He looked as though he was only sleeping. His chest rose and fell in regular beats, and his arms lay still at his sides. But his face was beautifully stoic. Even in unconsciousness, he wore the serious expression of one who keeps duty as his priority. But, I also knew the other side, the charmer who could crack a joke in the middle of a tense situation as easy as he could crack someone’s skull.
“Why are you like this? Where have you gone?” My voice broke as I asked the questions, and it took a huge amount of effort to deny the sting in my eyes to form tears. I tried to do what he’d do and lighten the mood. “You’re missing all the fun. Jacob and Luca almost fought today. They weren’t allowed, which I find annoying.”
There was no response. Not even a twitch of a brow, a wiggle of a finger.
I don’t know why I expected it, but at that moment, I realized I had. My chest tightened making it hard to breathe. For some reason, I thought he might wake up just because I was there.
As I stared at the ground with my hands in my lap, the door opened, and Aurora waltzed in. I sucked in my breath.
“Hello, Niasa.”
I stood up and nodded to her, stepping aside to offer her the chair.
“Thank you. Can you form one for yourself?” she asked and stared at me with a gentle smile.
She was serious. How could I make a chair in a room without any greenery?
“I don’t think so, not in here.”
“In time you will, keep practicing.”
Another chair appeared, sitting in front of the side table and perpendicular to the one on the wall. Aurora motioned for me to sit there while she waited, then she sat in my vacated chair.
It was unnerving to be in the small space with such a powerful woman. Aurora’s pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes were beautiful. Her long, wavy, blonde hair shimmered in the low light, and she moved with such an elegant grace. I’d never spent any time personally around those from other realms, besides humans.
“You have done well, adjusting to your new situation. I hope you realize that,” she said, her voice low in respect to Gus.
I could only drop my gaze into my lap. It was true that I’d passed one level, but I wasn’t progressing fast enough. There were only two days left to pass second level, and it was unlikely I’d become proficient enough to move on.
“I came here because I’m supposed to help. Odin tasked me with stopping the Legion, but I don’t see how that’s going to be possible if I can’t pass the Eudaimonia in time.” Something Odin either didn’t know about, or failed to mention existed.
“Yes, he and I spoke extensively about how different and difficult it would be for you to come here.”
Failed to mention, then. That matched his secrecy in other areas of my life.
“We both determined that it was necessary for you to come, and also that you needed to follow our way of doing things in order to help learn all the abilities you have. There are still many doors within yourself that you have not opened.” Aurora’s gaze held me still making sure her words sank in.
“I think I’m a simple enough individual. There’s nothing more to me that anyone hasn’t seen.”
I didn’t like that so much of my life was out of control. But, if she thought I was hiding any abilities, she was sadly mistaken. What you see is what you get.
“I believe you feel that way, but it isn’t true. Did Odin tell you the story of your parents?”
“He explained who my mother was and that I would learn more about my father once I arrived here.”
Aurora nodded. “Your mother is a kind woman, from what I’ve heard.”
What?
“My mother is dead.”
My heart slammed against my chest as I clutched the edges of my chair. I locked her in a stare, not caring that she was a druid on the High Council.
Aurora narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. She seemed to be weighing her next words carefully, and it made sweat form under the tight plait I’d wrangled my hair into.
“I’m sorry that is what you believe, but it isn’t true. She is alive, though it’s possible she doesn’t know who she is. Which may be the reason you weren’t told. It would only have been a source of pain, as you grew up alone.”
She had to be wrong. There was no way Odin would have done that to me. I’d needed my mother so many times, I couldn’t count them as I grew up as the only child in Valhalla. I’d said as much to Odin, and he always gave me his sympathy and assured me my mother would have been proud of me. Yet she was there in Valhalla the whole time?
“Who is she?”
“Her name is Lydia.”
“What?!” I stood up as I yelled. “Lydia? Why would they do that to me?”
“Niasa, please sit. I will try to explain, but if you continue to create a negative energy in the room, it could be harmful to Gus.”
I snapped my attention to the sleeping form on the bed. He hadn’t moved, didn’t even seem aware of anything, let alone the energy surrounding him, but I sat anyway. Numbness flowed over my body as I slumped in the chair.
“I don’t have all the details, but from what I know, your mother’s trauma was so intense that Odin felt it necessary to remove the memories of her humanity. That would include giving birth. I was told the two of you were close, and assumed you knew who she was even if she didn’t. I apologize for causing you pain.”
“You didn’t. Odin should have told me.”
Never had I felt so alone—or betrayed.
I thought of all the times I’d gone to Lydia when I was hurt or sad. She’d been the mother figure I turned to. And she’d returned my affection. Despite the fact that neither of us knew who we were to each other, the bond we shared hadn’t been broken.
“Odin did what was best for both of you. To do what is best for someone isn’t always what is comfortable or easy. Sometimes in order to give what is needed, you have to ignore what is wanted. You can’t blame him for doing what was best for each of you.”
I can, and I will.
