Playing With Fire (Power of Four Book 2) (27 page)

“Aaron?” his dad called.

Aaron closed his eyes. There was no way out of it. He had messed up. He had to come clean.

“What’s going on?” Chris asked.

Aaron turned to him. “I didn’t tell anyone, but Kyran came to see me.”

His dad was staring at him in stunned surprise. “When?” he asked.

“When I stayed the night in Hunda,” Aaron replied. “I couldn’t sleep so I went for a walk. I met Kyran there.”

At once, the room tensed. Everyone was staring at Aaron in shock. Neriah moved towards him.

“You met the Scorcher?” he asked.

Aaron nodded. “Yeah, but–”

“You met the Scorcher when we were on our way to get your Blade?” Neriah asked, cutting him off. “And you didn’t think to mention this to anyone?”

Aaron could see the anger in the oldest Elemental and it was an unnerving sight. He dropped his gaze to the floor.

“What did he say?” Neriah demanded. “Why had he come to see you?”

“He came to warn me,” Aaron replied.

“Warn you?” Neriah repeated with a knitted brow and blazing eyes.

“He seems to be doing a lot of that,” Ella murmured.

“Warn you about what?” Neriah demanded.

Aaron swallowed, knowing how this was going to go down, but he didn’t have a choice. He had to tell them.

“Warn me not to wield the Blade of Adams.”

Neriah stared at him, completely still for a moment. Then his jaw clenched and those violet eyes began to darken. He stepped closer, his strong hands curled into fists.

“He knew that’s where you were going?” he asked. “And you didn’t think this was something important? That it was something I ought to know? That the
Scorcher
knew what we’re up to? He could have followed us straight to the Blade!”

“We didn’t get to it,” Aaron reminded. “We had to return to Marwa because of those Lycans–”

“Which was
just
as well,” Neriah yelled. “Otherwise we would have led Hadrian’s heir straight to Aric’s Blade!”

“Hey.” Chris was in front of Aaron in a heartbeat, a hand held out towards Neriah. “That’s enough.”

Neriah’s furious stare stayed on Aaron, but he stepped back. “Ella,” he said, and his voice shook with the strain of keeping his anger in check. “Confirm with Scott if he’s gathered a team yet. They’re accompanying Chris tonight to get the Blade of Adams.”

Ella nodded, “Okay.”

Neriah’s gaze hadn’t moved from Aaron. “And Ella, ask Scott to get a portal ready in the next hour.” His eyes filled with fury and disappointment. “Aaron’s returning to Marwa.”

Aaron opened his mouth to speak, to protest, but Neriah had had enough. He turned to the door. “Chris,” he called and walked out.

Chris met Aaron’s eyes. “We’ll talk once I get home,” he said and followed after Neriah, presumably to get ready to claim his sword.

The door closed and Aaron was left with his best friends and Ella.

“You didn’t tell anyone?” Ella asked, staring at Aaron. “You met Kyran and you didn’t tell anyone? What’s
wrong
with you?”

With a groan, Aaron sunk into the seat next to Rose.

“That’s a good question,” he said, rubbing a hand across his face. He shook his head slowly. “I just...I didn’t want to say anything. Mum and Uncle Mike were already jittery about me going to get the Blade and I knew if I told them they would freak out and force me to go back.” He closed his eyes with a sigh. “And I honestly never thought about Kyran following us, like Neriah suggested. I just...I don’t know. I didn’t know what Neriah would do and...Kyran sort of…confused me and…” He let out a sigh. “I don’t know.”

Ella narrowed her eyes. “This was the night Michael found you in the woods, right?”

Aaron nodded.

“And you told him you went out for a walk because you couldn’t sleep?” Her eyes grew sharp at the guilt on Aaron’s face. “You lied to protect him – to protect Kyran.”

Aaron didn’t say anything.

“Why?” Ella asked. “Kyran is our enemy. Why would you protect him?”

“He jumped into a collapsing Q-Zone to save my
life
,” Aaron said angrily. “He saved my best friend.” He gestured to Rose. “I felt I owed him.”

“You owe him
nothing
,” Ella spat. “Get that through your head before you lose it for showing loyalty to the Scorcher!”

