The Spiral Ascended (Spiral Defenders Series: Book Four)

By Erin Danzer

Everything seems perfect now that Ronnie is married. She can be crowned and finally defeat the evil that infests the Spiral.

Until Rick and the Irradians seize the castle.

Now, Ronnie and Gavin are in hiding. They must amass an army from those still loyal to them and protect their friends and family—all without leaving their refuge. When Ronnie ventures out, Gavin is captured. Their bond is severed. All Ronnie knows is that Gavin is still in her heart.

Until that breaks, too.

Ronnie must find the strength to ascend to her destiny and defeat Rick or risk losing everything forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Danzer
• Release date: Sep 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311350954

Book preview

Chapter 1

Ronnie, Cenric, and her father paused just inside the double oak doors of the throne room. People dressed in their finest smiled from either side of the white fabric aisle that stretched out before them. Ronnie’s eyes scanned the crowd, looking for a face she knew she wouldn’t find. Everything was white, from the decorations on the backs of the white chairs to the rose trellis arched above where she and Will would stand. Her eyes found Dusana and Brendan seated next to the aisle on the groom’s side. She smiled at Dusana and moved on, finally moving her gaze to the front of the room. Her mother and Alina stood at the end of the aisle waiting for them. Just beyond them, the minister, Drost, stood on a set of ornate wooden steps about four feet high, which was good since he was a three-foot tall dwarf.

A pat on her left arm brought Ronnie’s attention to her father, the man who had raised her for most of her life. She smiled at him and he smiled back.

Ready to do this, pumpkin? he whispered. She nodded. With a glance at Cenric on her other arm, the three of them began the long walk down the aisle. Ronnie looked from side to side, smiling at people she recognized. Her childhood best friends, Shawn and Andi, waved from the middle of the crowd on the left side of the room. Gem, her servant, sat with her parents a few rows ahead of them. On the opposite side of the room sat a few of the Spiral Defenders from Variel and a few people Ronnie knew were from their Court. Nikolai, Amber’s father, sat behind Will’s parents, who sat in the front row.

Finally, Ronnie looked straight ahead at the man she walked towards. He wore a white tuxedo with a royal purple sash from his right shoulder to his left hip. His blond hair gleamed in the light streaming through the windows above and behind him and his blue eyes smiled as hers locked with them. Ronnie couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face.

Her two fathers stopped at the end of the aisle where her mother and Alina waited for them. Alina and her mom stepped into place, standing next to their respective husbands. The minister nodded at them, cleared his throat, and then spoke, his voice booming out over the hushed crowd.

Today is a glorious day. Today we gather together to celebrate the union of Prince Wilhelm of Variel and Princess Veronica of Cira, Drost said. Though this union was forged on paper, love has sprung up with it. Love is a beautiful, precious thing that should never be denied. So now I must ask: who gives Veronica to this man?

We do, said the four people surrounding Ronnie. She pressed her lips together to keep in a giggle. She was pretty sure no bride before her ever had two sets of parents giving her away. Her father let go of her arm as her mom and Alina went to their seats. She turned towards him.

I love you, pumpkin, he whispered and kissed her cheek before turning and walking to his seat next to her mom. Cenric squeezed her hand as they walked forward towards Will, who smiled as he took Ronnie’s hand from Cenric.

Thank you, he said to Cenric and then turned to Ronnie. You look beautiful, he whispered.

Thank you, she murmured. Ronnie handed her bouquet off to Katja before they stepped forward to stand beneath the flowered arch and turned towards the minister.

To this moment you bring the fullness of your hearts as a treasure to share with each other, the dwarf said. Ronnie swallowed, guilt settling in the pit of her stomach. We rejoice with you now as you express the outward symbol of the inward union of your hearts. It is a union that has already been created by friendship, by love, and by loyalty.

Ronnie’s mind raced, the minister’s words playing over and over in her mind. What was she doing? How could she stand up here for this? Why hadn't she insisted on trading places with Katja the moment she stood underneath this arch with Will? They deserved these words, two people who loved each other. Not her, whose heart belonged to a man who wasn’t allowed be here today.

If there is anyone among you who know why this couple should not be joined, please speak now or forever hold your peace, the minister said, his words jolting Ronnie from her thoughts.

I do, she blurted out. Will spoke at the same time, saying the same two words. She looked up at him, her eyes wide. What was he doing? Why would he object? It should be her; she had someone to replace her. Murmurs rose from the crowd behind them as Ronnie’s mind raced. Drost looked between the two of them, but Ronnie wouldn’t look away from Will, wondering why he kept smiling. She shook her head. This made no sense.

What are you doing? she hissed. He turned to face her and took both of her hands in his.

I love you, but I’m not in love with you. We both know that, Will told her, his voice carrying in the suddenly silent room. Our union wouldn’t hold the Spiral together. You should marry someone who belongs with you, whom you belong to.

