18. SEVENTEEN

SEVENTEEN

D avina stepped off Auris Bridge onto the sandy surface of Castellum Island, looking directly at the highest window of Castellum where the King stood with his hands behind his back. His eyes bore into her soul as she noticed a small smile forming on his lips.

Magnar didn't betray any signs of distress. He was just… so serene. Davina found it such an oddity for him to be so calm after the incidents of the past few centuries, especially the past few weeks.

Surely, he saw the encounter with Raven the night before. He saw her hesitance to react, and her failure driven from her weakness.

Since her conversation with Raven last night, she had been unable to keep her thoughts calm and collected. It was too difficult to imagine how Raven and Davina were related in some way. If Raven truly felt rejected by Davina's refusal to join her in the war, then the fight would become much more personal for Raven.

There is nothing worse than a woman who has been rejected with great amounts of power at her disposal, ready to be wielded.

Davina dropped her gaze to the Prey who were being attended by the Leaders and Apprentices. Soldiers seemed to be standing guard around the entire island, hands by their weapons.

Aurisan Leaders used their fire and heat to warm up blankets for the Prey, while Mistran Leaders provided their words of wisdom for those who wished to start anew after having fallen into the group of the Prey. Many of the Prey were more than willing to start the process of activation for their powers. Was that the reason why the King allowed for these persecutions to continue?

But why?

Perhaps it was the only way that their stoned hearts would become bland.

A thought said into her mind.

Except, the destruction that followed after all of Raven's visits were too great. The mountains that Davina and Leilani had been visiting the night before were left in ruins, causing a ripple throughout the rest of Basalt Island, and sending waves of minimal damage to the other islands.

While Davina and Leilani were speaking to Raven, Leilani's garden had been ruined and Caleb's livestock had run away through the shattered fences. A client of Beacon's was wounded after having fallen from one of his clouds. Davina even heard that Ron bore a wound on his back after saving a customer's life. Snow's ice music store had cracked again, and Valerie's exclusive crystal lamplights broke, her father had to give out refunds to anyone who had made pre-orders for the lamps.

Davina watched as Beacon, Ron, and Caleb entered the island covered in collected dirt, it must've been from the debris they had to scavenge for any neighbors.

Snow was using her ice powers to heal flesh lesions. Leilani was holding a meeting where she spoke and comforted those who were affected by the earthquake, giving them beautiful flowers in hopes of lifting their spirits. Valerie was distracting the children while their parents searched for help with the Leaders and Apprentices. Cara was giving out small parchment papers with her information for her construction business, the business that her father left for her after he passed.

The Montero Buildings were just as great as the architecture of Mistrans. Davina smiled, knowing that Cara was flourishing despite the storms that invaded her life. Cara refused to accept to carry the weight of the Prey and decided to be victorious despite her hardships. Davina was proud of her.

As she neared the staircase, the other Protectors followed.

Davina met Ron's gaze, but he immediately looked away. She wondered whether he continued to revolt against the idea of fighting the Predators. The Aurisan Captain didn't even want to be there when he found out that she came face to face with Raven. He would lose his sanity then.

And with reason, Davina felt a bit of her sanity slipping away from all of her frustration.

Ron slightly scowled as he stepped into the Archives, knowing all too well that they were there to talk about what had happened yesterday. He took a seat, careful not to sit too quickly on the chair.

Helping move pieces of the wreckage caused more pain in his back, but he couldn't stay behind and do nothing, knowing there were people stuck under the piles of rubble.

Last night, he noticed the floor emanating loud vibrations while the ceiling of the cavern creaked. He was thrusted into an exhilarating search for his survival but when he noticed the young child, frozen in place while she stared at the falling roof, his adrenaline pushed him into protecting the little girl. As he jumped to push the child under the table, the pieces of wood from the top caused a gash across his spine.

The splinters sank mercilessly into his skin, and he spent his night with unrest. The entire evening, he had been worried for Davina's safety, yet he couldn't find the strength to stand up from the cot in one of the cavern's rooms.

A girl who went by the name of Ashira was kind enough to clean his wounds, bringing a little bit of comfort in his distress. How he wished it was Davina who was there to comfort him instead.

After the pain had subdued a bit, he began to think.

