Playing With Fire (Power of Four Book 2) (22 page)

***

It was the day after the draining full moon, that Armana gave in to Aaron’s pleading. She let him out with strict instructions to sleep and rest. Aaron couldn’t do either.

Jason Burns had arranged their stay in a cleaner, warmer and more inviting sanctuary cottage. Ever since Rose’s outburst months before, Jason and a team of mages had worked tirelessly to renovate the green-doored cottages so they were more comfortable to the refugees who came seeking shelter.

Aaron, Sam and Rose took one room, Kate and Chris took another. Aaron waited until all of them fell asleep before slipping outside. He walked along the row of cottages, pausing briefly before the blue-doored cottage that had been his home for the four months he had spent in Salvador. It had been renovated, along with the rest of the buildings, after Kyran had set fire to them in a bid to escape.

Aaron walked down to his favourite spot in Salvador – the bank of the lake. The air was cool and refreshing. It whipped through his hair and ruffled his clothes. Aaron closed his eyes and relished the feeling of being out in the open. He remained like that until the sound of footsteps disturbed him.

For a fleeting, heart-jerking moment, Aaron thought it was Kyran. He had always found him sitting at this very spot. But even before Aaron opened his eyes and turned, he could tell it wasn’t Kyran. The steps were distinctly different. The glow of the floating lanterns revealed the smirking form of Skyler, making his way over to Aaron, beer bottles in hand. Aaron swore under his breath and looked away, feeling all the tension that had seeped out return to hit him like a tidal wave. He clenched both hands into fists.

“I’m not in the mood to hear any of your crap, Skyler,” he said. “Just go away.”

The footsteps stopped next to him. Skyler sat down, settling the bottles before him.

“Seriously.” Aaron turned to glare at him. “Why can’t you leave me alone?”

Skyler grinned and uncapped one bottle. He turned to Aaron and held it out.

Aaron blinked at the offer.

“You look like you need it,” Skyler said by way of an explanation.

Aaron didn’t take it. He didn’t put it past Skyler to spike his drink with something awful, even though he saw him open the bottle in front of him.

“Don’t worry, it’s the tame stuff,” Skyler said.

Aaron still didn’t move to take it.

Skyler placed the bottle next to Aaron and uncapped his own, bringing it to his mouth to take a large gulp.

They sat in silence. The only sound was the wind whistling through the trees. After a few minutes, Aaron couldn’t take it.

“What are you doing here?” he asked. “What do you want?”

Skyler took a long drag from his bottle, blue eyes staring ahead. “I really thought you would do it,” he said quietly. “When you reached out to take hold of the Blade, I thought you were going to rip that beauty right out of the ground.” He shook his head. “But no. You got rejected.”

Aaron’s jaw clenched. “You know what, Skyler–”

“Hurts like hell, doesn’t it?” Skyler interrupted. He turned his head to meet Aaron’s furious eyes. “Feels like your insides are being torn out, like life itself is being sucked right out from your body and you can’t do a thing to stop it.”

Aaron’s eyes widened. He gaped at Skyler, who seemed younger without his cold, cruel smirk present. The usual ice blue eyes were warmer, staring at Aaron with a quiet intensity. Then Skyler took another mouthful of his beer and looked away.

“I was about your age when I tried my family’s Blade for the first time,” Skyler said. His gaze was on the calm, dark water of the lake. “I was so sure I was ready. Neriah tried stopping me, told me I should wait, but I knew the legacy usually awakened the same time as the core. My core had been awake for a year, that was long enough.” He shook his head, smiling sardonically. “I was knocked out for an entire day.” He gestured with his bottle at Aaron. “Be thankful you woke up after a few hours.”

Aaron was choked with surprise. He didn’t know what to say. Skyler. Skyler Avira. The boy that walked around with so much pride it was a miracle his feet touched the ground.
That
Skyler Avira was rejected by his family’s Blade.

Aaron opened his mouth to speak, but couldn’t find the right words. He shook his head. “Why?” he asked at last. “Why are you telling me this?”

