by M Guida
She shook her head. “Not this time. I want the students to learn from you. The best way to move from Apprenticeship to Mastery is by observing and then trying.” She walked back up to the center of the classroom. “If some of you think you would like to test out of these skills and you feel you’re ready for one of the Master level skills Raven will be practicing, just let me know. I’ll test you and I’ll determine whether you’re ready.”
Great, everyone would be watching me. I folded my arms and rested my head on my forearms. I was so sick of sticking out like a sore thumb. Why couldn’t I be normal?
Chapter 12
Clank Clank Clank
Swords clashed in the middle of the arena.
Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh
Arrows whizzed through the air and pierced their targets.
The Defenders were on the field practicing their skills, and I should be with them.
But no.
Because of my bum leg, I couldn’t practice during the Defense Arts class and for now I could only watch. I was surprised Anton even allowed me to do that, because both Bo and Lucien were in there, and they both had eagle eyes for me.
Anton had me sitting up in the bleachers, so none of the guys could talk to me. Even if I couldn’t be around with Bo and Lucien, I would have loved to talk with Rhys, Dante, and Xavier.
Sunlight warmed my skin, but inside I was ice cold. I couldn’t stop thinking about tonight, and the damn potion I would be forced to drink. I was so lost in thought I didn’t hear Anton come up and sit next to me.
I nearly jumped six feet up in the air. “Oh, Anton, I didn’t hear you.”
“I’m sorry. I’m a vampire and one of my skills is silent movement. Professor Soto told me about the four Master skills you have to demonstrate before the end of the year.”
I stole a glance sideways. “I know. I know. If I don’t pass, I’ll skip over to the Hollows.”
He smiled. “Maybe something like that. I don’t think you understand, Raven. You have special gifts, gifts that Ryker is desperate to harness. He wants to turn you to the dark side.”
“You make him sound like Darth Vader.”
“I’m sad to say it, but yes. You’re at a vulnerable time. You possess these gifts, but you yet don’t know how to master them, meaning you could use them for evil as well as good.”
“I would never use my gifts for maliciousness.”
He stared down at the boys practicing on the field. “I heard another say those very words.”
My heart stopped. “You’re talking about Ryker, aren’t you?”
“I am. He was as gifted a student as you are, and his father turned him when he was vulnerable.”
“You mean when my mom chose my dad over him.”
“Ryker was heartbroken and went mad from her rejection.”
I shivered, and not from the cold. I could feel the blood drain from my face as I watched Bo and Lucien practice their sword fighting. My gut tightened. Lately, Bo shifted from being heartbroken one minute to being pissed off the next. Is that how it happened with Ryker? I didn’t know what to do to stop history from repeating itself. I just knew I had to.
“It’s important you master your skills, Raven,” he said. “Not just in Magick Intuition, but in all of your classes. And most importantly, you must control your dragon. If Ryker discovers your dragon is unstable, he’ll stop at nothing to seize you and get you under his control.”
His dire prediction made the hair on my arms stand straight up. My blood turned to ice and I couldn’t take in enough air. I wrapped my arms around my trembling body. It was a warm August day in Colorado, but I felt like I was in the middle of an Alaskan winter.
I stared down at Lucien and wished he was up here with me, holding me close. A flutter went off in my chest, but it was more like a surge of adrenaline, sending tingling sensations all through me, numbing the tips of my fingers and all of my toes. Stars floated in front of my eyes. Before I knew what was happening, Lucien had vanished from the field and was sitting next to me.
Lucien looked around. “How’d I get up here?”
Jumbled voices came from the field.
Bo spun around with his sword still in his hand. “Lucien, where the hell did you go? What trick are you playing, you coward?” His angry voice made me sit taller and press my gut flatter and flatter against my spine.
“Look, he’s up there.”
I wasn’t sure whose voice it was, but I thought it might have been Dante’s.
Anton grabbed me hard. “What were you thinking just now?”
