Playing With Fire (Power of Four Book 2) (19 page)

“It’s strange how the world works,” Alaina said. “What is a tragedy for one becomes a great story for others.”

Aaron could feel heat spread through him, like a fire had started somewhere deep inside. He was suddenly angry, furious at the Peregrins for going around selling copies of the gift his uncle had privately given to his fiancée. He was enraged with the mages for allowing the story to spread, to turn what happened to his uncle and would-be-aunt into a tragic love story. Above all, he was infuriated with himself for enjoying the story when he’d first heard it.

“Why do you stand for it?” Aaron asked her. “Why don’t you tell them to stop talking about you, to stop selling those imitations?”

Alaina smiled. “Because it doesn’t matter,” she said. “They can tell what story they want, sell whatever they like. I don’t care.”

“How can you not care?” Aaron asked, fury making his hands curl into fists.

“I don’t have the heart to care for anything other than who I am waiting for.”

Aaron stilled. “Uncle Alex’s echo?”

Alaina looked a little thrown before she grinned. A small laugh escaped her. “
Uncle
Alex?” she asked. “I’ve never heard anyone refer to him as uncle before.”

Aaron felt some of his anger abate. She had a lovely laugh, even when it was tinged with sadness. “What did Ben call him?” he asked.

Alaina’s smile turned wistful. “Lex,” she said quietly. “Ben used to call him Lex.”

Kate let out a laugh, choked full of tears. “For some reason, Ben loved dropping the first letter in names,” she explained. “She was ‘Laina’ and he was ‘Lex’. Ben could say Alex perfectly, he just preferred Lex.”

Chris smiled. “I think Alex preferred Lex too.”

Aaron felt himself smile.

Alaina was staring at Aaron before slowly shaking her head. “You’re just how I imagined Ben would look, if he...” She faltered and fell silent. She ducked her head and took in a breath before looking up and forcing a smile. “I never thought I would ask Alex’s nephew this,” she said as she walked over to him, “but what’s your name?”

“Aaron,” he replied.

Alaina’s smile slid from her face. She stared at him with complete shock, before turning to look at Kate and Chris. Aaron frowned at her reaction. When Alaina turned back to face him, tears had slid out of her eyes.

“A-Aaron?” she repeated.

“What’s wrong?” Aaron asked.

Alaina reached out with a trembling hand and cupped his cheek. Her hands felt soft and warm.

“Nothing,” she whispered. “Nothing’s wrong.” She turned to look at Kate and Chris again.

“What is it?” Aaron pushed.

Alaina brushed away her tears and sniffed, before turning to give Aaron a watery smile.

“We all had different ideas when it came to choosing a name for you,” she said. “Your parents liked Eric. I suggested Xavier. Even Ben had picked a name for you.” Her eyes fast filled with tears again. “Alex wanted Aaron.”

***

The portal had left Aaron and the others at the Gateway of the City of Marwa. The group made their way across the path, with the water below reflecting the perfect blue of the sky above. But no amount of beauty could distract Aaron today. Thoughts spun in his mind like a whirlpool – meeting Alaina, seeing those pictures of bliss around her home, learning the famous mage love story of the Waiting Bloom was about his uncle and his fiancée, and finally, learning why he was named Aaron.

He cast a small glance at his dad as they walked to the Gate. He wondered what it must have felt like, mere hours after losing your only brother and eldest son to a horrific Lycan attack, to hold your newborn son in your arms and think what to name him. It really was no surprise that his parents chose the name Alex wanted. What better way to always keep Alex in their memories? Aaron knew every time his name came to his mum and dad’s lips, they must think of Alex.

Aaron found it strangely endearing, that before he was even born so many of his family members discussed what to name him. They were clearly excited for his birth, yet his uncle and brother never got to see him. Alaina had had to wait fourteen years to meet him.

Aaron had never put much thought into why he was so named. He believed Sam, who said his parents were lazy and named him Aaron because that was the first name in the baby names book. The fact that he was named to honour the memory of his fallen family was both touching and heart-breaking.

Chris and Kate opened the Gate and led the three teenagers into Marwa. Aaron had barely walked ten steps when he spotted the figure waiting in front of their house. He came to a stop, his heart lurching horribly in his chest.