Skyler looked at him and smiled before shrugging. “Misery loves company, right?” He looked down at the ground. “I’ve never told anyone about the rejection, except Armana. Neriah knows, and Ella, of course. If it wasn’t common for the Blades of Aric to only be used in extreme battles, everyone by now would be suspicious as to why I use a normal sword and not my family’s Blade.” He rubbed the bottle between his fingers. “Every year, on the day I get a step closer to coming of age, I go to the Blade of Avira and try to claim it.” He dropped his head. “I wake up the next day, feeling hollowed out.” He gave Aaron a sideways glance. “You’re the only one I know who’s been through the same thing.”

“You’ve done this five times?” Aaron asked. He could barely stomach being rejected once. He didn’t think he had it in him to keep trying.

“I would do it a hundred times,” Skyler replied, “if it meant that eventually, I get to wield one of Aric’s Blades.” His eyes remained fixed on something in the distance, the half empty bottle in his slack grip. “I’m the only Avira,” he said quietly. “The mighty Blade of Avira is destined for me.” He took in a deep breath and crossed his arms over his knees. “In four months my core will mature and with it, my legacy will finally awaken.” He turned his head to look at Aaron. “Problem is, I don’t know if we have four months. Hadrian’s powers are unlocked; his core has fully recovered.” He paused and Aaron saw the way his fingers curled tightly around the bottle. “When he comes, there’s very little that will stand in his way.”

“Sounds like you’re giving up before the fight’s even started,” Aaron said.

Skyler snapped his head around to glare at him. “I’m not one to give up,” he said quickly. “I’m not an
Adams
. I’ll be standing at the front line.”

“You won’t be the only one,” Aaron said. “I’m fighting too, with or without the Blade.”

Skyler’s eyes lit up and Aaron could almost swear there was pride radiating from him. “That’s good to hear,” he said before putting the bottle to his mouth and draining it.

“We can’t use our family Blades, but Neriah has his, yeah?” Aaron asked.

Skyler nodded.

“So there’s one Blade on either side,” Aaron said. “Neriah and...and Kyran, both have their Blades of Aric.”

Skyler shifted, his jaw tensed at the mention of Kyran. “The Blades won’t fight each other,” he said. “Aric created the four Blades to work together, not against one another.” He let out a breath. “But the damage they can do is phenomenal. I think that’s why Neriah was desperate for you to get your Blade. He knows I can’t wield mine. He thought if you had yours, we would have two against Kyran’s one.”

“That’s not fair,” Aaron said.

Skyler raised an eyebrow. “No? You don’t think that’s fair?” He leant in towards Aaron. “Hadrian’s a Fire Elemental. There’s not much that can survive fire.”

“Yeah, I know, but–”

“You think Hadrian’s going to play it fair?” Skyler cut across him. “Mages can’t kill vamages because they are part-mage, but vamages can kill us because they are part-demon. You think Hadrian won’t use that to his advantage?”

“I just meant–”

“What?” Skyler snapped. “What did you mean, Adams?”

Aaron stared at him. The moment of vulnerability had passed. The Skyler sitting next to him had gone back to being the same short-tempered bully Aaron knew and despised.

“Let Hadrian fight the way he wants,” Aaron said. “We should fight with integrity. Two swords against one isn’t fair. If we play dirty too then what’s the difference between vamages and mages?”

Skyler let out a harsh laugh. “I honestly don’t know whether to get angry at your idiotic ideals or feel sorry for your naivety.” He held Aaron’s gaze. “This is war, Adams. You fight to win, no matter how you do it. Because what we’re fighting for, we can’t afford to lose.”

20

Planes Of Existence

The next morning, when Aaron, his parents and friends stepped out of the cottage, breakfast was already being served at the table in the middle of the street. Aaron looked around at the mages – ones he had befriended, ones he had hunted with. They were all sitting at the table amongst many new faces. It was easy to tell who the Hunters were. They were all kitted out in the usual attire of hooded tops, long coats and jeans. Tattoos were visible on the sides of their necks or wrists. Further down the table there was a large gathering of men and women in various coloured robes – Lurkers, Aaron realised.

