Mortal Enchantment Complete Box Set

by Stacey O'Neale

  The dreamwalk had been a setup.

  Nevin had used his incubus abilities to enter my dream. That’s why my father couldn’t tell me who had betrayed him. Dad was never there. It was all Nevin under Valac’s direction. They put those game cards and poker chips on the floor for me to see. Jarrod probably told them that Rowan and I had gotten close. Jarrod knew I trusted Rowan. That I’d tell Rowan about the vision, and once he heard my description, he would immediately think of Nevin.

  I wrapped my arms around my waist, trying to hold myself together. Would they kill their brother? What about my father? Would he be killed? If they died, it would be because of my mistakes. My rushed judgment. My impatience.

  Our glamour’s had worn off when we exited the portal. My tank top, jeans, and boots were visible once more. In the mortal world, we would have appeared like two regular teenage girls. But that was about as far from the truth as it could get. My mind switched between images of Dad and Rowan. I couldn’t think about anything else. How would I ever rescue them? How could I stop the impending war? Hundreds of elementals could die today, and their blood would be on my hands. I needed time to think, to strategize.

  I rubbed my eyes, wiping away the wetness from under my lids.

  When we reached the mountaintop, we were almost home. The sun’s rays glistened off the corner of the castle, giving the massive fortress a buttery glow. Scattered air and woodland elementals were all around. Some practiced sword fighting while others stood in rows and waited for their turn. If Jarrod stuck to the plan, they would soon leave for the lopsided battle against the fire court.

  I had the urge to march up there and order them to stop the assault on the fire court, but I remained where I stood. I still had no proof that Liana was innocent or that Rowan’s adopted siblings had returned. If I tried to force Jarrod to cancel the attack, the elementals would follow him, believing they were saving their king. From their perspective, I would’ve done the same thing. They were probably hoping I’d join the fight.

  Ariel took another step toward the castle, and I stretched my arm out to block her. "We can’t go in there. We have to find another way to stop this.”

  There was insistence in her widened eyes I hadn’t seen before. "They might listen to you, Kalin. You have to convince King Orion to end this. Maybe he’ll believe you if you tell him Valac took Rowan.”

  "He won’t believe us. Put yourself in their position.” I placed my hands on her shoulders. “We have no evidence. Accusations are just words.”

  She backed up, and I dropped my arms to my sides. Her eyes watered as if she was about to cry. "You’re Taron’s daughter. Our future queen. You have to make them believe you.”

  I ignored Rowan’s gut feeling, and I lost everything. And now I felt like I needed time to think. I shouldn’t rush to make the same mistake twice. "I’m sorry, Ariel, but I can’t take that chance. Everything has happened so quickly, and I haven’t had enough time to process.”

  "Then I’ll be forced to go on without you.” She scanned the groups of elementals in the distance, taking a deep breath. “My family is part of that army you see there. I won’t gamble with their lives while you try to work this out.”

  All this time, I had only focused on myself, my family, and whatever Rowan was. I hadn’t once thought about Ariel or her family. "Please give me some time to―”

  "You leaving me no choice.” She wiped away the moisture from her eyes with the back of her hand. “If you’re not going to try to stop this, then I have to join the fight. I have to protect my family.”

  By the time I thought of a rebuttal, she had already sprinted halfway to the castle. I wanted to scream her name but knew that wouldn’t stop her. Ariel was trying to protect her family, regardless of the risk. She was brave.

  Rowan had sacrificed himself because I didn’t listen to him.

  Ariel was about to walk into danger because I could not.

  My mistakes might have cost my father his life.

  I felt hollow, as though I had nothing left inside. Everything that mattered was lost. I didn’t know what to do or where to go. So I ran into the forest, moving faster than ever before. Maybe if I ran fast enough, I could chase away the voices repeating my failures over and over in my head. Perhaps outrun time itself, so I could go back and prevent all of this.

