The Elementals of Sacred Lake: Book Two: The Prophecy of Mystic Cavern

By Michele Skaggs

Secret Cave… it remains unknown to everyone for a reason. But when a ghost from Melody’s past seeks her out, she realizes she may need to reveal the cave’s location to her friends. She is told to journey inside it and find a prophecy. What she doesn’t know is that discovering the said prophecy could cost someone their life.

Meanwhile, evil continues to appear in the Safe Grounds. No one knows how to put a stop to it, not even the king or queen. Melody and Ashton are suspicious of Zander. They believe he knows more about how evil gets in then he says.

Do they have a right to be wary of him?

Is Zander truly on evil’s side and still working for the evil creature?

Then there’s Lucas. Melody feels as if he holds a secret also. Calder considers him dangerous and warns her to stay away from him. Melody insists on learning what has happened anyway, but the truth could lead to her downfall.

To make matters worse, Dustin has been missing for months. His friends worry, wondering what could have happened to him.

Will Dustin return in time to help his friends against the next evil they’ll face?

The time for the second sacrifice is approaching, and everyone must be ready.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781648015878

Book preview

Chapter One

Dustin

The Darkness That Follows Me

Fear. It’s an emotion I never thought I’d have so much of, but I have it every damn day now.

Shadow souls trail me. I use my air powers to get rid of them. Anymore, I don’t know why I bother. My magic never does any physical damage to them since they’re ghosts. And lately, the shadow souls keep multiplying. They are the darkness that follows me.

Honestly, I need to get back to the Underground or call Melody. She’d know how to help me out of this situation. I should’ve told her right away. I just didn’t want her to worry about me.

It has been a month since I’ve been to the Underground or seen my friends. It has been thirty-two days since I’ve last talked to her…Melody.

Sneaking the phone, I almost make it to my bedroom with it.

What are you doing, Dustin? my mom asks behind me.

The hand I had on my doorknob falls to my side. Calling my friends, Mom.

I told you that you aren’t allowed to call anyone.

I spin around to face her. I need to talk to my friends!

No!

Mom…

Stop asking!

I glare at her. What’s your problem?

You! she shouts. Now listen!

In her rage, I notice my mom’s eyes turn red in color.

My own widen with fright.

Zander’s eyes turned black at the House of Shadows when a living spirit possessed him. My mom’s eyes aren’t black though, so a living spirit can’t be inside her. Seconds later, it hits me. Melody’s dad’s eyes turned red when a shadow soul possessed him.

I gasp. Mom…no!

Come here, Dustin.

No! I shake my head, my blond hair swaying with my movements. You aren’t my mom anymore!

I’ll make you wish you would’ve obeyed your mother before, the shadow soul tells me, using her mouth to speak.

My mom’s face gets darker as she moves toward me. Wrapping her hands around my neck, she begins to choke me. For a minute, I wrestle with her hands as I gag. Somehow I manage to get her to unleash her grip on me.

In a flash I take off out my front door. Running up and down the streets, I get as far away as I can.

Several roads later, I stop.

Catching my breath, I hit my forehead. Why in the hell would I leave my mom back there? I know she’s possessed, but I should be trying to help her. Instead, I’m out here. I need to stop being a coward. I’m an Elemental, damn it!

As I turn to go back home, all the lights on the street go out. Gliding toward me now are six shadowy figures with red eyes.

With a slight movement of my hand, I cause the dirt on the ground to blow in the shadow souls’ direction, creating a giant dust cloud. I start running in the direction of my house.

Every street I travel down, the streetlights are out. That’s when I realize the souls are waiting for me there already, and then I must hurry down another road.

Covered in sweat, I zoom through the damp dark streets. Every now and then, my feet hit a puddle of rainwater, causing it to spray over my body. I can sense my shoes filled with water. It’s annoying. I hate wet socks.

Quickly I change to another road. This one’s lit, which means the shadow souls have lost me for a moment. Good, I should be faster than them anyway since I have air on my side.

Stopping in the middle of the road, I catch my breath again. Pulling out my inhaler from my pocket, I take a couple long puffs. I look back in the other direction. I come to find the streetlights are beginning to burn out one by one. I face the way I’m heading to see the lights are all still on.

Gulping, I move my eyes up.

The six shadow souls descend, circling around me. Pushing past them, with help from the wind, I take off once again. As I run down the street, I notice the streetlights keep going out right as I reach them. That means the shadow souls have resumed chasing me, and they’re right on top of me.

Veering to my left, I run through a yard. I hop over many fences. The last lawn I run through has a small hole in the ground. I trip over it. My face lands in a pile of mud, and I cut my knee. Not caring, I jump back up and continue running. That’s when I feel my energy’s getting low.

Glancing behind me, I realize the shadow souls are gaining on me fast. Knowing I won’t make it back to my house, due to my lack of energy, I dive behind my neighbor’s small stone fence. There’s no way I can go home now. They’d do something to my mom for sure this time, if they haven’t already.

After taking another puff from my inhaler, I notice a white light is coming from my Oracle Watch. I touch the top part of my watch, and a light soars out, creating a hologram. In the hologram I see myself. I’m standing in front of a glowing altar. My hands turn gold, as I use my light powers on it. When my light touches the altar, golden words appear on the dark wall behind it. I try to read all the words, but the hologram zooms in on one sentence:

Deep inside a cave of black water, darkness shall overcome light’s bright power

The hologram disappears, giving me no time to read anything else. I wonder what the Oracle was trying to tell me. Sometimes it’s hard to know.