“I’m not–” Aaron forced out a breath to calm down. “I’m not loyal to Kyran, okay? I’m...I just…I didn’t want him getting caught, not when he came to warn me.”

Ella stared at him. She shook her head. “You’re playing with fire, Aaron,” she warned. “You can’t be on our side and still look out for the enemy. Choose a side and
stick
to it!” She turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

The room fell into silence. Aaron rubbed at his head, willing the headache blooming behind his eyes to go away. He let out a deep breath.

Sam turned to him. “I can see why you didn’t tell any of them,” he said.

Aaron let out a snort.

Sam stepped closer. “But why didn’t you tell us?”

Aaron looked up at him, thrown by the question. Sam was staring back, hurt and anger shining in his eyes. Aaron opened his mouth but found he didn’t have an answer.

***

The portal for the City of Marwa was set up within the hour. As far as Aaron knew, his dad was due to leave with a team of Hunters in the next few hours. He had heard Ella say the Lurkers had confirmed the Blade of Adams was safe. The Gate was still in operation and no vamages or Lycans had been seen around the area. Hopefully, his dad would be able to get in, grab the Blade and get out.

Aaron, however, was to go back to Marwa with his mum and best friends. He headed down the street, following his mum to the Gate, beyond which stood the portal taking them to Marwa. A subdued and silent Sam and Rose walked on either side of Aaron.

It was as Aaron passed the Stove that he spotted Armana, wrapped in the arms of the platinum-blond-haired, Skyler. It surprised Aaron how relieved he was at the sight of the Air Elemental. He would never admit it, even to himself, but he had been worried about Skyler. He had stormed off after learning a life-altering truth about how his birthright had been taken away from him. Aaron felt sorry for Skyler, seeing how broken he was at the knowledge that he never was the legacy holder – and worse, that Kyran had his legacy.

Skyler pulled away from Armana before cupping her cheeks with both hands. He was saying something to her, making her smile. She rested her hands on his chest. Aaron found himself smiling too. Armana had been so worried; it was good to see her smile again.

Skyler turned his head and caught Aaron’s eye. The sharp blue eyes narrowed and he frowned. Aaron cursed under his breath when he saw Skyler move away from Armana and head over towards them.

Sam looked over to see Skyler and groaned. “I can’t be bothered with his crap,” he said and hurried to catch up to Kate. Rose stayed by Aaron’s side, but she seemed too caught up in her own thoughts to pay much attention to Skyler.

“Where are you going?” Skyler asked Aaron.

Aaron stopped and turned to face him. “Neriah’s sending me back to Marwa.”

Skyler’s eyes lit with fury at the mention of Neriah. “Oh? Why’s that?”

Aaron shifted his backpack on his shoulder. “He has his reasons.”

“Let me guess, it’s because you’re not the legacy holder,” Skyler said.

Aaron gaped at him. “How did you know that?”

“Ella filled me in.”

Aaron should have guessed. “No, it’s not that,” he said.

Skyler scoffed. “Trust me, it probably is.” He turned his head to look at Neriah’s cottage. “The leader of the mages does what he thinks is right, to hell with everyone else.” He turned back to look at Aaron and the fury in his eyes seemed to lessen. “How long is he sending you away for?”

Aaron shrugged. “Dunno. It seems permanent.”

Skyler smirked. “You’ll be back,” he said. “I give it a few days.”

Aaron stared at him, completely thrown by his less antagonistic than usual behaviour. “Why would you say that?”

“Because you’re not like them,” Skyler said, tilting his head towards Kate. “You’re one of us.” Pride, clear as daylight, shone through his eyes. “You keep on fighting, no matter what.”

“Are
you
still fighting?” Aaron asked.

Skyler frowned. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I thought you were angry at Neriah?” Aaron said.

“I am,” Skyler replied. “What does that have to do with fighting?”

Aaron shrugged. “I figured you wouldn’t want to fight for Neriah any more.”

Something shifted in Skyler’s eyes. “I was never fighting
for
Neriah,” he said. “My fight has always been my own.” He gave Aaron a long look. “But you went out to defend my Blade, to set up a Gate, when you knew you weren’t the legacy holder. You didn’t have to do that. You took a risk to protect one of Aric’s Blades.” He stared at Aaron. “That right there is the mark of a good Hunter, a great Elemental. We fight to protect; we don’t run and hide. And for that, you have my respect.” He smiled and clapped a hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “They can say what they want, take you wherever they like – I know you’ll be back. You’re not giving up this fight.”

