by Jenn Nixon
Crystal Casters
Mirror Realm
Jenn Nixon
CHBB Publishing
Contents
Acknowledgments
Also by Jenn Nixon
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Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
This Book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, duplicated, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
Crystal Casters The Mirror Realm
Copyright © 2018 by Jenn Nixon
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Cover Artist: Pretty AF Designs
Edited by: EAL Editing Services
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
Acknowledgments
Jenn would like to thank the entire team at CHBB Publishing, including the amazing SJ and Elizabeth for their hard work, all my pub-sisters and brothers for their help, and Pretty AF Designs for this amazing cover! She’d also like to send a special shout out to her family, friends, and her fantastic readers for their support.
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Chapter 1
May 2062
The Island, off the coast of Eastzone
For the fifth time in two days, Zorin searched the island for soulless or mirror-wraiths, only to find the dwindling human community on the southern tip growing more curious about the noises and rumblings of the last week. Gliding as close as the treetops allowed, he tilted his leathery wings to slow, catching their muted conversation on the wind. Some thought it was best they leave the island. Others didn’t want to, knowing how inhospitable parts of the mainland had become since the flare.
Zorin tucked his wings and soared over the woods, altering his direction toward the opposite end of the island. He ignored the pull of the crystal bond with Cyndra as he flew past the lighthouse, easily catching her fire and energy mixing in the air. Already fearing he had failed her, he swooped down toward the mansion, eyeing the premises for any sign of the enemy.
Once he, Cyndra, and Rune had defeated Mergan and she fell into the mirror-realm prison of her own making, the vile creatures she created vanished from the island. Convincing the casters to return to the mainland to search for the wraiths would require logic and patience. His growing bond with Cyndra and deep friendship with Rune might help the process along.
With no sign of movement and sensing only the casters on the island, Zorin circled high over the trees, getting as close to the mansion’s invisible barrier as possible, before swinging back toward the lighthouse, feeling Cyndra’s power strengthening during his approach.
Surprised to see Rune waiting for him on the widow’s walk with a bowl full of tea, Zorin landed on the railing and folded his wings back then hopped onto the walkway.
Pleasant morning. Rune signed.
Zorin smirked. He tapped his hand to his chin and placed one arm up, moving the other sideways.
Rune shook his head of dark wavy hair, touched his chin and lowered his hand then lifted one arm up with the other staying horizontal expertly holding the bowl.
“Good morning,” Zorin said and repeated the action correctly.
Better, Rune projected mentally through their crystal bond. He offered the tea before gazing out at the sunrise.
Zorin sipped. “Mmm, did you add orange?”
A cheap earl grey. He nodded.
“Frankly, I’m astonished at what you’ve accomplished in what…six days since you started the garden?”
He nodded again, walked to the opposite side of the lighthouse to gaze down at it, and frowned. Between Cyndra and me…we can have this whole field filled in a month.
“This makes you sad?”
No, but if we can do this in days…imagine what all the casters in the mirror-realm can do. They can heal all the damage of the flare. Rune sighed and ran a hand through his hair. The same concern filled similar green eyes a lifetime ago when Rune’s father, Bale, came to the island, hoping to find a way to end the human-caster war that destroyed much of the world. Cyndra’s adamant about staying out of the mirror and now she doesn’t seem to want to leave to go find the other casters. There are no answers here. I know she was hoping we’d make contact with someone inside the prison, but neither of you has, and I can’t reach my father…
“I believe he’s in the mirror, Rune. Not everything Mergan said was a lie.” Zorin set his hand on Rune’s shoulder. “Cyndra just needs a push. She knows we must find the remaining casters. We can discuss and decide by consensus, the way it used to be among our relatives and ancestors.”
Rune nodded, lifting a smile to his face. Cyndra’s making breakfast, said she had a surprise.
“Perhaps that will explain her absence yesterday.”
The caster rolled his eyes and walked to the doorway. Just tell her the truth.
“What truth?”
That you were worried and you didn’t mean to snap at her. Rune shrugged and went inside the lighthouse heading for the living quarters. Zorin followed, sighed, and rubbed his hand down his face. His bond with Cyndra was stronger than any he ever had. Why did he need to confess what she already knew?
