by M Guida
I gently lifted Poppy into the air. Bo grabbed Xavier. Lucien was on the other side of me, never leaving my side. I flew as fast as I could, never looking back.
Screeeeeee Sccrreeeeee
Arrows whizzed past. Rhys sent arrows flying at our pursuers.
“They’re following us,” he cried. “It’s working. They’re leaving Legacy.”
My stomach tightened thinking of the last battle where I almost died. But I wouldn’t let my fears paralyze me.
Any minute, I would meet Gunnar and Kara. They were even deadlier than Faas and Ari, which was hard to fathom.
The shadow demons were closing in on the vampires and I blew out a stream of ice, freezing them and knocking them to the ground. The other dragons, including Bo, exhaled fire, sending the shadow demons to a fiery death.
But that was only a small victory. The real battle hadn’t begun. Knowing Ryker, these shadow demons were expendable.
Mt. Elbert loomed in the distance, and we made good time. I lowered Poppy onto the ground and turned to meet my foes. She ran over to Xavier. Both of their hackles were up and their teeth bared. Together, they ripped apart any shadow demon that got in their way.
Dad and his army were fighting Ari and Faas, who had forced them down the mountain.
PHROOOM PHROOM
Pine trees exploded. Fire mushroomed into the sky. Black and white smoke snaked over the treetops and swirled around us like a fog, making my eyes water.
“How nice of you to join us,” a male voice said, surprisingly loud and clear above the combustion.
I whirled around to face a young man with long blond hair. He looked to be the same age as Ebony.
Lucien stood next to me with his sword drawn. “Gunnar.”
This was it. The final battle.
I moved past my team to face him.
Gunnar flicked his gaze over me. “So, you’re the famous silver dragon. The Golden Phoenix’s daughter.”
I winced that he knew who I was.
“Surprised?” he smirked. “My dad knows all about you. And how is your little roommate?”
“What do you know about my roommate?”
He smiled. “Jealousy is easily manipulated.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Meaning?”
“Vivian Lind, ring a bell?”
I knew she betrayed us. “What about her?”
He shrugged. “Dad was able to tap into her rage and possess her temporarily. Don’t be too hard on her. She doesn’t even remember doing it. The Pestarums spell book is quite effective.”
“He’ll pay for hurting Mina and Vivian.” As much as I didn’t like Vivian, she didn’t deserve to be possessed and used like that.
He flicked his hand. “By the way, my sister and dad are behind you.”
Shit, it was a trap. We couldn’t use our power to burst through them. We could only focus on one target at a time.
Please, help
My dragon flashed in my mind and nodded.
Without hesitation, I lunged at Gunnar. Luckily, he was alone. This wouldn’t work otherwise.
Screams and cries echoed on the mountain. I prayed it wasn’t my team. I had to concentrate.
He pushed out his palms and blasted a black ray toward me. It stank of death, but I was ready. Then I realized I had forgotten my box of peppermint.
Ignoring everything Dad and taught me, I opened my mouth and swallowed. Raw glass tore through my insides, but I wouldn’t give up.
“Raven, no!” Lucien shouted.
I swiped my tail, knocking Lucien away from Gunnar. He was no a match for him. I called upon the magic reflection spell I had been taught and exhaled the black goo. Agony swelled in my throat and my gut burned, but my love for the Defenders and Lucien pumped through me.
Gunnar’s eyes widened in surprise, and he flew backward. Then he didn’t move.
More screams made me turn around. Faas had escaped from dad and his team. Evil flashed in his eyes and a murderous grin spread across his face. He threw a fireball at Xavier, who was fighting a shadow demon.
He didn’t see it coming and would be burned to a crisp.
Katona screamed, “Xavier, look out.”
Shoom Shoom
The fire ball burned brighter. He turned just as a beautiful brown curly wolf threw herself in front of him.
Poppy.
The fireball burst, setting her on fire. She howled and leaped around, the smell of burnt fur and smoke filling the air.
Faas laughed, and another fireball formed in his hand. Before he could throw it, a golden blur slammed into him, sending him flying into the trees.