Aaron honestly didn’t know what to say.

Skyler pulled Aaron close and whispered in his ear. “And if you’re up for it, I’ll teach you all you need to know about kicking demon ass when you come back.”

Aaron pulled back to stare at him. “Will you still knock me around for no reason?”

Skyler grinned. “Of course,” he replied, but the small wink told Aaron he was only messing. “I’ll see you soon,” Skyler said and turned to walk away.

Aaron was left dumbfounded. He stared after Skyler until he walked over to wrap Armana in his arms again. Aaron found himself remembering what the Empath had said about Skyler, that everyone eventually warmed up to him. Aaron smiled. He would never have imagined it was actually true.

25

Familiar Marks

Aaron couldn’t sleep. Being back in Marwa, back in their house, felt strange without his dad. He lay in bed wondering how far his dad had got in his journey. Had he reached the Blade yet? Was he still travelling to retrieve it? How many Hunters had gone with him? What if he was attacked by Lycans again? Aaron let out a breath, fighting back the fear that was bubbling inside him. Another few minutes of worrying thoughts and Aaron gave up on sleep. He got out of bed and, as quietly as he could, he opened his door and crept downstairs.

The house was dark and still. Aaron crossed the landing, heading to the front door. He figured sitting at the front steps in the open air might help calm his frantic mind. He was about to reach out and open the door when he heard his name whispered in the dark.

“Aaron?”

He turned to find Rose sitting at the window, her silhouette visible in the limited light coming through from the lanterns outside.

“Rose?” Aaron frowned. “What are you doing?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” Rose replied. “What are
you
doing?”

Aaron stepped away from the door. “Couldn’t sleep either.” He walked over and sat down on the wide window ledge beside her.

“Must be one of those nights,” Rose said.

Aaron took a moment to look at his friend. “I don’t think blaming the night is fair.”

Rose had her knees drawn up, her arms wrapped around them. She let out a sigh and leant her head against the glass. “You’re right,” she said quietly. “I can’t blame the night.” She paused. “I should blame myself.”

“Why are you saying that?” Aaron asked. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Then why does it feel like I did?”

Aaron knew exactly what she meant. He had felt like that too, when he met Kyran in the City of Hunda. Talking to Kyran instead of attacking him or raising the alarm felt like a condemnable act, but only afterwards. At the time, it felt somehow right.

“Ever since I found out who he really was, all I wanted was to look him in the eye and ask him why,” she said. “Why didn’t he help my parents? Why didn’t he stop the attack?” She closed her eyes. “I never thought he’d give me the answer he did.”

Aaron felt guilt stab at him. “I’m sorry, Rose,” he said. “I should have told you about meeting Kyran in Hunda, about him claiming that he was too late to help your mum and dad.”

“What did he say to you?” Rose asked, leaning in towards him.

“Pretty much what he told you,” Aaron replied. “He said that he didn’t arrive with the vamages, and by the time he got to your house, there was nothing he could do to help.”

Rose looked at him with big eyes. “Do you believe him?” she asked.

Aaron paused. He swallowed heavily and shrugged. “I honestly don’t know.”

Rose pulled back, looking disappointed with his answer before turning away and staring out of the window again.

“Do you?” Aaron asked.

Rose didn’t speak for long minutes. When she finally did, her voice was little more than a whisper. “Yes.” She bit her lip and even the shadows couldn’t hide her pain. “I did, when I met him. I believed him. I
want
to believe him, more than anything.” She shook her head, her brow furrowed. “But there’s this voice in my head telling me what he said makes no sense.” She looked over at Aaron. “He said he couldn’t help my parents, but the vamages follow his every command. Why couldn’t he stop them? He said by the time he got to my house there was nothing he could do to help, but if he didn’t arrive with the vamages, then how did he know they were attacking us?”

Aaron had asked Kyran the same thing, and Kyran hadn’t given him an answer. “I know,” he said. “It doesn’t add up.”