  Fallen branches and twigs scratched against my ankles. I was sure I was bleeding, but I didn’t care. My hamstrings burned, and I never slowed. Exhaustion wouldn’t stop me. I kept running everywhere, anywhere, in all directions. I had no idea how much time had passed or where I was because it didn’t matter anymore.

  Nothing mattered.

  I didn’t see the tree root protruding out the ground until it was too late. I tripped and landed on uneven ground. I couldn’t stop myself as I rolled down a rocky hill. The sharp-edged boulders tore into the bare skin on my arms. I screamed while my hands extended out, attempting to latch onto something. Dirt got into my eyes. I peeked out of one eye long enough to watch as I collided with a strand of hanging vines. I caught one of the vines and forced myself to stop.

  Where was I?

  The soothing, trickling sound of the cool, clear stream filled the air. I crawled to the edge, cupping water into my hands. I washed the muck from my eyes. Once my vision fully returned, I glanced over at a beautiful waterfall cascading gently over a large, rocky cliff. Butterflies circled the branches of the surrounding fruit trees. I was next to patches of picturesque multi-colored flowers adorning the side of the stream. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen.

  If the Garden of Eden had existed, this place would be a close resemblance.

  I took off my shoes, dipping my feet into the cold stream. Goosebumps peppered my forearms as I ran the water over the bleeding cuts on my arms. Each scratch sent a ping of pain through my body.

  The water in the center of the stream bubbled rapidly like boiling water. I blinked twice to make sure I didn't imagine it. Slowly, a female with white henna tattoos on her face rose from within the water. Her wet aquamarine hair dripped over her shoulders as she floated in my direction. A strapless dress made of coral-pink fish scales tightly wrapped her tiny frame. She held a gold trident staff. I recognized her immediately from the high council meetings. She was Britta of House Necksa, the water court queen.

  Our eyes locked, and I heard her voice in my head.

  "I’m impressed, princess of House Paralda. The hidden entrance to my palace is unknown to most elementals, and yet, here you are. Perhaps I underestimated you?”

  No point in lying. “I found this place by accident.”

  “I do not believe in accidents, young halfling. Something drew you here for a reason. I sense something different about you. Your future is unclear to me; too many possibilities.”

  I had no direction as I was running through the forest. No planned destination. How could I have found this place without even thinking about it? Or was there another possibility? Akasha could tap into each court. Was I meant to be the akasha? I dismissed the thought. It wasn’t me. My powers would’ve triggered by now if that were true. “I would like to ask a question.”

  "What is it you wish to know?”

  “Do you have the ability to enter the dreams of other elementals?”

  “If you’re asking if I helped your father dreamwalk, the answer is yes.”

  Anger grew in the pit of my stomach. All this time, she could’ve helped him. She could have contacted him even before I arrived in Avalon, and none of this would have ever happened. My fists clenched at my sides. "Why didn’t you use your power to find my father?”

  A rushing wall of water rose from behind her. With eyes narrowed, she replied, "You would serve yourself well to remember who you are speaking to with that tone. You will be respectful when addressing me.”

  This conversation was going bad in a big way. Okay, I needed to calm down and diffuse the situation. "I apologize, Your Majesty. I did not mean to disrespect you.”


  She huffed, crossing her arms across her chest. The wall of water returned to the peaceful stream. "The connection can only be made when our powers are strong. When I tried to contact Taron, his life energy was too weak. I could have killed him if I went any further.”

  No wonder he never tried once to reach me. "Thank you for protecting him.”

  Silently, she watched me with curious blue eyes. I had a feeling she was in my head again. "I sense Taron is not your only concern. You care for the shadow prince, Rowan.”

  Hearing his name made my stomach knot like a pretzel. Overwhelming guilt gushed to the surface as I replayed the last image of him fighting his siblings so we could escape. "Can you sense if Rowan is still alive?”

  Britta lowered her head, closing her eyes. "Yes, but his life force is weak.”