Neriah saw him too and smiled.

Chris and Kate quickened their pace, heading towards their waiting guest. Aaron and the twins followed after them.

“Neriah,” Chris called. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come for Aaron,” Neriah replied.

Aaron was afraid of exactly this. He had promised his parents he wouldn’t fight. But deep inside his longing to save this realm, to protect the human world, was still furiously burning.

If anyone could sniff out that fire, it was Neriah.

17

Fire In The Sky

“What do you mean you’ve come for Aaron?” Chris asked, taking a step closer to Neriah with curled fists. “I already told you we’d all reached a decision: he’s not fighting.”

“And if Aaron tells me the same, I’ll leave,” Neriah replied.

Every eye turned to Aaron, waiting for an answer. Aaron felt Sam and Rose shift behind him, coming to stand by his side. Rose held on to his hand and gave it a tight squeeze. He appreciated the gesture of comfort.

Aaron glanced from his parents to Neriah. He had promised his mum he wouldn’t fight, but seeing Neriah again brought it all back – the need to fight despite the risks.

“Aaron?” Kate encouraged. “Tell him you’re not fighting.”

Aaron met Neriah’s eyes and took in a breath. He opened his mouth but the words wouldn’t come. Neriah smiled and looked back at Chris, who was staring at Aaron with a furrowed brow.

“Aaron?” he called.

Aaron glanced to his dad but didn’t speak.

Kate took a hurried step towards him. “You promised,” she reminded him quickly. “You promised you wouldn’t fight.”

“I know,” Aaron said, “and I want to keep my promise, I do. But…it’s…I just...” He took in a deep breath. “I don’t know if that’s the right thing to do when there’s a weapon out there that only I can use, and it can make a difference to this fight.”

Kate and Chris stood staring at Aaron, their jaws clenched. Neriah stepped forward, addressing Aaron.

“I’ve mapped the safest route for us to retrieve your Blade,” he said. “I’ve had Lurkers searching the surrounding area for weeks. It’s all clear.” He was ignoring both Kate and Chris, speaking directly to Aaron. “After we collect the Blade, your training will begin right away. I think it’s best if you stay in Salvador. I’ve arranged a spot for you to store your Blade, so it’s more convenient for you to train with it on a daily basis.”

“Wait, wait.” Aaron was blind-sided by Neriah discussing his plans, even before Aaron had properly agreed to participate in the war. “Why would I travel to the sword every day? Why can’t I keep it with me?”

“I’ll explain on the way,” Neriah said. He held out a hand, gesturing to the Gate.

Aaron’s gaze darted back to his mum and dad. Both of them had taken a step forward, ready to stop Aaron if he moved.

“I can’t leave like this,” Aaron told Neriah quietly. “Not without their agreement.”

Neriah let out a tired sigh. “They will never agree, Aaron. You do what
you
want to do, what your heart and soul are telling you to do.”

Aaron glanced to his mum. “My heart is telling me not to hurt my parents.”

Neriah looked agitated. “Don’t fall for their guilt trip,” he said. “You are doing the right thing, Aaron. You are the legacy holder. The Blade of Adams is waiting for you. A weapon of such calibre as a Blade of Aric is a tremendous waste if not used in the war.”

Aaron’s dilemma was worsened when he felt Sam and Rose hold on to his arms and whisper in his ear.

“Think about this before rushing into anything,” Sam said.

“This is your life you’re talking about risking,” Rose added. “Don’t let anyone talk you into doing something you’re not ready to do.”

“I’m not forcing you to do anything,” Neriah defended. “But you clearly have the desire to fight this war. That is why I’m here, to help you.”

A loud crash shook the earth under them. It sounded like a mighty clap of thunder but when Aaron turned, he saw it was a line of trees behind his dad that had crashed to the ground. Seeing the murderous expression on his dad’s face, it made sense.

“That’s why you’re here?” he repeated. “Why don’t you just be honest, Neriah? Tell him you’re
using
him. You’re risking his life, just to have another Blade of Aric against Hadrian!”

“You can’t deny him his destiny, Chris,” Neriah said. “He’s an Elemental. He’s got fight in his blood. He’s the last in a long line of Hunters.”

