Igniting Spirit: Gathering Water Trilogy, #3

By Regan Claire

Della Deare spent most of her life unable to rely on anyone but herself. Until she discovered a family she never knew and a destiny she never expected. 

Now, her cousin is in danger and Della will do anything she can to save him, even if that means betraying everything she's been taught. She knows the Clades — her enemies — are the only people who can help, but they want something from her first -- Protection.

There's a different evil afoot, larger than anyone had anticipated, and to stop it the Clades and Elfennol need to band together. Della must rely on old enemies, new friends, and the dark power that Ezra has inherited before his father unleashes destruction on our world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Regan Claire
• Release date: Jul 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393201236

Book preview

1

Icouldn’t open my eyes. Of course, I couldn’t move either, but my brain was so foggy that I wasn’t as concerned about that as I should have been. I was being held by something warm and protective and clung to my aura—something that was shouting rather loudly in my ear.

She is no threat to us! I recognized Ezra’s voice. I wasn’t sure who he was talking about, because I was definitely a threat. Well, once I could move again, that is. Why couldn’t I move?

You are a fool if you think that. You heard what your father said about what she did to Calen, Simon, and Tomac. We cannot allow someone so bloodthirsty into our home. Kaylus, talk some sense into your son! someone else said, someone I didn’t know, followed by a crowd of mumbled agreements.

I almost laughed. Well, if I’d been able to. The idea that I’m too violent, but Kaylus is totally fine was… humorous. Wait, why was Kaylus there? Slowly, I started to remember what happened. Pain came with memory, similar to the pain that comes after a particularly grueling workout, but these muscles had nothing to do with my physical body, and everything to do with how I used my abilities. And I’d definitely abused myself to get where I was.

To save Cash.

We had been attacked by Kaylus’ men the day before. Outnumbered, I could only watch as a Clade sucked the golden spirit energy from my cousin. I was able to save his life, but Cash was left irreparably damaged. The doctors had to amputate the lower half of his leg, and he was still unconscious. I left my family behind to get help from my enemies, the Clades, because only they could tell me how to restore Cash’s spirit—only they knew how to save him.

Unfortunately, we weren’t exactly BFFs at the moment. I knew that Ezra had my back. Technically, he had my whole body, since I’d passed out as soon as I entered their compound. Smooth move, Ex-Lax.

With those memories flooding my head, I finally found the energy to crack open my eyes a little. A large crowd with Kaylus front and center was in my bleary sight line. He took a step forward, and I could see him smirk when he saw Ezra’s hold tighten.

I came to a realization, Son. I don’t really like pets. I’m not sure we’ll keep the little kitten after all. Kaylus said it softly, barely mouthing it, and I knew that no one else in the mob of people had heard it; no one else suspected how evil Kaylus truly was.

I needed to get up. Kaylus meant to have me killed, and if I didn’t get my act together fast he’d succeed. I began to Gather my elements, letting the energy from the Air, Water, Fire, and Earth strengthen me the way a good meal can strengthen a starving man. I didn’t Gather any Spirit, since I was surrounded by people who would be able to sense that in a second and I didn’t want them to know I was putting myself back together. Ezra, my lifeline at the moment, tightened his hold even further, and I knew that he could tell what I was doing. His sneaky little Loa probably told him. He was a half-breed like me. Born of a Dunamis—a human with abilities—and a Clade. He had abilities that no one else in the room had, similar to my own but so different. He didn’t have control over the elements like I did, a trait that I inherited from my mother’s family, but he held sway over the Loa—the spirits behind the elements. I still wasn’t sure what exactly that meant, other than he could manipulate the elements in a very different way from me.

The crowd around us pressed inwards, moving Kaylus closer. Right as I began to feel well enough to open my eyes fully—to stand up and speak for myself—I felt an oppressive energy sneaking its way into my aura sucking away the power in my Well. Sucking away my energy, my vitality.

I offer her sanctuary, Ezra said, his voice ringing out through the crowd and leaving it silent. He didn’t seem to notice that something was happening to me. I needed him to notice.

Son, be reasonable. She is a danger to us all. Do not risk your life on a known murderer. Kaylus’s voice was slime oozing through my ears and down my spine. He was the one responsible for my weakening state. I couldn’t even cry or speak to tell anyone. Things were going dark, and not what I could see through my cracked eyes, but dark inside myself. It was as if Death had found me and was wrapping me in a clammy cocoon.

Sanctuary has not been called in a long time, Ezra, and never to someone so insidious. Think carefully about this decision. Another voice came forward, though it sounded far away from me. So very far.

