"Eisha!" Briana yelled as the image of the memory the Druid girl had shared with me returned.
“Over my dead body.”
I rushed forwards turning and allowing the momentum to increase the force of my attack. My sword sliced clean across the soldier's chest and he fell to the floor. Art took out two more that were behind her, and she killed the others. Her gaze settled on me and she smiled, we turned to fight the next ones to rush us. I kicked the Roman's chin with all my strength, and his head flew back snapping his neck.
“Leave my son alone!” My head whipped towards the roar of Dad’s voice.
My chest thundered as I saw him. His left arm was covered with a black sleeve and glove. It was the robotic arm Eisha had told me about.
"He's killing our soldiers!" Agustina snapped. "Aurelius, kill him!" She yelled, and his snipers instantly pointed their weapons at me. Dad’s eyes widened.
He jumped off the boulder and ran towards me. "No, Dad. It’s fine!" He reached me and placed himself in front of me, blocking the rifles. My chest tightened but I knew Agustina would not shoot her own son, unlike me, she loved him.
“Get out of the way!” Agustina yelled, enraged.
“You will have to kill me before you touch him!” My father shouted back and turned to look at me.
"It's not necessary. I can hea…"
“You are alive, son. Thank God, you are alive!” His eyes watered and the relief and love in them tugged at my heart. My eyes stung. My father was my family. His love was the one thing I had always counted on.
People around stopped, looking at us stunned. I could feel Agustina’s enraged gaze on me.
“Get out of the way, Marcus! That’s an order!” My eyes flew to her as she moved closer. What kind of monster gave the order to shoot her own grandson? As I looked around us, I saw the shock in a few of the soldiers. I guess they were wondering the same thing I was.
My father kissed my forehead, bringing my attention back to him. His eyes frantically roamed my body.
“Dad, stop. I’m fine. They can’t do anything to me. I can he…”
“You are well. They haven't hurt you?” He asked, interrupting me again. I wanted to tell him I could heal thanks to mom, that he didn’t need to worry.
I sighed looking straight into his eyes. This was my chance. “They wouldn't do that, Dad. It’s not who they are.” I knew the second my words had hit its target. My Father's eyes became glossy with emotion, and a tear ran down his face. Just as I had thought all this time he could tell I was telling the truth. He believed me. His hands trembled on my shoulders.
"We were wrong, son. All this time they lied to us. There is evil in this world but it’s not the Druids." His hand touched my cheek as another tear escaped him. "I can see clearly now. We were wrong. I'm sorry, I wasn't strong enough to save your mother, but I'll be damned if I can't save you.”
He hugged me tightly as my mind raced. What did he mean about not being able to save my mother?
Everything happened so fast.
Before I realized what he was doing, he pulled the gun out of his belt and whirled around. He aimed it straight at Agustina’s chest and fired. The bullets went straight into her heart. Dad never missed. Her eyes widened in shock at the realization that her own son had shot her.
The next second bullets were flying through the air aimed at my father. I tried to place myself in front of him, but I wasn't fast enough. Some went through my arm as I pushed him back, but the rest hit their mark.
“No!” I shouted as his body crumbled to the ground while I held him.
I kneeled over him, quickly placing my hands on his body. I had to heal him. My eyes desperately roamed his chest, but there were so many bullet holes in him. Too many. My hands glowed even as they trembled. I had never done this before, but I pictured the bullets being pushed out of his body and they slowly began to come out of him as though I was sucking them out. His eyes widened as he realized what I was doing. I knew he was in pain, but I needed to save him. I had no time for pain spells. I was suddenly thrown back onto the ground, as more shots came. I stared at Briana shocked, while she covered me with her body. The bullets meant for me bounced off her. She was actually protecting me, but I wasn't the one that needed protection. Except, she didn't know that. I pushed her off me, desperate to reach Dad, I needed to heal him, but as my eyes settled on his body I knew I was too late. They had fired more bullets into him and even my healing magic had a limit. I held his hand tightly in mine as the pain ripped through my being. They had killed my father. The tears fell, from my eyes and onto his chest, mixing with the blood.
The battle seemed to renew around us, but I didn't care anymore. The only one that had ever loved me and been there for me was dying in front of my eyes, and there was nothing I could to save him. My father coughed as the blood blocked his airways and I leaned forward placing my hands on him again.
“Don’t die, Dad. Please.”
I begged as my skin glowed attempting to heal him even though I knew it was useless. My jaw hurt with the force I was putting trying to control myself. I couldn’t break down. I had to focus.
“I loved your mother with all my heart... just like I love you, son.” He said weakly, coughing up blood with the effort it took to speak. I noticed his eyes rolling back and panicked.
“No, Dad. Stay with me. Please.” I pushed myself to save him, and I could feel the energy draining me as I gave him everything I had. He couldn't die.
He blinked trying to hold my gaze. His eyes reflected the love I had always felt from him. A tear escaped him.
“Be better than me, son… be better.”
“Dad!!” I yelled as his head fell back. He was gone.
