Stone of Ascension

by Lynda Aicher

  Fool. He’d been such a fool to doubt what he knew. To doubt her.

  The energy circled, a slow-cycling twister that hovered over Amber. It was unseen but felt by all who were present. Through the ranks, both sides watched in stunned awe while simultaneously preparing.

  Then she moved, one quick swipe of her arms to the side that brought with it the sharp crack of a lightning bolt. The blazing streak of energy was accompanied by a solid line of flames that shot from her palms, both attacks directed at the black and red dragon.

  Her side chosen.

  Instantly, the battle commenced in a smooth mesh of chaos and order.

  The dragon roared and twisted to the side, his serpentine body moving out of the path of the lightning as he crouched and ducked under the flames.

  Tubal. Damian knew the energy even if he’d never seen the man in dragon form.

  The two sides of the battle charged, creating a distorted visual reminiscent of ancient battles. Swords drawn, battle cries raised, adrenaline raging. Mixed within the standard weapons was the volley of fireballs from the Shifters countered by the Energens with propelling boulders, air shields, lightning bolts, water spouts and their own return of fireballs.

  Determined to save Amber, Damian started to port to her but stopped, his dash halted by the sudden appearance of a Shifter behind her. Damian immediately called to his power, sending a bolt of lightning at the man. The energy nailed its intended target in the chest and sent the enemy flying backwards.

  Faster than he could port, more forms appeared around Amber. Tubal sent a round of dragon flames through the night sky that danced and hissed several feet above Amber’s head. Damian fired down more bolts of lightning as other Energens converged on the attackers, swords rising and falling in bloody defense of Amber.

  His mate. The glory of the rightness burst in his chest and sent his energy soaring with the beautiful white bird.

  Behind Tubal, more Shifters transformed, the dragons emerging in a sinuous line of death and destruction. The dragons dispersed across the sand, beasts of fire and power that descended on their opponents with vicious intent. In dragon form, the Shifters were formidable beasts, but they still had weaknesses. They couldn’t port in that form, and their fire abilities were limited to what they breathed.

  The Energens countered with their own powers, the elements responding to the calls of the various wielders. Earth, water, fire and air—all were present and in use. Against the might and size of the dragons, the human form Energens appeared easily conquered. The Energen advantage was their ability to wield all of the elemental powers and from a great distance.

  A sand funnel took shape and tore through the Shifter ranks, shooting boulders and pellets of sand at the enemy. Lightning bolts struck at the hard hides of the dragons while Energens from the House of Fire wielded swords that blazed with fire.

  Behind him, Damian felt the energy shift and knew the battle had reached him. Turning, he unsheathed a sword from his back and swung in one motion. The enemy jumped away, spun and returned with his own strike of iron. The two swords clashed in a long-heard clang of metal, power and strength held in the hands of man.

  The vibration of the swords echoed up his arms as his eyes narrowed on his attacker. Recognition hit and spiked the rage that burned deep within him.

  “What? You’re not running this time?” Damian taunted the man with the Native American features. The same man who’d disappeared from the alley that Amber had run from in Chinatown.

  The man cursed. “I didn’t run the first time.” He jabbed and swung a broad arch with his sword in a juvenile move. “I was waiting to finish you now.”

  Damian easily dodged the swing and laughed. “And what will that gain you?”

  “Glory,” the man grunted. “Position. Recognition.”

  “And Amber?” Damian asked as he advanced. “What of her?”

  The man grinned, a malicious leer filled with lust. “A great piece of ass that was supposed to be mine. The little slut wasn’t as easy as her mother. I’m going to destroy her just like I did that fucking junk shop.”

  Fury raged within Damian. Breathing deep, he fought for the balance that would keep him focused on the battle before him. Each swing of the sword, dodge of a blow, strike of a blade was a challenge in concentration.

  This kill would be for Amber.

  His shoulder muscles ached, bringing back buried memories of battles fought long ago. Back to the time when their war was more open. When the battles were not as hidden and humans were openly recruited to sides, even if they didn’t understand what they were really fighting for.

