Chapter One
A cool breeze tousled my hair as we anchored in an alcove just off the island of Incendia. I stood on the deck of The Damned—my unsteady home over the past few weeks—and breathed in the balmy, salt air. Directly in front of us was a small patch of beach with velvety white sand that stretched between rocky formations on either side. Beyond that, toward the center of the island, I could see a forest of lush trees which fronted a towering mountain that, to me, appeared like a tall palace.
Was that where the Fire Goddess lived?
My eyes scanned the empty shoreline, wondering if I’d see any sign of life. But there were none that even my heightened eyesight could spot, aside from the birds and a few furry creatures scurrying about.
After barely surviving the rough weeks at sea, I’d never been happier to see solid ground. The daily seasickness made me never want to step foot on another ship again. If I could help it. But I was grateful for the escape Captain Sebastian Salloway had given us.
We hadn’t seen Nyx since she’d left, but I swore I caught traces of Trystan’s scent in the breezes. A scent which warmed my insides and made my blood stir. I often found myself wandering alone on deck, craving to catch even the slightest hint of his scent.
Even though I was in the middle of the sea, a sense of peace eased and settled into my bones, knowing Trystan had seen me through Nyx’s eyes. That he knew we were heading to Incendia.
Often, I wondered about Brynna, who was now in his care. She was tangled in this dangerous and deadly web created by Roehl because of me. And I had a constant ache in my gut, wondering if she found out her parents were dead.
A loud sob burst from my chest as I grasped the rail of the ship. The only thing holding my brokenness together was that I had seen my mother in the In Between. I’d had the chance to speak to her and say goodbye. I was also given the knowledge that even in the afterlife, she loved me and was still watching over me and my father.
Keeping my back to the deck, I wiped away the tears and gathered myself. I didn’t want anyone else seeing me in distress.
From the ship, Incendia reminded me of a picture hanging on my parent’s wall back in Sartha. My mother had brought it back from one of her trips to Merchant Port, and after she’d hung it, I often found myself standing in front of it, studying it, wanting to sink my toes in the golden sand, or swim in the crystal blue water, or lay under the beaming golden sun.
But deep inside, even as I looked at the tropical paradise before me, I knew I would never enjoy freedom. Not if Roehl was alive. By now, he must have known the bond between us had been broken. And when he found out I’d escaped his heavily warded cell, with help of his head guard, his rage would follow us to the ends of the world. He’d hunt me and Markus. We were both certain of it.
Roehl was an asshole with a power trip. A pompous prick who would easily sink his teeth into and rip out the throat of anyone who made him feel weak or question his authority. And now that the spell he’d placed over his father had been broken, there would be nothing to stop him from hunting us.
I could almost feel the thickness of his hatred roiling through the atmosphere, heading toward us like a dark, ominous cloud. Roehl’s gift was powerful and extremely dangerous. His magic came easy. And it was ancient and dark.
This made it vital for me to learn about my powers so I could fight back. Right now, he had the upper hand and was much stronger than me. He knew it. And I knew that if he came right now, I wouldn’t be strong enough to fight him. I had to find a way to survive and keep everyone I loved safe.
The fact we’d made it to Incendia was a dream and a nightmare.
I closed my eyes and envisioned the horrible events that took place on this beautiful island. The inhabitants of Incendia were said to have been destroyed by the Kingdom of Morbeth. The same wicked ruler who was also my ancestor.
The thought made my stomach roil and bile push up my throat. How could someone be so cold? How could a man attack a kingdom who’d borne his grandson?
Psychopathic, murderous prick.
I sucked in another deep breath, and in my bones, felt a stirring, knowing that there were answers here. Answers to help me understand who my ancestors were and the magic they possessed. Magic I now possessed.
We waited for the sun to set before we disembarked The Damned, knowing Markus wasn’t immune to sunlight. Sabine had also been suffering a horrible bout of seasickness, so he remained inside the cabin with her while she rested.