I OFFER HER SANCTUARY! Ezra shouted this time.

Why hasn’t he noticed something is wrong with me? Please, help me! I couldn’t even Gather, couldn’t do anything but feel myself slip into the darkness that was choking me.

Suddenly, I felt Ezra shift above me.

Della? His voice was full of panicked concern. What are you doing to her? He’s killing her! Can’t anyone see that he’s killing her? You can’t do this!

Actually, Son, sanctuary only works if another is willing to step up as sponsor. None among our ranks are willing to lay their life on the line for your little pet. I can do whatever I please to an enemy dumb enough to come to our home and threaten our people. I could hear the confidence in Kaylus’s voice, but knew that he was worried. Knew, because whatever he was doing to me wasn’t as smooth as before. It was slowing down and speeding up as erratically as the heartbeat of a cornered animal.

Kaylus, whatever you are doing, you must stop. Your son has called for sanctuary. Our customs say that we must give two days’ time for another sponsor to present themselves before we can mete out punishment.

Stand aside, Arthur. Of course I’m not doing anything. You’d be able to tell if I were, wouldn’t you? Kaylus’s lie was laced with victory. Even if I was, no one is going to come forward. No one would dare, Kaylus said, and I wondered if everyone else heard the threat in his words.

I could feel the power on me subside even more, and realized that perhaps it wasn’t because Kaylus was losing his concentration—perhaps it was because someone else was trying to protect me. Ezra must have figured out what was happening and was trying to stop it. I felt the darkness start to fade and regained the ability to Gather my elements. This time I Gathered Spirit as well, knowing that shit was about to hit the fan and I would be a liability to Ezra if I didn’t get as much strength as possible. It was hard, though, like sucking honey through a straw.

What are you doing, Ezra? Kaylus asked, suddenly. He must have realized his efforts were somehow being thwarted by his son and sounded far happier than he should have.

Stopping you. Ezra’s voice was quiet, but so firm. He slowly turned around to beseech the crowd. "Won’t anyone stand with me? She’s not what you think! My father has been poisoning your minds. My father is poison." I could hear the desperation in his words, and when the darkness inside me finally cleared from my eyes, I saw it etched in his face. Could see the tension in his shoulders and knew he was struggling to maintain his concentration. The wind started howling around us, but I was certain it wasn’t from me this time. Ezra’s Loa were trying to protect the two of us, trying to create a barrier between us and the rest of the crowd.

See! Even now she is trying to hurt us! Kaylus called out to the crowd, even though this wasn’t me. It couldn’t be me, since I was as weak as the kitten Kaylus thought I was. Not that the crowd cared, since they all gasped and took a step back.

Oh, I think I’ve heard enough. I trust Ezra far more than I trust his slimy father. If the rest of you can’t see the kindness in one and the cruelty in the other, than you’re as daft as a draft horse. I’ll sponsor her for you, Ezra. I’ve nothing better to do. A woman’s voice called out clear as a bell and just as loud.

A cruel look came over Kaylus’s face, my death etched over it. He came towards us, apparently giving up his invisible fight as a knife appeared in his hand. I tried to create a Shield, but it was so weak he strolled through it without trying.

The Clade that had spoken before, Arthur, stepped between us at the last minute. Kaylus, stop! You cannot do this. Our laws are cle—

Kaylus shoved the knife in his gut, which shouldn’t have done more than create a bloody mess since the Clades, like the Elfennol, can heal themselves rather quickly. But Arthur fell down, gasping.

What have you done? he managed to say, weakly, before his body stopped moving. No one went to him. They all just watched as black veins spread across his visible skin like ivy. The power gems that adorned him cracked as the dark power advanced before disappearing and leaving death in its wake. Death in Arthur.

This was not an ability of the Ethnos—the beings who are Clade and Elfennol. This was something different and the energy of the crowd around us shifted. They were still afraid, but their fear was focused onto Kaylus instead.

What have you done, Kaylus? Variations of this question were whispered and shouted among those in the crowd brave enough to speak.

Removed a weed from my garden. He sneered as he stepped over the dead body, which had been the only barrier between us.

I thought that the Clades would stand by, content to watch him end me. Never have I been more happy to be proven wrong. Soldiers—and I knew they were soldiers by the purposeful way they moved—swarmed around Kaylus. Ezra didn’t stick around to watch his father be taken down. He moved us through the crowd, even though I wasn’t certain that was much safer. Small fights seemed to break out everywhere until we reached the other side of what looked to be a large town square with cobbled streets. With all the people, I hadn’t been able to tell before. I didn’t know what was happening, and from my vantage point in Ezra’s arms, I couldn’t exactly make heads or tails of the activity that we had passed. I was thankful I didn’t have to push my way through it and was glad for Ezra’s willingness to carry me around like an invalid, even though I was pretty sure I could walk now.