  Back before the dragon was trapped and Damian was exiled.

  Ancient times.

  Damian. The word echoed in his head, a whisper of welcome that cleansed his mind and centered his power. Amber.

  His sword struck out, a long swipe of death that lit in flames—a burning blend of white, gold and violet fire. Surprise shot through Damian, but he didn’t pause or question. The power was fresh and heady, filled with a newness that itched to be used.

  Fire. He, an Energen with the power of air, could control fire. The power of the Shifters, an element of the Energens.

  Amber. Damian called back mentally—a Spirit power. Three powers—he could control three elemental powers. How? There was no time to question the facts or to doubt the energy. I’m here. For you.

  The Shifter’s eyes widened in surprise, his shoulder dropped and Damian’s sword hit its mark, a clear strike through the neck of the Shifter. The energy pulled the flaming blade through the flesh in a cauterizing swipe of mercy. Instant death.

  A death that was too quick for a man who had tormented Amber.

  His opponent crumbled, his knees buckling as his arms twitched in a last flickering of flexing nerves. Damian turned away before the head hit the ground, his attention immediately back to Amber.

  Below, the fight raged. Fire streamed from her hands as she held off a Shifter. Xander, flaming sword raised in combat, along with Ladon and Phelix surrounded her. Damian’s two oldest friends and his brother protecting what had so quickly become the most precious thing in his life.

  In fact, the entire Energen Guard was there fighting for Amber. Protecting and defending her from the Shifters. Keeping her safe.

  Damian focused on getting to her. The beach below was a landmine of battling forms and energy. Constant movement and crossing energy patterns made it strategically hard to port into a position close to her.

  Hold on, Amber, he called to her. I’m coming.

  To kill me or help me? she snapped back, her spirit and strength clearly felt even through the non-verbal communication. Her doubt throbbed within him. It was his fault; his own actions had caused that pain. He’d been such a bastard to her. Once again, he’d turned on her. After he’d told her he would never hurt her again.

  He couldn’t—wouldn’t—lose her now.

  His heart burst at that thought. His chest ached with a sudden intensity that took him to his knees. You’re mine, Amber. All of you. I’m sorry I doubted you.

  Below, she turned, her eyes meeting his over the distance. The energy connected them across the space and within him, he felt her pain ease.

  Then fight with me and prove it.

  Her simple order had him surging to his feet, his determination solidified. He would die to protect her. Shifter blood and all, she belonged by his side. She was a fighter and now that she’d accepted her power, she was beyond gorgeous. Shield yourself, he commanded. I can’t get down there.

  She turned away and threw up a block against an incoming fireball. Panic fired in his gut as the dragon Tubal advanced on Amber. The long, serpentine dragon wound its way through the battle breathing fire and swinging its long, spiked tail at will.

  Around you, he yelled, trying to keep the panic from his voice. Erect a shield entirely around you. And hold it. It will protect you.

  Damian reached to the air and called another succession of li
ghtning bolts down at Tubal. But the dragon swerved and dodged the blows, using his long body to twist around the attack. The dragon lifted its head, his eyes focusing up at Damian as another roar bellowed out of his mouth.

  Damian swung his head, looking up and down the beach for an open place to port to. Desperation raced up his spine as the scent of fire, flesh and blood mingled with the wind that hit him in the face and slapped across his bare chest.

  There was nowhere close for him to land. He reached out his senses to encompass the water only to find a crisscross of energy patterns blocking him there as well. As if to emphasize the point, a large wave was pulled from the ocean to careen across the beach and crash down on the back line of Shifter forces. The mass of water crushed the unsuspecting bodies, flattening them to the beach and sending sprays of mud and sand over the red clay of the cliffs.

  From the corner of Damian’s eye, a rush of movement pulled his attention to the depths of the Energen forces. Within the mix of Shifters and Energens battling, two more dragons took form. Two identical black dragons, the color so rich and deep the scales gleamed almost blue in the reflection of the moonlight.

