Powers Unbound (The Mark of Destiny Book 2): The Mark of Destiny, #2

By Andrea Manning

Amelia's journey grows more difficult in this exciting sequel to The Mark of Destiny.

 

With greater power comes greater risks.

 

Princess Amelia's journey was off to a good start. With her knight Alan by her side, she earned the trust of Alabaster, the capital city of Whitecliff. In high spirits, they continue onward to find more allies in their fight against Prince Daniel's forces. But things take a turn for the worse when Amelia's remarkable power begins to run rampant. Her mark is spreading, and with it, her power grows stronger, becoming much more than she can bear. Not only that, but Alan too has questions about who – or what – he really is. His own form of magical power buried deep inside him is what saved Alabaster from the wrath of the ravenous hydra. Questions have been plaguing his mind ever since.

 

Fortunately, Ember the phoenix has rejoined them after escaping Daniel's clutches, bringing news about the events within Corundum's walls and the state of its people. With new vigor, the group presses on with the hope that Penumbra, the capital of Shadowhedge, will be their next ally. Unbeknownst to them, Daniel is in pursuit, and Amelia's mark continues to grow, putting a strain on her body that no one would've expected. The princess will have to make difficult choices that could determine the fate of her friends and her people, and even herself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrea Manning
• Release date: May 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201310295

Andrea Manning

Andrea Manning is a passionate young author who began her career writing simple fan fictions online. She tried her hand at writing short stories right after graduating high school and immediately fell in love with it. For years, she worked on improving her technique, creating fantastical stories for the enjoyment of both her and others. Now, her dream of becoming a full-fledged author has been made a reality. Andrea lives in Tennessee with her family, who have proudly supported her talent from the start.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Soldiers hurriedly pushed open the large doors and exited the throne room. They weren’t the usual Corundum soldiers that would normally be stationed throughout the castle, their plain, silver armor made it clear their allegiance was with Mistral. There were several loud thuds and clangs coming from the room they’d just fled from. Their prince was furious. Other than the pair of elite guards that remained at Daniel’s sides, only a single soldier had stayed. The poor man trembled, knelt before the throne with his head down. He flinched with every object that was abused by the prince’s rage.

The throne room, once neat and beautiful, had been reduced to what looked like a child’s playroom. Paintings and banners that had lined the walls were currently torn and strewn across the floor. The red, velvet rug that led up to the throne had been dirtied and wrinkled by the numerous boots that had walked upon it. The slightly smaller throne that belonged to Queen Sophia had been knocked over and pushed aside with great force. King Edmund’s throne was the only one still in peak condition, for Daniel spent a lot of time keeping it that way now that it was his. He had also kept Amelia’s small, petite throne off to the side. It was where his soon-to-be queen would be seated, after all.

This has to be a joke! Prince Daniel roared with fury, pacing back and forth before the lone soldier kneeling before him. His face was contorted into a scowl, and his fists clenched. His platinum blond hair was disheveled from how much of a fit he’d thrown. He finally paused, his pale blue eyes shining silver in the light and focusing on the fearful soldier. Are you seriously telling me that weak, naïve little princess summoned a dragon?!

Y-yes, Your Highness... the man trailed off, swallowing hard to rid himself of the lump in his throat. W-we had tracked the princess and her knight to the Witchwood. We set up an a-ambush and caught them. But the princess...she called its name, and the scaly b-beast came to her aid.

Daniel approached the man, who shuddered with fear the closer he got. And you and your men couldn’t slay a single dragon?

Your Highness, it was huge, the man defended, trying to get out of the situation without punishment for failing. He glanced up at the prince looming over him, immediately catching sight of the anger in his eyes. Its hide was too thick, w-we couldn’t even scratch it.

After several long moments of silence, Daniel gave an exasperated sigh. I suppose it couldn’t be helped. Your men were unprepared for such a creature, and that is made clear by the number of casualties. He chuckled, an impish smirk tugging at his lips. But what a delightful surprise this is. It seems there’s more to Amelia than I thought. To tame a dragon...incredible. He rested a hand on his hip while the other lightly stroked his chin in thought. She will make a perfect queen. I must have her. I need to know how she conquered such a beast. He hummed, the possibilities already forming in his mind. Now tell me, do you at least know where she went?

The soldier slowly looked up to meet his gaze, relieved that the prince’s anger had died down. Through all the chaos, several of my men reported that she fled to the east.

The east? Daniel echoed, a neutral expression on his face while he was contemplating his next move. So, she actually left Goldcrest entirely, which means she’s in Whitecliff territory now. A faint, entertained smile graced his lips. Interesting. Either she or that lowly knight of hers is smarter than I gave them credit for. They’ve made it much tougher to pursue them. This is kind of exciting, like a game of cat and mouse. But first, I need answers to narrow down the search. You are dismissed, soldier, until I summon you again.