Sebastian had been an entertaining and generous host, and I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t miss his playful banter. He kept my whirlwind of a mind occupied and fed my thirst. And it was something I would never forget.
I felt terrible that he had lost a few of his crew members to the Sangerian sea serpent, but most had survived and managed to repair any damages to the ship. They celebrated the triumph and survival nightly, and I was shocked at the seemingly endless supply of alcohol The Damned possessed. But then again, they were pirates, known for their brew and unruly behaviors. And I’d grown accustomed to them all.
As the sun disappeared on the horizon, my heart thrummed loudly in my chest, knowing that once I stepped off this ship, I would be undertaking an entirely new adventure. And I was glad I wasn’t alone. I was thankful Markus and Sabine’s were with me. They had become my most trusted friends and allies.
As the last bits of light slipped beneath the horizon, Markus and Sabine exited the cabin and made their way toward me. Sebastian and his crew lined the deck to see us off.
The Captain of The Damned looked dashingly handsome, donned in his full captain garb. The wind tousled the stray locks of his hair, while the rest was tied behind his neck. When I reached him, he gave me a broad smile and took my hands in his.
“Twas nice to have met an incredible mystery as yourself, dearest Calla, and to have shared quite an adventure with you and your friends.” Sebastian pressed his warm lips to my cheek. “You’ve kept my crew on their toes and gave us some much-needed excitement.” The upturn of his lips and the sly gleam in his eyes spoke clearly.
I felt my cheeks heat, then smiled at him and bowed my head. “Captain Salloway, we are forever indebted to you and your crew for delivering us safely to our destination.”
Sebastian smiled widely, his sea-blue eyes crinkling on the sides. “My ship and my crew will be forever in your debt and will always be available should the need arise. If we are within the area.”
Inside, I felt a small pang of sadness, wondering if I would ever run across this handsome pirate again. “Thank you, Sebastian.”
He bowed at the waist, his soft lips touching the back of my hands. “If you happen to see King Romulus again, please give him my regards.”
“I will.” I said, watching him take a step and cringe in pain. I reached out and grabbed his arm, wishing there were a way I could help him since he was injured saving me. “Please be sure to rest, Sebastian. After all, you are mortal.”
He let out a laugh. “That, I am. The crew and physician will make certain of my quick recovery. They know they won’t last long under my father’s supervision.”
I smiled and nodded. “Then, it’s good to know I’ll be leaving you in good hands.”
“Not as good as yours,” he winked, “but at this point, I can’t be picky.”
After bidding our farewells to Sebastian and the crew, we disembarked his ship. And after days of celebration, it was hard to say goodbye.
However, I was thankful to finally be off the sea. And so was Sabine, who hadn’t been able to keep any food or water down from the seasickness. Because of it, I refused to take any blood from her, or Sebastian, who was also healing.
It had been a few days since I’d fed, and I was feeling a little weak. But I would never let anyone know. This was my curse and my burden to bear.
xxx
As soon as my feet touched Incendian soil, my blood stirred, and bones hummed with warmth. I let my head fall back and inhaled the pure and unfamiliar scents of Incendia. Even the breeze felt different here, holding a current of energy that lightly brushed against my skin, welcoming me home.
We waited on the shore until The Damned disappeared and all that remained was the inky black water which reflected the sparkling moon and stars above.
Standing on a small sandy shoreline, I couldn’t see or hear any signs of life, aside from crickets, a hooting owl, and the wind. Under Markus’s guidance, we made our way toward the center of the island.
With every step, I could feel a part of the island seeping into the souls of my feet, tingling up my legs and throughout the rest of my body. I felt stronger here, like the magic of the island was healing me.
Once we made it through the sharp rocks, we encountered a large wall of trees that seemed to reach up and touch the sky. It was the first time I’d seen trees like these. They were like a wall, thin and tightly knit together, and I wondered if we would be able to make it through.
“It’s a bamboo forest,” Sabine said. “The trees are strong. Just as strong as steel.”
