UNDER AN ONYX SKY
Book 4 of the Elemental Enchanters Series
Carrigan Richards
COPYRIGHT
Text copyright © 2015 Carrigan Richards
ASIN #B00VRTETXC
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes. If you are reading this book and you have not purchased it or won it in an author/publisher contest, this book has been pirated. Please delete and support the author by purchasing the ebook from one of its many distributors.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Cover design by N.L. Hoffmann. Additional cover edits by Nick Taylor.
To learn more about author Carrigan Richards, please visit her website at www.carriganrichards.com.
DEDICATION
To Paige, my biggest fan, for sticking with me by my side.
COPYRIGHT
DEDICATION
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
CHAPTER FORTY
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
THE END
ACKNOWLEDEMENTS
PLAYLIST
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ALSO BY CARRIGAN RICHARDS
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
—Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven
PROLOGUE
Lucinda Hannigan clutched her pentagram necklace. Her stomach coiled into knots, which she was sure the worry and stress wasn’t good for the baby. She caressed her womb and smiled. Luci had already picked out a name, but hadn’t told Connor yet. Ava. It meant ‘life.’ And that was exactly Luci’s wish. A life of freedom, love, and happiness. She had always known the opposite as a Cimmerian. A life constantly shrouded in darkness and bitterness.
But when she began spying on Savina and the other Elders, she realized there could be more to life. Especially when she met Connor, her true love. Her soul mate. She never thought she would fall in love with an Ephemeral, but she had. Being around him and the Elders made her realize how brainwashed she’d been. All the Cimmerians did was kill Ephemerals and anyone who stood in their way.
The Elders had killed Corbin Havok, except, he hadn't died. When his son, Colden, reaped Corbin's soul, it actually resided inside Colden's body, leaving Colden in a split personality. For years, the Cimmerians were dormant until one day Corbin returned to Caprington in Colden's body, and called himself Havok. He had promised them he would return to them for good, but had to gain enough strength to take over Colden's body.
The Elders had no idea that Colden and Corbin used the same body. They had no idea that evil harbored inside their beloved Colden. Lucinda had eagerly supported Havok, and had ever since Corbin died. But her life changed drastically ever since she became a spy. She wasn’t sure how she was going to get out of her Cimmerian life, but she would do anything in order to be with Connor.
As she checked her reflection, she smiled thinking about Connor. She couldn’t wait to get back and start her life with him. He loved her so much that he had become an Enchanter. And she loved him with all of her heart.
Her eyes fell to her flat stomach, and she rubbed it again. She never thought she’d want kids, but knowing it was Connor’s, she couldn’t be happier. Which was why she had to report to Havok one last time. She would then leave and never return. She would tell Savina and the Elders all about Havok.
Luci straightened her shirt, took a deep breath, and made her way toward Havok’s cabin. Whenever Havok emerged from Colden's body, he always retreated to a small hut nearby. Caprington had been destroyed and he never knew how much time he had before Colden took over again. Lucinda acted as a protector, but there were a small group of Cimmerians who were bodyguards.
When she knocked on the door, a woman with shoulder-length crimson hair answered.
“Luci,” Sorcha purred. “He’s waiting for you.” She stood aside to let Lucinda enter, and smiled, but it didn’t reach her green eyes.
Sorcha closed the door and Lucinda stared at Colden, except she knew that it was really Havok because of the icy glare. He sat in a tall backed chair with an ominous grin, which accentuated the tiny wrinkles around his small eyes. His long black hair was pulled back in a low ponytail and he wore his black robes.
“Good evening, Lucinda,” he said.
“Good evening.”
“I am eager to know what you have learned of the Elders’ coven.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve nothing to report.”
“Nothing at all?”
“No, sir.”
Havok scoffed. “Who is the Ephemeral you have been with?”
Luci could feel her cheeks redden. “He’s just a toy. Just something fun.”
“I fear your infatuation with this toy has made you forget the importance of your mission.”
“No, sir. I just need more time.”
He took a long deep breath. He got to his feet slowly. “I have given well enough time.” He moved closer to her and stared at her. His black eyes cold and calculating, he circled her like a shark terrorizing its victim. “Luci, you are one of my best soldiers. I would hate for something to happen to you. It seems as though Savina has brainwashed your mind.”
Lucinda remained her confident stance. “No, sir.”
He paused in front of her with a curious look on his face. “Ah. Well, then you won’t mind killing the Ephemeral so you can focus on your mission.”
“I can focus. I promise.”
“I do not doubt you. But you still need to kill the Ephemeral.”