The soldier finally rose to his feet. Yes, Your Highness.

He took his leave, giving Daniel a moment to think in peace and quiet. If I were a frightened princess on the run, where would I go? he asked himself. Pacing slowly in front of the throne, the prince pondered that question. If she went east, then perhaps she took shelter within Alabaster. Or maybe she’s hiding out in the forests or in a rural village somewhere. But that doesn’t explain motive. Is there a reason for her to go there specifically? Is she searching for help? And just how did she find and tame a dragon of all beasts? His eyes widened slightly, realization hitting him. There was a dragon that flew over Mistral not long ago, but we shot it down. Could it be the same one?

Daniel huffed, unable to figure out how it all was possible. Guards, with me. There’s someone I need to speak with.

The pair of personal guards silently followed the prince out of the throne room. After traversing several halls and flights of stairs, Daniel and the two men descended one final spiraling staircase, arriving in the dungeon below the castle. Unlike the rest of the palace, the dungeon had little color or decoration. Everything was a muted grey, and the floor and walls were made of simple stone. There was only a single long hall with rows of cells on both sides. Each cell had only a few beds, which were hard and lacked sheets, and all of them were currently crammed with people – people that were either soldiers or citizens that had rebelled and fought back against Mistral’s forces. For the ones that hadn’t been killed in the fighting, they were confined there in the dungeon.

The prince didn’t even bat an eye at the prisoners in the cells he passed by, despite many of them pleading for mercy or spitting insults his way. His focus was on a single person, imprisoned at the far end of the hall. With every step closer, the thud of his leather boots grew louder, and the man in that farthest cell knew exactly who the owner of those footsteps was. Silence fell when Daniel arrived at the door to the cell, sneering at the man through the metal bars.

Edmund, former king of Goldcrest, the prince said, addressing the king. "How do you like your accommodations? Shouldn’t be too bad, it is your dungeon, after all." His wicked chuckle echoed down the hall, sending chills down the spines of several prisoners.

With a frown on his tired lips, Edmund paid him no mind, sitting hunched over on the hard bed he was provided with. His blackish-grey hair and beard had grown out a little and were a scraggly, tangled mess. His once regal robes had been ripped and torn, reduced to rags. Hands clasped tightly together, his pale blue eyes held much sorrow and worry. Even with the prince at his cell door, he completely ignored him. Though the other prisoner wasn’t so silent. In an iron bird cage, the crimson phoenix screeched and raked her talons against the bars, eager to lash out at the young man who’d locked her up.

Daniel’s smirk faded, annoyed that Edmund didn’t respond. Losing his temper, the prince snapped, Look at me when I’m talking to you! But still, he couldn’t elicit a reaction. Calming his anger, a composed yet unnerving smile crept across Daniel’s lips. I know where your daughter is.

A loud gasp escaped the king, and his eyes visibly widened with hope. He abruptly stood, his gaze finally landing on the prince. Amelia? Where is she? He growled lightly. You better not have hurt her.

Relax, I would never harm my bride-to-be. If anything, you should be proud. Amelia has proven to be quite resilient. That delicate little princess has escaped my men, left Goldcrest’s borders, and even tamed a mighty dragon to protect her.

Edmund froze, shocked by the news. She...did all that? He glanced toward Ember locked in her cage. The bird had fallen silent, listening. As her father, Edmund knew his daughter well. She was kind and caring, but she could also be quite intelligent and persistent. And if Alan was still with her, then he was the strength and might she could rely on to press onward. But receiving the aid of a dragon, even the king could hardly believe that. She’s always loved animals, and she always had a deep connection with Ember. Could it have something to do with her mark? Edmund couldn’t keep from chuckling softly at the thought. My, she certainly has grown, he mumbled to himself.

Daniel hummed, raising a brow curiously at the former king. Since you know more about her than I do, I want answers. Where is she going now? What’s her secret to taming a dragon?

Edmund frowned and narrowed his eyes at him. Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you. You caused the death of my wife, took over my kingdom and city, killed and imprisoned my people, and forced my daughter to flee for her life. Why would I ever tell you anything that may bring harm to Amelia?

Well, I’ll just have to persuade you, the prince said with a smirk. Guards, bring me one of these prisoners. Edmund’s hard gaze turned to one of worry. The two guards that escorted Daniel fetched the ring of keys from the soldier on duty watching over the dungeon. Unlocking a neighboring cell, the two men grabbed hold of a middle-aged woman, dragging her out by the arms while she struggled and panicked. You’d best tell me what you know, Edmund. The woman was forced on her knees before the cell. Daniel brandished a silver knife, snatched the woman by the hair, and yanked her head back before placing the blade at her throat. No harm will come to Amelia, but I can’t say the same for the prisoners here.

