by Kristen Day
I had no idea what I was getting myself in to. Kira’s beaten and bloodied face flashed in my mind and a renewed sense of purpose washed over me. I glanced back one more time, took several deep breaths to steady myself and dove in.
Chapter 33
“The island’s essence wanes. You have arrived just in time.” My skin prickled again at her ominous tone sounding in my mind. The other two were still quiet. I assumed the one speaking held some sort of status. I had no clue what she was talking about, but I knew these sprites were my ticket onto the island, so I was willing to say or do anything to ensure that happened. I tried to focus on the reason I was here; Kira. I needed to find her.
“I need to find Kira. She’s in trouble,” I told them.
“As you wish.” Face to face with me, I could see how magnificent she really was. Her entire body sparkled from the sunlight streaming through the water above. Her skin was almost translucent, shimmering lightly. She touched my shoulder and the world turned to a blur. As the water rushed by me the only thing I could see were her sparkling eyes full of exuberance. In less than thirty seconds, the world was still again. She nodded her head at me respectfully and smiled widely.
“Welcome to the Fortunate Isle , Anastasia.” Before I could ask her how she knew my name, she disappeared and I was alone. I kicked to the surface. The sprite had taken me to some kind of cave. I pulled myself up onto a smooth ledge and looked around. I wasn’t claustrophobic, but if I stayed in that dark, menacing cave much longer, I would be. I sensed I was actually beneath the island. Jagged stalagmites hung above and more water trickled down the walls. The eerie echo of my every move sent chills down my spine. I searched for an exit, but had trouble seeing anything distinct in the low light. Hidden in the shadows, I saw a small tunnel tall enough for me to walk through. I crept along slowly, expecting vampire bats or giant rats to eat me alive at any moment. Thankfully, the only thing I heard was my own ragged breathing as I stumbled through the thick blackness. After about twenty yards of steady incline, a ray of sunlight up ahead had me picking up my pace.
I emerged from the tunnel and my senses were immediately assaulted by a litany of sights, smells, and sounds. I was suddenly soaked in the sun’s rays, warming my skin and drying my wet shorts and tank top. The smell of mangos and oranges cleared my head and I took a deep breath, cherishing their fruity aroma. I was standing at the edge of the forest, facing the beach. Just like in the ocean, everything had a surreal quality to it, each color more vivid then the last, the flowers and trees appeared to be dotted with diamonds, and the water itself felt magical. A collage of blues swirled and crashed toward the beach.
As I stepped onto the sand, a low hum began flowing through my veins. It increased with each step and became so overwhelming I had to sit down and close my eyes. It was similar to the sensation I got from the dolphins, but much more intense. Remembering how I had blocked it out on the boat, I focused my attention on my own thoughts, my own feelings and slowly the humming fizzled, slowing my heartbeat and allowing me to think clearly again. I slowly ran my hands over the velvety, white sand beneath me. The lagoon from my vision stretched out in front of me. The same white beaches and lush forest circled it, all of it preserved by the jagged mountains protecting the island. I could feel the wind blowing through my hair and the sun bronzing my skin. There was a distinct vibration of energy flowing through everything, connecting it all together. I knew from the lightness that filled my heart, the same energy flowed through me. I was just as much a part of the island as the trees growing from its soil.
Across the lagoon, I could just make out the small wooden canoe, which told me I was on the wrong side of the island. I decided the best course of action would be to find the little-big house because I knew for a fact Isadora would bring Kira there at some point. I just hoped I wouldn’t be too late. Unfortunately, I had a long way to go if I was going to make it there before dark. I skirted the forest, hiding in its shadows as I walked. After several hours, my stomach began to growl and my throat became parched. Thankfully, there was more food growing on the island than one person could ever eat. Glimpsing over my shoulder every few seconds to memorize my path, I maneuvered through the forest looking for fruits or berries. I could immediately tell something was wrong. Not only did I not hear any birds, but most of the flowers had shriveled and several trees were dying; their branches bare. An all consuming sadness weighed on my heart and I walked farther and farther looking for food. Finally, I came upon an orange tree. Plucking several ripe oranges, I peeled them and devoured their sweetness in minutes. The tangy juice soothed my dry throat and gave me much needed energy.