I shut my eyes clinging to him as my body shook from the pain. I had lost him.
There was nothing left for me in the world outside this place.
The Brotherhood had taken everything for me.
EPILOGUE. THE MENTOR
EISHA
* * *
I sat on the bed, desperately rubbing my hands together while I waited for Asrhia to arrive. I bit my lip again and cringed. It was probably swollen by now.
She had promised to take me to meet her mentor if I did everything she told me, and learned to travel through time and space on my own. Mastering my visions had been an experience out of this world. Literally. She said I had achieved it faster than she could have ever expected. She joked that it was my desire to meet her mentor that had pushed me to learn, but I knew the truth. Felix had helped me. I owed everything I had accomplished to him, his support and love. He believed in me, that I could leave the pain, and fear behind and use this ability that had been gifted to me by the Goddess to help and protect my people. I would not be here if it were not for him.
My heart squeezed at the thought of leaving him alone tonight. We had not spent a night apart since claiming each other, and I loved sleeping in his arms, when he let me sleep that is, and I wanted to be there for him because he was still suffering the loss of his father. Nevertheless, tonight was an important moment in my life, and he understood that. I had told him everything. I trusted him, and I knew he would never tell a soul. Asrhia did not mind me telling Felix about her secret. He understood this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and encouraged me to go.
I walked to the mirror and inspected my lip. I would survive. My hands smoothed out the wrinkles of my dress. It was a soft, light pink dress with short ruffled sleeves that adorned the shoulders. A thin string wrapped around my waist with a small bow. It had been a gift from Art, and it was the nicest thing I had. Black flat shoes completed the outfit, but even though I loved it, I was not entirely sure my attire was appropriate to meet someone so brilliant and powerful. I was oddly intimidated by him. The man had completely changed the saga of Ovates, and the way they used their powers. He had created a whole new legacy. It was so humbling to know everything he had accomplished, that he had developed techniques that successfully helped so many like me
let go of the fear, and embrace their destiny. I was honored he had agreed to meet me, yet they could not risk anyone seeing me there, so I had to travel at night while the whole city was asleep.
I jumped once Asrhia walked in. I was so on edge I had not realized a portal had opened.
"Hey," I said, as my heart lodged in my throat.
My eyes widened when I took in her appearance. The Asrhia standing before me was entirely different from the young girl I was used to seeing. She had on long black dress pants, and a beautiful black blouse with a high neck and ruffles much like ones in my dress, but hers were on the neck, making her look royal. On top, she wore a full-length coat that brushed the floor resembling a cloak. It was red, and it had a large hood that rested on her shoulders. Her beautiful chocolate brown hair was brushed straight and fell sleek over her shoulders. Her makeup was strong yet subtle, with lips that matched her coat and she wore black high-heeled shoes. The clothes molded to her figure seamlessly. The whole outfit made her look elegant and powerful. A force to be reckoned with.
She chuckled seeing my reaction to her appearance. "Do you like it?" I nodded. "It’s my Ovate attire, our uniform at the academy." I nodded impressed, then noticed she was holding a large bag in her hand.
"What is that?"
“Your outfit to meet my mentor. I brought something for you too.”
I smiled excitedly. I wanted to look like her.
* * *
After I had changed I sat on the bed as she did my make up just like hers. She fussed over me, and it felt good.
“Ok, are you ready to see yourself?” My eyes opened and found her smiling from ear to ear. I nodded, smiling too and stood. “Wait, you need to wear these shoes.” I looked down and noticed a pair of high-heeled shoes just like hers, but they were red. I placed my feet in them and wobbled to the mirror.
A gasp left me the second I saw my reflection.
The black dress she had given me was simple, but it clung to my body in a lovely way. It had thin shoulder straps, and the material followed my curves in an understated way until it reached my knees. I had on a full-length coat with a hood too, but unlike Asrhia's mine was all black. A delicate, gossamer red scarf wrapped around my neck, held by a red stone broach. My hair fell to my waist in soft waves, my eyes had dark eye shadow on them, and my lips were bright red just like hers. I loved the outfit.
"I should wear this for Felix." She chuckled, and I suddenly frowned. "Wait, this might be too much. I do not wish for your mentor to get the wrong idea. I admire his methods and ability, but I am not interested in him."
She laughed. “You’ll be ok. Let’s go.”
* * *
My eyes widened as I stared at the Glass City. The sky was dark above us, and the stars and moon adorned it providing the most beautiful light, but nothing could compare to the way the glass huts reflected the lights all around the city as well as the sky. You could see the stars and the moon mirrored on the roofs.
She pulled my hand, and we walked to the next stone circle at our feet.
"We can portal directly into the Academy from here."
My heart jumped from excitement. "Do I get to visit your school?" She nodded, and I took a breath to calm myself.
The portal opened, and instantly our surroundings changed. I was standing in the middle of what looked like a palace made of glass. It shone just like the rest of the homes in this city, but it was absolutely breathtaking up close. The floors were made of some kind of black slate stone, but the walls and the multileveled ceilings were made of panels among panels of glass.
