Illuminate: Upper YA Paranormal Romance

by Sarah Addison-Fox

  Her brow knotted as she scrubbed at her finger, irritated the voice kept breaking into her thoughts and the pleasant haze she found herself in.

  Her entire body was floating, her lips etched in a permanent smile. She sighed, deliriously happy Lucius’s cool fingers still held her captive. A gentle tug on her arm and she was happy to be taken away from the noise and the confusing voice.

  Lucius’ sculptured face came into view. His eyes held her and even if she wanted to look away she knew she couldn’t. Why would I look away from him?

  “Merrin, I want you to do something for me.”

  His words held so much promise, so much sincerity that she held her breath in anticipation. “Anything, Master.”

  “Kill Skylar.”

  Her smile wavered. “I don’t understand? Who is Skylar?”

  Lucius’ voice was like a soothing balm on her fractured thoughts. “Let me show you.”

  He took her shoulders and turned her so she was looking at the blurs that seemed to be carrying the light somehow. “See who he really is, Merrin.”

  The blobs slowly became more defined. Forming muscles, teeth, hair and eyes. The larger of the two blobs, became more clearly defined as he turned to face her. She flinched at the ugliness on his distorted face.

  Never had she seen such a revolting looking brute of a man. He barely looked human, no wonder her master wished him dead. He was little more than an animal.

  She stepped forward, uncertain of how she could end the hideous creature’s life, but certain she must.

  The creature came closer, panting, his massive shoulders and chest heaving as though he might tear her limb from limb. His voice came like something from a nightmare, his words incomprehensible.

  ***

  Pain blazed through Tarquin as he fought against the bulky luminary. Rage and anger at Skylar’s presence here contained one thought that wouldn’t let him go. Why are you here?

  He was about to force Skylar to answer him when Merrin stepped away from Lucius. Skylar noticed too and released him, shoving him back as he stared at Merrin. The pain on his face so evident, Tarquin hadn’t needed to try to control Skylar to find out why he was here.

  Skylar’s voice came out raw. “Freckles? By Onom, what has he done to you?”

  At the utter disgust on Merrin’s face, Tarquin could only guess what Lucius was twisting her to see. Whatever it was, she was filled with disgust as Skylar tried to speak to her.

  She took a step backwards as if repulsed by Skylar. A part of him wanted to revel in it, and if he hadn’t guessed what Lucius was planning, maybe he would have

  Merrin was frightened, but she was also lethal, and under Lucius’s control she’d do everything in her power to kill Skylar. Once she regained her memories, she’d never forgive herself.

  With that thought, Tarquin stepped in front of Skylar. His eyes shifted to Lucius. If there was one emotion Lucius could understand and possibly condone, it was jealousy. “Why is this meathead here?”

  Merrin frowned. Her eyes still blank, just like those in the council; but unlike them, Tartarean was close by, and that always amplified his power.

  Lucius raised an eyebrow as though bored. “You wanted to kill him yourself?”

  Tarquin’s stomach tightened. He had. Once. He still might if Skylar didn’t stop looking at Merrin that way.

  But he wasn’t doing anything until he knew why Skylar was here. But to ask too many questions was to invite further probing.

  The only way to avoid Skylar’s blood on either Merrin or his hands was to find a way to wake her up. But to do that he needed to be able to connect with her.

  Tarquin’s skin flooded with cold as the weight of Lucius’ disdain fell on him. The words slid from his mouth. “Why is he here?”

  No! Two questions. Do not give yourself away again!

  Lucius stared at him before a cold smile grew on his face. “He’s here because he’s pathetic and will do anything to ensure her safety. Even betraying the council.”

  Tarquin slid his gaze back to Skylar. Skylar didn’t even respond to the accusation, his eyes locked on Merrin, his forehead pressed into lines as he slowly bunched his fists at his sides.

  Skylar released a slow breath and pulled his gaze away from a stony-faced Merrin. “Give her back her own thoughts. You got what you wanted. We’re all here.”

  Lucius chuckled. “My. My. If I’d known this would work, I’ve have sent you in a year ago, Tarquin.”

