Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

I yelp and leap back, but as I do, I notice the flames didn’t actually burn me. Looking at my hands, I see that I’m totally fine.

“Zarla, stay back,” Kyle calls out, his voice frantic.

Ignoring him, I reach through the flames and grab hold of his arm. The others back away, gasping.

Without hesitation, I open a portal into Gallerria and haul Kyle through it. It snaps shut behind us, and Kyle drops to his knees on the grass in the field, just outside the castle. The flames slowly extinguish without leaving a mark on him.

My mind races. How was I able to get so close to him, unharmed by the flames?

“You’re afraid of me,” he says, and the sadness in his voice tears at my heart.

I kneel before him and take his face between my hands. “No, I am not afraid. I am worried for you, that’s all.”

He breathes hard, and the fear swimming in his gaze haunts me. I slide my arms around him and hold him tight, and he finally relaxes against me.

“What the fuck is happening to me…”

I swallow hard, knowing I can no longer hide this from him. “You remember me telling you about Pyrrhus, the Kingdom of Dragons?”

His brows pull together as he nods. “What about it?”

I search his eyes, and he looks back at me, not yet connecting the dots.

“The King, Drakon, is your uncle.”

His lips part as he takes in what I’ve said.

“I think you’re preparing to shift.”

He stands and rakes his hand down his face as he paces around before me. “Shift?”

I grab him, forcing him to stop and look at me. “Into a dragon.”

He frowns and shakes his head. “No, that’s not possible. I think I would know if I was a fucking dragon.”

I wrap my arms around him. “I’m so sorry, Kyle. Apollon should have told you.”

He bites his bottom lip, his eyes blazing. “Sorry for what? It’s not fucking true.”

“How else do you explain what’s been happening to you? The intense temperatures, the flames… I think Drakon’s right.”

He rakes his hands down his face. “I need to see him. I need to talk to him.”

I nod and run my hand over his back. “Okay. Let’s get back to the room first. You need to lie down.

He hesitates but finally agrees.

Visualising my room in the castle, I open a portal there and help Kyle through it. I’m getting better at opening them in the places I want to, but in high-stress situations, they seem to open wherever.

“I’m going to go talk to Salise in the healers’ chambers. There may be something she can give you to help the symptoms.”

He snorts. “She has a potion to prevent me from becoming a dragon?”

I roll my eyes at his sarcasm, but I’m secretly relieved he’s even joking around at this point.

I help him lie on the bed. “I’ll be back soon, okay?”

He pulls me on top of him and kisses me. “Don’t take too long.”

“I won’t.” I giggle and climb off the bed.

I pause at the door and glance back at him.

“It’ll be okay, I promise,” I tell him, and then I head down to the healers’ chambers.

Maybe Salise knows something I can do to help him. My subconscious tells me that I already know what can help him, though. A seven-foot dragon shifter can.

But I can’t bring myself to take him to Pyrrhus. Not yet, at least. I don’t know that I can trust Drakon. I don’t know that I can trust any of the dragon shifters. Apollon may be the better option, although I don’t like how he knew about this and kept it from Kyle.

I’ll talk to Salise first, and just maybe there’s a place here in Gallerria that can help him.

I gently rap on the wooden door to the healers’ chambers, and one of the healers opens it.

She smiles kindly at me. “Can I help you, Zarla?”

I’m a little taken aback that she knows my name, but then again, I have been in here a couple of times already. “Is Salise here? I need to speak with her.”

She nods and steps aside to allow me in. There are two other angels in here lying on stone benches, being treated by healers. I find Salise making some kind of concoction near the side of the room in a small preparation area with shelves of bottles and a benchtop below that.

She looks up at me and smiles as I approach. “Hi, dear. What can I do for you?”

I stare at the green paste she’s stirring in a wooden bowl. “It’s about my mate, Kyle. He’s been burning up lately, and there’s a strong chance he’s preparing to shift.”

