by S. L. Morgan
“Do you not think someone will notice that an entire island fell off the grid? How are boaters going to take it when they mysteriously crash their vessels into an invisible mountain?”
“Relax, Harrison,” Reece heard Levi say, but strangely it wasn’t through her headsets. “It is very rare that vessels travel through this location. I am amazed, however, that Reece managed such a thing.”
Did I just hear his thoughts? Reece thought to herself.
Your wife is pretty hardcore at the moment, Harrison responded to his cousin.
Harrison’s thoughts? I’m able to read their minds? She sat, stunned at her newfound ability.
I don’t mean to intrude, but I can hear everything you both are telepathically saying to each other!
Harrison instantly glanced back where Reece sat with a smug grin. “You have got to be kidding me!”
Levi chuckled as he delicately guided the helicopter back to the landing area.
“Never underestimate the power of the stone!” Reece teased.
“When this is over, we need to lock that thing up,” Harrison returned. “You having this much power sort of frightens me.”
“What are you afraid of, Harrison? Do you think I’m going to intrude on your every thought?”
“Believe me, honey, that is one place you do not want to go,” he laughed.
Chapter Thirty-Three
When they arrived at the command center, Levi mentioned to Navarre that he needed a private conversation with Reece before they made their plans to attack Mordegrin. Navarre nodded in approval, and Levi didn’t fail to notice that he, Samuel, and Harrison studied Reece’s new appearance with concerned expressions.
“Reece,” he said as they entered a private chamber in the command center. He gazed into her brilliantly vivid emerald eyes. “I must know exactly how you are feeling. Your features have changed dramatically since you absorbed the energy from the stone.”
Reece placed the stone on a corner table and turned to face Levi. “I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right. I have taken in a lot of energy from the stone, but I need it to destroy Mordegrin.”
Levi watched as her eyes closed and her complexion began to shimmer like emerald glitter was sprinkled throughout her skin. He stepped forward and reached for her hand.
Reece instantly stepped back. “I have too much power. You can’t make contact with me, or I might hurt you.”
Levi cocked his head to the side. “Reece,” he exhaled, concerned by her current state. “Do you truly believe this is safe? You have never reacted this way after absorbing the stone’s energy.”
It was easy to see Reece was becoming agitated by Levi’s questioning. “I know what I’m doing and what I have to do,” she responded. “Now, can we stop—”
Reece was cut short when she gripped her heart, and her face became pale. “Levi!” she screeched in pain.
Ignoring her previous warning, Levi lunged forward and caught Reece before she fell to the ground. A surge of electricity jolted painfully through him, prompting his body’s defense mechanisms to instantly shut off his pain receptors.
Reece began squirming in his arms, writhing in pain. Levi rushed her to where the stone was, listening to her heart beat erratically out of control. His only option was to get her to grip the stone and let the stone reabsorb the energy she had taken into her body. Knowing he couldn’t touch the object, Levi forcefully pried her tightened fist opened and placed her hand on the stone.
Her seizing body fully relaxed the moment she made contact with the stone. Her eyes closed, and her body went limp against Levi’s. He cradled her in his arms and brought her over to a sofa, sitting with her and hoping she would come out of it.
Levi watched the stone illuminate brightly in her hand as he continued to run his hand through her hair. He spoke softly to her, trying to encourage her to wake up. She did not respond, although her heart rate was returning to its normal rhythm and her breathing was beginning to calm. Levi opened one of her closed eyelids, noting her pupils were dilating normally.
As Levi sat with her in silence, studying and assessing Reece’s condition. He couldn’t help wondering if she could endure this to defeat Mordegrin. After a few moments, Reece’s eyes opened.
“Reece?” Levi sighed with relief. “How are you doing?”
Reece lazily smiled at him. “Much better. I certainly wasn’t expecting that to happen.”
“Nor was I,” he answered. “You mentioned you needed this power in you to destroy Mordegrin, but I am not convinced that is such a wise idea.”
Reece sat up and moved away from him. “It’s my only option.”
“Reece, listen to me. If you go after Mordegrin with that amount of energy, it could kill you. If that is the case, I am not going to be happy with that outcome.”
Reece abruptly stood from the couch. “Then what do you suppose we do, Levi?”
Levi stood and turned her to face him. “You brought the stone for a reason, am I not correct?”
“Yes.”
“Let the stone kill him. There is no need for you to absorb such high amounts of energy to use the stone against him.” Levi pressed his lips to Reece’s forehead. “The stone obviously has served to heal you and regulate the energy you took from it. Is that not why you wanted it with you to kill him?”
Reece nodded. “Yes, you’re right. Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. I don’t know. I just want him gone for good. I need to figure out a way to use the stone without drawing in its energy.” She looked at Levi solemnly. “You have to know I need as much power as I can take in so I can kill Mordegrin because he’s not in his physical form on Earth. It’s going to be hard, but I can do it.”
“As I said, you control everything when you have the stone. Instead of absorbing such an enormous amount of power, absorb only what you need to manipulate the power of the stone, and together you and the stone will destroy him. Use the stone, Reece,” he commanded.
