by Kara Jaynes
A man sat cross-legged before me, dressed in a pale gray robe. He gazed at me with sad, golden eyes.
“You’re a shifter,” I said. I could sense his ability.
He inclined his head slightly. Very perceptive. His voice echoed in my mind, his lips unmoving.
“Except this isn’t your natural form.”
Another nod.
I should’ve felt afraid. The power that rolled off him in waves was stronger than any I had ever sensed, even Master’s. I was utterly nothing, compared to this stranger.
You are much more than you realize. The voice pressed on my senses. Your potential is beyond your current mortal understanding.
“Who are you?” I asked.
I have many names.
I fell silent, and observed the man. “Why are you here?”
You came to me, young dragon.
“Why?”
The stranger smiled. His golden eyes unnerved me, staring at me unblinkingly. Only you can answer that. Why are you here?
I thought about it for a moment, my head tilted. “Glacia needs help. I can’t awaken her magic. And there’s dark magic being wrought in Stagfort.”
The smile grew. You always think of others first.
I blinked. “I’m an Elite. It’s my duty to put others concerns before my own.”
The rift child is strong. If she persists in her efforts to find her magic, she will. She only needs time.
I edged away from the man, goosebumps running up my arms. “Glacia. A rift child.”
I knew what they were. Years ago, a rift child would have literally meant the offspring of a demon, or dark-fae, but with several years since that dark piece of history, it simply meant that one had the blood of demons in them still.
Does this revelation change how you feel about her, young one?
I shook my head. I didn’t even have to think about it. “No,” I said. “It doesn’t. Glacia isn’t evil. Even if she has rift powers—and I’m not convinced she does—she’s already proven herself to be good.”
Interesting. The man sighed, the sound filling my head with the hiss of ocean waves. Her powers are already beginning to manifest, then, despite the shield. She is very strong indeed.
My brow furrowed. “I’m confused. Glacia’s magic is asleep. She hasn’t begun to awaken her gifts or abilities.”
I will speak no more on it. You are determined to see her the way you’ve always seen her.
I dipped my head, glowering at him sullenly. “I haven’t seen any proof that says she is a rift child.”
The demons had seemed especially keen to get their claws on her. But they wanted to get their claws on everyone, didn’t they? I swallowed, panic rising in the throat like bile. “Besides, I—I love her.”
I stiffened, my body reverberating shock. I’d never said those words out loud, to anyone.
The man laughed, and I grinned at the warm, rich sound. It made me think of hot summer days, and Fall Awakening bonfires. That is good, little dragon. Love is essential to life. You can’t administer justice and mercy without love. And without love, you’ll never be happy.
I chewed my lower lip pensively. “The Elite are supposed to be above emotion.” I hung my head, shame crawling through me. “I’m a mockery of everything they stood for.”
There are other paths in life, young one. The man stood, and the world began to grow hazy.
“What do you mean?” I said. I yawned and rubbed my eyes. “I still have questions.”
Find the Elect, young one, the voice said, growing distant. They will tell you how to find me.
I slept.
13
Glacia
I walked through the twilight drizzle, thankful for the boots Taloos had given me early that morning. Had it only been a day? It felt like it’d happened ages ago. The crowd that had clamored around us only an hour before was completely gone. I suspected that perhaps the rain must be the reasoning for that. It’d been bedlam just a while before. That, or Silvan and the guards had managed to clear the crowd.
I was tired, but I didn’t want to go back to the inn, not now. I was angry at Taloos for rejecting my idea of getting Silvan to help. What an idiot.
I entered the library, unsurprised to find there weren't many visitors. There never were.
I walked over to where a few shelves were labeled as History, and began to peruse them. Running my fingers lightly across the leather-bound spines, I inhaled the scent of old paper and ink.
My fingertips paused on a particularly old volume, the leather worn, and the gold stamp letters faded. I yanked it out, my curiosity stirred.
Opening the book to its title page, my eyes narrowed at the words.