Rose looked out of the window, curling tighter against it. “He was lying,” she said quietly. “He didn’t get there too late. He was there the whole time but he just didn’t help.” She let out a deep breath and closed her eyes. “God, I’m so stupid.”

“You’re not stupid,” Aaron said at once. “You’re the furthest thing from stupid, Rose.”

But Rose was shaking her head. “I am. I’m stupid for listening to him, stupid for falling for his lies again. I’m stupid for not shooting him when I had the chance!” She lifted both hands, pressing the heels against her eyes. “And I’m stupid because, despite everything, I can’t stop thinking about him,” she said in a broken voice. She dropped her hands into her lap, blinking tears out of her eyes. “I can’t forget him, Aaron. No matter how hard I try, no matter what I do, I can’t get him out of my head. I sleep with him on my mind and I wake up thinking about him. I find myself looking at Gates, waiting for him to walk in.” Her tears spilled slowly, drop by drop, down her cheeks.

Aaron’s heart broke for her. He reached out and touched her leg. “Rose, don’t–”

“I know Kyran’s just as responsible for my mum and dad’s murder as the vamages that killed them,” she said. “I know I should hate him. I should hate him with everything I have but...but I don’t.” She looked at Aaron with wide eyes. “Why can’t I hate him?” she asked. “I want to. God, I want to hate him so badly. I want him to pay for standing back and letting his vamages kill two innocent people. I want justice for my parents’ murder, but...but when I imagine Kyran facing execution, I feel like I can’t breathe.” She shook her head. “What kind of a daughter am I? I can’t stand the thought of him getting hurt when he let my parents die. What’s
wrong
with me?”

“There’s nothing wrong with you,” Aaron said. “You’re confused, that’s all. Kyran saved your life. He looked out for you. That’s why you can’t hate him. And you’re not a vengeful person, Rose. I don’t think you could stand the thought of anyone getting hurt.”

Rose sniffed, drying her tears with the ends of her sleeves before leaning her head back on the wall. She stared at the dark ceiling. “I wish someone could take away all the complications,” she said. “And I could just feel nothing for him.”

Aaron nodded. “Yeah,” he agreed. “Me too.”

***

Using the light of the lanterns that moved along with them overhead, Chris led his team of eight Hunters through the dark woods. Neriah had wanted more Hunters to accompany him, but Chris had outright refused. He still didn’t like the fact Neriah had underage mages trained as Hunters, so he had picked a handful of Hunters who were of age and asked Neriah to hold back the rest. Scott had assured him he would have back-up ready, should he need it.

Chris trekked through the forest until he saw the gleaming white Gate that guarded the Blade of Adams. The Hunters around him gave appreciative hoots. Chris shook his head but he was smiling, knowing full well he had once been just as immature.

“Come on,” he instructed. “We’ve not got the Blade yet. The celebration can wait.” They continued forward.

It happened in a heartbeat.

With a mighty roar, flames leapt up from the ground and spread out in a brilliant circle around the Hunters. Guns clicked behind Chris, as the Hunters searched the darkness to see who had trapped them.

Two of the Hunters tackled the flames, extinguishing them. For the next few moments, they stood on the smoking ground, looking around the dark woods. They noticed the figure approaching them, walking calmly, ignoring the guns that had turned to him.

When the stranger got close, the light of the lanterns washed over him, revealing his identity. Chris felt his chest seize with pain. The Hunters behind him shifted, drawing closer, guns aimed.

Kyran smiled and came to stop in front of the Hunters, his eyes on Chris. “Christopher Adams,” he said quietly. “Out for an evening walk? You might want to go in the other direction.”

Chris didn’t say anything. His gun was in its holster, his sword in its sheath. His belt was lined with daggers. They were still on this side of the Gate, so they could use their powers – and Chris had all the strength of the mighty earth at his beck and call. And yet Chris felt defenceless, because the one he had to fight looked so much like the younger brother he had loved and lost.

“You shouldn’t have come here,” Chris said.

“I could say the same to you,” Kyran returned.

“It’s my Blade,” Chris said. “Why shouldn’t I come to claim it?”

Kyran smiled. “Why?” he asked. “Let’s see. How about because you didn’t give a damn and ran out on this realm fourteen years ago?” The green of his eyes darkened. “Is that reason enough?”