  He looked back to Amber to see that she’d completed the shield. Hold it, Amber, he told her. He could feel the effort it was costing her. The energy required to hold the shield against the oncoming attacks was taxing. It pulled her strength and tested her newfound powers.

  Her arms and legs were spread wide as if bracing against the frame of a doorway. She lifted her head as his words reached her.

  It won’t last long. The words were strained.

  Sweat trailed down his chest and back, heedless of the icy wind. Flames lit up the night, the battle intensifing with each second that passed. Then port out of there. Now!

  I can’t, she answered. I’m not strong enough.

  Tubal was almost within striking distance of Amber, his breathy flames clearing a path as he stalked his prey. Around him, the Shifter army fought. The evil, dark energy cloaked the pristine beach in a rank, vile stench that sullied the sanctity of the place.

  The evil bastard couldn’t have her. Never. He’d already taken one person Damian loved. Tubal would not have another.

  Damian pulled deep and called up a fireball. The white, gold and violet ball danced in his palm, taunting him with proof of his new power before he let it sail through the night at the fucking dragon.

  On the other side, one of the black-blue dragons rose, taking flight into the night to float on the air. Its gossamer wings were spread wide to catch the wind before it paused and held mere feet away from Damian. He stumbled back, surprise catching him unprepared for the vision before him.

  The dragon stared at him, its deep blue eyes nailing him with recognition. The energy pulsed around Damian, and he listened.

  Loukianos. His brother.

  How?

  The large dragon blinked, a slow closing of eyelids as if to say he understood. The confusion, the denial, the doubt. All of it raced through Damian in an instant before he banished them all.

  It simply was.

  The matching dragon—Louk’s twin, only smaller—soared over the battle, shooting angry flames down on the unsuspecting Shifters from above.

  Winged dragons.

  Understanding dawned in Damian.

  He inclined his head at Louk, then stepped back. Louk turned and soared toward the matching dragon, his mate, to fight by her side for the Energens. It was a beautiful sight. One that caused many to stop, watching in both awe and confusion at the vision most had never witnessed.

  The winged dragons had returned.

  An angry roar of denial fired through the night. It was a call of rage and frustration from the dragon Tubal that bounced off the clay cliffs and vibrated down the beach. The sound was so fierce, so primed with evil that the fighting came to an instant halt.

  A pause that echoed with the abrupt silence.

  In that moment, Damian took two huge steps and soared off the cliff into the cool air of the night.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Amber held strong, but her strength was waning. Under the heavy coat, her shirt was soaked with sweat. Perspiration beaded on her forehead and dripped unwanted down her face and into her eyes. The salt stung, and she blinked away the annoyance as she kept her arms braced wide to hold the invisible energy field in place.

  The stone burned against her chest, hotter than ever before. But it didn’t hurt or sear her skin. The warmth invaded her body and mind as if an inferno burned until she felt consumed with the power.

  Around her, the energy pulsed, power unfurled and, newly tested, rippled over the mass of gathered fighters. She watched, caught in the awe like everyone else.

  The raven-black dragons soared with a beautiful grace in the night sky, their long bodies held aloft by paper-thin wings. They were stunning in their magnificence. The simple fact that something so large could float so effortlessly in the air was mindboggling on its own.

  The dragon Tubal let loose with an angry roar of pure menace. He tossed his head high, shooting flames in the direction of the two dragons that circled in the night just out of his reach. The frustration and unbridled fury of the beast radiated over the crowd on the wave of cold energy that blanketed the beach.

  With a joy that felt both foreign and welcomed, her dragon reared its head, took a mighty leap and soared into the air.

  Amber gasped, her heart stuttering as she watched Damian leap from the cliffs high above. Too stunned to think, she dropped her shield and cried out in denial before she remembered that he controlled the air.

  In the next second, he shifted.

  In a blur of man and beast, a stunning white dragon took form.

  The large animal descended to the rocky beach at a frightening speed. Her breath caught, panic assaulting her as the dragon plunged down. Then, in a smooth unfurling of grace, wings extended from his sides, expanded, then caught the wind and lifted him into the night.