Aaron felt strangely comforted by the familiar walk down the cobbled street to go and sit at the wooden table. He was surprised at how much he’d missed being in Salvador.

Jason Burns gave him his yellow-toothed smile as Aaron passed him. “Good tae see yeh, lil Adams,” he greeted him.

“Good to see you too,” Aaron smiled back.

Zhi-Jiya and Ryan looked up at him as Aaron approached. They went quiet, looking to Skyler for his reaction. Skyler kept his head down and worked through his plate of eggs and toast, ignoring Aaron. Ella kicked out a chair across from her, for Aaron to sit. Sam and Rose sat next to him. Kate and Chris found seats a little further down the table. Ryan waited another minute before giving in. He leant across the table.

“Good to see you’re back,” he said to Aaron with a grin.

Aaron wished he had come with the Blade of Adams in hand, instead of being rushed to the city while unconscious. He smiled at Ryan anyway and nodded his thanks. He caught sight of the blond-haired Mary, carrying platters of food from the Stove. Behind her were Alan and Ava, her kitchen helpers. Mary beamed at Aaron.

“How you feeling?” she asked as soon as she reached the table.

“Fine, thanks,” Aaron replied.

Alan didn’t say anything but he did give him a tight nod as he passed. Ava stopped beside him and reached over to put down the platter of toast and eggs on the table. “I’m glad you’re okay,” she whispered in his ear.

Aaron smiled and ducked his head. “Thanks.”

After breakfast, the table was cleared. Alan was taking his time, gathering the dishes, giving Aaron an opportunity to come up to him.

“Hey,” Aaron called.

“Hey,” Alan replied quietly. He had always been friendly to Aaron, but when Aaron left Salvador, Alan hadn’t been able to watch. He had walked away angrily. Now, he was struggling to meet Aaron’s eyes. “I heard you got badly hurt,” he said, talking to the edge of the table.

“I’m okay,” Aaron said. “How are you?”

Alan shrugged. “Same old,” he replied.

“You still mad at me?” Aaron asked.

Alan paused and turned to look at Aaron. “No,” he said. “And I’m sorry, I didn’t have any right to get angry. You can do what you like. Fight or not, it’s your decision.”

Aaron smiled. “That’s not what you really believe, is it?”

Alan hesitated before replying, “It’s what Ava’s been telling me.”

Aaron chuckled. “Well, if it’s all the same to you, I’m going to fight.”

Aaron had decided he wasn’t leaving Salvador until he found a way to awaken his legacy. Even if that meant he had to use the forbidden Influence, then that’s what he was prepared to do. Aaron would pay whatever penalty the Influence decided. It was worth it to have his legacy awake and active. Aaron had next to no idea how to actually go about contacting the Influence but he figured if it came down to it, he would find a way.

Alan looked surprised before smiling his usual wide grin. “Good to hear it,” he said. He reached behind him and pulled out a small silver pistol. He showed it to Aaron. “So am I.”

Aaron was stunned. “I thought you said you couldn’t handle guns?”

“I’m learning,” Alan replied. “But this isn’t for hunting.” His eyes were grim and determined. “The battle is about to start, Aaron. Every mage, Hunter or not, is needed if we’re going to put up a decent defence against Hadrian.”

Aaron didn’t say anything. He looked back at the gun. “Have you been training with it?”

“Ryan’s been teaching me,” Alan replied.

“Whoa!”

Aaron turned to see Sam with Rose. Sam’s eyes were on the gun. He looked up at Alan. “Is that in case someone burns the bread?”

Alan chuckled. “It does have to be baked to perfection.”

“I thought you didn’t want to be a Hunter?” Rose asked as she walked closer.

