“You shouldn’t touch a dead body,” Chastity called out. “Don’t you watch tv? It’s evidence.” Medora’s dark eyes widened with excitement and sparkled like the stars overhead. “You’re so silly. It’s a kid.” “What’s a kid doing way out here?” Chastity felt sick to her stomach. “Dunno.” Medora lifted a stick and held it like a wand. No. Like a bat. A weapon. Chastity walked over to the body. Her legs moved on their own accord, but her mind screamed in opposition. “The ear’s chewed off. Normal people don’t do that,” Chastity fell back, stumbling in disbelief, heart pumping like a drum. Badum. Badum. “Animals gnawed on her.” Medora waved her off. “It’s a baby goat! Not a person. Someone else uses the woods for their own religious practices, you know.” “You don’t know that.” Medora glanced up from the fall of purple braids. “I do, too, know. Look!” “No! Thanks! I trust you.” Chastity turned away. “I didn’t notice the hooves at first. It’s dark as fuck over here.” “I’m going back to the fire. You should come with,” Chastity said. “She ain’t going nowhere with you,” Sin’s yell caused all the hair on Chastity’s neck to stand up in alarm. “Get over here.” Medora’s grip tightened on the stick. “Leave us alone.” “Chas, come here.” Sin waved her over. He had one hand stuffed in his jacket pocket. The friction between them popped like static on a straight-rub-acrosscarpet sock. “Chastity, he’s been hunting us.” Medora swept their braids from their face. “His energy feels sinister.” Sin ignored them and pointed his phone’s flashlight at Chastity. “Let’s go.” Frozen with indecision, Chastity looked from one to the other. The woods, her secret place, their private oasis, had been violated, forever tainted. It seemed life kept that for her. Few things remained the same. She loved it here. Her gigi said she should stand up for the things she loved. “No,” Chastity said through trembling lips.
Now that it had been spoken, she couldn’t put it back. The air stilled. Medora smiled. Across from her, Sin’s own mouth smashed into a line of anger. “What did you say?” he asked quietly, as if in disbelief. “I said, no,” Chastity repeated, heart thundering in her chest like a subway train. What am I doing? This is just going to piss him off. Then another voice, one she hadn’t heard so clearly before, answered. We’re standing up for what you love. Medora walked over to Chastity and held her hand. “You heard her. Head on home, you pathetic husk of a man.” Sin took one step toward them. Medora raised the stick at him. “Stay back!” Sin hesitated. Did he fear them? “Look, this is between me and her, you freak. You can get out of here.” Sin gestured to the hand in his pocket. “Aight?” “No. It isn’t all right.” Medora guided Chastity behind her. “She said she isn’t leaving. You bullying her and threatening her aren’t gonna make her come with you. Head on home. Leave us alone.” Chastity squeezed Medora’s hand. If Sin became violent, no one would hear them or come to save them. “I’m gonna go with him.” Chastity let go of Medora’s hand. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.” “Stay where you are,” Medora said, in a tone that made Chastity stop. “He’s not gonna hurt anyone. Are you?” Rigid like a statue, Medora kept their gaze on Sin and the stick pointed at him. Sin removed his hand from his pocket and showed them the .22. The small gun dwarfed by his large hand gleamed in the low light, catching the fire’s flickering flames on its metallic finish. “I’m not gonna keep repeating myself. Chas, get your ass over here. Now!” Sin pointed at the spot beside him with the gun, the threat clear. Medora spoke, but the words weren’t English. The stick sprouted blue-white sparks. A stream of white light launched from its tip and plowed into Sin, propelling him back into the darkness. Chastity heard a smack and thereafter a grunt.
“Get the gear!” Medora hurried to their makeshift site and started throwing items into their backpack. Chastity did the same. “I dunno know how long that’ll keep him.” Medora said, their face tight. Chastity couldn’t think of what to say, so she didn’t. They scooped dirt on the first, snuffing it out. Then they ran through the woods, back to the path and to the subways platform that would eventually lead them home. While waiting for the train, Chastity searched around for Sin, but he didn’t appear. She had no idea how he got there or how they hadn’t noticed him following them. To be honest, she and Medora were so enamored with each other, they hadn’t paid attention to anyone else once she snuck past the building’s lobby. Chastity hadn’t thought she needed too, because, well, they weren’t in the city. That hypervigilance could rest when out here. Sin had ruined that sense of peace. They caught the train without incident or signs of Sin. The empty subway car flickered as they passed by lighted fixtures on their way back to the city. Chastity sat beside Medora, closest to the window. She watched the gloomy, worn brick buildings. They sagged together as the subway car chugged along the track toward the city. As the announcer mumbled off upcoming stops, Chastity watched the gray silhouettes, like ghosts gliding along the sidewalks and platforms, withered hope, worn nubs, following the same routines. No different than those cars, unable to jump the track to escape. Medora elbowed her. “You okay?” “I…how did you do that?” Chastity managed. She hunched back into her coat and tried to get warm. Medora shrugged. “I’m a witch. I told you.” “What did you do to him?” Chastity rubbed her face. Her hands’ coldness anchored her reality. “You could’ve killed him.” “I don’t think he realized what kind of person he was dealing with Chas. Remember he had a gun.” Medora crossed her arms. “I didn’t kill him.” Chastity swallowed. “How do you know?” “I just do.” “You weren’t even scared.”
