The Shadow Dragon (Book 3): Darkness

By Amanda Schmidt

I thought I understood the difference between good and evil, and that my knowledge of the sword would keep me safe. However, my eyes have been opened to those who want to rid the world of me, and nothing is how it seemed. I never could have imagined that there was more to fear than Ceeaira and Marty, but in the wake of Aleksertac’s vow, the dangers have increased ten fold. The Ancients, the Dark Forces, the dragons, and all who want a piece of what Aleksertac now covets are becoming bolder, and alliances are being made. My skills and determination have already been put to the test. How much longer can I really survive in a world with creatures that contain abilities I have never imagined? Aleksertac has been crucial to my survival this far, but will his power be strong enough to fight against them all? Will my spirit have the strength to survive the power that resides within him? I want to believe we can survive, but how long can Light endure Darkness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Schmidt
• Release date: Jul 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370239702

Amanda Schmidt

I graduated from Eastern Michigan University and live in Rochester, Michigan. I am a single mother of three amazing children who have helped me rediscover my love of writing. I started writing in 2009 and discovered there were many stories within me that I wanted to share. With the help of my family, friends, and fans, I have gained confidence in myself and in what I love, allowing me to live my dream to be an author who finds inspiration everywhere: my past, listening to music, in laughter, and even random moments while out hiking or practicing Tai Chi.I discovered the hard way how important it is to believe in yourself and your dreams. With each story I write, I hope to take my readers into a world that will captivate their imagination. I hope my stories remind you to believe in your dreams, allowing you to think outside the box and become more than you thought you could be.

Book preview

Alex kissed my lips, and water slid around my ankles as his energy moved through me. When he moved his face away from mine, I took in every feature of his face - from his strong jawline to the black locks of hair that laid across his brow. He was moving away and I could not follow. I wanted to glance at the water to see what was preventing me, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. His eyes remained closed as he walked backwards to the middle of the grass covered ground. The water swirled up my legs and around my hips before quickly spiraling up over my head. The water encircled me so that I could not even see the sky. I fought to remain calm, reminding myself Alex wouldn’t have left me here if I wasn’t safe.

It was only a moment before Alex’s fire slammed against the water. I watched the flames weave into the water around me. When the fire disappeared, the water did not back down. Instead it moved closer to me. Unable to move, I closed my eyes. I could feel the warmth of the water radiating against my body. My heartbeat sped up and fire raced through my veins as the water softly slid over the skin of my torso. I wanted to scream out as the water touched my face, but tranquility quickly moved into my mind. Aleksertac roared loudly, and Alex’s vow of eternity softly, yet powerfully, flowed in my mind, heart, and spirit.

The road ahead is going to get worse. They will test your love for me. They will tell you truths that you won’t want to believe, they will tell you lies that make sense. The Ancients will warp your reality so that you don’t know where to turn, but believe that I will always come for you.