“He’s
fourteen
!” Chris cried. “What is wrong with you? Why can’t you understand that he’s just a kid?”

“A kid who is the legacy holder for Earth,” Neriah said. “He can level entire cities with one swipe of his Blade and you know that. Why can’t you accept the power he holds?”

Chris shook his head with disdain. “That’s all this is about, isn’t it?” he asked. “Power. It all comes down to power.”

“In times of war, power is all that matters,” Neriah said.

“No,” Chris argued. “All that matters is family, and I’m not prepared to lose mine.”

“No one is prepared for loss,” Neriah said and his eyes had darkened to a deep purple. “No one wants to lose their family, but to gain victory, lives have to be put at stake.”

“Yeah?” Chris seethed. “And just how many lives are you prepared to devastate?”

“As many as it takes,” Neriah replied. “I’ll do what I must, but I
will
defeat Hadrian.”

“You will never defeat him!” Chris was so angry, the ground was trembling under him.

“Chris…” Kate tried to calm him but it seemed his rage had deafened him to her calls.

“You had your chance and you lost it!” Chris continued. “If you couldn’t kill him when he was powerless and at your mercy, how are you going to kill him now, when he has his powers back?”

“I’ll do whatever it takes!” Neriah spat at him. “And if you’re not with me, Chris, then stay out of my way.”

“Keep my son out of this first!” Chris said.

“Your son has a mind of his own,” Neriah shot back. “And he’s choosing to be by my side. He wants Hadrian gone. He wants to fight. He wants to fulfil his destiny. He wants to be a better man than his father!”

Chris bolted for Neriah, lost in his fury.

“Chris, no!” Kate ran to stop him.

She didn’t get to him and Chris didn’t get to Neriah.

The ground between Neriah and Chris cracked and tilted, throwing Chris bodily backwards.

Everyone stilled before turning to the one who caused the phenomenon.

“Aaron.” Sam reached for his arm, but Aaron shrugged him away. He was raging, his hands curled into fists and eyes narrowed.

Aaron could feel the power of the Earth seeping into him, feeding him energy, readying him for a fight. His angry gaze moved from his shell-shocked dad to rest on Neriah.

“You’re wrong,” he said and the words came from between clenched teeth. “Everything you just said. That’s not why I’m willing to fight. I want to fight to save lives. It’s got
nothing
to do with fulfilling destiny or any crap like that! I just don’t want Hadrian taking over because he’s part demon.”

Neriah shook his head. “You only say that because you don’t know Hadrian–”

“I don’t care!” Aaron spat. “I’m fighting so Hadrian – a
vamage
– doesn’t take over the realm. So the human realm doesn’t fall into chaos because of us! I don’t want our elemental powers seeping destructive energy through the tears and destroying the human realm. It’s got absolutely nothing to do with having fight in my blood or wanting Hadrian gone.” His eyes slitted. “And it sure as hell has nothing to do with my dad. He did what he did to protect the ones he loves – that itself makes him a better man.”

Chris was staring at him, but he didn’t speak. Kate had reached his side, but her eyes too were on her son.

“I’m not a fighter,” Aaron continued. “I may come from a lineage of Hunters, but that doesn’t mean I like hunting. I want to fight to protect lives, not because I enjoy ending them.”

“You can’t deny there is an honour in fighting,” Neriah argued.

“What honour?” Aaron asked. “Dying senselessly in war? Is that it?” He stepped closer. “Understand this, Neriah. I’m not fighting for honour, or for any kind of a prize. I’m willing to fight so millions of lives, human and mages alike, aren’t lost in Hadrian’s battle for power.” His angry eyes held on to Neriah. “I don’t care what your agenda is and, I’m sorry, but I never will.”

He walked away, ignoring Neriah, his parents, even his best friends, until the heat biting at his insides diminished and the burning of his fingertips stopped. He was afraid if he’d stayed a moment longer, he’d have lost control and cracked the ground wide open, letting the gap swallow the whole lot of them.

