Tanner (Prentor Book 2)

By Mona Hanna

Sequel to Myriad.

Kalin is looking forward to his future with Regina, and finding out where his path lies. Then a new danger disrupts the life of him and his friends. Lisandra is a dark witch, experienced in using the worst kinds of magic. After forever damaging the lives of two in the group, she’s returned, and has a plan which could lead to the deaths of many in Prentor. The group is determined to stop Lisandra, not only to save the lives of strangers, but to help get Mark’s brother, Tanner, out of her clutches. But can Mark and Sasha ever forgive Tanner for what he’s done to them?

This is a NOVELLA of approximately 40,000 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M. Hanna
• Release date: Jan 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301803804

Mona Hanna

Mona Hanna is an author of fantasy/romance books. She enjoys writing about love, magic, conflict, trials and the joy of overcoming them. Mona enjoys reading, movies, chocolate, and adores cats. She hopes to release many more fantasy books in the years to come.

Book preview

Prologue

Mark sat in the tavern, listening to his friends talk while he sipped his drink. They sat at one of the long tables against the wall, far away from the door. The bar was filled with the sound of people talking and laughing and the smell of smoke and ale. It was very crowded in the early evening, everyone there after finishing work. Mark was tired after working all day in his job for a carpenter—a job which he found incredibly boring even though he had a talent for it. He ran a hand over his long, dark hair, wishing for the millionth time he could get out of Prentor. It was such a difficult place to live for a warlock.

He heard the door open and several people walked in, talking loudly. He grimaced, recognizing the loudest voice. He wondered if he could slip out of there before he was noticed, looking up and seeing Tanner leaning against the bar. His older brother was laughing at something one of his friends said, holding the girl he was with tightly around the waist. Tanner was twenty-three, five years older, stronger than Mark could ever hope to be, and had an arrogance that let him get away with everything. But it wasn’t just that. He had her.

Sasha.

Mark sighed, and looked away. I’ll see you tomorrow, he said to Bryan, rising.

His blonde friend raised an eyebrow. He doesn’t own the place, you know. You don’t have to scurry away every time you see him. Stand up to him, for once.

Mark just frowned. It’s not that simple, he muttered, but he wasn’t going to bother explaining it. Bryan just shrugged, and Mark headed for the door, hoping the crowd of people would shield him. He was walking past Tanner, head down, when his brother called out to him.

Sasha, you remember my brother, Mark. Look at him, trying to get away. Don’t be rude. Join us.

Mark slumped his shoulders, still looking down. It was too late now. He turned to Tanner and slowly walked up to him.

Hello, Sasha, he said quietly. The red-haired girl smiled at him, her green eyes filled with warmth. Mark felt himself start to blush and hurriedly looked away. Tanner laughed.

That’s so adorable—he blushes every time a girl looks at him. My sweet baby brother. How’s work? Tanner asked.

Fine, Mark said, looking at his feet. Tanner shoved his shoulder.

You’re lucky—you have an easy job. Try working for a blacksmith some time. Which reminds me... you have to make something for me. It’s Sasha’s eighteenth birthday next week. Make a jewelry box.

I don’t wear jewelry, Sasha said, but Tanner just waved his hand, taking a drink.

Whatever, just make her something. Make yourself useful. Mark’s a shape-shifter, you see. Can’t exactly earn a living turning into bunny rabbits.

Mark clenched his jaw. "Stop telling people," he seethed. Every warlock or witch had one specific gift along with being able to magically transport and turn invisible. Mark’s gift was being able to shape-shift into animals or other people. Tanner’s was controlling fire and water, a gift he saw as far superior and a fact he never let Mark forget.

Tanner just frowned at him. What—there are no Seekers here. They only come out around the Princess’ birthday. Me and Sasha could throw fire across the room and nothing would happen. I’m teaching her to use her gift. She’s never been taught—can you believe that? Lucky I found her.

Mark glanced at Sasha and saw her glaring at his brother. He stopped himself from smiling and turned to leave.

I’ll pick it up in two days, Tanner called after him, and Mark’s shoulders slumped again. Great. He reached the door but couldn’t stop himself looking back at her. Sasha turned and met his gaze. She smiled at him, and he felt himself go red again. He ducked his head and quickly walked outside. He took a deep breath.

This was not good.

***

Two weeks later Mark was sitting in a clearing in the forest near his home, reading a book while he leaned against a tree. The day was warm, and the sun was shining down on him. He was enjoying relaxing, being away from everyone, when he heard someone exclaim from far away. He looked up, frowning. The person exclaimed again.

He was thinking of ignoring it but realized whoever it was might be in trouble. He put down his book and rose, wandering out of the clearing towards the sounds. They became louder, and Mark saw someone among the trees, standing with their arm outstretched. His heart beat a little faster as he recognized her, and soon was standing before Sasha. She looked at him in surprise. He smiled crookedly.

I—I just wanted to see if you were alright. Is everything okay?

She frowned, lowering her arm. Yes, I suppose. I’m just—I’m an idiot. I’m trying to practice using my gift. I didn’t mean to alarm you.

Mark put his hands in his pockets, hunching his shoulders. Are you having trouble? he finally asked. She sighed in exasperation.

"I just can’t control it. I can’t create fire and water when I want to, and it’s so frustrating. Do you have any trouble with your gift?"