“He’s not a Hunter,” Aaron replied. He took the gun from Alan, feeling its slight weight in his hand. “He’s training so he can fight against Hadrian.”

Sam moved closer, staring at the pistol with curiosity. “What’s that?” he asked, pointing to the intricate silver
TK
engraved in the side of the grip.

“It stands for Thomas Kings,” Alan said. “This was my dad’s gun.”

“I thought you said your dad was a Lurker?” Rose asked.

“He was,” Alan replied. “But Lurkers carry weapons too.” He stared at the gun in Aaron’s hand. “My mum kept this, after my dad...After he passed.” He shifted uncomfortably. “I never thought I would use it, but after what happened, after finding out that Kyran–” He stopped abruptly. “I figured, now’s the time.”

Sam smiled. “Couldn’t agree more,” he said. He turned to Aaron. “Let me have a look.”

Sam took the gun from Aaron and every mage in the vicinity stopped what they were doing.

“Sam, no,” Alan said quickly. He had paled horribly, his eyes wide and fearful. He held out his hand. “Give it to me. Sam, give it to me!”

“What?” Sam asked, stunned. “What is it?”

“Put the gun down!” Alan cried.

“What is it?” Aaron asked. “What’s wrong? He’s only having a look.”

“What are you doing?” Zhi-Jiya yelled from behind them. “Sam, put the gun down, now!”

“Easy, Sam,” Ryan said, holding out both hands, as if Sam was about to shoot him. “Aim at the ground.”

Sam stood as he was – stunned, staring from Zhi-Jiya to Alan.

From the crowd, Ella stormed forward, looking beyond furious. She strode up to Sam and swiped the gun from his weak grip. She held up a finger. “
Never
touch another gun, you understand me?”

“I wasn’t going to fire it,” Sam protested. “I was only having a look.”

“Yeah?” Ella stepped forward so she was in his face. “A slip of yours would have killed one of us.”

Sam blinked at her. “What?”

“You’re human. We’re mages,” Ella said.

Understanding filled Aaron. Mages could be killed by any non-mage, humans included. Aaron looked to the gun gripped in Ella’s hand. If Sam had accidentally set it off, he could have killed whoever he hit, providing it was a solid shot.

“If I see a gun anywhere near you again, Sam Mason, I swear on Aric’s honour, I’ll break both your hands.” Ella glowered. “You hear me?”

Sam nodded. “Loud and clear.”

Ella turned and flung the gun at Alan. “Keep your familiars on you, got it?” she snapped.

“Yes,” Alan answered quickly.

Ella looked to Aaron. “Neriah wants to see you,” she said, her voice still rough. She gave Sam another harsh look before turning to walk away.

Sam slowly turned to face Aaron before his face broke out in a smile.

“Did you see it?” he asked.

“Ella tearing you a new one?” Rose said. “Yeah, Sammy. We all saw it.”

Sam shook his head, still grinning. “Her wrist. Did you see her wrist when she had her finger in my face?”

Aaron and Rose shared a look before shaking their heads.

Sam beamed. “She’s still wearing the Waiting Bloom.”

***

Aaron held up the small vial filled with a clear liquid. He studied it closely before looking over at Neriah. “What is it?”

“A helping hand,” Neriah replied, setting a small clock onto the table by Aaron’s bed. “It’s nothing to worry about,” he assured him. “This just helps you get to where you’re going.”

“And that’s a higher plane of existence, right?” Aaron asked. “The thing is, I still don’t understand what that means.”

“You don’t have to understand it,” Neriah replied. “You just have to trust me.”

Aaron didn’t say anything. He glanced to Armana, who was already seated by the chair next to his bed.

“My mum and dad still out there?” Aaron asked, gesturing to the door.

“They never left,” Armana replied. “They’re insisting on coming inside to stay with you.”

“Let them,” Aaron said, “but only once I’m on my way. If they see me now they’ll try to talk me out of doing this.”

“If you want to awaken your legacy, then this is the only way,” Neriah said, coming to stand at the foot of the bed. “Naina is the only one that can help you. She will tell you what you need to do.”