The woman, in a fright, whimpered pitifully. Please, I’ve done nothing wrong! Her breathing grew rapid as soon as the coolness of the blade touched her throat. Your Majesty, help! I don’t want to die!

The king gripped the bars, fury welling up inside him. He recognized the woman as one of the servants in the castle. She was always a hard worker, and always kind and respectful. Daniel, leave her alone! She has nothing to do with this!

With a chuckle, the young man stared directly at Edmund, lightly pressing the blade against the poor woman’s neck. It was enough to draw blood, a thin stream of it dribbling from the wound. I know, but what better way to get answers than to threaten the lives of the people around you? All you have to do is talk. The woman was wincing in pain at the wound, praying and begging for her life, tears sliding down her cheeks.

Enough! Edmund shouted, halting everyone with his commanding tone. I truly don’t know how Amelia tamed a beast, or where she is going, or why. I simply told her to run from here, and I made sure she got out of the castle, but I have nothing to do with where she goes or what she does from there.

Daniel stared at him in silence for a moment, removing the knife and releasing the woman’s hair. His eyes were full of suspicion. Is that truly it? You don’t have a single answer for me? He looked the man in the eyes, looking for any hints that he was lying, but he saw none. So, you really don’t know. This complicates things. He gave an exasperated sigh and waved a dismissive hand to the woman. The guards lifted her by the arms, and she was returned to her cell with only a light cut on her throat. I suppose I’ll just have to search for answers on my own and form a new plan to deal with this problem.

With his guards following him, the prince walked away, mumbling to himself. Their footsteps echoed down the hall of the dungeon before fading completely, and the prisoners were, once again, left alone with only a single soldier at the entrance guarding them. Edmund pressed his face against the metal bars, peering down the dim hall as much as he could, making sure it was clear. Keeping his voice low and quiet, he went to the phoenix’s iron cage.

At least Amelia is safe for now. He reached his hand through the bars to rub Ember’s head. I wish there were some way to get you out. I’d send you to find her if I could.

The bird chirped softly in response to his touch. Edmund’s mind wandered though, thinking back on everything Daniel had told him. Taming a dragon of all things... Is that the Goddess’ power working through her? He’d kept quiet about Amelia’s mark. That was a detail that the prince shouldn’t find out about. I can only pray he doesn’t search the library. That book is still hidden away – that book that depicts the Mark of the Goddess. He sighed at himself. If I’d known of what were to happen, I would’ve shown Amelia when I had the chance. It might have aided her in some way to know even a little about her mark.

A sudden burst of flames jolted him from his thoughts. Looking at Ember, the king backed away, the intensity of the bird’s fire too much to handle. It seemed she was trying to burn her way through the cage she was in, desperate to free herself and fly away to find Amelia. The entire end of the dungeon hall was lit up by the fire, which crackled and raised the temperature. Edmund pressed his back against the stone wall, getting as far away as he possibly could, but still, the heat from the flames caused sweat to form on his face. It was then that his outer robe began to sizzle, and he quickly threw it off and to the stone floor right as it started to catch fire. Ember’s fire died down, and she gave an apologetic chirp when she saw that she nearly burned the king.

No, Ember, keep going, Edmund urged. Keep your flames burning. I have a plan to free you. The phoenix was hesitant, but she did as instructed. A roaring fire erupted from her body, engulfing the entire cage. The king went to the bars of his cell and started shouting, Help! Someone, help! He heard frantic footsteps sprinting down the hall toward them. The phoenix, she’s out of control! She’ll set me ablaze!

The soldier that was stationed to watch over the prisoners appeared, immediately shielding his face from the brightness of the fire. What in the Goddess’ name?! What’s wrong with that stupid bird?!

I think she might be restless from being cooped up! Edmund explained, feigning ignorance and fear. Please, do something! She’ll burn everything if you don’t make her stop!

The guard grumbled to himself, swiftly snatching up something hanging by the cell. It was a helmet, made just like the rest of his silver armor. It was the only thing he had to offer any protection from the heat. He hastily grabbed the ring of keys from his belt, taking only a few seconds to find the right one to open the cell. He rushed through the door, pushing Edmund aside to go right toward the bird cage. He panted from the lack of oxygen, the heat choking him instead. With the key to the cage, he lunged forward, ignoring the burning sensation on his skin through the armor to unlock the door. In that instant, the fire dispersed, leaving the man gasping for breath. It was then that he locked eyes with the bird. Her blue eyes held nothing but wrath, and it gave the man the worst feeling.