  A chill trickled down his back as the pieces began to fall into place. Paralysed by fear he’d give something away, Tarquin held himself rigid as Lucius looked at Merrin. “She’s quite the prize it would seem. A pity Tarquin has already claimed her for himself.”

  Skylar’s cheeks coloured. “If you so much as touch her.”

  Tartarean chuckled. “Ah, there it is. The reason you came, to save her from Tarquin. I’m afraid you’re too late.”

  Skylar’s mouth flapped open before he composed himself enough to glare so hard Tarquin nearly felt it.

  Lucius ignored them both; instead he stepped toward Merrin. A bright smile grew on her face as he approached. “I’ve seen you with dozens of girls, Tarquin, and not one of them mattered enough to you that you wanted privacy.”

  Heat blazed across his cheeks at such a public announcement of his past lewd conduct. If he weren’t so filled with shame, he’d be relieved Merrin couldn’t hear.

  Lucius smiled at him and gestured to Skylar. “And him? He likes to pretend he’s above all this. Above lustful thoughts. But I know better than anyone what Skylar Templeton craves.”

  Tarquin spun on his heel, his eyes wide as Skylar’s jaw worked. He’s a Templeton too? “That’s in the past. Onom granted me a new life. I am not what you tried to make me,” Skylar forced out.

  Lucius laughed. “But there’s still a part of you that wants a part of your old life, isn’t there? There’s a part of you that wants to protect her so badly you’ll do anything.”

  Skylar remained silent, but his eyes flashed with anger. How could Tarquin have missed that about Skylar? He’d even admitted to being a hunter, hadn’t he? He’d even commiserated for a moment at their shared experiences?

  His stomach twisted again as Lucius toyed with a strand of Merrin’s hair. “You do realise she’s in love with Tarquin?”

  Every nerve ending came alive at the proclamation. Did Lucius know he felt that strongly too? Once lingering glance at Merrin, and it would all come undone.

  Skylar’s face fell then he shook himself. “He’s compelling her. Just like you are. Once she’d free of here, she’ll snap of it.”

  Lucius snorted. “Is that so? Tarquin what do you think? Do you think if I sent her away to live happily ever after with Skylar she’d stay away? Or would she come straight back and crawl into bed with you again?”

  Skylar inhaled sharply, his eyes sparking dangerously. There was no doubt he’d have tried to kill them both if he weren’t worried about Merrin.

  Tarquin infused his voice with ice. “She’ll do anything I want her to.”

  He realised his error the second the words left his mouth. Tartarean whirled to face him. “Is that so? You really think you have more control over her than me?”

  Black oozed from Lucius, rolling off him like black liquid that slowly began to spread across the floor towards him. He took a step back, edging away from the mass of black as it sought him out.

  Lucius’s voice was like a rumble of thunder. “You think you are more powerful than I am? Show me. Show me what you can do.”

  He stumbled back as the black almost reached his boots. Two steps away from Merrin, he did the only thing he could think of. He grabbed her hand, only to have her lurch away from him, a sickening expression of disgust etched on her face.

  Lucius laughed. “You can’t beat me. I own you. I own all Templetons. Did your Chief fail to mention that?”

  Tarquin’s fear grew as Skylar’s forehead creased again, his voice a deep rumble.
“I came to give you one last chance, and to save Merrin.”

  A flicker of disappointment crossed Lucius’ face. His movements were swift as he moved to where Skylar stood rigid. “I do not want another chance.”

  He was too slow to move when Lucius grabbed his wrist, and Skylar screamed in pain. Lucius turned, his hand still gripping Skylar. “Tell me the truth, and I don’t tell him how much damage he’s been doing to his precious Luminaries.”

  Tarquin shuddered as ice began to form on the inside of the room, his breath visible in the candlelight. “Skylar is a sleeper?”

  No wonder Scarlett was taken. Did he kill Zoltan too? Fake being injured to gain Merrin’s sympathy?

  Lucius frowned as Skylar whimpered from where he was on his knees. “You little bastard. You’re are fully awake, aren’t you?”

  He dragged Skylar across the floor as though he were a giant straw doll. Skylar’s face was contorted in pain, his bright eyes now dull.

  Lucius' head snapped in Merrin’s direction. “Tell me the truth. Are you awake? Are you fully illuminated?”

