She reached up, taking his thick bearded face between her hands. She wondered if he could hear the echo of her wild heartbeat. She stared at his slightly parted lips, wanting to feel his kiss. His arms. Anything. His breath quickened, and then he kissed her, gently at first. He pressed harder, sliding his tongue between her lips. His kiss ignited a long lost spark in her heart. It was like a current buzzing throughout her body reaching all the way to her toes. Warmth pulsated throughout her. He held her tight, and she finally felt safe. She was his all along, and he was hers.
His lip tugged on hers, and she let out a soft moan. She kissed him so hard her lips were almost numb. The kiss became urgent. Her hands travelled up his smooth, and when she felt him shudder, she smiled. She reached around and touched his back, but he winced, and let out a low groan.
Ava reached back again to heal him, but he pulled her hands into his and shook his head.
“I want to heal you,” she whispered.
“They’ll know you were here.”
Her shoulders slumped. He lifted her hand to his heart, and she felt its fierce beating. She melted beneath his deep endless gaze.
“I love you so much, Gabriel. I’m so sorry for what I’ve done.”
“I love you, Ava.” He kissed her cheek then her jaw line. His lips grazed her neck, and then stopped. His body became rigid as he held her tight.
“What is it?” she whispered.
“You have to go.”
“I still have time,” she begged.
“I can’t let you risk it. I love you more than anything, and I know I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you.”
“Nothing will happen. I promise.” At least, nothing would happen tonight. She reached up, and brought his lips to hers. With fervor, he kissed back. Her back hit the wall with a thud. Sweeping her hair aside, he kissed her just above the collarbone. He lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. His fingers dug into her hips. Heat seared her skin at every touch, and she could barely keep up with his eager lips. “Do you forgive me?”
His eyes met hers, their blue illuminating in the moonlight, almost like his love glowed through them. He shook his head, panting. “Don’t ask me that. There is nothing to forgive.” He kissed her neck, sending a ripple of desire through her.
She put his hand on his chest pushing him slightly. “Don’t do that. Don’t act like I haven’t done anything wrong.” Her eyes welled.
“I’m not.”
“I just need to hear you say it.”
“I forgive you, Ava.”
She wrapped her arms around Gabriel’s neck and hugged him tightly. He let her legs drop to the ground and held her, burying his face into her neck. He took a deep breath, and then drew back a little.
He cradled her face between his hands. “I didn’t want to understand why you did all of this. But I trust you, Ava. It isn’t easy being a Cimmerian, but if you know this is the only way, then I believe you. And I will do whatever it takes to help you all. I know I may act like I have all of the answers, and I need to learn to let you take the reins.” He caressed her cheek. “You are incredibly smart, and I trust that you know what you’re doing. You can do this. Keep turning it off. I can turn it off, too.”
“I hate hurting you.”
“Don’t worry about me.”
She frowned, knowing that was impossible.
“I miss you. All I think about is you.”
“Me too. I hate this. I don’t know how much longer I can hold on. All I do is torture.”
“It won’t last forever.”
She knew she couldn’t stay any longer. How he remained so strong amazed her, but also encouraged her. Ava hugged him once more. “I love you,” she breathed in his ear. He tightened his arms around her.
“I love you.” He kissed her once more, his lips lingering for a minute. “You must go.”
She choked back the tears. “I will come back tomorrow.”
“Ava, you can’t. You have to stay away. Keep up the ruse.”
“I will find a way. I promise.” Ava gazed into his eyes once more and quickly kissed him before she rushed out of the cell. Her vision blurred, but then she turned off her emotions.
She was relieved that she finally talked to Gabriel, but she didn’t deserve his forgiveness. It was selfish of her to beg him for it, and even to expect him to love her still. But she wanted to feel that once more, before she sacrificed her life.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
TYRANT
Training had neared its end after two grueling months. Ava couldn’t imagine Cimmerian training her entire life. Before they left practice for the day, which thankfully didn’t include any torture, Xavier had announced the big Selection dinner would be the upcoming Saturday. It was the dinner where Havok selected people for various jobs. Xavier told them everyone was required to attend and that they had to wear something classy. Apparently, getting inducted into Havok’s army was a big to-do.
Ava kept her opinions to herself, but she wondered why anyone would want to dress up and act like they were getting awarded for their good deeds and that it was some freaking awards banquet. It was ridiculous. Why should they celebrate such a feat? So they were able to endlessly torment people as if it were practice for later? They were able to fight each other almost to the point of death. They proved they were worthy of being in the Cimmerian army. But why would they be proud? Proud of serving such an evil man. Couldn’t they see that what they were doing was wrong?
“Good job today, Ava,” Xavier told her as he walked up to her.
“Thanks.” She hoped the people who stayed behind to chat didn’t notice him speaking to her.
“So…I know we’ve been busy with training and all, so we’ve not had a chance to go out on that date.”
She really hoped no one heard that. “It’s okay.”
“I would love to accompany you to the dinner. Although, I have to help Havok before and during dinner. But after that I’m yours.”
“Is that your idea of asking me out?”
He gave a slight nod and tugged at the back of his neck. “I’m sorry. That was pretty bad.”