  Knowing there was still a chance that I could save him released some of the tension in my shoulders. Unfortunately, I had no idea how I could do it alone. Would the water queen help me? Jarrod said she abandoned the council. Was foresight one of her gifts? Had she foreseen something she wanted to avoid? Regardless, I doubted she would reveal her secrets to me. "Will you help me save them?”

  "I must remain with my court.” With her eyes opened, her stare bored into me. "The elements are unstable.” She made her way over to me, placing her index finger on my temple.

  In an instant, visions flashed in my mind like someone was flipping television stations. One after the other, I saw forest fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Mortals ran from danger. Were those events real? Was this what happened when the elements were unstable?

  "If Liana dies, Rowan must be the one to ascend to the throne. Only he will return balance to the court of fire.” With each backward step Britta took, she receded farther into the water. Soon, only her head was visible above water. "You cannot fail, air princess.”

  Then, she sunk completely into the water until she was gone.

  For the first time, I finally understood the full weight of the circumstances. This situation was more than the elemental war I was trying to prevent. I had to stop the elements from destroying the entire world.

  A lump settled in my throat.

  Who was I kidding? I couldn’t do this. I wasn’t the all-powerful akasha. I was a halfling with powers I hadn’t learned to control. I couldn’t handle this. An image of my mother floated in my mind. She was brave to leave Avalon and raise me alone. I couldn’t wrap my head around the number of sacrifices she made for me. I had no grandparents, aunts, or uncles. She was always alone. I would have given anything to have her with me; to have her comfort me as she had my entire life.

  A dull ache bloomed in my chest.

  I yearned for a time when my life was simple. Back to my childhood when she read me bedtime stories over and over again because she knew that made me happy. I loved the years when we would dress up in matching Halloween costumes. She spent hours creating them, which made her designs better than anything store-bought. Or, when she would let me paint dozens of Easter eggs, even though it was impossible for us to eat them all. I laughed out loud, picturing the multi-colored mess we made on the kitchen counter. I wished she was here guiding me now.

  What was I supposed to do?

  By now, Jarrod had led the armies into fire court territory. Had Valac known what the war was doing to the elements? Did he understand the entire world was in danger? Maybe he did, but he didn’t care because he was blinded by his own desperate need to reclaim the fire court. Valac must die. I had to let go of my fear and stop shaming myself into believing I wasn’t strong enough to fight back.

  My insecurities were self-made.

  I didn’t choose this life for myself. From birth, destiny thrust itself upon me. There were times that I lashed out and yearned for something simpler. But that was all over now. It was time to put away childish things and become the princess my court deserved. I refused to sit back and watch this world crumble. I was going back to the castle, and I wouldn’t stop until I found a way to save us all.

  Chapter Thirty

  Kalin

  There was only one way to stop this war.

  I had to find my father. If I brought him to the battle, King Orion would end the attack, Jarrod would be forced to pull the air court army back, we could rescue Rowan, and save Liana’s life. I cracked my knuckles while I paced. Valac and Selene had my father, so I had to trick them into taking me to him. But I couldn’t do this on my own. I needed help. An idea popped in my head.

  The plan was risky—pieces had to fall into place at the right time—but it was all I had.

  I pushed through the hanging vines and strode out of the water court's secret portal. I should’ve asked Britta to send me back to the air court. Too bad I had no idea how to use her portal or even where exactly it was. My best guess was beneath the water. As I tried to retrace my steps, I had to stop and start a few times. I couldn’t get my bearings. Everywhere I went, every direction looked the same.

  I was lost.

  A loud screech rang out. An oversized brown owl perched on a branch in a nearby tree and stared at me with yellow eyes, and I wondered if I looked like tonight’s dinner. An odd sensation came over me as the owl flapped its wings. I should follow. He let out another scream, then swooped down and flew right over my head. I took off after him. Before long, I was struggling to keep up. He flew over the trees while I pushed through brush and tree limbs.

