Vampire Magics 4a6e3r

Vampire Magics

Seven Magics Academy Book Ten

RaShelle Workman

Polished Pen Press, llc

Copyright © 2020 Vampire Magics, Seven Magics Academy Book Ten by RaShelle Workman

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Edited by: Jen Hendricks & Debbie Davis

Cover by: Dark Imaginarium

For Jen. Thanks for sticking it out with me all these years, for editing my work into something wonderful, and for the long chats and pep talks. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul. You’re the best!

Contents

An Aladdin Reimagining

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Also by RaShelle Workman

About the Author

An Aladdin Reimagining

One Wish Changed Her Whole Life!

Vampire Lies Vampire Secrets Vampires & Gargoyles Vampires & Dragons Vampire Magics

Three wishes. A world in peril. And one chance to save the man I love. A few months ago, I made three wishes and brought dire consequences to all realms. Understandably, I’m nervous ing the elven crown and my own original vampire magic for fear I’ll make matters worse. Determined to help me see the truth, Professor Pops sends me to the dragon realm called the Hollow. Filled with ferocious dragons, the Hollow is the perfect practice arena. A place I can hone the power of the crown as well as my own. But the threat of death is around every corner. On the run for my life, with each battle I gain control, but will it be enough to save my parents, Troy, and finally destroy Sharra?

Chapter 1

18 Days Until Total Darkness

Sometimes the biggest villains we fight are the ones we create within ourselves. Not saying that was always true. Sharra was the big bad for sure but I was suffering from a serious lack of confidence. Maybe it was because of all I’d done. Making a wish to take away my wings as well as other things. There were consequences for my choices. Big ones. Including the darkness swallowing realms and the akuma. Could I defeat Sharra and save everyone? The question was on a continuous loop in my mind. It had been weeks since I met Laeddin and made my first wish. Days since Laeddin left and I fell in love with a half dragon. Troy. It seemed like a lifetime ago since he proposed and I accepted. Part of me didn’t believe that moment was real, but a figment of my imagination. Only a few hours ago, I left Pops and Joanna in the fifteenth century. There I got to know Joanna and my grandfather a little more. There I also drained the vampire Arthur before Christopher took him and imprisoned him in the Athwana Meyana—the supernatural prison in the realm of Sharra. It was a lot and I still had so much to do. I forced my thoughts back to the present as my former nursemaid Ciana and I used our vampire speed to rush from my family’s castle in the realm of Sharra to the base of Athwana Meyana. Arthur was no longer inside the prison. Sharra had wakened him after she took my wings. The grand mountainous tomb stood majestically in the distance. Covered in trees, shrubs, and plants in every shade of green, Athwana Meyana gave off a

deceptively welcoming vibe. The closer I got, the more tangled the greenery until Ciana slid to a stop at an unassuming wooden door nestled in the mountain’s base. I thought again of Arthur, out in the world, ready and eager to do something horrible, if he wasn’t already. As Ciana faced me, I debated what to do with her. Obviously, she was helping me find the final piece of the elven crown because Sharra told her to. But once I found it, what then? “The last fragment is inside. Good luck, young one,” Ciana said and moved to run away. “You’re just going to leave?” I was irritated with the vampire, but grateful too. She didn’t intend to try to force me to go to Sharra. I guess she figured she didn’t have to. I would go to the original vampire when I had the entire crown because she had my parents and Troy. Still, now that I knew what Ciana had done, her treachery, pain lanced my heart. Ciana had been my nanny for years, and was practically family. “I can’t believe you betrayed me for her,” I added in a whisper. Sharra had been around for thousands of years. If anything, her evil had grown over time. The original vampire was awful and deserved to be extinguished. For good. It made no sense to me that anyone chose to follow her, especially not Ciana. When I was young, she had been kind and fun and such a good caregiver. “I loved you, Jasmine,” Ciana said quietly. “You were like my own child, but I made my choice a long time ago and can’t go back on it.” Her shoulders slumped before she ran off with a whoosh. Wind brushed against the wispy hairs clinging to my face and I sighed, rolling back my shoulders. It hurt watching her go, but I couldn’t focus on that. There was work to do. Determined, I stepped to the door. The gems embedded in my forehead warmed, causing some pain. At least Ciana told the truth about the location. With little effort, I pushed aside the vines covering the door and turned the handle. Before I was able to pull it open, a rustling sounded from the direction where Ciana had gone. Hope filled my chest. Had Ciana changed her mind?

It wasn’t my nanny, but an enormous female troll. Her nose flared and she lumbered toward me like a charging bull. She was infected by the akuma pestilence. Her eyes were empty. She bared her teeth, sending spittle out of her mouth. I dodged at the last moment, using my speed. Stopped and whipped around. I didn’t want to kill her, but I would knock her out. No more death, I thought darkly. But before my thought had time to filter, a blade sliced through the troll’s neck, severing her head from her body. She teetered for a moment then dropped to her knees, her head rolling down her chest before hitting the ground and progressing forward. Shocked, I covered my mouth and looked up to see who had slain the troll. The culprit was dressed in a brown tunic and tros. Her flaming red hair blew out around her like a raging fire while vivid blue eyes sparkled against her freckled face. “Joanna?” I said her name, but thought I must be imagining things. “Is that you?” I clutched at my chest. “Bonjour, Jasmine. It’s been a long time.” She gave a small curtsy as she wiped the troll’s icky blood off her sword and onto one pantleg before sheathing the blade. I was in shock, to say the least. I knew how history recorded Joan of Arc’s death. Burned to death by fire. Not once, but three times, just to make sure she was dead-dead. “I thought you were…” I didn’t finish but continued to stare. “How can this be?” I finally tried again, the need to retrieve the final section of crown momentarily forgotten. She came around the fallen troll and pulled me into a hug. “As I’m sure you read, the Cardinal of Winchester ordered me to be burned at the stake.” She squeezed me tightly. “But as you know, I was a revenant and could not easily die.” She pushed me away, kissing each of my cheeks before hugging me again. “After I lived through the fires not once but twice, I escaped. To save face, the Cardinal burned a wild cat and revealed the ash to his people, telling them it was me.” She released me and shook her head as long ago memories surfaced before

she steeled her face. “But that is no matter.” She smiled. “It is so good to see you again. Five hundred years is too long to go without talking to you.” Her smile grew. My mouth opened and closed as I tried to think of what to say. For me, it didn’t feel like five centuries. I’d only just left her. “I— But Pops, I mean Adam Henry, does he know you’re still alive?” Joanna was the love of his life. To my knowledge, he’d never loved anyone since. Her features dimmed. “Non, it was better that he believe me dead.” I wanted to ask, “better for whom”, but simply nodded. “Why reveal yourself now?” I hoped that didn’t sound rude, but I was curious. She had to know I would tell Pops when I got the chance. Joanna clucked her tongue and glanced back toward the trees. “I am here to help you, Jasmine. This darkness is affecting everyone. Once we knew…” she paused, as though debating how to finish. Something was different about Joanna. I wasn’t sure what, but I felt the need to be on my guard around her. Joanna indicated the door at the base of the mountain. “The final piece of the elven crown is inside, I gather?” Her gaze traveled up the wall as far as one could see before she returned her focus to me. I didn’t ask how she knew about the crown. Having been around more than half a millennium, she probably knew a lot. “That’s right. I must find it and then find Sharra and hopefully restore light to the world.” Just another crazy day, I thought darkly. Joanna clasped my hand between both of hers and her face softened. “This is your destiny, Jasmine. From the moment I met you, I knew our paths were intertwined and that we would meet again one day. Much has changed since our last encounter.” A shadow crossed her features before it vanished and she placed a fisted hand over her heart. “I am here to assist you in any way.” I was glad to see her, but I didn’t know what help she could be. “It might be dangerous,” was all I said. Last I knew, Joanna was a revenant because she refused to drink from her true love. Unless… I studied her more intently and

drew in a breath. Her scent revealed the truth. She’d become a full-fledged vampire. “Joanna?” What had she done? The person I’d watched defy Sharra to her face was no more, replaced by the woman in front of me. Somehow I knew she was a vampire, but she was also more than that. What, I didn’t know, but she was filled with something like light. She waved her hand, dismissive, and glanced over her shoulder. Obviously, she knew that I knew what she was, but she didn’t want to discuss it. “I’ve waited for this moment for hundreds of years. If I die, then I die. I’m ready. But not until you have succeeded in defeating Sharra. Understand?” While she spoke, others dropped from trees and came out from behind enormous boulders until there were a dozen people spread out behind her, all of them carrying multiple weapons. None of them looked friendly. They were the reason Joanna was being vague. Immediately on high alert, I bared my fangs. “It’s okay, Jasmine,” she said. “These are my warriors. We call ourselves the League of Huntsmen.” I’d heard that name once before and recently. In the dream with Laeddin where the Unknowns spoke about me. The Unknowns made it seem like the League of Huntsmen would work against me. And if the League was real, then it stood to reason the Unknowns really were holding Laeddin captive. I swallowed down my anxieties. “Hello,” I said, my voice hoarse, and clenched my hands into fists. The Unknowns loved to lie and to play tricks. Creatures of Earth, specifically supernatural creatures, were just playthings to the strange beings. Regardless, I would be on my guard with these warriors. “You needn’t fear them,” Joanna added. “They are here to help, same as me, and I trust them with my life.” She grasped the forearm of the lead warrior then turned. “This is Elkin. He is my second.” Elkin put out his arm and I grabbed hold the way Joanna had done. “Good to meet you,” I said. His scent revealed he wasn’t a vampire, but a… chayot. How odd that he would team up with a vampire. Chayot were created solely to defend humans. That meant they mostly dwelled in the human realm. Except for one, the chayot I met didn’t like other supernaturals, especially vampires. A quick glance at the other warriors verified they were a mix of vampires and chayot.

Such an unlikely combination. “And you,” Elkin replied, glancing at Joanna. “Joan has told us stories of your visit to and your friendship with the great dragon, Abernathy.” “That was quite the experience.” I thought of Joanna watching as I drained Arthur and cleared my throat. “Thank you for coming, but this next part I must do alone.” My gaze flicked to each of them, curious about whether I could escape so many if they weren’t on my side. The answer was no. Still, I forced down my worries and went over to the door, yanking it open with all my strength. “Do not follow,” I said, hoping I sounded confident enough. Joanna put a hand on my shoulder. “Whatever your apprehension toward us, you needn’t fear. We will remain outside until you return. Our task is to guard the door until you finish.” “I appreciate that,” I said, lifting my chin and going inside.

Chapter 2

The door clicked shut behind me and I sighed. Hot air filtered along my skin and brought with it the stench of decay. The gems on my forehead burned hotter, giving the room an eerie glow. All around me were thousands of honeycomb shaped coffins, home to supernatural prisoners required to serve out their eternal existence within. I walked across the room, my boots striking the dirt floor with a rhythmic dull thud. Once I reached the other side, I noticed my head hurt less. For the next several minutes, I played a not very fun game of Hot and Cold, except my version was more like Pain and Less Pain. If the final piece of the crown was buried with one of the undead, it could take me months or years to find it. An overwhelming sense of foreboding filled my chest as I thought about Sharra and Arthur and… “Arthur.” I searched the cavern for his crypt. “Is it possible?” My voice echoed around the room, but I didn’t pay it any attention. Was that another reason Abernathy sent me back in time? Not only to meet Arthur, but also as a clue as to where I would find the final fragment of the crown. Inside Arthur’s crypt? It was as good a place to start as any. Closing my eyes, I thought back to all those days ago when Sharra took my wings. I’d flown with her inside this very mountain. She opened Arthur’s coffin, and— My eyes flashed open. I knew where to go and started to climb. Arthur’s resting place was way up. As I traversed over the cells, I thought about the time I’d spent in the vampire’s presence. He had no qualms about killing. Humans were food, like ants to the anteater. According to the lore Laeddin shared about the elven crown, the pieces were buried a thousand years ago. Had someone moved the piece to Arthur’s coffin? If so, I could guess who.

Dirt and grime covered my hands and got onto my shirt and pants as I climbed, but I kept going. The farther up I went, the harsher the gems on my forehead burned until my eyes started to water. When a sharp pain stabbed between my eyes, I knew I had arrived. Rolling my shoulders, I opened the cell. The metal bars screeched with a cacophony that could wake the dead. I hoped not literally. The vampire’s coffin was already open. Gingerly I lifted the folds of black fabric that lined the inside, searching for the crown with my hands. When I didn’t find it right away, I ripped away the cloth and s, but still it wasn’t there. Which meant it must be under the coffin. Frustrated by the pain burning between my eyes, I growled and shoved the coffin out of the cell, sending it sailing down to the damp earth where it splintered into thousands of wooden pieces. Wiping my hair off my face, I squatted and took a deep breath. The hexagonal cell smelled of ancient soil and strong magic. As my fingers grappled with the ground, the magic stung me and I flinched. Each time I clawed away the dirt, it would move, but only for a second before resettling in its original place, like I hadn’t dug into it at all. After several tries, anger creeped along my back. The magic from the soil seemed to be leeching my strength and a cold chill moved up my hand to my wrist and into my arm. Tears blurred my eyes. I screamed with fear as black dots filtered along my vision. Dizziness overwhelmed me and I fell back, landing on my butt while my head smacked against one of the prison walls. Was this how the final assassin would fight to stop me? It made sense that the last assassin would be the strongest. If I got the final piece, the power of the crown would be mine. The assassins were created specifically to stop that from happening. Or was this the magic of the cave fighting against me? Possibly both. Nauseous, I rolled onto my knees and wretched. Nothing came up. The dizziness grew so strong, I felt my body roll until I was on my back, staring up at the ceiling as it spun. That just made me sicker and I closed my eyes.

“Jasmine,” a voice called, but it sounded so far away. I worked to sit, to search for the voice, but couldn’t manage the position. Peeling my eyes open, I recognized the voice. She sounded like Silindra. “Where are you?” At one point, I’d gone back in time and spent seven days with her, just as my mom had. When that experience was over, I had believed Silindra was gone, but perhaps I was mistaken. “I didn’t leave your mind, Jasmine, just quieted myself,” Silindra whispered. “See, once I was allowed inside your mind, I kept part of myself with you and part with your mother.” She paused and I let that sink in. “Now relax and allow your subconscious to find me. As we’re original vampires, we’re connected.” She’d said that before. “Okay.” I unclenched my hands, letting them fall to my sides as I worked to calm my nerves and reach out for her. “That’s it,” she encouraged. Resolute, I urged the tension from my shoulders, arms, and thighs. My spirit separated from my body. And like the lock on a treasure box, I heard a click. Opening my eyes, I saw I was no longer in Arthur’s cell, but in a garden. One I recognized. It was one of my favorite spots, especially when the flowers bloomed, filling the air with the sweet scent of vanilla and honeysuckle. I glanced around, knowing I was behind our family castle in Sharra. Silindra stepped into view, walking slowly, a lovely smile on her bewitching face. Her teal blue hair was loose and long, and her wings—her glorious teal wings extended behind her. “I hope it’s alright we meet here. Once upon a time, long ago, this was my favorite garden in all of Sharra.” “Mine, too,” I said, and swallowed as an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia rushed through me. My parents had brought me out here when I was a child. I missed them terribly. Around Silindra’s neck hung a pendant. It dazzled red and pulsed as though in possession of its own heartbeat. She noticed my eyes on it and grabbed it in one hand, yanking it from her neck and holding it out to me. “This is the final piece of the crown. The gem contains

all of the seven magics. It is the same pendant used by your mother to destroy Sharra eighteen years ago. Obviously, Sharra didn’t die, but that’s because your mother isn’t an original.” She pressed the gem into my hand. “Combine this piece with the other pieces of the crown and it will work for you, dearest Jasmine.” Even in my spirit form, I felt the power of the gem pulse against my palm. The magic traveled the length of my arm, into my shoulder, up my neck and face where it stopped on my forehead. I couldn’t see it but I knew it was next to the others, a portion of it buried into my skin. “You’re the final assassin?” I asked, confused. “Not necessarily, no. When the elves created the assassins, they were something different. Entities filled with magic that would demand those who touched the crown piece fight them.” “And you fought the final assassin already?” The words left my mouth, but something began happening with the gems. My forehead started to blister, the pain excruciating. Grabbing hold of my head, I bent over, breathing heavily. Arms came around my shoulders. “Jasmine?” Silindra spoke my name and I sensed her worry. I tried to respond, to stand, but found myself on my knees. It was impossible to keep my eyes open. Dizziness and nausea made it impossible to see or hear, as though I’d been tossed into a vortex of pure pain. “Get away from her,” Silindra said, her voice steely. I didn’t know who she was speaking to, but I felt Silindra’s arms tense around me. “You cannot be here. She already has the final crown piece. It’s over, assassin.” Silindra’s spirit moved to block the assassin from reaching me. “I must complete my duty, Original,” the assassin said. With strength I didn’t know I possessed, I pressed my hands against my head and forced myself to stand. The assassin’s dark form was menacing, both swords drawn and at the ready.

“I can do this,” I said to Silindra through clenched teeth. My fangs were out and I felt them bite into my skin. “I must.” As I stepped from Silindra’s grasp, twin blades formed in my hands. They shimmered as red lightning flicked along the edges. Rolling back my shoulders, I widened my stance, preparing for the assassin’s attack. He came at me. I darted out of the way but couldn’t focus. The pain in my forehead and the lightning around my sword had me seeing reds and blues and yellows until all the colors of the gems sparked around my weapons and surged through my veins. Or maybe it was the other way around. “You cannot defeat me, assassin,” I said, my voice not sounding like my own. “Of course not, but I must obey and die.” He leaped into the air, both sword tips aimed at me. As he came down, I blocked his swords with my own, sending sparks and the smell of melting metal into the air. His sword shattered into thousands of pieces, like glass from a broken windshield. The assassin looked at his hands, then looked at me and fell to his knees. “Finish it, Jasmine.” He lifted his chin, exposing his neck. I didn’t hesitate, but crossed my swords and pulled, severing his head. There was a gasp from behind me. Silindra was still there, clearly surprised by what I had done. I faced her as the gems on my head settled slightly. In my mind’s eye, I watched a crown begin to form and take shape. When it was finished, I touched it. Silindra smiled, her shock giving way to happiness. “Now you can go to my sister and save the world.” Her form swirled into nothingness and dark spots formed in my vision once more. I was no longer in the garden in Sharra, but also nowhere else either. Inky darkness was all around me. I searched for a light—for something to tell me where I was and where I needed to go, but there was nothing to see. “She did it,” a female voice said from somewhere in the distance. Which direction was impossible to tell. Without knowing how, I knew the female voice was one of the Unknowns. “With help,” the male added. “Silindra is becoming quite the nuisance.”

I thought about responding to the two of them, but I knew doing so was a waste of my time. My opinion wouldn’t matter to them. I was their toy and nothing more. “There is still much Jasmine has to do and I’m still betting on Sharra. After what Jasmine’s mother did, the former vampire queen’s desire for revenge burns more brightly than this one’s need to defeat her,” the female said. “Jasmine has the elven crown. She has her memories back. With those two things, there is nothing that can stop her, not even Sharra, and you know it,” the male said, his voice only slightly harsh. “I know that and you know that, but Jasmine doesn’t. She still believes herself a child. In her heart of hearts, she’s still the victim, not the champion the world needs.” The female giggled. It surprised me the Unknowns weren’t aware I could hear them. Maybe they couldn’t see me, either. I glanced down at my hands. There was nothing. I was nothing. A wave of relief washed over me. If I became nothing then those I loved would be safe. But no. I thought of my mom and dad and Troy. They needed me. If I didn’t save them, no one would. “Once Jasmine loses and she dies, we can give magic its rebirth and this time do it right. As of now, there is too much out of our control and that needs to end,” the male said. “Yes, my darling. Jasmine is the key. The only thing holding all magics together. She must lose.” She let out a slow growl. “That Snow White and her mate created Jasmine in the first place still burns me up,” she added and I heard the bite in her words. “Agreed. We must make certain Jasmine does not gain the confidence she needs to use the magic she possesses. She must die and when she does, so will all magic. Right now, there is too much out of our control and that needs to end,” the male said. I didn’t want to die. I wanted to live and to love and to make the world a better place. Somehow, I wanted to make a difference for good. A memory or a vision

of a time I didn’t filled my mind. My parents were surrounded by shadows that were whispering to my dad. My dad had a look of horror on his face and he took hold of my mom’s hand. “The shadows say if Jasmine dies, then so will all magic. We have to protect her at all costs.” My mom leaned against his chest and said, “We will keep her safe.” In that moment I understood exactly why my parents had asked Cindy to hide away my power when I was young. I’d been too flamboyant with my magic and too confident in my use of it. Their worry for me led them to lock away most of my magic and all of my memories of using it. They did it to protect me. And even though their plan didn’t work, I felt their love and understood their reasons. Despite what the Unknowns said, I would somehow stop Sharra and I would live.

Chapter 3

“Leave her alone!” Laeddin’s voice pierced through my soul. My heart pricked with pain. My genie was the Unknowns’ prisoner. I almost spoke his name, but I covered my mouth—or tried to. The Unknowns didn’t know I could hear them. I was at an advantage because I knew their plan. They wanted me dead so they could start over. I wouldn’t let that happen. Somehow I would get back to my body. I would save Laeddin and everyone else. As Joanna said, it was my destiny and had been since the day I was created. “The genie wants to fight back,” the male said, interrupting my thoughts. “How amusing.” “I know what to do about him—about all of them,” the female said. Laeddin, I cried out in my mind, desperate. “Can the girl hear us?” the male asked, surprise in his voice. “That isn’t possible,” the female responded. But it was. I wanted to rub that in their faces. But all at once, there was a whoosh and I was immediately back in my body. Hands rested on my shoulders and my head lay on something soft. “Jasmine,” Silindra said again. “You are fine, young one.” I opened my eyes to see her glorious face staring down at me. “Silindra?” I croaked. “That’s right.” “But how?” That was impossible. Her body had been destroyed a thousand years ago. Silindra shook her head. “I do not know. Nor am I sure how long I will remain

and there is something I must tell you.” I tried to sit up. “Tell me,” I said to Silindra, growling away the lingering pain in my forehead. “You’re angry with me?” She looked surprised, her eyes blinking several times. “You knew about the crown. You knew what I needed to do all along yet you didn’t say anything. Instead you treated me like a child. It’s frustrating.” I stood, cracking my neck. Silindra smiled and patted my hand. “Don’t be angry. Your mother had a vision about the elven crown more than a year ago and knew you would need to collect the first four pieces before I could give you this one. She knew about the crown, too, but understood you would need to do most of the work finding it on your own in order to learn for yourself how to use it. There is an order to things. Your mom and I knew that and now you do as well.” She got to her knees, staring at me innocently. “I suppose,” I said and blew out my breath. My legs were shaky and I leaned against the opposite wall. Silindra stood as well, her vivid teal wings fluttering lightly. I gritted my teeth, working to find my center. “So now what?” “Now you must listen.” She took my arm and together we went to the edge of the prison cell. We jumped down and landed with hardly more than a thud. Then she released me. My nerves jittered. What more did she have to tell me? “Do you the story of the time my sister and I went in search of the wish dragon?” She clasped her hands together as her wings beat lightly behind her. “Of course.” My mom told me that story many times when I was little. But now I was distracted by the way Silindra looked. “Wait, why do you look human? What happened to the body you were so proud of?” One thing my mom always emphasized when she spoke of Silindra was that the original vampire loved her

furry, almost ape-like body. I’d seen the pictures, too, in the book from Pops’ Museum of the Supernatural. Silindra’s features became sad. “Alas, that body is no more. When I was slain all those years ago, that form was stamped out and will never return. Since I’ve been in your mother’s mind all these years, I’m guessing all I can imagine is a form like hers—like yours.” She glanced down at herself. “It isn’t all that bad, especially since I still have my wings.” She glanced back at them, stroking one side, the same way I used to when I had my wings. Tears pricked against my lashes, but I shook them away. It was no use crying over something I couldn’t change. My wings were gone. End of story. “That makes sense.” “But this form is better than nothing.” She wiggled her toes. “Don’t tell Sharra, but I actually don’t mind it at all.” She paused and ran her hands along her bare arms. “Though sometimes I do get cold.” She shook her head. “Anyway, about the wish dragon. He is still alive and continues to dwell deep in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea.” “Okay,” I said, confused about why she was telling me this. “You must go to him and demand a wish,” Silindra said, glancing down at her hands. My stomach lurched. The past had proved I wasn’t good at making wishes. “I don’t know, Silindra.” The power of the crown coursed through me, sensitive like a new skin. Even my insides felt different but despite that power, I felt raw and untamed. Certainly in no shape to find a water dragon and make a wish. “Making wishes is what got us into this mess in the first place,” I reminded her. She clucked her tongue. “Not so. Sharra would’ve returned with or without your wishes and she would’ve brought the akuma, too.” She waved her free hand as she spoke. “But that is neither here nor there. When you find the dragon, you must wish Laeddin free from the Unknowns. They are being most unkind to him and he needs your help. Surely, after all he’s done for you, you are willing to help him.” I had tried to help him more than once and he wasn’t happy with me. Beyond that, the Unknowns had him. They were the creators of all supernatural beings

and even more powerful than Abernathy. Surely they didn’t have to answer to my wish. “Did you know they took Laeddin’s magic as well?” A cloud ed over her face. “I didn’t know that. When you make your wish, make sure to include that he will have all of his powers back as well.” I nodded though I was still doubtful. “The Unknowns are all powerful. They don’t have to answer to a dragon, do they?” Her eyes twinkled with glee. “They most certainly do. See, the Unknowns created all supernatural creatures.” She paused and I waited. “Except dragons. They came into exitance the same time as the Unknowns.” I didn’t know that. From what I learned at the Seven Magics Academy, the dragons were part of the seven magics and the Unknowns created all original creatures whose power extended from the magics, including dragons. “But I thought the Unknowns created the seven magics?” “They did, that is true, but they didn’t create dragons themselves. Their magic comes from their souls.” She crossed her arms, proud that she still had secrets to reveal. I thought about what she said. That meant the dragons had been around for a very long time. “I see,” I finally said, though I really didn’t. Silindra went on, “That is why Abernathy doesn’t meddle. And that is why Netherby, Abernathy’s water brother, keeps himself under the sea.” She shook her head as sadness caused her bottom lip to tremble. “So if I wish Laeddin free, why won’t the Unknowns just imprison him again?” Silindra smiled. “Because the magic that returned his powers won’t be from them. It’ll be from the dragon and dragon magic is out of their control.” She clucked her tongue again, her happiness returning. “They can manipulate. They can still interfere, but they will never be able to take Laeddin’s powers away ever again.” She grabbed hold of her long teal colored hair and brought it to one side, twisting it nervously. “I know Laeddin was hesitant to intrude in the past, same as the dragons, but if you free him, he will help. I just know it.” I wanted to believe her, but I had my doubts. An image of Troy and me and the

future Laeddin showed me filtered into my mind. My heart lurched with hope. I wanted that future more than anything. I wanted to marry the man of my dreams. I wanted to have children of my own, and I wanted to defeat Sharra so she couldn’t hurt anyone I loved ever again. I nodded. “Okay, I’ll do it,” I said, rolling my shoulders back. “And then I will go after Sharra.” “Good.” She smiled, and it took my breath away. Her body began to shimmer. “I’ll still be in your mind as well as Snow’s,” she said. “But now I must go and recuperate for a time.” “Netherby,” I said, thinking she’d forgotten. As soon as I said his name, I was no longer in the mountain, but at the mouth of a cave, deep in the ocean.