That pain he felt in his body would be what Davina would go through if she fought against Raven. Davina was full of potential, but she would get hurt at some point. It would be impossible for her to come out of a battle unscathed. A true leader would throw themselves into battle for the good of others and that was exactly who she was.

Davina would not think twice about sacrificing her own life if it meant that her family and the people of Bellatorm were safe. And he loved how unselfish she was, but he knew he wouldn't be able to live with himself if anything ever too grave happened to her. He couldn't stop her from being a warrior and he was beginning to understand that he wouldn't be able to stop her from being Captain.

But all his allegations against Davina fighting in the war had been because Ron desired more than a short time with her. He admired the person that she was. He loved that she cared for others. He loved her laugh and the way her curls bounced at her every step. He was amazed by the creases in her cheeks whenever she smiled.

Ron hadn't known that a person's smile could light up his day in the same potency as hers. He didn't know someone could be powerful enough to give happiness to others with something so simple as a smile.

"Your drool is on the table,"Beacon said as he pointed over the mahogany marble table before them. Ron quickly returned to reality and rolled his eyes at his brother's remark. He didn't mind if others knew about his interest in the Almenara girl. In fact, he wanted all of Bellatorm to know that she was worthy of love. But Davina was a bit shyer about it than he was.

And he was beginning to love the way her cheeks turned scarlet whenever he commented on her appearance or her persona.

Ron glanced at the others who sat around the table. He observed how Caleb and Cara had the same trembling fingers, Val fidgeted in her seat as Beacon held her hand under the table, Snow bit the inside of her cheek while Davina and Leilani sat next to one another. Ron understood everyone's anxiety. Davina was a target, and they were next in line after her.

Thankfully, Leilani took the seat beside Caleb, leaving the last remaining seat for Davina next to him. He noticed the way she refused to acknowledge his presence beside her. She must've still been upset about the way he reacted the last time they spoke, her reaction was justifiable. Ron glanced at the two Chief Leaders but couldn't help but notice how Isaiah had his eyes set on Davina. There was a slight curl in his lips as he stared at her.

Amir cleared his throat, he and Isaiah stood beside the table with the bookshelves and spiral staircase behind them. "An earthquake hit yesterday. A pretty lethal one, at that."

"Was it connected to who we're thinking, Amir?" Beacon asked.

Amir nodded with heavy eyes. Davina sighed. She had her elbows over the table and closed her eyes as she set her hands near her forehead. Ron furrowed his eyebrows.

"Has there been any news of her whereabouts?" Snow asked.

"I don't know where she is right now. But I know where she was yesterday," Davina noted.

The Chief Leaders and every Soldier at the table turned to Davina. She fidgeted at the feel of their glances. Ron felt his blood grow cold. He slowly turned to face her, ignoring the pain in his back.

"Me and Leilani were in Basalt. We were passing through the green mountains when Raven came to me. She brought four of her servants with her," she began. "It was like I was in the eye of a hurricane, but the hurricane was of darkness. She was offering me another chance to rebel against Magnar and fight at her side."

"What happened after that?" Isaiah asked with his arms crossed.

"I refused. Although what caught my attention is that she said that Magnar created her too."

"What?" Cara asked with widened eyes.

Snow and Valerie turned to one another with furrowed brows.

"She is also a daughter of Magnar, a Bellatorman. Just like us," Davina informed.

"What island did she say she was from?" Caleb asked.

"I don't know from which island. She didn't say," Davina said. "All she said was that she was a Bellatorman like us and that she understood what it was like to be rejected by her people. I think that's why she became who she is today."

Ron watched as Beacon nervously scratched his beard. Isaiah and Amir took a deep breath before pacing a few steps by the table.

If Raven had truly left behind everything that was good, then there was only evil in her heart. There would only be malice, vengeance, murder, and lies within her. His heart began to beat faster in his chest as thoughts of Davina not surviving Raven's wrath rushed into his mind.

"This changes things," Isaiah sighed.

"It changes everything," Davina corrected.

"If she is one of us then she knows our weaknesses and she knows our strengths," Amir claimed.

"My main concern is, how do we defeat someone who knows everything about us?" Leilani asked.

"No matter what, we must prepare. We must best ourselves more each day. We never know when the next attack will be." Isaiah nodded.

