Remembering Majyk (Skazka Chronicles Book 1)

by Valia Lind

  "Max?" Is the only thing I can manage to ask. I remember him despising that name. I glance at the boy in question, who runs his hands through his hair, looking a bit sheepish. Well, look what we have here.

  "Wait, did you say a week?"

  I completely forgot that time moves differently in the In Between. I glance at Brendan, realizing just how long we endured the torture. How long he suffered because of me. He reaches for my hand again, giving it a small squeeze.

  "Cali, there's something I have to tell you," Maxwell begins, glancing down at our hands once more. There's something in his voice that tells me I'm not going to like what I hear next.

  "Oh yeah." Jemma exclaims, slapping me on the arm. "How is it I find out from Max that you're engaged to the tall blonde and sexy?"

  "Yes, Calista. How come?"

  The voice that I don't wish to hear—ever—speaks up from the shadows of the porch. I focus on the boy as he takes a step into the light. William is all gold where Brendan is darkness. His hair is perfectly styled, his clothes are impeccable and scream royalty. He glares at Brendan, before taking the last few steps toward me.

  "Hello, Duchess."

  "William."

  Brendan drops my hand as I say the other boy's name, straightening up beside me. There's always been hostility between them, even before I was part of the equation.

  "I'm going to clean up now," I announce, while the two continue their glaring contest.

  "Wait a minute—“ William begins, but I wave him off.

  "No, now."

  There's authority to my voice that the other boy cannot ignore. He inclines his head in acceptance, but I can see it costs him. Not that I care. Without meeting anyone else's eye, I head into the house, with Jemma close on my heels.

  "This is some kind of a mess, Cali." She says, following me into my room.

  "Isn't it, though?" I reply and in reality, she doesn't even know the half of it. I grab a change of clothes and leave her in the room, as I head into the bathroom. The moment I turn on the water, I breathe a little easier. Keeping up the pretenses is really getting tiring.

  Sometimes I wish I could just go back to being a regular girl, with no special powers and no greater destiny. But alas, wishes are pointless at this stage of the game. William coming here means that the royal courts have been alerted of the happenings in this realm. Everything is spinning out of control now and I must find my footing and finish my mission, before it comes apart at the seams.

  I have overstepped my bounds with Cornelius and he will make sure there is hell to pay. I know it like I know the sky is blue. I’ll have to work harder at making sure all of my memories return, and soon, so that I can use them to my full advantage. I can’t afford any mistakes.

  When I'm dressed and ready, I step out of my bathroom and find Jemma sitting on my bed. She doesn't say anything at first, just watches as I braid the hair off my face.

  “Your hair is much more purple now.” She comments, and I glance down to realize she’s right. Must be the side effect of the magic. I don’t say anything and we lapse back into silence.

  "Are you alright?" she finally asks, her voice as gentle as I've ever heard it. Maybe I don't need to explain anything to her. She isn't part of this war, and I don't need her to be. I just need her to be herself and I need her to be my friend.

  I take my place beside her on the bed and she places her arm around my shoulders, pulling me to her. She doesn't speak, just holds me as I try to come to terms with my life. Everything that has happened, everything that will happen, it's tearing me to pieces.

  "Do you want to talk about it?"

  I do. But I can't.

  "It's too much, Jemma. Everything that I'm finding out about myself, it's just too much. I don't know if I like myself very much anymore. What if I don’t want to be her?" It's as close to the truth as I can allow it to get. I'm afraid if I reveal any more, I'll lose her too.

  "You are the kindest, sweetest, most beautiful person I've ever met," Jemma says, placing her hands on my shoulders and looking deeply into my eyes. "Don't you ever doubt that and everything else will come together as it should."

  And that's exactly what I'm afraid of. If my plan succeeds, if I allow the darkness to rule my actions, my friends and family won't want to be around me anymore. They'll hunt me down like the traitor that I am.

  “You really are supposed to just follow all these rules?” She asks, and I know she means William.