Chapter 4

As a vampire, I didn’t need to breathe, but the pressure caused my ears to pop. It was uncomfortable. The red pendant I used to travel from place to place was still around my neck. It bobbed up and tapped me on the mouth. I tucked it into my shirt collar where it stayed for a moment before smacking me in the mouth again. Some of my hair came loose from my braid and swirled around my head like black tentacles. I tried to push them away but to no avail. Using my feet, I kicked forward, heading inside the mouth of the cave. A school of fish, their skeletons and sharp teeth glowing beneath their iridescent skin, zoomed toward at me so quickly, I thought they would smack into my face. Before the inevitable happened, they darted around and disappeared into the eerie water. Usually when a group of fish swam away, it was because something bigger was after them. With that thought in mind, I peered carefully around. Blue light gave the inside of the cave a peculiar glow. The ground was covered in white sand interspersed with thousands of colorful gems and gold coins. I guess it was true what Kenmei said about all dragons: they loved their treasure. Without much confidence, I swam deeper into the cave. The gems sparked to life as I went, lighting my way. Farther and farther I swam until the cave opened into a much bigger cavern. Off to the right and taking up most of one side was a white dragon. Instead of clawed feet, he had fins, and a long tail like flower petals. The ground rumbled and two blue eyes the color of midnight opened at once and fixed on me. “I suppose you’re here for a wish, little vampire.” He shook his stark white mane, making it dance in the water while his fins and tail hovered—he looked like a blossom floating on water as he swam over.

“That’s right,” I itted in awe. He was a stunning creature. More striking even than Abernathy. “Very well. What is it?” His large head was so close, my eyes began to cross and I had to swim back to be able to see him clearly. I thought about what Silindra said and what Laeddin told me about wishes. There were always consequences. Would he be grateful to be free? Twin sets of bubbles escaped the dragon’s nostrils. Inside them was smoke. I didn’t think a water dragon could breathe fire, but maybe I was wrong. As they floated up, I saw that pictures formed inside each bubble. The foremost held two female vampires and I knew at once they were Silindra and Sharra when they were younger. The next bubble held creatures I didn’t know. More bubbles left his nose, and those also filled with smoky pictures of things and places I didn’t recognize. “Vampire?” he said again, licking his lips over his very large mouth. “Make your wish so that I may get back to sleep.” I swallowed back a sudden burst of irritation. As with Abernathy, this dragon could make things right with the world, but he chose not to. Grinding back a retort, I made my wish. “I wish for Laeddin to be freed from his captors and his genie magic returned,” I said quickly, clasping my hands together nervously. Netherby blew more bubbles and pushed away from me, swimming over to his corner. “That is your wish?” “Is that too much?” I sank to the ground, my boots brushing against the sand and the gems on the cavern floor. “Not too much, but too little.” I was confused. “What do you mean?” Had I not said the wish right? If that was the case, I wasn’t surprised. My wish making skills sucked. “I’m just surprised you didn’t wish Sharra destroyed instead of wishing to save Laeddin, especially since there are billions of lives who will suffer because you didn’t think bigger.”

I was taken aback. He was right. Why hadn’t I thought bigger? Silindra told me what to wish for and I didn’t even question her. Surely she had considered the rest of the world. “Can I change my wish?” I asked softly, already knowing the answer. It was too late. I’d made my wish and there was no takebacks. “I’m afraid not.” He curled up into a ball in the far corner of the cave. “Your wish is my command,” he said languidly and closed his eyes. I floated there a few moments before it occurred to me he was done talking. “But where is Laeddin?” I asked, only just realizing I wasn’t speaking with my mouth but in my mind. “He is in Salem, Massachusetts, in your mother’s old house, awaiting your arrival, dearest vampire.” One eye blinked open and for the briefest moment he reminded me of Abernathy. “You have the power to travel from here to Salem within you, but I sense you aren’t confident enough to use it yet.” He sighed. “Use the necklace Silindra gave you and go. Otherwise, I might decide an original vampire without wings would make a delicious snack.” My mouth fell open and water filled it. I closed it and quickly kicked my way out of the grand cavern and back into the smaller cave before exiting. Believing myself far enough away, I grabbed hold of the pendant and thought about the little house in Salem, picturing my room and the window with curtains dancing in the breeze, Gatsby jumping onto the ledge and curling up on my pillow. Moments later, my ears popped and I was back in my room, dripping seawater on the wooden floor. Dashing from the room, I call out for Laeddin. “Jasmine?” He exited the master bedroom, astonishment on his face. “How did I get here?” I rushed forward to hug him, but Laeddin put out his arms to stop me. “You’re wet and…” He took a small breath, wrinkling his nose. “You smell like the sea.” I glanced down at myself and took in my soaked clothes and my boots. “You’re right,” I said. “You wished me free, didn’t you?” he asked. This time there wasn’t

disappointment on his face though but relief and even happiness. “Yes,” I itted quietly, hoping I did a good thing. He took my hands in his. “Thank you, Jasmine. With all of my heart, I thank you. Serving the Unknowns…” He paused again and shuddered. “I’m sorry I was such a terrible genie the first time, not to mention a horrible friend. This time, I promise you I will serve you to the best of my abilities.” That didn’t make sense. He wasn’t supposed to be my servant, only have his powers back. “What do you mean?” I asked, confused. Then I saw the tattoos around his wrists. After all we’d been through together, after using my final wish to free him, we’d come full circle. We were back where we started. “I’m so sorry.” I failed in the wish department once again. “When I made the wish, it was that you would have your powers back and be free of the Unknowns. I didn’t realize Netherby would do this.” I hung my head, feeling terrible. Had Silindra known this would happen? “Not to worry. I am as I was meant to be.” He gave me a gentle smile. “Better serving you than serving the Unknowns.” “Then I have three wishes?” Perhaps Silindra did have the right idea. With Netherby I had one wish. With Laeddin I had three. I could wish Sharra imprisoned or defeated or something where she no longer had power to hurt the world and everyone in it. Laeddin tilted his head as though thinking. “I actually don’t know. You may have three or thirty-three hundred.” He closed his eyes a moment. “I might be your servant for eternity. The connection is strong.” He peered at me. “Can’t you feel it?”

Chapter 5

I closed my eyes, trying to sense the bond, but detecting nothing. “No,” I itted. Christopher had believed we were meant to be together. Now Laeddin might be tied to me forever. Where did that leave Troy and me? Suddenly, being free of Laeddin was the only thing that mattered and I blurted out the words, “I wish you free. You are no longer required to serve me, genie of the lamp.” I was proud of the way I worded my wish. But as soon as the words left my mouth, I realized my selfishness. I didn’t want him to be my servant, but I needed him to help me defeat Sharra. His eyes grew big. He knew my mistake too. “Why?” he asked. Nothing could be done as the black tribal tattoos around his wrists shimmered a moment before returning to normal. Laeddin’s shoulders slouched and he stared at his wrists. “Your wish didn’t work.” He was astonished but also relieved. “Strange. I don’t know what happened. Maybe I’m out of practice. Try another wish, but this time wish for something of value.” I didn’t utter that I believed he was of value and that wishing him free was important to me too. Still, I knew what he meant. “I wish Sharra imprisoned, never to bother the world again,” I said in my most commanding voice. Again, I was pleased with my wording. His tattoos came to life for a moment before returning to normal. “Is she imprisoned?” I asked, hopeful. Laeddin ran a hand through his hair. “I’m afraid not.” “What’s going on?” I crossed my arms as desperation filled my heart. “Make my hair teal,” I shouted, demanding. His tattoos flashed, but my hair remained black.

He shook his head wryly. “This is very weird.” Before we could talk more about the situation, there was a knock on the front door. “Who could that be?” I growled and ran down the stairs, yanking the door open. The shadow of a person filled the entryway as the mostly dark morning sky filtered through the edges. “Tell me you all of your memories,” Christopher said, sweeping me up into a hug then quickly putting me down and looking at himself. “You’re wet.” He worked not to make a face. “Yeah.” Glancing back at Laeddin who was at the top of the stairs, I said, “I’m sorry. I know I’m smelly and gross, but…” I needed a shower. No doubt about it. There just wasn’t time. Laeddin shook his head. “Allow me.” He flicked his hand and I was immediately dry. A quick look down revealed I still wore what I had on before except now my clothes were clean and dry. I glanced at the mirror in the living room and saw that my hair was no longer wet and it was pulled back into a loose ponytail. “Thank you, Laeddin,” I said, grateful for his kindness but also distracted by what I saw in the mirror. What held my attention was the elven crown. Made of gold and silver metals twined delicately together, there were five points, each holding a gemstone, with the largest stone in the center. Without realizing what I was doing, I reached up to remove the crown. But when my fingers brushed the metal, the crown vanished. “Oh no,” I whispered. Had I destroyed it? That would be just my luck. I leaned in closer to the mirror. “Think about the crown again,” Christopher said, shutting the door behind him. “It should reappear.” I swallowed and did what he suggested. Sure enough, the crown reappeared. “Thank you.” Relief washed over me and for the briefest moment I thought I looked like my mom. I said her name in my mind. If you want to tell her something, I can get her a message. Silindra’s voice cut through my own thoughts and her image appeared in the mirror.

I stared back, concealing my astonishment over her sudden appearance. Tell her I love her and that I’m coming for her and Dad, please. I sniffled. I will. Silindra paused. She also said to remind you that if you die, all magic dies with you. The last word caught in her throat. I can’t believe the Unknowns want to kill us all, she added. No pressure, I said, softly. She nodded and her face disappeared from the mirror. “You alright?” Christopher asked. “You look like you’re all up in your feels.” He winked, tucking his hands in his back pockets. I tried to smile, but couldn’t find it. “I’m fine,” I said, working to sound like I meant the words. “Good.” He stepped closer, eyeing me warily like he wasn’t sure I told the truth. “And you have all your memories back?” I didn’t respond right away as my mind flicked through the recovered remembrances. It was like watching a movie on fast forward, except I was the main character. As each moment ed, I saw myself, and a whisper of recollection blew through me. “You shouldn’t be here,” Laeddin growled at Christopher. “Yes, he should. He’s my friend,” I returned, only slightly perturbed. Then to Christopher, I answered. “I think so.” As I spoke, a memory of helping Cindy with her magic came to mind. In the recollection, I sounded wise beyond my years. As I filtered through the memory, I tried to find the confident girl within, but she was nowhere to be found. “Do you the time I tried to bring you to the siren.” Christopher walked over to the couch, sitting heavily, his eyes still trained on me. Laeddin crossed his arms like a bouncer at a club. Christopher glared, finally acknowledging the genie. “What are you doing back? I thought I’d seen the last of you.” His eyes fell to the tattoos around the genie’s

wrists and he gritted his teeth. “So did I,” Laeddin began, “But evidently I’m not that lucky.” Tension pulsed through the room and I came to stand between them. My head bobbed back and forth as I debated what to do. At any moment, Sharra would realize I had the crown and if I didn’t go to her, then she would force me. If that happened and I wasn’t prepared and then I failed in defeating her, all would be lost. The Unknowns would kill us all. I needed a plan as well as more than one backup plan. As I carefully studied each of them, it was clear they both cared for me, but they wanted to stop Sharra too. They were my friends and my allies. I could trust them. In that moment, I ed Joanna and her League of Huntsmen. “Crap!” Were they still standing guard outside the mountainous tomb? Probably. “What?” Laeddin and Chris asked at the same time. “Nothing.” I wouldn’t tell them about Joanna. Not yet. I needed to focus on what to do next. “I need help with Arthur,” I said, focusing on Christopher. I needed to discover what Sharra’s plan was for Arthur, and then the evil vampire needed to be taken out. If anyone was capable of accomplishing such a feat, it was Christopher. He’d already fought the vampire once. He could do it again. “Have you heard anything about what he’s up to?” Then I glanced at Laeddin. He might have heard the Unknowns say something. The genie shook his head. Whatever Sharra’s plan, the Unknowns didn’t seem to care enough about it to discuss it. “I have, actually,” Christopher said, interrupting my thoughts. “That’s why I’m here. Arthur is secretly trying to round up supernaturals to back him in a power play. He’s got the siren—the one I tried to bring you to…” His voice trailed off. A jolt of understanding shot through my veins and for the briefest moment, my confidence from my childhood returned. The siren’s magic couldn’t affect me. An instant later it was gone. I wasn’t that vampire anymore. I didn’t have my wings and I’d made terrible, narcissistic choices. “Like they would him instead of Sharra?” That wasn’t good. If he and Sharra fought, my parents and

Troy could be in even greater danger. “If what I’m hearing is true, then yes.” Christopher ran a hand through his hair. “I’d like to go after him. The group of vampires that were going to rescue your parents is waiting for me to lead. I think,” he paused a moment as though considering his words. “I think I can stop Arthur.” I was relieved and so thankful. He knew what I needed even before I did. “Yes,” I said, hugging him. “That is exactly what you need to do.” I didn’t know why but tears pressed against the back of my eyes as I spoke. “Thank you, Chris.” He squeezed me tight. “Anything for you.” I buried my face in his neck, beyond grateful for Christopher’s friendship. “I appreciate you so much.” Saying the words caused a knot to form in my stomach. Could I defeat Sharra without him? Would I have to? I hoped not, but if Arthur was building up his own army, then it was even more that important Chris stopped him. He kissed my cheek. “I’ll leave right away.” “Thank you.” I pushed him away so I could see his gorgeous green eyes. “Capture and imprison Arthur if you can, then come back to me. I may need your help.” If I’d learned anything in the last few months it was that asking for help was a good thing. A smile lit up his whole face and he touched the bear on my wrist. “I will.” I hugged him again. “You are one of my dearest friends, Chris. Thank you,” I said and squeezed his hands. He nodded and went to the door. I went with him. “Stay safe, Jasmine. You are the Eternal Vampire and the supernatural world needs you.” “You, too.” I watched him walk at a human’s pace past the half dozing National Guard unit on our street as he headed toward Pops’ house. There were lots of trees and plenty of forested cover on Pops’ property, which would give Chris the opportunity he needed to use his vampire speed once out of sight.

Chapter 6

One of the guards snapped to attention when Christopher ed. The guard glanced at me, his hands hefting a machine gun as it rested slightly against his chest. I waved at him and then felt like an idiot. The uniformed guy didn’t return the gesture but moved away to the other side of the tank. Once both he and Chris were out of sight, I closed my door and faced Laeddin. His features were twisted in grim worry. “What would you have me do? Since my abilities aren’t working properly, I can’t be much help.” I tucked my hands in my front pockets. “I don’t need to wish if you meant what you said about helping me as a friend. That still stands, right? Your magic is powerful, more so even than mine. Together we can take Sharra and save my family.” As I spoke, a wave of hunger washed through me and I felt dizzy. How long had it been since I last consumed blood? I didn’t know. “Of course I will,” he said and paused, glancing at my lips. “You need blood, don’t you?” I worked to force down my hunger. There wasn’t time. “Here.” He sat on the couch and tilted his head. “Go ahead. Take what you need. It’s the least I can do.” A wry smile crossed his lips. “You’re sure,” I said, feeling slightly embarrassed as I sat beside him. He nodded. “Thank you.” I took his wrist instead of going for his offered neck. The reason was simple. If Sharra showed me to Troy again, I didn’t want him to see me drinking from Laeddin that way. The position was too intimate. Taking his wrist into my mouth, I sank in my fangs directly over the tattoos. A rush of magical blood filled my mouth and I sighed. Since he’d been brought back with Netherby’s magic, his blood tasted slightly different than before. A little like

Troy’s, but not enough to be the same. There was also Laeddin’s genie magic. As I allowed his blood to fill me, I savored both magics. And that’s when I saw Troy. Through the dragon connection as Abernathy called it. My beloved lay on the floor, naked. His bottom half was shifted into dragon form, while the top half was human . Troy, I called out in my mind. He didn’t move and I tried again. Troy! I silently prayed he wasn’t dead. That I wasn’t too late. He lifted his head and turned so I could see his handsome face. My heart ached at the sight of him. Jasmine? he asked, his voice inside my mind. Yes, I said, sucking more deeply against Laeddin’s wrist. It’s me. I paused. I have all five pieces of the crown and I’m coming to save you. I promise. He lay back down, this time on his back, and rested his hands behind his head. Whose blood are you drinking this time? Is it Christopher’s again? Or someone else? I flinched at the hurt and anger in his words. Laeddin’s blood, I itted. A scowl crossed his features. It seems I’m always sharing you with someone. I know, I said. And I’m sorry. But this wasn’t the time to wallow. You can be mad at me after you are safe. For now, please fight. I am going to rescue you and my parents. And when you’re free you can go on with your life and forget all about me. Okay? Saying the words shredded my heart. I wanted him to love me anyway, but that was selfish. He gave me a grim smile. If that is your wish, vampire. He turned away and cut the connection between us. Despair filled me and I was about to release Laeddin’s wrist when I saw the spirit of Silindra in my mind’s eye. She seemed afraid. What’s the matter? I asked, when she held out her arms for me to see.

Look. Her voice was full of wonder and even a little fear. That was when I saw them. Tribal tattoos on each of her wrists. They were the same as Laeddin’s. What the hell? There are always consequences to a wish. She blew out a frustrated breath. Because you and I are bound, either Netherby or the Unknowns or both thought it a great idea to connect Laeddin and me to each other instead of connecting him to you. She shook her head. I didn’t expect this, she said, but I wondered whether or not that was true. Now she could wish for a body and live once again without the need to hide inside my mom’s mind or my own. Before I could question her, Laeddin shoved me off him, looking weary. “You’ll drink me dry, Jasmine.” “Sorry,” I itted, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. “I’ll survive,” he said, and then stopped, tilting his head in question. “What is it? I can tell something is wrong.” He grabbed my shoulders, holding onto me like I was a lifeline. “It’s… I know why my wishes aren’t working.” I stood and walked over to one of the kitchen stools, in need of space. “Tell me?” He wasn’t hopeful, but worried. I didn’t have a chance to respond before Silindra made her first wish. My first wish is for a human form with teal wings, long teal blue hair, sky blue eyes, lips red as rubies, and a perfectly sculpted womanly body, Silindra’s words shouted from inside my mind. “Jasmine, what—” Laeddin stopped and ran a hand through his hair as he tilted his head. “Someone made a wish and I am bound to respond.” As he spoke, his tattoos glowed. Between Laeddin and me there began a swirl of twinkling lights, a combination of the seven magics, as a body began to form. With honey colored skin, the noticeably female body was taut and strong and lean, as Silindra asked. Teal hair grew from her head, long and wavy. The body spun so I witnessed her face

forming, one so beautiful, I ached to look on it. Once her arms, hands, breasts, fingers, toes, ankles and feet were all formed, the twinkling lights stopped. She hovered there a moment before there was another pop and large wings the same color as her hair appeared on her back. She was beyond stunning. Silindra’s spirit left my mind with a jerk and I somehow felt it rip from my mom’s as well. When the magic finished, Silindra opened her eyes. She blinked several times and smiled, clapping her hands and jumping up and down. “I’m alive!” Laeddin stepped back, surprised by the overexuberant woman who had appeared out of nowhere. “It worked. Glory be, it really worked.” Silindra spun in a circle before rushing forward and hugging me. “Can you believe it? I’m no longer just an essence in your mind. I’m actually here and I have a body once again!” I patted her naked shoulder uncomfortably. “It’s wonderful, Silindra. Um, but let’s get you some clothes,” I said and started up the stairs. “Nonsense, Jasmine.” She smiled and her whole face lit up. “I’ll just wish for some.” She turned to Laeddin. “I wish for clothes that fit my body and will be easy to maneuver in.” Laeddin’s wrists glowed. “Your wish is my command,” he said and bowed as though he had no control over his actions. Frustration oozed from my pores. “Stop using your wishes, Silindra. You only have one left!” “Not true.” She glanced over at me as a pair of tight gray pants and a yellow shirt covered her. After a few moments, gray boots similar to the ones I ruined when I went to speak with Netherby appeared on her feet. “I believe I possess unlimited wishes.” A shrewd look spanned her face. I crossed my arms, trying to calm down. I didn’t know what was happening, but she might be right. “How do you know?” Silindra didn’t respond, but Laeddin did. “Because she is also a genie.” He held up one of her wrists, exposing the tattoos there. “The tattoos are the tell. I am

beholden to her and she is beholden to me,” he said, dropping her wrist like it felt funny. Some of the joy left Silindra’s face. “I am no longer a prisoner inside Snow and Jasmine’s minds, but it appears I am still trapped.” She clenched her hands into fists and stomped her foot. “Why did this happen?” Her smile vanished and she gave me an accusatory glare like this was somehow my fault. I shrugged. “You were there. You heard my wish. I did exactly what you said I should do.” I wanted to add that I should’ve wished for something else, but I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “Consequences always accompany wishes. You know that,” I added, coming over to stand between them. “Jasmine’s right,” Laeddin said. “I don’t know why but when Netherby returned my powers, he also connected the two of us together.” He shook his head in confusion. “I’m sure the Unknowns had something to do with this turn of events as well.” Silindra’s features turned furious. “I wish to be free from Laeddin,” she shouted. The force of her wish sent her flying backward into one of the bar stools. She landed with a loud crash.” Laeddin’s tattoos flared at the same time Silindra’s did, but nothing happened. “I wish to leave Laeddin and go to Sharra to confront my sister,” she said through clenched teeth as she pulled herself to her feet. Their tattoos flared, but both she and Laeddin remained. How weird, I thought. Silindra could wish for things like a new body and clothes, but if she wished to break free of Laeddin, it didn’t work. “I think you two are bound to each other for good,” I whispered, sensing the rightness of my words. “You can use your power for anything except being free of one another.” I gripped my hands together, wondering what all this meant. “Laeddin, wish yourself free of Silindra and see what happens.” Laeddin nodded but didn’t wish right away. From experience, I knew he was carefully considering his wording. “I wish the bands that hold Silindra and me together be loosed so we may be free from each other.”