Do you think you can stand? He asked once we were safely away from the crowd of people and walking through what looked like an alley between some low-lying buildings.

Thanks to my constant Gathering, which seemed easier than normal as if the elements were more abundant here, I definitely could. I had to be honest, even though it meant that my free ride would be over.

Yes. I should be fine, now. What just happened back there? I asked while Ezra gently put me on my feet and started leading me through a maze of buildings.

My father just killed an Elder, and all hell broke loose. The Guard was trying to detain him when some of his—not friends, he doesn’t have friends—allies came to his aide.

"But how? He was doing something to me before… it wasn’t like anything I’ve experienced before. What is he, Ezra?"

We stopped at what was clearly a back entrance to something. I looked into his downcast eyes and wanted nothing more than to smooth the crease that was deepening between his brows.

I don’t know. He shook his head and finally raised his emerald eyes to meet mine. A monster, he said in a low voice, as if saying that had sealed his own fate.

I was wondering if this was where you two went off to. Well, come in then, the woman who had come to my defense earlier said, before walking between us and opening the door.

Aahana, will you please—

Yes, yes. With my life, and all that. Go on then, before it is too late, she cut him off, waving away his words.

Della, I need to make sure they have my father handled. I’m afraid he’ll manage to talk his way out of this, and I need to inform the remaining Elders of everything I know. This is Aahana. You can trust her. But the way he looked at her didn’t make me feel like he trusted her.

Will you be safe? Do you want me to go with you?

Ezra gave me a grim smile. "As safe as I’ve ever been with my father. But you need to stay here where I know you’ll be safe, he said, before turning around and jogging a few steps away. He stopped suddenly. Della, ‘red’ for help, yellow for ‘leave now’, okay? If we get separated, go to the place we first met." He held up his hand, showing me the thumb ring that held my energy. I had a matching one with his energy on my own digit, and we could change the colors as a simple form of communication. I nodded my head to tell him I understood, then watched as he jogged away.

2

Journal,

Ellis called earlier. We’re still on for this Friday, she just needs to confirm with the sitter for the little Cashling.

I’m excited to hang out with her. Not that I don’t see her all the time, but it’s rarely just the two of us. I love my brother and nephew, but sometimes a little girl time is just what the doctor ordered.

I picked up another shift this week. I have to do better about saving, or I’ll end up living with Dad forever, which is dumb since I have a house. I just need it to have electricity before I move in, apparently now the wiring is a stupid fire hazard. Why does everything cost so much? Of course, if I didn’t take that month in Cancun last year I would have been able to move months ago. What’s a few more months with Dad compared to a lifetime of awesome memories from that trip?

Well, are you just going to stand there with your mouth gaping open, or are you going to come in?

I turned around and looked at the woman, Aahana. The Elfennol, or Ethnos I suppose, don’t age the way humans do. They don’t wrinkle up and become frail. Rather, there is a stiffness to them, and a certain quality to their energy that I can’t exactly explain, other than you could just tell. The best I can do is compare them to an old redwood back in California that I would sit next to and think. There is a feeling to the ancient, a hallowed feeling of immeasurable time bearing down on you. That’s how it felt around some of the Elfennol back in Eurybis, and that was how it felt to be around Aahana. Laurel once told me among our people, the stronger you are, the longer you live. I knew that this woman was very strong indeed.

Who are you? I asked, refusing to walk inside without knowing more about her. Ezra said to trust her, and I did… sort of.

"My name is Aahana, and I was once from one of the lesser families within the Leoht House. Of course, that has no meaning where we are. What does have meaning is that without me stepping forward and sponsoring you, no one would have stopped Kaylus from doing to you what he did to poor Arthur."

My mouth dropped open a little when I heard she used to be an Elfennol, and from the same House as me. Not that it meant we were related or anything. Each of the three Elfennol houses had a multitude of families within them, owing their allegiance to the head of the House with which they were allied. My father just so happened to be the head of the Leoht line.

You were— I started to ask, then readjusted my priorities. I usually didn’t have time to get all my questions answered at the same time, so I had to make sure and ask the important ones first. What does it mean that you’re my sponsor?

It’s basically a stay of execution. If you do anything to break our laws, I will share your punishment—which will be death, of course. Ezra, too, will face the same end. My son is convinced that the hope you represent is worth risking our lives.

Your son? Is Ezra— I started asking, confused since Ezra had told me his mother was dead.