  Each time I caught up to my flying friend, he flew even farther away. I wanted to slow down and rest, but he wasn’t having any of it. If I stopped even for a second, he screeched. The damn bird had a lot of attitude. In between heavy pants, I thought of Ariel. Had she remained at the castle with her family or joined the battle? I had to find her. I needed her if my plan was going to work. And if I was really lucky, she could help me find some more elementals to join our rescue mission. Iron weapons would be nice too.

  After what seemed like hours, the owl led me to the edge of the forest where I had left Ariel. As soon as I could see the castle in the distance, I searched the skies for the owl. He was gone. My shoulders tensed as I made my way toward the castle. The woodland and air court armies were on their way to the fire court. I had no idea how much time had passed, but I did know Jarrod planned to attack at sundown. I still had a few more hours before the battle would begin, but I had no time to spare.

  There was not a single elemental that I could see. I expected most of our court would be with Jarrod and the woodland court. Still, I should’ve seen castle workers. Would they leave our greatest stronghold empty? A bad feeling crept over me as I entered the grassy courtyard. The castle seemed oddly quiet. Was I alone? I ran at full-speed toward the inner chambers. Once inside, I searched feverishly through every hallway racing up and down stairwells in hopes of finding anyone.

  There was no one here.

  Panting, I called out for anyone to respond. The only noise I heard was the echo of my voice. The overwhelming sense of emptiness made me shudder. Nevertheless, I persisted. I refused to give up hope that Ariel might still be here. As my endless search continued, my legs burned. My whole body ached to rest, and I wanted desperately to collapse. I pushed past the pain and kept going. A thought occurred to me, and I stopped. I hadn’t checked Dad’s royal chambers. I twisted around and headed in that direction.

  My shoes clicked against the white marble floors, and I rushed toward my father’s bedroom. The air was musty and thick, almost as if I was walking inside a cloud. It seemed that the place had been empty since his disappearance. I passed large windows cut out of the crystal walls, allowing the sun’s rays to illuminate the area with a creamy yellow glow.

  For a second, I imagined my mother walked through these halls with me still growing in her belly. Thinking of her made tears well in my eyes. I quickly pushed those thoughts aside, refocusing on my search. At the end of the lengthy walkway, two knights stood guard outside my father’s door with no expression on their faces. As I approached, they block
ed my father’s door with their spears.

  “Who’s behind this door?” I asked.

  Neither guard responded to my question.

  My anger grew, and I shouted in a fierce tone I didn’t know I had, “I am Kalin, daughter of King Taron, and heir to the court of air, and I demand to know who’s behind this door!”

  They re-positioned their spears at their sides, unblocking the door. Still staring straight ahead, the one closest to me replied, “Ariel is not allowed to leave this room until Jarrod returns.”

  I blinked hard. “What? Why? What’s happened?”

  “We have no additional information,” he answered bluntly.

  “Open the door.” The guards hesitated. I rolled my eyes. “I don’t have time for this bureaucratic crap. Open the damn door now.”

  They turned the knobs, opening both doors simultaneously. I stepped through the doorway. It just occurred to me that I’d been in Avalon for a week, and I had never once come here. It was too painful, I suppose. Now that I was inside, I saw something I didn’t expect. The walls weren’t like any other I’d seen in the castle. They were more like moving movie screens. The images that flashed across the screen looked familiar. That was when I realized they were showing different territories of Avalon.

  I heard a familiar screech.

  A brown owl perched on a wooden stand, flapping his large wings. He stared at me with piercing yellow eyes. This bird was the same owl that had led me back to the castle. Sneaky little thing. Had my father somehow sent his bird to me? That seemed doubtful. The more reasonable answer was that the water queen had sent the bird to lead me home. Water court elementals spoke to each other telepathically. I’d bet Britta read my mind while I was still in her secret portal.