She tilts her head. “Shift?”

I glance around and lower my voice. “Into a dragon.”

Her smile fades, and her eyes grow wide. “Oh my. I’m not sure what I can do for such a thing.”

I glance across the room at the other injured angels and bite my bottom lip. “Is there somewhere else I can bring him, within the Kingdom, perhaps?”

Her brows pull together, and she sets the bowl down on the bench beside her. “Somewhere else? You do not wish to bring him here?”

Oh no. I didn’t mean to offend her. “I’m sorry, I thought you meant there was nothing you could do for him here. I thought there may be somewhere in nature I could take him, if such a place exists.”

She purses her lips as she thinks it over. “I just meant that you cannot stop a shift. If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. But you could try Ioamai. They are thermal pools, located in the mountains. They can’t be missed. There are ancient tales of them being able to heal those who bathe in them. It does depend on what the issue is the individual has, though. As I said, you cannot prevent a shift.”

She hands the bowl to one of the other healers and then starts searching the shelves of bottles.

“Here,” she says, handing me one. “Give him this. It can ease discomfort of almost any sort. Just a few drops here and there throughout the day when needed.”

I turn the bottle over in my fingers, and the blue liquid inside sparkles as it catches the light. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Best of luck.” She nods and gets back to work.

I leave the chambers with the bottle and find my way back to Kyle. He’s asleep when I step into the room, and it’s too hot in here. I open the doors out to the balcony, and a refreshing breeze blows through, whipping the white curtains up with it. I set the bottle down next to the bed and feel his head. His temperature is still high.

Ioamai Pools in the mountains. That’s where I’m taking Kyle. And although I know a dip in some thermal pools won’t stop him from shifting into a dragon, it may just help his body better control the side effects he’s experiencing. If it doesn’t help, I will take him to Drakon, which is what I think he wants.

He tosses and turns in his sleep, groaning as if he’s having a bad dream. I shake him gently, but he doesn’t wake, and then his skin sets alight, engulfing the entire bed in flames.

“Kyle!” I leap off the bed as it burns and falls apart.

He sits up, looking at the flames surrounding him, and then in an instant, they go out and we stare at one another.

He climbs out of the pile of broken and burnt wood, and the movement sends pieces of ash into the air where they catch on the breeze and blow around the room.

I rush into his arms, and he holds me against his chest.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to do.”

He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “It’s okay. I didn’t either.”

“Can I take you somewhere?”

He pulls back and smiles at me, stroking his fingers along my cheek. “Somewhere?”

“It’s a surprise.” I head into the walk-in wardrobe and change out of my leathers and into a mid-thigh length white summer dress with thin straps.

I find Kyle a black shirt and some grey shorts and toss them to him through the doorway.

Once we’re dressed, I lead him out to the balcony. “You’ll have to follow me, okay?”

“I can do that. Maybe the wind will blow your dress up and give me a nice view along the way.”

I playfully swat his arm then release my wings and leap off the balcony. I’m not entirely sure where Ioamai is, but we can fly over the mountains and keep an eye out. Salise said they can’t be missed, and thermal pools should have steam, for starters.

I glance back at Kyle, who is eying my dress, no doubt hoping the wind will catch it. I giggle at the thought and head for the mountains. There are many places these pools could be, but I trust Salise in that we will find them. The mountains are gorgeous, the taller ones capped with snow, the lower elevation ones covered in luscious greenery.

It’s truly incredible. We fly over an enormous waterfall, the water cascading down the rock face that gleams and sparkles in the light. I haven’t seen much wildlife yet, but being this deep in nature, I see it now. A herd of winged creatures gallops across the mountain ridge below, and several of them take flight. Their vast wings are coloured in various shades of green, camouflaging them into their surroundings.

Many fly alongside us, their large, yellow eyes focused with piqued interest. The deep grey of their fur is gorgeous. Their bird-like chirps ring in the air before they tear off in another direction back down to the mountainside, where they join the rest of the herd still on the ground.