She stared at him, unable to comprehend what he said. There was only one person she belonged to. Gavin. He wasn’t here today. He’d been banned from coming.

I don’t understand, she uttered.

Will leaned closer to her. Let me do this for you.

He released her hands and turned back to the minister. I object to this union, minister. I don’t belong to the princess. Her heart belongs to another, just as my heart belongs to another. Veronica should marry the man she is meant to be with.

The murmurs and mutters returned as Ronnie caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned to look and gasped, her heart taking flight within her chest. She blinked and he was still there, walking towards her as if in a dream. Gavin. He wore a black tuxedo with a royal purple vest and tie. Her mouth fell open as he stopped next to her. She had to be dreaming. There was no way this was really happening. A piercing scream cut through her reverie.

NOOOOOO! Alina yelled as she jumped onto the dais. Ronnie gasped as the woman grabbed her arm and spun her away from Gavin. Angry fire lit her pseudo-mother’s dark brown eyes and her fingers pinched Ronnie’s skin. I will not allow you to marry this boy. You are my daughter and you must obey my rules.

But I’m also eighteen and an adult. I can marry whomever I choose. I choose Gavin.

Her fingers bit deeper into Ronnie’s skin. You will not. The windows high above the throne began to shake in their frames as Alina’s anger grew. "I am still queen of this Spiral; what I say is final law. I don’t care who you choose to marry. You don’t have a choice."

Ronnie wrenched her arm from Alina’s grasp, glaring at the woman who gave birth to her. "I belong to Gavin, just as he belongs to me. That’s why the cae’shyl formed. That’s why I’ve loved him since I first met him. You can’t undo something you have no control over."

"I don’t care about your cae’shyl. I—"

No, you don’t care about love. You want power—at whatever cost. You will destroy this Spiral to have what you want. Well, I won’t let you. This is my home, too. I live here and I love it here. And I love Gavin and I’m marrying him today.

You will not!

Alina cried out as strong hands grabbed both her arms and pulled her back. She kicked and screamed about how this wasn’t over as the two burly guards dragged her away. The crowd’s murmurs grew into a cheer as Alina was finally hauled out of the throne room. Osgard grinned as he shut the doors behind them. Ronnie grinned at Will and then Gavin. This was really happening. Her dream was coming true. Lightheaded with giddiness, she turned back to the minister.

Now that that dreadful woman is out of the way, shall we continue with the beginning of the rest of your lives together? the minister suggested with a grin.

Very well. Veronica, do you agree to the dissolution of this ceremony to Prince Wilhelm? the dwarf asked Ronnie. She looked at Gavin again. He was still there. The corners of his lips quirked up in a smile as she continued to stare at him, unable to believe she was about to get everything she wanted.

Veronica? Drost prompted. She shook her head and looked at him. Somehow, her mind remembered what he just asked.

Only if it means I get to marry the man I’m meant to be with, she bargained. A few chuckles were heard throughout the room as the murmurs and mutters rose. Ronnie could only imagine that this whole thing was a first for this Spiral. The dwarf nodded.

Very well. Prince Wilhelm, you are absolved of your duties as put forth by the betrothal to Princess Veronica. You may be seated, the minister declared. Ronnie’s heart skipped a beat. She barely felt it when Will kissed her cheek before leaving her under the starflower arch. Her eyes wouldn’t leave Gavin. He smiled as he stepped forward, taking her arm and winding it around his as he took his place next to her.

Sorry I’m late, he whispered as they turned to face the minister.

You’re right on time, she replied. The minister cleared his throat and spoke to the crowd behind them.

Once again, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Veronica to Captain Gavin Clearwater, he announced. Ronnie’s eyes widened as she realized the minister had known this would happen. How else would he already know Gavin’s name? She wondered how many others knew this was going to happen. Had she been the only one left in the dark? She glanced at Gavin, but he only continued to smile and patted her hand, giving her no answers.

It doesn’t matter.

Ronnie realized he was right. None of that mattered. The only thing that mattered was that they would finally get to be together.

Chapter 2

It is customary for the bride and groom to be blessed by those who love them during the handfastening. As this is an extraordinary circumstance we find ourselves in, I now ask for three volunteers who equally love the bride and groom to come forth.

Ronnie turned slightly, curious to know who would come forth. She grinned when Dusana and Cenric both made their way to the dais. Duncan joined them as they stopped next to Drost. The dwarf held up a handful of ribbons, six different colors he distributed between the three: red and blue to Dusana, yellow and green to Duncan, and black and white to Cenric. Ronnie watched intently, curious about how this part of the ceremony would go now. Dusana and Duncan were new additions; it used to be Anastacia, Cenric, and Alina. Before she could think too much about it, the minister continued.

