Crystal Casters: Awakening (The Crystal Casters Series Book 1)

by Jenn Nixon

Soft fabric wrapped around his waist and neck, then his arms and legs. He felt cushioned, like floating on water or maybe this is what a cloud felt like. Zorin didn’t mind. He was so tired. Maybe he needed to sleep.

  Cyndra bounced her leg for fifteen minutes before she couldn’t take it anymore. She glanced over to see Rune was still sleeping and Tulli was still Tulli. As she slowed the vehicle and moved it to the side of the road, she sensed Zorin’s energy on the wind. Shaking off the tingle wiggling up her spine, she shut the car off and pulled out the key.

  When she hopped down, Rune lifted his head and rubbed his eyes. Do you know the time?

  “Close to sunrise, I think. Sorry, I need to pee,” she said, running around the back of the jeep. “Take advantage while you can, I’m driving straight through till noon, however far that gets us.”

  “Okay,” Tulli said, getting out of the jeep after Rune.

  They each went in different directions for a bit of privacy. Glad she had an extra tissue in her pocket, Cyndra found a tree and sighed afterward. She had to drink less water if she wanted to make it the panhandle without another break.

  Ambling back to the jeep, Cyndra paused at the edge of the highway and glanced up at the sky. Too cloudy for stars and seeing nothing but the dark highway surround them, she walked back into the woods, looking for the others.

  “Pee break’s over, let’s go, guys,” she called, rounding a big trunk and catching sight of Tulli pretty much in the same spot. “You okay?”

  “Tired I guess,” she replied and shrugged.

  “Rune’s waiting for us,” Cyndra said, heading back to the jeep. Tulli nodded and followed, keeping her hands closer to her body as they walked. “I wish I could tell you it’s gonna get easier but—shit.”

  Soulless…Cyndra!

  Bolting out of the woods, Cyndra had her sai flaming in her hand when she reached Rune and the jeep.

  “What’s wrong?” Tulli asked, coming up from behind.

  “The ones who drain us, they’re—Zorin,” Cyndra gasped when his voice filled her mind. She increased her fire to brighten the area to find him. Half a dozen soulless surrounded him while four mirror-wraiths shrieked overhead. Rune’s knife was in his hand before either of them moved.

  “Stay by the jeep, Tulli,” Cyndra said as she dashed down the highway.

  What are they doing?

  “Draining—”

  The four mirror-wraiths lifted in the air. Zorin hung lifeless, tangled in their tendrils of smoke and fabric. Cyndra evoked the energy and directed her hand at the wraiths. She wasn’t quick enough. All four shifted right and whizzed over their head faster than she’d ever seen them move.

  “Zorin!” She used the terror rising through her body to fuel her fire and blasted the soulless to dust with the crunch of her hand. Her shaking left hand, still pointed in the direction of the wraiths, turned colder. The energy weaved through her fingers. She was almost there.

  Cyndra?

  “Fuck! They…must be taking him to the island, right?” she said, trying to reel her energy back despite knowing it wanted out now.

  What do we do?

  “Back up, for one, let me…try moving something,” Cyndra replied and focused on a large bush. She twisted her wrist. The entire plant, roots and all, ripped out of the ground. Clasping both hands seemed to hold back the rest. For now. “Good, I hope.”

  Are we going after him?

  “Yes, he’s more important than some caster we don’t know. I…can get us back to Norfolk Beach in five hours if I break every speed limit on the highway.” Cyndra jumped into the driver’s seat to see Tulli already waiting inside. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded and glanced down at her lap.

  Go, Cyndra, go. Rune settled in his seat, holding himself steady, ready for a real ride.

  Gunning the jeep, Cyndra thanked her lucky stars it was still dark enough to mask their speed from any ZoneGuards on patrol. Without the sun, they were running on the bio-d, and going well over a hundred miles might not leave them with enough gas to get back.

  When the first signs of morning lightened the view, Cyndra checked her gas gauge to see less than a quarter tank left. Worried they were going to have to stop to allow the solar panels to charge, she glanced over to Rune, hoping he could cheer her up.

  Water?