That was a good wish. Both sets of their tattoos glowed, but it was obvious they were still bound. “I am sorry, Silindra,” he said, studying her a moment. “But it is evident our bond cannot be broken.” He shrugged and looked at me. “That’s why, when you made a wish, it didn’t work. Because I am not connected to you any longer. Instead I am Silindra’s master and she is mine. Whatever wish she commands, I must obey, and vice versa.” He sank onto the bottom step, defeated. “I’m sorry, Jasmine, but I don’t think we can be of much use to you until we figure out how to use our powers together.” He glanced at Silindra. “Would you be willing to come to my realm with me?” She gave him a look full of frustration. “Fine.” “Wait.” I wasn’t ready for them to leave. Silindra was alive again for the first time in a thousand years. That was a big deal. “Are you still a vampire?” I swallowed. “Do you crave blood?” Silindra looked thoughtful. Then she opened her mouth, revealing her fangs. Still a vampire and now a genie as well. “I really don’t like this.” She crossed her arms. “But you’re alive,” I said, trying to help her see the positive. “You’re here. Not dead. Not just hanging out in my mind, but really here.” A vampire with genie power. I didn’t know if that made her stronger than when she was original vampire. Maybe she had a combination of both. There was no way to know or even guess without more information. Laeddin was right. They needed to do some research. Silindra smiled again. “You’re right, Jasmine. I am here. Thank you for helping to bring me back.” She hugged me again then faced Laeddin. “Do you think there we can discover what I am?” She shook her head. “I highly doubt it.” “You’re probably right, but we need to at least try before we help Jasmine. Figuring out how our new magic works could make all the difference. Agreed?” His gaze flicked between Silindra and me. “If you think going to your realm is the right thing to do, then I’ll follow. But we must hurry. Jasmine needs all the help she can get to fight against my sister.”

Silindra brushed some of her hair off her shoulders before wrapping an arm around my waist. “Jasmine, we will be back to help soon. Stay safe. And maybe you should talk to your Professor Pops about figuring out a way to control the elven magic within the crown. Every time I touch you, I feel its power. If I were less powerful of a supernatural, I would probably be dead.” Laeddin nodded. “I felt it too.” “Okay.” Speaking of Pops reminded me of Joanna. I needed to get back to Athwana Meyana. “We will figure this out and be back to help. I promise.” The look on Laeddin’s face and even Silindra’s showed me they meant every word. “Good,” I said, but struggled to believe them. It could take a thousand years before they figured out how to work their magics together. Just as they vanished, someone knocked on my door. I guessed it was one of the guardsmen. He probably heard Silindra crashing around. I quickly turned on the TV before opening the door a crack. “Yes?” “Is everything alright in here? I heard some unusual noises.” His dark eyes studied mine as though searching for any sort of deception. “Oh, sorry. It was just the TV. I had it up too loud, but I turned it down.” That lie wasn’t bad. The guard seemed appeased. He squinted, causing his eyebrows to scrunch together. “Okay, then. That’s fine. Good day.” I watched him walk back to the oversized green tank. Once the door was closed, I sank to the floor, resting my head on my knees and working to regain some equilibrium. A lot had happened in a very short amount of time. But my friends were doing their part. I needed to do mine. That meant first going back to the land of Sharra and finding Joanna. Rolling onto my knees, I clasped the gem in one hand and thought of Athwana Meyana, the Cave of Lost Souls.

Chapter 7

As soon as I was back inside the cave, I sensed something was wrong. Sounds of fighting echoed beyond the exit. Panicked, I yanked open the door just as an elf with long silver hair and empty eyes fell into me, knocking me back so my butt hit the ground. I didn’t want to kill anyone else. That was the last thing I wanted to do, but as though on autopilot, my newfound crown powers took over and as I pushed the elf off me, white lightning danced across my fingertips and into her body. She disintegrated instantly. What. The. Hell! But I didn’t have time to contemplate what happened as another elf came at me. I rushed to my feet and put out my hands, revealing my fangs as he came for me. Again, white lightning lit my hands and the elf disintegrated. Was it because they were elves coming after me, or was it because I was in danger? I glanced around, preparing for more. The remaining akuma were occupied with Joanna and her League of Huntsmen. The battle was intense. A troll fought Elkin while Joanna fought against three elves. There were a dozen vampires as well. One of them looked familiar. She jumped onto the back of one of the huntsmen and sank her teeth into his neck, ripping away flesh. Blood gushed from his throat and sprayed the vampire. She glanced up. “Ciana,” I breathed in horror. But it was no longer Ciana. She had been changed into an akuma. Ciana smiled, revealing her fangs before wiping her face, smearing the blood across her cheek. She shoved away from the dead huntsmen and rushed Joanna. In seconds, Ciana was on her. Instead of trying to feed, she grabbed Joanna by the head. One hand on her chin and the other on her forehead and she twisted. Joanna wasn’t having that. And neither was I.

I scuttled forward, my fangs extended. My power blazed to life. This time, instead of sending a lightning bolt from my hands, the twin swords I used to battle the assassins appeared. They were bathed in light. There wasn’t time to question their appearance and I used them to flash into akuma after akuma on my way to Joanna, slicing through each of them like a boat through water. “Ciana,” I yelled. Though I knew she was no longer my childhood caregiver, hesitation pulsed through me. I didn’t want her to die. The akuma that had been Ciana glanced up. In that moment, I knew she intended to change Joanna, not kill her, but I couldn’t let that happen. Without thought, I tossed one blade at Ciana’s head. With the precision of a scalpel, the blade found its mark, slicing into her skull, directly between her eyes. Ciana’s face wore a look of surprise before she disintegrated, the same as the others. Joanna stood, her sword still in both hands, her eyes slightly glazed over. Had she been changed? “No,” I pleaded. Joanna straightened, searching the landscape for more danger. But the akuma were gone. At least for the moment. “Thank you, Jasmine. For a moment, I thought myself a goner.” She sheathed her sword. “Of course,” I said with a shrug and followed Joanna as she spoke with her huntsmen and assessed the situation. Seven huntsmen were in the process of changing to akuma. Without hesitation, Joanna chopped of their heads. I cringed, forcing myself not to reveal my revulsion, surprised at how easily she destroyed those who were supposed to be her friends, including Elkin. “I’m so sorry,” I said, as Joanna wiped the blood from her sword onto her pants. Joanna clenched her teeth. “This isn’t your fault, but the nature of war. That is why you must defeat Sharra and bring peace to all realms once again.” She eyed me shrewdly. “And that is why I am here.”

It was my fault. All of this, but I didn’t say that. “Thank you. I’m glad you’re here.” And I was. With Christopher, Laeddin, and Silindra gone, I would have been alone. “You have the crown. Now what?” She brushed off her hands before crossing her arms, her gaze pinning me with her question. “I must find Sharra,” I said, though I didn’t feel ready. The blades in my hands vanished as well. A small smiled played across her lips. “You are worried that now you have the power, you don’t know how to use it?” “That’s right.” I tucked my hands into my pockets, glancing up at the nearly black sky. How many hours since I’d been back? Since I retrieved the final piece of the crown and it became a part of me? It felt like years, though I guessed it might have only been a day. Thick darkness filtered through my insides. I missed Troy and the love we shared before Sharra stole him away. Would he ever forgive me? I wanted to believe that when this was all over, if I won, then he would forgive me and we could be together forever. Sharra had manipulated us both when she showed him the vision of Christopher and me. My love for him would have to be strong enough for us both until I could help him see the truth. But Sharra had been torturing Troy for weeks. Who knew what lies she’d told him? By now, he could completely hate me. “Jasmine, did you hear me?” Joanna asked. I shook away my preoccupations. “Sorry. Can you repeat it?” I bit my bottom lip sheepishly and started back toward the castle at a human’s pace. Joanna was a vampire as were some of her huntsmen, but there were also chayot in the group too and they didn’t have super speed. “My huntsmen need to eat, as do I,” she said, her eyes flicking to my throat as she came to walk beside me. It still pained me to know she’d become a vampire. “Yes, of course. The orchards near the castle will nourish the chayot as well as the vampires.

She raised an eyebrow in question. I went on. “The fruit changes according to each supernatural’s needs so that it provides sustenance according to the supernatural creature. A human will only taste an apple. Vampires will be given blood and so on.” “Bien.” Joanna was quiet for a few moments. I glanced back at the remaining huntsmen, then at Joanna. “What happened to you?” I finally asked. “What do you mean?” Her eyes became guarded and I thought I recognized guilt. She knew what I meant. The Joanna I knew would do anything to stay on the side of right. She’d stood up to Sharra and had refused to feed from Pops, telling the queen she would rather die than partake. Joanna and Sharra had battled—will against will—and Joanna won. In the end, Sharra had ordered Kenmei to kill her and Pops. Thankfully, Kenmei hadn’t complied, leaving Joanna as a revenant. But something had changed. She was a full-fledged vampire. I sensed it. Smelled it even. The only way that could’ve happened was if she drank from Pops. “You drank Adam’s blood, didn’t you?” I asked the question though I knew the answer already. There could be no other way. Joanna swallowed, her eyes hooded. “Three hundred years after becoming a revenant, I met and became fast friends with a woman. A vampire. She was easy to talk to. Though I was cautious, over time I grew to trust her more than any other supernatural. We understood each other—the pain and sheer loneliness that came with being what we were.” She paused, her eyes pleading that I would understand. I nodded for her to continue. “One night, while in the wilderness of Montana, we started a fire and had drinks, sharing our stories. By this time, we’d been friends a decade. Like I said, I trusted her and she never gave me a reason to doubt her sincerity.” Worry began to eat at my insides. I thought I knew where she was going with the story, but I kept silent.

“She brought out a flask,” Joanna went on, “filling our cups with blood.” She groaned. “The scent was like magic and I drank the blood down without a second thought.” She shook her head, but a red tear dropped onto her cheek. “Immediately, I recognized my mistake. The changes grew inside of me, as did the hunger, and my friend… Well, she wasn’t a friend at all.” “Sharra,” I whispered. “That’s right,” Joanna said bitterly. “She changed before my eyes, a cruel smile dancing on her wicked lips. ‘Now you will become what you were always meant to be.’” Joanna didn’t speak for a good long while as she got her emotions under control. “I killed several innocent humans,” she finally eked out. My heart broke at the pain in her words. Tears pressed against my lashes. Joanna would never hurt an innocent on purpose. “Joanna,” I said. She shook her head, wiping away her tears. “The chayot found me and were determined to kill me until they discovered who I was. Now I am a vampire, but also something more.” I waited for her to continue, but we’d reached the orchard and I instructed the huntsmen to eat as much as they needed. Joanna and I went to the far end of the castle. “What else are you?” I asked when we were far enough away that no one could overhear us. She glanced around to make sure we were by ourselves. “The chayot took me to… an angel realm. There, I met someone and confessed my sin.” She met my eyes. I was reeling. An angel realm? That was new. “There are lower-, mid-, and upper-level angels, Jasmine, and I became one.” “Like a chayot?” We studied them at the Academy. But I hadn’t heard of upper, mid, and lower angels. Obviously, I still had much to learn. “No, Jasmine. I am an upper-level angel. They call me an angel of death.” She let out a laugh, but there was no joy in it, only bitterness. “I always believed myself able to hear angels. Now I am one and have been for more than two hundred years.” She shook her head. “But I couldn’t stay with them. I…” She

didn’t finish. “I needed to leave that place and help out with the supernaturals. That is why I created the League of Huntsmen, and that is why I am here to help you stop Sharra. She deserves to pay for her crimes.” That almost sounded like revenge talk, not that Joanna was wrong. One of the huntsmen came over to us. “Is there a place where we can get cleaned up?” he asked, indicating his clothes. They were caked with blood and dirt and I didn’t want to know what. “Sure,” I said, and debated where to send them. There were the locker rooms used by students when the Seven Magics Academy was in session. They should be empty—I figured they closed down the school while the akuma and the darkness hung so heavily in all lands. I stood, knowing our talk was done for a while, but I had to say one more thing. “That’s why you haven’t found Pops? You feel guilty about drinking his blood?” Joanna nodded. “Oui.” She closed her eyes a moment and she looked like she might crumble. “I cannot face him. Ever.” I disagreed. I understood the weight of guilt, but I also knew that sooner or later her past would sneak up on her and she would have to talk to Pops whether she wanted to or not. “Thank you for telling me,” I said and hugged her tight. She hugged me back. “You and I, more than anyone else, I believe we can relate.” I snorted. “You have no idea.”

Chapter 8

Inside the castle, I walked the huntsmen, including Joanna, down to the Academy’s locker rooms. They were empty, as I suspected. “Towels are in here,” I said, opening a cabinet. “Clean clothes here,” I went on, opening a closet. “Showers are back there.” “Thank you,” the first huntsman said. “I’m Gris,” he added. Then he turned to the rest of the group and introduced them. I forgot the names as soon as they were mentioned but appreciated Gris’s efforts. “Good to meet you all. I’m going to get changed too,” I said, though that wasn’t strictly true. Joanna was suffering and I needed to be there for her. “If you need us, Joanna and I will be in the dining hall in an hour.” “You are most kind.” Gris saluted as we walked out. The castle was like a ghost town. A servant or two would scuttle along, keeping their eyes down, focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I hurried up to my rooms where I sent Joanna in to shower, hoping the warm water would get her out of her funk. Inside my closet, I searched for clothes that might fit her. As I was about to leave, I caught my reflection in the mirror. There was some blood spatter on my neck and cheek. “Jasmine, it’s so good to see you,” Zenny said, appearing in the mirror. He wore purple pants, shiny purple shoes, and a yellow and purple checkered shirt. His hair was silver and swooped to one side like a cursive L. “Hello, Zenny.” I wiped at the blood and tucked my shirt into my jeans. “You look like you’ve been in a battle,” he said. It was then I noticed how tired he sounded. “I have,” I itted through clenched teeth. “But I’m fine. How are you?”

“Sick of this darkness and what it’s done to the people of S—” He stopped talking and leaned in close to study my crown. “That a crown?” he asked, his eyes wide. “It’s beautiful. Can I hold it?” I shrugged. “Sure.” I tried to take it off, but it wouldn’t come. I could make it appear and disappear, but it was stuck to me. It was at that moment I realized the only way Sharra was getting this crown was literally over my dead body. And I didn’t want to die… unless doing so would save the people I loved. “Here, why don’t you touch it?” I leaned in and he reached out, touching the crown lightly. “Ouch,” he said, pulling back quickly. “It shocked me something fierce.” “Sorry about that. Are you okay?” I’d forgotten about the crown’s need to defend me and was glad it hadn’t killed Zenny. “Fine.” He waved a hand at me. “It’s a lovely, if not lethal bit of jewelry.” He sucked on a finger and shook it again. “I need to learn to control it,” I itted, standing and turning from side to side, ing that Laeddin had suggested I speak with Pops. But going into the human realm might be tricky, especially with Joanna and her huntsmen in tow. Zenny shook his head. “Well, if you’re going to save the world, you’re wearing the perfect outfit. Good luck.” He disappeared. I sighed. “Thanks, Zenny.” Outside the closet, I went to my window. There were only sixteen or seventeen days left until total darkness and it showed. The sky was grayish black even though it was still the middle of the day. “How do I find you, Sharra,” I whispered aloud, taking the clean clothes I’d found into the bathroom. The water had shut off and my friend the angelvampire would need something to wear. “Clothes are on the counter,” I said. “Thank you,” she hollered, still getting dried off in the shower area.

Before I could respond, there was a quick knock at my bedroom door. Immediately on high alert, the assassin swords appeared in my hands. “Who is it?” I said, trying to calm myself. My gaze caught my reflection in the full-length mirror to the left of me. There were shadows under my violet eyes and my skin was paler than usual. The swords in my hands were scary. I looked scary. Deadly, I thought. That was good. I needed to be a regular horror show to defeat Sharra. “It’s your grandfather,” Pops said through the door. I shook away the swords and ran to the door, flinging it open. Pops was there and I flung my arms around him. “You’re exactly the person I needed to see,” I whispered into his chest, enjoying his usual scent of peppermint and cigar smoke. At least one thing in my life never changed. “Is everything alright?” he asked, kissing the top of my head. “I see you have the crown. That’s why I came. To check and see if you needed my help.” “Yes, I did,” I said. “And yes, I need your help desperately. Because I’m not sure how to control the magic of the crown or even my own magic for that matter. If feels so strong, so powerful, but it kind of bursts out of me on its own. Can you help me?” He smiled and it was like a breath of fresh air, touching his lips. “That was why you shocked me just now.” “Sorry,” I said mournfully. “Don’t be. It’s fine.” His smile widened. “I believe I can help. Why don’t you come back to Salem with me? I have some books that talk about the elven crown and—” He stopped talking, his eyes getting big as they trained on something over my head. It wasn’t something but someone. Crap! “I can explain,” I said at the same time Joanna did. Pops gently pushed me out of the way and went to Joanna. “Is it really you?” His voice was so pained, I wanted to cry all over again.

“It’s me,” she whispered, emotions tracking across her face too fast to read. I just stood there, unsure how to respond. Their reunion felt too personal for me to watch, but I couldn’t move. “How is this possible?” Pops asked, still in shock. He stopped directly in front of her. “I didn’t die but became a vampire after all.” She appeared spooked, like she would bolt at any moment, and beyond guilty. I could so relate and wanted to reassure her, but I held back, knowing Pops could help better than I. “I’ve done things…” Joanna added. “Things I’m not proud of. Horrible, awful things.” Her voice broke and it was like she was speaking from my heart. Pops took her hands, holding her to him. “It’s okay,” he said, pulling her into a hug. She fell against his chest as a sob caught in her throat. “Adam, ma chere,” she whispered over and over. Tears streamed down my face as the ache in my heart grew. Was it possible Troy would forgive me so easily? I didn’t know. “How I’ve missed you,” Joanna said. “And I you, my dearest Red.” Pops kissed the top of her head and hugged her to him. They stayed like that for a long time, until I felt like a spy and I cleared my throat. “I’m going to go down to the dining hall,” I said. It wasn’t the best excuse, but I’d told the huntsmen that was where we would be in an hour. I could visit with them until Joanna and Adam had their time together. Pops cleared his throat and wiped at his eyes. “Joanna and I will have time later, but first, we need to get you some training.” “I have agreed to train her,” Joanna said.

Pops nodded. “Let’s go back to my home in Salem and we can discuss it.” “Will your men be alright without you?” I asked Joanna. “They will be fine. I may be their leader but they are capable of acting independently.” She still clung to one of Pops’ arms as though now that she had him near, she would never let him go. “Very well,” Pops said. “Let me see…” he began. “It’s okay, Pops. I can get us there.” I rested a hand on Pops’ shoulder and grabbed the amulet. “Of course, you possess the power, but I wasn’t sure you were aware of your capabilities,” he said, a grim look on his face. “I-I have this amulet that can transport us.” I held it up for him to see. He looked like he wanted to say more about it, but he only nodded. “Go on.” I knew the amulet was a safety net, but right now, I needed it. Closing my eyes, I thought of Pops’ study in his mansion in Salem, filled with books and old papers, the low light, and the dark stained wood. The three of us arrived within seconds. I knew even before I opened my eyes. Pops’ office had a distinct smell and I smiled. Joanna searched the room, though she kept a hand on Pops. “This office looks like you,” she said, her voice warm. He kissed her cheek but didn’t respond. Going over to one of his bookshelves, Pops began pulling down books and placing them carefully on his desk. Once the shelf was empty, he found what he was looking for and pressed down on something I couldn’t see. In a flash, the bookcase slid over to reveal a stack of secret tomes. They rested on glass shelving in what looked like a clean room. A light flicked on, but it was muted, giving off a soft glow. Joanna and I stood there with our mouths open as Pops went into the small room

and calmly scanned through the books until he found the one he wanted. Once he was finished, he stepped out, pressed down on the shelf again, and the bookcase slid closed. “What are you looking for, Adam?” Joanna asked, moving back to his side. He smiled. “Jasmine needs to go to the dragon realm,” he said and carefully turned the pages of the book until he found the page he wanted. To me, he said, “Your mom created realms for the creatures of the seven magics after she defeated Sharra the first time. You know that?” he asked. “Of course.” It was taught at the Academy, though I’d never heard of a dragon realm. Just add that to the list of things I didn’t know existed, including an angel realm. “Doing so took most of her power. You know that too,” he continued. “Yes,” was all I said. “What you should know, but obviously don’t, is that you have all of her power and more within you.” He watched me intently until I looked down at my hands. In theory, I knew that as well. Between the crown and my original vampire powers that were reawakened after my memories were returned, I should feel practically omnipotent. That wasn’t the case. “And?” I finally asked, having no idea where he was leading the conversation. My eyes flickered to Joanna and she nodded. “You need to train, and while I know Joanna said she would help, it’s better that she doesn’t—” “But mon amour,” she began. Pops held up a hand. “Jasmine’s magic is too powerful. She could accidentally kill you.” He looked at me and I swallowed, not even wanting to picture it. “But she cannot hurt the dragons,” he said with finality. “She must train there.” He paused a moment, and a distressed expression crossed his face. He bookmarked the place in the book with his finger and closed it, leaning against the bookshelf and watching me. “It will be hard. The dragon realm is dangerous, as you can imagine, but that is why it’s the perfect place to hone your magical skills.”

“But I don’t want to kill dragons either,” I said softly. “As you know, the Unknowns created all supernaturals, except dragons. Because of that, their power is beyond even yours.” His eyes bore into mine until I had to look away. “If you tried hard enough, perhaps you could kill one, but it would be very difficult.” He opened the book, studying it a moment. “The dragon realm is known as the Hollow. After Sharra began to coax other magical creatures into diluting their magic, the dragons understood what would happen and wanted no part in it. Though Abernathy thought it perfectly normal for magic to alter over time, the other dragons didn’t agree. They demanded he create a secret realm known only to them. Without telling anyone, and going against Sharra’s wishes, Abernathy formed the Hollow. All dragons went to live there, except Abernathy and Netherby.” I leaned forward in shock. Joanna was surprised as well, though she didn’t say anything. Unease crept through me and I wondered if Pops had revealed to much in front of Joanna. Her loyalties had changed. She worked for the angels now. “What did Sharra think when they were suddenly gone?” I asked, my gaze on Joanna. Unaware of my distress, Pops answered. “According to Abernathy, it took her a while to notice.” He shrugged. “It wasn’t like there were a lot to begin with and the world is big enough that the dragons spread out. When she finally discovered their absence, she confronted Abernathy, but he refused to tell her what happened to them.” “And no one goes against a dragon, not even Sharra,” I said as a new wave of frustration rolled off me. “If only Abernathy would just take matters into his own hands and destroy the original vampire queen. It would be easier.” “Easier, yes. But life isn’t about easy. Besides, it isn’t Abernathy’s responsibility to clean up everyone else’s messes. We must be responsible for our own actions. Abernathy knows that. You should too.” I let that sink in. It was like a lightbulb went off. “You’re right,” I said, and my feelings toward the dragon softened. I felt bad that I believed all of the responsibility should fall on Abernathy. Just because he could fix things, didn’t mean he should. Pops winked. “I believe in you, my dearest granddaughter.”