***

Aaron was surprised to find the City of Marwa had a lake too. It was smaller than the beautiful lake in Salvador but it was just as serene and peaceful. It invited Aaron to come and sit at its bank. Small fish, silvery white, broke the surface a few times, only to go back down instantly. Aaron watched them, following their path until he accurately guessed where they were going to pop up next. How long he sat there he didn’t know, but the tranquillity of the lake helped extinguish the fiery rage inside him.

Aaron let out a breath and leaned back, resting on his elbows as he stretched out his legs. He heard the heavy footsteps approaching but he stayed as he was, unwilling to move. Neriah settled next to him.

“You know, if you wanted to hide from me, at the bank of a lake isn’t such a good idea,” Neriah said.

Aaron could hear the smile in his voice but it only served to irritate him.

“Why would I hide from you?” he asked, without looking at Neriah. “I’m not afraid of you and I’m not sorry for what I said.”

“Oh, Heaven forbid.” And this time, there was a small chuckle at the end.

Aaron turned to glare at him, but Neriah only looked amused. “Aren’t you angry with me?” Aaron asked. “For disrespecting you.”

Neriah turned his head to look at the lake.

“Respect has to be earned. Besides, you spoke your mind. How can I hold that against you?” He smiled. “You know, you reminded me of someone today.”

“Let me guess,” Aaron started tersely, sitting up. “I reminded you of you when you were my age.”

“Not at all.” Neriah looked at Aaron for long minutes. “You reminded me of Hadrian.”

Aaron bristled and looked at Neriah with indignant surprise.

“He was like you in many regards,” Neriah continued. “I’m pretty sure he once said words very similar to what you just said.”

Aaron was glaring at him, so angry he struggled to talk at first. “You know what, Neriah? If you want to insult me–”

“I’m not insulting you,” Neriah said with a shake of his head. “Hadrian wasn’t always corrupt. He was pure once – a mage, an Elemental. He was the Controller, and he was passionate about the mages, about the war with demons. He was a protector, much like you. He fought the war against demons and he did it for no gain other than to save lives.”

Aaron stared at Neriah. “How does someone go from being like that to a power-hungry demon?”

Neriah’s smile was gone. Pain filled his eyes and he let out a long breath.

“Life is not only cruel but sometimes ironic, not to mention a little twisted.” He gave Aaron a sideways glance before dropping his head. “I know that I upset you with what I said,” he started quietly, “but I meant every word. You are a fighter, even if you don’t know it yet. I see in you what I once saw in your dad. You have that spark that I used to see in Hadrian when he spoke about securing the fate of our realm.” His eyes were back to the impossible shade of violet as he held Aaron’s gaze. “You are the only Adams of your generation. The legacy resides in you, Aaron. The Blade of Adams is waiting for you and the power you could bring to our fight is phenomenal.”

Aaron took in a breath. “I want to help,” he said, “but I promised my parents I wouldn’t risk my life.” He looked down at the ground and steeled himself. “I saw what happened to Ben.” He had to clear his throat, pushing back the horrid images that would haunt him forever. “I can’t put them through something like that again. They had to watch one son die, that’s enough.”

“Ben was an infant; he was defenceless,” Neriah said in a quiet, hollow voice. “Once you have Aric’s Blade, you will have true power at your fingertips. I’m going to train you, teach you how to use the Blade so nothing can stand in your way.” He paused. “What happened to your brother happens to children in Hadrian’s zones all the time. There are no Gates to protect the mages. Hadrian leaves the zones open and all sorts of demons, including Lycans, find their way inside to torment and kill the mages there.”

Aaron remembered what Kyran had claimed, that they only had nine zones and all nine were Gated. He watched Neriah carefully, trying to catch something, anything, that would suggest he was lying. But Neriah’s sincerity was shining through his very skin. He believed in what he was saying. So did that mean Kyran was the one lying? Or perhaps that Neriah didn’t know about Hadrian’s Gates?

“This fight will end the suffering of thousands, hundreds of thousands of innocent mages,” Neriah said. “With Hadrian finally defeated, we can protect all the zones of this realm. The human realm will no longer pay the price of our battles. Isn’t that what you want?”

“It is,” Aaron said. “But I need my parents to agree first. I need their acceptance and help.”

“You don’t need their help. I’ll help you,” Neriah promised.

“No offence, Neriah, but I would rather have my parents backing me up than just you.”