Darkness filled my mind and a tingling sensation overwhelmed my skin. Panic raced through me as my left forearm began to burn, pain carving into my flesh. I wanted to glance at my forearm but all there was, was darkness.

~~~~

Chapter 1

I sat up in a panic and took a deep breath to calm my mind. As I tried to remember what was happening, the orbs of fire burned all thoughts away.

My eyes shot open. Again! They were consuming my mind again?! I hastily took in my surroundings, immediately recognizing the room as Todd’s. How did I end up here? Or had I not left? I slowly moved off of the bed as I tried to remember. Maybe nothing happened. Although, if I was thinking nothing happened, then something most definitely did happen.

I glanced at the chair near the foot of the bed and was not surprised to see a shirt waiting for me. I walked toward the neatly folded shirt, forcing a smile as I attempted to hide my frustration at how this had become a normal thing for me.

I grabbed the cream colored shirt, which immediately fell to the floor. I hadn’t expected to see the black fabric lying underneath it. My pulse raced as I stared at the black material, so black that it absorbed the light. I hesitantly reached for the material, fear creeping into my mind. As I held up the black fabric, a shirt unfolded.

Pain…

A red blade…

Blood…

Marty…

I swallowed hard. Marty. He… he stabbed me. He—

This blade was meant for Aleksertac, but I think that this is a better ending, Marty growled. His irate voice echoed in my mind as his image twisted and turned. Pain pierced my abdomen. I shook my head as I glanced down to see him yanking out a red blade from my stomach. My hand immediately went to the wound as I glanced up in horror. "You will die," he stated.

I put my hands over my ears, wishing it would prevent the echoes of my screams from filling my mind. My heart raced at the vivid image of blood clinging to the red blade.

Your life is worthless now! Marty assured me. My breaths quickened at the intensity in his hate filled red eyes. No mortal should have the spirit you have, so I think you should suffer more than any mortal before you. Marty lifted the blade again and I squeezed my eyes shut as he prepared to stab it into me once more.

The forest was engulfed by the sounds of cracking wood and the thunder of trees falling as they shook the ground.

Terror…

Helplessness…

Pain…

Fire…

Fiery orbs burned the horrific images away, soothing my mind. My first instinct had been to drop the black shirt, but instead I held it tightly in my trembling grasp. With controlled breaths, I cautiously glimpsed down at my naked torso to check out the scar I knew would be hideous. Only there weren’t any marks on my stomach. How could there not be a scar?

I instantly began searching the black shirt for a hole, a rip, or at least a snag, but there was nothing. There had to have been damage done, but there wasn’t. No blood crusted on it anywhere or any sign that it had been stitched up. My pulse began to race again. According to my shirt, nothing happened. I had been unable to pull dreams and reality apart once before. Was that what was going on? I slid my fingers over the spot on my torso where I had expected a scar to be as I glanced around the room, searching for the answers that would piece it all together.

I bit my lip as I slid the protective short sleeve shirt over my head. Had it happened? As I shifted my eyes back to the chair, I saw more black material folded there. I held up the fabric and a wave of delight and relief washed through me when pants unfolded. Without a second thought, I slid them on. The pants clung to my legs and hips a little too well for my liking, but they were comfortable, and with the protection that I knew they would give me, I could deal with it. Alex must have been keeping Percy busy with his continued attempts to try and protect my body from the world.

I snagged the cream colored shirt off the floor and pulled it over my head. I glanced down and was surprised with the way it fit. This was not a man’s shirt, nor was it Sharon’s. The hem laid across the middle of my thighs, but there were slits that came up to my hipbone on each side. The sleeves were a little baggy and came down to just above my elbows. I liked that the shirt did not cling to my body as it completely hid the black shirt underneath.

I glanced at the cuffs on the chair and glimpsed at my sheathed swords leaning against the wall next to the door. I wasn’t sure if I should go outside and practice, but the desire to do so was overwhelming. I stared at my swords as I walked over to them with the cuffs in my hand, thinking about the latest events that had happened in my life.

Images of Alex kneeling before me abruptly filled my mind. I remembered my tears sizzling as they dripped onto his face and his hands gently gripping the sides of my torso. Alex humbly lowered his face until his forehead rested on my thigh. His words caressed my skin, and water…the Akwas released me.

I want only her. She is mine, and now I will forever be hers.

I slid one of the black cuffs on my right forearm as Alex’s words echoed in my mind. The mark on my left arm captured my attention and I focused on the symbols beneath Aleksertac for a moment. My breath caught as I noticed they had changed. As I stared at the new symbols, I began to think that they said inevitable.

What does that mean?

I shook my head. Just because you believe in dragons, doesn’t mean you can read their language, I whispered, laughing at myself.

I quickly pulled the other cuff up my forearm before tightening the sheathed sword Todd’s family had given me to my back. I grabbed my favorite sword and slid the blade out, unable to shake the notion out of my head – inevitable. I gazed at Aleksertac, and the orange stones gleamed from the Shadow Dragon.

Alex, I whispered.

The sound of his name caused me to smile, and the hidden mark of Aleksertac warmed beneath my cuff. I slid my sword back into its sheath, feeling confident. Yes, I was definitely going to need to practice. I did not want to be rusty when he returned. I tightened my favorite sword to my back and walked out of the room. I walked into the living room expecting Todd to be on the couch, but no one was there. I shrugged and headed out.

I walked into the forest, happy to be able to practice by myself before having to go up against anyone, especially Alex. When I could no longer see the house, I stopped walking and closed my eyes. Once I had my opponent focused in my mind, I unsheathed both swords and took my stance. I opened my eyes and began to go through the movements that I had practiced since I was a child. As my opponents became enemies, I began to move quicker through the many attacks and blocks that had helped me survive this long. I hadn’t meant to let the men become creatures any more than I had wanted the creatures to become Marty. Anger and fear consumed me as I attempted to kill him.