I forced myself to grin as I flopped into a leather chair opposite his desk. Despite my doubts, it filled me with happiness to know he had such confidence in me. But I wasn’t there yet. “So there’s a secret realm of dragons?” I asked, getting back to the task at hand. If he intended to send me there, I might as well go now. “That’s right,” Pops said. “The realm doesn’t follow Earth’s rules of time or space like the other realms do. It’s completely separate. Sort of like the way Polonias used to be before Abernathy changed it.” He came around and sat on the edge of the desk in front of me. “I dare say it isn’t even part of Earth, but only tethered to it. Not that it matters. What does matter is, Abernathy gave me the spell to find the realm a long time ago. I wrote it down right here and haven’t shared it with anyone. Ever. Until now.” He pointed at the page. I looked but didn’t read the handwritten words. The notion of a realm full of dragons excited and terrified me. Pops studied me. “Are you ready to go?” My mind raced like it might explode. According to Pops, the dragons couldn’t kill me nor I them, so I needed to put my big-girl pants on and just do it. “And you’re sure there’s time?” I liked the idea of training. After all the mistakes I’d made, jumping into another one and expecting to defeat Sharra seemed immature, especially since I might end up killing my parents or Troy in the process. But the darkness would be here in… I looked at the digital calendar on Pops’ desk. The darkness would be here in fourteen days. Two weeks! “Definitely. Time in the Hollow is different than time here.” He crossed his arms and waited while I deliberated internally. There was really nothing to consider. It was the right thing to do. Necessary, even. “I’m in,” I said. “I will go with you, Jasmine,” Joanna said. “No!” Pops shouted, fury suddenly on his face. It only lasted a moment before his expression went blank. “That is a bad idea, Joanna.” She flinched and crossed her arms, looking mutinous. The woman hadn’t changed much in five hundred years. She would do what she wanted, when she wanted, and no one could stop her once she put her mind to something. I also

knew Pops needed time with her—she needed to tell him why she hadn’t come looking for him and they needed to heal. “I appreciate the offer, Joanna. You’ve always been a true friend to me. But let me do this alone, please,” I begged, hoping she would listen. “Very well.” She didn’t want to agree, but I think she sensed she and Pops needed a conversation too. There was evident relief on Pops’ body. “Now that’s settled,” he said, handing me the book. I took it as he pointed. “Read this,” he said. I studied the spot where his finger rested. The words weren’t any I knew and I had to read them more than once. By the third , something strange began to happen. As I thought the words, images formed in my mind. I saw dragons of all colors flying through the air. Swirling and twirling. Some breathing fire, others playing together, doing stunts in the air. “Do you have the images?” Pops asked, his eyes on me. “Yes,” I said, surprised he knew what I was seeing. “Now say the words from the book aloud,” he instructed, crossing his arms, his eyes falling on Joanna for the briefest moment before he returned his gaze to me. “Go on.” “Gethawa. Soulatha. Yonasha…” I began but stopped. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine here,” Pops said. He took hold of Joanna’s hand and she wrapped an arm around his waist, giving me a nod. I swallowed, desperate to believe them. “Shaveneth,” I whispered. The world shifted. I was tugged through time. As I went, there were images of dragon battles. Lands on fire. Stacks of bones piled high. I hoped that wasn’t the state of the Hollow, but if my luck continued to hold the way it was, then death and destruction were exactly what I would find.

Chapter 9

As soon as I arrived in the Hollow, the hot air caressed my skin like flames on cooking meat. I wrapped my arms around myself, working to get my bearings. The sky was dark, and I had a moment of fear—perhaps Pops was wrong and Sharra’s powers reached here as well—until I noticed the pinks and oranges in the distance. The sun was rising. A shiver of joy touched my heart. Light was coming and that filled me with hope. I took a step forward and something crunched under my boot as my shin cracked against something sharp. “Ow.” I glanced down and discovered the ground was made of sticks, several of which were jabbing into me. “Where am I?” I knew I was in the Hollow, but where specifically? The thick twined sticks were woven together but that gave me no indication. Lifting myself up onto the wall of twigs, I peered over the side. A wave of dizziness sent my head spinning. Below and across the expanse as far as I could see stretched an unending valley filled with craggy hills, some much taller than others, and shaped like giant twisted fingers. The ground was black, just as it had been in my vision as I ed into this realm. As the sun continued to rise, there shone a body of water, the rays of the sun dancing on the small, rippling waves. To the right stood a densely thick forest, the trees so tight together, the colorful leaves reminded me of an afghan Ciana crocheted for me. Turning away from the forest, I glanced around the valley far below before allowing my eyes to wander up the strange mountains, reminiscent of anthills. At the top of several sat what looked like enormous nests. A quick perusal of my immediate surroundings and I knew that I was inside a nest. Three great eggs were nestled together in the center. Thankfully, I hadn’t broken one when I arrived. From outside the nest came an atrocious sound. I turned in time to see an enormous emerald dragon appear out of the sky and hover above one of the nests with what looked like the remnants of a broken cow dangling from its claws.

Little faces appeared and began devouring the carcass. “I need to get out of here.” If a mamma found me inside her nest, she would probably tear me to shreds. As I debated how to get down, I thought about my schooling at the Seven Magics Academy. There hadn’t been a lot of information on dragons. Kenmei gave us some instruction, but he was always a bit mysterious when it came to whether dragons could have children and so on. And how were they born. With care, I maneuvered around the nest, avoiding the eggs. Dragons, at least full-blooded dragons, were similar to birds in that they laid eggs. Freaking cool! But what about Troy? He was half dragon. If his mother was human, then was he born like human babies? I never thought to ask him. When I saw him again, and if he would talk to me, I would find out. After skirting the nest, I stopped back where I started. There was only one way out and that was down. Way, way down. The thought terrified me. It didn’t matter that I was a vampire or that I had flown once upon a time. Nor did it matter that I was strong and fast. The idea of falling filled me with fear. A noise momentarily brought me out of my funk. The eggs rumbled like they were about to crack open. I didn’t want to be a baby dragon’s first meal, either. I climbed up on the edge of the nest just as a head poked out, pushing aside the eggs like they were rocks. Too big to be one of the baby dragons, it had just been covered by the eggs. The dragon’s head was covered in ruby, scarlet, and burgundy scales and had eyes the color of the sky. When it saw me, it pushed all the way out and stood on the eggs. Probably two feet tall, it charged me, baring its teeth and sending a puff of smoke from its mouth. Frantic, I reached out, touching the dragon on the nose as the power within me shot from my hand and went directly into the little dragon. “No,” I said, as guilt washed over me. I hadn’t meant to hurt the baby. Instead of crying out or disintegrating like others who attacked me in the past, the little dragon shook its head as the magic rippled across its scales harmlessly. Relief filled my veins as the dragon spread its scarlet wings like twin kites and flapped them once, then twice, but didn’t fly away—almost like it couldn’t.

“You’re okay, little one,” I said, but I kept my hands out, sliding down to the floor with my back to the edge of the nest. The twigs scratched and dug against my skin, but I ignored the pain. “Easy, buddy. I’m leaving.” When I knew it wouldn’t attack me, I scrambled back onto the edge again, my eyes trained on the dragon. It came forward, sniffing me like a dog checking out a new toy or a delicious treat. It opened its mouth, but instead of biting, it licked my hand. “I don’t taste good, I promise.” I stood, glancing back so I didn’t accidentally step off the edge. The dragon used its wings to lift off the ground so we were eye level. It didn’t seem scared anymore. Probably just curious and hungry. “I am not your mother,” I said and swallowed. No duh. Dragons didn’t want to eat their mothers. At least, I didn’t think so. From above, a whoosh of hot air rushed over me and I had to squat and grab hold of the edge so I didn’t fall over. Nervous, I glanced up in time to see a stark white dragon in the distance. The hot air I felt came from the blast of dragon fire it had roared at me. Thankfully, the flames hadn’t reached. But now the dragon had turned around and was coming for me at speeds beyond what I could comprehend. I thought it would crash into me, but at the last moment it pulled up, revealing sharp claws that reached out to grab me. Quickly I jumped out of the nest, grabbing hold of the dirt and rock mountainside and working to climb down. With my vampire strength, I dug holes into the sheer cliff, hanging on for dear life. One wrong move and I’d plummet thousands of feet down. The dragon kept coming, flying sideways, its wings flapping as it sent a stream of flames at me. I screamed and jumped to the side before continuing down. The dragon wouldn’t give up and came around yet again, this time with its claws aimed at me. Without thinking, I sent a bolt of magic at it. The dragon flinched and snapped her jaws, just barely missing me with her enormous pointy teeth. More frazzled and afraid than I’d ever been, I continued down the sheer mountain, moving as quickly as I could while sending out protective bolts of magic. About halfway down, the dragon came at me again with both claws. One sharp talon ripped across my back as it dug in. Unable to hold on, I fell down, down, down. Spinning and twisting, I rotated so that I saw the ground coming. I

flipped myself around in time to see the dragon chasing after me. Letting out a final scream of frustration, magical lightning bolts shot from both of my hands and into the dragon. It was surrounded by white light as it fought to be free. Before I knew whether I was safe, I hit the ground, feeling myself go deep into the earth. Then came the pain, so potent it knocked me unconscious.

Chapter 10

I was dreaming. That much was clear. Because Troy was there and he was laughing. It’d been a long time since I heard him laugh. Warmth and love radiated from him and I felt such joy. Even when he started to lick my face. “Troy,” I said, giggling. “Stop it.” His face changed from my gorgeous Troy to something red and scaly. I opened my eyes and looked directly into the face of the dragon that had been in the nest with me. Surprised, I rose up on my elbows, hoping the dragon would get the hint and get off, but it just scooted down into my lap before resting its forehead against me. Hello, my name is Lirle. I heard the distinctly female voice inside my mind. “Can you get off me, Lirle,” I said, aloud, forcing myself to remain calm. Of course, she said, flying up and landing on the ground beside me. The ground was cracked and flaky like it hadn’t rained in months. When I fell, I felt myself go into the ground, but now I’m lying on a flat surface without an indent where my body would be. “Did you pull me out of the hole?” I asked, rubbing the back of my head as I sat all the way up and glanced around. I noticed several claw marks in my shirt and guessed she must have. Yes. I hope that is okay. I didn’t want you to wake beneath the ground. That might be terrifying. She shuddered as her words filtered through my mind. “You’re right,” I said, sticking my fingers through the holes. “I appreciate you getting me out.” Then I ed the white dragon. “Where is your mother? Won’t she be worried and come looking for you?” At the thought, I jumped up into a crouched position, scanning the surrounding area. The dragon snorted, sending a puff of smoke into the air. That was not my mother. The dragon’s name is Vanera and she kidnapped me from my home

several weeks ago. I was trapped in her nest by a spell for weeks as she intended to use me as food for her babies’ first meal. But when you shocked me with your magic, the spell was broken and I was freed. She flew forward and kissed me on the cheek. The least I could do was help you out of your hole, though I doubted you’d survive. She tilted her head to one side. How did you survive? Was it your magic? Her scales were warm and her lips tickled my face. “I’m glad I could help,” I said, stepping back. She didn’t understand what personal space meant and I was struggling with her closeness. “Magic was part of it, I’m sure, but I am a vampire. The only way to kill me is to chop of my head.” I thought about that. No one knew if that would work for me. It seemed logical, but I added, “Maybe.” “A vampire?” She clapped her hands and flew in a circle. “I’ve heard fairytales about vampires and always wanted to meet one.” She flew around me, her face super close as she studied me. I felt like a statue on display but waited for her to finish. Finally, she made her way back to my face. You’re very beautiful, uh, what’s your name? I hated to it it, but she was absolutely adorable. “Jasmine,” I said, kicking at a clod of hardened dirt. Well, Jasmine, it’s lovely to meet you. But… She squinted, her eyes searching mine. What are you doing here? The dragon realm isn’t safe for most dragons let alone other supernatural creatures. I hesitated a moment before deciding to tell her the truth. “I recently acquired this elven crown,” I said, touching it to make sure it was still there. “It contains a great deal of power, but I don’t know how to use it. My grandfather thought it would be a good idea for me to come here to practice using the magic since it doesn’t effect dragons.” Did he not worry you might be killed? Her face turned upset. “I am an original vampire and I have access to all of the seven magics. Though I don’t look it, I’m actually pretty strong myself.” I didn’t sound convincing and Lirle gave me a strange look. I see. Well, perhaps I could help you practice using your magic while we travel

back to my family’s home to the north of here. I’m sure if you returned me they would be very grateful and grant you a reward. I didn’t need a reward but I did like the idea of practicing with the dragon. I thought about the white dragon—Vanera. “Is the white dragon dead?” Lirle snorted, sending out a large smoke ring. No. Dragons are very difficult to kill, Jasmine. She gave me what looked like a very toothy smile. But you did keep her trapped long enough for me to rescue you, so now she can’t find us. Her smile disappeared and she gave the landscape a quick perusal. I did the same and saw we were very near the forest, just on the outskirts. It made sense she brought me here. The trees would provide cover and plenty of hiding places. “What’s wrong?” I asked, when her gaze returned to mine. There was fear evident in her sky blue eyes. It won’t be long until Vanera sends her Ondror Slayers after us. “On-what? Why would she do that?” I can trust you, right, vampire? she asked, as she headed toward the edge of the forest. “You can, without a doubt.” Even if she couldn’t, I had no one to talk to but her anyway. “Whatever you share, I will keep secret. I promise,” I said, following after her. She glanced over her shoulder briefly. My parents are the king and queen of the Hollow. There are many dragons who wish to kill the only heir to the throne. But the most treacherous and the strongest is Vanera. Twenty years ago, the day after I was born, she started the Dragon War. Not to long after that there began to be tales of the Ondror Slayers… She paused and I held up a hand. “Wait, you’re twenty years old?” That was a surprise. I’ll be twenty-one in a couple of weeks. “And you’re a princess?” Lirle and I had a lot in common.

That is right. And as the sole heir to the throne, I am a very valuable hostage to those who oppose my parents. Her wings sent wisps of air at me and I was grateful for the breeze. The longer the day grew, the hotter it became. She was like my own personal fan. An eerie feeling washed over me. “Should we be out like this in the daylight? I feel vulnerable.” It is a risk, she itted. But we have a long way to travel and the longer it takes, the more likely that the slayers will find us. “Alright, then lead on, Lirle.” I followed after the flying dragon for hours. More than once I ired the rainbow colored leaves on the strange trees all around us. We didn’t speak much as we went and the silence was nice. Lirle told me there were animals in the woods, some large, the size of deer or even a big cat, but I didn’t see any, only heard them. They were very good at hiding. As she flew, I had to ire Lirle’s wings and the way she soared with such ease. By late afternoon, she became tired and we decided to take a break near a small brook. I’ll be right back. Stay here. I sat on a rock and waited, the dappled light causing the clear water to sparkle. Lirle wasn’t gone long and when she returned she carried an animal I didn’t recognize in her mouth. Blood dripped from the carcass as she dropped it to the ground and began to eat. Trying not to be disgusted, I turned away, kicking at some of the rocks near the edge of the brook. More than once, Lirle crunched on bones and I had to force myself not to flinch. That’s better, she said, smacking her lips. I glanced over my shoulder just as she flew by, landing in the center of the stream and ducking her head under the water, cleaning herself off.

When she was finished she flew back over to me. Once we are through here, we can follow this stream to the end. “What’s at the end?” I asked. My home, she itted, then bowed her head. I would offer you some of my blood, but it’s highly unlikely your fangs would break through my scales. I gave her a small smile. “Thank you for the offer but I’m not hungry.” Great. Do you want to practice your magic on me? I shrugged. That was the reason I was here. “Sure, but first, isn’t following the stream a little too obvious? Won’t the Ondror expect us to follow the stream?” Five streams lead to our family’s castle and stronghold. It rests in the center of the realm. The Ondror won’t know which stream we are taking. Let’s hope by the time they figure it out, it’ll be too late. She flew around my head. Now then, let me see you use your magic, Jasmine. She flew over to a tree stump and sat on her hind legs, folding her wings behind her back. “That’s my problem, I don’t know how. Usually the magic just comes out of me when I’m feeling threatened.” I crossed my arms, feeling self-conscious. Of course, I don’t know exactly how your magic works, but the best advice I was given was to let your body and your spirit connect. She studied me intently, her head tilted to the side. Close your eyes. I made a face but did as she said. Good. Now relax your mind and search for the magic. When you find it, let me know. I wanted to tell the little red dragon she was crazy, but I decided to give her advice a try. So I took a deep breath and felt for the magic. In my mind, I saw my heart, my ribs, my stomach… It all seemed pointless and a tendril of panic started to rise in my throat. I would never get this right. I was too immature, too… something. But then I felt something, a power near my bellybutton. It pulsed like a heartbeat

and I went to it. Surprisingly, there was a light. Bright and shimmering. Then I felt another something, this time near my heart. I drifted toward it. The power swirled, like an endless black hole. It was almost terrifying, except somehow I knew it was my original vampire magic—a part of me that had always been there. Dormant but waiting for me to recognize it. “I found them,” I said, hearing the awe in my voice. Way to go, Jasmine. Lirle clapped her paws together, and I smiled but kept my eyes closed. Now imagine that your magic is something you can pick up and wield, like a weapon. Immediately my mind went to the swords that appeared in my hands just before I battled each of the assassins who had been forced to protect the elven crown. As I thought about them, the swords appeared in my mind, their blades electrified with the elven magic. Could I attach my original vampire magic to the swords as well? I wondered. At the thought, I felt the two powers shift and move so that the elven crown powers and my own powers converged just under my ribs. They combined with a flash of white light. A dull ache formed on my skin and I wanted to scratch the pain away but didn’t move, allowing the magics to do their thing. Can you think of a weapon? Lirle asked. “Swords,” I said as I watched the swords blacken. One at a time, the swords attached to my ribs, the magics running up and down my bones until it felt like they were infused. I sucked in my breath. Not necessarily pain, but a tightness. Until the magic rested and the swords appeared in my mind again, but different now. The handles had become onyx in color and the blades silver and gold. They were beautiful, but more than that, they were a combination of my vampire magics as well as the elven crown. “I have them,” I said. That is excellent, she said. Next, think about the swords and imagine your magic becoming one with them. I didn’t tell her that had already happened. I just nodded. Though I was still full of questions, a peace ed through me, and I opened my eyes. The dragon smiled. Your crown is gone. The magic must be… She didn’t finish as a menacing sound, like a low growl and a hiss at the same time, came from deeper in the forest. Lirle’s blue eyes grew wide. We must continue on and find a

place to hide, she said, her gaze turning toward the sound. While its dangerous to be out during the day, it’s even worse at night. “Lead the way,” I said, standing and immediately on my guard. The dappled sunrays no longer touched the water and darkness covered the forest. How long had I been working on my magic?

Chapter 11

Lirle took to the air, her attention on the direction where the sound came from. Her whole body trembled. “You’re frightened. What is it?” I asked, fighting my own nerves. We’re too late. The Ondror’s magic is upon us. Her eyes bore into mine and her terror shone brightly. Listen carefully. A dragon’s magic comes from the soul. Our greatest weapon is using the weaknesses of our enemy against them by showing them what they fear most. She flew over to the stream before coming back to me and pointing with one claw. Do you see the soul magic coming? I followed her gaze and squinted until I saw the blackness, traveling like a deadly mist through the trees, and heading right for us. “Can we outrun it?” She shook her head. No. It’s everywhere. She spun in a circle and I followed her. Lirle was right. It was coming from every direction, like we had a homing beacon on us. You see? She looked at me. Whatever happens, whatever you experience or hear, know it isn’t real. The Ondror’s magic can’t last forever. Just hang on. When it’s finished, if we aren’t dead, we’ll figure out what to do next. She came over and scratched my arm with the talons of one hand. “Ouch. What was that for?” Blood pooled and lined my forearm where she’d raked over my skin. I know vampires heal quickly, but a dragon wound takes the longest to mend. Focus on the physical pain. Whatever the soul magic throws at you, to focus on the pain. Her eyes were trained on me until I nodded that I understood. “What about you? What will you focus on?” I didn’t know what to expect but I worried for her.

I’ll be alright. My instructors have trained me for this moment my entire life. Within moments, the wispy darkness enfolded me, almost caressing as it rubbed along my body until it reached my face before making its way into my mouth and through my nose and eyes. My swords sprang to life within me, but it was too late. My body sank to the ground and I fell over. There was screaming or roaring. Whatever the noise, it reminded me of agony. And I descended into the dark magic of the Ondror…

I opened my eyes to the sun shining brightly. Birds cooed in nearby trees and the ocean roared in the distance. I was in Sharra, resting in a hammock. “How did I get here?” I thought about Lirle and the dread she mentioned. A quick glance down at my arm revealed it was still sore, her scratches still visible. But the world around me seemed fine. No danger. No— Troy came out onto a balcony above me. This was my family’s castle and he was on my balcony, the one outside my bedroom. When I saw him, my breath caught in my throat. He was gloriously handsome. “Troy,” I called, climbing out of the hammock as a gurgle of happiness filled my insides. He had escaped the evil vampire’s clutches and was here. Safe. All was right with the world. The sun shone brilliant. The birds sang their happy songs. Darkness no longer ruled the land. I was lighter than I had been in months. As I watched Troy stare out, his gaze traveling over Sharra, butterflies danced in my stomach. “Troy, I’m down here,” I said, shouting louder. He still didn’t hear me or acknowledge me. I went toward him and was about to shout again when I heard giggling coming from inside my room. Before I had time to think, a woman appeared beside Troy. Her hair was long and blond and beautiful like the rest of her. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her temple as she leaned into him. “How did I get so lucky?” he whispered, his lips on her hair. Pain tore through my chest. Shredded it into ribbons. “Troy,” I called again, this time without much fervor, as I fell to my knees. But I couldn’t look away. Not even when he kissed her thoroughly and deeply, the way he used to kiss me. “Stop,” I said, my word catching in my throat. “Please. I’m sorry. Don’t choose her, choose me. Love me.” Tears leaked onto my cheeks and wet my neck, dripping into my shirt. “Do you miss her?” The beautiful woman asked like I wasn’t even there. “Jasmine?” Troy made a face like my name tasted disgusting in his mouth. “Not even a little bit. How could I miss her when I have you?” He took the woman’s hand and brought it to his lips, his eyes holding hers. “Let’s go back to bed. I

want lots and lots of half dragon babies and I want lots of chances to make them with you.” His features turned hungry. For her. She laughed softly, tugging him against her. “But you promised me we could go flying. I want to see this land we are destined to rule.” What? Where were my mom and dad? And vampires? This was Sharra and this realm had always been ruled by vampires. Not dragons. Another lance of pain rushed through me. Were my parents dead? Did they not survive? Had I failed them all? “Right, let’s fly, my love,” he said, pulling me out of my thoughts. Troy smiled and jumped up onto the balcony rail. The woman ed him wearing a lovely cream night dress, her feet bare. Hand in hand they bounded into the air. On the way down, they shifted into dragon form. Troy’s bronze scales glittered and shone, but the woman was even more exquisite with scales the color of the sun. They flew down toward me, so close, I could almost touch them, but I didn’t move. It hurt too much. Everything hurt. It felt like I was dying. And it was my own fault. The consequences of my actions come to life. I had hurt Troy by making out with Christopher. At the memory of what I had done, guilt rose like bile in my throat. I didn’t deserve Troy. I’d known that from the day we met. He was everything good, kind, courageous and gorgeous all rolled into one while I was arrogant and only concerned with myself. That understanding did little to ease my pain. Instead I felt worse and wished I would just disappear. I fell onto my face and rolled to my back. As I lay there, I watched Troy and his new lover flying joyfully together. One thought kept playing over and over in my mind: I wish I were dead. I wish I were dead. I wish I were dead. Something snaked around my leg, but I didn’t care. Nor did I move, except to lift

my head and see. It was a thick green vine. The pressure of its constriction like that of a snake. I cried out as it squeezed my bones until they broke. Tighter and tighter. But I didn’t care. All I could do was stare up at the bronze and summer yellow dragons as they flew together in harmony. Troy deserved that, I thought, someone who was like him. Good and unselfish. The vine gripped my other leg. Agony shot through me once again but I breathed into it, recognizing that I deserved to suffer and knowing that once I was gone, the world would be free of all I’d done. Without remorse, the vine wound its way around my hips and moved up to my waist, squeezing as it went. I panted through the pain. Once the vine swallowed me, would I suffer endless torment? It was what I deserved. The thought woke me to the slightly different aching coming from my arm. Casually, I glanced down at it. Five savage cuts resided in my skin. And then I ed Lirle’s words. “This isn’t real,” I whispered and tears blurred my vision. Troy wasn’t with the blond woman—not really. This was the work of the Ondror’s magic, and it focused on what I did to Troy. That knowledge surprised me. I would’ve guessed my biggest shame was the consequences to all realms by making my wishes and bringing about the darkness and the akuma. But that wasn’t so. The soul magic drew on my deepest, darkest pain. And that was the belief that I didn’t deserve Troy—that he was better off without me. But there was still hope—if I could break free from the soul magic. At the thought, my magic, now connected to the twin blades, roared from my chest and sprouted out of my hands. I sat up, cutting away the vines until I could stand. Above, fake Troy and his fake lover still circled in the sky happily, but I ignored them now. I needed to escape the Ondror’s magic.

