Under A Blood Moon (Elemental Enchanters) (32 page)

“Yeah, but Devon was around when Corbin was alive. They knew where he was. Why would they wait ten years to break him out?”

“If this prison is as tough as you all say, maybe it took that long to plan his escape,” Peter said.

“Maybe.” Melissa gave a dismissive gesture. “I don’t know. Just seems far-fetched.”

It did seem that way, but Ava would find out. And she would learn
who her mother’s killer was, track them down, and take vengeance.

The lights from Lance’s car illuminated the path to
Blackhart Manor. The majestic house stood strong against the howling winds. Other cars were parked in the grass on the side of the house. They got out and made their way to the door.

“How d
oes she get the flowers to look so amazing?” Peter asked as they trailed through the autumn garden. Lush orange, red, and yellow flowers bloomed surrounded by greenery.

“Magic,” Ava said.

After three knocks, the door opened and Savina greeted them with a worried expression.

“
Ava, I’m so glad you’re okay.” She drew her into an embrace.

Ava pulled away, and took a deep breath. “
I’m sorry I left today and worried everyone. We know this isn’t the best time, but we need to talk.”

“Of course, we can come back if that’s better,” Melissa quickly said.

Savina’s gaze flashed back and forth between them. “No, please, come in.”

Ava felt
Savina’s critical eyes on her as she walked inside with Peter. If he was scared, he never gave any indication.

Colden emerged from the kitchen and slowed near the library.
Ava’s heart accelerated. What was he doing there? Had they found Devon? Did that mean he was dead?

His eyes were worried, but relieved. “What is it, Sister?”

“They need to speak to us.”

“Of course.”

Savina led them into the library, where several lamps lit the enormous room. To Ava’s amazement, books lined the walls from floor to ceiling with a sliding ladder in front of the shelves. Three dark round tables rested in the center of the room with chairs around them. A fire crackled in the rock-laid fireplace that was on the far end of the room. A short hallway was in between the walls of books that had even more aisles.

“Please sit.”
She sank into the chair next to the fireplace and Colden stood near the fire, while Melissa and Lance took seats next to each other at a table, and Ava and Peter remained standing.

“
We ask that you hear us out before saying anything,” Melissa said.

“I agree, but where are Thomas and Gillian?
” Savina asked.

Ava squeezed Peter’s hand, but then loosened her grip, afraid she’d break it.

“It’s okay,” he whispered.

She nodded.
“I don’t even know where to begin. I never meant to break my oath or betray our Aureole, but I did. I know you meant to erase Peter’s mind of me, but I can’t let you. Gillian and Thomas aren’t here because they—they don’t approve of Peter and me. I know Thomas and I are in the same coven, and that we were probably set up to be together, but I can’t be with him.”

Savina gave a confused look.
“Whatever do you mean?”

Ava removed her jacket to reveal the darkened scars on each arm.
“I mean, it’s obvious that Thomas and I aren’t right for each other.”

She gaped, bolted from her chair, and investigated
Ava’s arms. “Good gracious. What happened?”

“Thomas
. I don’t know if he knows how to control himself, but he does not believe Peter and I should be together.”

“Why did you not inform
us of this sooner?” Colden asked. His face twisted in bewilderment.

“I don’t know
. I didn’t want to bother you.”

Colden shook his head.
“Ava, please, you can come to us about anything.”

“You should know that,” Savina said, almost offended.
Slowly, her hands tickled over the scars and Ava watched in astonishment as they disappeared. Then, Savina returned to her seat. “You are bound to Thomas only by this coven, as you are to Jeremy and Lance. You are by no means supposed to stay together forever. It just so happened that your Aureole ended up like that.”

Melissa was right all along.

“I am sorry for what Thomas did to you, and I will speak to him.”

“
I know you told me to stay away from Peter, but I love him, and I-I told him everything about us.” Her fear came through her voice. She tried to sound stronger, but it was no use.

Savina observed them for what seemed like forever. “
There is a lot of energy flowing between you two. It reminds me of your mother and father.” She smiled wistfully for a brief moment. “Do you remember your oath?”

She wanted to look away from Savina’s disappointing eyes, but held her place. “Yes.”

“Perfect love and perfect trust.”

Colden placed a hand on Savina’s shoulder. “Savina, they are young. They are bound to make mistakes.”

“I realize that. And you all are naïve. It was my fault to believe you all could be mature, but it is obvious to me that it has taken quite a lot for you to understand the grave importance of this.”