Marty’s image vanished as I fell to my hands and knees with exhaustion. I was a little rusty, but not so bad that one would mistake me as novice. I sat back on my feet and glanced up at the trees above me, breathing in deeply. Despite my frustration at not being able to slay Marty, I was glad that I came out here. Even though my body was tired, my mind was invigorated.

After I caught my breath, I scanned my surroundings. I had no idea how long I had been out here, but I knew I had better head back since the shadows of the forest were getting darker. I stood up, slid my swords in their sheath, and headed back toward Todd’s house. I knew I should have been proud of my practice session with my imagination, however, I couldn’t shake the lingering fear and anger of what I hadn’t accomplished - Marty’s defeat. I halted and glanced around the forest, feeling as though someone was watching me. I focused on the sounds of the forest, but heard nothing out of place. As the feeling lingered, I unsheathed my favorite sword and continued toward the house at a quicker pace.

I was impressed how fast my body had recuperated. This allowed confidence to fill me. If something was going to attack, I was ready. Keeping my eyes alert, I picked up my pace. Part of me hoping to make it back without incident, another part of me was hoping for something more than practice.

Sonia, called a faint voice I didn’t recognize.

I immediately stopped and my eyes searched the vicinity. Still I saw nothing. I spun my sword to warn whoever it was to not sneak up on me.

Sonia.

I slowly turned full circle. Nothing. I shook my head and continued on my way. As I saw Todd’s home in the distance, my body began to relax. I was about to re-sheath my blade when I heard someone on the other side of the tree I was passing. An uneasy feeling moved through me and I gripped tightly to the handle of my sword, ready to attack.

As I passed the tree, I breathed with relief and slid my sword into its sheath. Hello, Callie, I said as I saw her petite figure standing in the shadows. Callie? I said again, suddenly unsure if it was her.

Hi, Sonia, she replied.

Have you seen Todd? I asked with a smile. I had so much I wanted to tell him, questions I hoped he had answers to.

No, she replied. He must have had something to tend to.

Oh. Do you know when he’ll be back?

He didn’t say, but the reason he left must have been important for him to leave you.

Why do you say that?

He and Alex have been taking turns watching over you.

Really? I said in surprise. I wonder why Al—

Alex stays with you when he’s here, she stated, and I hastily focused on her. While Todd and my dad watch over you when he is absent.

I stared at my feet, wondering how long I had been unconscious. What had the Akwas done to me?

My mind immediately recalled flames weaving into the water surrounding me. The fire disappeared, but the water did not back down. Instead it moved closer to me. Unable to move, I closed my eyes. I could feel the warmth of the water radiating against my skin. My heartbeat sped up and fire raced through my veins as the water softly slid over my skin. I wanted to scream out as the water moved around my face, but tranquility quickly moved into my mind…

I shook the image away. It was a dream, symbolizing… I had no idea. I must be okay though. Alex wouldn’t have left me here if he had been worried about me, right? I was fine, I knew that I was. There was no pain or feelings of weakness.

I forced a smile and turned my attention back to Callie.

You seem confused, Callie remarked, watching me intently.

You said when Alex is absent. Does he leave often? I asked, not wanting to tell her about the dream.

He is never gone too long. He must believe it is a safe time for him to leave, since the only protection you have while he is out is my family.

I guess I am a little confused that he leaves, I admitted, and started walking toward the house again.

He is very focused on finding answers, she replied before she smiled, walking alongside of me. "I thought that he knew the answers to everything. Do you suppose there is another reason for him to leave?"

I shifted my eyes away from Callie for a moment as I remembered Alex saying that a dragon has never given itself to anyone. How would he find the answers to that? Or was that not what he was searching for?

"The dragons that were sighted before you left have the whole village in a panic. Especially since it is known that Aleksertac destroyed the forest not far from here. The people are filled with fear and intrigue. There are a lot of questions. Callie stared at me for a moment before staring down the path we were walking. People are going crazy with all that is going on. I just wanted to see how you were."

I’m good, I replied with a sincere smile. I was glad that she had shifted the topic away from Aleksertac. It’s so nice to see you.

Is it? she inquired.

I instinctively wanted to pull my sword out of the sheath as her question left her lips. I shook my head, quickly reminding myself that it’s Callie. I stared at her with a smile. She was a sweet girl who wanted to be a great swordsman. I focused on all the times that we had practiced, trying to shake the unease.

As we stepped out from the cover of the trees, I immediately fought to hide my surprise. She did not look like the young girl I remembered. She appeared thinner, and her eyes had dark circles around them. As the light hit her eyes, I noticed a red glow inside of them, forcing me to think of Marty.

My heart pounded in my chest as my mind filled with flashes of fire and red light.

Of course it is, I smiled, attempting to ignore the anxiety that had just consumed me.

Callie stopped and I turned to face her. She was staring at me with a quizzical expression, and I frantically searched for something to talk about. Phillip had been able to make himself look like Lord Vertas. It was part of his abilities since he was Santress’ son. Was this a trick too?

Does Alex ever talk to anyone while he’s here? I inquired, wanting to keep the conversation going without her noticing how uncomfortable her presence was making me. Perhaps I should question her about when I stayed here to make sure that it was Callie and not Phillip or some other creature.

He did the first couple of nights, mostly small talk, she casually replied. Wondering what we’ve seen and what we knew. He and Father talked about, her eyes met mine, Jack.