Ember shoved the cage door open, squawking as she brought her talons up. The soldier cried out in a panic, her claws scraping against his helmet. If it weren’t for the metal protecting his face, he would have most likely lost his eyes. After stumbling backwards, the guard fell on his back, flailing his arms wildly to get the bird off him. Ember took her chance and flew right through the open cell door and down the hall. Edmund inwardly smiled. His plan to let Ember escape had succeeded. Go, find Amelia. I’m counting on you, Ember.

After scrambling to his feet and locking the cell door behind him, the guard gave chase to the bird. Someone stop that phoenix! he yelled, hoping there were soldiers outside of the dungeon to help.

Ember flew up the spiraling staircase, giving an alarmed screech when she saw guards along the hall to the dungeon. They really have taken over the castle completely, she thought to herself. She glanced back down the stairs upon hearing the shout of the man giving chase. I need to find a way outside. With the soldiers snatching up their weapons, the bird flapped her strong wings, weaving through the air to avoid their swings and stabs at her. She was an exceptional flyer, so avoiding the clumsy attempts at getting her out of the air was child’s play to her.

She flew out into another hall, followed by some stairs. She was hardly paying attention to where she was going, more focused on avoiding the areas with the most soldiers. To her, it seemed like the whole castle was in an uproar, which wasn’t just an exaggeration considering there was practically a small army on her tail. It was then that she made her way to the great hall, which gave her an advantage thanks to the tall ceiling, and as a plus, the large, stained-glass windows were still in pieces from the initial attack on the castle, which gave Ember a way out.

But she was unable to leave just yet, for she saw a familiar head of platinum blond hair as soon as she entered the room. Her blue eyes turned into a glare. Prince Daniel hadn’t seen her yet, he was busy talking with a few guards, his back turned. The phoenix knew this was her chance to get a little revenge for all the pain he caused those she cared about. Without a sound, Ember dove down, small flames of fury spurting from her crimson feathers. She readied her talons, eager to get at least one hit on him. But it was right then when one of the guards spotted her.

Your Highness, look out! he warned, darting to defend his prince.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion. The guard had moved in front of Daniel and swung his sword vertically at the bird. Ember did a barrel roll to avoid the blade and move around the man where she came face-to-face with Daniel. The prince had just turned toward her, his hand already gripping the hilt of his own sword at his hip. But before he had time to unsheathe it, the bird brought her talons up toward his face. Daniel only barely managed to move back to avoid the full force of the attack, but he didn’t get out unscathed. One of Ember’s long claws sliced into his left cheek, and as she flew up to go over him, her claw raked upwards, stopping at the far corner of his eye before he jerked back.

Daniel let out a scream, both from the pain and the anger. He fell back onto the floor, clutching the side of his face. The wound was just deep enough to cause damage. Blood flowed down the side of his face, dribbling from between his fingers. At the same time, the warm liquid at the corner of his eye made his vision go red. He squeezed his left eye shut, wincing in pain while his lone eye focused on the fiery bird above.

Your Highness, are you all right?! one of the men inquired, frantic to aid him. All the guards were there to help him to his feet, and only then did the rest of the soldiers that had been chasing Ember catch up, entering the great hall.

I’m fine! the prince snapped, clearly furious and frustrated. Get that bird! I’ll have that cursed thing mounted on the wall like a trophy!

It was already too late. Ember flew right out of one of the broken windows, flying high into the sky. She was free at last. If the phoenix was capable of it, she would’ve been smirking at the prince in triumph. It felt good to finally give him a piece of her mind. By the Goddess that felt good. I finally got to give that brute a taste of my wrath. Hovering in the sky above the castle, Ember looked around at the land below. Don’t worry, Your Majesty, I’ll find Amelia. I won’t let you down. Now let’s see... She turned her head toward the east, where she could see the mountain that made up Alabaster. He said she went east into Whitecliff, so I guess that’s where I’ll start. Maybe if I can find that dragon, I’ll find Amelia.

Chapter 2

Acalm breeze blew through the red hair of the princess seated on a small rock by a stream. It was tranquil there outside of Alabaster. The only sounds were from the trees rustling in the wind, the birds chirping, and the quiet splashing of the water flowing. Amelia munched on a piece of bread while watching fish swim around in the stream. The witch named Willow had supplied them with two small loaves for the road when they left the Witchwood, and they hadn’t had a chance to eat them until then. The princess would occasionally move her cloak aside and glance down at the hole cut away in her dress that showed her mark, as if she believed she would see it grow before her very eyes. But to her dismay, it didn’t seem to move at all, even after she’d prayed that her power would grow with it.

Alan watched the girl closely while he ate, unable to take his eyes off her while she looked so serene. He silently chewed