His fingers dug into my flesh, and I cried out.
“Let go of her,” Lucien demanded. “You’re hurting her.”
Anton ignored him. “Answer me, Raven. Now.”
I pushed back the tears threatening to fall down my cheeks. “I was cold… and I… and I…”
“Yes, what?” His gaze seemed to pull on me, forcing me to give up my secret.
A voice whispered in my mind, Tell me what I want to know.
Tingling sensations swept over me, and I couldn’t keep my tongue silent.
“I was thinking how I wanted Lucien to be up here to hold me, because I’m afraid. I don’t want to be anyone’s slave.”
Lucien grabbed Anton’s wrist. “Slave? What is she talking about? Release her now.”
Anton unwound his tight grip. “I’m talking about Ryker’s desire to gain control of her. If he could possess her, he’d have a powerful weapon, a weapon that could destroy us all.”
A shadow fell over us. Bo had shifted into a dragon and flown over to where we were before shifting back again.
“I wouldn’t let that happen.” He went down on one knee. “I’d lay down my life for you, Raven. I swear.”
“You.” Lucien glared. “You abandoned her last year when she needed you the most.”
Bo held my gaze. “A mistake I’ve regretted ever since.” His voice was so sincere, and I knew he meant it.
Something cold nuzzled my arm. “What?” A dark wolf laid his head on my lap and looked up at me with soulful eyes.
“Xavier.” I smiled. “You too?”
He shifted and bowed his head. “Always.”
A bat landed in front of me and changed into Dante. “I think it’s safe to say that all of us are willing to die trying to protect you, Raven.”
Rhys came running up the steps. “I think this calls for High Tempest for everyone.”
High Tempest was a powerful Fae drink that had knocked me on my butt several times.
Anton crossed his arms. “I think not, young Fae.”
Rhys laughed. “It was worth a try.” He grinned. “Raven, we will always have your back. All you need to do is call.”
Xavier snorted. “You sound like a phone company ad.”
“Hey, what can I say?” He stretched out his arms. “Just call my name and I’ll be there.”
I giggled. “So dramatic.”
“Only for you.”
“But seriously…” Lucien locked his arms around me. “Don’t go looking to fight the Dark Demons without us. I hate to admit Anton is right––”
“That’s a first,” Anton said.
“You are powerful, Raven. You bringing me here on a wish proves it. But to defeat Ryker, it will take all of us.”
Anton looked at each one of them. “She needs to learn how to master her powers.”
“And she will,” Bo said. “We’ll help her, if you let us, Anton. From what Vivian and Demi told me, when the two of them were fighting her dragon tried to access the protection spell, so it’s not just Lucien and I that gets her dragon in a knot. We’re the Defenders. You have to trust that we can work together.” He tapped his chin. “I think we’ve proven our abilities once or twice now.”
Anton remained silent for a few minutes. None of us spoke, and I hoped he wouldn’t keep isolating me from my friends. They were right. I needed them. I couldn’t do this alone.
He studied me. “Raven, how did you fe
el after your dragon transported Lucien here?”
I thought about it. “I don’t know.”
“Ask your dragon,” Lucien said. “See if she’s different, because she used a spell.”
I didn’t want to, because she’d been scaring me.
“Come on. We’re all here. We won’t let anything happen to you.”
Looking at each of their determined faces filled with loyalty and love, I knew I trusted them like I’d trusted nobody else before. Squeezing Lucien’s hand, I took a deep breath, and then closed my eyes.
Please.
At first, nothing happened, and my hope sank.
A mist rolled into my mind, then faded. My silver dragon had her back to me. Light shimmered off her pointed plates that went from the top of her head down to the base of her tail. Her wings were wide and sleek.
Please, I need your help.
I held my breath as she turned her head.
And for the first time in I couldn’t remember how long, she was the sweet dragon that I remembered. Kindness reflected in her eyes, and something else. I wasn’t sure.
