Elemental Reality (22 page)

“Will you finally tell us what’s going on?” Erika asked.

I glanced at Lola who stared at the floor, then at the waiting crowd. All eyes were on me. Waiting. Examining my face. Talk about pressure. I took a deep breath, held it, and exhaled slowly. I cleared my throat and spoke clearly. “Lola and I kind of, um, went searching for Palon.”

3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . .

“You what?” Dad yelled as his temples bulged in and out.

“By yourselves?” gasped Lucy.

“That’s not the point,” I said sheepishly. “We were attacked by two Demons. Their names were Mia and Layla.”

Lucy looked faint, while Dad turned several shades of red.

“What possessed you two to even try
looking for Palon?” Dad bellowed. “I thought I raised you two to use your heads.”

“I’m sorry. We weren’t being trained to hone our skills, we weren’t learning how to protect ourselves, and soon we were heading toward Palon to rescue Mom. When Apryll told us Keaton was the one controlling Lola, I lost it. I put us both in danger, and I can’t say sorry enough. I just thought it would be easier when we went in search of Mom if we already knew where Palon was.”

Dad was livid. “That is not
something you should have done by yourselves,” he shouted, face turning purple.

“How did you get away from the Demons?” Joey asked, seemingly the only calm one in the bunch. Not even Oli could keep a passive face.

I hated when Dad yelled, so I could only imagine what he was going to be like after I told him about discovering what we could do.

“Funny thing.” I laughed without humor. “We might have a new power,” I hedged.

“Oh really?” Dad snapped. “And this new power makes you entitled to run off on your own?” He was too busy mumbling under his breath, pacing back and forth, and being angry with us that he was missing the whole point.

Not Lucy. “What can you do with this new power?”

“Control elements inside someone,” I mumbled quickly. “Inside the Demons.”

Dad froze. “Can you repeat that, please?” The word “please” sounded more like “or else.”

“We’re able to control the elements inside of someone.” I sighed, waiting for the inevitable million questions.

The silence broke like glass breaking in an empty cathedral. Chatter broke out in the room, and I let it go on for a bit before I revealed the reason we’d asked everyone here.

“There’s more,” I said, speaking over everyone.

No one heard me except Oli. He put two fingers in his mouth and blew out an ear-splitting whistle.

“Thanks,” I said, feigning cleaning my ears. “Let me finish our story before Dad goes all Apocalypse Now.” Dad frowned, but I ignored him. “I was controlling the Demons’ fire element inside of them. Lola flew up into a cloud she created and unleashed a storm that sucked them up and blew them away from us. We flew back here and ran into Apryll. She was showing us some offensive and defensive tricks when Mia showed up again, absolutely livid. And, well, now she’s ashes, thanks to Lola.”

All eyes swiveled her direction. “I killed her,” Lola divulged.

There was a collective gasp.

27

Accusations and Truths

Lola had tears in her eyes again. “I didn’t mean to. I swear. She was going to kill Callie if I didn’t do something.”

I reached out and took her hand.

“Do you realize what this means?” Erika asked. Nervousness overtook her features.

“We know,” I said cautiously. “And we have something else to tell you. After everything happened, we were coming back here and Mace stopped us. He’s sending two guards with us when we go to Palon.”

“That was nice of him,” Kat said seriously.

“Yeah,” agreed Bri. “They’re always so considerate.”

I internally groaned. The Elders I knew and the Elders they knew must have been completely different people. “Not to help,” I argued. “He’s sending them to make sure we come back. A ‘precaution.’ ” I used air quotes. “We’re only allowed to leave Tehokas City to rescue Mom. You”—I pointed to the trainers—“are not allowed to go with us.”

“And after we rescue her?” Dad asked, his anger abated.

“Mace says we can’t leave the city,” I said. “He blames you and Mom for her capture so we’re stuck.”

“He’d never do something like that,” Bri said, bursting with anger. “You haven’t lived here in so long. I doubt he said that. I bet you misunderstood.”

“He did say that,” I disagreed. “And I think Mace is . . .” I paused, hesitating in what I had to say next. This kind of allegation would be hard to swallow for the trainers. “I think he’s possessed by a Demon.”

The trainers blew up at my accusation.

“I’m out of here,” Bri yelled, rising in outrage.

“You’ve gone too far,” Kat said, her voice low and dangerous. “Spreading lies like these will not help your cause.”

“I’m not lying,” I defended, my voice surprisingly steady.

“Mace is an Elder,” Kat snapped. “He’s too strong to be possessed.” Kat stepped toward me and was inches from my face. I refused to step down. They needed to see reason.

“Rorey, you better control your daughter. She must stop making these accusations,” Trixie all but threatened, stabbing her finger my direction.

Erika was the only one who sat there quietly, but the scowl on her face showed that fury simmered just beneath the surface.

