Kellen and I both jumped to our feet, but Kellen placed himself between me and the voice. His desire to protect me soothed my fears.
“I see what you mean, brother,” a deep, yet hollow voice added.
I peered around Kellen’s shoulders, and my eyes widened. In front of the door stood a dark, stone statue. Flickers of fire lit its hollow eyes and wound circles around its massive torso. Next to it, a humanoid form made completely of water, lounged on the edge of the fountain. Small, wispy clouds floated in front of it, spitting droplets into the pool.
I stepped out from behind my protector. “You’re our elements,” I said. My voice shook, but I wasn’t sure if it was fear or shock.
“We are,” the water elemental replied, flowing into a standing position. Its form shifted with each movement.
“Why can’t I feel the spark the same way Kellen does?” I asked. “What do you mean I’m undecided?”
“Kellen knows what he wants,” the rock replied, taking a rumbling step towards us. “He knows his purpose, his strengths, and even his weakness.”
“But you do not know,” water continued, also moving towards us.
I laced my fingers through Kellen’s, and he squeezed my hand. It was definitely fear running through my veins.
The flowing form of water stopped in front of me. “Your heart knows, but your mind refuses to see it.”
A string of fire separated itself from the rock and formed into another humanoid. “Her uncertainty will prove our demise,” it hissed. “We should choose another.”
A blast of wind dispelled the fire and formed into yet another humanoid, shifting with its transparency. “How can she be anything other than uncertain?” the wind asked, its voice low and somehow heavy despite its irritation. “She knew nothing of us until two days ago.”
The fire reformed and circled the wind. “She should trust our selection,” the fire’s voice crackled.
“Caution is expected,” the rock rumbled, stepping between the hostile elements. “But we don’t have time for unnecessary delays.” It turned and faced me. “You will not feel your partner the way you need to until you accept him and your destiny.”
I stared at the talking statue with disbelief. How was any of this possible? Was I really having a conversation with the elements? I shook my head and focused on the beings in front of me. “I don’t know what to think, much less believe,” I said. “I feel no different, even though all of you are standing in front of me. I see the living proof that magic is real and that I have some crazy role to play. I’m just…” I looked up at Kellen. “I’m no one. I’ve been no one my entire life. I’ve done everything I can to hide from a world that hates me.”
“Child, you are exactly what you need to be,” Water said, placing its hand on my shoulder and drawing my gaze. “Hardship has made you strong, and your partner will make you even stronger.” Waves of warmth emanated from the Water’s hand and filtered through my body. A smile formed on my element’s ever-moving face.
“The coming fight will require complete dedication,” Earth continued. “You cannot waver in your choice.”
“How long do I have to make a decision?” I asked, glancing from one element to the next. “I didn’t realize I had a choice.”
“You must choose tonight,” Water replied.
“You can choose to decline,” the rumbling rock added. “But you will not be given another partner.”
I frowned. According to Kellen, dual mages didn’t need partners. The elements almost never chose to pair them. “What happens to Kellen if I decline?” I asked, not looking at him.
“He is a dual mage like you and doesn’t require a partner,” Earth replied. “But his role is already set. It will be much harder without you, but I think he’ll succeed if we cannot find another.”
“Do I have to tell you now?”
“No, child,” Water replied. “We’ll know your decision once it’s made.”
I nodded, still unable to look at Kellen, his sadness smothering me like a blanket. I wiggled my fingers in his hand, but he wouldn’t let go.
“Can you help us heal the guardians?” I asked.
“Of course, they are needed in the fight that’s coming,” Earth replied.
“Thank you.”
I took a tentative step forward. The elements did not move, but Kellen finally released me. A lump formed in my throat, and I struggled to hold back my tears. Why were these decisions being forced on me? Why was I so important to whatever battle they had coming? Two days ago, I was excited about cleaning up after a bunch of tourists. Now? I shook my head, unable to sort through the demands threatening to drown me.
I stepped between Water and Earth and left the room. I barely noticed the cool, air-conditioned space as I made my way down the hall and into the large living area. I crossed it as well and pushed opened the door to the garden.
A soft wind caressed my face, carrying the scent of flowers and earth. I strolled towards the first fallen guardian and looked down. Eight claw marks dug deep beneath its bark, which continued to bleed sap onto the ground.
“Give me strength to endure its pain,” I whispered, unsure who I talked to, only hoping someone heard my plea. I took a deep breath and placed both hands on the oozing bark. Pain surged through my body. I cried out, but I refused to let go. “If you can endure this for hours, I can take it for the next few minutes,” I said between gasps.
I squeezed my eyes shut and searched for any moisture in the air. It condensed around me as another pulse of pain rushed through my body. When it subsided, I drew the water into my hands and pushed it towards the tree. I forced my eyes open to find a tiny puddle wavering above the horrid wounds but going no further to heal it.
I pulled my hands away and sobbed. Was it my indecision that kept me from helping this creature? If I accepted my role, would I be able to heal it? I didn’t even know what that role was. I didn’t think to ask. “I’m so stupid,” I whispered. “Why can’t I make a choice?”
“Because you don’t understand what’s at stake,” Logan replied quietly.