He bit his lip. Well, not really, but I’ve been using it since I was a child. My father taught me. He’s a shape-shifter, too. Your parents don’t have magic?

A sad look crossed Sasha’s face. My mother does, she said softly, but she never taught me. She’s psychic, but hates it—her visions torture her. And ever since the King outlawed magic, she’s forbidden me from using it at all. I stopped for two years, but then I met Tanner. He’s been trying to teach me, and I feel bad for hiding it from her, but... well, anyway, I’ll probably just quit again. I’m not getting very far.

Mark stood there for a moment, feeling bad about Sasha’s mother. But then he grinned. Sasha glowered at him. I’m sorry, he burst out, "it’s not you. You’ve just picked the worst teacher in the world. Tanner took years to learn to control his powers—I swear he only learned properly because our father threatened to kick him out if he kept setting the house alight. What’s he telling you—to just imagine flames and they’ll appear?"

Sasha was still frowning at him but suddenly smiled shyly. Well, kind of. He says to imagine I’m destroying something—picture destroying it, and then I’ll be able to set it alight. Is that—wrong?

Mark stood there, biting his lip, but couldn’t help laughing. He rubbed his face with his hand. I’m sorry, he said. "But he really has no idea. You know magic comes from your heart, don’t you? You can’t learn to use it by thinking. You need to feel it."

He looked at her, then she met his gaze. He suddenly felt nervous, and looked at his feet. He took a deep breath.

I should go, he said, still looking down. He turned to leave.

Wait, she said. He paused. She stood there for a moment. Could—could you teach me, just this once? It would mean a lot to me.

He took another deep breath. This was getting messy.

Alright—for a little while, he said softly. He realized he’d have to look at her eventually, and lifted his head. Damn, she was beautiful.

Why hadn’t he met her first?

He sighed inwardly, and then moved closer to her. Hold out your arm again, he said. She straightened it, her palm facing upwards. He tried to calm his racing heart. Close your eyes.

She obeyed him, and he thought she seemed nervous, too. Her face was flushed, her lips red, slightly parted. He felt like his heart was going to leap out of his chest. He swallowed and was glad she couldn’t see him.

I want you to... he stopped. Kiss me. He shook his head. I want you to focus on feeling. Don’t think, just try to feel a connection to your powers. Breathe slowly, and feel your magic deep inside of you. It’s there, just waiting.

He watched her, noticing how her long red hair flowed down her shoulders, soft and silky. He became aware that her breath was quickening, not slowing down. He stepped back a little.

Sasha...

She suddenly gasped, a ball of fire appearing above her hand, the flames flickering brightly. Mark was glad she’d managed it, but then saw the ball began to grow larger, and larger. He realized she was losing control.

Sasha, slow your breathing. Calm down.

Her green eyes were filled with panic, wide, bright, and Mark knew he had to help her. He quickly put his arm around her waist and magically transported with her, both of them appearing by a nearby lake. He jumped into the water with her, making a huge splash as they submerged. He stood up in the chest-high water, helping her rise. She was shaking.

Oh, Sasha, he said, picking her up in his arms and carrying her to the water’s edge. He placed her on the ground, then climbed out and sat beside her. He put his arm around her, holding her close while she shivered. He knew it was from fear and not just the cold water.

They sat silently for a long while, Sasha’s head against his chest. He knew Tanner would kill him if he saw them right now, but they weren’t doing anything. Not really. He tried to ignore the whirl of thoughts going through his mind.

I’ll get you home, he said, breaking the silence. You’ll be alright.

He lowered his arm, and she straightened. He watched her as she looked at her hands. He wondered what she was thinking.

Mark? she asked, looking up at him. He gazed at her. She bit her lip. Why did you make me the box? she asked. My gift.

He suddenly wanted to run. Oh, no. Tanner asked me, he said, hoping that would end it. She tilted her head slightly.

But Mark, it was so beautiful. It was delicate and perfect. You didn’t have to do that—you could have made anything. I don’t think Tanner would have cared. Why did you make something so amazing?

He looked into her beautiful green eyes and knew he’d made a mistake. He’d worked so hard on it—barely slept for two nights working on it—because it was for her. Because she deserved something wonderful. Because she deserved something better than anything his idiot brother would get for her. Why was she with a fool like Tanner? He frowned.

It was nothing, he stammered, clasping his hands together. My—my employer helped me. He did most of it. I—he—we thought it would be something you’d like.

He moved away from her, bringing his knees close to his chest. He wrapped his arms around them, staring at the lake. He was such an idiot. She was with his brother. He couldn’t believe how much he was making a fool of himself.

We should go, he said, standing up. I’ll walk you home.

She rose also, standing beside him. Their clothes were still damp—he tried to ignore how her shirt was clinging to her. He caught his breath and was sure she noticed.

I can go by myself, Sasha said. It’s not far. Bye, Mark.

He watched her as she walked away, his heart yelling at him to follow her. But he wasn’t going to. He had to leave her alone. He looked at the ground and told himself he had to stop. Enough.

***

Mark was sitting in his room when he heard his mother calling him. He walked down the hall into the kitchen. What is it? he asked.

She stirred something in a pot over the fireplace, then wiped her hands on a cloth. "I