by Jenn Nixon
“The good news, once the barriers are down, she said wraiths can remove people from the prison…”
So what does that mean for us now? She’s in that prison.
“How did she get in the mirror?” Cyndra mused quietly.
Zorin leaned forward. “After you ran out of the room, I…I tried to siphon your power but the staircase exploded. She must have been knocked back when the door blew open.”
“So she fell in?”
“That’s how it appeared.”
“You didn’t see a mirror-wraith drag her in?”
Zorin frowned.
“Can she control them from the prison?”
“I don’t know.”
“You’re right,” she sighed, staring at Rune. “I…I thought we’d get our answers. Bust open the prison and boom, we could move on with our lives. We can’t. Not anymore. This…all this caster business, this is our lives now.”
What do you mean, Cyndra?
“Someone has to either guard or break open that prison. Becca told me there are siphons in there, regular humans. What happens if we let everyone out? Will they remember everything that happened? What about the rest of the people on the mainland, will they remember? If they do, we may start another war. Which means we can’t do anything until we figure out what to do if everyone gets out.” Zorin’s shoulders tightened. Cyndra met his eyes. “Spit it out.”
“Mergan said something that at first I thought was another lie but now, I think I understand,” Zorin said, watching both casters carefully. “She told me that Evie altered the wraiths to bring all casters into the mirror, not just the ones Mergan targeted—”
“What?”
“She did this in…her final moments, Cyndra, while fighting Mergan, trying to stop her army from setting off the flare.”
“No way.” Cyndra pressed both hands to her mouth.
She had the mirror-wraiths bring all the remaining casters to the mirror-realm…why?
“To save them from the flare. Well, that’s my theory. All except the children who the Shield protected. You weren’t casters, technically, but now you are. Silvio didn’t trust me, Cyndra, with very good reason, I sided and fought with Mergan’s people for longer than I imagined. That’s why he left the island and found new homes for the children. He didn’t believe I’d forget and thought I would use the casters to free Mergan to finish what she started.”
But that’s not what happened, so he was wrong. Cyndra and I wouldn’t be standing here right now without your help. Evie may have thought she was doing a good thing, saving the casters left behind but she put ten of us in danger and we still don’t know how many are out there.
“We have to find them,” Cyndra whispered.
“At the very least so they don’t become imprisoned,” Zorin added, sensing her overwhelming emotions entering their bond.
I want to contact my guardians, let them know I won’t be home for a while.
“I need some air,” Cyndra said, pushing off the icebox and heading for the stairs leading up.
I’m going to make that salad. Rune smiled and tried to lighten the mood.
Zorin followed Cyndra with his eyes until he lost sight then covered his face and sighed. Despite the need to go after her, just to be near, he gave Cyndra her space and watched Rune cutting vegetables on the stove.
“How are you holding up, Rune?”
The caster shrugged and flashed a half-smile. Doing my best. I’m still not sure how I feel knowing my father is in that prison. I…can’t imagine dealing with the family aspect of all this like Cyndra and then taking over the responsibility. She must feel ten times as confused as I do. At least she doesn’t have to do it alone, right?
“I will never abandon either of you.”
Good, because we need you. Though, I think one of us a little more than the other.
“Perhaps,” Zorin said, rising from his stool. “I can go on a hunt if you’d like.”
Rune approached, shaking his head. Don’t change the subject. I saw the look on your face when we were digging through that rubble. Same as me. You don’t want to lose her.
“Of course I don’t.”
And I saw hers when she thought you were in that mirror. I’ve watched people all my life, Zorin, and I know when two people need each other.
“Not all of my memories have returned. What if I’ve done something unforgivable? Would you have me risk her heart?”
That’s not my decision, Zorin. He gazed upward. Maybe you should find out.
Zorin breathed in and nodded, approaching the stairs slowly. As he climbed, he thought of all the things he wanted and needed to say. When he exited the lighthouse and saw the beautiful caster staring out at the ocean, his mind blanked and his pulse skyrocketed. He didn’t need Cyndra’s fire or heat to arouse him, the curve of her body, the gentle flutter of her hair on the wind, her presence was all it took.