  “Not yet, maybe in another hour, I really don’t want to stop. What do they want with him?”

  I don’t know. Tulli’s not going to be any help either.

  “I should have listened to you. We should’ve stayed on the island, read the journal, learned from…” Cyndra shook her head. “We could have sent messages from the EZ, made contact that way.” She winced, realizing how idiotic she sounded with a traumatized Tulli sitting in the back seat. “I’m sorry, Tulli, this wasn’t how we wanted to meet anyone. We’re heading back to the island, so if it is your home, I hope you’ll start to remember things.”

  “I’m sure I will. Thank you,” she said softly.

  Cyndra rolled her eyes, totally done with this lady and focused back on the road, and her speed, knocking it back to ninety-five, hoping to save a little bit of bio-d.

  Riding on her last gallon, Cyndra slowed the jeep to a reasonable eighty miles an hour through the middle of the Carolinas just as the sun shined bright enough for the solar power to take over.

  With about two hours to go in the ride, Cyndra picked up speed, crossing her fingers that they’d make it to Norfolk Beach by noon.

  Exhausted and only partly through their journey, Cyndra returned the jeep key to the postmaster in the same town she rented it from with less than an hour to spare, made sure she got her confirmation slip and met Rune and Tulli on the outskirts of town.

  Knowing where Zorin hid their boat, Rune led the way north of town for twenty excruciating minutes and brought them to a small, secluded cove. Cyndra’s stomach fluttered as she approached the boat. Unable to sense his energy was driving her mad. She didn’t know if he was hurt or beyond the barrier or…something much worse.

  We’re going to find him, Rune said, obviously catching the fear on her face.

  “I can’t feel him anymore,” Cyndra confessed, reaching out to take her friend’s hand, pausing on the bank next to the boat. “Maybe if we try together? I just want to know he’s okay.”

  Rune nodded while he smiled and clasped her hand.

  Cyndra’s fingers warmed. Their special bond seemed as strong as ever. Without wasting time, she focused on Zorin. She called out to him. Begged him to hear her. Her attempts hit a brick wall of silence.

  Maybe we need to get closer, Rune said, optimistically as he squeezed her hand. Besides, we’re going to have to tell Tulli about Zorin if we’re going back.

  I’m leaving that to you this time. Cyndra glanced back to the meek woman standing behind them, blankly looking out into the bay. I wish she’d bond with us, would make talking together easier.

  I’ll ask again after she’s had a chance to rest and recover.

  “Good thinking,” Cyndra said and hopped into the boat. “Ready to go home, Tulli?”

  “More than you know,” she sighed, clutching her hand close to her stomach as she followed Rune onto the boat. Tulli sat on the bench and gazed toward the water without saying another word.

  Shrugging, Cyndra went to the controls, started the boat, and wasted no time heading back to the island. She’d take half a success over none any day. Although Tulli may not be able answers burning questions, Cyndra believed they could all help each other in different ways. At the very least, she’d learn from Zorin. He was an aircaster, too.

  The cool wind whipping through her hair didn’t calm her as she gripped the steering wheel and guided the boat toward the island. Bonding with Zorin forced them to rely on each other. Without him, Cyndra felt incomplete.

  Dreading what she’d find at the island, Cyndra pushed everything from her mind, conserving her energy for whatever came next.

  Zorin stepped onto the widow’s
walk of the lighthouse and watched a dozen children running through the field. Silvio Raine and his son, Ben, played with the two young girls who would carry on their legacy should the risky plan work.

  “I don’t have the answer you were hoping for, Zorin,” Evie called from the doorway, remaining inside the lighthouse.

  “So even I will forget?”

  “Yes and I don’t know if it will all come back once…” she trailed off and gazed toward the field to see her son hugging one of the two girls. “Too much sacrifice.”

  “Some of us have done worse.”

  “Hush, everything you did, you did to protect casters. I know that.”

  “The war must end, Evelyn. Look what we’ve…I’ve done to survive, to save the remaining casters.”

  “The humans are planning a counter measure against any further attacks. They know how to target us now. Whatever Mergan sent her army to do, the Guard will contain it. Ben and the others are heading out in the morning. I’ll break through her barrier and…do whatever I can to stop her. If not, the children must survive, most are the last of the original caster line not dead or imprisoned.”

