“How’d you guess?” she asked, rudely, and regretted it. “Sorry.” Ava could feel their gaze. She twirled her ring around her finger. Why had she come?
“You remind me so much of your mother,” Colden said.
She looked up. “I do?”
“Yes. You are strong and independent, like her. She was a very determined woman, who could be a little hot tempered at times.” He smiled, and Ava felt her cheeks warm.
“But she was very kind and loving and loyal,” Savina said. “Your mother loved you so dearly. She did everything she could to protect you.”
She cleared her throat politely. “Dad told me she was a Water Enchanter.”
“She was. Just like you.”
Ava shook her head. “I’m not like her. I’m not strong. All I can do is breathe underwater.”
“It will come. You are strong, but you just have to find that strength within.”
“I don’t see it.” She sighed. “All of this is too much. I don’t belong.”
“Why do you say that?” Colden asked.
“I’m the only one whose power is incredibly weak.” She raised her voice. “And I don’t want to kill.”
Savina nodded. “You are not the only one with these concerns. I can tell you are fighting it, but you do belong here, with your Aureole.”
“Why?”
“Your mother wanted you in this coven. Same one as her, different generation. I made a promise to your mother that you would be in my care if anything ever happened.”
“You broke that promise.”
Savina’s green eyes cooled. “We have always been here, watching, and protecting you.”
Colden held up his hand to her. “We never made our presence known to you in all those years because we did not want to leave a trail for anyone.”
“But Devon Maunsell knows about us, doesn’t he? I mean, that’s why there are Enchanters spying on us.”
“He has spies because he wants revenge.”
“What would happen if he found out what we are?”
Savina looked to Colden. They were obviously having a private conversation. After a few seconds, she turned back to Ava. “We suspect he could absorb all your powers for his own.”
“But we are still investigating it,” Colden quickly added. “If we capture the spies, we can get them to tell us where Devon is. If we kill them, they cannot go back to him.”
Ava drew a ragged breath. “I don’t want this.”
“You swore an oath,” Savina said.
“I know. I just didn’t think all this would be happening so soon. I just want to live a normal life. I don’t want to have to live in fear.”
She gave her a tolerant look. “No one does, Ava.”
“How many encounters have you had where you nearly died?” Colden asked.
She met his black eyes. “How could you know about them?”
“We know everything that’s happened to you. Savina saved you when you had pneumonia. She healed Melissa’s stomach virus, Jeremy’s tuberculosis. When Gillian contracted a lung disease, Thomas’ss cancer, and Lance’s severe fever, she saved them. If it had not been for her, none of you would be alive.”
Ava’s mind raced. They had been protecting her. How else would they have known of these incidences? “You…saved us?” she asked.
“I did, Ava. But you all healed each other as well. You stayed with each other throughout those dark times. You almost never left their bedsides and they reciprocated.”
Ava nodded. “I remember.”
“But we are not telling you this so you will think you owe us. You do not by any means. We are telling you this to emphasize the strength of this Aureole. It is based on a bond that protects us. We are loyal and devoted to each other. You and your friends have been there for each other all of these years.”
Guilt landed on Ava. “I guess I just never saw it that way.”
“All of you are young and naïve. When you come back to practice, you will learn more of your loyalty and appreciate it more. We are a strong Aureole, but you must understand its meaning.”
“I understand a lot more now,” she said. Ava had experienced circumstances with the others that brought them closer together. She realized she had belonged to the Aureole all along, but why were her friends acting so hostile lately? Fear, probably. They just showed it differently than her. And how strange was it that they all almost died. “Do we know what caused us to become so ill?”
Savina pressed her lips together and exchanged a look with Colden. “There are theories.”
“Like what? Were our powers too much for our bodies?” But then Ava thought of Corbin spreading illnesses. “Was it one of Corbin’s men?”
“You should not be concerned.”
“What do you mean? Who was it?”
“They are dead,” she said with finality in her voice.
Ava wanted to know more, but it was obvious that Savina wasn’t going to explain. Why wouldn’t she tell her?
“How do you feel now?” Colden asked.
“Better. I just didn’t think I could talk to my dad about it. He doesn’t seem to understand a lot.”
“He comprehends more than you think. Talk to him.”
She would if it didn’t turn into an argument lately. “I still don’t feel like I’m ready to start…killing.”
“I know,” Savina said. “It is never an easy thing. I was like you. I never wanted to hurt a soul. But to stop those who could hurt the ones I love, I will.”
That made sense. To keep her loved ones safe, including herself, she would have to do this. Sacrifices would have to be made. She took a deep breath. “How exactly do we use our abilities? I mean, h-how do I kill someone?” She was still uneasy. Every time she said it, her stomach jumbled into knots.
“You are water. How can someone die by water?”
“Drowning?” Ava blurted.
“That’s one way. When you want to drown someone, you imagine it. It will come to you naturally. You will find that you can do many things. You control Water, Ava.”
Ava thought about moving the water in the glass. Could she really do that with larger bodies of water? “What about Melissa? She turns invisible.”
“Melissa can produce poison—that’s one of her several abilities.”