“I didn’t get alarmed. I couldn’t let him do what he threatened to do,” Medora said. After a few long minutes, Medora took Chastity’s hand. “You’re not scared of me. Are you?” “No.” Chastity realized she meant it and scooted closer to Medora on the shared seat. “Good,” Medora kissed Chastity’s cheek. “Nothing’s changed.” “Something’s changed. I know you can do magic,” Chastity said. Medora glanced at her. “You knew that already.” Chastity chuckled and reached for Medora’s hand. Once she clasped it, she felt warm at once. They rode the rest of the ride home in cozy silence. A united front against the on-coming storm. Chastity didn’t expect to see Sin again, except maybe in passing on the way to Lee’s. For two weeks after that incident in the woods, her theory held. She and Medora spent more time together, during the day, and in the city. They sought out nature trails and parks throughout town to commune with nature. To be honest, these excursions lacked the magic of their time in the woods, but she enjoyed being with Medora. Chastity’s gigi warned her that desperate people took risks other people wouldn’t. One autumn evening as Chastity made her way through her building’s lobby, a quick hand shot out from a shadowy corner and snatched her to them. “Hey!” She wrestled until she felt the cold knife tip at her side. Her assailant had yanked up her coat and shirt to get direct contact to her flesh. A shabby and hooded Sin whispered, “Shush. Just keep walking.” His voice sounded funny, and he had dead eyes. “What are you doing? Are you high?” Chastity shouted and tried to wrestle herself free from his grip. “We’re going to your place. Move!” The knife bit into her back. The burning sensation made her flinch. “Ow!”
The trickle of blood rolled down her skin. Chastity started toward the elevators. Sin knew her gigi played bingo on Wednesday nights. She didn’t want to be alone with him, and at this thought, Chastity stopped. Sin pushed her forward. Stumbling, Chastity walked into an open elevator car. “Are you caught up in some drug haze? This is kidnapping.” The elevator door closed. “Just shut up!” Sin’s face remained hidden behind a mask and hood. Their relationship had been fractured, but Chastity thought it had been broken for a while. Held together by the thin threads of fear and intimidation, their relationship had come undone. She’d known for months. Now, so did Sin. Once inside the apartment, Sin locked the door behind him. He didn’t remove his hoodie. He snatched Chastity and threw her down hard on the sofa. She winced in pain. “I told you to stay out of the woods.” Chastity clutched her elbow and sat up. She didn’t remove her coat. Somehow it felt like protection from him. “Why are you so obsessed with this?” Sin paced. “It lures you. It offers an intoxicating mixture of wonder, but it isn’t safe.” “You’re jealous of them,” Chastity said. Sin pounded his fist on his thigh. “It’ll seduce you, stirrup your passion. It’s a lie.” “What’s wrong with passion?” “Sometimes it becomes a poison.” Enthralled, Chastity looked up at him. “I love them, Sin.” “That freak’s using you. You’re so mesmerized by it; you can’t think straight. You saw what it did to me with its flamethrower. It’s dangerous.” Sin shook his knife at Chastity. “The pain blinded me so much I passed out.” Seething, he stepped closer, chipping away at her personal space. “You did point a gun at us…” Chastity explained. “Medora’s not an it. They’re a person.” “I warned you not to go into the woods!” Sin’s whole body vibrated. Chastity realized she wouldn’t be able to clear the fog he believed in.
