AetherBlood Read online

  “But there haven’t been any AetherBorns that have answered the sword calling in quite some time.” Myriam offered, “So anything is possible.”

  “Or any that pulled the Aether Plane outward.” Liam added, “In fact, until you Rue, no one at this table even knew that the plane existed. I’m willing to bet that if there are any unknown powers out there, you’re the only one that can bring them out.”

  He flashed her a smile that was supposed to give her strength, like his pride was somehow a catalyst for her own inner peace. Instead, all she felt was more pressure. She didn’t want to be different. Being different brought attention, and she was having a hard enough time sticking to the shadows as it was. “Let’s just handle one thing at a time here. We’ll cross that bridge if we ever get to it.”

  “Sure. But how cool would that be! If you could tap into the powers of a deity? You would literally be the strongest person on the planet!”

  “Liam.” She said, shooting a sideways glance that told him he needed to stop speaking.

  His brow furrowed but he let it go. “So, do we think we can all agree to see how the rest of this case in Dalhurst unfolds but not jump to conclusions just yet?” Liam’s eyes glossed over the table, waiting for someone to interject but when the rest of the elders stayed silent, he raised himself to stand in relief. “Good! Now we can go eat!”

  Ruby watched them shuffle out of the room, starting to make her way to the door where she was sure Liam was already waiting on her when a hand grazed her shoulder. She turned around to find Cyril standing behind her, his wolf’s smile filling half of his face in a menacing certainty.

  “Do you think we can chat real quick?” He asked, gesturing back to the table.

  Her head darted between him and the door, looking for any excuse not to accept his request. To this day she had trouble trusting him entirely, even after he fought by her side in Lakeside. She was also getting quite hungry and her stomach was singing like it was auditioning for reality television. Still, Cyril was an elder and she owed him the respect that position was due. Even if she did want to deck him right in the nose every time he spoke.

  “Sure.” She said hesitantly and followed him back into the library, “Let’s talk.”

  Chapter 5

  Forgive me

  Cyril’s face was caught somewhere between a smirk and a frown and no matter how much she tried to read him; she couldn’t quite get a grip on why he needed to speak with her. Ruby wanted to trust him. Having this aching feeling in her gut every time she was near him made it difficult for her to remain neutral, and if she could just push that feeling away, the elder meetings would go much smoother. But something about him never sat right with her. People didn’t change, at least not the core of them and in his core, Cyril was the same person that blindly held control over the Fire and Earth Elementals for all those years. The same person that killed her boyfriend without any remorse. She couldn’t imagine how someone like that could be anything but a villain.

  She rested on the edge of the seat, waiting for him to say something, ready to run out of the room as soon as this conversation was over. “So, what did you want to talk about?” She finally said when there was no sign of him starting the exchange.

  “The Dalhurst murder, I wanted to speak to you about what you really thought of it.”

  Of course, she thought. The bastard couldn’t fathom that she might have actually meant every word she said before.

  “I think I made it pretty clear what I think of it.” She uttered bluntly.

  “You really don’t believe we have anything to worry about there?”

  “Why don’t you tell me why you’re worried. You seem to be pretty adamant that it wasn’t just a coincidence.”

  “I’m worried because it was a body surrounded by ash. That can’t be coincidental.”

  “It’s just ash, Cyril.”

  “Nothing is just anything anymore.”

  Ruby turned the words over in her mind, trying to make sense of them. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, the sword thefts were just thefts at first. Then they were–” He paused and looked her over, “Catastrophic.”

  That was a light way of putting it. The thefts of the sword pieces brought Demas out of hiding. A devil they never knew existed until it was too late. Someone who had been sulking around with nothing but time on his hands, plotting their demise. If she could just trust Cyril, they could have a real discussion about this. “This isn’t the same.” She said instead.

  “Are you sure about that? Sure, enough to risk lives on it?”

  “We’re not risking any lives. Don’t be melodramatic please. We’re just not jumping to conclusions. The last thing we need is mass chaos in the center right now. Especially with the AetherBorns still adjusting.”

  “How is that taking shape by the way?”

  “It’s fine.”

  “Most of them don’t leave the center. Not even to walk around the block.”

  “And?”

  “And they’re scared, Rue.”

  Her eyes turned feral and the heat of fire rose between her fingers, sparks of it burning into the marble of the table. “It’s Ruby.” She hissed from between clenched teeth. “No one calls me Rue unless they’re family.”

  “Sorry,” he cringed, quickly realizing his mistake, “I just thought since Jake and you–”

  “Jake and I have been friends since we were kids. He’s family. You are an elder, and it is best that we keep things strictly professional between us.”

  “Professional enough that you might actually forgive me for what happened before the treaty?” He asked, his eyes piercing through the armor she was trying hard to build.

  “I have forgiven you.”

  “We both know that’s not true, Ruby.” He blurted, placing an unnecessary emphasis on her name. “We can’t have a conversation without you discarding my ideas to the side like leftovers.”