At my feet, the vine was retreating and I followed it as it led me to the edge of a forest. This wasn’t in the real realm of Sharra, but I had a hunch that wherever the vine retreated, that was where I would find the source of the magical hold. So I stepped into the blanket of the trees, using my vampire vision to track the vine. A quick glance up and I could no longer see the sky. In a way it was a relief. Even though I knew this wasn’t real, seeing Troy flying with another woman, even in dragon form, was excruciating. I followed the vine for what felt like several miles until it stopped at an enormous tree. The trunk and branches were white, the leaves yellow, and as the vine slunk into the dirt near its base, I was reminded of the dragon, Vanera, the white dragon who’d taken Lirle. At the thought of the dragon doing this to me, I lashed out with my swords, cutting into the trunk. At first it was random, just me throwing cuts out of anger, but slowly, I began to feel my magic within. The ebb and flow. At the moment, it was not buried, but not being used either. I closed my eyes, trying to see my power. And there it was, gold and silver, waiting for me to use it because I wanted to. Not out of uncontrollable rage, but with controlled fury. That was the secret. Choice. Control. Intention. Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes and circled the tree, searching for its most vulnerable spot. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for but hoped I would know when I saw it. About halfway up the trunk, in the back was a hole where the trunk split. As soon as I saw it, I knew that was where I should aim my magics. I grasped both blades together with both hands, and the blade shifted and became one single enormous blade. The change didn’t surprise me because it came from within. Another deep breath. My power hummed. And I jammed the magical blade directly into the center of the hole. As soon as I did, the world around me became watery. The pretend land of Sharra evaporated and I was once again near the stream in the forest of the Hollow. How the Ondror Slayers didn’t find us, I wasn’t sure, but no way was I going to stick around and find out. Lirle was on the ground, her wings tucked at an odd angel under her body as she writhed, seemingly in pain. She was still caught up in the soul magic. Debating for only a moment, I picked her up and carried her in

my arms while I walked down the center of the stream in the same direction we’d been traveling before this all happened. She’d told me how to get to her home and I didn’t want to wait. It was more than an hour before Lirle freed herself from the magic. Her body shivered and she opened her eyes. At first she looked afraid. Jasmine, she said, her eyes hooded. “That’s right. I hope you don’t mind, but when I saw you still suffering, I decided to carry you while I continued on.” I tried to smile, but it was no use. Too much weighed on me. She pushed herself from my arms and tested her wings. I should eat. That took a lot out of me. Without another word, she disappeared into the thicket. I considered whether to wait or keep going but decided moving was the best option. Not too many minutes later, Lirle returned, and looked better. Thank you for carrying me, Jasmine. You went above and beyond. She hovered near my shoulder. You could have left me. I will be sure the king and queen know you protected me and that you are loyal. Leaving without her hadn’t crossed my mind. “There is no need to tell them anything. I have no doubt you would’ve done the same.” She nodded her head. You aren’t wrong, but still. Thank you. One of her paws found purchase on my shoulder. Has your wound healed? she asked. I glanced down at the spot and saw that it had. “Yes. All good.” Then I decided to change the subject. “How long did Vanera hold you captive?” Too long, she said and I sensed a great sorrow in her. Changing the subject again, I asked, “When will you be considered full-grown, like Vanera?” I didn’t want to specifically comment on her size, but she was much smaller than any dragon I’d seen before. At least a hundred years. Perhaps longer. Her mood lightened and I knew I’d found a safe subject.

“When do dragons marry or… mate?” I wasn’t sure of the correct word. Not until after their one hundred and fiftieth year, she said. But there is this one dragon… she began, her eyes turning dreamy as a waft of smoke left her nostrils. “I want to know all about him,” I said, tucking my hands in my pockets. All through the night I trudged through the water while Lirle flew beside me. I listened as she talked about Byne, the dragon she had a crush on. He was older and one of her trainers. A dragon her parents would never allow her to mate with let alone tie herself to, but she couldn’t help the attraction. I asked her whether other supernatural creatures lived in the Hollow. She explained that a few had found their way here, but it was rare. Mostly there were wild animals similar to those found in the human realm. When Abernathy created the Hollow, he made sure to include creatures good for snacking on and eating. I tried not to dwell on that since I had no room to be squeamish. I drank blood for goodness’ sake. By the time we reached the edge of the forest and light began to form in the sky once again, I knew more about dragons than Kenmei had taught in all my years attending the Academy. In the distance sat an enormous stronghold made up of giant rock fences and metal gates. A grate lifted and went over the circular hold, reminding me of a bird cage. In the very middle and up above everything else was an enormous castle. Outside the stronghold, in the valley, I was able to see two other streams. Lirle was right. It seemed the source of the streams all began or ended at her family’s castle. How that worked, I didn’t know, but I guessed it had to do with magic. “That’s it,” Lirle said. “That’s my home.” I was about to tell her it was beautiful when she pulled me back and behind a tree. There, she said, pointing. In the distance was a group of three gray dragons. They had metal armor around their arms and legs as well as their heads.

“What are they?” I watched them fly, their eyes trained on the landscape below. Some of the Ondror Slayers. They are looking for me. For us. Her voice quivered lightly. This time, they will not go so easy on us. “How did they not find us the first time?” She snorted. They didn’t know where we were and blanketed the entire land with their power. Such a feat requires a lot of magic. Obviously, they were hoping to take us out that way. “Do they know we’re still alive?” I debated how we were going to get from the cover of the forest to the stronghold. From the forest to the outskirts was probably more than twenty miles of open land. I could use my vampire speed and I guessed Lirle could fly fast, but not faster than the enormous Ondror. Still, I could carry her. I might be faster than they could fly. They don’t, but they are unrelenting. They won’t stop until they find us—dead or alive. That is their quest and they have no choice but to do whatever Vanera says. She shuddered nervously. I don’t know what to do. I was about to tell her my idea when I was hit in the side of the head by something large and hard. I flew back, cracking my bones against one of the trees.

Chapter 12

“How nice to see you, Lirle.” The voice came from a gray dragon with blood red eyes. His sharp and pointy teeth glistened like they held their own light. Huge talons clamped around Lirle from behind, holding her like a sharpened straight jacket. She gasped and struggled but couldn’t move. Her captor’s clutches were bigger than Lirle’s body. The first dragon looked at me. “And you are Jasmine, heir to Sharra and an original vampire. But where are your wings?” He opened his mouth and I thought he intended to burn me to a crisp. Instead his tongue came out and he licked me. Tasting. “Strange,” he said. “Gross.” I wiped my cheek with the sleeve of my shirt. It occurred to me he was speaking like Abernathy did, with his mouth and not in my mind like Lirle. Perhaps speaking aloud was a skill that came with age. The first dragon pushed through the trees, causing them to snap and break. Then he pounded his tail on the ground several times in a rhythmic fashion while lifting his head. He roared, sending a streak of fire into the early morning sky. I guessed he was telling the other Ondror Slayers that we were found. “Should I eat you or bring you to Vanera?” the dragon said, his nose brushing against my shoulder. My first instinct was fear, but when the second dragon captured Lirle, another emotion engulfed me. Fury. And with it came my controlled power. “You can try,” I said, quietly, as my twin swords appeared, one in each hand. White lightning skittered around the blades, emitting a light crackling noise. The dragon reared back slightly; his eyes wide. Then he chuckled, a deep rumbling that started in his throat. “A fighter. I like that, but it’s hardly possible your little swords can hurt one such as me.” He got in my face again, but I wasn’t having it.

“We’ll see,” I said, and using my speed, slid under him. As I went, I jammed both swords up through his throat until they reached his brain. How the magic worked, I wasn’t sure, but they pierced his scales and thick skin like a thorn through soft flesh. The dragon roared and shook his head. I hung on as I was flung back and forth. His distress only lasted a moment until he dropped to his knees and rolled over, dead. I yanked out my swords, sending them away before disentangling myself from him. The second dragon still held Lirle, but now his black eyes were afraid. I used that to my advantage. “Do you want to die too or is it possible Lirle can escape?” I rolled my shoulders back and waited for the dragon to respond, prepared to bring forth my swords once again. He didn’t respond, just lifted into the air with Lirle still clamped tightly in his paw and flew away. Without giving me the chance to fight. Coward! I couldn’t follow in the air and that awareness frustrated the crap out of me. My wings! How I missed them. Not giving up I used my vampire speed to follow, tracking the dragon by sight, and watched as he ed a group of other gray dragons. They continued away from the stronghold, heading east, and back the way I’d come. They were taking Lirle to Vanera. That much was clear. When Vanera got a hold of her again, I worried for Lirle’s safety. Would the white dragon kill Lirle instantly? I hoped she still intended to use her as a pawn, to make the king and queen trade the kingdom and their power in exchange for their daughter. Either way, I couldn’t let Vanera or the Ondror harm my newest friend. Now that they had Lirle, they weren’t interested in me and I ran without hindrance all day and into the night. Weariness began to settle over me, but sleep wasn’t a necessity like it was for other creatures. Sure, I could use it, but not now. I would sleep when the darkness and the akuma were gone. I could sleep when Sharra was no longer seeking to destroy all realms. Or I would be dead. Either way, rest was out of the question until all of this was over. When they arrived at the blasted mountain that held Vanera’s nest, I ground my teeth in irritation. Right back where I started. As I watched the dragons, I expected them to fly Lirle up to the top and drop her into the nest since that’s

where I found her. Instead a portion of the mountain slid open, one giant door on each side, making an enormous hole. Without hesitation, the dragons flew inside and the doors began to close. I pushed myself faster, darting through the opening just as the doors rumbled shut. Dirt and debris from the ceiling rained down, but I ignored it, focusing on finding which direction the dragons were headed. Darkness loomed. I didn’t know what to expect but I should’ve known there would be guards. Too late. Strong, clawed hands wrapped around me. “You’re the one they are talking about. The one who killed Halged. Won’t I win the best prize for bringing the killer to my queen?” His voice was like nails on a chalkboard. How he knew about the Slayer’s death was beyond me. Perhaps certain dragons could communicate like a hive mind. I didn’t know. What I did know was that I wouldn’t be going to the queen as a prisoner. Not if I could help it. Drawing on the power within, my swords sprang to life in my hands. In one motion, I cut myself from his grasp, turned, jumped, and beheaded the dragon before he had the chance to cry out. Another appeared to my right and from behind. Though it was dark, my vision made it easy to see the second, smaller dragon. I leaped in the air and landed on its back before shoving one sword through each side of his head. The dragon let out a fiery breath and fell to the ground, dead. Heaving my swords, I jumped off the dragon as he fell, landing between the two corpses. Quickly, I stood and spun, making sure there were no other guards. When I was certain I was alone, I closed my eyes, saddened by their deaths. “I am sorry,” I said, and meant it. Killing wasn’t something I liked, but it seemed that was all my magic could do. Was that how I was meant to defeat Sharra? By killing her? Of course. But I didn’t like the idea. Could my magic do more?

I wanted to believe the answer was yes. If I learned to control it. Make it do what I want. Magic, like the swords, was a tool, one I was learning to use. As I headed down the expansive corridor, I decided I would do better. Sending my swords away so the lightning sparking around them wouldn’t give me away, I carefully reached the end where I could turn either left or right. I listened, hoping to hear something of Lirle. She hadn’t spoken to me since her capture and I wondered why. Just as quickly, I knew the answer. If I could hear her, then perhaps the other dragons could as well. She was protecting me. At the thought, my insides warmed. The friendship between Lirle and me had built rapidly. Perhaps because we were so alike. Possibly because we needed each other. She was everything I hoped to be. Everything I was working to become. I heard the dragons moving on the left and went that way. They were flying slowly, probably to avoid smashing into the walls on either side of the vast hallway, but I didn’t have that hinderance and caught up to them. Carefully, I peeked around the corner. They were in a room more than three times the size of the entrance. Nestled in the center near the back wall was the Vanera. She was looking at the dragons and they were looking at her, but no one spoke. I guessed they were talking in their minds. I thought of Troy and our dragon connection. Obviously these dragons were using the same magic. A shard of remembrance filtered through my mind. Duh. I was an original, created from and in possession of all seven magics. With my memories returned, I saw myself in a memory, speaking to Abernathy the same way these dragons were speaking now. If I wanted to, I could use dragon magic too. I closed my eyes and searched for that magic. It didn’t take long to find the golden power hovering near my sword blades, still part of the other magics, but distinct. I reached for it and opened it, calling forth its power, and was immediately rewarded. Instead of connecting to them, I connected to the man I loved. Troy. He was no longer lying on the ground but dressed and showered. It even looked like he combed his hair and shaved, though the hair on his head was longer than when I last saw him.

Troy, I said, hesitantly, as my bottom lip trembled, knowing he might not want to hear from me. Are you alright? That he was dressed and clean made me think of a lamb going to the slaughter. Did Sharra intend to kill him soon? I didn’t know. Pops said time moved differently in the Hollow. Jasmine. He spoke my name softly and my heart broke. I’m fine. Safe for now. I know something is coming, otherwise I wouldn’t have been allowed to clean up. I sensed hesitation in his words. There isn’t much time. Sharra wants you here now. She knows you have the elven crown and is furious you haven’t come to her yet. I’m sorry, I said, apologizing a whole lot with those two simple words. That was okay, as long as it did some good. I am coming. It’s only that I needed some help first. To control the power of the crown as well as my own magic. But soon. Irritation flashed across his features. With me out of the way, you won’t have any guilt over Christopher. You can be with him. Then his shoulders drooped and his head fell to his chest. I blew out a devastated breath. I have no desire to be with Chris. He is a friend. Nothing more. What happened… I paused, pressing my fingers against my temples and tried again. What happened between Chris and me wasn’t because of anything I wanted. Sharra used her power to make me do that. I swear. I swallowed down my hurt feelings, hoping to convey through my mind how much I loved my dragon boy. Troy, I have only ever loved you. Tears pricked my eyes. You mean everything to me and you always will.

Chapter 13

He looked up and for the briefest moment, I thought he was staring right at me. No longer angry, but still unsure. I love you, too, Jazz. He stopped speaking and adjusted his weight, sitting up straighter. Someone is coming. He closed his eyes and pretended to be sleeping. His cell door cranked open and a female voice spoke. “I brought you a friend. Try not to kill each other.” Christopher stumbled into the room before turning and flashing his fangs. “You touch me like that again and you won’t live to tell anyone about it.” His hands were behind his back and black magic held his wrists together. The person he spoke to laughed. It was Sharra. I focused on Troy. His eyes burned into Chris like he would kill him. Please, I begged. Chris is on our side. He believes in our love too. When Sharra forced me to kiss him, Chris stopped me and freed me from her magic. He’s changed and he can help. I hoped that was true. As much as I trusted Christopher, there was still a tiny part of me that ed what he did to my mom. He’d betrayed her at the last moment. Would he do that again? I wanted to believe the answer was no. But I’m on your side, Troy, and always will be. If I ever had to make a choice, it would always be Troy. Thank you, Jazz. Stay safe and I’ll see you soon. He broke the connection between us. A clawed grip clamped me, the edge of one of the claws scratching me deeply, nearly severing an arm. “It seems we have the little rat that caused all of our troubles.” A flash of pain filtered through me, like golden poison, until it reached my heart. Then everything went numb. I couldn’t move or call forth my blades.

All I could do was watch as the dragon carried me like a mouse over to the white dragon before depositing me at her feet. “What are you doing in the Hollow?” Vanera asked, licking her lips as she spoke. I glanced around for Lirle. She was inside a cage to my right. It dangled from the ceiling near Vanera, probably so the dragon could keep an eye on her. Lirle glanced at me, her eyes sad. I wanted to scream that I would save her, that she would be all right, but this whole scenario was all too familiar. She was in a cage, same as my parents, same as Troy, and a narcissistic creature held her because she believed she deserved to rule in Lirle’s place. Anger at the injustice of it all welled up inside me and I fought to have my swords spring to life, but with my arm taking its time to heal, it was difficult. “Answer me,” Vanera roared, sending smoke and flames from her mouth as she spoke. My face felt like it would melt off, but the flames didn’t quite reach. I licked my lips, working to figure out what to say. Before I came up with an adequate response, Vanera plucked Lirle out of her cage and dangled her in front of her mouth. “Lirle explained the two of you have become friends. Let’s put that to the test.” One eye lingered on me. “Either tell me what business you have here or I will eat the little runt.” I decided to go with some truth and a lie. “Our realms are falling into darkness and I hoped to ask for help from the king and queen of the Hollow.” “Is that so? And why would you think the Hollow would want anything to do with the other realms? We are separated from you and your kind as well as the rest of them for a reason.” She brought Lirle closer to her mouth. “I’m desperate,” I said, and meant it. I was desperate. Desperate to save Lirle. To save my parents and Troy. To save the world. As my thoughts fed my anxieties, they rose and so did the magic. What little control I gained over it disintegrated. The seven magics erupted from the blades and suddenly my skin was glowing, hot like the sun. The dragon who held me burst into flame. I was free. Surprised, Vanera dropped Lirle. In the back of my mind, I noted that Lirle took

flight and didn’t seem hurt. Vanera sent a stream of raging fire at me. “How dare you? What have you done?” She was furious. I sensed it, even more overwhelming than the fire she breathed. Instead of being afraid, her fury fueled my magic and I took it into myself before sending it back to her, one hand raised out in front of me. An inferno of magic pressed against hers, will and against will. But that only lasted a moment before my magic took her fire and used it to pull her near. “You will cease this madness and let Lirle’s parents rule the Hollow in peace or I will destroy you here and now.” Vanera eyes glinted with impotent fury but she didn’t respond. “I mean it. Stop this and promise me you will go your way in peace and I will let you live.” The words coming from my mouth didn’t sound like me. My voice was calm and so self-assured. My magic reached up to Vanera’s mouth and lassoed her nose, clamping her teeth together. From behind, I sensed the soul magic from the Ondror. It tried to sneak up on me and leech into my soul, but my magic was too strong and the Ondror couldn’t infiltrate my magical barriers. “You cannot harm me. But I can kill you all with just a thought.” I shivered at the words, knowing they were true. Vanera nodded. I will stop trying to take the king and queen’s stronghold, she said into my mind. I released her, bringing the magic back into myself, though I was still glowing. As soon as Vanera was free, she flicked her tail, knocking me off my feet before landing on me, her front paws pinning me down. She was so heavy, I thought my ribs would turn to powder. Dark sadness overwhelmed my pain as my magic lashed out at Vanera as well as the Ondror. Gossamer like a spider’s web, white lightning lassoed around each of the dragons’ necks, encasing and igniting their flesh until they became charred husks then shattered to dust. I had never seen so much power used all at once, let alone coming from me. It was terrifying. Black ash coated me from head to toe. I blinked it away, trying to wipe my face with the underside of my arm.

Wow, holy baby dragonflies. Lirle was there and she sounded freaked. You-You saved us, she continued, her eyes wide with fear. “Yeah, I’m—” All around the room were piles of ash. Dead dragons. Guilt washed over and through me, drowning me. Without waiting for Lirle, I ran. As I went I saw there were more dead bodies. Had I killed them all? A shudder of fear rushed through my veins. Had I killed all the dragons in the Hollow? Of course not. Lirle was still alive. Hopefully others were, too. When I reached the double doors, my face was wet. I looked for a handle or doorknob. Was there a button or did the dragons use soul magic? I didn’t know and didn’t care. I didn’t think, just wiggled my fingers into the space between the doors and pushed them open wide enough that I could squeeze through and out into the fresh air. It was still stifling—the whole realm felt like it was a hundred degrees. I fell to the ground, curling into the fetal position. All of my control was gone. Any kind of confidence I had was gone and I felt useless. “Jasmine,” Lirle said gently, coming up behind me. She spoke with her mouth instead of into my brain. Surprised, I studied her through my tears, unable to express my shock. Instead I asked the question weighing most heavily on my soul. “What about her babies? The eggs in the nest?” I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping against hope they weren’t dead, that I hadn’t taken innocent lives. “Did I kill them too?” “Let me check.” There was a whoosh and when I opened my eyes, she was gone. Despite the heat of the realm, my body shivered uncontrollably. After what seemed like forever, Lirle returned. “The babies are fine,” Lirle said. “When we reach my home, I’ll send dragons to collect them. They will be kept safe.” Her voice was soft as she landed beside me, resting a hand on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry.” I rose to my knees, pleading, hoping she could forgive me for all of the killing, but grateful at least the babies were safe. She tilted her head to one side. “What do you have to be sorry for? Saving me?

Because without doubt, those awful dragons would’ve killed us both. Maybe not right away, but we would’ve died.” She touched my face, carefully wiping at the tears. When she pulled it away, her hand was streaked with black dust, the remnants of Vanera and her minions. Then Lirle pressed her paw between her eyes leaving a mark. “You are a hero, Jasmine. My hero. Slayer of the White Dragon. No one, not even the Ondror, had the power to kill her. Our realm has been at war for years, since before I was born, because of her. Without you, the Hollow would still be in a mess.” Her eyes softened. “Now I can go home.” She wrapped her arms around herself and spun in a circle. “Now there will be peace. Because of you.” She shook her head. “My parents… They are going to be so happy to meet you.” She smiled, flashing all of her sharp teeth. My guilt subsided but only a moment. “But what if I killed them all? Not just those in the mountain but every dragon in the Hollow?” With the power that surged through me, I thought it might be possible. Her mouth fell open and she blew out a puff of smoke. “Nonsense. I’m still here, aren’t I? Others will be, too, you’ll see.” She stuck out a paw and I took it as I stood. “Let’s go home so you can meet the king and queen.” My legs were shaky, but I agreed. We walked slowly, heading over to the nearest river, where we both climbed in and rinsed off.

Chapter 14

Now that we had nothing to fear, Lirle and I moved quickly and undeterred toward the stronghold. As we went, Lirle talked more about the dragon she liked as well as growing up in the dragon realm. Hearing her talk, I couldn’t help but ire the Hollow. It was stark and vast and though it wasn’t blooming with all manner of flowers like Sharra, it still held beauty. That night as we rested and ate under a canopy of trees, I was able to witness one of the wonders of her realm. Here, the forest stirred to life at night. Everything seemed to possess a bioluminescence. Trees whose leaves were pink during the day glowed a soft white, like millions of fireflies covered them. Animals I hadn’t known were there, insects and little creatures that reminded me of spider monkeys, lit up as well. It was beautiful and a little terrifying. “Why does it do this?” I asked, mesmerized. Lirle took another bite of whatever she was eating. Her lips were luminescent blue like the spider monkeys and I forced myself not to shudder with disgust. The dragon needed to eat. “No one knows.” She shrugged, her wings flapping behind her lightly. “We call this portion of the forest the Nipaforte Wood.” “Why neepaforty?” The name was strange. “Nipa for tay is what we call the creatures in the branches above us.” She sucked on the bone before tossing it behind her. “Seemed appropriate.” “If you say so.” I sighed, exhausted. My eyes closed and I was asleep before I had a chance to decide whether or not I should.

When I woke, it was still dark. I didn’t know how long I slept, but I was done. Dreams of Sharra torturing Troy had consumed me. I jumped up and went over to my new friend. “Ready to keep going? The sooner we get to your home, the better.” I carefully touched her head. No surprise, she was warm. “I suppose.” Lirle stretched, smacking her lips together. “Let me get something to eat and then we will be on our way.” She disappeared into the forest and returned quickly, another of the nipaforte monkey-looking things in her mouth. I couldn’t watch her eat again and got up, wandering around the forest while I waited, iring all of the lovely creatures. When Lirle was finished, we started on our journey again. Once we left the forest, we followed the stream, Lirle’s enormous Stronghold standing monstrous in the distance. Above, millions of stars twinkled in the night sky. If I weren’t in such a rush, I would’ve ired the vastness. By the time we came to the front gate, light had filtered away the stars, turning night into day. Two dragons were there, guarding the entrance. They were nearly asleep, their eyes closed and their bodies slack against the wall. We were nearly upon them before they heard us and snapped to attention, preparing to fight. “It is I, Lirle, Princess of the Stronghold. You will let us .” Her voice was commanding. “Of course, Princess.” The guards bowed, allowing us to enter. Their eyes never left me and I sensed their unease at my presence. The Stronghold was truly grand and expansive. Within the gate, I felt like a mouse. There weren’t homes or even buildings as I was used to thinking of them. Just nests and different open areas, including enormous training grounds. In the very center was the castle. When the dragon guards opened the double doors, I felt smaller than a mouse. “This place,” I whispered.