“It wasn’t your fault. I had a dream-memory of them arguing,” Cyndra said softly. “Evie knew my mother was in that mirror. She knew Mergan manipulated you. She said that to you, to get a reaction, didn’t she? My grandfather called you—”
“A demon.”
Cyndra spun around. “You’re not—”
“Not a demon or a monster, no, but I am unnatural, Cyndra. I’m a weapon to be used. I was under her control for years. I still don’t remember everything. I tricked your mother into the mirror though I don’t know how or why. I may have done worse.”
“And if you did, that’s really shitty, Zorin, and I’m sure you’re going to hate dealing with it, but that’s not what you’re trying to say, is it?” Cyndra stepped closer.
He backed away. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Okay, then don’t.”
“It’s only a matter of time before I do.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because of what I’ve done, all the things I’m capable of doing.”
“I don’t give a shit about your past. I wouldn’t care if you purposefully sent my mother to that prison so long as you thought you were doing the right thing. Mergan may be an evil fucking bitch, but you’re not. I trust you. I care about you. I…” Cyndra’s eyes welled. She lowered her head and shook it. “I knew it, that moment you looked at me when you woke up. I’ve already lost you.”
“No,” he whispered and inched closer, towering over her, beyond tempted to touch her, knowing he’d never want to stop if he did. “You will never lose me, Cyndra.”
“But we can’t be together, right?”
“I think it would be best—”
“If you say friends, I’m going to…” Cyndra balled her fist and turned back to the ocean. “You touch the deepest parts of my mind, my…soul, you kiss me, touch me like I’m your salvation and then you let her back into your head, filling it with lies and that’s it? We’re done?”
“Cyndra,” Zorin called her name tenderly as her excited and cautious energy flooded their bond.
Why did you say those things to me? Cyndra projected, keeping her back to him. Why did you kiss me again if you were just going to end this before it started?
I won’t deny my attraction to you. How drawn I am to you, beyond your fire and energy. I meant everything I said, Cyndra.
“Then what are you so afraid of?”
“My darkness infecting you.”
“That’s Mergan talking,” she said, turning around and staring at him. Cyndra stepped closer, lifting her right hand and setting it on his chest. There was no elemental heat on her fingers, but Zorin still burned. When she reached up with her left and caressed his chin, every muscle tensed despite the lack of energy. “This is what’s true. Me, shaking just by touching you. No elements. Just you and me. I’m not sure I can be your friend, Zorin. It won’t be enough.”
Zorin stared into her eyes as his heart thumped. Terror and excitement surged through his veins. If he denied her again, he risked losing her for good. If he gave in to what they both wanted, while
in this form, Zorin feared the consequences. He lifted his hand and stroked her cheek. “I don’t want to end this.”
Her fingers warmed on his chest as her cheeks darkened and her body pressed into his. “No more pushing me away?”
“If we take our time. I’ve been alone—”
A long time, me too. Cyndra frowned. So yeah, we can go as slow as you want because…I need you, Zorin.
Brushing his thumb across her chin, he knew he was ready to risk his heart. Zorin wanted this beautiful, frustrating, powerful woman by his side, in his arms, against his body. He needed her empathy, her kindness, and her excitement. And I need you, Cyndra. I’ve waited more than a lifetime to find someone like you.
Surprised by his confession, Cyndra’s eyes welled with tears in spite of the smile on her face. She touched his cheek, feeling the bond strengthening as they each let down their walls.
Zorin’s jaw tightened along with the rest of his body when she slipped her arms around his neck. She hugged him and set her head on his chest, melting against him when his hands spread across her back. His cool, strong embrace created a slew of feelings. She didn’t know how long she could keep them at bay.
Figuring it was best to go to the kitchen and eat dinner, Cyndra leaned back and slid her hands to his chest. His blue eyes, filled with the pain and damage from his past, also had a small sparkle now. He brushed some hair from her cheek and stared down. She shuddered. He smiled.