I sat down on a flat, sturdy stone while I ate and rested my legs. That’s when I noticed it wasn’t just one stone. It extended out on both sides. A wall. Almost completely covered with thick green moss, it was made of sandstone and only stood about four feet tall. I abandoned the oranges and followed it through the forest, dodging low hanging trees and overgrown sage bushes. I recognized the trees as willows; their cascading branches hanging down gracefully and silently blowing in the wind. The tiny leaves tickled my skin as I parted its curtain, making my way through. The wall brought me to a large iron gate rusted by time and weather. It, too, had succumbed to the dense forest. It was covered in thick vines that coiled tightly around its intricate patterns. Past the gate was a rolling meadow of yellow, purple and blue wildflowers. I was inspecting the gate for a lock when I saw something that would change my life forever.
Amongst the twists and turns of the iron was a small upside down triangle, with one spiral extending from each corner. I had only seen one other design like that…my trace. Was it just a coincidence? The voice in the back of my head was telling me what I already knew. No; this wasn’t a coincidence. Utterly stunned, I forced my body to move. I stepped closer, tracing the spirals with my fingers, just as I’d done so many times to the ones decorating my left wrist. A searing heat beneath my fingers made me pull my hand away and I watched as the iron design actually started to glow. My trace burned too, and began pulsing with a light blue color. Astonished by this turn of events, I definitely wasn’t expecting what happened next. A bolt of lightning struck the middle of the meadow and I automatically dropped to my knees, covering my head. I didn’t hear any accompanying thunder, so I peeked through my hands but didn’t see anything amiss. Hoping I was just hallucinating, I stood slowly and cautiously glanced around. Time stopped along with my pounding heart when my eyes scanned the meadow. Or what used to be the meadow.
A majestic, sprawling estate had appeared out of nowhere; the meadow replaced with gardens and acres of Bermuda grass. The manor itself was constructed of sandstone and just like the wall, was aged and worn by the elements. It could have belonged in medieval England with its high walls and regal turrets. Although the house was absolutely magnificent, the overgrown gardens and wilted trees dampened its grandeur. It was obvious that the estate had lost its owners, and along with them, maintenance of the grounds. I felt like I was seeing an empty shell; the forgotten leftovers of a once prosperous and glorious paradise hidden beneath the imposing dark green mangrove trees. Something tickled at my memory. The third stanza of Nicolet’s poem. Hidden amongst the mangroves. Seen only be those deemed true. This was it. This was the house of Thetis. As I thought it, I knew it to be the truth. Tugging at my heart strings, I felt the manor calling to me.
I tentatively pushed the gate open, which gave way easily leading to a worn stone path. As I stepped onto the grounds, the humming vibration returned to my veins and waves of energy pulsed through me. It was exhilarating! Instead of fighting it, I closed my eyes and welcomed the thrumming sensation coursing through every fiber of my body. Eventually, it centered in my chest, swirling and leaving me breathless. I felt a warming on my skin and realized I was still wearing the aquamarine necklace Finn had given me. The stone was very warm to the touch. Instead of the normal tingle, a warm glow spread from the pendant throughout my limbs, renewing my tir
ed body and strengthening my weary mind. I closed my eyes and silently thanked him again for the necklace. Not just a gleaming stone, it must have some kind of healing quality.
I opened my eyes and tried to figure out what I was looking at. If this was the house of Thetis, then whose house did I see in my vision? Is this where they were keeping Kira? Either way I knew I had to find out. As I approached the rustic, wooden carriage doors of the manor entrance, they creaked open of their own accord. To say I was freaked out would be an understatement. I glanced around waiting for someone to appear, but the only thing that greeted me was the dank smell of the abandoned interior. I peered through the doorway into a dark, murky foyer full of dust and cobwebs. I took a step inside.