Demons, Fae, and Rift Children.
I cocked my head, regarding the title. I knew what demons were: twisted souls corrupted by magic, using it to get gain and power. Fae were otherworldly folk. Not quite human, but not animals, either.
That left Rift Children, and I didn't know what they were.
I carried the large book to a nearby table and began to read.
It was confusing, which by default made it boring. There was a lot of talk about strange things, such as fusion, shifting, and slicing. I understood shifting, at least in theory. It was a human ability to change into a specific animal. I didn't know much beyond that. I knew Silvan could shift into a dragon. Reading the dry text, I discovered that shifting, in general, was a very rare ability, and even then, it seemed the only shifters were male. I didn't know what fusion or slicing meant, in regard to enchantment.
Flipping through the pages, I found more strange and confusing terms, until I paused, staring at an illustration. It had been drawn in black ink, and depicted people dancing within the flames of a huge bonfire, while others fled from them, horror etched on their faces. I studied the drawing, feeling a mixture of dread and fascination.
Rift children. Beings born of demons.
I slammed the book shut, unable to suppress an involuntary shudder. How awful. I didn't want to learn more.
I heard footsteps draw near, but turning to look, I only caught a glimpse of movement before someone stepped into an aisle. I shrugged. Whoever it was didn't concern me.
I looked down at the book, my stomach squirming with nerves. What was wrong with me? Why would I worry about the contents of an ancient tome?
A book dropped in one of the aisles, followed by a muttered string of curses. I peered toward the sound. Who was that?
A faint scuffle indicated that someone had picked up the fallen book, and then the footsteps receded. I only had time to catch a glimpse of a tall, slender man with dark hair, holding a stack of books before he was gone, heading toward another room.
A library wasn't what this building originally had been built for. It had too many small separate rooms, but Sonia somehow managed to make it work, and scholars from the general area would come to read and study.
Still, the man had looked different from the others who came here. For one, he wasn't old and gray. For another, he'd walked with a sure, confident step. Everyone around here always seemed to walk in a tired shuffle.
I picked up my book and followed him out of the room and down the hall. When he looked over his shoulder, I ducked into a side room for a moment before scurrying after him.
As he strolled past Sonia's office, he paused, regarding the closed door with almost a lazy manner before opening it and going in.
Tall, dark, and a reader of books. He seemed rather interesting. I tiptoed up to the now open door and peered through.
Sonia was in her study, glowering up at the man who stood before her.
Carefully placing his stack of books on the desk, the man tilted his head, regarding the older woman. “I’m here to collect more books, Sonia. I am looking for a volume called The Way of Soil. Does that sound familiar?”
Sonia observed him, her face now impassive, but I could see from the way she sat, stiff-backed and fists clenched, that she was afraid. “I’m still
waiting for you to return your last stash. This library is run on the funds Lord Dubauer gives me, which is barely enough to keep this place open, let alone replace the books you stole. I need you to return the books before I can help you, Elymas.”
Elymas. So, this was the mage everyone talked about in hushed, frightened whispers. The one most likely responsible for the fog and rats.
Elymas lifted a hand, inspecting his fingernails. “Hmm. I’m afraid I can’t return the books. Some of them have met rather . . . unfortunate ends, and I need the rest. Come now, I’ll make it worth your while.”
Sonia glared at him. “You’re a big boy. Why don’t you just take them without telling me, if you’re so determined? You know I can’t stop you.”
Elymas laughed. It was a warm laugh, but it was tinged with cruel contempt. I disliked him immensely, bullying Sonia the way he did. “You’re right. I’m letting you know so you can pass the word on to that fool, Dubauer. Let him know that I plan to take as many books as I like.” He leaned on one leg a little, giving off an arrogant demeanor. “I’m sorry you’re wrapped up in all of this, Sonia,” he didn’t sound sorry at all, “but if Dubauer won’t pay me as agreed, I’m going to take what I can here, even if the books are worth almost nothing.” He leaned closer to her. “Dear Sonia, I can do whatever I like with this place.” He chuckled. “Be a good girl, and help me find that book. The Way of Soil. Have you heard of it?”