Markus grasped one of the younger trees in his hand and snapped it in half like it was a twig. Then, in a flash, he thrust the tree through the air like a spear. The twenty-foot tree sailed out of sight.
Markus turned, eyebrows raised, and gave Sabine a crooked smile. “So much for your steel tree.”
“Show off,” I growled.
Sabine crossed her arms over her chest. “For your information, bamboo is not a tree. It's grass.”
“Grass?” Markus growled, his brow furrowed like she was crazy.
“Yes,” Sabine noted. “So, you broke a blade of grass. That’s not so badass, Captain.”
Markus patted one of the bamboo stumps next to him and tilted his head at Sabine. “I’d like to see you break this blade of grass.”
She stepped up to him, arms still crossed, eyes narrowed into slits. “I don’t kill plants, captain. They are living things.” She then pushed past him and slid through a few of the trees before Markus caught her arm and pulled her back out. They locked eyes for a few moments, then Sabine shook free from his grip.
“What?” She huffed.
A soft rumble escaped from Markus’s chest. “I’m the leader here. I’ll go first. You stay in the middle, mortal. Stay close and keep your eyes open,” Markus warned.
Sabine glared at him.
“You two obviously have some pent-up issues you need to work out. I’ll admit, I am partly to blame for having you two stuck together in the ship's cabin those awful weeks. Why don’t you just kiss and make up?”
Both Markus and Sabine’s heads snapped to me, jaws dropped open, eyes wide.
I shrugged. “What? I’m not blind.”
“And you obviously don’t know anything,” Markus bit out. “There is nothing between us.”
Sabine didn’t say anything, but I could see the disappointment written all over her face. But she blinked, and it was gone.
“He’s right, Calla,” Sabine muttered, a tick in her jaw. “Markus and I tolerate each other.”
I shrugged. “Yeah, you both can keep believing that, but everyone else sees something else.”
I watched, and even in the darkness, both Sabine and Markus blushed. Markus immediately turned and plowed his massive frame through the bamboo trees before growling four words. “Move. And stay silent.”
Grump. Someone desperately needed to feed. Or maybe he needed sex. In all honesty, he was probably lacking both.
Sabine followed his path as he easily pushed the bamboo trees aside, uprooting the long, stringy roots with ease. While Markus and I could see without light, Sabine couldn’t, so I held a flame in my palm, out in front of me, illuminating the surrounding area.
The flame I called seemed different. Felt different. It was almost an iridescent color. It felt like the magic used to produce the flame was coming from the earth itself. I could feel the power pulsing through me. It felt raw, like there was no end to its source.
The forest remained silent, except for Markus and his path of destruction, and it felt like hours had passed when we finally pushed out of the bamboo forest and into a wide, open field. Before us lay miles of green meadow and lush hillsides.
Even though the power inside me was strong, my thirst was growing even stronger. I hadn’t fed in days, and after the endless hours of traversing this non-inviting terrain, my muscles were aching. I tried to fight the hunger, but knew if I didn’t feed soon, I’d be too weak to move.
Blood. It both disgusted and pleased me. It was the bane of my existence. Yet, the mere thought of the rich, crimson nectar made my mouth water and incisors lengthen.
I flashed back to a time, only months ago, when I lived a simple, quiet life. But that life had shattered in an instant, and now, after sailing weeks across a ruthless and unforgiving sea, I’d finally made it to the home of my ancestors.
As I glanced at the island, I could almost picture it filled with Incendians, who once lived and thrived here. A people who received their power from the Fire Goddess.
I prayed there were answers here. Answers about my origins and my powers. I wasn’t even sure if there was anyone here. Yes, I came because Leora told me I’d find answers here, but also because I felt an overwhelming pull to the island. I knew I had to be here. For what? I still didn’t know.
I’d fallen behind Sabine and Markus, who were up ahead. Sabine had asked Markus a question, and he responded in a surprisingly friendly tone. Hearing their voices gave me a sense of peace, and I was so glad I wasn’t alone. I was thankful for their companionship, because I knew without them, I wouldn’t be here. I owed them my life.