I started to take another step when a slight breeze blew across my arms, giving me chill bumps. The breeze swirled around the rest of my body, lifting my hair and tousling my clothes. It became so strong; I had to brace myself against the door frame. The second my hands touched the worn paint, a gale force wind blew into the house. If I hadn’t have been holding on, I would have been thrown across the room. It stopped abruptly and I regained my balance, brushing the hair out of my face. I glanced down at my clothes to make sure they were still intact, and then noticed the floor. My gaze shifted upward; my breath caught in my chest and my jaw dropped open.
The dreary interior had been completely transformed to its former glory. The dust and cobwebs had been magically swept away, leaving clean surfaces and the faint smell of lavender. The foyer where I stood opened up to a grand parlor of epic proportions. The slate tile floor beneath my feet met walls of stone that extended to the cathedral ceilings above. Skylights of stained glass scattered the sunlight across the room in spectacular fashion. A stone fireplace dominated the right side of the room, and a grand staircase of mahogany opened its arms to me at the opposite side of the room. Rich blue carpet blanketed the stairs as they split halfway up, leading to opposite sides of the manor. An immense wrought iron chandelier hung above the middle landing, strings of crystals hanging delicately from its arms. The crystals sent prisms of sparkling light into every corner of the room.
The most impressive feature was at the parlor’s center. An elegant stone fountain rose from the floor, surrounded by a small pristine pool of water. The fountain itself was a sculpture of a man kneeling and pouring water from a large bowl. He was adorned in a long robe and gladiator sandals.
The water fell over the sides of the pail creating a gushing waterfall. I smiled as I realized who it was. Aquarius. I walked closer and became mesmerized as I peered down into the pool encircling him. The fountain was merely the top of a massive underwater cavern; the small pool around the fountain acting as the entrance. It gave a whole new meaning to indoor pool. Decorating the walls were portraits of men and women I didn’t recognize as well as vast, awe inspiring landscapes. I froze when my eyes found the portrait hanging above the fireplace. With legs full of bricks, I walked over to get a closer look. It was the portrait of a gorgeous young woman dressed in a long, flowing dress of silver and blue. An ethereal glow emanated from her thick blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Upon closer inspection, they weren’t just blue. They were a teal or aqua. Exactly like mine. If my heart skipped a beat at her eyes, it stopped completely when I saw the necklace around her neck. A brilliant aquamarine stone encased in a swirling pendant, hanging on a dark metal chain. My necklace. Finn had given me Thetis’s necklace. My mother’s necklace.
A terrifying scream coming from outside broke my thoughts and I immediately ran to the door and down the stone path to the gate. Once outside the grounds, I looked from side to side, trying to find the source. I hesitated when I glanced over my shoulder and saw that the estate had disappeared, replaced once again by the rolling meadow of wild flowers. I turned to run, but at the same moment, my head exploded in pain and everything went dark.
Chapter 34
The good news was that I had found Kira. The bad news was that I had found Kira.
“Like a moth to a flame,” Isadora literally cackled at me, once I’d woken up from the blow to my head. “You made it way too easy. Really Anastasia, it’s pathetic.” She looked at me with mock sympathy. My hands and feet were both bound in chains and I was leaning up against a tree at the edge of the beach. The chains themselves pulsed with a silvery glow and I knew Isadora had enchanted them somehow. Kira was a couple yards away in a similar position. Her mouth was taped, but I could still see the panic in her green eyes even as the sun began to sink below the horizon. Her face was beaten and bloody, just as I’d seen it in my vision. I clenched my teeth.
“Why are you doing this? What do you want?” I growled at Isadora.
“Oh, if it were only that easy,” she smiled down at me, shook her head and continued pacing between Kira and me. Her dark hair fell down her back in waves and her long black skirt dragged in the sand as she walked. I got the feeling we were waiting for something or someone, I just didn’t know what or who that was. After several minutes passed, Isadora strolled over and kneeled down in front of me. Her bright green eyes burned into mine.
“This isn’t about what I want. This is about what never should have been. And you, dear Anastasia,” she squeezed my cheeks hard with her fingers, “never should have been born.” I tried to wrench myself free of her grip, but failed miserably as her fingernails dug in to my skin. “But don’t worry; we’ll be rectifying that situation very soon.”