“No,” Chris said. “It isn’t.” He stepped forward and lifted a hand, gesturing for Kyran to move. “Step aside.”

Kyran smiled. “I was here first.”

“I think you’re missing something,” Chris said. “There’s nine of us and only one of you. If you don’t back down, you’re going to have a problem.”

Kyran raised an eyebrow. “Is that right?” he asked.

White clouds hit the ground on either side of Kyran. Out from the swirling mist stepped a whole crowd of vamages. Chris swore under his breath. Their numbers easily outmatched the Hunters three to one. Chris looked back at Kyran, who met his eyes and smirked.

“Looks like you’re the one with the problem now.”

***

Aaron was still sitting with Rose, comforting her, when he heard someone coming down the stairs. The lamps flickered to life and Aaron saw his mum standing mid-staircase, staring at them. She looked from Aaron to Rose, before her expression softened.

“Can’t sleep, either?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Aaron replied.

He should’ve expected his mum to be awake. With her husband away to collect one of the most powerful weapons of the realm, she was bound to be a little nervous and anxious for his safe return. Aaron could see his mum had no intention of sleeping until his dad came home. It was the middle of the night and she was still in her day clothes.

Kate came down the stairs, wearing a smile. “Come on, then,” she said. “I’ll make us a hot drink.”

She headed into the kitchen and started bustling around, putting the kettle on and setting out three mugs. Aaron and Rose followed her in and sat down at the table. Aaron noticed a box on the floor, near the front legs of the table.

“How about some camomile tea?” Kate asked. “It’s very calming and can help you fall asleep.”

Rose nodded. “Thank you, Mrs Adams.”

“Mum?” Aaron called. “What’s in that box?”

Kate paused. She turned and glanced at the square box before meeting Aaron’s eyes. She smiled but Aaron could see the pain behind it.

“I was trying to be brave,” she said. “I’ve been meaning to clear out some of...of Ben’s things.” She walked over. “I started this evening, after all of you went to bed.” She sat down at the table. “Suffice to say I didn’t get very far.” She attempted a smile but it fooled neither Aaron nor Rose. “I managed to pack one box, and then spent the next few hours looking through his things.”

Aaron’s heart ached. He wasn’t used to seeing his mum like this. She was the strong, strict one. Until now, Aaron had never understood that behind her strength was her greatest weakness, that her smile was to hide her tears and that her discipline was her way of keeping him safe.

He reached out and held her hand. She looked grateful for the gesture, and gave his hand a little squeeze. Aaron looked at the box.

“Can I?” he asked.

Kate looked surprised and then smiled, a glint of excitement in her eyes. She quickly let go of his hand and lifted the box, setting it on the table. She opened the flaps and looked inside, as if deciding what to take out first. She reached in and pulled out a few framed photos.

Aaron laughed. “You had them in his room too?”

Kate looked almost offended. “What’s wrong with that?” she asked. “He liked having pictures in his room.”

“How do you know, Mum?” Aaron smiled.

“Trust me,” Kate said, “if Ben didn’t like something, he would let you know.”

Aaron chuckled, shaking his head. He reached out and picked up the first framed picture. He stared at the image of Ben – the cute baby with dark hair and perfect blue eyes – sitting on Chris’s lap. Kate was by their side. They looked like the happiest family in the world. Aaron gazed at it for long minutes, seeing the joy on his mum’s young face and the bliss on his equally youthful-looking dad.

Rose leant in to have a look and Aaron handed her the frame. She took it and smiled at the picture.

Aaron lifted the next frame. It was a photo taken outside, at the table of Marwa. Seated on top of the table were two little boys. One was Ben, the other was a blond-haired boy. Both looked no more than two years old. Sitting at the table, next to Ben, was Chris with his arms around his son. A young man, with hair so blond it looked white, was doing the same to the other boy, across the table.

“Can you guess who this is?” Kate asked with a smile, pointing at the blond-haired baby.

Aaron stared at the smiling face and clear blue eyes.

“Oh my God.” Rose stared at the photo. “Is that Skyler?”

“Yep,” Kate laughed. “It’s Skyler Avira.”

Aaron held the photo closer, even as Rose tried tugging it towards herself.

“Let me see it.”

“Hold on,” Aaron grinned. “Let me have a proper look.”