  Invisible icy fingers gripped him around his neck, cutting off the supply of air. His heart began to thrash about in his chest as he struggled to stop the fear from showing. To stop the light from giving him away. He can’t hurt me. Not like before.

  His pulse thrummed, skin rising as he fought the fear crippling him. If he could convince Tartarean that he merely wanted to possess Merrin, to own her, there might still be a chance.

  Tartarean took a step closer, his hand still wrapped around Skylar, incapacitating him. Lucius followed his gaze, then a chilling smile covered his face. “They would make a lovely couple, wouldn’t they? Perhaps that will motivate you, hmm?”

  He released Skylar, and he dropped to the floor with a thud. Tarquin’s heart began to beat wildly in his chest as Lucius looked to a still placid Merrin. “Merrin. Come here.”

  He covered a flinch as Merrin stepped past him without any acknowledgment she was aware of him and smiled up at Lucius. “Yes, Master?”

  Lucius didn’t bother to charm her any longer; Tarquin doubted she wouldn’t notice it anyway. Instead, Lucius pointed at Skylar as he struggled to bring himself to his feet. “Help him up, then kiss him.”

  Heat blazed in his veins. No, No, No. Merrin looked confused, her voice almost a whine. “But, Master, he’s an animal.”

  All pretence of a kind benefactor disappeared as Lucius lost his patience. He slapped Merrin hard enough for her to stagger. “Look again. I think you’ll find him precisely what you desire the most.”

  She eased back and cast a look at Skylar. Her expression shifted into one of admiration. “Oh!”

  Tarquin’s breathing came too rapidly as he shot a look at Skylar. However much he hated him in that moment, it was apparent Skylar hated himself more.

  But as Merrin approached, Tarquin saw a flash of what Lucius must have known. Under the pretence of self-righteous Luminary, Skylar was just a man, and in that moment, he was as weak as any man would be.

  Tarquin didn’t look away when Merrin kissed Skylar. But his chest hurt so bad, it was all he could do to keep breathing. With Lucius’ gaze on him, he knew if he so much as blinked, Lucius would do far, far worse to both Merrin and Skylar.

  ***

  A thrill surged through her as warmth meshed with Merrin’s lips. Half constructed thoughts jabbed into her mind as she kissed the beast who’d somehow changed into what she deeply desired.

  His lips were soft, his kiss desperately passionate as though she were air he needed to breathe in. Not so bad.

  Her body responded to his, familiar, but not. Words curled around her mind, half fractured, scattering with primal pleasure that threatened to sweep her away. She felt cold stone beneath her, water trickled down the walls, shivers wracked her body, then light trailed around her body as warmth surged through her. I love you. I need you.

  The words combined with a face, with lips, with lean muscle, dark eyes and promises that made her kiss the beast even harder. She loved this man. She must, such was the way he kissed her back. She knew she would never kiss a man like this unless she loved him with all her heart, mind body and soul.

  And her master somehow knew. He was giving this beautiful beast to her as a gift. How had he known? How had he known she wanted him so bad?

  The beast man wrapped his hands around her, squeezing her tight. Her hands flew to his arms as she tried to loosen his grip.

  Bulky muscles met her fingers, straining against the fabric. Her lips left his as she pulled back to take in those beautiful dark eyes.

  But his eyes were no longer dark: they’d somehow faded to a blue that caused her to shrink back.

  His hair had faded too. Washed out from the vibrant colour of her heart’s desire to a dusty blonde that skirted his collar. His jaw bone was too square, cheekbones too flat. “Freckles, oh, Onom help me. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”

  The man-beast released her and left her dazed at the moisture in his beautiful blue eyes. “I thought I was stronger. I thought I could get you out of here.”

  Merrin’s confusion grew as the beast looked away. “Tarquin. This needs to end now. I can’t do this to her. I won’t. Tell him. Tell him the truth, and maybe she walks out of here and still remembers who she is.” Tarquin?

  Merrin slowly turned on her heel, more to take another instruction from her master. But Lucius was staring at the only other person in the room. Merrin’s stomach flipped at the depth of the scowl the man was sending towards her.