  He wasn’t wrong, even Liam had asked her to soften her approach when it came to him. She wasn’t sure he’d feel the same way if she had told him what Cyril did. Although knowing Liam, he would find a way to be diplomatic about it, always trying to see the best in people. “I am not discarding anything. I’m simply saying that there is a different dynamic in the center, and I would prefer it if we didn’t make everyone panic based on our own fears.”

  “So, you admit there’s something to fear?”

  “Please don’t twist my words, Cyril.” She said, “There is always something to fear. Until we rid ourselves of Demas or live long enough without his presence, we will never be truly unafraid. And even then, who knows? But right now, that murder in Dalhurst is just a coincidence. A sad and torturous coincidence that led to a young boy’s death but nothing more than that. We can’t go jumping to conclusions every time someone on the news has a story. Demas has no reason to kill humans and we need to keep that in mind. If you were hoping otherwise, then you’re better off swapping conspiracy theories with Shay.”

  “She is quite good with those, isn’t she?”

  The tone in his voice was almost endearing and Ruby wondered if he had grown fond of her best friend. After all, Jake was still dating her, and she was sure that Cyril had met the woman his son was involved with. In fact, she wouldn’t put it past him to run a background check on her.

  “Yeah, she’s a little detective in her own right I suppose.”

  “Maybe–” Cyril started to say and froze.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. It’s probably not something you’re interested in.”

  “What is it, Cyril? If you want honesty from me, you’ll need to learn to return the favor.”

  “I was thinking maybe we could all sit down for dinner some time. The four of you and me and Rhea. It might be nice to spend some time outside of this center. I’m sure Shaylah would appreciate the gesture.”

  Was he out of his mind? There was nothing she wanted to do less than spend time with him outside of her obligation t
o the Elementals. She wanted to knock his teeth out just for suggesting it.

  “I did say you wouldn’t be interested,” He sneered, and her blood ran cold at his smile.

  “Actually,” she surprised herself with the words, “It might be fun.”

  What the hell, Ruby? She cursed in her head. What is wrong with you?

  She pushed the thought out of her mind. She knew very well what was wrong with her and the best way for her to get over this innate hatred of him was to force it. She was never great at following directions until it was shoved down her throat. Maybe in this case, if she did the shoving, her brain would actually start to see him in a different light. Besides, if she was right and Cyril really hadn’t changed one bit she would need to prove it to everyone else in the elder seats. This could be her way of finally getting rid of him for good.

  “I’ll talk to Liam and Jake and let you know. But looking forward to it!” She lied and walked to the door before he could say any more. At least she managed to get out before she burned him to a crisp. A big win before lunch time.

  Liam was crouched on the floor outside of the library, playing a game on his phone, when she emerged. His green eyes peered up at her, melting away every negative thought that flooded her body just seconds ago. “What was that about?” He asked.

  “Wait ‘till you hear this!” She exclaimed, genuinely excited to tell him about the conversation, “But let’s eat first. I’m starving!”

  “You’re always starving.” He teased.

  “Come on! Less sass and more food! I have to train this afternoon!”

  Ruby snaked her arm through his and dragged him down the hall towards the cafeteria. For the first time all morning, she wasn’t thinking about murders or Demas. All she had on her mind was a meatball sandwich and some mild flirting with her boyfriend.

  She was so entranced in her own thoughts that she didn’t even notice Jake rounding the corner in front of them.

  “Not even a hello?” He yelled out, making her dig her heels into the ground to look at him.

  “Oh my God! Hi! I’m just so hungry I can’t even see straight!” She laughed.

  “That or you’re completely brainwashed by this one,” he nodded in Liam’s direction and rolled his eyes. Liam pretended not to hear, choosing to take the high ground which made her smile with admiration. At least one of them was acting like an adult.

  “Why don’t you join us for lunch?” She asked even though she already knew the answer.

  “Sorry, can’t.”

  “Let me guess, you have somewhere you’re supposed to be.”

  “Not really. Just not hungry,” he added, his feet backing up to get away from them.

  “Next time then?”

  “Yeah, sure, whatever.” He yelled back and rushed down the hall.

  Liam grimaced, tightening his grip around her arm. “You know, one of these days I’m going to pummel that kid into the ground.”

  “Come on, he’s not that bad.”

  “Not that bad? He’s acting like a spoiled brat who got his favorite toy taken away.”

  “I’m sorry, am I the ‘toy’ in this equation?” Her eyebrows arched and she raised a threatening fist in his direction.

  “That’s not what I meant. But there really is no one else I’d rather play with.” He smirked.

  Ruby rolled her eyes and pulled him behind her. “Alright, let’s go! I am literally about to chew my own arm off over here!”

  She skipped in the direction of the cafeteria, dragging an annoyed Liam behind her. Whatever Jake’s problem was; it would have to wait for another day.

  Chapter 6

  Manifest a dragon

  Leah’s arms stretched over her head, barely moving while she ripped cracks in the concrete ceiling. A few more pulls and she would tumble half of the city block on their heads.

  She didn’t.

  Her eyes twinkled and she smiled, reaching her hands to either side instead. Her powers intensified and, still smiling, she manipulated the fast-growing vines on either side of the room. They flew at Ruby’s arms and legs, gaining speed and thickening as they reached her.