Did you use the spell?
I did.
Fear gripped me, and I tightened my grip on Lucien’s hand. How do you feel?
“I’m here,” Lucien said. “Don’t panic.” His firm voice gave me strength, and I lessened my grip.
Please, how do you feel?
I feel free. The spell book had a hold over me. But it’s our magic. Now that I’ve used a spell, it can’t control us anymore.
Are you sure?
Silver magic is wielded by Silver Dragons. Trust me.
Thank you.
My dragon bowed her head. You’re welcome.
I opened my eyes and the first person I turned to was Lucien.
He pushed my hair back. “What did your dragon say?”
“She said she was free.”
Anton rubbed his beard. “Free? I’m not sure if that’s good.”
“But she said the book no longer has power over her. She, or should I say we, have power over the spell book now.”
Bo frowned. “And you believe her?”
I shrugged. “I think so. She looked different. Like she used to. Kind.”
“I will need more proof than your dragon saying she’s free and you’re in control.”
Lucien gritted his teeth. “You’re still going to make her drink the potion tonight?”
“Yes, nothing has changed there. I’m sorry, Lucien. Raven must have a psychic shield to stay here.”
“We all want to be there when she drinks it.” Dante stood on a step that was above Anton and towered over him. “She’s a Defender. We deserve to be there with her.”
Anton stood, and was taller than Dante, even though he was on a lower step. “I could have you all banned, but knowing you,” he looked at Lucien, “you’d only escape. You can be there if…”
“If what?” Bo demanded. “Tell us.”
Anton put his hands behind his back. “You must’n interfere, no matter what happens.”
“I promise,” Bo said.
“I’ll behave,” Rhys nodded.
Dante folded his arms. “Me too.”
Xavier clasped my shoulder. “As long as I can protect her.”
Anton gave him a fierce look. “That’s not what I said, Xavier. For you to attend, you must promise not to interfere.”
Xavier’s smile faded. “All right. I promise.”
Lucien lifted his chin and gave Anton his famous stare that sent others running for cover.
Anton cast his gaze over Lucien. “And you, Lucien? I haven’t gotten your word yet.”
Lucien held me close. I could feel his heart beating fiercely.
Bo nudged him and tilted his head. “Dude, promise him.”
Lucien shook his head. “I can’t make that promise.”
“Then none of you can come.”
“Lucien,” Bo growled. “Promise the man.”
I cupped Lucien’s rugged cheeks in my palms. “Have faith in me. Please. I can do this. It’s okay. Make the promise.”
Lucien searched my eyes as if he were trying to decide whether I could do this. Had he already lost his faith me? My blood stilled and goosebumps broke out all over my arms.
Believe in me. Believe in me. Believe in me.
Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and kissed my palm. “I promise I won’t interfere.”
But I heard it in his voice. He was lying.
If anything went wrong, there would be fireworks.
Chapter 13
Midnight came too soon. Anton had forbidden any of my female friends to come to watch this process. Only the male Defenders were allowed to attend, which didn’t sit well with any of the girls. Just in case they tried to sneak out, he ordered all the Barons to watch them. The Barons were in charge of each of the towers, and Baron Germaine was certainly quite good at keeping students locked up. I’m sure the other Barons were just as effective.
The glowing full moon was high in the starlit sky. Tonight could be my last. A bomb exploded in my gut at the sudden thought, and I rubbed my tummy.
I stood in the middle of the spruce grove where Lucien and I had first kissed. I was too nervous to sit on the bench. A long table was set up in the courtyard, and I swear it reminded me of an altar––candles, statues, and one chalice. It was into this chalice that Professor Elfiel was pouring the concoction of my blood, herbs, and who-knows-what. If I didn’t know any better, I would think he was offering me up as a human sacrifice.
The Defenders had fanned out around me, but they were at least twenty feet away. I could only see their shadows. Some of them stood on the cafeteria steps. One was on the sidewalk that wound toward the student center. I could easily make out Bo and Lucien standing side by side in the middle of the courtyard. I was surprised they were next to each other.