I sniffled and looked up at him, too upset to be startled by his sudden appearance. “Should that even matter?” I asked. “I know the mages’ lives are at stake. I know the shifters are afraid of the vampire council that intends to reveal them all. I know that if we are revealed, the outcome won’t be good.”
He sat next to me, the long hair on the top of his head falling into his eyes. He pushed it back and looked at me. “We need your partnership with Kellen to present a strong enough front against those who want to reveal us. Without it, those who are sitting on the fence will side with the vampire council,” he explained. “The elements recognize the need, otherwise they would not make this choice. It’s dangerous for them to give so much power to a mage. They didn’t do this without a great deal of deliberation.”
“How can they possibly think I’m the right person for this, Logan?” I pleaded, trying to understand. “Look at me.”
“I see a strong woman who will dedicate herself to the people she loves because she knows how precious love is,” he replied, wiping a tear from my face. “I see a woman who is not afraid of pain or adversity because she has lived with both. And I see a mage who will embrace the power she is given without abusing it.”
“You’re so full of shit,” I mumbled.
“Then prove me wrong,” he argued. “Get up and walk out, right now.”
I stood, and he rose with me. “I don’t have a car,” I said, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.
“Kellen leaves the keys in the ignition,” he replied.
“I don’t have a license,” I countered.
He raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
Why was that such a surprise to everyone? I looked back at the house. The lights inside the living area illuminated the beautiful space. Kellen pushed open the door on the opposite side of the room. He ran his hands through his dark hair and looked at the floor as he crossed the space.
&n
bsp; “Last chance,” Logan said.
I turned to the line of wounded guardians, their lifeblood spilling into the sand. The glass door slid open on its runner, and I knew I wouldn’t leave, couldn’t leave. How did I become so attached to these people in just two days? Was it my lack of friends? My lack of social skills? My need to fit in somewhere? Anywhere?
Kellen’s footsteps in the sand drew my gaze to him. He refused to look at me, turning his attention to Logan. I couldn’t blame him. I did exactly what he feared. I rejected him.
“How are they?” he asked.
“Hanging in there,” Logan replied. His eyes dropped to me, then back to Kellen. “Can you heal them?”
“Yes, the elements will help us,” Kellen replied.
Logan raised his eyebrows in surprise. “You talked to them?”
Kellen nodded and kneeled in front of the guardian. I looked at Logan, the lump in my throat swelling to the point where I could barely breathe. I drew in several ragged breaths and knelt next to my partner. Wiping the tears from my eyes, I hovered both hands over the claw marks. Kellen said nothing as I pressed my palms against the wounds. The guardian’s pain once again assaulted me. I clamped my mouth shut and stared at the open cuts.
I will do this. Not just for the guardian or Kellen or even the war that is coming, but because I need to prove to myself that I can do this. I’m not a victim of everyone’s hatred. I’m not a product of my parent’s abandonment. I will choose my future. It will not be dictated by my past.
And where does your future lie, child? Water’s wispy voice echoed through my mind.
You know it’s here. I answered. You’ve known that from the beginning.
Yes, but you needed to know.
A rush of power surged through my hands and into the wounded tree. My pain tripled, and a scream burst from my lips. Kellen’s arm wrapped around my shoulders, easing some of the ache. I had no idea what he did but was grateful for it. I watched as the guardian’s wounds stopped bleeding, thick layers of bark slowly forming over the deep cuts.
Waves of nausea rolled over me, and I leaned to the side, leaving my dinner in the sand. My head throbbed, and I couldn’t tell if it was my heartbeat pounding in my ears or the beginning of a migraine.
The guardian next to me groaned, and I turned to see Kellen pushing it into a standing position. I watched with awe as its roots burrowed into the sand. When it was fully upright, it shuddered.
Kellen knelt beside me and laid his hand on my back. “Only five more,” he whispered. “You did great.”
“I don’t think I can do it again,” I replied. “My head is throbbing, and my stomach is threatening to rebel again.”
“Then let me help.”
“You did help,” I stated, rolling on to my butt and looking at him. “I felt you take some of the pain.”
“This time we’ll start together. It will lessen the drain on you. One more, then we’ll take a break.” His uncertainty was still there but subdued by his determination. He stood and held out his hand. I looked at him for several seconds before placing my hand in his and letting him pull me to my feet.
“Five more,” I whispered.
The thought scared me, but the sight of the healing guardian gave me courage. One of its long leaves grazed my cheek, then wrapped me in a quick hug. It shuddered once more, then stilled. A collective sigh from the guardians on the opposite side of the garden drew my attention. They also shuddered, as if it were a choreographed dance they practiced for years.
“Five more,” I said again and followed Kellen to the next fallen tree.
Chapter 19
I woke to the sun streaming through my window. My head throbbed and the inside of my mouth tasted like I ate glue. My swollen tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth, and the small amount of spit trying to loosen it failed miserably. I pried open one eyelid and closed it immediately.
“Oh God,” I moaned, rolling over and pulling the blankets over my head. “Why do I feel so bad?”
No one answered, not that I expected anyone to. The air beneath my covers quickly became stale, and I flipped them back. I rubbed my eyes with my palms and tried opening them again.