“Yeah, it’s easy to get lost, so stay close.” Lirle flew beside me, always on alert, though I guessed the other dragons we came across in the castle were doing their hive mind thing to communicate with each other because none of the dragons gave us trouble. We didn’t make it far before Lirle’s parents appeared. Her mother, a lovely burnt orange dragon let loose of a cry of relief at the sight of Lirle. Her father was midnight black and intimidating, except for his eyes which were the same sky blue as Lirle’s. Neither of them wore crowns or robes, though they each had an amulet that rested at the base of their necks. The king’s looked to be made of onyx while the queen’s gem was citrine. Beyond the strange gems, there was something different about them. An “it” factor that seemed to say, “we are your king and queen, so be civil.” “Mother,” Lirle said and flew toward her, hugging her neck. “My dearest,” the queen said, snuggling against her daughter carefully. She and the king were much bigger than Lirle. In fact, they appeared to be bigger even than Vanera and she’d been huge. As I watched the king nuzzle his daughter next, I tried to imagine if they were bigger even than Abernathy. I didn’t think so. After several loving minutes, the king and queen turned their attention toward me. Lirle flew back over, hovering next to my shoulder. “Mom and Dad, this is Jasmine. She’s the one who saved me not just once but twice.” Lirle glanced at me and smiled before continuing. “She’s an original vampire and the best.” She rested a clawed hand on my arm. “Nice to meet you both,” I said, and bowed, not sure what the protocol was to show respect for dragon royalty. I’d met Abernathy before, obviously, but he was less formal. A deep rumbling came from the king’s throat and he smiled, showing off his brilliant white and pointy teeth. “I am Armond and this is my stunning mate, Karelle.” I bowed again. “I’ve heard lots of good things about you from Lirle,” I added,

trying to all of the etiquette I was taught as a child. “Come and let us discuss things in private,” Karelle said, her voice deep but sounding more feminine than the king’s, and very kind too. They turned and took flight, heading back in the direction they came. “They like you,” Lirle said as we followed after them. “I’m glad,” I itted. “Is bowing the correct thing to do when meeting them or is there something else I should be doing to show my respect?” She giggled lightly as we entered a chamber. Along the right wall were pipes like those from an organ. As soon as the king and queen entered, a smaller dragon began to play. The music was soft and haunting but not like funeral music. More upbeat. “You’re doing great,” she said. Once Armond and Karelle sat, their tails curling around them, the king ordered a chair be brought for me. Thanking him, I sat. Lirle sat beside me and I couldn’t help the warm gratitude I felt toward her. She truly was a friend. “Now then, I would offer you food but our blood is sacred and I cannot allow you to consume it. However, if you would like, I can offer you cow’s blood or that of a deer or elk?” The king regarded me with interest. “Thank you so much for the kindly offer, but I am not hungry.” That was a lie. I was beyond famished, but I didn’t want cow blood. It wouldn’t sustain me anyway. Dragon blood would, but I couldn’t ask. It felt too forward and I suddenly missed my dragon boy. “Very good, then tell us why you’re here and how you came to meet our daughter,” he said. “Yes, please share everything,” Karelle added. I did just that, explaining how I was born and about my wings. I described meeting Laeddin and making my wishes, followed by the arrival of the darkness and the akuma and Sharra. I also told them about Troy and Christopher, about

going back in time with Abernathy. Next I mentioned my parents and the gargoyle realm as well as the elven crown and my uncontrollable magic. Then I told them about arriving here, and finding Lirle, and our quest to get her home, followed by her recapture and then using my magic to kill her kidnappers. The last part was hard to get out. Guilt radiated from my heart and I worried how they’d take me killing dragons, even enemy dragons, especially since I wasn’t one. At some point during our conversation, both the king and queen had lain down. I glanced at Lirle, wondering if they were asleep. Before she could respond, the king told me to continue, which I did. They listened intently, asking questions so I could fill in gaps. By the time I was done, it was well into the night. They didn’t seem upset, but they might be saving their energy for when I was finished. I stifled a yawn, not necessarily tired, but mentally exhausted. Armond’s eyes blinked open and he and the queen returned to their sitting positions. Lirle still stayed beside me, keeping me company. She seemed thrilled by my story, even though parts of it she’d already heard once or experienced firsthand. “That is quite a tale, young vampire.” Armond studied me a moment as though considering what more to say. The direction he took next surprised me. “Did you know I am a direct descendant of Abernathy, the dragon you spoke about?” Before I could my manners, I blurted, “Like one of his children?” Armond chuckled. “That’s right. I am his oldest child, which is why I rule the Hollow with my wife. My father created the Hollow at my request many, many years ago.” Pops had told me part of the story, but listening to Armond tell it was still fascinating. “I didn’t know that,” I said. Then smiled. “My fiancé, uh, Troy, the guy I told you about that’s half dragon, he is also Abernathy’s son. So is my aunt Cindy, though we aren’t really related. She’s a witch.” I realized I was rambling and stopped myself. Armond shook his head and laughed. “How very interesting. My father was always more forward thinking than the rest of us.” He glanced at Karelle. “I would say that makes Jasmine practically family, wouldn’t you say so, my darling?”

Karelle nodded. “I already consider her family because she rescued our Lirle. I was lost without her,” the queen said, her eyes getting misty. “You said you killed the white dragon and her minions?” Armond asked, his gaze shrewd. “Yes,” I said and swallowed, bracing myself for his anger. “The magic of the elven crown mixed with my original magic and got away from me. I didn’t want to kill them, but I did.” A new wave of guilt swallowed me. “I’m so sorry. But when Vanera was about to kill me, my magic rolled out and I lost control…” I glanced at Lirle. “Your daughter taught me a great deal about my magic before that moment. She taught me to focus my magic on a weapon, which I did—dual blades.” I hung my head, unable to meet their gazes. “Controlling magic can be difficult,” Armond said, “especially if you have as much power as you say you do. Killing our kind is not easy, even for dragons.” I nodded but still couldn’t look up. “Jasmine, do not apologize for saving the Hollow,” Karelle snapped. I looked up then, meeting her angry glare. “That dragon intended to use our daughter against us, but you saved her and us.” She paused, a billow of smoke coming out of her nostrils. “We are forever in your debt.” “Which is why we would like to present you with a gift.” Armond met his wife’s eyes. She smiled and nodded before they both faced me. “Nothing we ever give you will be enough to repay the return of our daughter, but maybe this will help to show our appreciation.” Karelle touched the gem near her throat as did Armond, each grasping their gem between two clawed fingers. They brought their paws together and their two gems became one before forming something like a liquid. This was the first time I’d witnessed two dragons doing soul magic together. It was a beautiful moment and I felt a pang of envy at the love the king and queen shared. After several long moments, the magic stopped and Karelle held the vial of liquid out for me to take. “May this provide you with more control as well as

something you are greatly missing,” she said. “Thank you,” I said, unsure what to do now. The clear vial was made of glass and the liquid inside was black with glittering orange flecks. I went to tuck it into my pocket when the queen stopped me. “No, darling, you must swallow it.” She gave me a brilliant smile. “Drink it up,” she said again, encouraging. “Okay.” I forced myself not to be nervous even as my magic flared to life protectively. There was a small black stopper in the top of the bottle and I removed it before bringing the liquid to my mouth. I gave it a quick sniff. Notes of brimstone and smoke filled my nose. “Drink,” Lirle said, reassuring. I tilted the vial back, pouring the liquid down my throat. It was cool and tasteless and when I swallowed, it seemed to go everywhere at once. Like my veins and sinews were railroad tracks and the liquid was the train. As it traveled, I began to heat up with pain, aching, ferocious pain. I fell to my knees. “What’s wrong with her?” Lirle asked with concern in her voice. “Just wait, darling. She is in pain now, but it will be worth it,” Karelle said. I wanted to believe her, but the pain was beyond anything I’d ever experienced and I found myself going in and out of consciousness. The liquid filled my insides and moved up to my back, where it burned so hot, I thought I would become a pile of ash to match those of the dragons I’d incinerated. And then the liquid pushed through my skin. I screamed out, panting. “Please make it stop!” I pleaded as tears of agony filled my eyes. “Be strong, Jasmine. Give it time. The pain will be worth it,” Armond assured me. I didn’t believe him. Nothing that hurt this much could ever be worth it. Where was my magic? Why didn’t it fight against what was happening inside me?

I felt something growing from my back, and I glanced back, not sure what I expected. What I saw stunned me. It was a new set of wings! Shock blocked out the pain, and I pressed my fists against each other in sheer joy. Now that I understood what gift the dragons had given me, I knew they were right. The pain was worth it. I gritted my teeth, closed my eyes, and forced myself to keep quiet as the inferno roared through me. An eternity later, or maybe it was only a few minutes, the pain subsided and I heard Lirle gasp. “They’re beautiful,” she said. “Jasmine. Can you hear me? Look at your wings.” I carefully opened my eyes which were still throbbing from the remnants of the spell. There was a flutter at my back, and I jumped to my feet. “Is there a mirror?” I asked, desperate to see my new wings. “Over there,” Lirle said. I started to run over, but my wings lifted me from the ground and I gasped. Crying and laughing at the same time, I studied my reflection in the polished glass. Though I was relatively clean from my bath in the river, my hair was a mess and my shirt was in tatters. I pushed that aside and turned, watching my new wings flutter. They were large and black and reptilian, like those of a dragon —like Troy’s. My love, I thought, desperate to be with him again. I moved and the light hit my wings just right. They sparkled with the colors of the seven magics. “They are beautiful,” I said, flying back over to Armond and Karelle. My hands clasped together in prayer, I bowed before them with profound gratitude. “Thank you for the gift.” Tears continued to stream down my face. “This is the best gift.” To show them I meant it, I twirled in a circle, shot up into the air so I skimmed the top of the stone ceiling, and then flew over to Lirle. Taking her hands in mine, I flew the both of us in a circle. She and I laughed and laughed. “Not only did we give you the gift of wings, Jasmine, but also a little of our combined soul magic. Hopefully our magics will help temper yours so you have more control.”

Their gifts were beyond anything I could ever have hoped for. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you,” I said, bowing low for a second time. “It was the least we could do,” Armond said. “Now,” Karelle began, “I am famished. Do you wish to stay for dinner?” The thought of watching them eat turned my stomach and I fought to keep my expression even. “I should probably get back,” I said. “So soon?” Lirle asked, her face sad. “Sharra still has my parents and Troy and her darkness is consuming everything in its path. I need to stop her.” Part of me didn’t want to leave. I felt safe here, and even with all that I’d gained during my time in the Hollow, there was still no guarantee I could defeat Sharra. Plus I’d miss Lirle. She’d become a true friend. “I’ll come back often, promise. And,” I looked at the king and queen, “if it’s okay, I’d like to bring Troy too. I think he will love it here.” “We would be honored to have you,” Karelle said. “A piece of the Hollow resides in you now. With that, you will always be able to return,” Armond added. “Thank you.” I grasped for the amulet on my neck, but it was gone. “Oh no!” I flew around the room, hoping I’d dropped it recently. “My amulet. I don’t know how to get back.” “Jasmine,” Karelle began. “The magic is within you. Just think of where you wish to go and there you will be.” Armond nodded. “Karelle is right. Your magic is strong enough to take you anywhere you want to go. You do not need to rely on trinkets.” I nodded and closed my eyes, sensing they were right. With their magic inside me, I felt a new sense of control as well as the full weight of the power I possessed. I opened my eyes and faced the king and queen. “Thank you again.” I turned to my new friend. “Lirle, thank you for being such a great friend. I will be back soon and I promise to bring Troy,” I paused. “If he’ll still have me,” I whispered so only she could hear.

“If he doesn’t, then he’s an idiot.” She rubbed her nose against my cheek. “See you soon.” I nodded and closed my eyes, imagining myself back in Pops’ office. He and Joanna would want to know I was okay. And I wanted to know how things were going with them. Plus, they would be able to help me come up with a plan. Everything worked better when I had help. “Goodbye,” I said. Using only my magic, I began to cross through the realms. As I ed through the dragon realm, I noticed there was no more war and I was grateful for the opportunity to help the Hollow become a realm of peace. Soon, I expected to see Earth, still filled with terror and upheaval. Instead of seeing the human realm overrun by darkness and the akuma, I went into complete blackness. Emptiness was a better word. It swirled around me and a tendril of fear rose into my throat. Had my magic gone wrong? “Welcome, Jasmine,” a female voice said. It was the Unknowns. Somehow I traveled into their domain. Glancing down, I saw I was floating in the nothingness, like a speck of dust. Twin shadows swirled around me, their presence only slightly visible in the vast ocean of night. “We’ve waited a long time for this moment,” the male voice said. Fear was replaced by anger, but try as I might, my magic wouldn’t ignite. It was useless here. “Shall we kill you now? Doing so will begin the catalyst to end all magics, all supernaturals, all realms—including the Hollow—giving us the chance to reset and start anew,” the female said, her words sharp like my twin blades. “That’s right. Earth is in serious need of a supernatural cleansing,” the male added. “But I’m glad to see your wings up close before you die,” she said, her strange presence brushing against them.

I gritted my teeth to keep from screaming. “They are lovely,” she went on. “Too bad you won’t need them much longer.” Slowly their eyes appeared followed by faces and hair. Bodies and clothing. They hovered in front of me, looking like two sides of the same coin. Slightly different, but still the same. “Have you nothing to say?” the male asked, his bright eyes, like those of a full, moon boring into mine. “Don’t do it,” I blurted. “Do what, dear? ‘It’ is such an uninteresting word,” she said. “Don’t destroy all magics. Don’t destroy supernaturals. Let me fix this,” I begged, my hands out in front of me, pleading that they would listen. “Let me find a way to…” I thought of the word they used before continuing, “reset all magics.” Both laughed heartily, doubling over. “She thinks she can fix everything wrong in the world by herself,” he said, wiping his eyes. “I can.” I swallowed, my hands in fists. “I will. There is enough power in me. I intend to end Sharra.” Rolling my shoulders back, I clenched my hands together, praying I could make them see I could do this. “Killing.” She tut-tutted. “It’s such a final word.” “Agreed. And not a reset as such. But…” he began, then looked at me. “Stop Sharra without killing her. Do that and we might consider allowing all supernaturals to live.” I was flabbergasted. How was I supposed to stop someone as powerful as Sharra without killing her? It was impossible. On the other hand, I found I liked the idea. I hated killing. Doing so left me feeling so much guilt and I was tired of that. “Fine. I’ll find a way to do that,” I said, nodding with finality.

“If you can stop Sharra without killing her, that will initiate the reset we require,” the woman said, and snapped her fingers.

Chapter 15

Determination weighed my shoulders down as I traversed the inkiness. As I went, I called out in my mind, using the magic within me to speak with Silindra and Laeddin. At once, my mind was there, in Laeddin’s realm, in his library full of books. He and Silindra were there, standing close, reading something aloud. “Laeddin,” I said. Laeddin glanced at me, or rather, my mental presence. Silindra looked up as well. “Is it just me or am I seeing Jasmine?” Surprise flickered across her too lovely face. “I see her too… somehow.” Laeddin reached out, but his fingers couldn’t touch me. I was there, but not really there. “I’m going to Sharra,” I said, and looked from Laeddin to Silindra. “The darkness will swallow the earth soon. There is no more time. I need your help now. Please find me.” “We’re coming, Jasmine,” Laeddin said, and took Silindra’s hand. Were they a couple now? There was no time to figure it out. Silindra said, “Watch out for my sister. She’s tricky.” “I will,” I said, and the world around me swirled before I found myself in Pops’ study. He and Joanna were there, looking as though I’d only just left. They were speaking together softly, words I chose not to hear since they weren’t for me. “Grandfather,” I whispered. He looked up. Joanna turned as well so they were both staring at my essence. “I’ve completed my time in the Hollow and am going to Sharra’s to free my parents. Please help.” Joanna and Pops stood.

“We will be there,” Pops said and Joanna nodded her agreement. “Thank you,” I mouthed, as I swirled again through the emptiness of space. When the blurriness stopped, I was no longer in empty space. Sharra had to be here, but where I was made no sense . Instinctively I tucked away my new wings, grateful for the way I could hide them from view if I wanted. A jolt of happiness shot through me. Wings! I had wings. I shuddered with glee before tamping down the feeling and got to work trying to figure out my location. The room was bright and airy. Windows were open and white curtains billowed in the slight breeze. Birdsong filtered through the room along with the sounds of the rustling trees as well as the ocean waves. This was a living room, but the furnishings were sparse. Off to the right was an eat-in kitchen and beside that, a dining room. “Oh, Jasmine. Welcome.” Sharra was dressed in a light blue flower print shirt with white capri pants. She wore an enormously oversized hat to shield her creamy skin from the sun. In one hand, she carried a basket filled with cut flowers and herbs. In the other, she held a pair of scissors. “I thought you’d run away for good.” She set the basket on the table and waved her hands. Immediately, the sunshine vanished and darkness shone through the windows. “Glad you finally made it.” Beside her stood a woman with graying hair wearing nearly the same outfit as Sharra. She looked to be in her early sixties and when she saw me, her face twisted in fear. “Who’s your friend, Shari?” Shari? I snorted. Sharra waved a hand in my direction. “This is Jasmine.” Then to me she said, “I’d like to introduce you to my lovely neighbor, Mrs. Lubbot.” “Good to meet you,” I said with a wave, wondering if the woman was a magical figment of both our imaginations or if she was real. Sharra went on. “Jasmine has brought me something and I need to get back to work. Can we meet tomorrow for tea?” Sharra kept her voice light. She sounded just like a regular uppity middle class human.

“I’ll put on a kettle around three,” the woman replied, her smile transferring orange lipstick to her teeth. Before she left, she sniffed as though I disappointed her somehow. “Lovely to meet you, Jasmine.” With that, the woman left. I clasped my hands together, still unsure about where we were. “What is this place?” I asked, working to stay calm. Not only was Sharra dressed like a lady of leisure, but she appeared cheerful and happy. It didn’t fit anything I knew of the vampire. Not even a little bit. “The suburbs, dear.” She waved me over and I glanced out the enormous living room window to see that we were in a neighborhood filled with immaculate lawns, clipped hedges, and lots of bright flowers. Each house looked similar to the next. “Why?” It was the only question I could utter. I’d expected a lair or at least something sinister. She was supposed to be hiding out. “And how are the flowers growing?” With the darkness, I didn’t think such a feat was possible. Sharra laughed. “Living near me has its perks.” She took her basket of flowers and went into the all-white kitchen where she took a glass vase from a cupboard and filled it up halfway with water. “And to answer your question, why not” She picked up a dark purple tulip, clipped the end at an angle and placed it into the vase. “Martha’s Vineyard is beautiful this time of year.” She continued snipping the ends of the flowers before arranging them in the container. The sound of an infant's cry startled me. I turned and saw a bassinette in the corner. “Is that a baby?” “She isn’t not a baby,” Sharra responded vaguely, taking the flower arrangement and placing it in the center of the clear glass coffee table. Then she went over to the bassinette. “There, there, little one. You are almost done. As soon as we take the elven crown from Jasmine, I’ll be able to complete the spell and you will be the newest original vampire. Mine to mold and shape. An heir as I rule the world.” She picked up the blanket-wrapped bundle. Freakily, there was a head with hair, but no eyes or nose, just a mouth. It looked like someone’s nightmare doll come to life. “What have you done?” Sickness funneled into my heart as I recalled all the times Sharra mentioned creating her own original vampire. By the looks of things, she hadn’t worked it out.

“You’ll see as soon as you give me the crown.” It was then she really looked at me. “Where is it, Jasmine?” She placed the “baby” back in the crib and rushed me, frustration arching her brow. “Well…” I didn’t know how to respond. The elven crown was gone. It was a part of me as much as the ribs in my chest. And when I told her what had happened, she would do what? Kill me? Siphon it from me somehow? I wasn’t ready to find out. “Where are my parents, Troy, and Christopher?” I returned, thinking it safer to respond with questions of my own. “Let me see them and make sure they are safe. Then we can discuss the crown.” If I had to, I would trade myself for them, but I hoped it didn’t come to that. I wanted to live, and I wanted all realms to be free of Sharra’s tyranny. I just had to find a way to do both without killing Sharra in the process. “Very well,” she said shrewdly. The room went out of focus, like I’d been standing in a watercolor painting, as the house and the contemporary décor changed. Sharra’s clothing did as well. The oversized hat, old lady shirt, and capris were replaced by a sleek black dress that looked to be made of rubber; it hugged her curves, the collar high but still revealing a lot of cleavage. Her hair was slicked back and hanging in a long ponytail. Her staff appeared as did my wings… or rather, the wings that used to be mine. The haziness dissipated, replaced by a cave of sorts—there were walls and a floor but no ceiling. Above was the darkness, looming hungrily like its own entity. Ready to consume at any moment. Like the ticking of a clock, each second sent another star from view. “This is more lair-like,” I whispered. The walls appeared to be made up of the akuma. They seemed to be stacked one on top of the other, though there was a solid wall there too—almost like the akuma had been painted into the walls. The twisted creatures writhed and moved like millions of spiders, their eyes staring as they gnashed their teeth, waiting for the moment when they could attack. The effect was both eerie and claustrophobic— it felt like the walls were closing in. My pulse quickened as Sharra waved her staff, speaking several foreign words. Jumping up, I tried to get my bearings. All around us were oddly shaped red rocks staggered against the blackness and similar to the Hollow. Besides the mountainous pillars, there was nothing else around. We were an island of solace.

On the far left appeared cages. My loved ones were in them. I sensed them. A quick glance revealed Sharra was still casting spells or whatever. She almost seemed to be in a trance, and if I was going to kill her, now would be the time. Did she know about the rebirth? About what the Unknowns demanded of me? As I went over to the nearest cage, I determined she must now know. Either that, or she believed she was more powerful. She’d proven herself beyond arrogant. “Jasmine?” my mom whispered, her eyes wide on her dirty face. “Yes, it’s me,” I responded, blinking away the tears. “You’re safe?” Her eyebrows lifted in question. “I’m okay,” I returned with a smile. “How about you?” “Fine,” she said, then glanced behind her at a body lying on the ground, his back to me. “Who is that?” I asked, my mind zoned in on the form. I knew it was my dad. He didn’t look good. In fact, he looked dead. There were no visible wounds that I could see, but somehow I knew there was something very wrong with him. My magic zinged along my ribs, trying to break loose, but I managed to keep it contained. I’d need it to defeat Sharra and I would do it for my dad—for all of them. Mom shook her head. “Sharra did something to him. Tried to leech his magic.” She glanced down at her hands. They were shaking and my heart broke for her. “He hasn’t been conscious in days.” “Dad.” I gritted my teeth. My magic did another lap around my ribs, ready to be called forth. My eyes went to Troy as anger buzzed through my mind. My fiancé stood in his cage, his hands grasping the bars, his eyes alert. Christopher was beside him, a smile on his still-not-healed busted lip. I wanted to run to Troy, but the thought of my dad and what needed to be done kept me in place. I relaxed my hands, taking a deep breath. Again, I checked on Sharra. She was still in her trance. “Do you know what she’s doing?” “No idea,” Mom said. “But this isn’t the first time. I’m not sure why, but she

believes it’s necessary.” Mom shook her head. “Pops and Laeddin should be here soon,” I said, hoping that was true and not mentioning Silindra and Joanna. They would take too long to explain. “Good,” Mom said. Please hurry, I thought, sending out a silent plea to Silindra and Laeddin as well as my grandfather and Joanna. I needed them. “Don’t worry, Jasmine. As soon as you give me what I want, your father will be fine.” Sharra’s voice was close behind me. I jumped at her nearness and swung around. “Don’t touch me,” I seethed, then breathed deeply to stop my magic from lashing out at her. The soul magic Armond and Karelle gifted me really helped to keep my emotions from flying every which way. I closed my eyes and centered myself. Beyond Sharra was the bassinet. Interesting that she at least kept the “baby” with her. “Or what?” Sharra laughed. “You see I kept up my end of the bargain. They are alive. But if you want them to remain that way, give me the damn crown so we can all get on with our lives.” “I can’t,” I finally itted. “It’s a part of me.” “No,” she began and then was suddenly directly in front of me, her fangs buried in my throat. I gasped and shoved her away, my wings exploding from my back, flying me to the other side of the lair. Above, the darkness approached thick like smoke, as though it sensed Sharra’s attack on me. “What is this?” Sharra said, wiping her mouth. Then she licked a droplet of my blood resting on the back of her hand. “Very interesting.” Her eyes narrowed, lingering on my wings. I resisted the urge to gloat. Now wasn’t the time to underestimate Sharra. The only creatures older than her were Silindra, Abernathy, and the Unknowns. She

was no one to trifle with and I needed to keep my wits about me. “Surely you taste the truth in my blood. The magic from the crown is mine. You can’t have it.” I didn’t mention my new wings, waiting for her to visit the obvious. “On the contrary.” She aimed her staff at me and a bolt of green light shot my direction. Before I could think, Silindra and Laeddin appeared in front of me. Silindra took the brunt of the evil magic meant for me with a grunt of pain, taking a step back. “Stop this, Sister! You’ve done enough. It’s time to die.” She took Laeddin’s arm and was about to say more, but her mouth was suddenly gone. Sharra smiled evilly. “Be quiet, Silindra. You always did talk too much.” My swords appeared, white lightning flickering along the blades as I flew to free my loved ones. Sharra sent another shot of magic at me but missed. “If you free them before I have what I want, you’ll be sorry. There is magic protecting every inch of this place and it’s tied solely to me. Give me the crown or they all will suffer the consequences.” Her eyes flashed with fury and she sent a bolt of magic at Laeddin. It barely fazed him. “You can’t hurt me, Sharra,” he said. “Perhaps not, but I still possess the ability to remove your genie power and if I do that, Silindra will be no more once again.” She cackled. “I sense losing her would be… disappointing.” Her laughter grew. “Isn’t it sweet, sister dearest? You can only find true love once you no longer look like a hideous monkey.” Silindra tried to respond. Without a mouth she couldn’t say anything, but she flipped her sister off, which spoke volumes. “Do not speak. Do not even move, genie, of I will destroy you once and for all,” Sharra screeched. “Very well,” he said, glancing at me. “I’m sorry, Jasmine.” Before I could respond, Sharra send a bolt of magic into Laeddin. This time it was as though he allowed her magic to affect him and he disappeared inside a