Kyle’s laugh sounds from behind me. “That was awesome.”

I glance back at him, enjoying his happiness.

And then I see it. Steam drifts up between trees in the distance below, and I swoop down for a closer look. As we approach the area, the trees give way to one of the most incredible places I have ever seen. Vast rock pools cover the mountainside at various levels, filtering down from a raging waterfall at the top, larger than the previous one we passed.

The waterfall flows across the rocks and into several of the rock pools below, nestled into the mountainside. Some of them don’t appear to be fed by the waterfall, and those are steaming.

I glide down and land near the edge, overlooking the jaw-dropping scenery before me.

Kyle lands at my side. “Wow. I’m speechless…”

“As am I…”

I stare in awe at the pink-tinted rocks with what looks like flecks of gold embedded in them. Some are larger than others, and lush forest surrounds the entire area.

“How did you know about this place?” he asks in wonder.

“Salise, one of the healers, told me about it.”

Kyle yanks his shirt over his head and unbuttons his shorts. “I’m getting in.”

I giggle and slip my dress off. Kyle takes my hand and leads me over to one of the steaming pools, and I dip my toe in. Damn, the water’s hot. He climbs in first then holds me by my waist and helps to ease me in.

“This is amazing,” he breathes, pulling me into his lap.

The rock pool is shallow, and Kyle’s able to sit on the bottom with me in his lap, where we relax into the warmth.

Something about this water feels different. It’s healing me. I can feel it, despite having my own ability to do so.

I run my fingers across his chest. “I wish I could feel our bond. The way I’m supposed to.”

He shifts me so I’m straddling him, my legs on either side of his thick thighs. “We’re going to find a way to break it. Whatever Amaros has done. I promise.”

Staring into Kyle’s eyes, I feel at home with him, despite our diminished bond. I run my hands over his toned chest, tracing his dragon markings, and he shudders beneath my touch.

“It’s been here, all this time, marking your skin, and you never knew. I’m so sorry.”

He tilts my chin, forcing me to look at him. “You have nothing to apologise for. I won’t pretend it doesn’t scare me, thinking of the shift. But I’ll be all right.”

“You will. It’s been a part of you your whole life. You’ll be an amazing dragon.”

A smile tugs at his lips, and as he kisses me, I sense some of his tension ease. He’s coming to terms with the imminent shift, and it’s a huge relief to no longer be burdened with this secret.

I press a kiss to his lips and climb out of the rock pool.

“Where are you going?” he asks.

I point to the waterfall. “Up there. You coming?”

“Hell yeah.” He climbs out after me, and we make our way up the rocks to the lake at the base of the waterfall.

It’s not as large as the one in the Spirit Realm, but it’s just as beautiful. Kyle dives right in, and then I do the same. The cool water hits my skin, and it’s refreshing after the heat of the rock pool. I swim out to the middle where Kyle treads in the water. It must be deep if he can’t touch the bottom.

I swim to him and slip my arms around his neck. “Do you really think there’s a way to undo what Amaros has done to me?”

He brushes his nose against mine. “I know there is. Because you and I are fated mates. Destined to be together. Look what we’ve been through. Nothing can tear us apart. We always find our way back to one another. And we always will. You are mine, and I am yours.”

“Kyle Laskaris…you really do have a way with words.”

He kisses me with a fierce passion, a need that can never be satisfied, a longing we will both always have for one another. Nothing and no one has ever felt so right to me. Kyle fits me, and I him, in every possible way.

And although there may be forces against us, we will overcome them together. Always.

We fly back to the castle, and Patron and Zaph steal Kyle away for some male bonding.

I don’t particularly like the idea of it. There’s something off about Zaph, but at least Patron will be there, too.

I feel amazing since our time at Ioamai. It’s a special place, one I hope to visit again soon.