“Produce poison?”
“Yes. It will take time for you all to learn everything that you can do.”
“How exactly do we practice?”
“You will work with each other, using your abilities,” Savina said.
“What if we get hurt?”
“You’re able to sustain many injuries, but if anything is too severe, you can always come to me. Right now, I want all of you to learn to focus and your strengths. This Friday we will meet and train.”
Ava let the information soak in. “Do you know of anyone actually spying on us?”
“No one that we have noticed yet.”
“I-I think this boy at school is an Enchanter.”
Colden furrowed his eyebrows.
Savina’s face turned grim. “What makes you think this?”
“These kids went missing and came back to join his gang or whatever. They are completely different now. And I think he can make people faint.”
“That’s quite an accusation,” Savina said. “If this boy was an Enchanter, and I’m assuming you believe he’s made Ephemerals into Enchanters, they would not be at school. They would be training to fight.”
Ava felt her cheeks warm. Now she really felt like an idiot. Her friends were right all along. “Oh.”
He clasped his hands in front of him. “You are not as worried as before. Have we helped?”
“Yes.”
“I am glad.”
Ava got to her feet, knowing she needed to leave. “Thank you.”
“Anytime,” he said.
Savina stood, and held Ava at arm’s length. “Any time you need us for anything, we are here. As well as Aaron. Do not be afraid of the inform
ation we have given you. Learn from it.”
She nodded, turned for the door, but stopped. “Is—is it okay to have friends outside the circle?”
“What sort of friends?” Colden asked.
“Ephemerals.”
Ava sensed hesitation from Savina. “I don’t think right now is such a good idea. If an Enchanter sees you with them, he or she could use them against you. We do not want to risk their lives.”
“Of course.”
“Come along, Dear. It is getting late, and your father must be worried.” Savina lead her out of the room.
Ava stopped short. Aaron appeared just outside.
He tipped his head like a proper gentleman, and smiled warmly. “It was so nice to meet you, Ava.”
“You, too.”
Ava walked out into the dark night, and wondered what time it was. She slid behind the cold wheel of her car, and started the engine. Her body shivered from the cold, but then it warmed. She could get used to that.
There were several missed calls from Thomas, Melissa, and her dad. Being at Savina’s seemed like it was ages since she had been at school. She called her dad and told him she’d been at the library. Ava wasn’t sure why she lied, but because his powers had decreased, he couldn’t tell.
She sent Thomas a text message telling him she was on her way to the cabin. Ava needed to talk to them. And Melissa, whom Ava felt her worry.
The talk with Savina and Colden certainly uplifted Ava’s spirits. She was grateful to have an understanding and to have been chosen to be a part of a strong group. But she still didn’t know what was up with Melissa.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CLOSE CALL
When Ava pulled up to the cabin and got out of the car, Melissa ran to her. Her cheeks were tear-stained. Ava wasn’t sure she was ready to face Melissa. It would take a while before she could forgive her, but for now she would practice as much as she could.
She stopped inches from Ava. “I’m so sorry,” she cried. “I don’t even know why I said it. It-it just came out.”
“It really hurt. I don’t know why you have to be so cruel.”
“You have to know that I would never think that.”
“I’ve tried understanding what could make you say such a thing.”
“I don’t know. Please, you have to believe me.” Her eyes were so sincere. Melissa could be cruel, but nothing like this. Was it their powers that made them crazy or amplified feelings or thoughts?
“I talked to Savina and Colden just now.”
“What? Did you tell them what I said?”
“No. I’ve just been scared of all this. But now I’m ready.”
Melissa look surprised. “You are?”
“We need to talk. All of us.”
“Okay. Do you forgive me? I have been feeling awful.”
“I know. I feel you. Come on, let’s go inside.”
Melissa looped her arm with Ava as they walked to the porch. “By the way, what I think Thomas meant was, for you to feel like you are meant for this, you gotta give in. You’re holding yourself back because you want other things.” Melissa stopped her. “You gotta let go of Peter. And you have to block thoughts of your mom. These Enchanters can use it against you.”
“I know.”
“We’re your friends. We care about you a lot. Let us in.”
Ava nodded. “I will. But don’t ever say anything like that again.”
Her eyes watered and she nodded. “I know. I’m sorry.”
They entered the cabin, and Thomas immediately rushed to her. He stroked her hair, and kissed her forehead. She pulled away and sat down on the hearth and he sat next to her. The heat from the fire was hot against her back, but she welcomed it. Lance, Gillian, Jeremy and Melissa sat across from them on the couch and loveseat.
“I talked to Savina and Colden today and I understand so much more now,” she said. “I’m alive because of her. We all are. My mom wanted me in this Aureole and we need to protect the Ephemerals and us. I also asked about our abilities.”
“What did they say?” Melissa asked.
“She said the more we practice, the more we’ll be able to learn what we can do. She said you can produce poison.”
Her mouth fell open. “What?”
“Yeah.”
“What about the rest of us?” Thomas asked.
“She said that all we needed was to think of our element and what you can do with it. Since I’m Water, I can drown people. I just imagine that person drowning until they die.”