  “It’s my duty.” She doesn’t say anything, but she does squeeze my hand in comfort.

  "We should go." I finally say, pulling away from her. She nods, but before we can leave the room, her hand is on my arm.

  "I know it's your duty, but is it possible—“ I don't let her finish. I know she means Brendan and I won't let her ask the question. I can't allow her to put into words the desire of my heart. It already hurts too much.

  "No." I say, and lead her out of the room.

  We find the boys in the library. Brendan has taken a shower as well, his hair still shining with droplets of water. Maxwell is leaning against the desk, his arms crossed in front of him as usual. William is on the other side of the room residing in a chair, his back straight, shoulders back, as if he's at court. As far as my memory goes, he always looks like he's at court. My jeans and a t-shirt make me feel completely inadequate when I look at him.

  My eyes find Brendan involuntarily, and his are already fastened on mine. His gaze is ablaze with emotion that steals the breath from my lungs. I want to go to him, but that's not proper. That's not something I can ever do. Instead, reluctantly, I turn my attention to the other boy, asking the question that's been nagging me since the moment I saw him.

  "William, how did you find me?"

  He stands, rising to his full height before answering.

  "The Keeper contacted the courts when you were attacked.” I breathe a sigh of relief to hear that she’s alive. “She should have contacted us the moment you were found." The disapproval is evident in his eyes as he stares at me. For some reason I know he's not actually blaming Elizabeth. He's blaming me. And Brendan.

  "Brendan," William begins turning his attention to the other, "it was your duty to return the Duchess the moment you found her. You have failed and I will have to report you."

  "Now, wait a minute," Jemma exclaims, and I kind of want to hug her.

  "It is of no concern to you, Miss Kelly. These are the dealings of our people."

  "Well, Calista is my people so too freaking bad."

  I reach for her before she can march her tiny self up to William and do something we all would enjoy too much, but will regret later.

  "Brendan was following my orders," I announce, taking a step forward. William isn't the only one who can play the royalty card and I outrank him in every order. "No harm will come to him in regards to those orders. Am I clear on that?" My eyes flash at my words, the hum of power right under my skin and I see William take a step back as he nods. He shrinks away from the display before him and I give him a cool smile.

  "Now, that we've established that. Why are you here?"

  "My Lady, I'm here because you are needed back. The circumstances since your disappearance have grown worse. Every day, the land grows weaker."

  "What do you mean, the land grows weaker?" I ask, when he doesn't continue.

  "Just that, Your Grace. Since coming to this realm, I see the effects of the war have shown their ugly face here as well. The land grows barren, the storms come every day. Her Majesty misses you. She's been distraught since the day you vanished." William may be a lot of things, but first and foremost, he's proud. His words ring with fake respect and I would like more than anything to wipe that half smirk off his face.

  But his words squeeze at the place where the relic pulses with power, where it calls for home, for Skazka. Leaving was the right choice, and choosing to have my memory erased was even a better one. I needed the reassurance that no matter what anyone has said, I had some good in me,
that I had the power to choose. No matter how much I don't want to give William any points, he's right on one. I have to go back. I turn to the rest of the people in the room before announcing my decision.

  "We're leaving. Now."

  29

  “Think this through, Cali."

  Maxwell and Brendan have been trying to talk me out of going for the past ten minutes. I pace around my bedroom, trying to decide what to do next. I need a plan when I step foot on home soil. It won't be long until everyone knows I'm back. I would be surprised if they don't know immediately. There is the kind of majyk that keeps the land in tune with the king and queen. When my feet touch the ground, the royal bloodline will know.

  Jemma is once again sitting on my bed, watching my progress across the room quietly. William is standing right inside the doorway, that infuriating smirk back on his face. Maxwell is the one who's trying to plead with me now.

  "You don't know what you're walking into. If Cornelius went back, it could be a trap."

