by L J Andrews
I met my father’s eye, wondering if he knew more than he was letting on. Gaia clutched her middle, pacing along the mouth of the cave. She was restless.
“We fight together when it comes?” I asked.
Thane smirked. “As always. After you do what you must first,” he added softly. “I’m proud you’re my son.”
“It comes now,” Gaia’s trembling voice broke through the moment.
My stomach dropped when she pointed toward the edge of the wall. If dark energy were a solid, I could see it clearly. A short distance outside our barriers, the forest was now bombarded with blackness—as deep as pitch. It wasn’t the pure night energy Ced and my mother carried. Now I could recognize the difference. It was warped, distorted, ruined.
My throat dried as though I’d swallowed the pit of ash from the fire in the cave, and every heartbeat threatened to snap my ribs. Thane stiffened and instinctively stepped in front of my mother. “They’ve found us. I sense Nag.” He struggled to speak. “It’s been so many years since I felt his disgusting soul.”
“Bron is here,” Gaia whispered, taking Thane’s hand tightly in hers before reaching for mine. “Every force he has is here. We alert the cave. This war is beginning again. It’s time to finally bring it to an end.”
Part Four
The War of Ages
Chapter 25
Thane
Revenge didn’t suit anyone. That’s what I’d told my warriors since the divide. We were to fight with honor; we were better than our enemies. Yet, as all my focus gazed over Teagan’s walls, my heart throbbed against the deep, cursed scar along my chest, and all I wanted was to sink my blade into both Bron and Nag until their bodies went limp and cold.
Before the divide, I kept my connections at a minimum. My closest friend had been Malik, and when he’d been killed, I’d convinced myself deep relationships only brought pain and heartache when they were destroyed. I swallowed hard thinking of all that was at stake today. When I’d stood with Gaia, watching our son be taken in by a human I didn’t know, I thought my soul would crumble. Then Gaia had been ripped from me for years. There were several moments when I thought I would never be whole again—when I almost willed my own life away from my despair. Had it not been for me knowing Gaia was alive, I might have. Yes, relationships, love, family was a risk—especially in this war—but I’d been wrong back then. I wouldn’t trade any of it—the joy was too powerful. Even staring at the cataclysm mounting outside our haven. Today, I would fight for my family, no matter the cost. But one thing was certain: I would not lose them again. I would die first.
“Thane,” Gaia’s strong yet soft voice broke me from my thoughts. Slowly, I met her eye. She was donned in dark clothing that matched the new coloring of her mage marks, and on her waist was a long blade. It fit her. In this moment, she looked more like when I first knew her—as Bron’s wife. I’d found her remarkable then, though I never admitted my secret admiration of the High Priestess, and I found her even more remarkable now.
Feeling her against my chest as I tugged her close was the only thing that brought me any peace in this moment. Her palm rested over my pounding heart, and the calm that came from her energy soothed the bloodlust raging through my boiling veins. “You are lost in your thoughts,” she said.
A smile tugged at my lips. “This ends today,” I whispered. “I will make Bron pay for all he’s done to you.”
She tightened her hold around my waist, and though it was subtle, I felt her body tremble. I sensed her fears, but she was stronger than even me in moments like this. Gaia would abide her fears until after the battle, when she would let any tears she held inside fall in silence. “May I confess something to you?”
Kissing the top of her head, I nodded. “Anything you have to say, I wish to hear.”
“I will face him today,” she whispered. “I’m certain of it, but still…I fear what will happen at his death should I kill him.”
My brow furrowed when I glanced at the woman I’d loved for nearly a lifetime. “What would stop you?”
“It’s difficult to explain. Despite our severed relationship, we served as the High Priestess and High Priest together in a powerful union. No matter how much I despise him, there remains a sliver of a bond—it’s how I can sense him when his power is near. If I kill him, I will take on some of his power through that bond. I will be cursed. I’m willing to risk my soul if it means protecting my family, but even if I live, I will be lost to you.”
