at my back.
“What are you going to do while I am doing that,” asked Dylan?
I turned him. A smile curved my lips. “I’m going to even out our odds for success.” I headed toward Victoria. My plan was either ludicrous or ingenious, and I was about to find out.
I floated to the Waters of Serenity. The water was beautiful and the sight magical. The water lily leaves are spread throughout the water. The crystal blue water rushes against the tall evergreens. A flock of black crows hover in groups on the nearby tree branches. There is something different about this place. I am not sure what it is. For some reason there is a darkness that lurks around here.
This was the place where I lost everything. I’m not sure I can face Victoria and not try to kill her. It’s a battle I will not win, but that does not matter to me. I have nothing to live for anymore. Sinking to my knees in the patchy grass, I allow my sorrow to overtake me. My crimson life force slides down my eyes and my pride will not bear to have Victoria know how devastatingly broken I am.
A huge splash echoed through the water. Peeping through the grass, I watch. Several giant waves of water crash against the rocks but there was no sign of Victoria. I’m not sure why I am hiding since I am seeking her. Then I see her. It is the black-haired goddess that was in the maze that night. She was the one who saw Valcrum murder my Lily.
I knew she was a nymph. Could Lily be alive? An orange glow surrounded me as a kernel of hope swirled around my heart. I just want her
here, but I should not ignore that Lily asked Valcrum to end her suffering. He is not cruel. Shaking my head, I snuck closer to the water.
She swam toward the rocks and walked out of the water. A few minutes later, Victoria walked out of the water.
“What happened? Did you kill her,” asked Victoria? She crossed her arms over her chest. The pink flowers were dispersed through her red hair as the water dripped for her naked skin.
“That girl was stupid. She went to Valcrum, so I couldn’t kill her, but I did something much better,” said Thalia.
“Thalia what have you done? The only thing better would be if you had brought her to me to kill. You don’t make decisions you follow directions,” said Victoria. Her lips thinned as she balled her fist at her side.
“Just hear me out. I told Trevor that she’s dead and he believed me. There is talk that he plans to revolt against Valcrum,” said Thalia.
“I want her dead not him. I have to undo what you have done,” said Victoria.
Victoria’s body had a sandstone glow as her eyes blazed red. Her hair turned a fiery reddish honey hew as she opened her mouth, and a silver ball of energy blasted into Thalia.
Thalia screamed. An ear-piercing sound shook the trees scaring the crows. A flash of light came down from the sky and Thalia’s body exploded into tiny pieces.
Victoria spat on Thalia’s roasted carcass before heading back into the water. The water turned aqua blue as she descended further down into it. The lily pads floated on top of the water shielding patches of the water from view. The ground shook and in the center of the water formed a whirlpool. Thalia’s body lifted off the ground and flew inside the whirlpool.
Lily might not be dead. Thalia and Victoria played me. If Lily is not dead the safest place for her to be is with Valcrum. I still need to stack the odds in our favor. Valcrum holds everything in his hands, but he is not as powerful as he thinks. He needs us. If he did not, why would he create us? Victoria’s powers are diverse and limitless, which are two qualities we need right now. I need her on my side. Once I defeat Valcrum and get Lily back, I’ll deal with Victoria.
Academy of Magic Collection Page 140