“You don’t know anything about me!” I yelled at her through squished cheeks. She turned my head side to side as if inspecting my face and laughed. Her breath smelled like stale coffee.
“I know everything about you. You are the one who’s clueless, child.” She pressed my head up against the tree. “What a waste. So much power hidden in that scrawny little body of yours and Mommy Dearest was never around to teach you how to use it.” She shook her head and tsked, “She thought she was being so careful, so smart by blending you in with the humans. Make no mistake, she is the reason you’re about to die. It’s her fault you are in this situation.” I didn’t want to believe what she was saying, but unfortunately it was true. If Thetis was my mother, she had given me away instead of preparing me. She had hidden me instead of teaching me about this world. How could she leave me so vulnerable? She had taken the cowardly way out. And now I was the one who would have to pay for her decisions. In the hands of Isadora, I was at a distinct disadvantage. I didn’t know if I was angrier at Isadora or Thetis. And what about my father? Where was he in all of this? Was he still alive?
“What does any of this have to do with Kira? Let her go!” I demanded through her hand. My cheeks were beginning to ache and my teeth were digging into the sides of my mouth. I tasted blood.
“Patience, patience. No need to fear for her life, she was just the bait. And what an excellent bait she turned out to be.” She turned and cast an appreciative glance at Kira, who was staring daggers at her.
“Then let her go!” I yelled. Isadora let go of my cheeks and wrapped her hand around my throat. Her frigid green eyes were suddenly blazing with hysteria, and her nails were slicing into my skin.
“Silence!” She squeezed harder and my breaths were suddenly much harder to come by. She quickly composed herself, and the emotion slid off her face. She smiled so coldly at me; frost bite started forming on my heart. “She is still extremely useful to us. You’ll see.” She winked at me and I wanted nothing more than to tear out of my bindings and rip her head off. She stood and began pacing again.
“You see, Kira has been more helpful to us than Nicolet ever was. Nicolet had so many good theories, so many good ideas. She was closer to the truth than anyone else. But unfortunately for her, she wore out her welcome and we had to get rid of her. A pity, really.” I saw Kira’s eyes widen at what I already knew. Nicolet had been murdered. But I still didn’t know why. Did Nicolet know about me somehow?
“You killed her because of me.” I decided to throw out my own bait to see what information she
was willing to divulge. She shook her head at me and a grin slithered across her beautiful face.
“Oh you poor dear, don’t flatter yourself. You’re just an orphan. Your own parents dismissed you; abandoned you like a fleeting memory.” She turned and pointed at me, “You. Are. Nothing.” I could feel the tears burning my eyes at her harsh words. Unfortunately I had no way of challenging them. “Your mother on the other hand, she had everything. She was the most powerful Neried and she wasted it! All of it! Her status! Her power! She was a fool!” Part of the puzzle suddenly clicked in my mind and a savage storm began boiling inside me. I narrowed my eyes at her.
“You murdered her.” It was a statement, not a question; and by her expression I knew I’d hit the truth on the dot. Behind Isadora I could see the tears running down Kira’s bruised cheeks.
Isadora’s eyes turning frigid. “So much power and she wouldn’t use it against us. Virtue is a weakness, Anastasia. The merciless will always prevail. Your father, however, was much easier to deal with. So weak. So pathetic. You remind me of him.”
I stared back at her as a burning anger centered in my soul, simmering and hardening into bitter resolve. This woman had taken my parents from me. She deprived me of the family I had so desperately needed. Even if they had given me away, at least I could have found them…tried to reconnect with them. But now that was impossible. I had finally found my true home, but there was nothing to come back to. Most importantly, there was no one to come back to.
“You will pay for this,” the venom in my voice was palpable. Isadora laughed.
“Enough!” I could tell the booming voice had caught her by surprise, too. Panic swam in Isadora’s eyes and she swiveled around in one quick movement. Priscilla glided out of the shadows of the forest, looking ravishing in a long red dress; her collection of sapphire jewelry shining brightly.
