Winter's Awakening (Light Coven Chronicles Book 1)

by Alessandra Jay

  My back arches as the agony reaches its highest level of intensity. I'm in so much pain that no sound comes out of my mouth. As my hands come to the side of my head, I scream in silence. Seconds later, it seems that the pain is subsiding. But then intensifies to a level so severe that I know death is not far away. I have no strength left in my body but somehow, I get flipped over, now lying on my stomach. As I lay there, my breath is so shallow that not even a blade of grass moves beneath my mouth. I hear and feel my spine completely crack, as my back arches off of the ground on its own. The skin on my left and right shoulder blades begin to shred. The trickle of blood turns heavy, causing it to drench down my back. I don't even know how I could possibly still be conscious during this excruciating torment. At last, it has finished. But I was wrong. There was one last rip. I only have breath for one more silent shriek to escape my mouth before I fall to the ground and into darkness.

  ***

  I wake up to an entirely new scene. I'm in a comfortable and cozy bed, and as I stretch my body and look around, I instantly recognize it’s Evan’s bedroom at the Village. I can feel the warm electricity in my spine, so I know Evan is near, but he isn't in bed with me. I turn my head over and look at the clock to see that it is seven in the morning. As I groggily stand to find my Anima Partem, I can’t help but feel a difference in my body. The first thing I notice is how much better my eyesight is. I can see the details of my fingerprints clearly, weird.

  Confused, I slowly make my way to the door. But when I pass the mirror and see my reflection, I pause and watch my hand come up to cover my mouth. Stunned, I move closer to the full-length mirror. My hair cascades in soft ringlets down my shoulders and back, the red color more vibrant than before. My skin no longer looks pale. Now it’s warmer, with a highlighted glow. My eyes look like a flowing titanium river. And my lips are a rosier color, with a fuller pout. I look the same, but more enhanced. I look down at my hands and notice the jet-black design swirling under my nails. It looks celestial and immaculate. I gasp as I realize it is my Elders mark. I'm officially an Elder of the Casters Council.

  In the distance I hear pages turning. It has to be from another room. I stumble back as I realize my enhanced hearing. What the hell happened to me at the ceremonies? I begin to panic and decide to search for Evan. Maybe he has answers. I hear more pages turning, and I think of his office, where he most likely is. And the second my hand touches the doorknob I unintentionally race out of the room. In less than a second I’m in Evan’s office that is on the other side of his place. What in the world?!

  Evan looks at me with eyes wide and immediately gets to his feet. “Scarlet, are you all right? How in all creation are you out of bed? Do you feel okay?” He begins to bombard me with questions. I can see the concern in his eyes and reply with as much information as I can. “Um, I'm not sure. I think I'm okay. I feel great, healthy but different, enhanced.” Unable to explain any further, I look directly into his eyes. It’s my turn for questions. “What happened last night? Why do I feel so odd? And why is my eyesight, hearing, and speed highly intensified?” I ask rapidly. Evan walks forward and takes my hands in his, bringing me over to the couch and sitting me down. “Love, last night at the ceremonies everything was going normal. That is, until the very end. The welcoming rituals were complete, and that’s good news, but something else happened. After you fainted, I brought you here to the Village in New York so we could look for information in the library here. And after researching all night, I believe you're coming into your Nephilim abilities,” Evan says flustered.

  “What?” Hearing this has left me totally flabbergasted. I heard him clearly, and I don't need confirmation because I'm starting to recall some of the events from last night. However, I am still bewildered. “And I don't mean to add to your growing list of confusion, but you were left with a gift on your back.” He nods at the mirror in the room. Slowly I stand and walk over to it and turn to look back at myself. Evan comes to stand beside me, as he gently lifts my shirt. So I can see what he meant as a gift on my back. With a loud intake of breath, I stare at the two large slits running from the bottom of my neck to the center of my back. They look scarred but not scabbed. “Just last night these were bleeding and sliced open. Ava and I nursed them as best as we could but realized that they were slowly healing themselves. Looking at them now is an incredible sight. It is as if none of the blood or shredded skin was ever there.” Blood? Shredded skin? What the hell? The dreaded question enters my mind, and I can’t help but ask. “I'm trying to understand. Does this mean I have wings?” I say, not ready for the answer.