I blinked away the sting in my eyes and stared at the wall above Gus. If she agreed with Odin’s decision, that meant that she was capable of doing something similar. There wasn’t anyone I could trust now.
“Why did you come in here?” I asked gruffly.
“I wanted to speak with you. There is a path for you in the upcoming battle with the Legion, and I wanted to offer you encouragement to persevere. I also wanted to see your medallion.”
There it was. She could say she wanted to help all day, but really, she only wanted something from me. And it was an odd request, since I’d shown her the medallion when I arrived.
“You’ve seen it.”
Aurora’s voice held an edge when she responded. “New information has come in, and I’d like to see it again.”
What new information?
16
I sighed, then pulled my necklace over my head and held it out to Aurora.
She held the medallion gently in her fingers. She rubbed her palm over the runes in the center.
“Have you figured out what it says?”
“I believe so, Gus and I worked on that together.” I could have used Gus's support right then. “The best we could determine, the symbols meant—open doorway, defeat, battle, victory, and internal. The last word could also possibly mean inside.”
Aurora continued to stare at the medallion, turning it over in her hands. Then she cupped it between both palms and closed her eyes.
I wasn't sure what to do, so I sat in silence waiting for her. For some reason, I expected something to happen—I don't know what . . . sparks, lightning, or a fireball, maybe?
When she finally opened her eyes, she exhaled a deep breath, and stared at Gus with a contemplative look on her face that confused me.
“This medallion holds the power of both fae and human essences. The one who made this is powerful. It happened sometime after our civil war. In your research, did you find out what it can do?”
“We studi
ed the words. It's obvious they are connected somehow to what's happening, but we believe it’s the reason I traveled through different times and eventually to Gus’s ripple.
“The Shadow King has desired to rule over the human realm from the beginning. He lusts after power.” She smiled and shook her head, brushing a nonexistent piece of dust from her lap. “When the medallion was created, all the realms felt the shift. We had no idea what had happened. It wasn't until years later, when you began to travel among the humans as a Valkyrie, that we all learned where the medallion was and what it was for.”
I pinched my brows together. No one could have known I held the medallion. Odin had brought Lydia to Valhalla, and hidden the pendant with me.
I fidgeted in my seat and waited for her to continue.
“We knew the ripples were forming, but had no way to get to them. They’re situated in the space between the Vergence and Empyrean. Everyone thought they were safe, since the Shadow King can't cross the Vergence. In fact, no one could cross into the ripples. We had no knowledge of what was happening there—who lived there, what it was like, how many there were . . . it was all a mystery to us. That is, until you.” Aurora turned her focus to Gus, and we both gazed at him as he slept in his unresponsive state. “We still don't know how many ripples there are. You might be the only one who can tell us.”
What does she mean by that?
“I doubt I'll get the chance to do anything, since I can't pass my levels fast enough.”
“I have faith in you. When the time is right, you'll find your way. Until then, you need to practice.You must learn all of your abilities to keep yourself safe. This is a very powerful weapon in the hands of the Shadow King, he could use it in so many ways. He could create a ripple, he could destroy all the ripples, he could destroy the Vergence and all of humanity and start over if he wanted. It's imperative that he nor any member of the Legion get their hands on this.” Aurora pierced me with her stare, as if she could see right through me.
I wanted to tell her to keep it, protect it in a way that I couldn't. But it was all that I had from my mother, and I wasn't going to let it go.
“I'll do my best. At one time, I could've promised you I never lose, but I can't say that anymore. There was a traitor in Valhalla, and I let her get away, along with one who was loyal and didn't deserve to be swept away.”
I could only hope that Toril was out there somewhere, alive. I didn't hold out much hope, however.
“I've spoken to Odin about the Valkyries Toril and Jemma, and I agree with him that none of that was your fault. We still don't know who the contact was, though I have illuminators working on that as we speak. For now, keep practicing your magic. Learn to protect yourself, and develop your skills. It's the best way you can help all of us.”
Aurora stretched out her hand to return the medallion.
I swallowed hard, suddenly afraid of what had been a comfort to me my whole life. But I took it from her nonetheless, the weight of it heavy in my palm and on my shoulders.
For whatever reason, I started to slip the medallion into the same pocket as the quartz, then changed my mind. But in the brief seconds the two were in proximity to each other, a jolt rolled through my body.
I gasped, then quickly slid the leather cord over my neck as I tried to catch my breath. When I looked back at Aurora, her eyes were closed, her brow creased, and she held her hand over her middle.
“Aurora? Are you alright?”
“Something's not right, we need to get back.” She steeled her resolve and stood from the chair. “If things take a turn, and Breasal becomes unsafe, it would be best for Gus if he were moved to a different realm.”
“No! You can’t. There must be a way to keep him safe here.”
What other realm was there for him? I didn't care what issues she was concerned about, I would make sure Gus was protected.
“Nothing will happen yet, we’ll discuss it further if the time comes. Now hurry, I need to return to the High Council.” Aurora stretched out her hand and ushered me through the door in front of her.
