Ava approached the falling white water. At the bottom was a clear pool that eventually turned into a stream that ran west.
If she could change her body temperature, would she be able to in the water? She wanted to experiment.
She climbed down the rocks toward the pool and then removed her shoes. She braced herself, and slid her feet into the icy water. Goosebumps spread throughout her body until the water turned warm. Steam drifted from the now warm water as if it were a hot spring.
This is too much fun, she thought.
Remembering how she could control the water in the glass, she walked deeper into the pool beneath the waterfall until it was waist high. She raised her hands slightly, thinking the water would follow her movements, but it only dripped from her arms. She tried and tried, but nothing happened. How could she possibly be as strong as her mother was?
“You’re not focused enough,” someone said.
She inhaled a sharp breath and turned around. “What?”
“It’s me, Gabriel.” He held up his hands.
“I know. We met last night, remember?”
“Yes, but I thought I would properly introduce myself. Last night’s introduction wasn’t so courteous.” He smirked, his crystal blue eyes smiling as well. His black hair was messy with small sideburns that came just above his earlobe.
“What are you doing here?”
“I used to come here a lot.”
She felt wary of him for some reason. “Sorry. I’ll leave now.”
“You don’t have to. I mean no harm.”
“That’s what you said last night after you teleported me to Russia.”
“You weren’t hurt, were you?”
She clenched her fingers into fists. Her necklace warmed. “What do you want?”
“I saw you practicing, and thought I’d come and help. You worry too much about things. You have to learn to clear your mind.” He sat on a rock, his long legs dangling over the water. “Come on. Try to lift the water.”
She watched him and decided he was really just trying to help her. She wanted to learn. Ava took a breath, and cleared her mind. Concentrating hard on lifting the water, she raised her arms, and like a magnet, it followed. She let out a laugh and the water fell.
“You’ve got to keep that concentration.”
Ava attempted to raise the water. This time, she lifted a large amount over her head. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a movement. She shot it to her left, and then saw Gabriel on his knees, coughing.
“Are you okay?” She swam toward him, and heaved herself onto the rock.
He moved to an upright position. “If I were an enemy, you’d be so dead right now.”
“Sorry I asked.”
“Good hit, though. You’re quick.”
“So are you. How old are you?”
“Twenty. You?”
“Seventeen. How long have you been an Enchanter?”
“Almost a hundred and forty years. I’d be considered fresh meat compared to the elders, except you all now carry that title.”
She couldn’t fathom still being alive after so many years. Granted, Enchanter years seem shorter than human years. “How did you become part of this Aureole?”
He looked away. “Parents died when I was young. Uncle abandoned me, so I strayed into this group one day.”
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“It’s okay. It was a long time ago. I’ve had some time to get over it.”
She couldn’t imagine surviving through that and wondered why he never tried using his power to change things. “If you can stop time, can’t you go back in time and kill Devon at the prison? Or for that matter, kill Corbin.”
He gave her a displeased look. “I can only stop time and teleport from place to place. Unfortunately, I have not mastered the time-space continuum to travel to different times. But even if I could, you’re talking about a lot of issues with that. Changing the past changes the future. I’m not even sure I want to master that.” He seemed angry or sad—she couldn’t tell since she couldn’t feel anything from him except calmness.
“Sorry. I just—One minute I think I’m ready for all of this and the next I feel as if I’m going to fall apart. I don’t sleep at all anymore because I’m scared someone’s watching me.”
“I know. But you have to overcome that fear so you can become a better fighter.”
She nodded. “Yeah.” But that wasn’t the only reason she couldn’t sleep.
“There’s something else isn’t there?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re sad. And hurting.”
Ava looked away. She had to learn to hide her feelings. “Just worried about Devon coming. And spies. You know my everyday life now.”
“I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “Can an Enchanter make someone say something or do anything?”
He furrowed his eyebrows. “Yeah. There are Enchanters who can compel others. Why?”
“Promise you won’t laugh?”
“Why would I laugh?”
“Because I told my friends and they don’t believe me.”
“What is it?”
“I-I think this guy at my school is an Enchanter making Halflings.”
“What makes you say that?”
“These kids started disappearing and then came back like nothing happened and were friends with this guy like they’d known each other their whole lives. It was the strangest thing. They all act completely different. It’s like he just forced them or manipulated them to join his gang or whatever. He’s even threatened me to join.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“Since September.”
His eyebrows furrowed. “I don’t know if an Enchanter, or if he’s a Cimmerian, would really be at your school for that long, though. If he did make them into Halflings, they would be training. But I’m no expert. Have you told Savina and Colden?”
“No. I’m afraid they won’t believe me.”
“Maybe you should. How long were the other students gone when they disappeared?”
“Weeks.”
“What’s his name?”
“Xavier Holstone.”
“Doesn’t ring a bell. Why would you think the Elders wouldn’t believe you?”
“I don’t think anything I say holds any influence with them.”
“They would take into account what you say.”
She nodded. “Well, thanks.”