  Damian.

  Her muscles sagged, relief and amazement consuming her. A white dragon. Damian could shape-shift into a white dragon. And he was good. He was positively striking in his dragon form. Primarily white with hues of gold and violet shimmering on the scales, he appeared like a piece of the moon streaking through the dark. A dusting of fine, golden hair lined his long jaw, the soft strands catching and fluttering in the wind as he soared. She itched to touch that hair, to run her fingers through it and feel the texture against her skin.

  “Awesome,” she yelled to him. “You’re amazing.”

  The joy pounded through her in time with her inner dragon. The white bird screeched with happiness to see its mate free and soaring by its side.

  Lost in the moment, focus totally on Damian, Amber turned in the sand to watch the dragon coast on the wind, glorying in its freedom. Desperately, she wanted up there with him. She belonged with him. The energy told her that, but it was her heart that finally admitted the truth of the feelings.

  She jumped and yelled with the joy that filled her. Battle forgotten, there was nothing but her and Damian on the beach. His long tail switched behind him as his wings flapped and his head turned to look down at her. She smiled a big, cheek-splitting grin as she watched him glide through the night.

  Amber. Damian’s sharp cry broke her thoughts. Look out.

  Too late. Flames hit her, surrounding and engulfing her.

  Pain. Hot. Smothering. Unbearable.

  Amber dropped to the ground, instincts pulling her down and pushing her to roll away from the heat, away from the flames. Her coat smoked and smoldered on her back. The scorched scent of burnt hair reached her nose as her cheek burrowed into the refreshing coolness of the wet sand. Her thoughts sputtered as she realized one major fact.

  She’d messed up.

  Amber. The panic of Damian’s voice thundered into her numb mind.

  Forcing herself to move, she pushed on her arms, ignoring the pain until she was able to flop over on her back. Above her, Damia
n let loose with a streaming wall of flames that hit the dragon Tubal on the back.

  Around her, she felt the battle closing in. The Shifters outnumbered the Energens. The coldness was getting closer, numbing her and chilling her to the bone.

  She struggled to her knees, a need for survival forcing her up. The backs of her hands were red and tender with burns, the skin peeling away in spots. But the pain was distant, almost disconnected from her.

  The scene around her was a mass of blood, beasts, swords, men and elemental gifts. Phenomenal and frightening.

  “Damian,” she whispered. Somehow the softness felt appropriate amidst the clamor of battle.

  Within her, she felt Damian’s panic. His anger and frustration at his inability to reach her. But more importantly, she felt his love.

  For his people. His family.

  For her.

  The love had replaced the guilt that had hardened within him for a millennium. It freed him to claim what was rightfully his. More importantly, to claim himself.

  I love you, Damian.

  His attention snapped back to her. His wings flapped, a hard beat of rejection. Don’t give up on me, Amber.

  In front of her, Tubal stalked closer, his big, black eyes dancing in victory as his tail slammed against the sand, a plume of loose sand shooting up to emphasize his triumph. Around her, she felt his army closing in. They had her.

  I never did. Ever, she told Damian. I’m sorry I failed.

  Port, Amber. Damn it. Get out of there.

  I can’t.

  Overhead, Damian roared, a fiery burst of denial.

  Tubal shifted, moving seamlessly from dragon back to human form. His head dipped down, and his dark hair hung across his forehead shadowing the evil eyes that locked on her. His leather coat snapped in the wind as flames illuminated the air behind him. He was a vision of destruction. Using the last of her strength, Amber pushed to a stand, refusing to die like a sacrificial lamb at his feet.

  “You’re mine.” The evil snarl cut at her.

  At her sides, the Shifters had moved in to block the Energens. A steady stream of fireballs lit up the sky in their constant bombardment to hold off Damian and the two black dragons. Another set of Shifters battled the ground forces that fought to reach her. She knew the Energens were trying to protect her. The energy was clear on that.