“Why don’t we just hang out after dinner?”
“Sounds good. But that won’t be our date.”
Lucky her. “Where are we supposed to find clothes for this thing?”
“In the village. Or city. I could take you shopping if you want.”
“How about I surprise you?”
“Fair enough. Just tell whatever shop you find your dress to put it on my tab. They won’t ask questions.”
His kindness was getting old. It rubbed her the wrong way. Why couldn’t he have been this nice from the beginning? Why had he been so evil only to completely change when her mind was supposedly erased?
“Thanks. I gotta go. But I’ll see you later,” she said.
He nodded, and she walked out of the room with a few others.
Melissa nudged her as they headed down the hall to their rooms. Ava knew she was asking if she was going to Klaus’s later, so she nodded. Of course she was going. Why wouldn’t she?
“Ava,” someone called her from behind. She stopped and as a crowd of people passed her, Eve walked up to her. Her long black hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she didn’t smile. She looked pissed off.
“What?”
She hesitated and seemed annoyed. Finally, she rolled her eyes and sighed. “I need your help.”
Now it was clear as to why she was annoyed. How awful of her to have to ask Ava’s help. But what could she need Ava for? “Help? For what?”
“Can you come with me?”
“Sure. Not like I have anything else on my agenda.”
Ava followed Eve down the corridor in an awkward silence. She had no idea what Eve could possibly want. But walking beside a woman she once stabbed in a coma dream was uncomfortable. At least they weren’t pretending to be friends.
Eve paused at the door to her room and bit her lip. “I come to
you because you’re the only one who can make his pain go away instantly.”
“Okay?” She wanted her to heal someone. Her boyfriend? A friend? And then it hit her. Gabriel. They had been close when he was a Cimmerian in the past.
Eve opened the door, and as Ava walked through, her eyes landed on a man lying on the couch in Eve’s massive room. His head faced away from Ava. He was shirtless with several lash marks across his bare back. Good thing she had turned off her emotions.
Ava crossed her arms, and gave Eve a sidelong glance. “What is this? What are you doing?”
“I need your help.” She shut the door and rushed to Gabriel’s side. She knelt beside him and brushed through his hair. “I need you to heal him.”
“He’s a prisoner. We aren’t supposed to help them.”
She glared at Ava. “He’s paid for his crimes. He is one of us now. Heal him.”
“Doesn’t Havok have things for this?”
“Only for us. He won’t help the prisoners. They just have to heal on their own.”
“If it’s only for us, didn’t you just say that he was one of us?”
She let out a frustrated sigh. “Stop the useless arguing, and help me.”
“I’m not going to help you. If Havok personally asks that I heal him, then I will.”
Eve’s perfect face twisted in horror. “Havok gave me permission to heal him.”
“I’m sure he did.”
“Stop being a selfish bitch and keeping your gift to yourself. I love him and he needs healing. Are you so heartless you won’t even help your own?”
“Like I said, if Havok asks me I will.”
She groaned. “You know, you were in love with him at one point.”
Ava had to play along. “What do you mean?”
Staring at her, Ava knew she played the scene out in her head as if she had told her the truth. Then she shook her head. “Nothing. Sorry I even bothered you.”
Ava shrugged. “If Havok asks, then yes, I will heal him. But do you think I’m so stupid to heal a prisoner so you tell Havok to punish me? Is this some tactic to make sure you get a good spot in the army?”
Eve clenched her fists and shot up, towering over Ava a little. “I already have a place in the army. You’re right about one thing, though. I can’t stand you or the other Elementals. You haven’t been here in years, and suddenly you act like you own the place. Like you’re all gods and that everyone has to bow down to you. So what if you’re the strongest coven. You’re all a bunch of naïve little kids.”
“That hurts so much,” Ava said sarcastically.
Gabriel stirred and turned his head with a smirk. He met Ava’s eyes, but then he quickly went back to acting like he was asleep.
“You won’t survive any of this. Because I plan on making all of your lives a living hell.”
“I’m so scared.”
Eve moved closer, a heated glare in her eyes. “I can get inside your dreams and make you dream anything I want. Or have you forgotten?”
Ava wasn’t sure if she had just slipped up, or was asking because of what she had witnessed in training. She shrugged again. She wasn’t afraid. She had already been through hell and back. And what more hell could she ask for than be linked with Havok. “I dare you. But just know that I can attack you without making a single motion.”
“Get out of my room.”
Ava gave a half-smile and shook her head. She opened the door and left. She would not cry after what she just saw. Had Gabriel finished out his punishment? And Havok only healed the army. Not the prisoners. Ava wasn’t sure how many of them were still alive. She hated that Eve worried over Gabriel like they were together. She hated seeing Eve run her hands through his hair. And how did she get Gabriel out of the cell and into her room? Why was he even in her room? Had she really gotten Havok’s approval?
She had to get out of the castle. It was too hot and suffocating. As she walked down the hall, she turned the corner and ran into Melissa, Gillian, Nicole, Katarina, and Anais.
“Hey,” Melissa said, and gave her a curious look. “We’re going dress shopping for the dinner. Come on.”
“Sure.”