Reece rubbed her forehead. “I want this over.”
Levi brought Reece into an embrace. “It will be over sooner than you think.” He stepped back and studied her eyes. “Your eyes are not as vibrant as before, but they are still emerald in color. What sensations from the stone are you experiencing now?”
Reece glanced down at the stone she held in her hand. “Like I did the very first time I absorbed the stone’s power to open the portal. I have the power, but the energy is not so overwhelming.”
“I believe the stone has reabsorbed the powers that were harming your body. Do you feel anything like you did before?”
“I’m fine now.”
“Another strange power you possessed was being able to communicate telepathically with Harrison and me. Are you able to read my thoughts as you did before?”
Reece studied Levi’s eyes and watched them glimmer as they always did when he communicated telepathically or read another’s mind. Nothing.
Can you hear me? she asked telepathically.
“Yes,” Levi chuckled as he cupped her face. “Were you able to read my mind?”
“No.”
“That truly is a shame. I believe I would have enjoyed you keeping that ability.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. “You would finally understand how much I love you when I am unable to express it in words, just as I am right now.”
Reece sighed. “I’ll admit, it would have been an amazing gift to share with you.” She tugged Levi’s black, tight-fitting combat shirt. “Now that we’ve worked that out let us report to Samuel’s office so we can take the next step in our plans.”
When they arrived at Samuel’s office, the group sat around a large table. Levi informed everyone about what happened with Reece, and they all agreed that Reece should use the stone to destroy Mordegrin instead of absorbing the energy as she had done. It was obvious the human genetics she carried could not handle that much power. After all their plans had been set in place, the meeting was dismissed.
Samuel and Navarre were to remain in the
command center, watching through devices planted on Levi, Reece, and Harrison. The devices were to record the entire exchange to have evidence to prosecute Simone, Michael, and anyone else involved, for high treason.
Levi, Reece, and Harrison arrived at the location where Simone and Michael had planned to meet with Mordegrin the night before the arranged meeting, and they used the opportunity to scout out the area.
“Harrison,” Levi called out. “You can conceal yourself behind the boulders on the other side.”
“Done,” Harrison returned.
“Reece and I will have a good view of the area over here without being noticed.” Levi looked over at Areion. “You and Saracen get back to Javian,” he ordered the horses away.
Reece watched the glittery trail of the horse’s hooves pounding against the rocky surface as they fled the location. “Don’t you think we could use their help?”
“I wish we could keep them around, but even by having us three here, we are risking Mordegrin sensing that he has company.” He looked down at Reece’s hands. “He will most definitely feel the energy that stone carries, so we must be ready at any moment when he arrives.”
“I can shield the energy of the stone, and he will not sense it,” Reece said determinedly.
“Can you use your powers to shield us so he won’t sense our being here?” Harrison asked. “It would be most helpful.”
“I can’t. It will be too much to conceal the stone alone.”
“That is fine,” Levi returned. He adjusted his longsword and knelt down, bringing Reece to follow.
“You two, get comfortable,” Harrison added. “We have a while before the sun rises and we finally can finish this mess before it starts.” He knelt in front of Reece. “Are you confident you can take on the dark creature without killing yourself with the stone’s power?”
Reece rolled her eyes. “I’m about to kill you with the stone’s power,” she teased, “Go stand at your post. I’m going to be fine.”
“Famous last words.” Harrison patted Reece on the arm. “Be safe, and remember to follow Levi’s lead. Do not overcharge yourself with that thing,” he said as he nodded toward the stone in her hands.
“Harrison is right. You need to focus on using the stone. You can easily harm yourself if you—”
“I’ve got it under control.” Reece looked down at the stone in her hand and back to Levi. “Let’s remain focused on the mission before us. Anything can go wrong and put all of our lives in danger.”
Levi brushed his hand along her cheek. “Here you are ordering a Guardian around as if I have never faced encounters such as this before.”
“You and I both know this is much bigger than that.” Reece kissed his lips. “I don’t want you worrying about me. I’ve got this, and I’m more than ready.”
The skies started to lighten when they were alerted to the clicking of a horse’s heavy hooves against the stone surface of the surrounding large boulders they were hiding amongst. Reece gripped the stone and gradually absorbed more power.
Harrison, she heard Levi telepathically reach out to his cousin. I cannot get a visual. Who is on the soured horse?
Reece was thankful when she realized she had gained enough energy from the stone to read the men’s thoughts.
It’s Prather, Harrison mentally informed him.
Reece ducked around the side of the boulder that shielded them and spied through a crack as Mark Prather ordered the horse away and walked toward Levi and Reece’s location. Her heart reacted in fear, wondering if Mark would find them and destroy their plan of attack.
He’s hiding in the boulders just in front of you and Reece, Harrison alerted them.
How close is he? Reece telepathically asked, prompting Levi to look at her in question.
His expression grew dark. Why are you absorbing the power from the stone? he asked telepathically.
I will be okay. Holding the stone is keeping the power steady in my body, she answered. I know what I’m doing.