golden lamp. His lamp. The same one I found all those months ago. “Better,” she said, smug, and faced me, shooting a bolt of magic directly at me from her staff. Instead of hurting me, my swords absorbed the blow. I centered myself and lifted my chin. “Stop this, Sharra. Release my family, free the world from the darkness, get rid of the akuma, and let us live in peace. You won’t have to be alone. I’ll make sure there is a place for you as well, if you want.” I was surprised by the words leaving my mouth, but I meant them. I didn’t want to kill her and not just because the Unknowns ordered me not to. My words surprised her too. “You would let me live if I agreed to your ?” She seemed amused. “Yes,” I said, relaxing my arms. She appeared to be considering my words. “I see. And your wings? Where did you get those?” That was quite a channel change, but I got the feeling she was searching for my ulterior motive. Too bad for her, there wasn’t one. “A gift from the king and queen of the Hollow,” I itted, figuring the truth wouldn’t hurt at this point. “They are lovely,” she said. “Too bad you won’t get to enjoy them.” She tilted her head to one side and sent a spell into my mom. The attack was so sudden and unexpected, I just stood there, stunned, as Sharra opened the cage with one hand and dragged my mom out by the hair. My mom tried to fight, but it was no use. Even before Sharra’s latest spell, my mom had been weakened from all her time as a captive. Now, she could barely lift her arms. “Give me the magic this instant or your mother dies,” Sharra said, sending another wave of green magic into my mom. My mom screamed, panting as her eyes rolled back at the pain. The infant thing started to cry. Behind Sharra, Troy and Christopher were shouting—at me or Sharra, I couldn’t tell. My head was fuzzy from panic. This wasn’t how the battle was supposed to

go. My family was supposed to be safe before I confronted Sharra, not completely at her mercy. What should I do? How could I stop this? Power surged inside me, but I still felt helpless. I could kill her—I was strong enough to do it. But if I did, the Unknowns would destroy us all. There was no way to win. No matter what I did, my family would die. I couldn’t let that happen. A thought occurred to me, so simple and terrible, it sent ice flooding through my veins. “What if…” I allowed my voice to trail off as I thought about what I intended. I could allow Sharra she could use my body, the way she’d done with others for centuries and the way she’d envisioned for my mom eighteen years ago. Sure, there would still be the darkness and the akuma, but at least those I loved and cared about would live to fight another day. Sacrificing my life for theirs wasn’t a choice at all. “Fine,” I said. “Let them go, and you can have me. My body, I mean. I can’t give you the power of the crown, but I will give myself to you freely.” “Is that so?” Intrigued, Sharra threw my mom back into her cell, slamming the door shut with the flick of her staff. She turned toward me, examining my face. “You’re serious.” It wasn’t a question. “I promise you. Release them all and you can have my body.” I sent my blades away and dropped my hands to my sides as an inkling of a plan began to form in my mind. Completely outrageous and utterly preposterous, but it just might be exactly what was right. Behind me my family was screaming. Even my dad. Tears pricked my eyes at the sound of his voice. He would be okay. They all would be. I would make sure of it. And once I was gone, Silindra and Laeddin as well as Pops and Joanna could rescue my mom and dad, Troy, and Christopher. They could defeat her. “Very well,” Sharra said, and relaxed enough to go over to the baby. “Shush, little one. You will be whole sooner than you think.” Slicing one of her fingers open with her thumbnail, Sharra squeezed so her blood dripped into the crib. She was feeding the baby her blood. Abhorrence, disgust, and horror rolled through me, but I gripped my hands into

fists. If I had to, I would allow Sharra to have my body—if my plan didn’t work. Neither of us would die. It would be just as the Unknowns wanted. Their would be met and my family along with billions of others would survive. I glanced back my family, giving them each a possible last goodbye with my eyes. My gaze went back to Troy. “I love you,” I mouthed.

Chapter 16

“Do not do this,” Christopher said, a look of complete disbelief on his injured face. “You have the power within you to destroy her. You know you do. So why?” I couldn’t explain. But I hoped one day he and the rest would understand. If I failed, Laeddin could tell them the truth about the Unknowns, what they had planned. In the end my family would see I made the best choice. The only choice. “Silence, Hunter. I’ll deal with your insubordination later,” Sharra said, sending a bolt of magic at Christopher. He was thrown back, landing against the other side of the cell before falling to the ground with a groan. Chris bared his fangs in anger and jumped to his feet, though slower than expected. “Hurt them and the deal is off,” I seethed, facing her, my hands in fists at my sides. She gave me an innocent look. “I didn’t do any permanent damage.” She crossed her arms, sauntering toward me. “Now then, let’s do this.” I swallowed, forcing myself to remain calm. My plan would work. It had to. My family’s lives depended on it. But deep inside I was nervous. What if I was wrong? If she possessed me, would my spirit hover inside Sharra’s mind like Silindra’s had in mine? I doubted it. Sharra didn’t like to share. She would burn everything that was me right out of her. Maybe the Unknowns were counting on that. My existence wasn’t part of the Unknowns’ plan and they’d been trying to get rid of me since. “The transformation will go rather quickly since you’ve allowed Christopher to drink from you and you’ve drunk from your true love.” Sharra clapped her hands, circling me like I was the prized pig at a country fair. “And I didn’t want to say anything, but your new wings?” She paused and ran her hands along them.

I fought back a tremor of revulsion. Her touching them felt too intimate and I didn’t like it. “They are exquisite,” she went on. “Delicate as a butterfly’s, but still badass.” “I’m glad you like them,” I replied through clenched teeth as my magic rumbled angrily within. She came back around, a smile dancing along her lips. “Tilt your head, darling and give me access to your neck,” she said, her voice icy and demanding. I did as she asked and before I could prepare myself, she sank her fangs into the vein at my throat. All around me my loved ones screamed that I shouldn’t do it—that I should kill her—but they didn’t know what would happen. If I destroyed Sharra, I would destroy all of them too. Closing my eyes, I blocked out their words and allowed myself to succumb to the inevitable. My plan would either work or it wouldn’t, but it was too late to turn back now. I smiled at the thought of finally doing good. Most of my choices hadn’t great, but this would rectify them. My giving Sharra my body, I was fighting for the ones I loved. I was making amends for my choices and making the most out of a horrible situation. Sharra grabbed my arms and tugged me to her, gaining better access to my neck. I was like a rag doll, allowing her to do with me as she pleased. Something crashed loudly and Sharra jerked away from me. “What are you playing at, girl?” She glared, my blood on her face, her fangs out, her eyes red. She never looked more like a vampire than she did in that moment. There was another loud bang and one of the walls came down. The filthy akuma scattered away like rats in a sewer, but most were vaporized. As the dust settled, Joanna and Pops appeared. They stood, their feet hips’ width apart, looking for all the world like superheroes. Pops charged Sharra, his eyes flashing with fury. Joanna, red hair flying around her like auburn fire, attacked Sharra from the other side. They fought Sharra like the perfect tag team, their movements so quick it was tough to keep up with them. They weren’t making progress in subduing her, but they were distracting her.

I didn’t know what to do. Fighting against Pops and Joanna was out of the question. Instead, I stood there, feeling dazed and slightly out of it. The baby began to cry once again. And a different plan filled my mind. One in which I could save the strange child, stay alive, and stop Sharra without killing her. My magic skipped to life, and I lifted my hands. “Sharra,” I called with all of my newfound confidence. Power skittered across my body as I walked with purpose toward the original vampire who was throwing magic at Pops and Joanna, her back to me. Sending out a wave of lightning magic, I used it to lift her off the ground. Beside me Silindra still struggled to move. Her eyes were on me, pleading, but I knew what needed to be done. I would end Sharra, but not in the way everyone believed. “What are you doing? Put me down!” Sharra wiggled and jolted, trying to shoot magic at me from her staff, but it was no use and I held her tightly above my head until I reached the crib. Peering in at the upset being, I hoped I was doing the right thing. All it took was one thought. Rebirth. I thought that same word over and over. Each time I hissed the word in my mind, Sharra’s body shrank and became lighter. With ease, I brought her down so I could watch until she was smaller than the infant. Rebirth, I thought again. Now, she was barely the size of a pixilette. Still fighting, she used her staff to send magic into my hand, but I barely felt it. “There, there, Sharra. I’m going to give you a second chance to get it right.” As I spoke, she continued to get smaller until she was just a particle of light. Her spirit, I thought anxiously and tore open the pad of one of my fingers. “What are you doing?” Joanna whispered, suddenly beside me.

I didn’t respond, determined to finally set things right. Pops spoke for me. “She knows what she’s doing, Red.” I had to smile. My grandfather always had such faith. Blood dripped from my finger and onto the infant’s lips. The Frankenbaby opened its mouth and while it drank I spoke the word again, this time out loud. “Rebirth.” I dropped the particle that was Sharra’s spirit. It hovered above the infant a moment before entering the child’s mouth along with my blood. Two things happened simultaneously. The first was the akuma. They stopped writhing and moaning. It was like the silence that comes when the crickets stop chirping. “What’s happening?” Joanna asked. All of us focused on the walls and I watched as one after another the akuma changed into dark shadows. They surged around the room, swirling over us and through the cages until they sailed out into the sky like water after a dam breaks. “They’re gone,” Christopher said. I met his gaze before allowing my eyes to flicker onto Troy. He was watching me, his features unreadable and I had to quickly look away. The second thing that happened was the thing in the cradle shifted into something much for infantile. Little ears grew and peeked out of thick, curly white hair. Her face formed eyes and they opened, shining the color of lilacs. And wings! They were white and gossamer. Instantly, I knew those wings had once belonged to me. Now though they fit with the child in the crib as though they belonged to her from the beginning. Surely, it was a different kind of rebirth, but the wings suited the baby perfectly. Besides, I liked my new ones better. In fact, I was proud of them because I’d earned them.

The baby’s nose appeared and it was small and pert and perfect. Her mouth changed slightly, the lips blood red and pursed together sweetly. The blanket she was wrapped in disappeared as the child became a fully formed baby—who looked an awful lot like Sharra might have in her infancy, had she been an infant, which I knew she hadn’t. The child began to cry again. “It’s okay, little one,” I said, lifting her into my arms, careful not to squish her wings. I used my magic to cover her naked body with a dress the color of the baby’s eyes. “Wait,” Mom shouted, still locked in her cage. “She’s supposed to be evil incarnate. That was what Sharra was trying to create. Don’t touch it.” I smiled, tapping my healed first finger on the baby’s bottom lip. She grinned back at me adorably. “It’s okay, Mom.” I brought the cooing child over so my mom could see. “She isn’t evil, Mama. She’s just a baby now. See?” “Oh,” Mom said, covering her mouth with one hand. “Is it… is she Sharra?” “Yes,” I itted. “This body houses Sharra’s spirit, only she’s reborn.” “And you thought this better than killing her?” Dad asked, his eyes on me as he leaned against my mom. He still looked like death, but I was happy to see him awake and on his feet. “Definitely. If I had killed Sharra, the Unknowns would have immediately destroyed all of us. Magic had to have a rebirth and it was either Sharra or the rest of us,” I said, smiling sadly at the baby I still held. It was hard to picture anyone so innocent-looking causing so much destruction. Hopefully she’d make better choices the second time around. “It was true then. What the underlings told us all those years ago.” Mom looked up at my Dad and continued. “They said if Jasmine died, then so would all magic.” Mom wrapped her arms around Dad’s waist, resting her head against his chest. “It would seem so,” Dad said, pulling her to him and resting his cheek on her head. They gave each other a look and I knew they were sharing a conversation meant

only for them. I swallowed and nodded. “That’s right. The only way to protect all supernaturals was to stop Sharra without killing her.” I rubbed my nose on the baby’s and she put her hands on my cheeks. “At least I think that’s how it worked.” I glanced at Pops, knowing he probably had a better understanding than I did of all that had just occurred. Or even Joanna. As an angel of death, she might be able to decipher what happened, especially with the akuma. “But I believe through Sharra the seven magics have been renewed?” I shook my head, unsure, as I studied the baby. “In effect, you are right, Jasmine,” Pops said and looked at Joanna. Relief was etched on his face. He was alive, but more importantly Pops was glad Joanna was too. He had just got her back. It was obvious he hadn’t wanted to lose her again. I smiled at them both, grateful for their opportunity for a happily ever after. And Troy and I? I sought him out again, but before I could meet his gaze, Joanna came over, cutting off my line of sight to him. An ache of need ripped through my chest. “You are correct, Jasmine,” Joanna said. “Magic has been reset. There is a disturbance among all the dead and something is happening.” She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. “It’s strange, but I believe those possessed by the akuma are returning to their original forms and will once again live as they had before the akuma invaded them.” She was right. My magic somehow verified that Joanna spoke truth. But I didn’t say anything, waiting for several beats to see if Joanna had more to say, but she opened her eyes and shook her head. “That’s all I know for now.” She wiped some hair out of her face. “See?” I said to Mom, moving aside so I could make eye . “It’s all good.” Without meaning to, my eyes focused on the bars of the cage. I wanted to release my mom and dad as well as Chris and Troy, get them out, but the baby was helpless and I needed to concentrate on her first. Still, I went over to my parents. “She’ll need a home too.” My gaze flicked back and forth between my mom and dad. I glanced back at Silindra. She looked confused and unsure about what to

do. “Of course, Jasmine,” my dad said. Mom nodded her agreement. Silindra was suddenly beside me, one arm around my shoulders. “I will help if you need it as well,” she said, using a finger to stroke the child’s cheek. I glanced up at her, hoping she was alright with the way things turned out for her sister. She seemed to be. “And you’re okay with this?” Her eyes darkened. “As you said, there wasn’t another way. I can live with this outcome since it means I get to live.” She smiled. “Can I hold her?” Silindra held out her arms. I hesitated, feeling protective. “You won’t hurt her?” Sharra was responsible for Silindra’s original death. No one would blame Silindra for wanting revenge. “No,” she said. “I couldn’t,” she added, cooing softly. “Here you go.” I handed the baby over carefully, tucking the blanket around her to keep her warm. When she was content in Silindra’s arms, I used my magic to release mom and dad from their cage. “The white lightning,” Mom said, watching me curiously a moment. “Is that from the crown?” I sent the magic away, returning it to my ribs where the blades still rested. When I was sure it was secure and wouldn’t harm anyone, I hugged my mom tightly. “I think it’s a combination of my magic as well as the crown,” I finally said. “Makes sense.” She squeezed me to her, kissing my cheek. Dad came over and hugged us both. “You are amazing,” he said. “And I couldn’t wish for a better daughter.” He kissed my other cheek. “I always knew you could do anything.” The three of us held each other for several long minutes.

Someone cleared their throat. “I hate to break up the love fest, but I’d really like to get out of here.” I released Mom and Dad. Mom gave Dad a look before heading over to Christopher’s cage. “What you did for my daughter. Helping her. I will be forever in your debt.” She held out her hand and took Christopher’s through the bars. Dad stood beside Mom. “Agreed,” he said. “Thank you,” Chris said, soberly. I noticed his face was finally healing, thank goodness. “That means so much,” he added. “Let me open this cage,” I said, moving. “Stand back.” Chris and Troy moved out of the way as did my parents. Channeling my magic, it separated from my ribs and skittered along my body. I tore through the bars like they were paper. As soon as he had the chance, Chris pulled me into a hug before I’d completely sent away my magic and he winced. “Sorry,” I said, hugging him back. “Nonsense.” He looked at me. “Watching you use your magic is beyond cool.” He hugged me again, then moved over to Silindra and the baby. He might want revenge on the child too and I was suddenly nervous. “Be careful,” I said in warning. “I will,” he itted and winked. “Now, let me have a look at this baby,” he whispered at Silindra. I watched him until I was sure the baby would be safe. Then glanced up at the sky. There was still one more person I needed to be reunited with. The most important person. Troy. But I was nervous and sensed he was too. I glanced up at the sky. The darkness was dispersing like a storm system moving at a quick pace.

Steeling myself, I glanced at Troy. He was standing just outside the cell, his arms at his sides and his hands in fists. He was breathing heavily and I took in a quick breath. “Hi Troy,” I said, my eyes locking with his. And the rest of the world vanished. There wasn’t anyone but Troy and I. “Hi yourself.” He came forward and swooped me into his arms, crushing me against him. “How I missed you, Jazz.” Before I knew it, I was laughing as tears of joy leaked onto my cheeks. He set me on the ground and pushed my hair out of my face, then cupped it in his hands. “I love you vampire girl.” “You do?” I believed him, but needed reassurance as my hands curled around his wrists. “More than I believed it was possible to love.” He bent his head and gently touched his lips to mine, his eyes still open and on me. I kissed him back, as a gurgle of happiness shot through me. The sweet kiss turned hot and needy. I loved him and wanted him and didn’t care who knew it. He pressed my mouth open, deepening our kiss as his arms went around my waist and he lifted me off the ground. “Hey you two?” It was my Mom. I froze and opened my eyes. Troy was watching me again. “Should we tell them?” he asked. I knew he was talking about our engagement. “Now’s as good a time as any,” I said as he set me on my feet. Troy took my hand and I turned to face the group. “We have an announcement,” he said.

They were stunned. Pops had an arm around Joanna. Silindra was still beside Christopher who was holding the baby. Mom and Dad stood beside them. And poor Laeddin. He was still in his lamp. My eyes landed on it and Silindra gasped and ran over to pick it up. “Troy and I are engaged,” I blurted, then covered my mouth. The baby let out a laugh and everyone turned to the child, doting on her like what we shared was yesterday’s news. “I see how we rate,” Troy said and chuckled, taking my other hand and turning me to face him. His eyes danced with joy. “You’re number one in my book and always will be.” My wings appeared and I flew up so our faces were close. “I love you, Troy.” He stroked my wings and I shuddered. “You’re so damn hot,” he said, kissing me again. “Is this really the time?” My dad huffed. I smiled, biting my lower lip. He had no idea. Silindra rubbed on the lamp and Laeddin appeared, frustration evident on his face. “What happened?” Silindra patted his cheek. “I’ll tell you all about it.” She glanced at me and then the two of them vanished. Pops and Joanna came over to look at the baby and suddenly I couldn’t stand being in the lair one more second. Closing my eyes, I teleported everyone to my parents’ drawing room in our castle in Sharra. Mom and Dad and the others gasped with surprise and I smiled. Yep! I could do that. Home, I thought happily, my eyes going to Troy. He was speaking with

Christopher, but he caught me looking at him and smiled. My heart filled with joy. Safe. He was safe. My family was home. I’d never been so happy in my life. The baby cooed and babbled, delighted with her audience as everyone gathered around. She really was quite beautiful. Troy wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pressed a kiss to my temple. His eyes were haunted. “May I?” he asked, holding out his arms for the child. “Sure.” I carefully handed her over, feeling so much love and joy and happiness. I wanted to this moment forever. With a thought, I healed Troy’s physical ailments. I hoped he would talk to me if he had any lingering issues because of what Sharra did to him while imprisoned. We needed to talk about everything, but that could wait. He loved me and I loved him. We would work through the rest in time. We had time now. As Troy talked to the baby, he walked around bouncing her in his arms. I went over to my dad and mom. My magic flared to life and I healed them each with just a touch. Healing them felt like a gift, and it was the least I could do after everything I’d done. I opened my mouth to apologize for everything, but my dad swept me into a hug and I knew no words needed to be said. This was what unconditional love felt like, and I hoped I never forgot it. Then my mom locked her arms around my dad and me. We hugged and then hugged some more. Eventually, we broke apart and Pops introduced everyone to Joanna. When there was a break in the chatter, I gave Christopher a hug. Long and hard, squeezing him until he said he would pop. “Thank you for always being there for me,” I said, tears misting my eyes. “You are without a doubt one of the best friends a girl could ever want.” “Thank you,” he said. “Did you ever find Arthur?” His face fell. “No, but I intend to keep looking.” “What about me?” Abrea asked, interrupting as she flew into the room from an open window. “Am I still your best friend?” “Always will be,” I said, laughing and used magic to make her my size, just for a

moment, so I could give her a big hug. “The best ever,” I added. She giggled but was grateful when I shrank her back to pixilette size. “I’m still worried about those who became akuma,” Mom said. Dad was holding the baby now but put one hand around my waist as he spoke to Mom. “Since Sharra has had a reset, so to speak, all who were affected by her evil doings will be reset too. They will return. No doubt about it.” He kissed her softly on the lips. “So that means?” Mom asked, studying him with a quizzical look on her face. “The darkness is no more. The akuma are no more. And all realms are free once again and those who became akuma are alive and well.” “That is wonderful news.” She gave me such a look of iration, one filled with love. “You are amazing, Jasmine,” she said and kissed my cheek. “Thanks, Mom.” Of course there would be some drawbacks, like Arthur and Ciana were still alive, but they could be dealt with at another time. The baby cooed, her hand wrapped around my mom’s finger. “What should we call her?” Mom asked, her eyes never leaving the child. “Not Sharra,” my dad said, his eyes crinkling as he smiled. “How about Clare?” I asked, caressing the little girl’s curly head of hair. “That’s a great name,” Mom said and my dad agreed. “You’ll help us with her, won’t you?” my mom asked, her eyes misty. “She’s my sister. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I said, and smiled when Troy’s arm slipped around my waist. the four of us hugged, our eyes on the beautiful baby. Together, we could raise Sharra to love the way we loved each other. And if she still chose evil… Well, that was a story for another day.

Chapter 17

Four months later, on a Monday, I entered Salem High. Troy was at my side. After a long conversation and a lot of make-up kissing, we agreed to never be apart again unless absolutely necessary. Still, as we made our way into the high school, chayot guards lined the walkway, for our protection as well as the humans. Since the darkness had vanished, much had changed in the human realm. Troy and I were kind of supernatural celebrities, which was weird. Everywhere we went, a picture of Troy and me kissing was plastered all over social media. People created fan s with more than two hundred million followers. Entertainment news called us the biggest thing since the Kardashians. As part of my new job as supernatural ambassador in the human realm, I was asked to speak at many functions as well as colleges and schools all over the world. They all wanted me to share first-hand what happened with the darkness. No one knew about the akuma. Since there was a reboot, it was like that never happened and I was grateful. Dressed in jeans and a tee shirt as well as my black combat boots, not to mention my new wickedly-cool wings, I was no longer embarrassed. No longer worried about what normal looked like. The wings on my back were part of me and that was all that mattered. Together, Troy and I walked the sidewalk leading to the entrance of Salem High. Students pointed and whispered. Some clapped. Other jeered. I ignored them. There would always be bigoted individuals as well as those who couldn’t stand to witness another’s happiness. It wasn’t completely their fault. For eighteen years, the government had fed their fears regarding the supernatural. Now, times had changed, and I intended to do my best to help humans see that not all of us were bad just as not all humans were good. On either side of the school’s entrance stood a chayot guard. Ever the protectors of humans. Their angelic magic reeked of light and overcompensation. Not that I minded much. For the most part, I didn’t pay them much attention. They were a

part of the human realm and I respected their position, but that was where my care for them ended. Except for Gabe. Though he’d given up his power and position for Cindy, he was still a chayot and one of my favorite uncles. Rolling my shoulders back, I landed at the bottom of the steps. Both guards wore sunglasses. Each one gave me a barely perceptible nod. I wanted to smile, to put them at ease, but couldn’t. My thoughts swirled as I rehearsed what I intended to say. “You’re going to do great,” Troy said. He knew I was nervous to speak here. The school was a small venue, but it was also the beginning of my new journey. “Thank you,” I whispered, squeezing his hand until all the blood left it. Inside, the halls were pretty sparse. Many parents as well as students didn’t want to be near me. The rest moved off to the sides to let me . I held my head high, trying not to flinch every time I saw a poster of myself with the words: Jasmine: Princess of Sharra across the middle. Definitely not any kind of normal. But that was okay. Humans and I wouldn’t be friends, at least not right away. I’d tricked them and hurt many of them. But at least they are all alive. I welcomed their scorn because it was better than them being dead. Inside the auditorium were more chayot guards. I ignored them, knowing they would be with me for every tour. That was part of the deal. When the principal saw me, he waved. Troy and I made our way over to him. I extended a hand. “Thank you for having me,” I said. He laughed nervously before shaking my hand and then Troy’s. “Glad you both could come,” he said, pulling his hand away like I burned him. “Of course.” He studied the floor in between us awkwardly a few moments. “I’ll be back.” He scurried away, leaving Troy and me at center court, all alone. With a tiny sigh, I glanced at Troy.