“Gaia, you don’t know that.”
She nodded, and I understood. “I’ve seen it—not so many nights ago—I could feel the warped energy wrapping around my heart. So, if it happens, you must promise me for the protection of our people, our family, you will let me go. I’ve already made arrangements to—”
“No,” I snapped, holding her closer. “No, you already told me what Teagan admitted to you. I will not walk away from this fight without you, or our son.” My voice had drifted to a growl. “You may know things, but so do I. And I know for certain my family will not be broken again.”
She pulled back, her soft hands finding the sides of my face. I expected her to disagree, but instead she smiled with a grin that melted even the fiercest part of my warrior blood. “I am terribly in love with you.” Despite the dire situation, I found myself smiling. “It’s true. Your optimism, your hope. I love how you find excitement in the simplest things. I was intrigued with you before the divide, but I am hopelessly lost to your spell now. I will hope, if you hope.”
“It is more than hope,” I whispered against her lips. “It is what I know.”
With the ability to take my breath away, she kissed me. I kissed her in return with desperate fervor. My cheeks were wet, and I knew she was crying. I only wrapped my hands around her face, holding her closer. My throat tightened, and despite my hope, I knew this is where we would part. I vowed to myself, to Gaia, this would not be the last time I felt her lips on mine. This would not be our final embrace. Mage premonitions be damned. Today I made my own fate, and losing my mate or son was not part of my destiny on this day.
“I love you. You are the fire in my heart,” I whispered against her ear. “You are my soul.”
“You are mine,” Gaia whispered, flinging her arms around my neck. “You have my hand and my love. Come back to me.”
“Thane, we’re assembled.”
I hadn’t noticed Leoch was standing near. He was donned in armor. Dressing in armor in human form before shifting added strength to our scales. I hadn’t worn my black warrior armor since the divide. It seemed fitting it should be worn at the end of the battle that changed our entire world. Brushing a stray piece of Gaia’s hair from her face, I nodded. This was the moment I’d dreaded. I kissed her gently once more before slowly releasing her hand and turning toward my warrior.
Gaia said nothing as Leoch and I trudged up the side of the cliff to the top where the army of warriors waited. I heard her draw in a trembling breath; I didn’t look back. I feared if I saw her tears I would never be able to leave her side.
My heart pounded harder when I saw the rows of warriors standing at the ready. There was a certain level of thrill seeing my old units assembled as one fierce army. More stood in our ranks now. Common wyvern had joined with us. Though they were not as skilled or powerful as a trained warrior, to me they were every bit as honorable.
Resting my hand on the pommel of my sword, I forced thoughts of my family safely to the back of my mind. They were in my heart—they were my reason to fight—but now I was asked to step into my role as lead warrior. Each life standing before me was in my hands. I knew some would not return, and it was a burden I would carry.
“Warriors!” I bellowed. “Today we fight the war we’ve carried in our souls for decades. Not one life has been unaffected from the actions that divided our people all those years ago. Will we hide from our enemies for another day?”
“No!” the fierce battle cry echoed through my chest. I saw Raffi standi
ng near Leoch. He wasn’t the same young warrior that saved my life in the first battle. Now he was powerful, experienced, and I knew he had the potential to take my place someday as lead warrior. I hoped it would be so, should I fall.
My eyes drifted toward Mitch. He stood with the warriors, donned in the powerful armor Gaia had made for him. My fear for my adopted son was evident, though I desperately tried to hide it from him. Signaling to him, Mitch slowly made his way to my side. He said nothing, knowing what do to when I shifted.
“We fight not only for our people, but for the mage, for the human race. We fight for our future, for our children’s future. Will we yield?”