  Evan shakes his head. “No, we did not see any wings. We aren't exactly sure when your wings will come. But rest assured, my love, you will have wings. We’re not sure what other abilities you might obtain. But we are all looking into any information we can get,” Evan says, returning to his confident persona. My head falls down on his shoulder, as I place all of my trust into him, and the people around me who are trying to decipher this mystery. I think of the wishes that the Sisters blessed me with, and my heart fills with certainty and drive. Sadly, even with all of the casters and my beloved Evan doing their best to help me find answers to my dilemma, there is still the one thought lingering in my mind. Where is my mom? And why isn't she here helping me go through this scary transition?

  Chapter 40

  Meet Lenora

  After hours and hours of listening to Evan research out loud, I fell asleep on the couch. I was trying as hard as I could to stay up and listen to the information he was giving me. But none of it was making sense, and I was getting dizzy hearing about all of the angel abilities I might be coming into. He tore through eight books by the time I felt my eyes getting heavy. I remember falling asleep thinking about how lucky I am to have someone as incredible as Evan by my side, supporting me completely. I am forever grateful for that. At first, I was really interested, but suddenly my whole body began to get sore, and I felt the slits in my back begin to pulse with pain. It wasn't as bad as it was last night, but it was enough for me to have to lie down. When Evan was convinced that I was okay, he quickly got back to his research. He was so involved in learning all that he could that he began to talk to himself. I watched him getting lost, and it was fascinating. He would cast different objects to help him understand what he was reading, and it left me mesmerized. I silently thanked him for being the perfect distraction to the uncomfortable ache in my body.

  As Evan kept on speaking, his soothing voice sang me to sleep. A lullaby of bundled thoughts. My body must’ve still been exhausted from last night’s events because I had a calm and dreamless sleep. My mind must have completely shut down, leaving nothing but a silent and peaceful rest, void of any visions. It was the best sleep I’ve had since this whole mess started. I sit straight up as I realize I don’t feel the pain in my body anymore and raise my hands high above my head, to complete the exhilarating feeling running through my veins.

  The feeling of electricity makes its way down my spine at the exact moment the stretch took effect. A deep moan escaped my mouth as I shiver in satisfaction. Evan comes through the door the next moment with coffee in both of his hands. And the second our eyes connected, something awoke inside of me, something carnal and dominant. I flick my wrist, and the coffee mugs disappear out of his hands and onto his desk. He looks at me confused, but he awaits my next move without a word. I simply think of being by his side, and my body somehow moved on its own accord. Faster than I thought I could go. He was across the room, and I got to him in only a second. I see him suck in a breath as he witnesses my newly acquired gift.

  Neither of us say a word as I circle his body like a lion in heat. I move in close to his neck and take in a deep breath of his apple scent. With my newly enhanced senses, it smells ten times more potent than before, and I moan as the aroma causes my heart to melt. I bring my fingers to touch his hands and softly move them up his arms, to his shoulders, and up to his neck. He is so smooth that my head falls back as I
savor his soft skin. My hands rise into his hair. I close them and pull back, watching his eyes roll back as I gently tug at his soft brown curls.

  “Scarlet,” he says. My head snaps up as I hear his voice sound deeper and more pronounced than it did before. He is clearly enjoying my display of relearning his body and how it has awakened my sensual hunger. I let go of his hair and run my fingers back down his arms, back to his hands. I feel the goosebumps on his skin as I make my way down. I lead him to the chair that is close by. I didn't know my strength had changed. So my attempt at gently sitting him down in the chair ended up slamming him down so hard that the chair skids a few feet back. Evan lies on the ground surprised at my strength. And with my new speed, I'm straddling his lap, with my hands caressing the back of his soft hair before he has the chance to get up.