The mention of my father brought tears to my eyes. My mind filled with fire burning as the sound of my father’s screams and Aleksertac’s ferocious snarls pulled themselves free from my memory.

Are you alright, Sonia? Callie asked with superficial concern. I focused on her, realizing I was pressing my hands against my temples. You don’t look so good, she commented as though she was worried, but her eyes suggested otherwise.

Did he— Did Alex tell anyone what happened? I hesitantly asked, forcing my hands down to my sides.

She smiled and the red in her eyes brightened. My mind abruptly filled with the mix of dreams and reality of what really happened to my father. I hastily focused on Callie, needing to get away from the images of my father’s death and the events that led up to it. Her face showed her intrigue.

She suddenly smiled as though she had found something important. As a matter of fact, he told us that your father died willingly so that you would live, that Jack begged him to become Aleksertac so that he could save you, she replied, but there was bitterness in her voice. After a moment of her eyes boring into me, she continued. "No one believed him of course… I mean he is Aleksertac, and he did disappear with you."

He—

The dragon you belong to is not one a mortal should keep company with.

I’m sorry, Callie. He—

We all know you bear his mark.

You don’t understand. He—

I smell him all over you, she sternly stated.

"You…smell him?"

"It is unwise for a mortal to be so close to a dragon, especially that dragon. I only mention this because my family cares about you."

I—

"I know what is going on, she said haughtily. I see the way he looks at you. I can feel his power yearning for your spirit."

Callie, I began as I forced another smile, turning to head to the house. I’m sure that—

Your days are numbered, she blurted out, her voice strange in my ears.

I halted again, and shifted my attention to her. I smiled with assurance. Alex, will not—

"They are not done yet," she interrupted.

What? I asked. Her tone of voice was unsettling and I found myself wanting away from her, but unable to do so.

Your family was supposed to be off limits, but everything is not how it was. Is it?

I shook my head as I thought about my father’s death, the fire that destroyed my home, and Marty stabbing me with a weapon designed to be used against Aleksertac.

No. I…

"Are you aware that while Aleksertac has been indulging in his desire for you, Santra has been satisfying himself?"

What? What did she mean by Aleksertac indulging in me? Where was her conversation trying to take me? Phillip finding anything other than me interesting sounded like a great piece of news.

What do I care if Phillip has finally given up on me? I inquired. Fear began to creep into my mind, fear that I couldn’t understand. Phillip’s lack of interest in me was a good thing. There was no way that it wasn’t. Perhaps, he finally understands that I belong to Alex.

"That’s not true. He’ll never understand that. No one will, but that is beside the point you should be focusing. Your inability to comprehend is making it all too easy. The growing evil that everyone has tried to hide you from, that you continue to ignore, has whispered to me things I cannot say to you. However, I can tell you that Santra is fascinated with you more than you could ever know."

You just said that he is satisfying himself, I remarked as I walked into the house.

You need to open your eyes! she growled, startling me.

I turned to see her in the doorway. She shut the door, her attention completely focused on me. Her fierce expression hid all resemblance of the young girl I adored and I took a couple steps backwards.

"Whatever calamity occurred at your last encounter has only increased his fervor to have you. He is going a new route. He has a plan - one that his father finds extremely entertaining."

I turned away from her and headed to Todd’s room, but dizziness flooded my senses. I shook my head, hoping it would go away. How could Callie be talking like this? She was just a girl, she…

Your spirit is stronger than anticipated, she quietly informed me. I cannot believe that Aleksertac can stand being so close to you.

I glanced down to see she was holding my hand. Wh-what? I stuttered, not able to focus.

The world swayed, but Callie’s hand prevented me from falling. My eyes shifted to her face - everything was blurry except her eyes. The red that I had seen earlier was changing colors, colors that were dark and vivid. The ground beneath me disappeared and I closed my eyes.

…the evil is a part of her. She would have absorbed your spirit a little bit every time she was near you…

I opened my eyes in panic.

I was on the ground. In the forest.

Fire surrounded my father. He was begging. Begging for my life to be spared.

Marty was laughing a short distance away.

I wanted to get up. I couldn’t. My body was completely useless.

Marty began walking towards me. Blade in hand. A blade that was blood red.

My father’s screams filled my ears. Aleksertac’s snarls drowned out all sounds.

The world fell into darkness.

Orbs of fire consumed my mind, and tears raced from my eyes. I was helpless to protect those that I loved. I was useless and weak, and I...

Mumbling? There were mumbling voices. The voices were so loud, but I couldn’t comprehend what was being said. A man? A woman? A child? My mind raced to figure out what had happened. I had no sense of where I was. There was no ground, no bed, nothing beneath me. It was as though I was nowhere, but that wasn’t possible.

Marty’s laughter became loud in my ears. My father’s pleading added to the chaos. The mayhem continued to flash over and over as I frantically searched for reality. Fire burned everywhere until the darkness swallowed it all.

Aleksertac’s eyes burned brightly, annihilating everything else.

Alex?

As his eyes faded from my mind, I discovered that I was laying on the hardwood floor. Tears were flooding down my cheeks, but I couldn’t wipe them away. I didn’t have the strength. I didn’t have the energy to do anything.

Alex, I breathed out, inaudible to my own ears. How could I feel so weak, after feeling so strong?

When my eyes finally opened, Sharon was holding Callie protectively to her body. I could see Callie’s face between her mother’s arms. She was arrogantly smiling as she stared at me with her haunting eyes. Luke appeared to be using all his might to keep Todd away from his mother. No, not his mother. He was after Callie. I was certain that if Todd could get free of his father he would kill Callie.

No. Not Callie. It wasn’t her fault. She was—

…The evil is a part of her…