“We’re done. It’s over.” Her stomach knotted in alarm, but she didn’t run. “Go home, Sin.” “Listen. You’re not a lesbian,” Sin pleaded. “You liked me. I’m all male.” “You’re right. I did like you, but I don’t anymore. I’m not a lesbian. I’m bisexual.” Chastity put her hands into her coat’s pockets. She didn’t want him to see them trembling. Sin studied her a moment, and then reached out to touch her. He paused just shy of touching her face. Did he recall Medora’s attack? He doesn’t know if I have magic too. Chastity watched the dynamics between them shift and she raised herself to her full height. She didn’t have powers, but she was special in her own magical and secret way. The long-held truth birthed into the chilly autumn day and the spike of fear bolted through her. She’d been afraid that telling Sin this truth would open a valley between them. Today she welcomed the distance. Devastated by her declaration, he stood there, mouth agape, his shoulders sagged beneath the weight of her words. Confusion turned his face into a hard, crumpled visage. “Bye. Good luck,” she said. Sin snatched himself out of his trance. His ego and propped up bravado returned in waves. He looked stunned—a deer trapped in a car’s headlights. Without a word, he drifted out of her apartment like he’d been bespelled. Chastity sighed as she turned the deadbolt, locking Sin out of her life. She turned her back to the door and released a breath. She didn’t know how long she stood but knocks jolted her to stand up. Sighing, she wiped the cold sweat from her face. “Yeah? Who’s there?” “It’s me,” Medora answered. Chastity unlocked the door. Medora stood in the doorway with two cups from the corner bodega. “Thought you may want some company. Gigi’s out tonight. Right?” Medora swept in like a warm breeze. “Yeah.” Chastity stepped back, allowing her room to enter. She accepted the cup, locked the door again, and sipped the steaming drink.
“Hot chocolate!” Chastity expected coffee. The sweet treat warmed her. “Yeah. I figured we didn’t need too much caffeine so late.” Medora followed Chasity to the bedroom. They removed their coat and pulled off their wool hat. They stuffed it into their coat pocket. With a sigh of relief, Medora sat down in the beanbag as usual. “You’re bleeding!” Medora sat up and put their cup on the nightstand. “What happened?” Chastity twisted to get a look at the dry blood on her shirt. “Sin came over.” Medora picked up some bandages, tape, and alcohol from Chastity’s desk. Being with Sin meant leaving those out for fast access. “Thought you got rid of him. Turn around.” Medora raised Chastity’s shirt exposing the knife wound. “Hold this.” Chastity held her shirt up. “It isn’t too bad. Doesn’t need stitches.” “We did get rid of him. He’s got the message.” Chastity winced as Medora applied the antiseptic before taping the protective gauze into place. “Done,” Medora announced. “I hope so.” Chastity turned around. Medora returned the supplies to the desk, reclaimed their hot chocolate, and sat in the beanbag. “You gonna teach me some of that magic?” Chastity asked, sitting on her bed’s edge. Medora took a drink and shook their head. “Why not? Chastity cradled the cup. “You’re already pretty magical,” Medora said. Chastity tossed her a pout. “Come on.” Medora laughed. “Next time we go to the woods.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nicole Givens Kurtz is an author, editor, and educator. She's also the editor of the groundbreaking anthology, SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire. Nicole has over 40 short stories published as well as numerous novels and three active speculative mystery series. She's a member of Horror Writers Association, Sisters in Crime, and Science Fiction Writers of America. You can support her work via Patreon and find more about her at http://www.nicolegivenskurtz.
“If you're furious, let it be fuel.” ― Roshani Chokshi, The Gilded Wolves
I 9 OUTCAST D. L. Howard hated coming to these things, but my father always said we had to. I didn’t understand why because we were certainly not like the other families. They had magic. We didn’t. It was as simple as apple pie, but no, my father didn’t look at it that way. He was always on some selfrighteous rant going. “Zazi Bear... never give up hope. Our day will come,” or some yada yada crap like that. I called it a crock of rancid dog poo. He didn’t have to deal with those spoiled kids of the elite mage families. I did. “It’s almost time to go home,” Max, my brother, whispered in my ear before dashing off to hang with one of his friends. I glanced up in time to see my brother reach Jon, a brown-haired, green eyed, mousy and very much a nerdy looking kid. Jon was his best friend of some years now and a child mage extraordinaire. Thankfully, he and his family doesn’t look down on ours. They were just one of the few allies we had. I exhaled all the negative thoughts that tried to torment my mind. I looked back in the direction Max went. At least he had friends. Me on the other hand, that’s undeniably a laughable expense. Teenage girls could be cruel and hateful. Especially the magical kind. Somehow, I think they’re worse.