  His dark eyes framed by eyebrows, one with a faint scar. His broad shoulders were covered in black clothing, linen she knew would feel rough beneath her fingers. His frame was taller than hers, and she somehow knew underneath his body was covered in lean muscle.

  Lucius smiled. “You really thought you could hide your light from me?”

  Her puzzlement only grew as the dark-eyed man shot her a look that made her stomach tighten and her toes curl all at once.

  Unlike the beast, his voice was hard. “Skylar’s right. She should walk out of here. If she can be controlled that easily, she’s not worth keeping around.”

  Though she didn’t understand why, her entire body flooded with anger. She looked to her protector; surely he would set the dark-eyed man straight?

  But Lucius was eyeing the man with a strange expression on his face. “No. I need one of you to bond with her.” Bond?

  The beast stiffened beside her, the dark-eyed man scowled. “Why would we do that?”

  Lucius grabbed her roughly, and sharp pain dug into her brain as a voice screamed again. Merrin! Wake up! I need you!

  Her eyes widened as Lucius pulled her to one side, and it was all she could do to listen to his voice, so loud was the screaming from the unknown voice. “Bonded Luminaries are stronger. I had to give Merrin three times the usual dose. Can you imagine what would happen to the council if she were bonded to one of my strongest sleepers?”

  The beast man drew in a sharp breath. “What do you mean, the rest?”

  Lucius’ voice seemed more jagged than she’d noticed. “Half the council are with me; the other half need to be convinced.”

  Merrin. Please. I know you think he’s good, but Lucius is not. The more he touches you the more control he has.

  Lucius’s grip tightened on her wrist. “Look at Tarquin, look at how he claimed what he wanted and bent her to his will.”

  A sharp pang hit her middle at the way they continued to talk about her as though she weren’t even a person. Through the haze in her mind, through the repeated attempts of the screaming voice, something sparked in Merrin’s mind.

  A soft, still voice, as though the wind was whispering gently to her, seemed to whisk away the confusion. Chosen. Callen. Warrior. Luminary.

  Thoughts became coloured awareness. Awareness became anger. And as she connected the voice to the man furiously staring at Lucius, Merrin awoke from her slumber to the plea of the dark-eyed man who she t
hought she’d been kissing.

  The first coherent thought she had was that Skylar had lied to her about his feelings.

  Her second thought was that she was sick of men controlling and manipulating her. The third thought was barely formed before Lucius Tartarean roared in pain.

  Chapter 5.

  In one relief-filled second Tarquin felt Merrin come back to her senses. Light blazed from her eyes as Lucius reeled back, clutching his hand.

  The contact lost, Tarquin couldn’t connect with her to formulate a plan of attack. But he edged forwards before Merrin bore the brunt of Lucius’ anger.

  But Lucius merely smiled widely, an element of praise evident in his voice. “Oh! Isn’t she marvellous! I knew she was the one to watch! Had to be sure, but when Scarlett gave up so easily, I knew Merrin was the one to bring the needed change.”

  Tarquin swallowed and turned his gaze on Lucius, who seemed entirely relaxed being with three fully awake Luminary. How much of this has he planned?

  It was Merrin that asked the question. “What change?”

  Lucius grinned at her as though thrilled. “Change that has been twenty years in coming. You should be proud of yourself Merrin. You resisted Tarquin longer than any of the other candidates did.”

  A groan slipped from Merrin’s lips, making him wish he could plead his case. He wanted to scream at her across the room.

  But the look she gave him silenced any thought. Doubt was etched over her face, confusion and, worst of all, hurt.

  There was no point begging forgiveness for a plan he’d known nothing about and had nothing to do with. From the beginning Lucius had withheld information: he’d manipulated him and controlled him.

  But his feelings were real. They had been from the moment she’d pulled him from the dark, and he’d seen what they could become together.

  He had to tell her: he had to find a way to prove himself again. He needed to separate himself from Skylar, from Lucius, from this entire mess.

  Merrin sighed, and she sent him a tight smile. “I don’t know what to think. I really don’t.”

  Skylar’s posture shifted back to stoic. Tarquin resisted saying anything, though Skylar was as much to blame as he for Merrin being here.