Sonia glared at him, folding her arms sullenly. “It might be around here, somewhere,” she muttered.
Fog suddenly roiled about the room, gathering thicker around Sonia, and the older woman shivered, wrapping her arms around herself.
“Sonia.” Elymas’s voice dropped lower. “Such a naughty girl. You might want to change your attitude. It would be such a shame if something happened to all these books. Surely, the price of knowledge, of preserving that knowledge is worth . . . why, ten percent of what Dubauer owes. I’m sure he won’t object.” He chuckled again. “And I’m being generous.”
Sonia’s shoulders slumped, and I knew she wouldn’t fight. Elymas moved to pick up the stack of books.
Thief.
I finished opening the door, slamming it against the wall with a resounding crack, making the mage jump. He dropped the books back on the desk and whirled around to face me.
“You big bully,” I snarled, marching up to him. “A great and powerful mage? You're more like a bone caught in one’s craw, and an arrogant buffoon. You send rats, fog and who knows what else, and expect the people to pay you? I don’t know what service you provided to the city, but your rotten attitude and cowardly spells prove the people don’t owe you anything.” I pointed to the door behind me. “The door is there. Get out of here.”
Elymas stared at me like I’d sprouted antlers, his deep green eyes wide with incredulity. “You know who I am, and dare to speak to me in such a manner?”
I stuck my chin out, and arched an eyebrow. “Obviously.”
“I see.” A small smile tugged at the corners of his pale lips. “Tough talk for a little girl. I hope you have the fire to back those words up.”
With a thrill of alarm, I realized I didn’t have anything to back my words up. Neither Silvan or Taloos were here, and Taloos probably wouldn’t come back unless he wanted more reading lessons. I was on my own.
My magic. I inhaled deeply, my mind fumbling for the enchantment Silvan insisted was there.
Elymas’s eyes narrowed. “You have magic.” He arched a midnight-dark eyebrow. “How very interesting.”
I looked up eagerly, forgetting for a moment that he was supposed to be the enemy. “You can sense my enchantment?”
He nodded and tilted his head to the side. Any malice he’d shown seemed to have drained away, leaving only curiosity. “Of course. One of my many talents.” He glanced over his shoulder at Sonia, who was watching us worriedly. “I shall return, good woman,” he said. “But for now, I must leave.” He grasped me by the upper arm, and directed me from the room. I tensed against his grasp, but his thin fingers might as well have been iron bands. He was at least as strong as Silvan.
“Unhand me,” I said coldly, trying to sound braver than I felt. “You don’t want to know what spell I plan to unleash on you for your impudence.”
Elymas snorted. “Don’t play me for a fool, girl. I know your magic is blocked.” Slamming the door to Sonia's study, he pinned me against the far wall in the narrow corridor, his eyes looking intently into mine. “But I can help you.”
“How do I know to believe you?” I knew it didn’t make sense to pretend any longer that I could set him on fire by unnatural means. He knew I was unable to, so honesty felt like the best approach. “I already had someone try to teach me.” A flicker of shame shuddered through me. Silvan had tried his best. I was the problem, not him.
Elymas smiled, and released my arm. He stepped back and bowed with a flourish. “Let’s try this again. I am Elymas Tenebra, the most powerful magician in all the realm, at your service.”
Prideful. But if I was being truthful with myself, Silvan displayed pride over his ability as well, if not as openly.
“My name is Glacia.”
He waited. “Glacia of . . .?” He raised his eyebrows.
I dropped my gaze, cheeks heating. “Just Glacia.” The Forgotten Crown of a dead civilization you've probably never heard of. A nobody. A castoff.
“Glacia. What a beautiful name,” Elymas said, his voice turning kind. I lifted my chin, looking at him with surprise. “It means ‘ice,’ in the ancient dialect.”