“I’m already holding back,” Cyndra whispered, as her pulse doubled.
“Don’t,” Zorin said, sliding his hands lower, keeping her tight to his body. “Give me your fire, Cyndra.” The heat filled her hand and seeped into his chest before the thought finished crossing her mind. They both gasped. Cyndra’s entire body trembled as Zorin grew hard against her thigh. Irresistible.
We’re supposed to be going slow.
Does that mean I can’t kiss you? Zorin dipped his head and caressed her bottom lip.
No, she projected as she quivered in his arms.
He collected her face between his hands and teasingly brushed his lips against hers. His kiss was tender and unrushed; deepening naturally and turning more passionate the longer they kissed. Cyndra groaned when he picked her up and kissed harder, faster.
After he broke from her mouth, Zorin carried her into the lantern room and set her down on the rickety railing around the light. She locked her legs around his thighs. He dove for her mouth. Cyndra slid her tongue along his, making him moan. She curled her fingers around his biceps, letting her energy and fire come to the surface.
Cyndra, Zorin’s mental voice rumbled as he rocked his hips against her, shocking her entire body with pure need. His mouth dropped to her neck, kissing a trail down to her chest.
Panting, Cyndra rolled her hips, rubbing against his erection, knowing she had to stop before they got too excited. She eased back her powers and slid her hands up his shoulders, keeping the physical connection strong. Zorin moaned and returned to her lips for one more kiss, tamer, yet still full of desire.
Cyndra pecked his lips softly before leaning back and smiling. Zorin wasn’t, instead, he studied her face with his pensive eyes.
“What?”
“You’re close to mastering your fire.”
“Really?”
“Yes, it may be time to start concentrating on energy,” Zorin said, taking her left hand in his, intensifying their bond. “I’ll have to insist you put the crystal on.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice. I know how to learn from someone else’s mistakes.” Cyndra squeezed his hand and got off the railing. “Which also means fixing some of them. Including Evie’s.”
“I’m sure Rune is anxious to get started.”
“He’s not the only one. Right now, he’s more interested in eating.” Cyndra tugged him toward the stairs and saw her friend standing in front of the east window, watching the sunset.
Rune turned around, smiling as usual and winked at her before dashing toward the stove. Don’t have any dressing, but I had just enough vegetables for two nice salads. There’s soup, too, in case you wanted something Zorin.
“Thank you, my friend,” he said, releasing her hand and making a bowl as she went to the table and quickly dug into the salad, overjoyed at the mushrooms, radishes, and sprouts Rune made over the course of four days.
Cyndra rubbed her temple.
One week.
Her entire world had turned upside down in seven days. It was almost too much to think about. Rune sat across from her and picked at his plate, doing his best to keep a happy smile on his face. Halfway through the impromptu meal, Zorin pulled a small box from the cabinet and set it on the table.
Oh, good. Rune grinned.
“What’s that?” she asked.
The surprise I got when I traded my coins. It’s not exactly chocolate, but the merchant told me this fruit comes close so they use it in cakes.
Cyndra gaped at the box. “Holy fuck, really?”
Zorin snickered and nodded his head.
Rune pulled out three small pieces of cake, pushing one to her side of the table. You first.
Grinning like a kid, Cyndra picked it up by the wrapping and inhaled as she lifted it to her mouth. The first bite was heavenly, the second even better. She set the other half down and sighed. “Very close and so good, try it.”
Even Zorin took a piece. The treat was exactly what they needed to lift their spirits. Cyndra left a quarter of the cake on her wrapper, saving it for tomorrow, and took a sip of her water while Rune enjoyed his entire piece.
Zorin licked his finger. “Thanks, Rune, that was amazing.”
We may have to go back and get the name of the fruit, I already forgot.
“Perhaps the island library has a book that can help,” Zorin said, cleaning up the mess on top of the stove. “In fact, I suggest we take a trip to the former town soon. I know there are plenty of items that can be of use.”