No. I am Alexander’s mother. The Elfennol don’t acknowledge their relations who have fallen to the dark side, so to speak. My son, however, disagrees. Alexander has good intent for all of our people in his heart, and he says that you do as well. I wasn’t sure about Ezra until today.

I knew it! I knew that Alexander, my bodyguard of sorts, had some sort of ties in the Clade ranks. He’d hinted often enough about it, but it’s such a taboo subject that I couldn’t ask him in case I was wrong.

Have you heard from him? Is he okay? During my fight with Kaylus’s Clades the previous day, they had mentioned eliminating him and his protection of me. He never showed up, even though I sent out an SOS via the gems in my armlets. I’d been so preoccupied with Cash that I didn’t think of the other people I cared about who might have been hurt because of me.

He’s fine, thanks to Ezra. Apparently that man of yours was on his way to warn the Elders about his father when he came upon my son fighting a losing battle with a few of Kaylus’ rotten apples. The fight ended with those still alive going into custody back at the Elfennol compound, and my son assured of Ezra’s intentions. Once Alexander was certain of your loyalties, he communicated them to me.

If she’d been in communication with Alexander this whole time, then that meant, at least by Elfennol standards, that Alexander was a traitor. Had he been slipping Elfennol secrets to the Clades? I could feel my face darken at the thought of his betraying my father.

You stop those thoughts right now, young miss! My son is a good person, and loyal. He has only ever had the well-being of our people on his mind, and has done nothing to betray the trust that has been placed upon him. Especially you and your father’s trust.

I narrowed my eyes at her. I wasn’t used to being read so easily. In fact, only Cash could do it so well, and he was part empath thanks to his mother’s side of the family.

I’m no mind reader, Della of the Leoht. But you learn how to see thoughts before they’re spoken when you’ve been around as long as I have.

Sounds like the definition of mind reading to me, I mumbled under my breath. Before she could respond, the ground—the air even—began to shake. I looked at Aahana. Is this normal?

Most definitely not. She didn’t even finish the words before an enormous boom filled the air. Not waiting to see if she would follow, I ran off in the same direction Ezra had gone just moments before. Something bad was happening, and I knew Kaylus was at the root of it.

When I reached the part of the town square where I last saw Kaylus, the crowd seemed even larger than before. I couldn’t see Kaylus or Ezra, but Ezra had a ring with some of my power in it, and I honed in on it like a tracking device. When he had carried me through the people before, I saw a few skirmishes between Kaylus’ men and the other Clades. All the fights had finished, and even though the crowd was larger, everyone was looking around the giant cave in confusion, making it much easier to squeeze my way past them in my search for Ezra. The tremors were getting more violent, quaking so roughly that I had difficulty keeping my feet under me. People around me were having the same difficulty, and soon I was dodging falling bodies.

I could see Ezra at the entrance to the cave surrounded by the only people who seemed to have more pressing matters than the sky literally falling—because it was. Rocks, varying in size from pebble to boulder, were raining over our heads. I created a Shield for myself before thinking about it, then created a second to form a sort of umbrella to protect most of the people around me.

I’m a good samaritan like that.

It only took a half dozen steps to get to Ezra. What’s happening? I asked, stepping beside him to look at the wall he was currently trying to beat down with a combination of his hands and abilities. Others were also using their control over Spirit energy to chip away at the wall.

He got away! Damn it, Della, we had him and he escaped. If that wasn’t bad enough, he did something to our door on the way out so we can’t even follow him. He banged an already bloodied fist against the stone wall—er, door—with a desperation that shook me.

Ezra, is he causing this whole earthquake thing happening right now? I used the calmest voice at my disposal, which meant I shrieked like a harpy.

He looked around as if he was noticing what was happening for the first time. It was obvious he’d been so intent on chasing down Kaylus before he did something else awful, he hadn’t even notice that he already had done something awful.

I heard screams at the same time I felt something melt its way through my Shield. Not break it, melt it.

Ezra jerked his head in the direction of the screams to find out what was happening, but I already knew.

The islands of Bermuda are really a cluster of gad-dang volcanoes, and Kaylus had just figured out a way to make the suckers erupt. I’d been feeling a surge of elements, but hadn’t paid attention.

I really wished I’d been paying attention.

Maybe it was because of a close call with a drop of lava that had slid through my Shield overhead and landed by his foot, but Ezra seemed to realize the deep doo that we were in just a few seconds after I did.

Della, can you get the door open? The Loa aren’t strong enough and we need to get everyone out, now. It will take too long if we keep doing it this way.

I looked around at the now-panicking people, then at the door with the half dozen Clades