My conversations with Kyle have me thinking. We have to do something about Amaros. I need to know that if he comes for me, I can defend myself against him. I will not go back to Silanthia. At least, not with him. I know I have to get Alaron’s powers back from Amaros, and I will.

I know deep inside that I have more potential. My powers are strong. I can feel them, but for some reason, I cannot access their strength.

I pass through the corridors in search of my father and eventually find him sitting outside, sipping a glass of some potent brew, no doubt. He doesn’t look up when I approach, and I have a feeling I know why. He knows I ignored him and went down to Earth.

“I’ve been looking for you,” I tell him.

He sips his drink and sets it down on the table next to his chair. “I see.”

I sink down on the grass in front of him, but he still won’t look at me.

“I know why you’re upset with me, and I’m sorry for causing you worry. But I had to go.” I mindlessly pick at blades of grass and toss them aside.

He shakes his head, still refusing to look at me. “Actually, you didn’t. What good did you going down there do? Did you figure out who was slaughtering angels?”

I shake my head.

He sighs and finally looks my way. “I know I haven’t been in your life for long, but you’re still my daughter, and believe it or not, I care about you. I care about your safety. I don’t throw orders your way to piss you off. I do it to protect you.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

He frowns. “Something else is bothering you. What is it?”

“I don’t feel that I’m reaching my full potential. It’s like I can feel it there, inside me, this strength. Like my powers are much stronger than they are, but I can’t seem to access their power. And I don’t know why.”

He nods. “I can understand your frustration. But you cannot force something that you are not ready for.”

“I am ready. If Amaros comes for me, I have to be able to defend myself from him.”

He finishes his drink and leans forward in his chair. “I don’t disagree. But I have strengthened the wards protecting this Kingdom. He will not come.”

I pick another blade of grass and twirl it in my fingers. “Why do you think I’m not strong enough?”

“My daughter, you are. But you have to believe it. If you’re not ready for your powers, they will not come. No angel can control that. It is for the old gods to decide.”

“I wish I could speak with them.”

He stands and slips his hands into his pockets. “You can.”

I get to my feet, brushing loose grass off my dress. “How?”

“In the mountains. There’s an ancient cave. It is believed that is where they ascended to wherever they now are.”

I look out to the mountains. “Have you been there?”

“I have. But it isn’t without risk. You do not want to anger them.”

I release my wings. “Thank you for telling me. Where can I find it?”

His wings spring free, too. “I will show you.”

I follow my father toward the mountains, and we head for the highest peak, just before the snow-capped top where the greenery is still visible. He glides down, and I follow, landing beside him, and by the gods, we’re high up. You can barely see the city below.

I scan my surroundings, and there it is. The opening to a cave.

Atticus wanders through the wild, untamed bushes toward it, where the opening is somewhat obscured by overgrown plants and vines hanging from above. There’s a heaviness in the air, pressing down on me, and it’s a similar feeling to the ancient ruins back in the Dark Forest in Silanthia. It reminds me of Alaron and the promise I made to get his powers back from Amaros.

Further reason to speak with the old gods and gain access to my powers. My full potential.

I step through the entrance of the cave, but Atticus grabs my arm to stop me.

“I cannot go any farther, my daughter. You must go alone.”

My throat tightens, and I throw my arms around him. “Thank you.”

He squeezes me. “Be safe.”

Stepping into the cave, I can’t see a foot in front of me. I will my power to the surface and create a ball of light to guide my way. The tunnels snake deep into the mountain. I haven’t a clue how far they go or what I’m even looking for, but I will figure it out when I get there.

I trip on a tree root and fall to the ground. The dirt beneath my hands moves, giving way beneath me, and I fall. My ball of light goes out. I scream, free-falling through the darkness. I hit the hard ground below, my fingers scraping against jagged rocks.