  “Love,” he says, as he feels my closeness again. His voice vibrating through my soul, feeding the lewd beast that has awakened inside of me. I zone in on his lips as he licks them, causing me to react without thinking. My lips crash down on his, and his taste envelops my entire mouth. I moan as we stay connected, causing Evan to struggle with his containment. His hands come up behind my head, pushing me closer to him, intertwining our bodies and souls. “I love you,” he says in my mind. His hands fall from my head to my back accidentally, shutting the animalistic part of me down. I immediately stand up as I feel sparks leave his fingers, when they touched the scars on my back. “Scar? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” He asks instantly, back to protector mode.

  My hands reach behind to touch my back, as I try to understand what happened when Evan touched them, and I clear my throat, talking for the first time today. “When you touched the scars, I felt a spark.” I try to explain. Evan walks over to his desk and writes something down on a piece of paper. “I'm not sure why that happened. But everything else that you are feeling is normal, considering.” He still has a thoughtful look as he brings me my cup of coffee. “I see you're feeling much better than earlier?” He asks, taking a sip of his own.

  I nod slowly. “I do. There is no more pain in my body. Though now I am experiencing things as if they are new to me.” I admit shyly. Evan smiles and leans in to place a kiss on my lips. “I read that when you complete the initial painful transformation to your angel half. It turns into new abilities that you acquire. In the first few days the five senses intensify immensely. You have a two or three-day period to get used to the magnification of the senses. After that, you experience whatever ability you inherit from your parent, in your case, your mother. But since we don't know anything about her, we can’t exactly prepare for whatever it is that you should be inheriting. It can be anything from regeneration, to extrasensory perception, to illusion manipulation. The list goes on and on,” he explains, getting lost in the information again.

  “Wow” is all I can formulate to come out of my mouth. I’ve already heard enough information, and he’s only just begun. The ever-so-aware Evan senses my discomfort and immediately changes the subject. “It is only 12 in the afternoon. Do you feel well enough to run over to Syracuse to put in a short leave of absence? We can see the girls then go visit Dimitri and meet Lenora. We have to be back here at the Village for dinner, though. Chloe and Victoria have invited us to dinner in their suite. Since they're in the Light Coven, they get a suite like mine. As well as Owen and Oliver. And after dinner, we have to begin training.”

  Instantly my back straightens as I rapidly nod my head. “Yes. I feel fine. Let’s leave right now.” I say eagerly. Evan, amused at my enthusiasm, laughs then pulls me in for a hug. “Let’s pick up something to eat from one of the restaurants here to eat on the way, and we can take the portals so we don’t waste time driving,” he says, making me even happier. I squeeze him tight and kiss his cheek. Taking a step back, I snap my fingers, and my clothes change into presentable ones. Evan repeats my cast and changes his own outfit. “Ready?”

  ***

  While we eat our breakfast sandwiches on our walk to the portal a few blocks away from the Village, Evan explained everything that has been happening since I blacked out last night. Apparently, Ava sent a handful of Marked casters to the shop in Italy from my vision. And just like Oliver said, it was burned down to ashes. Evan sent Lucas and Derek to personally pay Julian a visit. Only, he wasn't in the dorm room that was listed under his name in his student file. They tried to track him magically and found nothing. My dad has kept a close eye on Dimitri because he has grown ill. Not once in my entire life have I known Dimitri as someone who gets sick. He’s a caster! What could he possibly be suffering from that a cast can’t fix?

  “Do Charlie and Mack know we’re on our way?” I ask Evan as we come to a stop in front of an abandoned building. “They don’t. But Lucas and Derek said they're with them both in your dorm. So it will be a nice surprise,” he says, opening the front door. I walk in slowly behind him and look around, slightly confused. Evan is right. Everything is magnified. My eyes catch every single dust particle that is floating in the room, and I can smell the rancid junk scattered around the deserted and silent lobby. He takes my hand and leads me to the elevators, touching the button as it dings its arrival. “Seriously?” I say surprised at the cliché portal we are stepping into. Evan shrugs his shoulders. “This portal can take us anywhere.”