“For what?”
“Not laughing.”
He smiled a little. “Was it your boyfriend? Thomas?”
“We’re not together anymore.”
“You might want to tell him that,” he mumbled. “Savina’s having a Christmas party. Are you coming?”
“I’m not really one for the holidays.”
“I know it’s hard spending them without people you love, but it’s a good time to remember them.”
“I feel like I’m losing my memory of my mom every day.”
“I know what you mean. Not to be a pessimistic, but you never get over them. It does get better as time goes by, but you’ll think of them randomly.”
“Melissa said I should be over her death.”
“Wow.”
“That’s why I think Xavier or someone made her say that. He made Jeremy pass out the other day without touching him. And Thomas and me.”
“You really should tell the Elders. I know Cimmerians use compulsion on Ephemerals to turn them into Halflings sometimes.”
“Maybe I’ll come to the party and tell them while I’m there.”
“It’ll be fun. I promise.”
She nodded. “I could use some fun.”
“Come on. Let’s get back to it.”
“Are you sure you can handle me?”
He gave a sly grin. “I wouldn’t get too cocky.”
She felt herself smile a little. She hadn’t known Gabriel long, but it was nice to have someone who was underst
anding.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
THE FIRST KILL
Ava paced her room. She dressed in a simple black dress that came just above her knees for her stupid date with Thomas. She felt like kicking herself for agreeing to go out to dinner. He promised to be a better person. And that they could be who they once were. But she didn’t want that. Ava had only agreed so that Thomas would stop begging. Besides, maybe it would throw the rest of them off from what she, Melissa, and Jeremy were up to later.
Tonight, they were going to spy on Xavier and his groupies. It hadn’t exactly gone well when she and Jeremy brought up the idea to rest of the coven, but Melissa eventually agreed to the plan. The others were dismayed and so they decided to carry out the plan in secret.
Ava paused from her pacing and sank onto the edge of her bed. Was she actually ready to do this? Was it really a smart idea? She just needed to know who Xavier really was and what his game plan was.
Her phone vibrated next to her. Melissa texted asking if she was okay. She replied that she was, and then realized she needed to have a better grip on her feelings or the others would find out.
Ava walked downstairs and joined her dad in the kitchen. He was rinsing off the dishes and putting them in the dishwasher.
“Well, you sure look pretty,” he said. “Where are you going?”
“Out with Thomas,” she mumbled, and leaned against the doorframe.
He rolled his eyes. “Why?”
“I don’t know. He wouldn’t stop begging.”
“Heard from Peter at all?”
“Dad, don’t.”
He shut off the water and closed the dishwasher. “You know you deserve better, Ava.”
“It’s just dinner.”
The doorbell rang, and Ava took a deep breath. Time to put on a happy face. She smiled, but it felt all wrong, and then opened the door.
Thomas wore a baby blue button down and left it untucked from his jeans. Ava hated the style. It looked so sloppy.
He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you going to a funeral?”
“I’m not going if you’re going to be a jerk.”
“It was a joke, Ava. Chill out.”
“Whatever.” She walked out into the cold December night, and closed the door behind her. The sky was clear and the full moon cast its brightness over them. There was not a single sound. All was still, as if the night knew what the coming hours would bring. A strange excitement bubbled in Ava’s stomach. “Can we hurry?”
Thomas stopped before reaching the driver’s side door. “Why?”
“Because I don’t want to be out all night.”
They climbed into the Jeep and shut their doors.
“What’s wrong with you? Why are you so nervous? You’ve been that way all day.”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Melissa and Jeremy have, too. Is it related?”
“No.”
“Don’t lie to me. What are you guys doing?”
“Nothing.”
“Why won’t you ever tell me anything?”
“Because you’ll just laugh.”
He groaned. “Is this about that stupid Xavier crap?”
“No. It’s nothing. So don’t worry about it.”
Even though he was angry, he let it go. Dinner was quiet and Ava couldn’t wait until it was over. She didn’t even know why she agreed to go in the first place. Did she really believe Thomas could be better?
Afterward, he drove them to the cabin, but he was sadly mistaken if he thought she was going into their room alone with him. Though, the closer they got to the cabin, the more Ava’s dinner didn’t sit well. All they were going to do was spy on Xavier. There was nothing to be afraid of.
They arrived and got out of the Jeep. Everyone was sitting outside, and Melissa met Ava by the car.
She lit a cigarette. “What is with you? Are you getting sick?” She kept her voice low and they walked away from the Jeep.
“No,” Ava said.
“You’re not getting cold feet are you? I thought you were ready?”
“Sorry. I’ve just never spied on anyone before.”
“This was your idea.”
“I know.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Gillian asked. She chewed her gum so vigorously and constantly popped bubbles. Ava just wanted to rip it from her mouth the next time she blew a bubble.
“Nothing.”
“You two are on edge. And so are you, Jeremy.”
“They’ve been like that all day,” Thomas said. “Ava won’t tell me what’s going on.”
“Nothing,” Jeremy mumbled.