“Wow, that really sucks.” I rubbed my forehead, squinting at the light.
I tumbled out of bed and made it to the bathroom without stubbing my bare toes on any of the furniture. The bathroom light was already on when I opened the door. I squeezed my eyes shut and palmed the wall until I found the switch, turning off the offensive lights.
Feeling better about the relative darkness, I opened my eyes and stepped into the room.
“It isn’t polite to come in without knocking,” Logan said as he wrapped a towel around his waist.
I squeaked and turned around, but not before getting an amazing view outlined by the light from his room. Lean, corded muscles covered his body, unlike Kellen’s defined bulk. My stomach fluttered, and he laughed.
“I’m so sorry, Logan.”
My ears burned with embarrassment as I stumbled back into my room and slammed the door. I climbed into bed and pulled the covers over my face. I would never be able to un-see that. My embarrassment doubled when I realized I didn’t mind, then tripled when I remembered I was only wearing a tank top and panties.
Several minutes later, Logan’s muffled voice drifted towards me. “It’s all yours, princess.”
I finished my own shower in record time, afraid that Logan would return the favor and barge in. I noticed a small trunk at the end of my bed and remembered my conversation with Kellen. I pushed open the lid and peered inside. It was only half full. Did I really have so few belongings? I already knew the answer, but it hurt to see the reality.
The left side contained my small pile of clothes, while sketchbooks and letters I wrote to parents I would never have filled the right side. Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks, but I forced them back. The events over the last few days proved I didn’t need those memories. They did nothing but bring me pain and sadness. My new connection to the elements and Kellen gave me purpose, even if it did terrify me. Kellen accepted me with all my flaws and ignorance. He offered friendship, security, and protection. Even Victor and his people respected Kellen, despite their obvious dislike for each other. I needed to set aside my insecurity and move forward. If Kellen had wanted to hurt me, he’d already had more than enough opportunity to do so. I pulled my clothes from the chest and closed the lid on my past.
“I’m not crying over people who never loved me.”
I dressed quickly, combing my fingers through my short hair as I walked down the hall. I considered styling it now that it wasn’t hidden all the time.
The smell of food greeted me when I opened the door to the living area. My stomach rumbled, and I quickened my pace towards the kitchen. Kellen smiled at me from his seat at the bar and tilted his head towards the stove. I followed his gaze and felt heat rush up my neck. Logan leaned over a saucepan with a large, wooden spoon in his hand. All I could see was his naked body, not the man standing before me wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt.
“Glad to see you finally decided to get up,” Kellen said.
I pulled my eyes from Logan’s back and climbed up on the stool next to Kellen. “How long was I asleep?” I asked, swiveling the stool so it faced my partner.
“All day,” he replied, raising an eyebrow at me. “Is something wrong?”
“Nope. Well maybe,” I replied. “I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. My head is pounding, and food smells really good, even if it’s being prepared by a vampire.”
“How many trucks have you been hit by?” Logan asked, not turning around.
“It’s a figure of speech,” I retorted, knowing he was trying to bait me. I could imagine the irritating grin on his face. “I’ve never been hit.”
“Do you like chili?” he asked, apparently choosing to ignore my mood.
“Yes, so long as it isn’t really spicy. Is that what I smell cooking?” I drew in a deep breath and reco
gnized the chili powder and onions.
“Yep.” Logan ladled the chili into two bowls and set them in front of me and Kellen. He winked at me, and my eyes dropped to the chunks of tomatoes and kidney beans. I was so stupid.
“We have a lot to discuss and even more to do,” Kellen said, digging into his own bowl. If he noticed my discomfort, he chose to ignore it as well.
Logan leaned on the counter in front of us. “The guardians are doing remarkably well, by the way.”
“What other defenses are there?” I asked. “Are there more like the trees?”
“No, the trees are the last line before breaching the house,” Kellen replied. “The others are more mechanical and less magical.”
“But just as effective,” Logan added. “They took care of the first group easily.”
“We need to talk about Mr. Smith,” Kellen said, changing the subject as he scraped the bowl with his spoon. “He probably won’t wait three days for an answer.”
I chased a kidney bean around in my bowl. I wasn’t sure what he expected me to say. It’s not like I knew enough about this supernatural world to strategize for intrigue and war.
“Do you know anything about him?” Logan asked, breaking the silence.
“Not a thing,” Kellen answered. “I’m reluctant to reach out to any of my normal contacts for information. Their loyalties have always been suspect, probably more so now the Magister has a price on my head.”
“I’ll see what I can find out tonight,” Logan offered.
“Be careful, Logan. The target on your back is not any smaller than mine.”
They both glanced at me, making me squirm. I didn’t think they would give me up, not after last night, but when someone’s life was at stake, people tended to change their minds.
“I’ll leave the dishes for you two,” Logan said, pushing away from the counter. “I’ll be back before sunrise. And you might want to put a lock on our bathroom door.” He winked at me again and left the room.
Kellen turned to me, eyebrows raised.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said, scooting off the stool and taking my empty bowl to the sink. “What do you think we should do about Mr. Smith?”
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