I blinked. “How do you know that?”
“I know a great many things.” He extended a pale hand. “Come with me, Glacia. I will teach you everything you need to know about your magic. How to unblock it—a simple task—and how to claim it.” He inhaled through his nose, his green-eyed gaze sparking. “It’s so powerful. You have no idea.”
My mind battled with itself. Should I accept? Everyone I had talked to said he was evil. Were they wrong? Dubauer certainly didn’t seem to like him at all. But Dubauer was clearly an odious man himself who went back on his word to Taloos.
There was something compelling about this strange man. Something that drew me to him. Why?
“What about the rats?” I said. “And the fog? Everyone says you’re evil.”
Elymas shrugged. “If city rulers go back on their word, there are consequences.”
Narrowing my eyes at him, I nodded slowly. “All right, then. What do you get out this, Elymas? For teaching me?”
The mage laughed. “Do I need a reason to help a fellow magic user? Come, Glacia, let’s give you your first lesson.”
I didn’t know if I should trust him. “Leave Sonia alone,” I said. “I need to use this library to study, and if you take all her books, you impede her ability to keep this place running, and I won’t be able to use it.”
Elymas frowned, annoyed by my request, but nodded. “You’re not in a position to make demands, my little snow fairy, but I'm feeling generous. Very well.” He motioned toward the room I’d initially left, down the hall. “Shall we begin?”
14
Glacia
Elymas led me back to the room I'd been studying in. We walked over to the table I'd just been sitting at, which made me wonder if he'd seen me earlier, like I'd noticed him. He pulled out one of the chairs for me, and sat in the other. His gaze traveled down to the book I still clutched. “Why don't we start with looking at this book. What is it about, and why did you pick it up?”
“My book?” I glanced down at it. I'd forgotten I was carrying until now, the volume still tucked under my arm.
I opened it up and pushed it toward him. “I was just browsing,” I said. “Nothing mysterious or meaningful.”
“Why are you here?” Elymas asked. “You come to the library almost every day. Why?”
I blinked at him, taken aback. “I haven't seen you.”
A secretive smile curved his lips, his eyes gazing into
mine. “Well, I've seen you. What are you searching for, specifically?”
I broke eye contact. “I'm trying to learn magic. Sil—er, a friend of mine, says I have enchantment, but we can't figure out how to make it work. Rather, I can't figure it out.” I flushed guiltily. This wasn't Silvan's fault. I probably just wasn't following his instructions correctly.
“And you read these books because you think there's a clue here that may help you seize your magic.” Elymas put his elbow on the table, chin in palm as he studied me. He was older than me, but not by a lot. Ten years older at the most, I was sure. His hair was a remarkable black. Black as midnight, or ebony. His eyes were a peculiar green. Dark and intense, they were almost too green to look real.
“Glacia, dear.” His lips quirked up in an amused smile.
“Sorry.” My face warmed further, and I had to flounder a bit to remember what he’d said. “Erm, books. Yes. Books. I don’t have much to go off of on my own knowledge, so I read books to try and find clues. I’ve only just recently started though, in the past few days. I haven’t found anything that makes sense.”
“What does your friend think about all of this?”
“He thinks my magic is asleep, and that I just need to wake it.”
“Wrong,” Elymas said, his voice full of satisfaction. “He’s close, but wrong.”
“What do you mean?” This statement surprised me. Silvan was always right, about everything.
Elymas was still watching me intently, like I was a puzzle he was close to solving. “Your magic is blocked, my little icicle. That is not the same as sleeping. You can’t work your magic. At this current state, it’s impossible, like trying to touch the moon.”
I stared at him, my brain trying to wrap around this concept. “If it’s blocked, that would mean someone blocked it, wouldn’t it?”
Elymas’s gaze settled on the book sitting between us. “I wonder,” he mused. He picked up the book with long fingers, flipping through it.