“No!” Even more power exploded from the cliffside. I was certain everyone still preparing within could hear our shouting. Turning into the mounting wind, I stepped ahead of the army and studied the enemies below. We had a clear view. Hundreds of dark mages and lindworms speckled the earth. Though he might not be able to see me through the protections, I found Bron. His black soul pounded against my senses, and my head spun with my hatred. He stood ahead of his mages, the sword he’d stolen from me years ago clutched in his palm. Closing my eyes, I imagined the peace that would come when his life seeped from his body.
There was a signal below. Our mages were united. Each one, whether elemental or earth mage, was armored in powerful breastplates and leather guarders. Their weapons ranged from knives, or daggers with serrated edges, to bits of the elements to use for their energy. Others had swords and spikes tethered to their backs and thighs. They were fierce, and I was overwhelmed by their same determination to end this war that had built in my heart. Teagan and Gaia weren’t there, they would already be beyond the wall, but I saw the royal dragons with their bloodline mages leading the charge. Onyx stood steady, and though many of us feared what would happen to his still fragile mind, today he looked more determined than possibly myself.
Sapphire looked up at me, his dark eyes focused and fierce. With a nod, he turned toward the barriers, his human body peeling into his true form. The rest of the royals followed suit—even Prince Ced and the lindworms surrounded the mages. Each wyvern took their true form. I held up one arm and heard the shuffle of the warriors preparing for the charge. My first goal was to find Teagan. My sons and I would fight together. I knew what Teagan believed, but as I promised Gaia, it was not going to happen.
The ancient mage who had united Teagan and Jade stepped in front of the army of mages. My stomach tightened and I heard Mitch clear his throat, his grip tightening on the knife in his palm. I handed him my weapon, offering a firm nod until I felt his fears slip away.
Gumma placed her palms along the walls Teagan had created. I felt the rush of power somewhere deep inside my soul when the stones crumbled. Drawing my arm down quickly as the walls fell, my body prickled with heat, and my muscular body transformed into the form in which I felt most powerful. Mitch scrambled onto my back, standing at the base of my neck, just as Teagan liked to do.
I blazed a stream of flames, hearing the thudding hearts of every warrior in my own mind. The final stone fell, and our haven was finally exposed to our enemies. The war officially began when the royals roared their response to my call. The mages bellowed from below, their energy fueling my wings, my fangs, everything. I was ready to fight—to end what had nearly destroyed my life so long ago. I dove off the cliff, my sights only focused on the dark High Priest that had taken so much.
Chapter 26
Gaia
Seeing Thane leave with Leoch was like a burning dagger to my heart. I had to let him go, we all had specific, destined roles to play, but it didn’t make parting any easier. I spoke true when I promised him I would hope and believe as he did. But shaking the premonition I’d had as I’d killed Bron in my mind rattled me to my very core.
Forcing myself back into the cave, I rushed away in search of my son.
“High Priestess,” Athika stopped me. The ruby bloodline mage was dressed like a warrior. Her brilliant crimson markings gleamed beneath the fiery sconces, adding a fierceness she would need today. “We’re ready.”
I nodded. “You will lead with the royals,” I rehearsed. “You know where to strike first.”
“We will take the dark mages, while the lindworms search for Nag.”
“Athika, you avoid the dark High Priest,” I commanded. “We need him to come to us.”
“I know,” she said sharply. “Teagan, Gumma, and Ced just went over the plan for Bron once more. If I find him, I will do all in my power to redirect him off the battlefield.”
I nodded, my face stern and steady, but inside I wondered how many mages would be lost simply so Bron would fall into our hands how we hoped? “Where is Teagan?”
Athika pointed toward the edge of the cave. There was a back way through the prison cells. Gumma had left a slight crack in the barriers where we would slip out. The waiting on my part would be excruciating. I’d already bid farewell to Thane, how would I let Teagan go after what he’d told me? “He’s waiting for you, High Priestess,” Athika said quickly when I turned away. She swallowed hard, bowing her head slightly when I met her eye. “It is my honor to fight with you today. I believe we will be victorious. If I should fall, will you stand watch over Ruby?”
I smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You will not fall. Now, go! Fight well, and fight for our people.”