Nonononononono
Xavier snarled and cried as he rushed over to Poppy. She leaned against a tree, flames still licking her beautiful fur. Black smoldered around her. Tears blinded me. Icy horror paralyzed my heart, lungs, and blood.
Ryker smiled. “She’s just the first to fall.” He pointed at me. “You’ll be the last fall. I want you to see your friends die.” He put his hand on Kara’s shoulder. “Kill them, daughter.”
She had an arrogant smile and stepped forward. Stinging sensations rolled over me. I could sense her power––cold and deadly.
Like in our classroom, we needed to form a circle. This was what we’d been preparing for. It was live or die.
Lucien seemed to read my mind. “We need to stand together.”
Xavier was still with Poppy but the rest of us formed a line. Rhys, Dante, and Katona all grabbed hands. Katona was sobbing but managed to touch Bo’s side. Bo’s and my tails intertwined. Lucien climbed on top of me and brandished his sword. We wouldn’t be as strong without Xavier and Poppy, but hopefully, we were still strong enough.
Surprise filled Kara’s eyes, but she didn’t stop. Sizzling sensations pumped through me, rushing to every muscle to every organ. I could feel the power brewing inside her.
Ryker’s smug smile diminished as he studied us.
I couldn’t say the spell, but I said it loudly in my mind. “Puriforgio Virtueus.”
Like we practiced, the auras shimmered, and mine was the brightest.
“Look out, Kara.” Ryker reached for her, but he wasn’t fast enough.
Shwakk
White light sizzled and smacked straight into Kara.
She let out a loud shriek and flew off the mountain. She rolled down the hill like a runaway log, smashing into tree trunks and bushes.
Rage filled Ryker’s eyes, and he curled up his upper lip. “How dare you!”
I called upon every source of energy I had and flung it at my team, but it cost me. Every limb turned weary and pain surged through me. My wings and legs refused to move. Something cold move through me, icing my blood. I couldn’t move. Gunnar’s gunk must have done something to me, slowly freezing me.
I looked over at Lucien, who was battling two shadow demons. He didn’t see what was happening. Bitter sorrow seized me. He was my soul mate, and I’d never feel his lips or hands on my hot flesh again, but he’d be alive. I whispered in my mind––I love you.
Any minute I would be dead, but my team would survive. The sacrifice was worth it. I’d die a warrior’s death.
Bo’s chest turned golden, and he spewed fire on shadow demons. Dante and Katona were ripping to pieces anything that tried to approach Xavier, who wouldn’t leave Poppy.
SHHHROOOOSH
Rhys flung Fae arrows at the enemy, turning them into dust. Shadow demons couldn’t survive a Fae weapon.
I had saved them. I just wished I was stronger.
Please, help.
My dragon flashed in my mind. Believe in yourself.
Ryker lorded over me. “Did you really think you could defeat me? You’re a mere girl and will pay for your insolence.” Red sparkles swirled around in his hand. “Now, you will die.”
He knelt and put his hand over me. Something pulled on my power, turning it against me, and I shrieked. Agony twisted and twisted and twisted inside me. Blood leaked out of my mouth.
&nbs
p; I didn’t know what else to do, but drew on Ryker’s power. It was cold and full of nothing but hate. I shook uncontrollably and lay on my side. Unbearable anguish forced me to shift. Bones crunched and muscles twisted. Something yanked out my hair. Punishing anguish pulsed through me. My heart pounded faster and faster, as if it were about to explode. Naked, my teeth chattered and blood streamed down my nose and mouth.
Ryker laughed.
Suddenly, a red tail smashed into him, knocking into the ground.
Bo shielded me with his dragon body. I clawed my fingers into the dirt, breaking nails, dragging myself away.
“Die, dragon.”
Fear gripped my trembling body. I remembered what Dad had told me about the fire that Ryker had conjured that could kill a dragon.
“Bo,” I croaked. “Move. Save yourself.” Hot tears burned my eyes.
But the red dragon stayed in front of me. I couldn’t see what Ryker was doing.
Vooosh
A green flame smashed into Bo. His body burst into flames and he shrieked but never moved.