“And just to confirm, this
Naina
isn’t part of the Influence, right?” Aaron asked.

Neriah looked like he had been hit by lightning. “What?” he growled. “No! Why would you...? How do you even know what the Influence is?”

“I’m picking up on all things mage,” Aaron replied coolly, hoping Armana would stay quiet and didn’t look too guilty. “And I’m sorry if I insulted you, but I just wanted to see how desperate you are for me to use my Blade.”

“I’ll never be that desperate,” Neriah said quietly, his eyes dark and furious. “Nothing good comes from the Influence, Aaron. Remember that.”

Aaron nodded. After a moment or two he asked, “So, Naina? Who is she? Or should I be asking,
what
is she?”

“A different being,” Neriah replied. “That’s all you need to know.” He held Aaron’s eyes. “Are you ready?”

Aaron played with the vial in his hand. “Go through it once more.”

Neriah let out a sigh and reached forward to hold on to the footrest of the bed. “You’re getting nervous over nothing,” he said. “You’re going to drink what’s in that vial and go to sleep. Armana is going to guide your spirit to another plane of existence, and no–” he held up a hand as Aaron opened his mouth– “that doesn’t mean that you’re – how did you put it? – oh yes,
technically
dead.” He gave Aaron an annoyed look. “Really, Aaron, how could you think I was suggesting to kill you?”

Aaron shrugged. “You said
spirit
.”

Neriah scowled at him and shook his head, before straightening up. “Once you get there, you have to look for Naina. She can help you with a way to awaken your legacy before your core matures. Hopefully she can tell you all you need to know before your time with her runs out and you wake up back here.”

“How long did you say I had?” Aaron asked.

“Exactly one hour.”

“That’s not too bad,” Aaron said.

“Time moves differently where you’re going,” Neriah explained. “It’s going to feel mere minutes to you, so act fast.”

Aaron nodded. He looked down at the vial in his hand. “Did you send Skyler to see Naina too?”

Neriah looked surprised. He stared at Aaron for a full minute before asking, “You know about his rejection?”

“He told me,” Aaron said.

Neriah took a moment to reply. “No. Skyler didn’t go to Naina.”

“Why not?” Aaron asked.

“Naina chooses who to meet,” Neriah said. He nodded to the vial. “So don’t keep her waiting.”

Aaron’s palms felt sweaty as he uncapped the small bottle and lifted it up. He sniffed it first but it was odourless.

“What is this?” he asked.

“It’s dewdrops taken from the petals of a special flower,” Neriah said. “It’ll help you fall asleep.”

Aaron looked around at Armana who stood up and came to his side. She sat beside him on the bed, her soft fingertips brushed his arm as she searched for his hand. Aaron reached for her and held tight. He gave Neriah a last look before taking in a breath and bringing the vial to his lips. He downed the liquid. It tasted bitter and burned his throat. Grimacing, Aaron put the empty bottle onto the table next to his bed.

“Lie down,” Armana instructed.

Aaron slid to lie flat on the soft mattress. His head felt fuzzy. His eyelids were already heavy. A tingle ran through his body, calming him. His hand was still in Armana’s gentle grip.

“A word of warning,” Neriah said quietly.

Aaron turned his head to look at him. “Now?” he asked incredulously. “You’re warning me now?”

Neriah smiled. “Naina can be a little difficult,” he said. “Be patient with her and no matter what, don’t–”

Whatever it was Neriah didn’t want Aaron to do or say, Aaron never got to find out, as his eyes slid shut and his mind went blank.

***

Aaron stood staring at the house at the end of the path. It looked exactly like he had last left it. His house. His home. The place he’d lived for fourteen years. Aaron reached out and pushed the small gate open and walked up the pathway. He looked over the fence to see Rebecca’s garden, perfectly kept as always. Rebecca wasn’t there, though. He turned to glance up and down the street. It was empty, not a soul in sight. That was odd, for the middle of the day.