  “I’ll face Mergan with you.”

  “I was hoping you would say that, Zorin. I wish our paths crossed sooner, you’ll always have my trust, no matter your face.”

  Zorin jerked awake. His limbs were bound. He was…floating in the air. His eyes adjusted to the dim sunrise and he tilted his head back. Four wraiths carried him as they soared over the water.

  He flexed his wings to slow them down. When he twisted, two wraiths screeched and tightened the tendrils around his neck and every inch of his covered body, forcing him into submission.

  The trickle of Mergan’s energy invaded his body. He was so drained, so desperate for the power of the crystals that he absorbed the measly amount in the air. The mirror-wraith’s spun and spiraled down, purposefully to keep him dizzy and distracted as they approached the island.

  Were they bringing him to Mergan?

  Good, let them. He smirked. Then another theory struck him. What if they were taking him to the mirror?

  Zorin extended his wings and attempted another escape. Again, they threatened to cut off his air, which would only knock him out. He needed to know where they were going.

  The front of the mansion came into view.

  The wraiths dove down, spinning and picking up speed.

  Every muscle in his body tensed as they approached the barrier. Only two outcomes awaited him. Zorin shut his eyes, imagined Cyndra’s smile, and thought he sensed her energy surround him just as the entire world went black.

  Cyndra saw some of the life come back to Tulli’s eyes seeing the lighthouse looming in the distance. Rune, already standing and holding the duffle bag, searched the area. She didn’t need to ask, she’d been looking, too, and saw no signs of Zorin or the mirror-wraiths. Flying or not, they weren’t as fast as her driving a jeep.

  Trying to keep her pulse from rising too high, Cyndra slowed the boat as the dock came into view. Rune got the rope ready and tossed it as she cut the engine and eased the boat closer to shore.

  Last off the boat but first off the dock, Cyndra ran straight toward the mansion.

  A hint of Zorin’s energy buzzed through the air. She glanced back. “Do you feel that?”

  Rune’s brow furrowed as he caught up with Tulli beside him.

  The ground beneath her feet rumbled. A bright light sparked on the northwest corner of the mansion.

  Every trace of Zorin disappeared.

  Cyndra’s heart stopped. “No.”

  What’s wrong?

  “He’s…gone.” Her entire body numbed.

  What do you mean gone?

  “He was here just now…then nothing. I can’t sense him…” Cyndra shook her head.

  You think he’s dead?

  She wiped the corner of her eye. I don’t know, Rune.

  Do you want to check the mansion?

  Cyndra stared at the woods holding back what she really wanted to say. “Not taking a risk if the wraiths are acting like this. I can barely defend myself right now.”

  “Is it safe here?” Tulli asked another question, finally.

  “The perimeter around the lighthouse should be…” Cyndra frowned, unsure if that protection worked without Zorin. Feeling her stomach drop, she glanced toward the mansion, evoking her energy, wishing he’d sneak up behind her, act all grumpy, and tell her what to do.

  Rune pulled his gaze away from the mansion. We should eat, rest for an hour and then go in, Cyndra. He’d leave a clue like Pristy if he could. He’d know we’d check.

  Yeah. Cyndra pulled the door to the lighthouse open, letting them both go first. When they reached the living area, Rune went to the icebox and unpacked the duffle bag while setting aside a few items for lunch. She dashed upstairs and retrieved the journal from the box hidden under the floorboard near Zorin’s blanket. Ignoring every emotion, she focused on her rumbling stomach instead and ran back downstairs.

  Tulli sat at the kitchen table while Rune prepared something on the stove. Cyndra set the book down and flipped past all the caster power sections and history going right to dual and multi-casting.

  “There’s got to be something in here to help us with those barriers, maybe with three of us now…” Cyndra trailed off, skimmed the pages. Most of the text talked about defensive maneuvers like water and air casters creating a storm or cooperative measures between earth and energy casters, helping an area recover from a natural disaster. The examples listed were equal parts destruction and creation. Balance seemed a common theme. Many of the elements worked together to do a variety of wonderful and terrifying things. She kept reading, sipping the cup of steaming tea Rune left on the table. Tulli didn’t touch hers.