Voosh Voosh Voosh
Green flame after green flame crashed. Bo shifted, just as I had––painfully, unwillingly, brutally. Ignoring my agony, I crawled over toward him.
“How sweet,” Ryker sneered. “Now, I’ll kill both of you for hurting my children.”
Hate burned in me. I wouldn’t let him hurt Bo again. I stretched over Bo’s lifeless body. Drawing on the last bit of power I had inside me, I screamed in rage and agony. Words I didn’t understand tumbled out of my mouth unbidden. “Eviello Diabicus.”
Wind swirled around faster and faster and faster. Lightning flashed. A white sparkling tornado formed, picking up all the demons in its vortex––Kara, Gunnar, and Ryker, and the rest of the shadow demons. It hurled them away from Mt. Elbert.
And suddenly all was quiet.
Weariness gripped me. It was the last bit of magic I had. Stars floated in front of my eyes.
The battle was over. We’d won, but at a terrible cost.
I cradled Bo’s head in my lap. I didn’t care that I was naked.
“Bo, Bo, can your hear me?”
His eyes were opened, but he was staring at nothing. Half of his face and body were completely burned, turning black. On his skull, half of his beautiful red hair was gone, only burnt stubble remained. There was blood everywhere, in what was left of his hair, splattered on his cheeks and lips.
I saw a faint movement in his throat.
Tears stung my eyes. “Bo, hang on. Please. We’ll get you back to Dr. Greenwood. You’ll be okay. Just stay with me. Don’t leave me.”
He parted his lips. “Remember the music box?” He gasped and coughed. More blood burst from his mouth onto his blackened chest.
“Shhh,” I said. “I remember. I remember.”
He slowly turned his head and groaned. His eyes focused on me. “Think of me. I… love… you.”
His head fell to the left, and all light deserted his eyes. I tilted back my head and screamed.
Something sharp and spiked ripped through my heart. Bitterness stung my mouth and dry, raw, throat. Ryker had now taken two people I loved.
Lucien put his muscular arms around me, pulling me into his chest. I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. I had failed two of my closest friends.
Because of me, both Bo and Poppy were dead.
Forever.
Epilogue
A few days later, back at Legacy, I was summoned to Anton’s quarters. Like always, Lucien came with me.
He brushed his thumbs over my cheeks. “Have you slept at all? You have dark circles under your bloodshot eyes.”
My lower lip trembled. “How can I?”
He put his arm around my shoulders. “You’re not the only one who feels guilty.”
I didn’t answer him. Because he was wrong.
The fault was mine alone.
The school was quiet, too quiet. No one was in the courtyard. The cafeteria was only open for cold food and would close soon. Parents had been demanding their students be returned home. Xavier was one of the first to leave. He was insane with grief, cursing himself for not claiming Poppy as his mate. She’d sacrificed herself to save him. How do you get over something like that?
I know I never would. Bo had done the same for me. Since the battle, I had nightmares of him dying.
Everyone had completely forgotten about Mina’s father’s betrayal. I was the new target. I was the one who allowed two students to die.
Lucien squeezed my hand. “It’s not your fault.”
I stared straight ahead. “Yes, it is, Lucien. You know it is, so let’s not pretend anymore.”
Anton waited for us. He didn’t look at me but at Lucien.
“Your father’s here.”
Lucien stilled. “I’m not going back with him.”
Shit Shit Shit
My insides turned into slush at the thought of meeting Lucien’s father. King Gregori was the King over the other Kings, and I allowed a prince to be killed.
Anton opened the door. Two men sat on Anton’s couch. One of them was my dad and the other, I could only assume, was King Gregori. I expected a King to be wearing a crown and have a long purple robe, but the man who greeted me was a guy who looked like he was part of a motorcycle gang. He had long black hair and was wearing a black leather jacket, jeans, and boots that hugged his massive thighs.
He flashed his dark eyes over me. “You’re Raven.” His voice wasn’t hostile, only curious.
“Yes,” I muttered.
“You chose well, Lucien.”
He could have knocked me over with a feather.
Lucien narrowed. “But?”