Alone with my thoughts, I’d fallen even more behind. The pungent smell of wet grass and the sound of a restless murmur called to me. My lips were parched, and my throat felt arid like sandpaper, so I pushed on, reaching a small creek. It would have to do until I found the nourishment my body craved.
Bending, I scooped the water into my gaunt fingers and placed it to my lips. The cool drink was invigorating, but no matter how much I consumed, it still didn’t appease the thirst.
I frowned, spotting my rippled reflection in the water. My auburn hair was matted, my golden eyes had become dull, enclosed within dark circles. I was a shell of the person I used to be.
Another reflection appeared in the water directly behind me. Spinning around, my eyes landed on a young woman standing behind me, an arrow nocked in her bow, aimed directly at my forehead.
“Don’t move,” she ordered.
I froze, slowly raising my hands in the air.
A cloth mask covered the bottom half of the girl’s face, only revealing her eyes. She wore a long golden braid over her left shoulder and was wearing a brown tunic, knickers, and boots, with a belt slung around her waist lined with sharp knives.
“Move and you die,” she spoke gruffly, her eyes narrowed.
I was suddenly surrounded by at least ten men who stepped out of the shadows. Gods, they were stealthy. I hadn’t even heard them.
Where the hell was Markus?
Sabine screamed and my head whipped in their direction. She and Markus were hemmed in by a few dozen raiders with arrows and swords aimed at them.
The girl who had her arrow aimed at my head made a gesture to the others, and I was immediately seized. My hands were bound behind my back, and a dark hood was placed over my head.
I didn’t struggle because I had recognized the girl. She was the one I saw in Melaina’s magic bowl of water. The girl with golden hair and different colored eyes—one emerald, one sapphire. Melaina said she was related to me, someone in my bloodline, so I had to play cool until things settled down and had a chance to speak to her. Maybe I could figure out exactly who she was.
Lifted off the ground, I was thrown over a broad, bulky shoulder. No one in their party spoke a word, aside from the girl, and they remained silent for their entire trek, which seemed forever.
Finally, I was pulled from the man’s shoulder and dropped on the ground. I groaned, knowing my backside would be bruised. My muscles ached like hell as I tried to sit up. Then someone ripped the hood off and walked away. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I realized I was in a cell. Another gods-damned cell. The door clanked shut, and I heard it lock.
But this cell wasn’t enclosed with thick rock, like Morbeth’s was. These cells were open and barred all the way around. And mine had a cot with an actual blanket and pillow. This was luxury compared to Morbeth.
“Calla?” Sabine’s voice whimpered.
I hopped to my feet and ran to the bars. “Sabine? Markus?”
“What?” Markus growled. He was in a foul mood, sitting on the cot with his face buried in his hands.
“Are you both okay?” I called fire to my palm and extended my arm between the bars, more worried about Sabine since she was mortal.
“I’m fine,” Sabine replied. I watched her slowly stand to her feet. She was three cells down across the hall from me. Markus was in a cell directly across from her. “Who are they?” She asked, her voice trembling.
“I think they’re Incendians,” I said.
“Of course, they’re Incendians,” Markus grumbled, standing, and grasping a couple bars, trying to forcefully bend them . . . to no avail. A deep growl rumbled in his chest as he rattled them instead. “They’re assholes. That’s who they are.”
Marcus was a well-trained Captain of the King’s guard, and this was probably the first time he’d been captured or caught off guard and thrown into an enemy’s cell. That had to be messing with his head.
“Can’t say I blame them. We are trespassing on their island,” Sabine noted. “They don’t know who we are or why we’re here. They’re just taking precautions. At least we aren’t dead.”
“You’re right, Sabine,” I agreed. “After all, if this was Morbeth and someone tried to sneak over the Red Wall, you’d probably do the same, right Markus?”
Markus growled. “No, I wouldn’t. Because no one can sneak over the Red Wall.”
“When was the last time you’ve eaten?” Sabine asked him.
She knew his hunger was a huge issue to his mood.
