Dark Summoner (Relic Keeper Series Book 1) (17 page)

I
sat in the corner of the filthy, blood-covered ballroom, my arms wrapped tightly around my knees as they rested against my chest. The wounded were being tended to by the small number of guests who’d manage to slink by unscathed, while the dead bodies were being moved to the lawn. Dorian and Reagan had survived. They checked on me before helping with the injured. We had lost almost half the guardians in the attack but the entire
Triae
were okay, Kieron convened with the Council, and we still hadn’t spoken. As I looked at the blank, empty faces carried from the room, my heart sank. I couldn’t help any of them, including someone so important to the realm. I wiped at a solitary tear as Reagan sat next to me.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“You’re sorry? I’m the one who failed. I was supposed to be able to protect everyone, but I can’t even protect myself.”

“You saved my life and Luca’s. That counts for something.”

“What about Isadora?” I asked her.

“That was her choice. She knew that she could save the realm, for now at least. She bought you time.”

I laughed. “Time to what? Get more people killed or injured?”

“Time to fight back. To prepare yourself.”

“And what if I’m destined to fail? What then?” I said.

“What are you talking about?”

“I’ve seen it, Reagan,” I said.

“You’ve
seen
it?”

“Yes. I fail. No matter what, even when I have the Relic.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.”

“Rea, almost everything I’ve seen so far has happened or come true. At one point or another.”

She looked down at her hands, her one arm covered in bandages and wrapped in a makeshift sling. “Maybe destiny is a direction, not a destination.”

“What do you mean?”

“Maybe your destiny could lead you there, but the end is not determined now, it’s an option to one of the many paths you have. Maybe what you saw wasn’t the end of the vision. Maybe—”

Kieron stood over us. His imposing frame stopped Reagan’s words and she clamped her mouth shut. He didn’t say anything. He simply gestured his head toward the other
Triae
.

“I’m gonna see if Luca needs a hand. I’ll see you in a bit, Abby.”

Kieron took Regan’s place beside me. He stretched his legs out along the floor, crossing one ankle over the other. It was so unlike him, casual, unexpected. He took a deep breath in and then slowly let it out as if he needed the rest as much as I did. We didn’t have to talk or say anything. His nearness comforted me and I wondered if I did the same for him.

“What happens now? Is she dead?”

“No,” he said.

“So she’s what? Hurt?”

“In a sense, yes. Isadora used the only kind of magic left that could stop the Black Walker, at least temporarily. Soul fire. She’s not gone, just delayed. She’ll eventually regroup and return.”

“Isadora said something about the Sentinel rising? What did she mean?”

“Isadora was the last true Visia and the last Sentinel. I can only assume she was referring to you.”

Me? As the next Sentinel? No thanks. I had enough titles already.
Elhun.
Relic Keeper.

“The last time I’d spoken to Isadora, I was angry. I didn’t get the chance to say I’m sorry or goodbye. A chance to make things right. I can’t waste her sacrifice.”

“So don’t.” He said it like it was obvious. “You can choose to be a victim or you can choose to fight back. Anyone can become anything they wish to. All one must possess is the will to make it happen.”

For once, he was being supportive in the way I needed him to be. I was appreciative. His kindness sparked something inside of me, softened my barriers. I wanted to tell him that I was sorry for running out earlier, that I had wanted him, more than I cared to admit, but I didn’t know how to say it. I promised Isadora that I’d make an effort, and there was no better time than the present to honor that promise.

“Look, about earlier . . .” I tried to think of how to say what I was thinking. To formulate my feelings and mixed emotions into the right words.

“There’s nothing to speak of, Ms. Davenport. It was a foolish mistake that won’t happen again.”

A foolish mistake? It would have been better if he had slapped me. Every time we took two steps forward, one of us would shove us ten steps back. Maybe it was true. Maybe Yasinda really was Kieron’s other half. But then, what did that make me?

Hurt and humiliated, I had only one option: agree. “Right. I was going to say the exact same thing.”

“Good,” he said

I didn’t things could get anymore awkward, so I was grateful when he finally stood up and excused himself, leaving me to sort things through on my own. I watched his formidable frame as he walked through room and out onto the garden terrace, disappearing from my sight. I didn’t know why or how Kieron and I were so important to the world’s survival, but it started to look like we needed more than just a backup plan. Screw destiny and the meddling bitch that she was. I’d have to figure out how to succeed at this without him—without his love.

I expected to feel lost, sad, and defeated, but an unexpected wave of determination washed over me. Something deep within me wouldn’t give up and give in. I needed to fight back and give it all I had. I didn’t want any of this. But now it was about more than just my desires or my life at stake. It was two worlds hanging in the balance.

Isadora had said, “No one else can do this but you.”

It was time for me to step up and take control of my destiny. I didn’t how I would do it—or even if I could—but I knew damn well I’d try. The next time the Black Walker came for me, I’d be ready.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my book,
Dark Summoner
! If you enjoyed it, which I hope you have, please tell others about it. Share on Facebook, Google Plus & Twitter. Recommend on Goodreads. Write a Review. It all helps!

If you’d like to be notified about the next book in the Relic Keeper Series, new releases, giveaways, exciting news, and more, join my email list:
http://ddmiers.com/join-my-newsletter/

I love to connect with other readers and hear from you. Visit my website:
ddmiers.com

about the author

D.D. Miers is an ardent book lover, coffee enthusiast, and die-hard romance fan. When she’s not writing, she can be found snuggling on the couch with a good book in hand. She currently resides in beautiful Southern California with her wonderful husband, a crazy toddler, and the many different characters in her head.

Connect with D.D.

Google Plus:
http://goo.gl/ZCb3gi

Facebook:
http://goo.gl/reIszH

Twitter:
http://goo.gl/pj4Kkf

Website:
www.ddmiers.com

Goodreads:
http://goo.gl/9HWqsj

acknowledgments

With a first book, there are always so many people to thank and acknowledge. To my husband, for always encouraging, loving, laughing, supporting, and comforting me every time I needed it. Without you, I wouldn’t have followed my dreams. To my son, for watching far too much Thomas the Train while Mommy was busy writing. I love you, Tender Heart. To my family and friends for all their support and enthusiasm for a book I hadn’t even written yet. To my beta readers for their invaluable feedback that made this a better story. To my formatter, Lorie, for bearing with a new author through all the trials and tribulations. To my editor, Lorraine, for your encouragement, guidance and friendship, without which I wouldn’t have finished this book. You’ve been more than an editor, you’ve been a guiding light on this crazy journey and without you, I’d be lost.