“You can call me a liar all you want,” I snapped, refusing to stand down. “If you’ll just give me a chance to explain—”

“Explain?” roared Bri. “You want us to sit here and listen to more of your lies? Do you actually think we can believe anything you say after accusing one of the Elders of possession?” Flames flared in her eyes, making my heart slam in my chest. She whipped around and marched toward the door.

“Wait,” I shouted frantically. “Stop; please don’t go. Everything I’ve said is true. I swear.” I couldn’t believe the conversation had turned so wrong so fast.

“Let’s hear her out,” commanded Erika, her voice controlled.

I exhaled a heavy breath. Bri glared at Erika, then at me before she stomped back to her seat. She didn’t sit.

“This should be good,” Bri grumbled.

“Thanks,” I said to Erika before explaining. “One of the Demons, Layla, showed up after we talked to Mace. We were almost out of earshot when we heard her screaming and ranting. We didn’t know what was going on so we went back. Before they noticed us, Lola and I hid behind a bush and witnessed a conversation between the two. Layla mentioned Mia as if Mace knew them personally. And Mace wasn’t fazed in the least to see Demons right outside the city limits. When we saw his eyes they were pure black. Something’s been off with him every time I’ve talked to him. Right, Lola?”

When she didn’t say anything I glanced at her, but she looked away, ashamed. Was she really not going to help me out? Was she just going to leave me high and dry? The room went silent except the ticking of the clock on the wall, like it was counting down the seconds to my failure.

“Lola?” My voice came out as a whisper.

“I don’t know, Callie,” Lola finally said. She wouldn’t meet my eyes, and I didn’t blame her. I was furious. “I mean, we couldn’t even hear what Mace was saying to her. And his eyes . . . it might have been a shadow. Maybe they don’t know each other at all.”

I dropped her hand as if she had burned me. “You can’t be serious? You were right there with me. You saw and heard everything. The way she mentioned Mia’s name to him is not how you’d say a name to someone who didn’t know that person.”

“I just don’t know,” she mumbled. I felt like she’d just smacked me across the face and spit on my shoes.

“What do you mean you don’t know? You saw, Lola.” My words were choked. “You saw the same thing I did.”

Bri’s arms were crossed over her chest, defiant. “See, she’s a liar. I can’t believe we ever trusted you.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “Why does no one believe me?” I gulped down the sob that threatened to escape. “Dad? Oli? Lucy? Joey?” I met each of their gazes, yet they all looked ashamed for me.

Oli spoke first. “It’s just that, well, it’s a tad troppo, Kitten.”

“Crazy?” My stomach tightened at the allegation. “What’s crazy is that Mace is consulting with Demons, and you are all wasting time accusing me of lying.” I was sick to my stomach, and my heart lodged further into my throat with each pounding pulse.

“Mace wouldn’t jeopardize our lives by working with the Demons,” Erika insisted, her hair dancing in the wind she created. She was clearly incensed. “Besides, Nevaeh would put a stop to it if it were true. But it’s not. The whole idea is foolish.”

“No it’s not,” I snapped, my own anger roiling inside me.

“You’re upset over your mother, and you’re trying to find someone to blame,” Lucy said, trying to soothe me. “But you know it was the Demons who captured your mother. Focus on them.”

My rage could no longer be contained, and the elements burst from me in a wild storm. “This isn’t just about Mom. You just wait, I’ll show you I’m right.” I spun around and marched toward the front door, fleeing sounding like the best idea on the planet.

“Callista, get back here,” Dad shouted furiously.

I ignored him, stormed out of the house, and slammed the door hard enough flecks of paint fluttered to the ground. Angry tears stung my eyes as I backed away, but I was able to contain the elements before I started a storm. I charged down the street. My heart accelerated with each step, hammering wildly like an untamed beast. Adrenaline raced through my veins with every beat of my heart and caused my fury to blaze with heat.

Why would no one listen to me? Even Oli didn’t support me. I groaned aloud, and my stomach tightened uncomfortably. Everything had changed so quickly. My whole life was turned upside down, and I accepted it. No matter how crazy or far-fetched this world was I accepted it, but why couldn’t they accept me? The Elders must have done a number on the people here for them to stand up and protect them under such evidence. My lungs burned the farther I ran, and my mind became a chaotic land of thoughts.

If Mace was possessed by a Demon, then Nevaeh must be too. It would explain how the Demons were close enough to control Lola during training. I had to do something about it. But what was I going to do? My feet stomped against the ground, cracking the cement with sparks of lightning. At the end of the road the Elders’ house loomed in the distance looking all pristine and perfect. What a façade. I saw red, and my mind was made up.

“Kitten, wait,” Oli shouted from behind.

I ignored him, not wanting to deal with what he had to say right now. Gritting my teeth, I sped up to put more distance between us. I’d show him crazy.

“Callie, stop,” begged Oli, out of breath.