I glanced back at Gus before I hurried down the corridor.
The morning was a misty purple when I headed to class. It was already too late to be first in, so I dragged my feet and thought about what Aurora had said.
I didn’t dare pull the cord out in the open, but I let my fingers rove over the circular pendant. Absently, I stuck my other hand into my pocket. A pain radiated through my fingers and up my arm before I pulled my hand away.
I stopped in the hall and bent over, resting my arms against the tops of my thighs. Whatever happened, it was unpleasant, and the second time that morning I’d experienced such a disturbance.
I peeked down the hallway to see if anyone witnessed the event. No one was around, and nothing looked or felt different.
When I opened the classroom door, I was still contemplating the connection between the medallion and quartz. I snapped out of my reverie as soon as I walked in and saw the semi-circle of students standing behind Professor Myali and Donovan. Carlos stood in the distance with his hands in his pockets, as if he was waiting for the next bus.
Not only was I the last to arrive, but Carlos was taking his level two exam! He just came into this class, how could he be ready so quickly? Though, there are only two days left . . .
My stomach dropped as I scanned the others in the room. I saw Orsika as she glanced over her shoulder at me, and I wandered to her side.
“This is unexpected,” I whispered.
“After what we saw the other night, I’m not sure what to think.” Orsika pursed her lips as she watched.
Carlos was a powerful mage; that meant his knowledge of spell work would be high. I shouldn’t have been surprised that he was already proficient in his elemental skills. Though I’d learned he had three, I wasn’t sure what they were. He always acted as if he wasn’t doing anything, then something would explode, or fly through the air.
Someone moved closer to me, and I darted a peek to my right. Sabra held Carlos in her gaze the way a predator would watch its prey.
“Your leopard is showing,” I whispered with a grin.
“I know,” she whispered back without moving. “He’s using air, but I can’t figure out how.”
“Unfortunately, the Council is unable to attend this morning, so whenever you’re ready, Carlos, please demonstrate your elemental skill separate from your spells.” Professor Myali tried to sound commanding, but I heard a tinge of concern leak through her words.
What was up with this kid? He’d arrived on Breasal before me and had stayed in level one without any ambition to move ahead. Now, he was ready to move to level three within just a few days?
Carlos stood, as usual, with his hands in his pockets, his eyes on the ground, and his dark hair falling over the side of his face. He used his toe to jab at the ground before he took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. From across the field, he met my gaze and smiled.
It chilled me to the bone. Something wasn’t right.
Carlos slipped his hands into the air and closed his eyes.
“Luca,” I said aloud, not caring that we were supposed to remain silent. When he turned to me, I latched onto his stare with intensity, so he knew I was serious. “Form your wall.”
Luca pinched his brows, not understanding.
Carlos faced his palms toward all of us.
“Now!” I screamed.
Luca startled, but understood me just in time as he spun and raised his arms over his head, palms open and fingers spread.
The block wasn’t enough, but it softened the blow as a wave of percussive air reached all of us. Shortly after, we heard the boom that came with it.
Everyone, including Donovan and Professor Myali, flew backward. I landed in a heap.
All sound was gone. It took a few seconds for me to register that the only thing I could hear was the echo of my own breathing. I rolled to my side and heaved whatever contents remained in my stomach from d
inner onto the grass. Dizziness rolled through me, and my vision blurred as I scanned the area.
No one was spared. Some bodies had flown into the wall near the classroom door, others lay flat on their backs. A girl . . . what was her name? . . . turned toward me, tears streaking her cheeks as she cried.
Movement to my left made me turn. Carlos was strolling slowly in our direction. This was supposed to be a place of safety, but he appeared ready to continue his demonstration regardless of the chaos he’d caused.
I couldn’t let him hurt anyone else.
Puffing with effort, I rose to my feet and faced him.
A wide smile split his face. It made the hair on my arms rise against the inside of my tunic. Sound was slowly returning to my ears, and I could hear the shouts of someone behind me as I stepped toward the child.
What could I do? My whip wasn’t going to be much good against whatever he’d just accomplished. But maybe my thorns could.
Not giving myself time to think about it, I summoned a thorn in the shape of a throwing knife, and let it sail. Then another and another. As fast as I could make them, I hurled them at Carlos.
He didn’t flinch as he kept stalking toward me. At least I was his sole focus now. I kept throwing.
I’d never created the weapons so quickly before, and I felt myself growing tired. I concentrated harder, and felt my nose begin to run. I didn’t bother to swipe it away, and when the wetness rolled over my lip, I tasted the coppery flavor of blood.
Whatever it took, I wasn’t going to let the others suffer any more. I’d learned how to make friends, and I intended to protect them.
Suddenly, my arms slammed to my sides. My wings, too, were pinned, as if they were wrapped in chains. I growled a shriek into the air as I struggled to move.
Carlos stood not more than ten paces away from me, seeming to struggle against the same restraints.
Time Academy Page 9