"Prepare ourselves, how? We've already been training harder than anyone else in the military," Caleb argued.

"We have to continue with the intensive training we've been doing with Master Abigail, especially Davina and Cara," Amir said. "Cara, you just activated your vibration powers a few days ago, but the King chose you as a Protector and we don't wish for your life to be cut short because of our lack of instruction."

Cara nodded with a small smile.

"May Magnar protect us all," Amir chanted.

Ron's eyes traveled to Isaiah who was nodding with his chin set. He seemed confident in himself, he moved with poise throughout Castellum. Always wearing his gear and never his robes. He seemed to want to show off how important he was, how talented he seemed.

"That's our conclusion, more effort in training. The effort you guys have been putting has not been enough," Isaiah stated.

Amir scrunched his brow before turning to the Soldiers by the table. Ron was certain that his friends had been doing their very best to better themselves with their abilities and weapons. They had all been working hard to become better tricksters, defenders, fighters, and warriors.

"You're all dismissed," Isaiah ruffed.

Everyone nodded at once before standing up. Davina looked away from Ron and sent a little wave to Cara, who returned a small smile before speeding out of the door.

Ron stood up, his eyes never escaping her bouncing hair as she pushed the chair back into its place. She was about to walk away from the table and from him, but he wasn't going to allow one more day to pass without compromising with her.

Ron disregarded the soreness in his spine as he strode to her and softly grabbed her hand. She turned and faced him with tender eyes.

"Walk with me?" he asked, his heart racing as he caressed her knuckles.

He marveled at how soft her hands were, even if they were the hands of the fiercest warrior he had ever met; hands that pulled him out of the water when he was drowning, that had the power to create unique fire like never before, hands that he wished to hold for the rest of his days.

Why was he thinking that about her?

She was upset with him, he knew that. He always knew what she was thinking with just a glance into her eyes, and Ron loved the fact that he could understand her.

"I want to talk about what happened." Ron squeezed her hand.

"Then talk," Davina snapped as she pulled her hand away from his. He felt like his heart dropped into his stomach.

"Maybe somewhere more private." He smiled gently. Would she reject him in front of the others? Or would she allow him the privilege of her time?

"No."

She wasn't going to make this easy, yet he wouldn't falter, he was going to win her back.

"I don't want to continue like this, Vivi. Please give me a chance to talk to you about this," Ron pleaded.

Davina clenched her jaw. "Where to?"

He felt himself at ease at her question.

"Follow me, I have something to show you," Ron chimed.

Davina reluctantly followed him out of the Archives and passed Isaiah and Amir. Ron could feel Isaiah's glare stabbing daggers onto his already lesioned back, but he didn't care. The chemistry between him and Davina was undeniable, and he was determined to keep it alive for as long as possible.

They walked out of Castellum Island and onto Auris Bridge while receiving glances and scornful looks from Bellatormans. Internally, he cursed them for their looks. Ron turned to Davina who had her eyes locked on her purple slippers over the cobblestone bridge.

"Why are you afraid?"

"I don't think it's a good idea for us to continue walking around like this. You know how people are when it comes to the Almenaras," she said quietly.

If only she could see herself the way he saw her.

"I've told you before and I'll say it again, I don't care what others have to say when it comes to you," he stated.

"Alright then," she muttered.

They walked off the Bridge and onto the sand of Auris, being instantly welcomed by Aurisans wearing different hues of orange and yellow. Flames and smoke accompanied the crowd that surrounded them.

Part of him felt like he was the reason why she was feeling insecure. He wished he hadn't remained silent that day. Of course, he didn't think she was a freak like he was. She was the complete opposite of the abnormality that he was. She was divine.

"Where are we going?" Davina asked.

"We're almost there," he answered.

They neared the only part of Auris that was green. Firm and tall shrubs were planted around the entire park with lifeful trees casting a pleasant shade across the verdant hills.

A large body of water shined as they walked past the vibrant flowers. The charming lake had been so clear and blue with colorful ripples reflecting the rays of sunshine that cast over it. A large willow tree allowed the right amount of shade under its branches and leaves, beautiful swans majestically swam over the water, and red roses were planted around the entire lake.

With gaped lips, her eyes reached the basket that lay atop a blanket under the willow tree. Hopefully, she believed the preparation of the scene was perfect, just like she was.