She had to do something. She couldn’t kill Connor. And wouldn’t. “I’ll do anything you want. Please don’t make me kill him.” No one begged Havok. But would he really kill an Elemental Enchanter? Those were his prized possessions. Unless, she told him about her child.
“Mmm…and so now it becomes clear that this Ephemeral is more than just a toy. You know what happens when an Enchanter betrays her coven
.”
“I have not betrayed you. Please don’t kill me. I made a mistake. It won’t happen again.”
“I know it won’t. I need you to learn your lesson and prove your allegiance. And the only way I see that happening is if you kill the Ephemeral.”
Lucinda clenched her teeth. She knew her next words would easily get her killed. “I will not kill him.”
“This is not up for negotiation. Either you kill him, or I will. Since you have disobeyed my commands, you have given me no choice.”
Her eyes watered. “No please. I will do anything but that.”
“Give me one reason why I should not.”
She hesitated. Was he really wanting to know? She knew telling him that she loved Connor wouldn’t change his mind. She just needed to say something to please him so she could get out of there, although, a small part of her still wanted him to be proud of her. “I’m pregnant.”
A muscle in his jaw twitched and he took a slow deep breath. “This I must hear. How is your pregnancy with an Ephemeral supposed to stop me?”
“She will be an Elemental like me, but stronger.”
“She?” His eyes fell to her stomach. “How do you know it is a girl?”
“A Seer told me.”
“I will need proof. But why should I spare this Ephemeral? He is nothing to me.”
She drew a shaky breath. “He’s an Enchanter now. But I will swear my daughter’s soul to you if you promise not to harm us. We wish to raise our daughter with the Elders.”
He tilted his head and studied her. “Your list of wishes is growing, Lucinda. What are you not telling me?”
She bit her lip and swallowed thickly. “I can promise that my child will belong to an entire coven of Elementals. That is why she cannot leave the Elders.” She hated telling him such things, but he would be dead before her daughter would be born.
“You can’t know that.”
“It’s true. The Seer told me.”
“Why on earth would you swear your child’s soul to me? This Ephemeral means that much to you?”
“Yes. I’m sure at one point in your life, you knew what that love meant.”
His head snapped toward her, his eyes meeting hers with a glare. “I will need proof of this Seer’s words.”
Luci knew what he was about to do. She prepared the memory, and opened her mind to Havok. He reached inside her mind, leaving a tingling, almost painful feeling. She showed him the Seer’s visions of her future daughter. Fiercely strong with the Water element. And then it showed five more Elementals in a coven.
Havok’s black eyes lit up for a second, and then his thin lips spread into a menacing grin. The dim lights created shadows across his face. “I will have my hands on them.” He turned to Sorcha. “Fetch me Gamel.”
“Yes, sir.” Sorcha opened a door behind them and left.
Havok took a moment to piece together his words. “Perhaps we make this deal. I will give you one year, Lucinda. As soon as your daughter is born, you are to return to your place here, and help us grow our army. Let the father take care of her. But when she is of age, your daughter’s soul belongs to me. If you follow these rules, I will not harm anyone. If you do not return, I cannot guarantee the safety of your life.”
Luci nodded. “Of course.” But it would never happen. She would never return to Caprington. Havok would never harm any of them, because she would have Savina and the Elders kill him.
Gamel, one of Corbin’s oldest family members who was a Spellcaster, entered. He approached them, and Luci hid her disgust. His eyes glossed over like he was blind or had cataracts. His clothes covered most of his skin, which was rough, scaly, and had scars and blisters all over it. Spellcasters were rare because each time they placed a spell it came back to them threefold.
Gamel touched both their hands and brought them together. His were calloused and cold. He spoke in Latin, and suddenly a green glow appeared, surrounding Havok’s body and Lucinda’s womb, linking the two. She wanted to jerk her hand away, and leave, but she had to keep reminding herself that Havok would be dead soon.
“It is done,” Gamel said. “The spell has been placed.” He released their hands, and Luci automatically touched her baby.
“Excellent,” Havok said and moved closer to Lucinda. “Now go live your life with them. And if you speak of this to anyone, including your precious Ephemeral, I will kill you, him, and your baby. I may be weak now, but I won’t be much longer. And keep in mind. I will be watching you. I will see you in a year.”
“Absolutely.”
Lucinda walked out of the hut and ran. Once she was in a safe area, she let out a breath and her tears. The curse would have to stay intact. How could they kill Havok and not kill Colden? She couldn’t tell Savina. She was too scared because she couldn't let Havok kill Connor or her baby. She had acted on impulse, but maybe Savina could protect Ava. Maybe Havok would be found out by other means and die.