Ava felt herself shrinking.

“I feel the abundance of mistrust in your Aureole, and yes, you have broken your oath and coven. We cannot have such a coven to fight with us. It is too risky because they can sense weakness. Especially now is not a good since there is a pending war.”

“War?” Melissa asked.

Colden frowned. “We did not find Devon. It was a false trail.”

Ava could see the guilt in his eyes. As if it was his fault they failed. She wanted to console him.

“Trudy and Xavier have left and retreated to Devon. We will need to prepare for a battle soon. We fear that Devon is gathering as many troops as he can.”

Ava’s heartbeat picked up.
“They’re coming after us?”

“Yes. You were right in that he wants the Elemental powers. We must practice as much as we can.”

This changed everything. The thought of having Peter join and then go straight to war sickened her.

“
I instructed you that now was not a good time to be consorting with an Ephemeral,” Savina said. “And you disobeyed me. There is no time to train him for this war.”

Melissa stood, almost knocking her chair backwards.
“But he protects her. And she can’t be without him.”

“Sister, please reconsider,” Colden said.

“I have made my decision.”

Ava’s
heart sank, and her throat tightened. She’d brought him here to have him become one of them, but instead, Savina rejected her request.

Peter cleared his throat
politely. “Ava explained everything to me. I do not wish to cause rifts with your coven, but could I have the opportunity to decide for myself?”

Savina scrutinized him.
“Do you know what you’re asking? You would become an Enchanter forever. There is no going back.”

“I know,” Peter said. “I
want this.”

“T
his war is a serious matter. You could very easily die without the proper and extensive training. It takes days for your strength and powers to develop fully. We cannot afford such delays.”

“But you said he might be a Paramortal,” Ava blurted.
“He could already have some strength.”

“It’s true that I have been unable to read your mind, but I believe that is because your guard is up. Xavier was able to use his powers against him.”

“She feels no pain when she’s with him,” Melissa said.

“Xavier wasn’t able to use his ability on me last night because Peter was there. I think he acts as a shield.”

“He cannot be a part of this right now. It is not a good time.”

“I’m sorry, but I think I
became a part of this when Xavier kidnapped me,” Peter said. “Even if you were to erase my mind, Xavier would try again, knowing what I’m capable of doing.”

“They’re right, Sister. If Xavier showed interest in Peter, he will come after him
again.”

Savina
stood and gave Peter a curious look. Her lips pursed, and she was deep in thought. “How exactly can you protect Ava?

He shrugged.
“I have no idea.”

“
He did it tonight,” Lance uttered. “Thomas was about to attack Ava, and Peter pushed him to the ground.”

The words obviously upset Savina as the anger in her eyes set
. Ava couldn’t figure out which part angered her, though.

“
We can show you,” Melissa said. “I could try to poison Ava and Peter could protect her.

“We haven’t exactly practiced this,” Ava said.

“I would like to see,” Savina said.

“I haven’t ever produced poison, but there’s a first time for everything.
Hold your breath, Peter.” She pulled an orange camellia out of the vase that sat on the small table in between two chairs by the door. She held it for a moment, and then handed it to Ava.

Ava
took the flower, and then took a deep breath.

As Ava
deeply inhaled, she quickly grimaced from the strong chemical-like scent. She waited for the poison to take over and make her weak, but nothing happened. “Nothing.”

Mel
issa threw the flower into the fire. “See?” She looked at Savina. “He keeps her safe.”

Savina moved closer
and crossed her arms. “This is impossible. How are you doing it?”

“I don’t know exactly
.” He shrugged. “I just—something just overcomes me and I can’t let anything happen to Ava.”

Colden stared in amazement with his lips slightly parted. “This is extraordinary. How is this even possible?”

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Savina said. “Can you protect anyone else?”

“I-I don’t know.”

“Ava, drown Lance. Peter, I want you to protect him.”

“I don’t know if I can.”

“It’s okay, I won’t completely drown him,” Ava said, and then she imagined Lance in the ocean. Her body warmed as energy pulsated to the ends of her extremities. Rough waves tossed him about like a doll, and the water pulled him under as he flailed his arms.

Lance
bent over, coughed, and gasped for air, but then immediately stopped. He stood upright and breathed deeply. Ava kept the image in her head alive, but nothing happened.

Melissa shook her head. “Amazing.”

“What were you thinking, Peter?” Savina asked.

“Just protecting him from harm.”

“Truly fascinating,” she said.

Lance smiled. “Yeah, just don’t piss off Ava.”