“Same to you,” she said softly, greeting Rune. “Almost done.”
Zorin descended the second staircase and paused on the last step. Cyndra turned back from the stove. Her big hazel eyes narrowed. Although she was keeping her energy and emotions contained, she couldn’t keep her fire from him or stop her olive cheeks from darkening. They were bonded by more than the crystal now. “Go
od morning, Cyndra.”
“Mornin’,” she mumbled and turned away, trying to mask the trembling.
Unwilling to use their bond to manipulate her emotions, Zorin maintained the open siphon they’d agreed upon, doing his best to ignore the riveting sensations her fire continued to stir within. He sat across from Rune and finished his tea.
“I conducted another search of the island this morning, even flew over the hu—community to the south, they’re growing restless and thinking of leaving after all the odd activity,” he began only to be caught off guard by her heavy sigh. “No sign of soulless or wraiths. Better?”
“Yes,” Cyndra said sharply. Her shoulders tensed then dropped. “Sorry. I didn’t sleep well.”
Rune glared at him from across the table.
“And I…shouldn’t have snapped at you yesterday.”
“I just wanted it to be a surprise. I didn’t mean to worry anyone…I’m not used to this,” she said softly without elaborating yet confirming she knew he worried, and shook her head as she turned around with a pan full of scrambled eggs. “I took the boat to the mainland to get some protein. Closest village had a stand. I traded four eggs for that last knife from the pile.”
Looks fantastic, Cyndra, thanks. Rune lifted his plate, keeping the jovial smile on his face, still acting as a cushion between him and Cyndra when warranted. She carefully scraped one-third of the eggs onto his plate, then Zorin’s before turning back to the stove. Despite the extra stool he’d recovered from one of the abandoned houses, Cyndra remained on her feet, leaning against the icebox as she sampled her dish.
Rune, already halfway through, pushed Zorin’s plate closer, nodding his head. Caving, he ate silently with the others for a few minutes, keeping his eyes on his plate or Rune, unsure if he’d set Cyndra off if he lingered too long. When Rune leaned back and patted his stomach happily, Cyndra scoffed and rolled her eyes.
“We all know I’m not the chef of the group,” she said, taking her final bites of food.
It’s not hard to learn.
“I have enough to do.” Cyndra smirked and huffed, gazing toward the window underneath the staircase while twisting the black crystal pendant between her fingers.
“We should discuss what’s next,” Zorin said, unable to wait any longer. “With no sign of the mirror-wraiths, finding the remaining casters should be our priority.”
“What happens if we leave and the wraiths come back with casters and bring them to the mirror-realm? Shouldn’t we stay here and guard the mirror until—”
Until one of us has a dream chat? Rune shook his head. We can’t be sure that’ll happen, Cyndra, and even if it does, we don’t have to be here for it to work. Zorin had contact with Mergan while he was on the mainland.
Zorin nodded, but didn’t add to the conversation. Although he wanted to search the mainland for soulless, wraiths, and casters, he had no idea if finding the others would help. Not all caster families were the same in his experience. However, he agreed with Rune, there were no answers left on this island. It was a big risk, but not his choice to make.
“So we attempt another trip to Southzone and hope we find someone? Why can’t we send notes?”
This will be faster, Rune replied, standing up and approaching her. And we can stop by your village—
“One more day,” Cyndra said, reaching out to take Rune’s hand.
He nodded in response to a secret question.
“You don’t mind cleaning up? I’m gonna shower.”
After a quick hug, Cyndra darted across the room without glancing his way. Zorin eased his clenched fist and scrubbed his hand over his mouth. Curious to hear why she wanted to stay and what she’d said to Rune, he wouldn’t ask. He knew Rune’s answer already.
As if hearing his thoughts, Rune smirked as he offered to take the empty plate. The two of you suck at talking to each other.
“Once you find a bond this strong you’ll understand, my friend.” Zorin rubbed the back of his neck and stretched his wings. “You read body language to know how someone feels. Imagine actually feeling their emotions instead. That’s what I experience with Cyndra.”
So, you know how she feels about leaving here? Rune lifted his brow.
Zorin frowned. “We haven’t discussed that yet.”