Once the final traces of light have vanished from my watch, I peek around the stone fence. I become puzzled when I no longer see the shadow souls anywhere. Moving my head back around the fence, I stare at the reflection of my blue eyes in a window in front of me.

Must’ve lost those creepers, I mumble.

That’s what you think, a distorted voice says.

Glancing up, I come to see the shadow souls emerging on me again. Goose bumps run down my body.

Dustin Skye! they chime. Elemental of Air, we have come for your light!

Shutting my eyes, I hold my arm over my head in defense. I wait, but nothing happens to me. Peeking through my eyelids, I notice something magical transpiring. A bright light is illuminating from behind me, causing the shadow souls to back away. There must be a security light on somewhere or something.

Realizing light is effective against them, I stand up. Putting my hands out in front of me, I send golden light at the shadow souls. My light magic kills two of them instantly. The other four vanish.

Still in shock, I fall to my knees in the grass. Fumbling with my inhaler, I take some puffs from it again. At least I’m no longer afraid of the darkness that follows me.

I sigh. It’s going to be a long, dark winter.

Chapter Two

Melody

Holy Power

One month later

Sitting on the edge of a cliff, I run my hand through the green grass beneath me. A breeze blows through my hair, and I lift my face to the bright sun above. The smell of nature fills the atmosphere.

Sensing someone watching me, I turn my head to find a silver ghost. It flies past me. Scrambling to my feet, I gaze at the ghost. It points at me with a transparent finger, and I begin to float into the air.

The essence beckons me, so I follow it.

At first, it feels odd flying. Fear courses through me, and my heart thunders in my chest.

The ghost does a few flips in the air, so I try to do the same thing, causing myself to fall. I try to scream as I decline from the sky, but the cries are stuck in my throat. So I shut my eyes.

This has to be a dream, I think. Wake up! Wake up!

Suddenly I stop falling. It’s like someone caught me and gently set me down.

I open my eyes to find myself sitting on solid ground inside a dingy cave. Before me is an altar glowing a soft white. Cautiously I approach it. I lay a hand upon it, and golden light surfaces from the altar. The light is so bright it hurts my eyes.

Shielding most of the luminance with my arm, I peek over my elbow to witness words appearing on the back wall behind the altar.

In the shadows to my right, a man with yellow eyes stands. He smiles, and white fangs, which remind me of a snake’s, appear inside his mouth. The man steps a little more into the light, and I notice scales cover part of his face.

A dark sword covered in red blood falls from the sky above us. It lands in between the snake man and me. The vibration from the sword causes the cave to shake. It crumbles down upon us.

I awake with a start.

Glancing at my alarm clock, I groan. I must’ve forgot to set it last night. I’m going to be late.

Jumping out of bed, I quickly get dressed. I run out of my room and down the stairs. Exiting my tree house in a rush, I race through Peaceful Forest. When I’m out on the dirt path, I stop to catch my breath.

Emma flies up beside me. Are you forgetting someone?

Sorry, Emma, I apologize. I woke up late.

The nature fairy grunts, flying into my jacket pocket.

I hurry to the bank of Sacred Lake. After I check the surrounding area for anyone who shouldn’t be here, I then shout across the water, Ashton! I’m leaving!

Several seconds later, my redheaded friend, Ashton, emerges from a small cave known as Salamander’s Cove. Hang on! he yells. I’ll get Blaze to give you a ride up!

Whistling to his dragon guardian, Ashton takes flight aboard her back. The black flame-tailed dragon with red eyes and wings flies downward. Once she reaches me, Ashton helps me onto her back. She ascends once more, flying right through the golden rainbow.

I wish you didn’t have to go to church every Sunday, Ashton whines.

I told you that you can go with me, I remind him.

I don’t like going there, he says stubbornly.

Only because you don’t like Calder.

I can’t stand him. He’s annoying.

You two should be best friends then, I joke.

Melody…

I sigh. You think I’m going to replace you with Calder as my best friend, but I promise you, I’m not. You have nothing to worry about.

I always have something to worry about when it comes to you.

Breathing fire at the top of Sacred Waterfall, Blaze makes a path for me to run across to the small hole.

I’ll see you later, Mel. Ashton hugs me.

I embrace him back. You bet, Ash. Then I jump off Blaze.

I dart off to the hole, which was hidden under the water. I barely make it up the hole and into the Golden Meadow before the water rushes back to its place. Looking back, I watch the water appear once again in the circle of tree roots belonging to Sacred Tree.

Walking across the golden grass and flowers, I approach the huge boulder with a green circular symbol on it. Placing my right hand on the symbol, the boulder disappears to let me through to the nonmagical world, right into my housing edition called Indian Heights.

Running, I make it out of the woods and into my backyard. Flinging myself over the fence, I land in my front yard. I tear through the lawn, heading toward my driveway. My mom’s just getting into her car when I finally reach her, nearly out of breath.

You’re late again, Melody, she says. I was about to leave without you.

I’m sorry, Mom. I get into the car and fasten my seat belt. Evil beings have been getting into the Safe Grounds a lot lately, so I have to do a thorough perimeter check around Sacred Lake before I leave.

My mom zeroes her hazel eyes in on me. Just be careful.

I laugh at her concern. Mom, I’m always careful. Besides, you’re talking to an Elemental, remember? I think I’m very capable of taking care of myself.

I think it’s starting to go to your head.

Please, if it’s going to anyone’s head, it would be Ashton’s. He thinks he’s so cool when he is so not.

Emma pokes her tiny head out of my coat pocket. You can say that again. The nature fairy comes out to sit on my shoulder, fixing her curly brown hair.