“I can’t control the other Kings,” he said. “They are demanding Legacy be closed temporarily. They do not believe Legacy is safe until we find a way to defeat Ryker. King Jackson is loudest in demanding the permanent closure of Legacy.”
I frowned. “King Jackson?”
“He’s the King of the dragons,” Lucien said.
“Oh, I never knew his name.”
“He’s just king of the assholes,” Lucien mumbled.
Gregori glared. “Silence. The man just lost his first-born son.”
I couldn’t keep back a sob. “It’s all my fault.”
“No,” Gregori said. “The fault lies with Ryker. His obsession could be the death of us all. For now, Legacy will close. That is the order of the kings.”
“Please,” I said. “You can’t do this. I’ll leave, if that’s the issue.”
“Raven.” Dad leaned forward on the sofa. “This is for the best. For now. We must recoup our losses.”
Lucien looked at his dad. “So, Raven’s coming home with us.”
“No,” Gregori said quietly.
Anger flared in Lucien’s eyes, and he pulled me toward him. “I won’t be parted from her. She’s my mate. I’ll leave–––”
Shooosh
Blue dust swirled around Lucien, and he dropped like a rock.
“Lucien!” I knelt and patted his cheeks, but he didn’t wake up.
A beautiful woman with long dark curly hair stepped out of the shadows. Like Gregori, she had on a leather jacket, jeans, and boots. Tears glistened in her eyes.
“I’m sorry. Lucien never would have let you go.”
“Who are you?”
Gregori stood. “She’s my Queen. Abianna. I’m sorry, Raven. But for the time being, I will separate you from your mate.” He lifted Lucien’s sleeping form to his body.
I slumped on my butt, not believing what was happening.
The three of them left without another word. Dad sat next to me.
“Where am I going? The Hollows?”
He rubbed my back. “Never.” He gave Anton a warning look. “No, you’re going back to Julie’s. It will be the safest place for you. I can’t afford to have both you and Ebony in the same place. And unfortunately, none of the other kingdoms are opening their borders to you.”
&nbs
p; Through my tears, I looked up at Anton. “I’m sorry, Anton. This is all my fault.”
“You’ve forgotten about the prophesies, Raven. You’re still our finest hope in this darkest hour. Never give up hope. I haven’t.”
Later that day, my dad drove me to Julie’s.
“I’ll be back to check on you periodically. We will guard the Sumners and you. I love you, Raven. Never forget that.”
He sped away, leaving me alone on the sidewalk. Tears stung my eyes as I slowly walked to the Sumners’ door with my bags and backpack.
I knocked on the door, and Julie opened it.
“Raven… What on earth are you doing here?”
I burst into tears and clung to her. She held me close, her hand stroking my hair.
“Come inside. My parents are out to dinner. I’m home for the weekend. What happened?” She helped me bring the bags into the house and led me into the living room.
We sat on her couch, and she held my shaking hand.
“Now, tell me what happened.”
Through my sobs, I managed to tell her the whole sorry tale.
Julie put her arms around me. “I can’t believe Bo’s dead and Lucien’s gone.”
I pulled out the Phantom of the Opera music box Bo had given me.
“And here I thought Lucien was the secret Santa.”
Hugging the music box to my chest, I couldn’t erase the pain gripping my heart. “I’ve lost them both, Julie. I’ve also lost the Defenders. And now, my dad.”
“You have me.” She kissed the top of my head like Lucien used to.
I sniffed. “Thank you. I never knew why Mom never dated anyone else after dad left. Now, I know. God, I feel like part of me died. How did she bare this?”
“She survived. And so will you.”
Julie would leave for school. I didn’t know if I could stay with her parents, but where else could I go? No one wanted me.
That night, I huddled in Julie’s bed. She’d drifted off. I played the music box again and again. I softly sang, “Recall those days. Look back on all those times. Think of the things we’ll never do. There will never be a day. When I won’t think of you.”
I would remember all of them, and I vowed to avenge both Poppy’s and Bo’s death. I would make sure they had not died in vain.
Someday Ryker would regret that day on Mt. Elbert. I was the key, and I would unlock Ryker’s worst nightmare.