I saw some movement out of the corner of my eye and two people stepped out from behind an ash tree. Of course. Anton and Heath. If any of my friends made a move, they’d be on a top of them like big, fat, spiders.
Anton had said I needed to eat, or the potion would have an even greater effect. Lucien practically had to stuff food down my throat to get anything into me. As it was, my cheeseburger kept threatening to crawl back up my throat.
Professor Elfiel finally turned away from the table and headed toward me with his slender hands around the chalice. “The elixir is ready. We’ll know the color of your psychic shield soon, Raven.” He gripped my shoulder. “Mind you, the process will be painful. And you must drink all of this for it to work.”
I glanced over to where Bo and Lucien stood, drawing on their strength.
I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.
I took the chalice from him and stared into the dark liquid. It actually bubbled like a witch’s cauldron.
I frowned. “I thought it was frozen.”
“It is. The Fae herbs and the moonlight make it bubble.”
I sniffed and couldn’t detect an odor. Double strange.
“Please drink, Raven,” Professor Elfiel said. “The longer you wait, the less potent the elixir becomes.”
I pushed down my trepidation and lifted the chalice to my dry lips. I opened my mouth and forced myself to drink. It was tasteless. Strange. I thought there would be a metallic tinge, but this just reminded me of water. At first the liquid was ice cold, giving me a brain freeze, as if I were drinking a slushy, but then it changed. The coolness changed to what I could only describe as feeling like sharp pieces of glass as the drink went down my throat.
I immediately touched my burning throat and coughed hard, tears forming in the corner of my eyes.
Dr. Elfiel put his hand over my mouth, preventing any of the liquid from escaping my lips.
“You must drink all of it. Every single drop.” His voice sounded angry.
I turned my head and broke free of his palm. “I’m trying to, I really am. But my throat… It hurts.” My voice sounded scratchy and c
racked.
“I know.” He took the chalice from my shaking hand.
The liquid seeped down into my gut, ripping it to shreds. My legs collapsed, and I fell flat onto the ground, face first, knocking the air out of me. I curled up into a ball, trying to breathe and ease the agony in my stomach.
“Raven––” Lucien’s voice raged with thunder.
“Leave her alone. You’ll make things worse.” Bo roared out a warning.
“Raven.” Dr. Elfiel knelt next to me. “You need to finish this.”
I looked up into his eyes. Sheer determination was reflected in them––icy, cruel, no mercy.
He tilted my head back and held my mouth open as he brought the chalice to my lips. I closed my eyes as the prickly liquid gushed down my throat, tearing everything in its path to shreds.
Tears streamed down my cheeks. I coughed and sputtered, and once again, he covered my mouth. The potion had a mind of its own and trickled down my throat.
I rolled off Dr. Elfiel’s knee and brought my knees to my chest, wishing Lucien was here.
My dragon formed in my mind.
Do you want me to bring him?
No.
Trust in me.
Desperate from the horrible pain, I concentrated on her, but the agony pumped through my veins, making every inch of my body scream. Beads of cold sweat broke out over every inch of me, and I shivered uncontrollably. My teeth chattered and my body shook, as if I’d been dunked in freezing water.
“Raven, can you hear me?” Dr. Elfiel asked. His voice had changed and sounded more caring and, dare I say, scared.
Shit, what was happening to me?
I thought of Lucien again and my Golden Demon blood.
“Help me,” I whispered. It hurt to talk, and I squeezed my eyes tight to keep back the tears.
But no one heard me. I went into convulsions, and drool seeped out of the corners of my mouth. Stars and waves of colors swam in front of my vision.
Something burned in my chest. I stretched out my arms and arched my back. Wind whirled around me, and I swear my body lifted off the ground. My hair flew into my sweltering face, blinding me. Freezing cold turned to fiery heat and back again.