  Cyndra finished the multi-casting section then looked for evoking both elements together. Instead, a paragraph a few pages later caused her whole body to quake.

  Sometimes the crystal bond knows what we need before we do. The longer you wear the pendant, the stronger your connection and power will become. Many master casters rely on siphons to maintain a balance of power along with our crystals. Recently, some have turned to human siphons. Our family is better suited to casters siphons.

  Rune approached the table. Anything helpful?

  “Not…really,” Cyndra said absently and closed the book. “I’m going to get some air okay?”

  I’ll call you when the soup’s ready.

  “Thanks, Rune.”

  Once outside, she circled the walkway, willing the beautiful setting to elevate her mood and give her a bit of hope. Cyndra gripped the railing, glaring at the mansion, determined to read that entire book, get as strong as she needed, to end the wraiths and soulless. She was tired of being chased by these things. Tired of always be afraid. Fear continued to rule her entire life.

  The tears welled.

  Cyndra covered her face and cried silently, thinking that was all she did lately. This she couldn’t blame on panic. Now that she understood more about their shared bond, now that she knew he’d been in control of the siphon the entire time he kept it open, helping ease her power, he was gone. Her biggest fear was going on without Zorin.

  As if some sick joke, she thought she actually sensed him and shuddered.

  “You came back to the island?”

  Her hands fell. Zorin stood three feet away, with fatigued, confused eyes and a body covered in thick dark welts. Shocked, her jaw dropped as she stared at him.

  “Rune’s safe?”

  Nodding, Cyndra didn’t even try to stop the tears. He took a step toward her, then stopped and clenched his hand. She tried to speak. “What—”

  “The soulless drained me so I couldn’t fight the wraiths. They tried to take me to the mansion. I got knocked out when I crashed into the barrier.”

  “I thought you were—” She swallowed both theories and wiped her cheeks.

  “Cyndra,” Zorin whispered her name and took another ste
p closer. There was no crystal power heating her body. No bond interfering. The hum inside her body came only from the look in his eye and the sound of his voice. “You asked me…what I wanted?”

  “I did,” she replied, taking a step of her own, feeling her pulse pound behind her ears.

  Zorin lifted his left hand. I want…need your power, our bond, everything you’re willing to share with me. It makes me feel alive again.

  And I need your siphon, Zorin, more than you realize, Cyndra slipped her fingers over his. He clasped her hand and drew her against his cool body. She set her hand on his chest and evoked a little fire to give him. Zorin drew it in, spreading the heat over his skin. Tears welled in her eyes again as her fingers traced a thick welt on his chest. I thought they took you into the mirror or…

  “I’m here,” Zorin said softly as he cupped her chin and tilted her head as the siphon strengthened, allowing her to warm his entire body.

  “I’m sorry about that blast…I was so angry with you, I didn’t want you to touch me.”

  “And now?”

  “It’s all I think about,” she whispered as she stepped back and pulled her hand from his, feeling her energy stirring through their bond. “Soon as you siphon my energy it’s all going to come back. I can’t separate the two. Not anymore. If you want my energy—”

  “I want it all, caster.” Zorin captured her wrist and rubbed his thumb over her palm, tracing her fire brand tenderly. “I want your energy and fire. I want you close. I want to feel your hands on my skin, taste your lips. I want…more than I can have.”

  She squeezed his fingers and let the energy fill her body. “Stop pushing me away and you can.”

  “I don’t want to…but I can’t be with you, not in this form.” His face tightened and jaw locked.

  “You loathe this form because of the things you’ve done and the hunger you feel. Do you know what I see? I see a protector, guardian, someone who was willing to give his life to end a war. Someone who didn’t think twice about helping two lost casters he found in the woods, knowing what others had done to him. Someone who has more humanity inside than most of the people I’ve met.” Cyndra reached up, cupped his face in her hands, and leaned into him. She stroked the side of his face with her left hand. He shut his eyes and shuddered. “Hey, open your eyes.”