“I’ve been trying not to think about it, what’s next, but…I’m going to need to do something about my trailer in Turner’s Village.”
What do you want to do with it?
“No idea. If we’re staying on the island, I won’t be there. If you don’t pay your taxes and marketplace fees every month, they confiscate the trailer. I can sell it, maybe bring it here, the lighthouse doesn’t have that much room.”
“Are you staying?” Zorin asked.
“I think we should.”
I’m actually thinking about going into the mirror. Rune lifted his head from his plate.
Cyndra shook hers. “No way.”
Why not? Rune frowned.
“What happens if we don’t find other casters and can’t break the barrier?”
I will still be with my father.
“That can’t be the only reason.”
It’s not. Think about it, we can’t open that prison until we know who’s in there, Cyndra, and what they plan on doing when they get out. If I go in, I can find out.
“I don’t like that idea. We should stick together. Search for the other two casters from the journal first and train with our elements.”
“Maybe there’s a way without actually going in.” Zorin rubbed a hand across his mouth. “I can still talk to Mergan in my dreams.”
“And my grandmother said something like that to me too. Maybe I can talk to my mother, now that I know where she is. Or even Pristy. We need to exhaust every option, get all the information we can before we even think about touching that mirror.”
“I agree,” Zorin said. “My memories may hold answers and more return every day.”
Okay, no mirror…for now.
“Leaves us plenty to do.”
So, we go to the Southzone, search for the casters and hope they have something or know something that can help us.
“Yep,” Cyndra said, returning to the table. “I’d like to go back to the mansion. Maybe I can put a barrier around the room just in case.”
“You’re
certainly strong enough to try now; however, I suggest we wait until morning. Give us all a chance to fully recover.” Zorin walked toward the stairs leading up and rubbed the side of his face. “I will patrol the island tonight and watch the mansion.”
I’m taking the bed this time, Rune said as he covered his mouth and yawned.
Although she’d slept almost a day, Cyndra didn’t have the energy to argue with either of them and nodded to her friend. “My turn to make breakfast.”
Pleasant evening. Rune smiled.
“Same to you,” she replied.
“Good night, Rune.”
After the door to the bedroom shut, Zorin glanced across the living space and extended his hand. Cyndra got up and slipped her fingers over his. He smirked and tugged her back upstairs to the widow’s walk, pausing on the mansion side. Zorin pulled her closer. Without adding the temptation of their bond, she set her hand on his arms and gazed up.
“I’ve soared over this island for twenty-five years, day in and day out, nothing changed until the Shield fell. I never thought it would lead here, Cyndra, but I am grateful our lives intersected again.”
“Likewise. I’d never have gotten this far without you. Have any tips for making contact in the dreams?”
“Focus on who you want to speak with before you go to sleep, that always helped me,” Zorin said, squeezing her hand. “I can stay while you make your attempt.”
“If you stay, I won’t want to rest,” she whispered as she slid her hand up his arm. Just keep the siphon open and I’ll know you’re near.
Zorin smiled and brushed his hand along her cheek. I will always be near, Cyndra. Neither of us has to be alone again. Unable to stop her eyes from tearing, she chuckled nervously and leaned into his touch. He wiped away a tear, and then rubbed his thumb under her bottom lip. “Whatever comes next, I’m ready to face it with you.”
Cyndra kissed him gently, aware she didn’t have anything remotely that good to say to him. She released his hand and grinned seeing his flushed cheeks. “Go, I’ll be here when you get back.”
“Sleep well,” he replied as he nipped her chin. Zorin extended his wings and hopped onto the railing. He winked and jumped, falling quickly toward the ground. Cyndra gasped and clutched the rail. Zorin swooped upward and circled around the lighthouse. As he soared toward the mansion, Cyndra put every thought out of her head and watched the gargoyle fly through the air. When Zorin disappeared from sight, she gazed toward the mainland. Whatever they decided affected the entire world. The planet needed casters to heal the land. Casters needed crystals and siphons to keep their power in check.