  "It probably is," I turn on Maxwell, taking a step in his direction. I've noticed the change in the way they all look at me. While they knew who I was before, they didn't know the extent of my powers. No one knew, but my papa. William still doesn't, not really. I'm sure he'll find out soon enough. I'm sure he's noticed the irrefutable respect and almost fear radiating off my companions any time I speak. I'm not positive how much Brendan told Maxwell, but I can see the way the other boy has been watching me.

  "But I don't have a choice." I continue, firmly. "I can't sit around and try to figure out prophecies and wait for the other shoe to drop. I have to fight. I will go back to Skazka, I will find Cornelius, if he's there, and I will take him out. If he's not there? Well, I'm sure there are other lovely creatures of Shadowlands who will love to meet the end of my sword."

  My friends—my people—grow quiet around me. There is tension in the air, the feel of a swinging pendulum coming closer and closer to its target.

  "Cali, you're a bit scary." Jemma calls from her position next to Maxwell, breaking the silence.

  "Good!" I say and watch as she flinches a bit at my tone. "Look, this isn't up for discussion. I gave an order, which my people are obligated to follow."

  "Doesn't mean we, as the people who care about you, don't worry."

  "I'm sorry. But this is who I am. I have to own up to it before everything and everyone I love pays the price." My best friend watches me for a moment, before getting off the bed and coming to stand in front of me.

  "Then," she says, placing her hands on my shoulders, "you do what you must. And we all will stand behind you."

  "Thank you." Is all I can manage to say, as she folds me into a hug.

  This is exactly what I needed, why I went through all of this. Why I tested myself in the way I did. No matter how much one can tell oneself that they are good, only their actions will define them. Maybe I'm not such a hopeless case after all.

  "Now, what do we need?" Jemma asks, pulling back.

  "You're not coming with me."

  "Yes, I am. Don't you think I'm safer wherever you are?"

  I thought so before, but I'm not so sure now. I can't really take her back to campus, where they'll find her. And I can't leave her here alone. I hate that taking her with me seems to be the only option.

  I guess they're all coming with me then. I wouldn't mind ditching William though. I've forgotten how his egomaniacal attitude drives me up the wall.

  "Okay, make sure you guys have everything you need. I'm not sure if we'll be going straight to the castle."

  I notice William open his mouth to protest, but one look from me silences whatever he's about to say. Maxwell leads William out, throwing a smile my way. Jemma gives me a pointed look, and then she's gone as well. That leaves Brendan and me standing awkwardly across from each other.

  There's so much I want to say to him, so much I can't. I know that this will probably be the last time we can talk freely, but I can't find the words to express how I'm feeling. So I do the only thing I can, I talk strategy.

  "I know bringing Jemma and William is probably not the best idea, but I appreciate your support on this. Especially when it comes to Jemma." He nods, his eyes drinking me in like a thirsty man drinks water. I pace across the room, trying to work through some of my nervous energy.

  "Cal—“

  "I also think it would be good to come in on the outskirts of Skazka, if possible. It will give us a bit of an advantage, I hope. Maybe if we're far enough away, we'll have at least a few minutes before Her Majesty realizes I'm back. I don't know. I'm sure he'll want to get back to the courts right away, but we have to find Cornelius as soon as we can."

  "Cali—“

  "I hope we can get Jemma to safety. I really can't imagine her being in danger again."

  "Calista!" He grabs me by the shoulders, his hands burning their imprint on my skin. I know his heart is beating as fast as mine as he pulls me closer to him. There is desire in his gaze that matches my own. It flares up with an intensity that almost brings me to my knees. I want nothing but to pull him into me. He takes another step forward, but my hands are on his chest, keeping him back.

  "We can't, Brendan. Our birthright may be our destiny, but it is also our curse."

  There are tears in my eyes instantly, and this time they have nothing to do with physical pain. My heart is breaking just by looking at Brendan's face and all the promises he wants to make. There are tears in his eyes. We stare at each other, committing each feature to memory. I drink him in. His eyes. His skin. His smile.