Maybe you should. She’s not telling me the whole truth. I know there’s something bothering her about leaving other than making sure the mirror is safe.
“I will speak to her.” Zorin nodded, which made Rune relax. “I can finish cleaning up if you wish to check on the garden.”
Thanks, Zorin.
Zorin signed ‘you’re welcome’ in return and sighed when he heard the door below open and shut. Both casters had uprooted their lives after awakening, learned the truth of their elemental powers and connection to the island, never once shying away from the responsibilities of a caster or their families’ deeds. Shouldering the responsibility to protect Rune, Cyndra, and any remaining casters seemed child’s play in comparison.
While he cleaned the kitchen table, thinking about what to say, Cyndra exited the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her head, dressed in a plain red t-shirt and black shorts.
“Feeling better?” he asked, offering a half-smile.
Her eyes flashed. “I’m fine.”
“Cyndra…” He set the cloth down and stepped closer.
She frowned, went to the bedroom, and shut the door behind without meeting his gaze. Zorin clenched his hand, followed her, and lightly tapped on the frame with a knuckle.
“Not now, please,” she called softly between sniffles.
Zorin set his head on the door and shut his eyes.
Returning to the kitchen to finish cleaning, he took his time, hoping she’d come out of the bedroom. Instead, he sensed her falling asleep. Perhaps it would help. He hadn’t been much help fighting Mergan and he continued to let Cyndra down now. Being cursed and alone, trapped in a monstrous form for twenty-five years had changed him, damaged him. Regardless of the attraction, he wasn’t a man anymore. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t be what she wanted.
As he put the last of the clean plates back into the cabinet, Cyndra’s power suffocated him. Her painful moaning buzzed his ears. Zorin dashed for the bedroom, opening the door and holding his breath.
“No,” she cried and shot upright in the bed.
“Cyndra?” Zorin froze at the foot of the mattress.
“Guess again,” she said, opening her eyes. They were pure white, just like a soulless.
His heart stopped and his body turned to stone. “Release her, Mergan.”
“Free me from this prison and she won’t suffer.”
“Cyndra, wake up.” He balled his hands while stepping closer. Mergan’s twisted, evil power invaded his siphon.
“I’ll force her to relive the flare, her pathetic, empty childhood, over and over.”
“Release her!” Zorin roared.
“Did you know the first boy she loved died?” She rose from the bed and slinked closer. “Do you know how lonely she still feels despite everything she said to you?”
Cyndra! Zorin called directly to her mind.
She went still.
The white faded from her eyes as they rolled back.
Zorin snatched Cyndra’s hand and tugged her to his body, wrapping his free arm around her back as he dropped to the mattress. He cradled her in his lap and tapped her cheek gently. She groaned and trembled, but didn’t open her eyes. Fearing Mergan had her trapped in a dream, Zorin laced the fingers of their left hands together.
Her breathing evened out and she relaxed in his arms, warming his cool, tough gray skin with her residual fire. Gazing down at her made it all too real. Her power was beyond him. Everything she learned from her grandmother’s journal outweighed his knowledge.
After he set Cyndra back on the mattress and covered her with a sheet, he retreated to the lantern’s service room above and paced. Other than siphoning her power when it became overw
helming, he wasn’t much good for anything.
He truly had no way of helping her.
Resigned to waiting, Zorin took to the widow’s walk again, hating what he had to tell her when she woke.
Chapter 2
Cyndra Raine snuck out of the bedroom and ran down the stairs, exiting the lighthouse without making a sound. Catching Rune’s earthcasting on the opposite side of the building, she walked around the bend and sank to the ground, wrapping both arms around her leg, trying to shake off the strange dream and odd vibe Zorin was throwing off from his room.
The moment she moved from the shadow of the lighthouse, the ‘gargoyle’ would see her, come after her, and try to find out what was bothering her. She didn’t know where to start.
Too much, too soon, too fast.
The past ten days had been a whirlwind of events and emotions. The last two full of tension and awkwardness especially between her and Zorin. Cyndra kept occupied after taking down Mergan by practicing and re-reading her Grandma Evie’s journal. She wanted to master her firecasting so she could move onto energy. Energy was so much more important.