My mom giggles now. What are you two talking about? He has always thought that about himself.

You have a point there, I reply.

What got in this weekend? my mom asks.

Images of the green-colored beings pop into my mind. Those goblins again. I hate them. They’re always stealing something.

Do you know why evil beings keep coming over to the Safe Grounds?

I shrug. I have no idea if they even have a purpose. I think they just like to come over and start trouble for fun.

I think they have a reason, Emma says. We only have not yet learned what that reason is.

Maybe…, I trail off.

Staring out the car window, I watch the usual scenery pass by as my mom drives through Kokomo, Indiana. When she pulls up to our church, Emma goes back inside my pocket. Getting out of the car, we go inside, traveling up the stairs to the second floor.

My mom’s job is to watch the kids in the nursery every Sunday or holiday.

Once I walk into the nursery, I see no children are here yet. I head straight to the rocking chair in the corner and sit down.

I gaze up at the calendar, which shows it is January 25, 2004.

Staring out the window, I think about Dustin Skye. Why hasn’t he called me? Why hasn’t he visited the Underground in two months? These are the questions I ask myself every hour of every day, for he’s all I think about every minute of every hour. Even when I’m with Ashton or Zander, all I can think about is Dustin.

I miss him. Apparently, he doesn’t miss me. Dustin was my boyfriend, but he is no longer. It has been six months since he moved away. He used to visit all the time, but two months ago he just stopped. The phone calls I’d get every night vanished. I guess as the days progressed, he drifted from me. So there’s only one way to take this…breakup. He must’ve forgotten about his friends­; he forgot about me.

Ashton and my guardian, Braxton, both told me to move on. They said I need to forget about Dustin because he has forgotten about me.

Of course, Ashton would say to forget about Dustin because he has been in love with me for about eight years now. He may be my best friend, but he’s annoying.

My other friends at school tell me I should move on too. But they always disapprove of anyone I like. Not to mention, they despise Dustin.

All the girls in my grade have an infatuation with my other friend, Zander Rivers. They think he’s so hot. If only they knew he was evil seven months ago. Yes, Zander was possessed, but he knew what was going on sometimes. He had plenty of chances to stop it from happening again.

I still can’t believe Zander tried to sacrifice Ashton to the evil creature so the evil one would get firepower. In the end, it was a fire scorpion, by the name of Scorpio, who was sacrificed. I still feel bad about it.

At least it’s over now, and Zander’s my friend again, which means he puts his two cents in about Dustin too. Zander tells me Dustin never came back because he stopped believing.

Well, Dustin needs to start believing again because we need him; I need him. What if something occurs again like the whole situation with Zander? All of us need to prepare ourselves for when the evil creature does rise, because he will.

Zander remembers almost everything that happened when he was evil, except how evil’s getting in through Sacred Lake. King William says we’re out of luck trying to find out information like that through Zander.

Too bad Zander never found out the identity of the evil creature. I hope he isn’t as bad as the first one, Cypherus.

Emma hovers in front of me, glowing green repeatedly. Please tell me you are not thinking about Dustin again.

I scowl. What’s it matter to you?

She frowns. It’s only…you have not heard from him in two months. Maybe you should get over him. You know, move on, find someone new.

I don’t want to find someone new, I pout. I only want Dustin.

Emma shakes her head. She looks up for a split second and then hides in a dollhouse.

My friend Calder enters the room. I don’t know why Emma hides. I’ve told Calder everything about the Underground since he found out Dustin and I have powers. Also, he has met Emma once or twice before. Maybe she doesn’t realize it was him.

Hi, Melody, Calder greets, strolling over to me.

I smile. Hey, Calder.

If I ever need religious information, I know I can talk to Calder. He’s been speaking of God more now, ever since that witch Jezebel attacked him. He says God is the one who saved him, and I believe it. What happened was a miracle. I still don’t know how Jezebel wasn’t able to take his soul.

Calder sits down on the floor in front of me. He stares at me with blue-green eyes that remind me of rare pieces of sea glass you would find at a beach. What are you doing?

Thinking.

About what?

I shouldn’t tell you.

Calder’s facial expression turns to a stern one. Stop thinking about him, Melody. You know he has always been this way. Why does it surprise you?

Placing my hands on my cheeks, I shrug. He made it seem like it would be different this time.

It’ll never be different with Dustin Skye.

I’m afraid you’re right about that.

Calder gasps. Did Melody Grace just agree with me?

Running my shoulder into his, I laugh. Be quiet.

Emma flies out of the dollhouse. I cannot believe she agreed with you either!

Calder smiles at the nature fairy. Hey, Emma. How are you?

I am great! What about you?

Hanging in there, he tells her. He looks back at me. So have you asked King William if I could visit the Underground?

Emma and I both glance at each other and then shake our heads.

Calder’s face falls. Why can’t I?

Emma flies closer to him. I’m sorry, Calder. It is because you do not belong there. You are not magical. You’re human. It would be far too dangerous to let magic into your life.

Calder scowls. Dangerous? I’m not going there to stay. I just wanted to see the place once. I don’t see how that’s a crime.

Calder, the king just doesn’t want anything bad to happen to you, I explain. You stepping foot into the magical world could open a door to other things you might not want to deal with.

He scoffs. Okay.

Calder—

Forget it, Melody, he interrupts. Want to go downstairs and grab a bite to eat?

Yes, I’m starving!

I’m going to stay here and take a nap, Emma says.

Like you will, I disagree. You just like to watch the babies play.

So? Emma replies in a snobby tone. I love children. She then flies back into the dollhouse.