Now please join hands. Your hands will form the eternity symbol, visually demonstrating that your love will always be present and permeate throughout the years.

Ronnie and Gavin turned to face each other, crossed their arms, and joined hands. They grinned at each other as Dusana stepped forward, the blue and red ribbons in her hands. Tears shone in her eyes as she draped them around the couple’s entwined hands and said,

May you find passion within each other and peace when it is most needed. Dusana kissed both of their cheeks before stepping back.

Duncan stepped up next with the yellow and green ribbons. May you learn from each other, share happiness, and keep each other grounded and balanced, he said as he draped the ribbons over their joined hands. He bowed and stepped back.

Ronnie’s breath caught in her throat when Cenric stepped forward. A tear slid down her cheek as she beamed at the man she’d only recently come to think of as her father. Cenric nodded, his eyes a little watery as well. May the purity of the moon bless you and the unknown paths of your journey excite you, he declared and stepped back. Drost moved forward again.

Across the infinite divide, to the ether beyond. Across the written word, to the memory of a song. Let the spirits of those before, now, and ever after offer blessings to these two. United as one, forever not undone. He took the six ribbons and tied them into a knot on top of Ronnie and Gavin’s hands. May your lives be infinitely long and full of possibilities. May your lives be fertile as the land with whatever seeds you wish to grow. Walk together and never apart. The love that blooms between you will bloom across the fallow ground and bring forth hope.

He turned to Katja and then Kennet. If we may have the rings.

Katja handed Ronnie the ring she’d originally gotten for Will. She thought it looked a little plain now; she’d always thought about giving Gavin a ring with a design similar to the ring he’d given her. Nevertheless, she slipped the ring onto his finger, repeating the words that further bonded them together. When Gavin repeated the process with her, taking her ring from her right ring finger and moving it to her left as he said the words, a white glow radiated from her ring to his. Before their eyes, the light etched a design of leaves and vines around his ring. Ronnie looked up at Gavin and grinned at him. His eyes shone as he grinned back at her.

By the power bestowed upon me by the monarch of Kalearnia and with the blessings of the goddess Isleen and her mate, Padraic, I present to you Princess Veronica Clearwater and Captain Gavin Clearwater, future Queen and King of Kalearnia. What the gods have brought forth in unity, may no man divide. The minister looked at them with a twinkle in his blue eyes. You may kiss your bride.

Love exploded within Ronnie as Gavin took her face between his hands and kissed her. Her fingers grasped the lapels of his jacket as she kissed him back. Hoots, hollers and cheers resounded through the room as their kiss continued. Ronnie momentarily thought about teleporting them back to her room so they could begin the wedding night early. Gavin laughed as he broke the kiss, leaning his forehead against hers as his arms circled her waist.

Let’s celebrate a little first, he suggested. I would like to eat, drink, and steal a few more kisses.

She giggled. You can have whatever you like.

His eyes darkened at the invitation. Have I told you how unbelievably beautiful you look right now?

Hey, guys. Are you planning on walking back down the aisle anytime soon? Kennet spoke up from behind Gavin. Ronnie giggled again as she lifted her head away from Gavin’s and smoothed the lapels of his jacket.

Yeah, the rest of us would like to get something to eat and maybe even use the bathroom, Amber teased as she hooked her arm through Kennet’s. Ronnie laughed out loud. Feeling completely happy for the first time in more than a year, Ronnie wound her arm around Gavin’s and the two of them led the recession down the aisle.

The guests formed a line against the wall from the throne room to the dining hall. Ronnie and Gavin stopped to greet everyone and accept well wishes. When they arrived at Dusana and Brendan, the boy flung his arms around Ronnie’s waist.

I knew you’d be my sister some day, he declared happily. Tears streaked Dusana’s cheeks as she hugged Ronnie and Gavin at the same time.

You’re both so beautiful. I cannot express how happy this makes me, Dusana declared. She looked at Gavin. Your father would be so proud of you right now.

"Thank you, mara mou," Gavin murmured and kissed her cheek.

They moved onto Ronnie’s parents and Cenric. Ronnie’s parents hugged her at the same time. She closed her eyes as she hugged them back, grateful they had been here to witness the happiest day of her life. She glanced at Gavin, remembering he’d been responsible for that, and sent him a silent thank you. He grinned at her as Cenric shook his hand.

Are you really happy? Ronnie’s mom asked before releasing her.

I am now, Ronnie stated, her smile blinding. She felt like she would never stop smiling. She never wanted a reason to stop. Her mom kissed her cheek and then surprised them both by hugging Gavin. She whispered in his ear, words Ronnie heard in his mind. Thank you for taking care of my daughter. Tears sprang to Ronnie’s eyes. She rapidly blinked them away, looking away for a distraction. She saw Katja and Will standing nearby and walked over to them.

Thank you, she said to Will. "As soon as we can, we should have