"I thought I could do something nice for you, especially after everything. Also, I'm sure all you eat is sweets and bread," Ron said. "Here's a decent meal."

He motioned his left hand over the picnic he set up for them.

"Ron, you didn't have to," Davina said.

"You're right. I didn't have to, but I wanted to," he claimed.

Ron watched as Davina smiled with her eyes sparkling. What did he ever do to deserve to be smiled at by a beautiful girl like her?

Davina looked over the plaid blanket with maroon cushions for them both to sit on, he sat down. "Come, sit with me." He patted the seat before him.

She smiled and sat down, carefully fixing her skirts. He looked toward the lake, cautious where he set his eyes. Once she was sat, he began to take the pots and plates out of the basket. If she was still upset about his own stupidity from yesterday, it was definitely going away. He noticed how she was struggling with herself to not allow herself to crack a smile.

The girl before him was nothing compared to what everyone else said. She had a vision for so much more. Although, he despised the way her parents tied her with their ropes of manipulation. Davina always tried to be the best daughter she could be for them, and he sincerely didn't understand how she could withstand so much after many years. The people who were supposed to look after her and take care of her were the ones who hurt her the most. She deserved so much better.

He looked up at her and she immediately smiled, hiding her thoughts from him.

"You okay?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Yes, I'm just surprised."

And he understood why.

"Alright, I brought garlic bread, melon, and lamb with white rice." He held up the clay plates and jars.

As Ron uncovered the plates and forks, a wonderful smell began to encircle them both. Davina inhaled with what seemed to be delight.

"Thank you for this," she said again. His eyes examined her as she chewed and stared off onto the water. He noticed the way she fidgeted with her fingers over the hem of her skirt, she was nervous.

Ron remained silent so as not to cause her more anxiety.

"The King created this island for us. This beautiful island. He gave us our powers and so much more. Now, one of his daughters is trying to take away everything beautiful about Bellatorm." Davina stared at the swans.

"For me, it doesn't matter much. The King favored everyone else except for me," he blurted.

He cursed himself for saying that out loud, especially in front of Davina.

Davina turned to him. "Ron don't say that. You know that's not true."

Ron sighed.

"Look at me, Davina." Ron dropped his eyes to his hands after setting the fork over the plate.

He closed his eyes to be able to focus, like everyone told him to, and searched within himself for the supposed spark that lived inside of him. Yet, he found no spark. He found no light inside himself. Only darkness.

He opened his eyes and shrugged toward Davina.

"What if it's Raven's doing, just like you said? What if she's doing something that blocks you from using your powers?" Davina exclaimed.

Had that been the reason why he always felt like there was a void living inside of him?

"I don't know, Vivi." He sighed, rubbing his eyes, wishing he could wipe away his shame.

Ron didn't mean to be vulnerable at this moment in front of Davina. He wanted to have a good day with her, but it seemed like the issues at hand wanted to be spoken about.

A harsh wind spilled between them. Ron and Davina rushed to hold the plates with food into place as the blanket almost flew right out from under them. They laughed as their fingers became slimy from the condiments.

"Careful," she laughed.

Her coils danced with the breeze, allowing him to see the red splotches that ran from her cheek down to her collarbone. Ron's jaw tightened as he saw the burn marks on her face. As he examined the stains even more, he was able to notice a bit of cosmetic powder above the scars.

Davina met his eyes and quickly covered the red spots over her beige skin by moving her hair. Ron heard her gulp before he asked, "What is that, Davina?"

"Another reason for me to fight Raven," she mumbled, fixing her skirt over her leg.

"Who did this to you?"

"I can't stand back and do nothing, Ron," Davina argued.

" Who did this to you?" he muttered.

"Nico."

"When I find that—" he said as he began to lift himself up.

"Stop." She cut him off, setting her hand over his, he remained still. "I'm okay. He didn't do too much damage this time. Also, you shouldn't be making too much effort or you could hurt yourself."

Seeing the wounds that marred her skin made him forget all about his own. Davina tried to smile, but he could see how much it cost her to even try.

"I don't know how you do it." Ron marveled at her strength.

"I don't have any other choice."

He sighed. She didn't have any other choice but to fight and persevere. It was then that he truly realized that there was nothing he could do, he would never be able to convince her otherwise.