He is close, Harrison mentally answered Reece’s question. As long as you remain perfectly still, he won’t be alerted to your location. As for you, Reece, take it easy on juicing up with the power of that stone.
Their mental communication was cut short when they heard the horse return to their area. Reece watched as Levi closed his eyes for a moment, and when they reopened, a fierce warrior replaced her husband’s natural expression. It was nearing time for them to make their move and finally end this threat.
“Where is Mordegrin?” a man’s voice called out in agitation. “He had better not have gone back on his word.”
Michael! Reece thought in disgust. The sound of his voice brought back all of the horrific memories of what he and Simone had done to her.
“I am fairly confident he will arrive soon,” Simone answered. “We need to be patient. Where is Mark?”
“All you need to know about him is my horse brought him over the barriers, nothing more.”
Reece looked up at Levi, knowing at any moment he would give her the signal to take on Mordegrin.
“Marvelous,” the voice of Mordegrin called out. “Movac awaits you. I will warn you both, he is willing for you to enter his realm, but he does not trust you. It would be best if you let me do most of the talking.”
“It is time to reveal to Movac that Navarre possesses The Key and is willing to control all worlds.” Michael laughed and rubbed his hands together. “Time for me to prepare to become the next Emperor of Pemdas.”
Levi touched Reece’s arm and nodded.
Reece inhaled deeply, absorbing more of the stone’s power. A loud, guttural moan from Mordegrin and a sharp pain piercing through Reece’s mind told her that somehow he was fighting her persuading him to die.
“What is going on?” Michael yelled.
Levi, I have to use more of the stone’s power, or I need to be closer to him. He should be dead by now.
Reece’s arm was gripped, and she followed Levi in standing up and revealing their identity to Mordegrin, Michael, and Simone. As they came into view, Reece brought her cloak around her right arm to hide the stone in her hand from everyone watching them in shock.
Mordegrin’s appearance was flickering as Reece continued to persuade him to die.
“Levi! Miss Bry—” Simone said in a shaky voice.
“Yes,” Harrison called out from the other side. “We have been tracking and documenting your treasonous plans to betray Pemdas. I do hope you are prepared to answer to the emperor for this.”
As Harrison kept the group distracted, Levi and Reece discreetly walked to where Mordegrin’s image was flickering, and he was groaning in pain.
“I must make contact with him,” Reece told Levi.
Mordegrin was paralyzed where he stood when an eerie grin crossed his face.
“Are you sure?” Levi questioned.
Before Reece could ensure Levi that her intuition led her to believe this was the only way she could destroy Mordegrin, Levi removed his hold on her, drew his sword, and turned to someone attacking from their side.
“Prather!” Levi roared.
After that, all grew silent, and everyone froze around Reece. Levi had settled himself into a full attack toward Prather, yet both men stood unmoving as their swords headed straight for each other. Harrison, now stopped in time, had been in the midst of a brutal fight with Michael Visor, while Simone was frozen as she attempted to flee the location.
Because of the power of the stone, Reece wasn’t paralyzed like the others. She overcame Mordegrin’s hold on her. Reece whipped around and glared at Mordegrin’s silvery eyes as they studied the stone, which was no longer shielded by her cloak due to her abrupt movement. “You are the one I seek!” he said in awe.
Reece marched closer toward him. “I am! And I plan to make you suffer for everything!”
She gripped his throat, and to her surprise, her surroundings changed.
She was inside the fortress in the Arsediean galaxy with the Olten
iaus females who were watching her defensively as they stood over Mordegrin’s body that lay sleeping on the table.
“Who are you?” they questioned in unison with lethal expressions.
Before she could answer, Mordegrin’s eyes flicked open, and he was off the table before Reece could take her next breath. The oppressive forces of this domain tried to consume her, but Reece wielded them away.
“You are in my domain now,” he sneered. “You are here only in your subconscious mind, child. You have no powers. You are at my mercy now.”
Reece held out the hand that once held the stone and stared in disbelief at her transparent skin.
What am I, a ghost? she thought in confusion.
“Yes, my dear, the stone is not with you. You are utterly helpless now. After I destroy you, I will return to where your physical form is and retrieve it from your lifeless grip. Then I will implement my plan to bring myself physically into your world and—”
Reece felt the energy from the stone’s power coursing through her mind. She had somehow absorbed its powers before Mordegrin transported her to the fortress.
She glared at her enemies before her. “I know what your plans are, and I can assure you that you will have nothing,” Reece seethed. “You will now suffer for—”
The stone’s energy surged throughout her entire being, and she focused on the fact that she would have to mentally work to destroy Mordegrin and the females without any contact.
She drew a wicked smile prompting Mordegrin to look at her in question.
“I hope you are ready to suffer for everything you put my husband and me through.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Now, let’s get end this.”
“You cannot think—”
“Kill her,” Reece mentally and outwardly ordered Mordegrin. “Destroy your favorite one.”
Her enemy’s silver eyes widened as Reece watched as her words brought Mordegrin’s mind under her control. One look over at the females, and she drained their energy. From there she paralyzed them where they stood.
Helplessly, Mordegrin walked over to one of the females and brought his hands to her neck.