Calder and I head out of the nursery and down toward the basement.

As we make it down the last flight of stairs, we stop for a minute when we hear a banging to our right. Both of us peer down the dark hallway where a small room is at. We spot a figure moving in the darkness and then look at one another.

I think there’s someone down there, Calder tells me.

I wonder why they didn’t turn on the light, I say. It sounds like they ran into something.

Let’s go make sure no one is hurt.

While we walk down the hall, the banging starts again, louder this time. Inside the small room, we find the light switch won’t work.

That’s strange, Calder whispers. Wonder why the power isn’t working down here.

Maybe the light bulb burned out, I guess.

Maybe, he mumbles, trying to see through the darkness. Does something feel weird to you?

I do have the sense there’s something odd going on in here. I was hoping I was wrong.

The door slams shut behind us.

I yank on it to find it’s stuck. It won’t open.

Calder comes over to me, turning on a flashlight he found. He shines the beam of light the opposite direction of me.

The banging begins again. A shadowy essence darts past me.

Turning, I gasp.

In front of us, a living spirit is flying in circles.

What’s wrong with it? I ask, even though I have no one to answer me.

To my surprise, Calder does though. It’s going crazy because it’s inside a church. This is holy ground. Evil cannot tread here without being harmed. That ghost is evil. You can tell by what color it is.

I don’t know why it would travel in here. You can tell this building is a church.

It must’ve just appeared in here without knowing where it was going. Maybe it’s looking for someone.

Knowing who that someone is, I gulp. The living spirits and shadow souls want me to go with them so their master can talk to me. Recently they have been coming for me more.

Don’t worry, Melody, Calder says in comfort. The church always wins in the end. We’re safe here.

Upon Calder’s words, the living spirit fires its darkness at us. We jump out of the way right before the black magic touches us.

Calder fumbles with the flashlight. Get out of here, Melody!

No! I’m the one with powers! You get out of here!

Calder shakes his head. I’m not leaving you!

As I get ready to bring out my shield, something grabs ahold of me, pulling me back. Glancing down at the hand around my arm, I scream. It appears to be decaying by the appearance of its worn-out gray flesh.

Melody! Calder shouts in concern.

His voice becomes drowned out when a ball of darkness hits the floor in front of him. He flies against the wall near me, dropping the flashlight. Coughing from the dust around us, Calder stands back up. The living spirit flies right for him, making me scream again. Right as the living spirit touches Calder though, it hollers. Then the spirit blows up, just like how I can make them explode with my touch.

The dying hand leaves my arm.

Running over to Calder, I examine him. You aren’t hurt! H-how did you do that? How did you get rid of that ghost?

Calder seems as shocked as me. I have no idea. Maybe it’s the holy water?

Puzzled, I question, Holy water?

I have holy water on my hands, forehead, and chest. I bless myself with it every time I enter or exit the church.

Thinking of the small bowls filled with holy water around the church, I mutter, Man, I need to start doing that more.

He chuckles. It’s nice to meet someone who can see ghosts.

Same. I never thought you’d be one to see the dead.

Well, I have been seeing them for a while. I think I’m meant to see ghosts. After he picks up the flashlight, he holds out a hand to me. Let’s get out of here.

I grab his hand. Okay.

As we’re leaving, I glance back to make sure whatever held me did leave. I don’t see anything. I hope it’s gone. I can still smell its stench.

When Calder and I reach the kitchen, we realize why no one heard us down in the room. Everyone is sitting at tables watching a movie about our youth group program.

After we get some food and drinks, we sit down at a nearby table to eat.

Emma appears on my lap.

Emma! I whisper. Stop flying around! Anyone could’ve seen you!

She rolls her brown eyes. No one ever sees me. I’m fine. She climbs back into my pocket.

As Calder is intently listening to the movie, I stare at him in amazement. I wish he could come to the Underground. Even though he got rid of that ghost with holy water, it still seems like he has some sort of power. And he can see ghosts like me! He would be an awesome person to have around.

Once we’re finished eating, Calder and I ascend the stairs—that is, until I see a white animal outside.

Peering out the window, I find it to be Dustin’s guardian, Knixon, a Pegasus.

Whoa! Calder exclaims as he runs outside to Knixon.

Sighing, I run after him.

Knixon, what are you doing here? I ask. You could be seen by other humans!

Knixon scoffs. Please, humans would think I’m just an overgrown eagle.

Making a point, I gesture toward Calder.

He’s your friend. Not my fault you let him see me.

Knixon now acts like he remembers something. Melody, this is an emergency! You’re needed back in the Safe Grounds, ASAP! The goblins and gremlins are at it again!

I groan. Okay. I face Calder. Can you tell my mom what’s going on?

He hangs his head down. I guess. I wish I could come with you guys.

We already talked about this, Calder.

I know. He stalks back into the church.

Scanning the area to make sure no one’s watching, I then mount the Pegasus.

Knixon stretches out his white-feathered wings to take off in flight.

We then hurry off to the Underground.

Chapter Three

Melody

A Death Initiation

How did you find me, Knix? I question.

You have a specific floral scent, the Pegasus answers. I followed it to your church.

Weird.

Once Knixon, Emma, and I make it to the Underground, I hear Zander hollering.

Gazing over at Sacred Lake, I spot several goblins huddled together on Mermaid Rock. There, in the middle of the mob of green creatures, are Ashton, Zander, and Joltz, a lilcadatie.

Joltz turns into an orb of yellow light. He moves in front of the goblin’s eyes, illuminating brighter to blind them. Ashton and Zander come from behind Joltz, drawing their swords, Inferno and Torrent.