  "You will be the greatest Grand Duchess the Skazka has ever known." He whispers, keeping me locked in his gaze.

  His voice pierces my soul, springing buds of joy, hope, and determination. He doesn't know who I am, but I will hold on to his trust in me. If nothing else, I will do my best to never let him down as a ruler. That is one promise that I can make—that I will make.

  He pulls me to his chest, wrapping his arms securely around me. This is all we can allow ourselves, a mere glimpse of happiness we may carry in our hearts for the rest of our lives. He steps back after a moment, leaving me in the center of the room. I watch him walk away, a part of me crying out for his touch, while the other part is shutting away those pieces of my heart into a solid steel prison.

  The time for feelings has gone. I have a duty and I will carry out that duty with no reservations. William will fall in line as my husband and I will ascend to the position of the Grand Duchess when that time comes. My plan will come to pass, regardless of the choices others make. My reign will be the greatest in the lands. That much I can promise myself.

  The darkness burns hotter, fighting for dominance inside of me, but I won't let it win. Not yet. I hold onto Brendan and what I feel for him, feeling the evil flame diminish. It will never be extinguished, but as long as I can keep it under control, I will be triumphant.

  The pieces of my life will always be at war. I had the life of a human and that will always play part in who I am. Yet, I believe with all of my heart, it will make me a great advisor. The darkness inside will always look for a way out. But there is also the part of me who was raised by my papa, who grew up as the volshebnitsya, who knows how to love.

  All of these make up who I am.

  In the end, it's up to me to decide which part wins.

  However, right now, I have a plan to put in motion. With new determination, I leave the room.

  The moment my feet hit the ground in Skazka, a feeling of home washes over me.

  It's like breathing in fresh air after being underground for weeks. I close my eyes for a second, letting Skazka sing its song into my soul once again. I'm not sure if I even have a soul, since my heart is hidden on an island no one can find, but it feels like I do. I stand back, letting the others pass, as I study my surroundings.

  Nothing is like when I left it. The land is barren. It's weak. It's dying. The trees are falling apart, the grass is a sickly color in some places, or gone al
together in others. I don't hear the happy buzz of the leaves dancing in the wind. I can't decipher the sound of the songs the fairies used to sing over the cry of the trampled ground. I want to scream at Brendan and Maxwell for not telling me, but by the look on their faces I can see how much they didn't know. How much it pains them to see their home this desolate.

  This doesn’t look like the place Maxwell chose for our entrance, and I glance around puzzled. I take a step forward, but before I can decide what to do, we're surrounded.

  "Welcome home, Calista."

  Cornelius' voice comes from somewhere to my left and I'm reaching for my sword, except I can't move my hands. He shouldn't be able to wield this much power, not enough to keep me caged, at least. There's more to it than I know and it becomes evident as I try to move my arms.

  "Ah, I see you've brought friends. How lovely." He takes a step toward Maxwell and Jemma, his gaze fastened on my best friend. I know what he's thinking as if he's spoken his words out loud.

  "Don't you dare."

  "Oh, I dare, Duchess." He flicks his hand and two of his minions are dragging Jemma away. She screams and it's a sound that will haunt me till the day I die. I watch, helpless, as they disappear into the veil, the forest suddenly deadly quiet around us.

  I turn my attention back to the monster in front of me, anger burning within every part of me.

  "I will kill you. I will peal the skin off your bones and I will set you on fire."

  He starts to laugh, comfortable with the fact that I can do no such thing at the moment. But he doesn't laugh long. My power breaks through whatever spell he has on me, my right hand on my knife before anyone can even blink. It imbeds itself in Cornelius' right shoulder and the sound of his howling is a sweet lullaby to my ears.

  He backs away quickly, a wall of his minions forming between us in a flash.

  "You will bring the Knowledge to Shadowlands, or your friend dies."

  With that, he's gone.

  The spell breaks completely and I take off to where the creatures have disappeared. It is William who stops me.