~~~~

Chapter 2

Alex was standing in the doorway, his eyes of fire burning brightly. When did Alex arrive? I only blinked. My eyes shifted to Sharon who was still holding Callie, but she had turned so that her body was between Callie and Alex. She appeared to be pleading with Alex. Alex had his sword out and Aleksertac’s power was strongly emanating from him. I could see everyone’s lips moving, but the sound was unintelligible.

It was an accident. It had to be. Callie didn’t mean to hurt me. She…

Alex began to raise his sword. NO! Alex couldn’t kill them, he couldn’t!

Alex, I said, wishing I could run to him. My voice had barely been a whisper and I was certain that he hadn’t heard me, but his face immediately turned in my direction. Alex, I breathed as I slowly blinked my eyes.

His arms slid around me, carefully pulling me close to his hot body as he lifted me off the floor. His warmth instantly calmed the fear within me.

It’s okay, I whispered, not sounding as confident as I wanted.

"She is not supposed to come in here, he growled at Todd’s family in his deep accented voice. For this exact reason. I warned…"

Alex, I softly said. Please. She’s just a child.

Todd, he growled without glimpsing at me.

Yes, Aleksertac, Todd humbly replied.

I immediately glanced over at Todd to see he was still by his father, but was no longer trying to get at Callie. I stared at his eyes that were extremely blue, unnaturally so.

"How did she get near Sonia?" Alex inquired, demanding an answer. I tore my eyes away from Todd’s vivid blue eyes and focused on Alex’s eyes of fire.

I… Todd began.