Four goblins try to overpower Zander, but he jumps in the air, spinning his emerald green sword around him as he lands. The goblins back off, dark blood trickling from the cuts they obtained by Torrent.

Emma flies off to help our friends.

Something shoots past me in the air. Spinning around, I see it’s Gaven. Five gremlins run by me, chasing the white pixie.

Extracting Terra, my dagger, I take off into Peaceful Forest following the gremlins. I hear somebody screaming by Peaceful River. I run up to a cluster of bushes. I peer through the leaves to view what’s happening at the river. The gremlins have trapped Gaven in the hole of a tree.

Come here, little pixie, a gremlin named Iver orders.

Leave uh me be, Gaven responds.

Come on out. We aren’t the ones you should fear.

I told ya ta leave uh me be!

Two gremlins reach into the tree, grabbing poor Gaven and drag him out. They hang him, by his feet, over the river.

Iver smiles, revealing his rotted teeth. I told you we would capture you. Now, you’ll be coming with us.

Jumping out from the bushes, I shout, Not so fast, Iver! Let him go!

Every gremlin snickers at me.

Tightening my fists, I cause the earth to shake. Iver loses his grip on Gaven, and the pixie flies free.

Why, you little bark muncher! Iver roars. Attack her now! he commands the others.

The gremlins come at me one by one. After paralyzing two gremlins with my dagger, I pop out my nautical star shield. Another gremlin unsheathes a short blade, and we begin fighting each other.

Melody, watch out! Gaven warns.

Acting fast, I use my shield to block the gremlin I’m fighting as Iver comes from behind.

Gaven flies for Iver though. Raising his tiny hands, Gaven claws Iver down his face. The wounded gremlin hollers in pain. He falls to the ground, holding his cheek. When he lifts his gray, bald head, I see four deep cuts across the side of his face.

While I’m distracted by Iver, another gremlin makes his move. He bites me, making me scream. I fall to the ground paralyzed from the intense pain from my wound. Scanning the area around me, I find three gremlins have me surrounded.

Hearing a fluttering noise, I glance behind the gremlins to spot a swarm of pixies with black fur. They close in on Gaven, ready to attack him.

This will be a great prize for Master, Iver says, causing me to look back at him. The Elemental of Earth. Master still wants to speak with you.

Leave uh me be! Gaven shouts at the evil pixies.

Ignoring Iver, I face the pixies again. Gaven!

Iver covers my mouth. Be quiet!

One of the black pixies throws its small hands out at Gaven. Gaven falls through the air, landing with a thump on the ground. The evil pixies descend upon him.

Getting upset, I bite down hard on Iver’s hand with my spider fangs.

Hollering, Iver lets go of my mouth.

Spitting out the vile flesh, I scream, Gaven!

Jumping to my feet, I realize the gremlin’s bite has worn off enough to where I can move. Using my shield, I barrel through the gremlins, knocking them out of my way.

Ashton comes running into the forest, followed by Zander. A now-enraged Ashton unleashes fireballs at every gremlin and black pixie. They run off in retreat.

I run to the fallen pixie. When I reach him, I kneel in the grass. Gently I pick Gaven up.

The white pixie opens his eyes. Miss Melody.

Staring down into his blue pupils, I cry, Gaven! Hang on! You’ll be okay!

Gaven’s breathing turns labored. I really don’t think I’ll be.

Yes, you will! J-just hang on!

I can’t.

You can! I raise my voice. Just try!

Zander comes to stand next to me. Melody, yelling at Gaven won’t help him.

Don’t tell me what to do! I snap. Go get King William! Maybe he can save him.

Appearing sad, Zander shakes his head.

Gaven coughs as if he is choking.

My eyes grow. Gaven!

’Tis okay, Gaven assures me. It’ll be all right.

No, it won’t! What did those pixies do to you?

They put uh spell on me. Nothin’ can save me. Not ya. Not da king. Not anyone. I’ll die.

From one spell?

’Tis was an evil spell, an’ they did much more ta.

Turning him slightly, I find the blood I didn’t see before. It’s gushing from Gaven’s back where his wings used to be.

Tears fall from my eyes landing on Gaven. They cut off your wings?

Don’t cha worry fer me. I’ll have wings again where Imma goin’.

No…, I trail off.

Gaven manages a smile for me. ’Twas uh pleasura ta meet ya an’ ta serve ya, Miss Melody. Goodbye. Gaven then closes his eyes.

For a minute, I’m numb. I’m not sure what I should do. I notice my necklace shining blue. The grass around me starts to turn a brown color as if it is dying. Then the anger inside me takes over. My necklace shoots to red.

Ashton puts his hand on my shoulder in comfort. Mel, calm down.

I fling Ashton’s hand off me. No! Standing up, I place Gaven in Ashton’s hands.

The ground shakes as I run out of the forest. Finding the gremlins still by Sacred Lake, I chase them down. Iver and a couple of others escape, but I capture two in my vines. I begin to strangle them.

Melody, what is going on? Braxton questions in shock.

Seeing the way my guardian is looking at me, makes me let go of the gremlins. Quickly they dive into the water.

My face falters, while I continue to stare at the white unicorn. They killed Gaven…

Braxton’s chocolate brown eyes widen. Who? Those gremlins?

I shake my head. The black pixies, but the gremlins were their accomplices.

Where is Gaven now?

Moving my line of vision toward Peaceful Forest, I watch Zander and Ashton exit with Gaven’s body. I swallow at the sight.