“Last night,” he hissed. “I don’t want to be bothered. Get some sleep. It’s been a long night.” He headed back over to the cot and threw his body back on it and it sunk with his weight. Then he threw a muscled arm over his eyes.
I sighed, biting back a snarky remark. I didn’t want to push it with Mr. Grump. Besides, I was too tired and weak to come up with anything witty.
“Sabine, are you going to be okay?” I called.
“Yes,” she answered. “I have a bed and my room isn’t moving. This is much better than being at sea. Especially knowing you both are here with me.”
“You always find the light in the darkness.” I smiled. “I’m glad you are with me too.”
I kept my flame on high until Sabine was settled in bed.
“Do you think Roehl will come after us?” she questioned. I knew it was heavy on her mind. It was weighing heavy on all our minds.
“He will,” Markus answered. “And he’ll not grant us mercy.”
Sabine sighed loudly and pulled the blanket over her. “Goodnight,” she said softly.
I closed my fingers, killing the light. “Goodnight.”
Markus didn’t say a word after that. I just hoped the sourpuss would be nice tomorrow. Knowing he was a vampire and head guard in Morbeth wouldn’t play well in his favor. He was connected to a place that destroyed Incendia. So, we would have to keep it secret.
Maybe that was one of the many things worrying him. I knew Markus was out of his comfort zone, and the only reason he was here was because the King of Morbeth had ordered him to follow and protect me. And here we were . . . captured. Even though I knew it wasn’t his fault. Even I hadn’t heard them approach, the sneaky devils.
I chose not to tell Markus or Sabine about the girl with the different colored eyes. Not yet. Not when I didn’t know if there were ears outside, listening to our conversations. But still, the thought of her face kept me awake. How was she related to me?
She had to have been from Leora’s bloodline. Was she royalty too? She seemed to oversee the men, and they obeyed to her orders.
I settled down and although the cot was stiff, it wasn’t wooden planks, and the room wasn’t rocking back and forth.
Smiling, I felt happy, knowing there were survivors of Incendia. Survivors who could help me find answers and tell me more about the island and the powers borne here.
xxx
As soon as I closed my eyes, I was back on a ship in the middle of the sea. The ship wasn’t familiar and there were no crew members on board. Then, above me, a black crow circled.
Nyx?
I slowly made my way around the deck when a breeze picked up and I caught his scent. That perfect scent that sent tingles across my skin and warmth to my core. But when I looked around, there still wasn’t a soul on deck.
“Trystan?” I called out. But there was no answer.
But I knew he was here. Somewhere. I could feel his presence and could smell his scent.
“Trystan!”
The sky suddenly turned a dark gray, and the air became frigid. So cold I could see my breath exit in white puffs before me.
Trystan’s scent was gone, and as I glanced into the sky, so was Nyx.
A wave of fear crashed over me. The boat tipped from side to side as large waves crashed against its sides. I was in the middle of a storm, and I was the only one on this gods-damned ship.
It was a dream. It had to be. I just needed to wake myself up.
Then, above the howling wind, a dark and horrifying voice spoke. “I am the storm that will chase you until the ends of the earth. You can never outrun the wind, pet. I will find you wherever you are.”
“No!” I screamed, shooting up, tears streaming down my face.
“Calla, what’s wrong?” Sabine’s voice echoed in the darkness. My eyes adjusted and I could see her standing against her cell, looking in my direction. Markus was also on his feet, his eyes sweeping the room.
“What happened?” he asked.
“I—” I sucked in a few deep breaths, trying to calm my trembling nerves. My skin cold, like it was real. But it wasn’t. “I had a nightmare. I’m sorry I woke you both up.”
“Remember, it’s just a nightmare.” Markus’s voice was calm. “He’s not here. And I won’t let him hurt you.”
“We won’t,” Sabine added.
I nodded. “Thank you,” I said, settling back down, turning away from them. A new set of tears trickled down my face. Tears of comfort, knowing that even if Roehl did find us, I wasn’t alone.
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