Alex, please, I begged, sliding my trembling hand onto his chest. He could not take my mistake out on this family. Just take me from here.

I intend to.

I did not like the way that sounded. Alex…

"They understood what would happen if she touched you, and they knew the consequences."

No! He was not going to harm them. I shook my head. This is my fault, I assured him. I didn’t—

No, he began as his eyes shifted to mine. "They—"

You warned me too. I did not listen. Please, Alex. I wished my voice was stronger so I could convey how important it was that he listen to me.

His eyes brightened as he clenched his jaw. The heat of his body intensified as he focused back on Todd. As I began to panic that I could not save this family who had been nothing but kind to me, Alex lowered his head and pressed his lips to my forehead. I slid my hand up his neck and into his hair, pulling his lips to mine. He breathed in deeply as his lips moved away. When I opened my eyes, the fire in his had disappeared.

Todd, if you value this family, walk with me, Alex stated as he moved toward the door.

Don’t take him! Luke and Sharon pleaded. Take…

Alex growled warningly, sounding like the dragon that he was, and their pleas fell silent.

It’s a shame about her father.

Alex immediately turned towards Callie whose smug smile expressed her arrogance. I slid my hand back onto his neck and he glimpsed down at me, his fiery eyes searching deep into mine. He clenched his jaw and glared back at Callie with his desire to kill her rolling off of him.

If it weren’t for Sonia, you’d be dead right now, he stated. But so help me…

Aleksertac, the Dark Forces have gathered. They are… Callie began, but paused as her face became pained before she continued. It appears the binds of the promise made to her mother were imperfect.

Ceeaira does not—

Alex fell silent, but he did not take his eyes off of Callie. I thought of how my father and mother were both dead. My family was off limits, so how were they dead?

What do you suppose will happen to her sister? Callie arrogantly whispered as her eyes shifted to mine.

Krissy? Where is she? I asked.

As Callie smiled, fear gripped me. Callie raised her shoulders and, with a look of innocence, shook her head. Alex growled inhumanly and Callie’s eyes darted to his.

Which is why I am telling you, she hissed darkly to Alex. She glared at him before she smiled haughtily. Santra has her sister.

The world fell away from me. Phillip had Krissy? He was satisfying himself with my sister? Callie’s earlier conversation with me now made perfect sense. While Alex was vowing himself to me, Phillip took my sister.

Alex quickly moved out of the house, Todd at his heels. We were nearing the open part of the forest when Alex suddenly turned. He spoke in a voice that was so accented I could not understand him, but his demanding tone could not be missed.

Nothing, I swear! Todd exclaimed.

Alex stared at Todd with deadly intent.

I don’t even know how Callie got near Sonia. Mother and Father said they saw her playing in town an hour ago. Yes, Todd bitterly said after a short pause. He is Marty’s son - the creature who stabbed Ortal venom in me because I was with Sonia.

Alex’s skin became smooth under my hand as he continued to glower at Todd.

Alex, we have to go get her, I stated. Alex couldn’t lose focus. This should not be about Todd or his family. Phillip has my sister. We need to go now! I blurted out as all the awful things that Phillip has done and tried to do to me surged into my mind. My sister isn’t a fighter. She—

She’s probably okay, Todd softly interrupted.

I immediately began shaking my head.

He’s right, Alex agreed, kinder than I had expected. Her spirit is nowhere near the caliber of yours.

No. I remember how maliciously Phillip…

"But you are a fighter. Your sister won’t elicit his cruelty. "

All the more reason she… Then a more terrifying thought entered my mind. But what if Marty does?!

He won’t, Alex replied in soothing tones. Krissy is unimportant to him. He never even saw her until recent events.

"What if Marty punishes her because of me?! Callie said that Marty finds Phillip’s plan entertaining. What if it is entertaining because he’s going t—"

We’re going to get her, Alex assured me with a gentle kiss to my forehead.

Alex, they’re most likely in the Ancient Realm, Todd stated.

No, Marty will not allow that. If it is Phillip’s plan, then they will be along the border, they will be with Santress.

You can’t take Sonia there, Todd replied.

He’s not leaving me here!

Alex breathed out in frustration. The expression on his face showed that he was debating what to do. He knew me too well. He had to know that I would not stay here. I gazed into his dark…eyes. His dark, calm, eyes. I immediately struggled to get away from him. How was he calming down when I needed him to be the dragon?!