Gaven, no! Emma shouts.

The king and queen fairy fly over to Ashton and Zander. Queen Eileen cries when she realizes what the evil pixies did to Gaven’s wings.

Those devils! King William thunders. To cut off any creature’s wings is a terrible crime!

It was a death pixie initiation, Jeremy tells the king, now scurrying onto the scene. Whenever a black pixie has completed over half of their magic courses, they must kill a white pixie by cutting off their wings. It proves them to be a death pixie. There has not been an initiation in years though. I thought most of the death pixies died off after you brought the white pixies to the Safe Grounds.

They must be repopulating again, the king ponders aloud. The white pixies shall need extra protection. King William looks to a fire fairy, the sergeant of the Fairy Army. Dante.

Dante flips his head around, making his black hair fall in his orange eyes. Yes, King William?

Get a group of the best trained fairies and station them around the Elf and Pixie Workshop.

Yes, sir. Dante flies off.

We need to take watch over Sacred Lake to find where these evil beings are coming from, King William announces. Gaven’s death was just the first. If we do not find out how evil is getting in, then there could be more.

I think Gaven should be laid to rest in the Field of Light, Knixon says. It was his favorite place in the Safe Grounds.

The king nods. Then that is where his ceremony shall be. It’ll be held tomorrow evening.

The crowd disperses, leaving me standing there.

Zander walks up to me, pushing his shaggy dark hair out of his face. He stares at me with his gray-blue eyes. You do know we couldn’t have done anything to save him, right?

No, I disagree. We could’ve done many things differently. I could’ve done things differently.

Mel, Ashton says, joining the conversation. Don’t start blaming yourself. It’s not your fault. You did nothing wrong.

I did everything wrong, I mutter. I still let those gremlins get me. It’s because I’m weak.

You really aren’t, Ashton tells me.

Ignoring him, I find Braxton again. He’s walking with my basset hound, Jordan. I run up to them.

Are you all right, Melody? Braxton asks.

Yes, but I failed. I need to train harder starting tomorrow.

The white unicorn nods, his long, silver horn on his forehead shimmering in the sunlight. I would not say you failed though. The hardest lesson to learn is you cannot save everyone. If I do recall, you are the one who told me that.

I sigh. I know.

I’ll help you train too, Mel, Ashton comments behind me.

Still sad, I nod my head to him.

What all of you really need to be working on is closing off your minds, Braxton reminds us. Blaze and Necro agree.

Yeah, we know, Zander, Ashton, and I mumble.

Braxton grunts. Maybe one day you’ll listen to your guardians.

We do, I assure the unicorn. I have to go now. See you guys tomorrow. Turning to my dog, I say, Are you coming?

No, I think I’m going to stay here for tonight. See you later. Then she heads off in the direction of the Ice Caves, wagging her black tail behind her.

As I walk away, I hear Zander say to Ashton, Thanks for leaving me to fight a bunch of goblins on my own.

I heard Melody needed help, Ashton tells him.

Zander scoffs at his response.

Stopping in my tracks, I face the two of them. You’re really going to argue after someone just died? What’s wrong with you?

Speechless, they stare at me.

Shaking my head, I walk off, heading for Sacred Waterfall.

Knixon trots up beside me. Need a ride up?

That would be great.

Once we each drink some water from the lake, Knixon flies me through the hole in the waterfall. After dropping me off in the Golden Meadow, he disappears back through the little pool of water.

Making it beyond the boulder, I take off in a run, trying to beat my mom home. I’m too late though. There, straight ahead, standing on the back porch, is my angry dad waiting for me.

Chapter Four

Melody

Secrets

In fear, I approach my dad.

Where have you been? he asks.

I went for a walk in the woods.

With who?

Confused, I say, Uh…me, myself, and I.

My dad’s dark eyes pop out of their sockets. Are you getting smart with me?

No, I was just answering you, Dad.

You were hanging out with Ashton again, weren’t you?

I shake my head. No, real—

Then why is he walking out of the woods you just came from? he questions, totally interrupting my lie.

Turning around, I spot Ashton. He knows he’s supposed to inspect the area first before walking out in the open. Then things like this won’t happen.

Gulping, I face my dad again, who’s staring Ashton down.

Ashton tries to walk past my dad without making direct eye contact.

Why were you with my daughter? my dad bellows.

Ashton stops dead in his tracks. He slowly faces my dad. I wasn’t. We just happened to be in the woods at the same time.

Don’t lie to me, Ashton! You’ll only make this worse on yourself!

Dad, leave him alone, I complain. He didn’t even do anything.

Get inside now! my dad roars.

But, Dad—

Now!

Looking at Ashton, I see regret on his face.

Mel, I’m so sorry, he says through my thoughts. I forgot to check when I came out of the woods. I didn’t expect your dad to be out here. Now he’s—

It’ll be okay, Ash, I tell him, even though I know it won’t be.

It’s all my fault.

It’s fine. Just get out of here.

My dad nudges me on toward the back door. Hanging my head down, I stalk inside my house. After I take one last glance at Ashton, my dad shuts the door.

My dad glares at me. Did you clean your room like I told you to?

Yes.

I’m going to check.

I follow him to my room. When we get there, my mouth drops. The place is destroyed. Everything in my closet has tumbled out and the bookcase has been knocked over.

Melody! The swarm of gnats that appear when my dad gets mad are swarming around his dark hair.

Quickly I start putting things away. Sorry. I don’t know what happened. I’ll clean it up.

As I’m picking a book up, I hear the sound of a belt buckle. Dropping everything, I bend over my bed, awaiting punishment for something I didn’t even do.