He smiled and all of my worries vanished. I could do anything with him by my side. Even speak at this school. “I’m going to go stand over there.” He pointed to an empty portion of the wall under the basketball hoop. “You’re going to do great, okay?” He kissed me and I touched his face. “Thank you.” When he was gone, I took one of the chairs beside the podium and pulled out my phone. I don’t know why. Habit maybe. “Watched any of The Vampire Diaries lately?” I glanced up and into a pair of hazel eyes. She didn’t seem mad, but then why would she? As far as she was concerned, the akuma thing never happened. That was what all the humans believed. “Hi, Abby.” She looked great today. Same nerdy cool girl with cropped honey brown hair, a nerdy tee shirt, and her worn paperback copy of Wuthering Heights. “Jasmine, huh?” When we first met, I’d lied and said my name was Jack. Obviously, one of the dozens of posters had set her straight. “Yeah,” I itted, bracing myself for whatever she would dish out. I deserved it. “I like it better than Jack.” She shrugged, scrutinizing me. “Your wings are awesome.” She sat in the chair next to mine. “Thank you.” I studied her a moment. “I’m really sorry, Abby. Are you okay?” I wanted to ask if she ed being dead, but I didn’t have the guts. She gave me a big smile. “I’m more than okay. No worries. I feel more energized than ever.” She reached over and grabbed my hand. “All is forgiven.” I glanced down. “And Cameron? Have you seen him?” “Of course, but he isn’t coming. His mom wouldn’t let him.” I met her eyes. “I get it,” I said, and meant it. She patted my arm. “Maybe we can get together for pizza sometime. When you

aren’t being all Supernatural Ambassador of the World Vampire.” She winked. I laughed. “I would like that a lot,” I itted. “And maybe you might want to meet a friend of mine, Lirle. She’s a dragon.” Abby’s eyes got wide. “Yes,” she said, laughing lightly. Her attention turned to the filled bleachers. “They’ll come around, but it might take time, so have patience with us.” She paused. “And by us, I mean the human race.” I laughed again. “Got it. Patience. I can do that.” The principal was headed our way. Abby stood. “I’d better find a seat. Good luck.” “I’ll need it,” I said, and took a deep breath. I could do this.

Chapter 18

One Year Later

“Are you ready?” I asked. We were standing outside on my balcony. I took Troy’s hand as my wings fluttered behind me. My engagement ring sparkled in the midday light and I couldn’t help but ire it. Troy had asked Jesse and the gargoyles to create the ring for me. A thick platinum band with vines filigreed on either side leading to the center where sat a delicate jasmine flower made of diamonds and blue topaz. “Are you sure you can do this?” Troy was teasing me, pretending to be nervous about me flying him around Sharra. “There’s only one way to find out,” I said, and leaped into the air. Troy whooped out a holler as he clung to my hands, his body dangling below. “Don’t drop him, Jasmine. It isn’t every day you find someone crazy enough to fall for you,” Abrea said beside me, her pixilette wings fluttering gracefully. “True.” I laughed and the action felt really good. “Jasmine? We need to leave for the wedding,” my mom called from back in my room. I rolled my eyes and glanced at Abrea, who giggled. “Just like old times,” I said. “Should we keep her waiting this time?” “Probably not.” I angled my wings turned to fly back to my room. Below me Troy shuddered and shifted into his dragon from, his magnificent bronze wings spread wide to keep him aloft. “We can keep her waiting long enough to have a race, don’t you think?” He smirked and blew out twin puffs of

smoke. “You’re on,” I said and took off. “See you at the wedding, Abrea,” I shouted over my shoulder. “Don’t be late,” she responded. Troy was coming up on me fast and I pushed myself, determined to beat my fiancé once and for all. Just before we reached the finish line, which is this case was the water’s edge, Troy shot past me. I growled. “Not cool, dragon boy.” His laugh sailed back to me as he turned around, hovering over the finish line, his wings beating lightly behind him. Even in dragon form, he was gorgeous. When I got to him, he swooshed me into a hug. I laughed. “I don’t like to lose,” I itted after a few moments. “You’re the Eternal Vampire. You can do anything you want and are almost as powerful as my father. Letting me win at flying is the least you can do.” He winked. “I may be secure in my manhood, but I need a win once in a while.” He chuckled and I ed in. “I guess.” I pulled him into an awkward dragon slash vampire hug. His arms went around my waist and he pulled me tight against his body. “Should we have a wedding tonight or what?” “I’m all for it,” I said, my gaze lingering on his mouth. My heart raced with excited nervousness. With Troy by my side, our happily ever after would be epic. No doubt about it. Dragon boy and vampire girl. Together we’d overcome every obstacle thrown at us and found our way back to each other. Nothing could stop us.

Our wedding was in my favorite rose garden behind our castle in Sharra. Rustic yet sophisticated décor interspersed with plenty of magic was everywhere. Rows of wooden benches lined either side of the wide grassy aisle. At each end was a wooden container filled with teal and copper hombre roses and fluttering pixilettes. At the front was a wooden arch covered in fresh roses and more pixilettes. They were all dressed in their finest, giving everywhere they touched a magical shimmer. The arch was also draped in gauzy white material. A light breeze caused the edges to dance happily. All around us were the roses I loved so much. Cindy had spelled them so they slowly shifted smoothly from white to teal to bronze. It was beautiful and so fit Troy and me and our wedding colors. “How are you doing?” Dad asked. “Good,” I said, leaning into him, grateful he was alive and well. He’d mostly recovered from his time in captivity, when Sharra tried to steal away some of his magic. His eyes were more hazel now, and I heard him and my mom talking about whether or not he was human. I would tell them later tonight that my dad, though he appeared to be human, was more like me than my mom. He was human, but he still possessed a great amount of the seven magics. Perhaps Cindy could train him or better yet, Abernathy. Dad lifted one eyebrow. “Just good?” I smiled. “I’m great,” I corrected. “So happy to be marrying Troy. And beyond glad to have you and Mom back.” My gaze left his face and once again, I scanned the crowd of creatures who’d come. My gaze went first to Netherby, the sea dragon who granted my wish. Though I’d invited him personally, I hadn’t expected him to come. It was a nice surprise to see him. He was transformed into a human-ish looking man with long white hair. His body was wiry and lean and he was dressed in a light blue suit, the jacket long, coming to just below his knees and he wore white boots. On his light face he had

a white mustache and just under his bottom lip was a patch of hair that was long and swayed in the wind. Beside him sat Silindra with her long, bright blue hair and matching wings, as well as a face so exquisite, it made my eyes water to look at her. Silindra sensed me and turned, giving me a thumbs up. I nodded in response, glad she was back. She deserved to find a life of her own. Laeddin sat beside her, his arm around her waist. The two of them made an amazing couple. Silindra’s eyes went to Clare. The little girl who used to be Sharra stood in front of me, waiting for her cue to go. In the last year, she’d grown quickly, as I had, going from a baby to what appeared to be a five-year-old. I still wasn’t sure whether it was the combination of my magic and the elven crown or something the Unknowns had done that allowed her to become the child. If I had to guess, I would say it was mostly the Unknowns. They made it clear messing with our planet was their favorite pastime. And even though they had wanted me to die so that all magic would die with me, it seemed they were placated by the new turn of events. Sharra would get a second chance. We all deserved at least one. On Troy’s side sat Christopher. Extraordinarily handsome in his loose fitting white shirt, opened at the collar and navy dress slacks, he needed to find love as well. More than once he itted to feeling like what he had was enough, but I wanted more for him. Somehow. Someday. As my eyes traveled up to Troy, he winked and I smiled. Pops stood beside him looking elegant in his three piece tuxedo complete with black and teal tie and a white shirt. The suit showed off his tall and lean body. His graying hair was combed back, revealing his striking face and vivid eyes. He smiled. I returned it before my gaze flicked over to Troy, the man I would spend the rest of eternity with. My insides jumped and my newly reacquired black wings fluttered at the sight of him in his deep teal suit and bronze and white tie.

He winked and my smile grew as I thought about the vision of my future Laeddin gave me. Someday soon, Troy and I would have children and a life of our own. Of that I had zero doubts. Next to Pops was Jesse as well as Heathcliff, Gabe and the remaining seven uncles. They were all exceedingly fine. More than once, I heard someone in the supernatural crowd comment about how gorgeous all of them were. Among the guests were vampires, unicorns, gargoyles, elves, fairies, Locanis, Vaktare, and more. Some from the different realms and others from the Seven Magics Academy, including some friends from my classes. Even the brute, Jonathon, was there. In a small way, I felt like I owed him. If he hadn’t been a jerk to me, Troy and I never would have met. My side included my mom, Cindy, and Joanna. Lirle was there too. She wasn’t old enough or didn’t possess enough power to shift into a human form, so she stayed off to the side where she wouldn’t accidentally singe someone. I glanced at her and she winked. Joanna followed my gaze before glancing at Pops. Much to my delight and everyone else’s, the two of them would marry soon. It made my heart happy that they finally found each other. I already considered her part of the family. All the women standing up for me were breathtaking, especially my mom in her light teal dress and soft rose buds in her hair, creating a crown. She looked my age with her long, dark hair down and curled at the ends, hanging to her hips. Her eyes danced with joy. Our relationship had come a long way. During the course of the last few months I was able to see her for who she really was—a strong and intelligent woman. I was beyond lucky to have her as a role model in my life. The music began and Clare started down the aisle. Her pearly wings flapped as she walked and flew toward the wedding party. When the light hit her wings, they seemed to change colors. Though she was still quite young, she was like me —an original vampire. She glanced back, her violet eyes, so like mine, studying me inquisitively. It’s alright, I thought, encouraging her. It still surprised me how easily she’d become my sister. Though she’d been the evil and awful Sharra six months ago, she was now kind and loving and cared deeply for our family.

She gave me a single nod before turning around and continuing down the aisle until she reached the end where Kenmei, who waited stoically in the center of the arch, patted her head kindly before indicating she sit down beside Laeddin. The music changed and everyone stood. “Here we go,” I whispered. Cindy had done my makeup to enhance my eyes and my tanned skin, highlighting my high cheekbones and thick lashes. My black hair had been pinned up in a delicate bun and my enormous black wings were draped against my back. My long white dress had a train and several pixilettes including Abrea held the ends. The dress was hand made by elves of the most delicate white fabric. Delicate black roses were woven around my waist as well as on random places across the dress. The sleeves were spaghetti straps and the collar was low and round in the front and the back, allowing plenty of room for my wings. The dress glistened in the light and hugged my body like a satin slip. In one hand I held a bouquet of roses. I knew they were beautiful, but I didn’t look at them. Now that our wedding was about to happen, I only had eyes for Troy. When I reached my spot across from him, I handed Cindy my bouquet. I barely heard him as Kenmei gave his speech and said the words that would seal Troy and me in matrimony forever. Though I was young, I wasn’t afraid. Marrying Troy was the best thing to happen in my life and I would cherish every moment. “Is there anything you want to say?” Kenmei asked, his eyes flicking to Troy. My beloved swallowed and looked straight at me. I was beaming, my smile so big my cheeks hurt when he spoke. “You are a light in my life. You’ve taught me what it means to fight for what you love and never give up. Beyond the fact that your stunning—” He paused, his eyes roaming me, as the crowd laughed. “— Jasmine, you are the most exquisite being I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.” He swallowed again, forcing down his nerves at speaking in front of so many. “It means the world to me that you’ve chosen me to be your husband. I promise to be there for you as a friend and a lover forever.” He gave my hands a light squeeze. “And you, Jasmine?” Kenmei asked. “Anything to add?”

“Troy, before I met you I didn’t know what it meant to love unconditionally. Not because I hadn’t seen it, because I had in my parents and my family. But I wasn’t able to recognize that love or understand it until I met you.” Tears blurred my vision as I struggled to say all that was in my heart. “Not only are you the most gorgeous man in the world, you are also the most giving, the kindest, and most caring, too. Despite my mistakes, you continue to root for me and to love me. If I’ve changed at all for the better, it’s because you inspired me to do so.” I closed my eyes. Tears dripped onto my cheeks. “You’ve helped me become the person, daughter, sister, and friend I’m supposed to be and all of my relationships are fuller because you came into my life.” I shook my head and worked to contain my emotions. “It means the world to me that you have agreed to be by my side forevermore.” I quickly wiped at my eyes, smiling around the tears. “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife,” Kenmei said. Then he grinned at Troy. “You may kiss your bride.” I didn’t wait but flung myself into Troy’s arms, using my wings to lift off the ground and press my lips to his. His arms circled my waist and my wings circled the two of us. “My sweet Jazz.” He pressed my mouth open, kissing me so deeply, I felt it in my toes. We parted when we heard clapping. Then I reached back and touched the arch, sending my magic into the wood and the flowers. The pixilettes fluttered away as teal and bronze flames sprang to life around us. They didn’t burn anything, but they sparkled and glittered against the setting sun. The clapping grew louder and everyone got to their feet. My mom lifted Clare so she could see. The little girl reached out a hand and sent her own magic into the arch so it mingled with mine. All seven magics grew, their colors blending and lifting until they nearly touched the sky.

Chapter 19

That night, after all of the festivities were over and we said our goodbyes, Troy and I went back to the small house that used to be my mother’s. Now that Sharra was no longer a threat, the chayot set up a meeting between several of the heads of different countries in the human realm and me. There, with the help of the chayot, we discussed relaxing the laws for supernaturals. Together we came to an agreement and I created a magical system with the help of Heathcliff and several other human scientists. After much discussion, I became aware of the KPID, a supernatural government agency known as the King’s Paranormal Inquiries Division. The organization had been tracking supernaturals for hundreds of years, at first in the United Kingdom, but in the mid seventeen hundreds, they’d moved over to America as well. Given access to the KPID’s super top secret information, I was able to update and strengthen the magic already in place as well as add some newer, more technical attributes with Heathcliff’s help. All major world governments agreed to keep the name of the agency a secret as long as their agents from around the world could work alongside certain supernaturals within the agency. Each time a supernatural entered their jurisdiction, an alert would sound. Then it was determined whether they were a threat or not. The system wasn’t perfect. There were many supernaturals who slipped through the magical cracks, including Pops and his adoptive sons. But it was better than anything the human realm had before. By unanimous vote, I became the human realm’s figurehead for all supernatural creatures. That meant meetings and other such duties, but, as long as Troy was with me, I was ready to take on the responsibilities that came with my power and do my part. I noticed Troy watching me. “What?” I asked, leaning into him. The man had the sexiest lips and face and… yeah, the man was damn sexy. Period. “Just watching your mind work,” he said with a sultry chuckle. “This place is ours. Is it big enough for the world’s only Eternal Vampire?” His eyes sparkled at the silly name.

I played along, enjoying his teasing. I still didn’t even know what it meant to be the Eternal Vampire. It was a term the Unknowns gave me but I thought it was pretentious. “I don’t know, my love. Perhaps we should find out if every room is suitable.” I hoped he understood my meaning. His chuckle grew. “I like the sound of that.” Troy caressed my face and I shivered, kissing his palm. But neither of us moved. Probably because he sensed the thoughts still running through my head. Excitement that this little house my mother grew up in was now mine and Troy’s while we resided in the human realm. Of course, in Sharra, we would stay in the castle. It was big enough to hold us as well as my mom and dad. But here, this place, it felt like a delicious secret. Together we’d changed the house’s décor to suit our style, filling the rooms with light paint and new windows and white curtains. When Clare came to stay she would use the same bedroom that had been my mother’s and then mine. We changed the room color to pinks and painted the walls with unicorns. The master bedroom was now mine and Troy’s. “Come on, lover,” he said, taking my hand. Slowly we walked up the stairs, Troy leading. A nervous punch filled my stomach. I wanted to make love to Troy. No doubt about it. Troy and I would be together forever and tonight we would seal our promises to each other physically as well as emotionally. At the top of the stairs, he turned and pulled me into his arms. “Are you scared?” “No,” I said and meant it. “Only a little anxious about what to expect.” I knew what it was like to kiss him and want him, but we hadn’t gone further. Troy gave me a look that said how much he loved me and kissed my hand before leading me into the bedroom. The room was decorated in an airy contemporary fashion. The enormous bed piled with pillows in creams and white with hints of teal and bronze. The window coverings were closed and the room was lit with thousands of candles.

“Did you do this?” I asked in surprised wonder. “You’re not the only one with magic,” he said, his eyes alight with joy. Music began to play, a soft beat with melodic singing. It was enchanting. “You’re really good at this wooing thing,” I said, wrapping my arms around him and leaning my face against his chest. He smelled amazing, like sunshine and warmth and a hint of sandalwood. I could feel his heart beating beneath the soft cotton of this shirt. We’d both changed into more casual clothes after the wedding. We swayed to the music a few moments, until he tilted my head up and kissed my lips. It was soft and full of love and I responded in kind, inexpressibly grateful for the man in my arms. “I’m going to change,” I said, feeling a little lightheaded. As a vampire, I wasn’t prone to any kind of sickness or human frailty, but my head was spinning with love and happiness. Well, it was more than happiness. And excitement too. I was married to Troy! “Great,” he said, keeping hold of my hand for as long as possible before I disappeared behind the door. Inside the bathroom, I studied my complexion. My hair was still in the bun from the wedding and I decided to remove all of the pins. It relaxed me, pulling pin after pin from my hair and setting them on the sink. When I was done, my hung long, nearly to my waist, and had some wavy curl in it. “You can do this,” I told my reflection. Again, I reminded myself it wasn’t the love making that had me nervous. As I studied my face in the mirror, it became clear I was nervous about baring my soul completely to the man I loved most. He had agreed to love, honor, and cherish me, in sickness and in health. Did that include pride and arrogance too? Or what about whining and selfishness? I had grown up a lot but there was no doubt I still had more growing up to do. Would he love me then? Taking a deep breath, I sent my wings away, a new development since receiving my new wings from the king and queen of the Hollow. Then I kicked out of my black combat boots, sliding off my jeans and removing my shirt. In my undies it occurred to me I’d gone into the bathroom to change but had nothing to change into.

“Crap!” A soft knock came on the door and he opened it a crack, sliding a soft aqua satin nightgown through. “Jazz, I thought you might want something to put on.” I took it, thinking it looked too fancy for me, but was grateful. “Thank you,” I said meeting his eyes. He winked and I returned it before pushing the door shut. Holding the thing he gave me up against my body, I stared at myself in the mirror. “You definitely want this,” I whispered, and quickly took off my underthings before sliding the nightgown over my head. Then I fluffed my hair and brushed my teeth and stared some more, bringing my wings back. How grateful I was for them. How I had missed flying! Still, I was beyond grateful I could have them appear and disappear at will. It made things like dressing and showering and life in general much easier. “Jazz, is everything alright?” Troy asked through the door. If occurred to me that he might think I was having second thoughts, I was taking so long. “Yes,” I said, giving myself a smile before opening the door. The bathroom light bathed Troy in light. The man still had his jeans on, but he’d removed his shoes and socks and shirt. The button on his pants was undone, too. My heart raced at the sight of him. Hot. Beyond gorgeous. He was everything. And I wanted him. “You look like an angel,” Troy said, awe filling each word. “Thank you.” I quickly whisked my wings away. “Bring them back,” Troy said, stepping so close that his chest caressed mine. My skin prickled and shivered. “Are you sure? I-I don’t want them to get in the way.” I wasn’t embarrassed by them any longer and I loved them, but I didn’t want Troy to feel like my wings had to be in our lives constantly. The word freak flickered through my mind and I momentarily panicked. Then I took a deep breath and brought my wings back. I wasn’t a freak. I was me and I

was okay. Troy caressed my wings, sending a tremor of desire through me. There was something to be said for having the wings. They were very sensitive and Troy knew how to awaken the need in me. He pressed his lips to mine, opening my mouth and kissing me soundly. My arms went to his waist and he trembled at my touch. I smiled against his mouth, grateful I could make him feel as undone as he did to me. “My beautiful Jasmine.” He lifted me into his arms and I whisked my wings away again just as he laid me on the bed. Climbing on, I ired the way his muscles flexed as he moved, hovering over me. “Together forever and always, right?” He leaned down so we were nose to nose. “Absolutely.” As he studied me a moment, I thought about all I still didn’t know about him. At some point, I would learn more about the man I loved more than myself. “Tomorrow, will you tell me about your mother?” The question surprised him. I did have horrible timing, but I didn’t want to forget to ask. He kissed my mouth, letting it linger before trailing kisses down my neck to my collarbones. As heat rose within me, I decided I didn’t give a flying flip about his mom or where he came from. He was here and he was mine. That was all that mattered. He paused, then brought his face up so I could meet his eyes. “I don’t know anything about my mom. How about we find out together?” A mischievous smile splayed across his beautiful lips. “But not today. Maybe not for a while. Deal?” I ran my fingers through his hair, arching my neck so he would have easier access. “Deal,” I finally whispered and then lost myself in the love between Troy and me.

AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY…

Jasmine’s story is over, but reading in the world isn’t. Be sure to check out the Demonland series. Alice Blackburn is half demon and totally kick ass! ALICE IN DEMONLAND ALICE FIGHTS DEMONLAND ALICE TAKES DEMONLAND ALICE IGNITES DEMONLAND

Alice is a Dark Moth trainee determined to slay her demon sire. That means no distractions, especially not from the gorgeous Kade Everett. He's a warrior at the compound with secrets she wants to discover, but doing so might cost her life. In the last millennia a deadly game has raged between demons and their halfhuman creations. Known as Moths, a select few were born with distinctive marks on their hands. They possess the same powers as their demon parent. Over the years an elite group of warriors formed The Dark Moth Society. Their sole purpose to slay their demon sires. Alice Blackburn is a Dark Moth trainee. Some of her classmates call her the Queen of Hearts because she doesn’t share hers. So when Kade Everett shows up at the compound, Alice is surprised by her feelings. But there isn't time to act on them. In just a few days, her creator, the foul demon that slaughtered her mom will come to kill her. That’s part of their sick and twisted game, and Alice intends to win.

Also by RaShelle Workman

ETERNALLY ENTANGLED

Eternally Entangled

Thoroughly Tousled

Infinitely Intertwined

Tangled Christmas (An Eternally Entangled Short Story)

WOLF BLOOD ACADEMY

Initiation

Induction (2021)

Inheritance (2021)

EERIE VALLEY SUPERNATURALS

Undercover Reaper

Twice Reaped

Reapers Creepers (2021)

THE FAIRYTALE CHRONICLES

Royal Selection

Royal Contract (2021)

GODS AND PARANORMALS

Goddess Curse

Mystical Gift

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS

Ghoulish Whisper

Ghoulish Disguise (2021)

FAIRY ACADEMY

Hidden Princess

Broken Curse

Stolen Magic

DEMONLAND SERIES

Alice in Demonland

Alice Fights Demonland

Alice Takes Demonland

Alice Ignites Demonland

BEASTLY SERIES

A Beauty so Beastly

SEVEN MAGICS ACADEMY

Blood and Snow

Fate and Magic

Queen of the Vampires

Deadly Witch

Royal Witch

Vampire Lies

Vampire Secrets

Vampires & Gargoyles

Vampires & Dragons

Vampire Magics

IMMORTALS

Venus Falling

FABLE TOWN MYSTERY SERIES

Iced Raspberry Cookies and a Curse

DEAD ROSES SERIES:

Sleeping Roses

MAGIC BLOOD ACADEMY (2021)

Elemental Outcast Games Book 1 ~ Fire

Elemental Outcast Games Book 2 ~ Water

Elemental Outcast Games Book 3 ~ Earth

Elemental Outcast Games Book 4 ~ Air

VAMPIRE BLOOD ACADEMY (2021)

Vampire in Training

Monster Trials

End Times

About the Author

RaShelle Workman is an international bestselling author of reimagined fairy tales, science fiction, time travel, and romantic suspense. All of her novels have been listed on multiple bestseller lists, including her Blood and Snow series (now Seven Magics Academy), which has sold more than a million copies worldwide. When RaShelle isn't writing, she enjoys baking, and creating new taco recipes. She lives in Utah with her husband, three children, and their dogs. Find her online by visiting her website at: www.rashelleworkman.org.