Alex allowed my legs to move to the ground, but held my torso close to his.

Krissy is the perfect bait, Alex stated.

She’s the last of my FAMILY! I snarled. How could he be so calm?!

I know, he softly said. Which is why—

Alex! I shouted.

It is much too dangerous for you to go near the Ancient Realm.

You took—

This is different, he interrupted. They—

Are they going to kill her? I asked. I couldn’t listen to him tell me that because I was mortal, because of our bond, I wasn’t going to be able to save Krissy.

It depends what they want her for.

They want her so they can get to me! It’s no coincidence that they have Krissy now.

Exactly, he calmly replied.

I shook my head at him. "Alex, this is why I was so driven to learn all that you would teach me. I never wanted to be helpless. I wanted to protect my family. She’s all that’s left!"

Alex pressed his lips to my forehead and slowly my mind calmed. They won’t kill her. She is bait, that is all. If they wanted you to seek revenge, they would have killed her and left her for you to find. Krissy is only a distraction.

I don’t care. Phillip is horrific, I replied. My sister was suffering, being used, all because of me. Change to your dragon form and take me with you t—

No, Sonia. It is too dangerous. Marty will be waiting for that. If I had to fight him or any other in my dragon form with you upon my back, you would die either from fire or the fall. There is no way to keep you safe if I am battling another dragon. You will not be able to hold on.

I will take her, Todd stated.

Alex immediately glared at him.

Let me help, Aleksertac. Santress’ people live close to Lord Vertas’ land. I know about them, their capabilities, their weaknesses. I can take Sonia, while you lure Marty into the Ancient Realm. Todd stared at Alex with a calm face as Alex debated what to do. You know she’s going to go by herself as soon as you leave.

Alex glanced down at me with sad eyes. Sonia, if they discover what has happened between us, things are going to become catastrophic. Phillip and Marty will lead the Dark Forces, believing they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I wish you were not in such a hurry to face him.

I can’t stay here while Phillip has my sister. I just can’t.

Alex tightened his arms around me and lowered his face to mine. I could feel his energy circulating through me as his breath caressed my face from one cheek to the other. His lips touched mine and my hands slid into his hair a moment later. As his lips moved away from mine, I gazed at him to see that he was staring behind me with a stern expression.

Alex scanned the forest around us and glanced back down at me. Before I could say anything, Storm trotted up behind Alex. Alex turned, keeping one arm around me. As he turned to face Storm, my breath caught. Storm had eyes and a mane of fire. Alex’s hand tightened around my waist, pressing my body securely to his.

Do you have something to ride? he asked over his shoulder. I tore my eyes away from Storm and followed Alex’s gaze to Todd.

Father bought one two days ago.

You’re going to need it if you want to keep up.

Todd nodded, and hurried toward the house. I gazed up at Alex ready to ask about what Todd needed, but Storm made an irritated sound that caused Alex to smile as he looked away. I turned my attention back to Storm, his eyes of fire consuming my thought process.

"He’s annoyed that he’ll be riding with a horse," Alex calmly clarified as he slid my favorite sword over my head and tightened the sheath to my back.

I knew by the way he said horse that it wasn’t the horse a mortal rode, and I would have inquired about it if I wasn’t staring at Storm’s fiery orbs. Different shades of orange moved and breathed in Storm’s eyes, just like Aleksertac.

His eyes are like yours, I stated in bewilderment, not capable of saying anything else.

Yes, Alex replied.

But… I began, stopping as I realized I didn’t know what I was going to say.

Alex’s fingers slid under my chin, causing me to turn my face to his. Alex’s head was tilted in curiosity. He glimpsed at Storm before he stared back at me. A Stagon takes on the spirit of his rider, which is why they will not allow anyone else to ride them.

I never, in my wildest dreams, thought that—

Storm has always had fire in his eyes. The fire was blue until he became mine.

Like his mane? I questioned, thinking of all the times I had wrapped my fingers in it.

Yes, like his mane and tail.

Why does he let me ride him? I asked, now understanding Todd’s awe with the way Storm acted towards me, and his amazement that Storm had not killed me.

Because he sees you like I do, Alex whispered, lowering his lips to my ear.