Turn around.

Huh? I ask, moving my head toward my dad.

He smacks me across the face with his belt. I slump to the floor, holding my cheek. I can’t believe he just did that.

From the darkness of my closet, I swear I can hear someone. Turning, I see no one there.

Next time clean your room when I tell you to. My dad walks out, slamming my bedroom door behind him.

Mel, are you all right? Ashton asks. Let me in.

Wiping away the few tears that managed to escape, I walk over to my window. Unlocking it, I raise the glass to let Ashton in.

Ashton grabs my chin, lifting it to examine my face. He brushes his lips across my cheek where the belt made contact at. I bury my face into his chest while he hugs me.

I’m so sorry, he apologizes. Your dad probably wouldn’t have been so mad if it wasn’t for me.

No, he would’ve done it anyway, because he’s just that way. Don’t say sorry. It isn’t your fault.

Ashton growls. Really, you should let me use my powers on him. He deserves it.

Letting Ashton go, I look up at him. Ash, he may be abusive, but he’s still human. We aren’t supposed to use our powers on humans, remember?

I know. I just don’t like what he does.

I feel the same.

He chuckles. Aren’t I usually the one telling you not to use your powers on humans?

I laugh too. Yeah.

Ashton locks his gaze on me. Taking in his beautiful forest-green eyes causes me to freeze. I get a knot in my throat. A weird sensation goes through me every time we make direct eye contact now. It makes me want to move closer to him and let him wrap his arms around me once more.

Just then, I hear my dad yell at my mom.

I’m sorry, but I have to go, I tell Ashton. You should too. Thanks for comforting me. Please, take this with you. I hand him my Celtic heart necklace.

He takes it. See you tomorrow.

After Ashton’s gone, I walk over to my closet. Flipping on the light, I find no one there. The noise must’ve been my imagination.

Making my way to the living room, I watch my dad scream at my mom one more time and then go into his bedroom.

My mom sighs in relief as my dad shuts his door. Maybe we’ll get off easy this time.

That’s what I’m hoping too, I agree.

As we believe the worst is over, we soon come to find it isn’t when my dad begins punching his bedroom door from inside his room. The door starts to come out toward us. Finally, from his fists, the door breaks away from its hinges.

My mom and I stand there in shock and fear as my dad runs at us with the now detached door. To our luck, the door catches on the ceiling fan. My angry father tries to pull it off but can’t. It spins around in a circle, until the weight of the door causes the fan to stop moving.

Leaving the door on the fan, my dad runs at my mom with a raised fist. I think he’s going to punch her, but he hits a picture frame on the wall next to her instead. It turns out to be my parents’ wedding photo. My dad’s fist sends a crack right down the middle of the glass, causing a line between my parents in the picture.

Is that what you want to happen? my dad questions in rage. Do you want to get divorced like your friend did?

No. My mom trembles.

If I were my mom right now, I’d tell him, I do! She won’t though, because she is afraid. We all are.

This is my secret.

My dad is abusive to us, his family. It has happened for as long as I can remember. Hardly anyone knows about what he does, except for my closest friends.

I’m tired of it. I’m done being scared all the time. I hate feeling this way. I hate being afraid to come home or when the next time my dad will be mad again. Anything sets him off. He’s a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

Staring at my dad’s head again, I notice the gnats have multiplied. Maybe I imagine them because he never seems to know they’re there. My mom has never said she sees them either.

What are you staring at? my dad asks me rudely. Get out of here!

Like a coward, I run into my brother Micah’s room. Hurry, let’s go into the bathroom before he comes!

Micah and I creep down the hallway, traveling into the bathroom. Quietly I shut the door and lock it behind us. We get inside the bathtub, sliding the shower curtain in front of us.

I wish I could stop my dad with my powers, but I can’t. Elementals aren’t supposed to use our powers on humans, even if we are getting beaten by them. We could accidentally kill them if we do, since we were born with the fighting skills and powers, while they weren’t. That’s why I give Ashton my necklace sometimes. So I’m never tempted to use my powers on my father.

My dad is the one person I’m scared of most. I fear him more than any evil being in the entire world, even more than the evil creature. I’d rather face twenty shadow souls right now than my dad. I don’t know why I’m so afraid of him. I should be brave, like when I’m in the Underground.

Suddenly my mom screams, and then there’s nothing but silence.

Courage comes to me. I’m done, I tell my brother. If Dad gets me, then he gets me. I have to check on Mom.

Be careful, Micah warns, concern in his brown eyes.

I will. Lock the door once I leave.

Micah nods, and I depart the bathroom. As I walk past my bedroom, I hear someone. I enter to see my mom in the corner, tears pouring out of her hazel eyes.

Running over to her, I hug her. Mom, are you all right?

She doesn’t answer my question. You need to hide.

I stand my ground. No. You need to hide.

Hearing a noise behind me, I turn to see my dad standing there. He doesn’t seem angry anymore, and I notice the gnats are fading away.

My dad reaches out a hand to my mother, but she flinches, leaving the room. He glances down at me. Go to bed now. He then shuts the door in my face.

Sitting on my bed, I glance at the time. Dang, is he serious? It’s only 2:00 p.m.! Guess I’ll be staying in my room all day.

Crawling under my blankets, I lie down to think. I wish Ashton were here. I could use someone to talk to about what I just went through.

Soon Dustin comes to my mind. I’ll always miss him. Even though I hate to admit it, I do need to get over him.

Yawning, I realize how tired I really am. Pulling my comforter over me, I then close my eyes. As I drift off into a slumber, I have a sense of myself floating in the air once more.