The first cry of the warriors bellowed from above the cave. I wiped away a stray tear, knowing Thane would be darting into danger in a matter of moments. He was capable. He had survived Bron not once, but twice before. He would survive again. Anything less was something I refused to imagine. My breath caught when I rounded into the damp prison caves and saw Teagan. He was dressed so much like his father in dark armor. Each leg was tethered with gold daggers, and the jade swords were strapped proudly along his back. This was a day I’d never wanted my son to face, but his power was blinding. He had more strength than he knew. Teagan was more powerful than I’d ever been, and certainly more powerful than Bron. I could only pray he discovered it, for surely Bron would be after my son today.
Another tear fell when Jade turned around. She cradled my precious grandson in her arms, but there was only the fierceness of a mother protecting her child in her expression. She might not know what was coming for her, but by the way Eisha met my eye from behind the queen, I was certain Teagan had told her what to do. Jade was every bit as brave as Reya; her goodness radiated through her eyes. I loved her more than I ever imagined I could when she was still such a small child. She was regal and powerful and would continue to lead the wyvern race in the same honor as her parents before her.
Brushing a gentle hand across Malik’s tiny head, I coated the child in a blanket of calm. I urged him to sleep, to not see what this day would bring. When he was stronger and his energy fully matured, I knew this child would rival the power of his own father. And Malik would see that day. I would not accept anything less. Despite his infancy, the energy was still strong. I did my best to conceal it, but still I feared Bron would sense him. If he ever learned about Malik, his focus would be drawn to the child.
“We have to go,” Teagan said softly, his arm wrapping gently around my shoulders.
I nodded and slowly pulled my hand away from the sleeping infant. “It’s beginning.”
A second booming shout blasted from the top of the caves. Outside, the royals and mages were lined and waiting for any protection to fall between them and the dark mages and lindworms. We ran. Teagan led the way through the crack in the walls. I sensed his protection surround us. I actually felt secure with his power wrapped around me.
Please, know your strength, I pleaded to my son through my heart countless times as we rushed into the forest.
Jade held Malik securely against her chest, and thankfully the child slept peacefully as we slipped undetected past the lindworm army. Teagan had done remarkably well concealing his sanctuary and every speck of our energy as we rushed through the trees. Before the cav
es were concealed by the towering pines, I glanced once more over my shoulder. The walls were crumbling. My jaw tightened. I saw him—Thane, in his powerful wyvern form, leap from the cliffside and into the battle.
“You are the purest desire of my heart,” I whispered.
“Mom, we have to hurry,” Teagan called, his own eyes glancing toward the onslaught. The shouts and battle cries from both sides would haunt me for months to come, I was certain.
Teagan entered the sanctuary first. I closed my eyes, hearing the raging shouts as the warriors bled into the dark lindworms, into Bron’s army. I felt the trembling shudder as the elemental mages powered their energy into the veins of the earth. The muscles in Teagan’s jaw pulsed as he threaded his fingers into the soil—he heard it too.
Jade tried to hide her fears, but she continually glanced over her shoulder while Eisha’s eyes remained closed as we waited. The stones ignited with beautiful, pure power, even the night energy stone with its ashen gray. Along the grass, several spheres burst into white, gilded light, a center sphere beaming brightest. Teagan gasped, urging all his power to open the concealed space where I would take my place. I felt the channeled power bursting through the veins of the sanctuary. The final piece was just awaiting the fire stone. I knew once the stone passed over the border, this place would fall to my command.
Slowly, Teagan rose to his feet, the fading spheres disappearing into the ground, but their power still raged as the sanctuary ignited in energy. “It’s ready,” Teagan gasped, stalking toward me. He opened the satchel he’d slung over his back and carefully handed me each elemental stone. I placed them in order of power in the center sphere. My heart seemed ready to burst when I stood next to the fervent energy. I would be asked to power the night, but in my heart, I feared I would not be enough.