  Evan

  Watching Scarlet come into her newfound angel gifts is a completely new experience for me, as much as it is for her. It is unfortunate for her to go through this without anyone experienced to help her understand what to expect. And Ava’s going through the pain of heartbreak, along with being the only one that can attempt to connect with the Divine realm. So I feel obligated to figure out what is happening to Scarlet, without either of them having to do anything more than they have to. And from what I have learned, the fact that she is already on her feet and ready to continue with our plans gives me a lot of pride. I watch her eyes go wide as we enter the elevator. “Close your eyes and focus on the portal at Syracuse,” I instruct her. She immediately follows direction, and almost instantly I feel the portal begin to transport us. The ceremonies really intensified her power, more than any other caster I’ve seen go through the ritual. I turn to gaze at her in astonishment. The elevator dings, announcing our arrival. And Scarlet peeks open an eye. “Did it work?” She asks innocently.

  “Yes, love,” I answer her. I get the sudden urge to kiss her, so I pull her hand and spin her into my arms for a loving kiss. Her musical giggle fills my head, causing me to deepen our interlocked embrace.

  I kiss the top of her hand and lead her out of the elevator. We walk in silence to my Range Rover that Lucas dropped off for us. And when we reach the car, I let go of her hand to open the door for her. But she stops instead of getting inside. “What’s wrong, Scar?” I ask her in mind speak. She takes my hands in hers and sheepishly mumbles a question out loud. “I kind of want to see how fast I can run,” she says, with a shy but mischievous grin. She looks down at our combined hands, awaiting my reaction.

  “How would you like to do that, love?” I ask her. I'm here to support her in every way that I can. If she wants to examine her angel speed, then she should be able to without feeling insecure about it. “I can run alongside the SUV, accelerating as you do. We can track it with the speedometer. If I get tired or hurt, I can just jump in with you for the rest of the way,” she says, with confidence in her well-thought-out plan. “Sounds good. Mind speak me if anything feels off balance, even if it’s for a second. Promise?” I ask for reassurance. She very excitedly perks up and salutes me. “Yes. I promise,” she quickly answers. I get in the car and roll down my window, as I remember Ava's one request. “Scar, remember to keep that power of yours sealed inside while we’re in the mortal world, okay?” She rapidly nods her head, agreeing with me as I start the car and back out of the parking space.

  Scarlet stands directly next to my window and nods for me to begin moving. I lift my foot off of the brake and push forward on the gas pedal. Ten miles per ho
ur, she looks like she’s only jogging. I push harder, 15 miles per hour. She’s not even breaking a sweat. I push down more, 20 miles per hour, and she is still keeping up without any signs of exertion. She gives me another nod of encouragement to go faster, and so I do. I push down all the way, passing 40 miles, 50 miles. I get to 60 miles per hour, and I have no other choice but to slow down. Our turn is coming up, and I don't want to cause any obvious distractions at the university. I begin to slow down, but Scarlet speeds up.

  “See you at the dorms,” she says playfully. I see her put her head down against the wind and push to go even faster. She goes so fast that I lose her before I even make the turn. I drive the remainder of the way in complete shock. When I pull into our driveway, I see Scarlet sitting there, trying to catch her breath. “That was the most exhilarating experience that I have ever felt. It was incredible. I felt fine the whole time running,” she explains. “Wait until you fly,” I say, unintentionally out loud. Scarlet’s back shoots straight up. “I haven't even thought of that,” she whispers.

  I didn't mean to frighten her, so I attempt to bring up her spirits. I help her get to her feet as we make our way to Scarlet’s dorm townhouse. I look over to see an excited look on her face and smile to myself, knowing how happy she is to be here. She opens the door quickly and races to the kitchen, holding my hand the entire time as she speeds through the house. The moment the kitchen door opens, the squeals of three very happy women sounds throughout the dorm When Scarlet lets go of my hand to hug her roommates, I walk over to greet my cousins.