The last thing Ava wanted, or needed to worry about, was what to wear to the Selection dinner. Melissa grabbed her arm as they walked out of the castle.
“How do we pay for our dresses?” Ava asked. She didn’t want to use Xavier’s account or whatever. “We have no jobs.”
“Royalty doesn’t pay,” Anais said.
“Seriously? How come all these people aren’t in the army?”
“Some are drolls. Some didn’t pass training. Some just didn’t want to be in the army.”
“I thought Havok made everyone be in the army.”
“He only wants the best. He does this ridiculous dinner every year,” Anais said, rolling her eyes. “Every time someone gets elected for a job.”
“How long do we normally train for this?” Gillian asked, as they headed out of the castle.
“A year or so. Depends. If someone sucks at training, Xavier kicks them out. But since you guys are the end all be all, Havok will have jobs for you.” Ava heard the bitterness in her voice.
Ava figured that Havok would assign them to something. He had only been trying to get them their whole lives.
They walked together into the village. Ava found it odd that Anais tagged along. Didn’t she hate every single one of them?
The air was crisp and clean, with a hint of saltiness. It was something Ava enjoyed. She wondered how such evil people could own and operate such a beautiful place. Seagulls hovered above the docks farther down waiting for food.
“So what kind of dress do we have to wear?” Gillian asked, twirling a strand of her curly hair around her finger.
Anais shrugged. “Whatever you want. I hate wearing dresses. It’s probably the only time you’ll ever see me in one.”
“Same here,” Ava said.
“How can either of you not like dressing up?” Melissa asked. “It’s fun! It’s the one night you can go all out and look beautiful in a pretty dress and everything is perfect.”
Except for the fact that they lived in Caprington, belonged to Havok, and consorted with the Cimmerians on a daily basis as if they were Cimmerians themselves. Sure. Everything was perfect.
They reached a store with all kinds of evening attire. The window displays were cluttered with mannequins wearing big ballroom gowns of pink and blue colors. Definitely not Ava’s style. They walked into the small store, and each one went their own way. Full racks of dresses were crammed into the place. It was almost suffocating. She still wasn’t sure how they were going to pay for it. Maybe she charged it to her room.
Ava hated shopping. It was exhausting and annoying since she could never find anything in her size, and she hated searching for something she liked because she was so picky. She heard from the opposite end of the small store a gasp.
“Omigod, that’s perfect!” Gillian squealed.
“I know!” Melissa said.
They found Ava and Melissa held up a long silky green dress. It was strapless and perfect for Melissa. Ava couldn’t help but smile at Melissa’s happy face. She had found something to be happy about in the miserable place.
“I love it,” Ava said.
“I found this one,” Gillian said, holding up a lavender princess gown. “I can wear my hair up and wear some fancy gloves. I’ve always wanted to wear gloves.”
For some reason, her words made Ava sad. What if this was their last time to get all dolled up for something? Ava knew it was her last time, so maybe she should make a better effort to enjoy it. “You’ll be beautiful,” she told Gillian.
“Now we have to find one for you.”
After searching for what seemed like forever, Ava found a light blue fabric dress, almost the same color as Gabriel’s eyes. It was her favorite color. Strapless and form fitting and long. It was perfect, and Gabriel would never see her in the dress. He wouldn’t be her date f
or the shindig.
She tried not to appear sad as the group headed back to the castle. She hung the dress on the outside of her closet door and pulled up the clear plastic over the hanger. As she stared at the dress, her heart ached at not getting to do normal teenage things. She wished she and Gabriel could have a normal relationship. She wished he could see her in the dress or that she saw him in a suit. She closed her eyes and imagined wearing the dress and him escorting her to the prom or some fancy party. They would never have that opportunity.
Ava held onto the fantasy as she clutched her pillow, holding it tight against her body as if it was Gabriel.
CHAPTER TWELVE
THE SELECTION
After a week of staring at the blue dress, Ava finally put it on. When she was finished dressing, she glanced in the mirror and almost didn’t recognize the woman who stared back. She was beautiful in her long, blue dress with her red hair pulled up except for one strand which curled along the side of her face. She wished she was going to the prom with Gabriel. Or some other event. She didn’t care, as long as she could be with him.
Taking a deep breath, she opened her door and left the room. She walked slowly in the heels, and remembered the last time she wore heels. She and Peter had tried to go out on their first date. That had been a disaster, but it ended on a good note with them swimming at the waterfall. That seemed like a lifetime ago.
Her heels clicked with every step as she made her way toward the Great Hall. Once she entered, a few people turned their heads. She felt a little self-conscious.
“You look beautiful,” she heard Thomas behind her.
She cocked her head in his direction. Thomas was in a black suit, his strawberry blond hair had been pulled back in a small ponytail. She had never seen his hair pulled back like that. “Thanks. You don’t look bad yourself, handsome.”
“Thanks. Wish Moira was here,” he mumbled.
“I know.” They started walking toward one of the tables.
“Did you see him?”
“Who?”
When he didn’t answer, she glanced at him, and he gave her a knowing look.
Under an Onyx Sky (Elemental Enchanters Series Book 4) Page 8