  Ruby swatted at the vine on her right but was too late, the second vine Leah pulled was faster than her. Its ragged grasp looped around her arm and pinned her in place while a third vine did the same to her mid-section. She shook and kicked, desperately trying to get free. It was useless. She was tired, thirsty and hungry. She raised her one free hand in defeat and breathed out in relief when Leah lowered her hands and the vines loosened their grip on her, scurrying back to the plants they had grown from.

  They had been training for over an hour and sweat was pooling in every crevice of Ruby’s body. She pulled off her soaked tee and tossed it on the floor before grabbing a few bottles of water for her and Leah.

  “How are you not exhausted?” she asked, studying Leah’s calm breathing. Her short, red hair was barely wet and if not for her flushed cheeks, Ruby would never be able to tell that they had battled just minutes prior. “I actually want to pass out right now.”

  “I don’t know,” Leah noted, slouching on the floor next to her, “Maybe I didn’t push that hard today.”

  “Are you kidding? You kicked my ass!”

  Leah’s humble demeanor was almost infuriating. Unlike her brother, she never bothered to gloat about the strength of her powers despite the fact that she was likely the most capable Earth Elemental in the center. No matter how many times she tried, Ruby was not able to knock her down. Each shot she threw in her direction seemed to ricochet off Leah like a speck of dust. She was intrinsically in tune with her abilities and Ruby had often wondered how much more the girl had up her sleeve that she might not be using in training. “Have you been practicing on your own or something?”

  “Not really. I guess kind of, but not like on purpose or anything.” Leah smiled, her freckled cheeks getting rounder than usual. “Remember that dog outside the pawn shop?”

  “The one that barks nonstop?”

  “Yeah. Cujo.”

  “You know that’s not his name, right?”

  “I know. But it’s fitting.” She laughed at her own terrible joke. “Anyways, the other day he was going nuts at something across the street and I think I talked to him.”

  “You what?”

  “Talked to him. Like not out loud but I thought about having a conversation with him and, well, I kind of did.”

  Ruby was shocked. The ability to communicate with animals was one of the powers Earth Elementals were known to possess but no one in the center has been able to tap into them yet. The elders themselves could only tap into the emotions of larger animals and even then, they required to pull energy from large pieces of emerald to do so. For anyone to actually communicate with another species would be miraculous.

  “How did that work exactly?” she asked, curious about the exchange. “How did you understand it?”

  “It was super weird actually. It wasn’t like we were talking, at least not in words. But I could feel his thoughts or something. I can’t really explain it. He was pretty pissed, but I asked him to calm down and he did. Crazy, right?”

  “Leah, this is huge! Did you tell Zag yet?”

  “God no! Knowing him, he’ll be out there all day and night trying to chat with a squirrel or something. You know how competitive he can be.”

  Ruby burst out laughing at the image of Zag chasing squirrels in the park. “Was he always like that?”

  “Not really. If you can believe it, he used to be a pretty relaxed dude. At least when we were younger. He still is I guess but when it comes to powers, it’s like he has to be the best or something.” She took a gulp of water, letting some of it escape from her mouth and down her chin. “After our parents were in that car accident, he kind of had to step up. With me, I mean. The resistance didn’t help either. It’s like he wanted to prove himself to everyone.”

  “That must have been really tough. I can’t imagine growing up with it being just you
two.” Ruby’s heart broke a little thinking of her two friends being alone in the world. It was people like them that made the center such an important place, a place where everyone could find family even if it wasn’t by blood.

  “That’s the whole thing though, it wasn’t just us two. We had so many people around us that took us in. Hell, Myriam and Harvey basically raised me. But for him, it was like when they died, he thought he needed to be mom and dad. Always taking care of me.” She rolled her eyes, “Even when I didn’t need him. Which is like a lot of the time.”

  “I’m sure he means well.”

  “He does. Just like, get a grip, dude. You know?” She giggled, “I’m not a kid anymore. Haven’t been in a while.”

  “I get it. Liam is kind of like that with me. It’s annoying.”

  “Well, at least you can kick his ass if he gets to be too much. Zag would pout for days if I gave him a beat down.”

  “You know; at some point you’ll have to show him how much your powers have grown. It might make him relax a little, knowing you can take care of yourself.”

  “Yeah, I know. I will. Just not yet.”

  “You gonna wait until you can manifest a dragon or something?” Ruby laughed.

  Leah’s small hand formed a fist and she pummeled her shoulder with a few hard knocks. “If I do, I’m sending it straight for you, smartass!”

  Her breathing was almost back to normal and she was feeling the strength return to her body. Ever since she came back from the Aether Plane, Ruby had been able to recharge her energy much quicker no matter how many hours she spent training. She was about to get back to her attempts at out-maneuvering Leah when the door creaked halfway open and a pile of red, knotted hair peeked through.

  “You guys decent?” Zag’s voice boomed on the other side.

  “No. We’re just about to have a pillow fight. Idiot.” Leah hissed, waving her brother in. “What the heck do you think we do here?”

  “I don’t know, girl. Whatever it is, it has to wait. I got something that Ruby needs to hear.”