“You’re such a liar,” Gillian snapped. “What are you up to?”
“Why are you always biting our heads off?” Ava asked. “You’re so different now.”
Gillian shrugged, and wrapped a small ringlet of hair around her finger. “Deal with it.”
“We’re spying on Xavier tonight,” Jeremy said.
Ava and Melissa exchanged looks. Why did he say that?
A chorus of shocked questions ensued from Gillian, Thomas, and Lance.
“Look,” Ava shouted. “Xavier is planning something. I don’t know what, but we have to find out.”
Gillian groaned, and wrapped a small ringlet of hair around her finger. “Enough already.”
“He’s already attacked three of us,” Ava said. “Why don’t you believe me?”
“Because you are so paranoid that you’ve got psychotic notions in your brain,” Gillian said.
“I thought we’d been through this already,” Thomas said. “Xavier’s not an Enchanter. We need to be looking for spies. Not some punk at school.”
“Looking for spies? Thomas there hasn’t been a single one. How else does Xavier know what we are?”
“Wait, he knows we’re Enchanters?” Gillian stopped playing with her hair and glared at Ava. “Did you tell him?”
“Yeah, Gillian, I did. What do you think?”
Just stop, okay?” Thomas told her. “I don’t know why you get so worked up over this. I’m sorry he knocked you out.”
“Look, we’ve already got it planned out,” Melissa said. “It’s not that big of a deal. Besides, if you all think he’s an Ephemeral, then there’s no harm.”
Gillian scoffed. “Except wasting our time with this when we should be preparing for when a spy does come. Are you just as deluded as Ava?”
“Just everyone stop,” Jeremy yelled. “We’ll be careful.”
Gillian rolled her eyes. “This is so stupid.”
“Nah, let them spy on this stupid Ephemeral,” Thomas said. “They’ll find out they were wrong.”
Ava felt as if someone was watching them argue. She couldn’t shake the feeling, but saw and heard nothing. She wondered if Xavier had found them, but he would have used his ability. She had to check this out. “I’ll be back.” She started for the woods.
“Where are you going?” Thomas asked, and followed her.
“Can you not feel that?”
“Feel what?”
“There’s something out there. I can feel it watching us.”
She stopped and listened. Dead silence.
Fire engulfed Thomas’s hand, as if he lit a match, and he held it up so they could see.
“I don’t feel it anymore. The light must have scared it.”
“I didn’t feel it.” He shrugged.
She sighed and turned toward the cabin.
He doused the fire. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. Just wish you would believe me.”
“Hey, hey,” he said, and wrapped his muscular arms around her. “We’re all a little scared. It’s normal to feel a little paranoid. Everything’s going to be okay. I promise.”
“Please stop saying that.”
“But it will be.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Look.” He lifted her chin with his thick hand. “Everything will be okay. I will not let anything
happen to you or any of us.” He leaned down and kissed her. She tried pulling away, but his hand gripped the back of her neck, forcing her to stay in place. His lips were warm as they slowly moved against hers. She wanted to be kissing Peter. “Come on.”
With a hopeless sigh, she grudgingly took a step.
There was a snap behind her, as if someone had stepped on a twig. Thomas must have heard it as well because he froze with her. She met his eyes and heard it again. Her breath caught in her throat and she turned her head in its direction.
“Who’s out there?” Thomas asked.
Like they would answer, she thought. Her eyes tried searching the darkness for any movement. Even the bright moon wasn’t bright enough. Thomas lit a flame and she saw a silhouette of a person against a tree. She took a step forward, but Thomas caught her.
“Hello,” she said.
The person moved forward slowly. They seemed to be having a difficult time and Ava saw a red liquid plastered to them.
“Ava,” the stranger said.
She knew that voice. “Dad!” She rushed toward him and caught him as he collapsed. “What are you doing out here? What happened?”
“Ava, help me.” He was bleeding from his stomach and she cradled his head in her lap.
Thomas moved to the other side.
“Dad,” she wept. “What happened?”
“What’s going on?” Melissa asked and she and the others came up behind them. “Mr. Hannigan?”
“We have to take him to Savina’s,” Ava said. Tears rushed down her cheeks. Her stomach clenched and everything around her spun. She clasped her father’s hand. “Dad, can you walk?”
“Omigod.” Gillian gasped.
“Lance, let’s get Savina,” Jeremy said. “We’ll be right back Ava.”
“Hurry,” Melissa told them and knelt down beside Ava. “Mr. Hannigan, what happened?”
“Th-they got me.”
“Who?” she asked.
“Get away from him,” someone shouted somewhere from the woods.
Ava gripped her father tighter, and then looked up and saw Gabriel running towards them. Once he reached her, he grabbed her roughly by the shoulder and pulled her away.
“What are you doing?” she cried.
Melissa came up behind Gabriel, but he stopped her.
“I’m not here to hurt anyone,” he said. “Thomas, kill him.”
Under A Blood Moon (Elemental Enchanters) Page 19