Opening my eyes, I find it’s now pitch-black. I hear water dripping around me. It’s like I’m sitting on air, because I feel nothing under me. I’m beginning to think I’m in the Tunnel of Darkness, until lights appear around me.

Looking down, I see nothing but water and tons of green and blue glowing eels. Realizing I’m in a boat, I find I’m in the cave behind Sacred Waterfall. I call this cave Secret Cave since Zander, and only I know about this place. Nobody else does because it’s hard to get to. I can’t even get to it alone. I would need water powers to do so.

Zander made me promise not to tell anyone about this place. I planned to tell Ashton and Dustin anyway, but so much had happened around that time, I never got to.

Suddenly my dream starts fading away. Well, I assume this is a dream, since not too long ago I’d been lying in my bed. At the same time though, it feels so real.

I begin to fly, off the boat, into the air. It’s as if someone is pulling me away. I see the whole cave from an aerial view. The eel’s bodies are flashing their green and blue lights, making the entire cave look beautiful.

Remember this, a voice says in my mind. You’ll be doing this sort of travel soon.

I wake up to a dark room. I wonder who that was in my dream. Or what he meant by I’d be doing this sort of travel soon? What travel?

My dream makes me think about how wonderful the Underground is. It would be nice to live only there and not here in this world of gloom too. I have never fit in here. I belong in the magical realm. Maybe I should just leave—or wait, I will! I’ll run away. I can live in the Underground forever and never have to come back to this misery I call life.

My clock shows it’s 10:00 p.m., which means my dad’s probably taking a nap right now before work.

Grabbing my backpack, I throw some belongings into it. I open my window to climb out of it. After closing it, I run as fast as I can to the woods.

Where are you going?

Without turning around, I answer, I’m running away, Ashton, even though it’s none of your business. I’m going to live in the Underground from now on.

Ashton scoffs at my plan. I highly doubt anybody in the Underground will let you live there permanently, especially Braxton. He’s strict.

Like I said, it’s none of your business.

Melody, you have a life here too. You can’t just leave it behind.

Ash, don’t you understand? I can’t bear to live here anymore! I face him, tears rolling down my cheeks. I don’t know what else to do. I can’t take it any longer.

Come here. He takes me into his arms.

I cry into his shirt.

What do you say we go back to my house and talk? I’m a good listener, and I am your best friend.

Okay. After I let Ashton go, I notice I have soaked his shirt. Sorry.

Ashton smiles. You can soak my shirt anytime, baby.

He makes me laugh.

Knew I could get you to laugh. But really, it’s okay, Mel.

As we walk across my front yard and down the sidewalk, I glance over at the creepy house across the street. I don’t know why I’m looking at it. I told myself a long time ago I wouldn’t. I just have this sense I should go in there and investigate. There’s something inside that needs me.

Gosh, I’m weird.

During our walk, Ashton gets me to tell him everything that happened with my dad. I don’t know how he does it. I think he’s the only person who can get me to tell him my most secretive, personal things about myself. I do tell him about Secret Cave because I accidentally tell him about my dream. When I talk to Ashton, I want to tell him everything, my whole life story.

We walk up Ashton’s driveway and into his backyard. Ashton’s mom must have some friends over, because all the lights are on in their house.

Hey, Mel? Ashton asks.

Yeah?

Why has Calder been all over your mind recently?

I shrug. A living spirit was after us today. Calder could see it. Why were you reading my mind anyway?

You keep forgetting to close it. I didn’t intentionally read it. Sometimes your thoughts come out. It’s mostly when you’re mad or upset.

Well, stop listening to my thoughts.

Sorry! No need to get defensive over Calder.

I’m not.

Mmhmm.

There was a zombie, I think, that attacked me inside my church, I say, changing the subject.

A zombie?

I nod.

You saw a real-life zombie?

Well, I didn’t actually see it. It grabbed me with its decaying hand from behind. It disappeared when Calder exploded the living spirit.

Ashton gives me a look of disbelief. How did he explode a living spirit?

Living spirits are evil, so when it touched him, it exploded from the holy water on his body. It was awesome! It was like Calder had holy powers!

Ashton rolls his eyes. You make him sound like he’s the coolest guy in the world.

No, I don’t.

Following Ashton through his backyard, I find his younger brother, Dallin, jumping on their trampoline.

Why are you still up? I question Dallin. We have school tomorrow.

Dallin jumps off, landing in front of me. His blue eyes bore into mine. Melody, you forgot? We don’t have school tomorrow. It’s some teacher curriculum day.

My face lights up. Oh yeah!

Dallin examines my backpack. What are you doing, running away?

That was the plan, until Ashton stopped me, I flash Ashton an evil glare.

Why do you want to run away? Dallin asks.

Because my life sucks like usual.

Everybody’s life sucks, Melody. You just have to live with it.

Really? You look like you’re having tons of fun over here. Your dad isn’t flipping out for dumb reasons either.

That’s because our parents aren’t together anymore, so we hardly see our dad. Hey, maybe that’s what you need! A separation!

No, a divorce, I correct him. My mom’s too scared of my dad to tell him how she feels. I know he knows anyway though.

Eventually a divorce will happen. It always does.

Maybe, but I still don’t know. They have been married for thirteen years.

It’ll happen. Dallin turns to Ashton. I see Melody hasn’t run away, because I know for a fact you’re the last person she’d run away to.

Ashton scowls at his brother. "We came here so Melody can talk to me, which means you need to go somewhere else. Once I get a blanket, we’re