He let Lord Vertas ride him, and…

Only because, like Vertas, Storm knew that he needed to bring you to me. Storm understands that I will kill him in a heartbeat if he just stood by and let something happen to you while you were his to protect.

Why does he not hate me for that reason?

I do not know. He should despise you for a number of reasons, but since the first day you touched him he has been intrigued by you.

I stared at Storm again and shook my head at the blue flames that were flowing down his neck. There was no doubt in my mind that he could easily destroy a mere mortal like me.

I would never allow harm to befall you, Alex whispered in my ear before moving his head away from mine.

I shook my head. I know I should wonder about how I never caught on fire, but honestly, I’m more curious as to how I can see it now, I remarked as I glanced up at Alex.

Alex smiled at my curiosity and moved his head closer to mine, but before our lips touched, his face abruptly moved away. Have you seen anything else differently? he inquired.

I tilted my head in confusion before I thought about it. Todd’s blue eyes are unnaturally vivid and Callie…Callie did not look like an innocent little girl.

Alex shifted his attention to the forest, but not before I saw the look of deep thought.

Alex?

He turned his head at the sound of his name and forced a smile. I think you are going to see the world much differently.

What does that mean? I hesitantly asked. I already see the world differently. Since you saved me in the Batwas Valley, I’ve seen things I never knew existed.

"It seems that what happened with the Akwas has changed you. Mortals of your kind do not see the things that exist because their simple minds are unable to."

Not all mortals. Look at the people of this village.

Alex’s eyes shifted from mine.

What is it now? I asked, knowing that he was debating what he wanted to tell me. Stop trying to hide the world from me, I irritably stated. You’ve been mentoring me for a world that I was blind to. The least you could do now that I have become a part of it is be honest with me.

Alex’s eyes avoided mine, but I continued to stare at his face. Sonia, I…

Just tell me the answers to the questions I ask, I softly said, moving myself so that he would look at me. I knew getting angry with Alex would not help me get what I wanted.

Alex smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. As he shifted his eyes to mine, I decided my inquiries weren’t really important at the moment. I moved myself up on my toes so that I could touch his lips with mine. His other arm immediately came around my body and the power of Aleksertac enveloped my mind, causing a sigh of longing to escape me. Alex’s skin became warm against mine before his lips slid away.

I expected the overwhelming urge to physically be with you to have dissipated since the Akwas bound us together, he whispered. I suppose this will be the curse for what I have asked for - always desiring what I cannot truly have.

I smiled in reply. I was happy to know that he still desired me uncontrollably, but as his words sunk in, my smile faded. He was still dangerous to my existence was what he meant. We would never again be able to…

Alex’s hand caressed the side of my face as the truth engulfed me. I gazed into Alex’s eyes, finding a sense of relief in knowing that although we desired only each other, we were at least aware of what was going on and had the ability to back away. Alex stared at me for a few moments as his desire continued calling to me before he smiled endearingly, and I got the feeling that he realized that I still desired him just as much as I did before.

Alex leaned his lips close to my ear, Do not speak to anyone of what you can now see. His voice was loving, but the seriousness in his words could not be missed.

I nodded that I understood. As Alex abruptly shifted his attention over my head, I glanced over my shoulder to follow his stare. Todd was sitting upon a mighty steed. The horse was brown with a white patch down its nose. The only other white was its mane and tail.

Todd dismounted and Alex walked us closer, Alex’s eyes inspecting the animal while I tried to see not a horse. I moved closer, searching for anything, but there was nothing about this animal that revealed it was not a horse, nothing supernatural about it. It had dark brown eyes and was the same size, along with the same build, as the horses my father had - which was significantly smaller than Storm.

This is Max, Todd stated as he dismounted and walked over to us.

Hello, Max, I said with a smile.

I stepped over to the horse and when Alex did not forbid me, I cautiously slid my hand over Max’s shoulder and up his neck. The horse watched me for a moment with his brown eye before he nuzzled my shoulder. Storm made an annoyed noise and stomped his foot, causing the muscles in Max’s neck and shoulders to tense. However as I continued to pet Max, the horse began to relax. I understood all too well that Storm was intimidating. I had thought so even before I knew what he was capable of, before I knew he had eyes and a mane of fire.

Max’s head suddenly came up and he stomped his foot on the ground. I took a couple of steps back, understanding that the horse felt threatened. Max