He sounded even closer than before. I picked up speed, hoping I’d reach their gate before he caught up with me. I was determined. I pushed myself harder, and my muscles burned. I wasn’t fast enough; strong arms wrapped around my waist, and we rolled through the grass next to the road. I kicked and screamed, but he wouldn’t loosen his grip on me. The elements swirled inside me, building up to the max before I allowed them to explode from me. His hands fell away as I flew forward. I landed on my feet and spun around just as Oli picked himself up off the ground.

“Bloody hell, Callie. What’s your problem?” he said roughly. “I only wanted to make sure you were okay.”

I marched over to him. “
My
problem?” I growled. “My problem is you”—I thrust my finger in his face—“not having my back in there. Even Lola, who saw it firsthand, didn’t stick up for me. I can’t believe either of you.”

His eyes darkened. “Listen to what you’re saying,” he snapped. “You’re accusing an Elder of being possessed by a Demon. It’s just a little troppo.”

“How can you say that?” I was so furious storm clouds formed in the sky. “And you know what? I’m accusing the Elders, plural.” Then a thought hit me just as lightning crashed to the ground at me feet. “They’re the reason my mom is imprisoned. It’s their fault we’re even in this situation right now.” The dots were finally connecting.

“You’re wrong,” argued Oli. “It’s the Demons’ fault.”

“And the Elders’. Can’t you see? If they had offered my family protection without wanting to take me away from them, this never would have happened. You know what it sounds like to me? Sounds like they wanted me alone so they could give me to the Demons themselves. No wonder all Alkuaine Faeries and Conjurers die. All fingers point back to the Elders.”

He blinked, like he was starting to believe me, but then he said, “You’re not thinking straight. The fight with those Demons has you bushed. Come back inside and rest, and we’ll talk about this later when you’re being more reasonable.”

He had the audacity to wrap his arm around my shoulders. I shrugged him off, livid, and stepped away from him. My chest heaved as his words sunk it. He didn’t chase me down to apologize or to admit he was wrong. No, he wanted to reason with me. Wanted me to calm down like I was a toddler throwing a tantrum.

“How dare you.” My voice grew low and dangerous. Wind rustled through the grass, and rain pelted down on us. “I am thinking straight. You just don’t get it, Oli. I am so done with this.”

“Done?” Oli’s eyes went wide with shock, and he stumbled back a step as if I had hit him. “What are you saying, Kitten?”

My wings unfurled. “I’m done with this whole place. It’s brought me nothing but pain and sorrow. I’m out of here. Don’t come looking for me.”

He stepped forward, his mouth opening and closing in shock.

“I mean it,” I snapped. “If this is what soul mate means then I don’t want to be a part of it.”

I flew into the air and away from Tehokas City. Oli didn’t shout after me, he didn’t follow, and he didn’t apologize. I knew what I said, but I still expected something—anything—than his absolute silence. Right then there was only one place I wanted to be: home. I thought about how much I missed it and let my wings and elements take control. The stir started in my belly and worked its way through my body as it pulled me forward. I kept my eyes open and watched as my elements surrounded my body and pulled me to my destination. Everything blurred as I flew forward. It felt like I was flying at warp speed. Just when I got used to the blurriness it abruptly cleared, and I was flying above my house.

I landed in the backyard. It was strange being back home. There was an air of emptiness to the place, and ironically it was suffocating. The sliding glass door was locked, so I trekked to the front of the house, found the hidden key, and let myself in.

“Ady? Emery? You guys here?” I called out. Silence. I locked the door behind me.

Upstairs I flopped onto my bed. Then the tears began. I cried for my first fight with Oli, for Mom, for my family, and for myself. I just wanted everyone to believe me. Why was that such a hard thing for them to do? Didn’t they understand I was trying to warn them? Why didn’t Oli believe me? I thought he was so perfect. Didn’t the fact we were soul mates matter? Weren’t we supposed to be there for each other regardless? And why wouldn’t Lola stick up for me? Was she scared? I was, but I still admitted everything. What would happen now? I wasn’t ready for any battle, especially if the warriors at my side didn’t trust me. What if everything my mom did was for nothing? What if I caused the deaths of everyone I loved? I couldn’t handle the thought.

Turning over, my eyes caught sight of the journals Ady and Emery gave me for my birthday. I wiped the tears from my eyes and picked one up. It was white with black flowers. I opened the front cover and flipped through the pages. They were bordered with a light green and had darker green swirls that grew lighter as they touched the white part of the page. I saw the notes written on the inside of the front cover: one from Ady and one from Emery.

In Ady’s elegant script, I read:

Callie,

These past 17 years have been the best years of my life. You may not realize this, but you are the strongest person I know, and I admire you for that. I’m glad I gave our kindergarten teacher a hard time that first day of school. All right, I won’t get any sappier on you because I don’t need you to shed a tear on your birthday, even though you probably already have tears in your eyes from my first sentence. I love you my Cali-girl.