Shit, that hurt. Groaning, I right myself and relight my ball of power as my heart races. I’m in some kind of stone tunnel, and instinct tells me to push forward, so I do.

I move deeper through the tunnel for at least another half hour before the air grows heavy, pushing down on me as if in warning. The gods know I’m here, and they’re angry. I can feel it within every cell inside me.

Bracing my hand against the wall, I take a deep breath before carrying on. I push through the thick air, and my head spins.

Oxygen is low this deep into the mountain, and I struggle to suck in a decent breath of air. I reach the end of the tunnel, and my legs give out. I drop to the ground, scraping my knees on the rough rocks below. The pressure in here is too much. I can’t get up. I raise my hand, lighting the walls around me, and then I spot them.

The ancient symbols of the gods.

This is it. I can feel it.

I read the symbols aloud, just as I did at the ancient ruins in the Dark Forest. “ He who dares disturb us shall accept what we so wish to bestow upon them .”

Okay, that doesn’t sound so bad.

The cave walls shake like they may collapse in on me. Dirt falls from above, and the stone walls crack under the immense pressure.

What’s happening? I attempt to stand, but my balance is off, so I remain on all fours. Some kind of invisible force presses down on me. I can’t move. Pressure builds in my head, and I scream. My power fizzles out, shrouding me in darkness.

The shaking stops, and I fight through the pressure to glance up at the five figures that have appeared before me, subtly glowing in the darkness. But I’m no longer in the cave. Where in the gods am I?

Darkness surrounds me, the only light coming from the glowing gods.

The figures are huge, and they hover in the air, looking down on me. They are merely glowing shadows with no discernible features, and the pressure bearing down on me tells me they’re far more powerful than any god or angel in all the Kingdoms.

The old gods.

“You dare call upon us!” A powerful male’s voice booms through the air, and the invisible ground beneath me shakes.

“Easy, Ergos. This one is special…” a female says, her tone much softer.

“Why are you here?” a different male asks, more powerful than them all.

“She wears my ring…” another female says with piqued curiosity.

My head spins, but I glance at my finger where I am wearing the Ring of Rykel.

“Rykel?” My voice sounds weak when I speak.

“You dare speak my name!” the female bellows.

“For this one to wear the ring, she must be special indeed…” another male says.

“No, Nyx. She is not,” Rykel replies, her voice cold.

“She does not wear it now, but she has my locket…” a female says.

Leodona. I do not speak the name this time.

“Answer me, child. Why are you here?” the same male asks, clearly the one in charge.

I attempt to stand again but sway to the side and fall down, taking in deep breaths. “I need help.”

They all laugh. The sound penetrates my ears, and I scream at the immense pressure as I attempt to block it with my hands.

“Help with what?” Leodona asks.

The pressure eases, and I take deep breaths as the pain subsides.

“I will ask the questions, Leodona,” the powerful male says in an authoritative tone. “What help do you seek?”

I attempt to look up at him, but pain shoots through my head, and I’m unable to. “My powers. I cannot access their full potential.”

“I know who you are…” the male in charge says. “You are the daughter of Atticus and Serona.”

I nod, unable to speak.

“Do not help her, Chaos. She does not deserve the power she holds. She is weak,” Rykel says.

“Enough!” His authoritative voice booms even louder, and my entire body trembles. “This one is special. I can feel it. She has much to achieve. She is anything but weak.”

The pressure eases a little more, allowing me to breathe easier. The relief feels wonderful.

“I will help you, child. But you must fulfil what I ask of you,” Chaos says.

I nod, attempting to look up at him again, and regretting it when the same pain shoots through my head.

“It is your destiny to restore peace to the Kingdoms. To unite them as one. You must kill whoever threatens this peace. I will allow you access to your powers, but beware. Such power can be a great burden.”

I open my mouth to thank him when a stream of power erupts from within me like an explosion, flowing through my veins and igniting every cell in my body. A scream rips from my lungs, and I violently shake before I pass out.