Luci raced back to Blackhart Manor and met Savina in her parlor.
“What is the matter dear?” Savina asked, concern written all across her face.
“Promise me that my daughter will be in your coven and that you will protect her.”
She drew her eyebrows together. “Of course, I will protect her. That is what it means to be in an Aureole. Are you in any danger?”
Lucinda hesitated. “No. I just want to be sure. Promise me.”
“I promise. But you know you can tell me anything.”
“It’s nothing.” Lucinda faked a smile. “I’m just being overprotective.”
“I understand that. You have nothing to worry about.” Savina gave a small smile and gently touched Lucinda’s chin. “Connor is waiting for you in the library, dear.”
“Thank you, Savina.” Lucinda relaxed and retreated to the library. When she entered, she watched Connor for a few minutes. As he patiently sat at one of the tables, reading a book, he played with his red hair. He was always reading. She never had much of a knack for it, but she started to because of him. Lucinda took a deep breath and stared at the love of her life. Nothing else mattered to her.
He looked up, and his lips immediately curled into her favorite smile. The one that was genuine and kind. Just like his heart. He closed the book and they met halfway. “There you are. Is everything okay?”
Luci returned a smile and kissed his freckled cheek. He wrapped his arms around her and she relaxed. “Everything will be great.” She hoped.
CHAPTER ONE
THE RUSE
Ava Hannigan braced herself against the wall. Soft yellow lights lined the ceiling and seemed to sway, leaving distorted trails. Her weak legs trembled. Her heartbeat slowed. The drugs still prickled throughout her veins. She shook her arms, trying to get the tingling to stop, but it didn’t work. If she closed her eyes, she’d collapse and pass out.
But she couldn’t allow it. She had to find the man who was supposed to have taken her memory. She couldn’t remember his name or where he was. All Ava could remember was journeying to Caprington, joining Havok and the Cimmerians, and then being taken to a room where a man intended to wipe her memory, but instead told her she and the other Elemental Enchanters were the entities to stop the war.
She tried sifting through the blurriness in her mind, but it was no use. Her brain felt like mush.
She hoped no one would find her roaming the empty hallway in the middle of the night. Or whatever time it was. She had no idea what day it was either. She hated feeling so out of control.
Ava wanted to take a step forward, but it took her legs a couple of seconds to register the signals. Her reaction time was delayed. She blinked several times in an attempt to clear her fuzzy vision.
Using the wall for balance, she slowly walked down the long, narrow corridor. The walls and floor whirled around her like some sort of psychedelic dream, but she pressed on. She had to get there.
As she made her way farther, she saw a light peeking through a cracked door. She managed to make out a blur
of a person leaning over something. Blinking her eyes a few times, she saw that it was a man hunched over a desk writing.
Ava leaned her head against the wall and rested. Then the door opened all the way.
The man stepped out. “Ava? What are you doing out of bed.” He spoke with a British accent, his voice calm and articulate. He held her by the shoulders and as she looked up, she noticed how pretty his green eyes were.
“I need answers.” Her voice came out in a low mumble.
He looked down the hall both ways and then pulled her inside the room. He closed the door, and fidgeted. “We don’t have much time. You cannot be seen here.”
It was hard to think, but she shook her head trying to clear her mind. “What did you give me?”
“It’s a sleep agent. I give it to everyone whose memories I erase. Helps the transition better.”
“Wait. You didn’t erase my memories. Why?”
“You know why.”
“How did you know I was faking my allegiance?”
“I saw you intently focused on Gabriel.”
Ava stilled. “Did Havok notice?”
“No. You are very good with the heart of stone.”
She shut her eyes for a second, hoping that would help the fuzziness. “I don’t like this feeling.”
“I know. It will wear off.”
“Can’t you give me something to make it go away?”
“I’m not a doctor. If you rest, we can speak tomorrow.” He touched her arm lightly, but she jerked it away from him.
“No! You said we were the ones to take Havok down. How do we do that?”
“I’m sorry, but I have no answer for that. I had suspected you already had a plan in mind.”
She rested her head against the door and then banged it. She hated the deranged state of her mind. She wanted it to return to normal. But no matter how many times she blinked or rubbed her eyes or shook out her arms or banged her head, it never cleared.
“What am I supposed to know? Or forget?”
“All you know is that you’re an Enchanter, a Cimmerian. You grew up here and are primed to do as Havok says. Your parents are dead. But there’s a large chunk of your life that you can’t remember. They may or may not explain why you can’t remember.”
Under an Onyx Sky (Elemental Enchanters Series Book 4) Page 1