Thomas raised his eyebrows. “Now that’s cool.”
“How exactly are we to practice?” Gillian asked.
“We just use our abilities on each other. If we get hurt badly enough, she can heal us.”
Melissa eyes widened. “Let’s go practice now.”
Ava looked at the time. Seven-thirty. Peter was coming over tonight, and she didn’t want to be late. She just somehow needed to explain that they couldn’t hang out anymore. “I can’t. I have a huge project—.”
“Uh uh.” Melissa shook her head. “I don’t want to wait any longer.”
“Something could happen.”
“You worry too much,” Gillian said. “We’re just calling our powers.”
Ava reluctantly followed them into the room. Once they crossed the threshold, the candles flickered alive.
“Okay, let’s get started,” Melissa said.
Standing around the glowing white circle, Ava closed her eyes, and thought of the ocean. The salty air she breathed was so real it felt as if she were at the beach. She could feel the heat warming her skin, the slight breeze through her hair, the soft sand beneath her, the sun lighting her way, and the moon calming her. Each Element giving her strength.
Then she focused solely on the waves, and they grew high above her, crashing powerfully against the shore. She opened her eyes and peered around the room at the others. All their necklaces glowed.
Ava tilted her head sideways, peering at Thomas. He grabbed her hand. A slight burning sensation filled her palm. It didn’t hurt her though. They all held hands, completing the circle. Then tried focusing their energies again, starting with Melissa.
With her eyes closed, Ava saw each of them, in her mind, standing in a waist-high meadow. The skies were bright blue and just beyond the field, the ocean played. Melissa smiled as she handed them each a rose of a different color. Ava’s was a light blue, like the ocean. She inhaled its floral aroma, and then realized that poison raced inside her. Her heart sped, and her air was slowly depleting. A few seconds later, it disappeared.
Lance walked beside each one of them, draining them of their powers. A pulling sensation pricked her body as her powers dissipated. Then, they reappeared.
Gillian stared at Ava, and forced thoughts inside. Darkness loomed above her. It was so intense that she felt depressed. A large gust of wind billowed around her, like a tornado, and cut her skin. She watched the blood slowly creep from her arms. She looked to the ocean, and commanded the water to rush toward everyone. The water rose higher and higher until all of them were under, except her. Suddenly, a stinging, searing pain shot through her hand.
“Ow!” Ava cried, and jerked her hand from Thomas, breaking everyone’s focus. She examined it. A burn in the shape of Thomas’s hand covered hers. The pain throbbed with every heartbeat.
“What?” Thomas asked.
“My hand,” she yelled. “You burned it.”
Melissa gasped. She carefully lifted Ava’s shaking arm and studied it. “Does it still hurt?”
“Yes!”
Gillian moved closer. “Thomas, what did you do?”
“I don’t know. I’m so sorry.” He held his hair back and his mouth was agape.
Ava looked up at Jeremy. “Did your hand burn?”
“Only for a little bit,” he said. “But like everything else, it faded.”
“Did you feel my drowning? I felt it all—your tornado-like winds, Melissa’s poison, Gillian’s thoug
hts, Lance taking my powers, but as soon as I felt them, it vanished, except yours, Thomas.”
“I felt everything, too,” Jeremy said.
“Yeah, same,” Lance agreed.
“Maybe you weren’t focusing hard enough,” Gillian said.
“What?”
“Come on, don’t fight.” Melissa cradled Ava’s arm, and steered her to the kitchen. “Let’s get something to wrap this.” She opened several cabinets, but they were all empty.
“Do we even have anything?” Ava asked.
“Doesn’t look like it,” she said, and searched the last cabinet.
“It’s okay.”
Thomas carefully lifted her arm. “How bad is it?”
“It feels like I pressed my hand onto a hot stove eye.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize…”
“I’ll just go to Savina’s. Maybe she’ll—.”
“No,” Thomas interrupted. “Please. She’ll be upset. I didn’t mean it. I’ll take you home and bandage you up.”
She was going to protest, but then the left side of her head pulsated. Ava squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block the pain that built. “I feel a migraine coming on.”
“Whoa.” Melissa steadied herself with the counter. “My head is killing me.”
“Mine, too,” Lance said.
“Who’s doing this?” Gillian asked and plopped down on the couch with her head in her hands. Jeremy moved beside her.
When the pain subsided, Ava took a deep breath. “I don’t think anyone is. I think we started too soon.”
“It’s been weeks though,” Gillian said.
“That’s enough for tonight,” Melissa said. “We’ll try again tomorrow.”
Thomas took Ava’s other hand. “Come on.”
“No, Thomas. It’s okay. I’ll just—.”
“I want to,” he cut her off.
Much to her chagrin, Thomas followed her home. She didn’t understand his insistence. She could take care of herself. Ava had to tell Peter not to come over, but driving with one hand, prevented her from calling.
When she pulled into her driveway, Thomas parked behind her, almost blinding her with his lights. Then, he rushed to her side.
“It’s just a burn,” she told him. “It’s not like I’m bleeding all over the place.”
Under A Blood Moon (Elemental Enchanters) Page 13