Savina paced, and pointed her finger at nothing in particular. “We could use you in this war.”

Those weren’t exactly the words Ava wanted to hear. She didn’t want Peter used
only in the war. Was that the only reason Savina agreed?

Melissa gave an uneasy look. “We just have one slight problem.”

“What?” Colden asked.

“Thomas and Gillian will never agree.”

Savina stopped pacing. “They will have to after speaking with me. He can be a vital aspect to this Aureole.”

“
And he cannot be separated from Ava,” Colden said.

“
I see he is very protective of you, and even you two, Melissa and Lance.”

“What about Thomas
?” Lance asked. “Can Peter protect him?”

“
I do foresee an issue, but Thomas is in pain. He will heal, though. Peter, we invite you to join. I would prefer you spend time thinking about it, however, there isn’t much. We’ll need to know by tomorrow.”

“We
will need all of you here tomorrow for training,” Colden said.

“I’d be more than
glad to join,” Peter said.

“Do
not be too hasty.” Her green eyes locked onto his. “Please think about it tonight. This includes a lifetime of the unknown.”

“
However, if we end this war once and for all, we can live peacefully.” Colden gave a warm smile.

Savina
moved to the door and opened it. “I will see you all here tomorrow. I can see that you need rest.”

Ava wanted answers about her mother.
“Can we talk? Just you and me?”

“Of course,” Savina said. “
The rest of you, please make yourselves welcome in the parlor. Peter, it was lovely seeing you once again.”

“You as well.
And thank you for hearing us out.” He released Ava’s hand, and followed Lance, Melissa, and Colden outside.

Savina turned to her.
“Are you okay, dear?”

She wante
d to choose her words carefully, and didn’t want to stumble over them or place blame. “When Trudy made me see my mother die again, it wasn’t from my memory. It was someone else’s.” She kept her voice calm, but stared down at the Persian rug and its elaborate design. “It was like I was in their skin. Pulling the lightning from the sky and directing it at my mom. She was murdered, wasn’t she?” Her eyes watered.

Savina
frowned. “Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?
” she yelled.

“I would have, but you were not ready to know.”

“Who are you to decide that?”

“No child is ready for that knowledge
.”

“I’m not a child anymore. I could have handled it.”
A tear dropped and she swatted at her face to erase the trail. “Does my dad know?”

“No, but I’m sure he suspects.”

“Who killed her?”

“We do not know. There are many things we are investigating—.”

“You’ve been saying that this whole time,” she snapped. She was tired of all the vague answers. “What’s taking so long? Why aren’t we out there killing Devon and his army? There are too many unanswered questions floating around.”

Savina cupped Ava’s chin and peered into her eyes. “Do not be blinded by hate, my child.
We are not vengeful. We are better than that. They will pay for their crimes in due time.” She released Ava.

Ava took a deep breath.
“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You are not the only one seeking answers
. I promise we will end this. Now, get some rest and come back tomorrow.”

“Okay.” She nodded and Savina left.

But if something didn’t happen soon, Ava was going to find her mother’s killer by herself no matter what. How could she not be vengeful?

“Is everything okay?” Gabriel’s voice came from the doorway.

Ava looked up and then felt her cheeks redden. “Fine and dandy.”

“I know that look,” he said.

She met his crystal blue eyes. “What?”

“The ‘I’m going to do this myself’ look.”

“Leave me alone.” She crossed her arms and brushed past him to leave, but he caught her arm.

“Hey, she’s right you know. If we’re angry, they’ll take advantage of that.”

“Did she tell you that as well?”

He let go of her.
“No. I learned that myself.”

“How can I not be angry? How could she keep something like that from me?”

“If you’d known, you would have stopped at nothing trying to find the killer. Which is a suicide mission, especially for such a young Enchanter.”

“I take it you’re still seeking answers?”

He gave a lopsided grin. “Not exactly. Corbin killed my parents.”

Now she felt like an idiot. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“It’s okay. I’ve had a few years to cope.”

“How long did you sit and wait to find out?”

“I didn’t. I was that naïve Enchanter set on finding the truth. Needless to say, it didn’t go well. Just don’t let that rage take over. You’ll only end up regretting it.”

“
Noted.” She wanted to know what had happened, but she kept her questions to herself. She felt her shoulders relax.

“
I’m sorry about what happened to you. We were all worried.”

“Thanks.
Guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He nodded and gave a
slight smile. “Looking forward to it. Sleep well.”