"What if I lose you in one of those battles? What will be left of me if something happens to you?" Ron asked.

"You won't ever lose me, Ron," she promised, squeezing his hand. How he wished that her promise could be guaranteed.

"Promise me that you're going to be careful."

"I promise."

"I don't think I have any other choice but to be there to help you. In whatever way you need me to," he claimed. It was the least bit of security he could have for her safety.

"Really?" she asked. The relief in her voice was clear. Did she truly care that much for him?

"Yes. The only way for me to make sure that nothing happens to you is for me to be there, right beside you." Ron smirked.

Davina chuckled.

"Truthfully, I'm scared to death. I have five months with my powers and training and now I have to fight a demon woman and her army to protect my family," she began. "I can't seem to understand why Magnar chose me to lead the army."

"I don't know either," was all he could say.

"All I know is that I need to do this for my siblings. They deserve the very best of me."

Part of him wished she didn't have to carry the responsibility. He wished for a way for her to return to her years as a child and live them differently.

"I have constantly reminded myself that if I didn't step up as a mother figure, that if I didn't hold myself accountable, no one else would."

"Is there any other person in your family that could assume the role you've had to?" he asked.

"I know that twelve years ago, when I was five, my grandmother, Rose, fought to keep me. But Nico convinced my mom that it was best to keep some distance between us and the family. He doesn't like the Almenaras."

Ron furrowed his brow. "And your mother still decided to marry him?"

"I don't understand it either." Davina shrugged and rolled her eyes.

"Where is your grandmother now?"

Davina seemed to be pondering. "I never thought of her whereabouts before."

"You never thought to look for her?"

"No, not really. Most of the time, my mind is occupied with taking care of my siblings and becoming a better Soldier," Davina confessed.

Ron exhaled, rubbing her knuckles. He looked down at her small hands. "I'm going to try my best to understand. For you and us. Because I don't want to lose what we have and I want to make this work."

"Are you sure? I have difficult parents."

"I don't care."

"I'm pretty scared about what's to come."

"We'll figure it out together." He smiled.

"I can be stubborn at times." She laughed.

"I figured," he answered quietly. He admired the lines that made the shape of her perfect nose. All he saw was exquisiteness and he wanted to make her understand that. There had been no flaw in her. "You are more precious than all of the fields of flowers in Bellatorm and any of the treasures that we may find within the deep oceans that surround us."

Her brown eyes twinkled as Ron glanced at her pink lips. A small breeze flowed between them, the flowers and branches were led by the wind while the waters continued to dance wonderfully in its ripples.

As much as he hated how she had to lead the army into war against Raven, he had to be there to believe in her and support her. It would be a greater mistake to turn his back on her.

She deserved everything good and because of that, Ron was determined to be the best version of himself for her. Because he couldn't handle the sick thought that maybe she was capable of growing tired of his pestering for her to give up on the war.

His heart pulsed faster as she leaned in. Her hand snaked around his arm as a magnetic pull led him closer to her. Hopefully, she wouldn't feel repulsed with him like he did with himself. Her brown eyes looked deeply into his own with what seemed to be… admiration. A small smile curled her bow-shaped lips as she neared him little by little. Those diamond eyes of hers held a glint of question behind them. Like she was doubting whether this was what he truly wanted.

Of course he did.

Ron didn't even have to kiss her to know that he had fallen utterly in love with her, and he wasn't afraid. She was the one, he was certain. Their lips barely brushed before a loud boom plummeted into the air, and the land beneath them shook.

Ron snapped his eyes open and turned in the direction of the explosion. Davina immediately peeled away from him. Dark smoke spilled into the air in large piles of clouds.

They both stood, staring at the black fumes through the trees of Somerlane Lake.

"It's from Basalt,"Davina said.

"Why does she keep attacking Basalt?" he asked.

"I think she's trying to weaken the islands one by one. Ron, I have to go."

Already? It was too soon. Would he have to go fight alongside her now? No, he wasn't ready. He wasn't brave enough to face his fears in a matter of seconds like her.

Ron reached for her hand, but she slipped past his own.

"Davina!" he yelled. "Davina, come back!"

Davina's lavender dress ruffled against her kicking feet and before he knew it, she already had large wings of fire carrying her through the air.