“Welcome to the OAA. The Ovate Alliance Academy.”
"I think my heart might race out of my chest." She chuckled and pulled my hand guiding me forwards.
Everything was quiet while we walked the halls of the institution. I admired the walls, every once in a while they mixed with lovely panels of red oak wood. We passed several of what she had called "classrooms," one after the other, they continued to appear, and it seemed as though the hallways would never end. We went up the "stairs" and suddenly stopped outside a beautifully carved door. It was tall and wide, and had Celtic symbols all around it.
"Is this it?" I whispered, and she nodded.
“My mentor’s office. Are you ready?”
I shook my head and swallowed. “You should have allowed me to bring my axes.” She chuckled.
Closing my eyes, I took a calming breath and straightened. I could do this. I had earned this visit, and I was going to finally meet this extraordinary man. She opened the door, and we walked in.
“Wow,” I whispered at the sight.
Unlike the outside, everything in here was warm, rich wood, and soft fabrics hung from the windows. The ceiling was high and peaked made of panels of glass like the rest of the school, and it felt like a home. There was a large leather sofa and a gorgeous carved table with colorful flowers on top.
She turned to face the desk behind us. “Eisha, I want you to meet my mentor.”
I heard the introduction and took one more settling breath before turning around. I stood beside her and frowned. The office was empty. I looked all round, but there was no one except the two of us.
“Did he leave? I do not understand.”
I looked at her worried, but she smiled. Her hand gestured to the wall behind the desk and my gaze followed. I gasped and my eyes instantly watered. The tears began to slide down my cheeks unable to be stopped. My fingers trembled over my lips as I looked at a large portrait that hung on the wall. My heart exploded inside my chest at the realization. I was in the center of it, wearing the same outfit Asrhia had dressed me in tonight. The plaque underneath read.
"Eisha Duel, Founder and Head Master of The Ovate Alliance Academy."
My gaze flew to Asrhia, and I found her eyes twinkling and filled with tears.
“You mean so much to me. You are my mentor, my friend, you have taught me to believe in myself, and I know how tough it was for you. What you had to go through, to learn without your mother, and the trials you endure to finally get here. You are an extraordinary woman, and you’ve helped every girl in this school more than you could ever imagine. You are an inspiration to us and you have changed all our lives. I thought it was only fair that I changed yours too.”
I threw my arms around her and held her so tight I thought she might break.
"Thank you," I whispered as the emotions overwhelmed me.
“No, mo meantóir. Thank you.”
THE END
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Thank you so much for reading Unwanted Magic, An Ancient Magic Novel Book 3. If you have enjoyed it, please show your support by leaving a review. Just visit my Amazon Author page:
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Cyn, Bri, Eisha, Art and Lia still have much to accomplish together so I truly hope you will continue this journey with us. Worthy of Magic, Book 4 (Art’s story) is coming Sept 26th.
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NEXT IN THE ANCIENT MAGIC SERIES
WORTHY OF MAGIC
An Ancient Magic Novel, Book4
Coming Sept 26th.
* * *
Magic... is it real? Does it choose us?
Or do we claim it?
Art Bressall is no stranger to magic, but being the brother of the most powerful Druid to ever exist comes at a price.
As an immortal Celtic Warrior, he is one of the fiercest among his kin. Yet, Art has spent his life trying to find his place in the Order of the Druids, and protecting the woman he secretly loves. Although he is part of a mystical world where anything is possible, he has been denied the one thing he desires the most.
When new trials arise, Art will need the strength to let go of the woman he thought would be his. The wisdom to realize his worth, and the courage t
o pursue his true destiny.
Visit my Amazon page to Pre-Order today!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bestselling & Award Winning Author Stephany Wallace, published her debut novels Hidden Magic, (Paranormal Romance), and Chasing Time, (Adult Contemporary Romance), in late 2016. However, she has actually been writing since she was about 12 years old.
Thanks to the influence of her Literature Professor who was also a poet, she began to write Poetry, which allowed her passion for writing to grow. Writing songs followed as her love extended to music. An artist, at heart and soul, She enjoys all forms of Art and occasionally indulges in drawing, playing her guitar, singing, and of course writing.
As any die-hard Star Wars and Disney fan would naturally do, she moved to Orlando to be closer to Disney a few years back, where she lives happily ever after with her family. Stephany currently writes YA/NA Paranormal Romance and Adult Contemporary Romance.
Shortly after her NPR debut, she won two awards as Best Debut Author 2016, Hidden Magic won the award for Best Debut Novel and her "Oh so #CynfullyDelicious" character Cynwrig Bresall won Best Book Boyfriend From Another Country. Stephany has also recently become an Amazon Bestselling Author with her release Forsaken Souls, a Runes Universe Novella. So don't forget to check it out.
She has several books in the works for publication in 2017. Below is her projected release schedule for 2017:
Unwanted Magic (The Ancient Magic Series Book 3) Page 28