As if on cue, Ingrid and her flock of wannabes and bootlickers followed her like she was the hottest commodity in the palace. I rolled my eyes and started to go in the direction of where the rest of my family stood. I didn’t want to be in Ingrid’s warpath. She could sense whenever I was around and always found some way to come bother me. “Well, well, well. Look who we have here. If isn’t the despicable Zazi, the magical dud.” I didn’t need to turn around to know she stood directly behind me. I could sense her horrible essence a mile away. Her current batch of friends cackled like they were a pack of wild hyenas. If only I kept on moving. I almost made it to where my father and mother were. As if he sensed my desperation from where he stood, he stared at me and slightly shook his head. His grin wasn’t full of happiness, instead it was filled with sadness. I knew that expression. I had to deal with these hellhounds my own dang self. I mentally counted to three then spun around on my heels to face my own private tormentor. She stood there with her dazzling smile and perfectly done hair. Ingrid Volden. Same grade as me and my own personal bully. Can I punch her in the nose right now? No... probably wouldn’t go too well for me. Especially since she’s the Archmage’s daughter. “I don’t understand why they still allow your family into the palace. Only those with magic should have the right. Not some dirty human. You’re only good for wiping the muck off our feet. Now we’re going to have to do an extensive cleaning spell to get rid of your smell,” Ingrid spat. The gaggle of wannabes behind her all nodded in agreement. Again, mentally I quickly counted to three. I already grasped if I said something, I’d get kicked out of here. Which in my head, wasn’t so bad, but my father really wanted us to fit in. We may not have a lot of magic between us, but no matter what, we were Ravendarks. I didn’t back down and stared my bully in the eyes. More than likely I’m going to regret everything, but I didn’t care. “We’re probably still allowed because they got tired of your foul stench that came from your nose being shoved so far up the High Archmage’s ass. They needed something that smelled good to offset the stench.” Ingrid and her friends all gasped at the insult and I could tell she wanted to hit me but since we’re in a very public place, she couldn’t do a thing.
Especially with both the High Archmage in attendance and Ingrid’s own mother, who was the Archmage of this magical territory. I grinned from ear to ear. Zazi one point. Ingrid, nada. As I reiterate, I may regret it later, but you only live once, right? YOLO. That’s what Lia, my very human best friend always said. “Zazi Ravendark, you will regret this.” Ingrid took a step closer and now stood only inches away from my face. Her ice-cold blues pierced my own gaze. “You forget who your betters are. You forget who has magic and who doesn’t. You’re pretty much a human and the only reason you’re allowed at any mage functions is because we can’t get rid of your family no matter how hard we try. Laws are laws still, but understand Ravendark, your time amongst us runs very short.” Ingrid turned her head to the side. A cascade of ice blonde hair, a nod to her Norwegian heritage, moved in waves. Ingrid snapped her fingers at the girls behind her. “Let’s go. I tire of being around the poor and useless.” I was beyond pissed off. I was so angry that my entire body shook. If I had magic, this wouldn’t even be an issue. I would have blasted Ingrid from here to the blessed underworld where she belonged. One thing she had right though, we were damn near human. We had no magic. Nothing like the rest of the elite mage families. We were not poor, we had money. We may even have the name, but the power that came behind it was long gone. Instead, we’re the backwater laughingstock in our society and they only invited us to these “functions” because they wanted to ridicule and remind us that we didn’t compare. I hate it here. Warm, firm hands gripped my shoulder, and instantly, I relaxed. I recognized my father’s comforting touch from anywhere. His spicy and earthy scent wrapped around me as he hugged me. He always knew when I was under duress. He’s always my rock when the world’s oceans tried to sweep me away. “Zazi Bear...” he said. His chin rested on the top of my head. My eyes closed on their own, as I willed back the tears that tried to find a way out. I didn’t know how much longer I could take this anymore. “Are you ready to go home?” I took a few moments before I spoke. Tried to get myself right so my voice wouldn’t crack. Breathe in, breathe out. “Why do they treat us like
this? It’s not our fault we don’t have a lot of magic. Not like them. We must be cursed or something.” “How many times have I told you, we’re not cursed.” “Then how come we can’t use the sacred ancestral death magic? Our line was the first to have true Necromancers and Reapers. It’s our birthright yet, we can’t see the souls. We can’t do basic arcane magic. You barely have enough magic to be considered a hedge mage. We are the butt of all jokes in our society. Of all supernaturals.” “One day our time will come, Zazi Bear. We just have to endure the trials before we come out on top.” “I’m tired of enduring. Ingrid. Her friends. Others at school. They’re cruel and heartless. Dad, I hate it. I tried to be nice, but it never works.” My father turned me around to face him. “We are not quitters, Zazi. We are Ravendarks. Keep your head held high. We are the oldest magical unbroken family line. We are the purest of any of them. We can trace our ancestry all the way back to the first Necromancer. The laws we follow were set down by our very own ancestors. Things happen for a reason, but don’t give up.” He reached for my hand and I took it. “Let’s go home. I’ll even stop and pick up your favorite ice cream.” I wiped the wetness from my eyes. My father always knew how to make me feel better. “Deal. I want three scoops of butter pecan.” The corners of my dad’s eyes crinkled but his smile was infectious. “Eew. Who in their right mind likes butter pecan?” “Me.” I laugh a little. I get flack for my choice of ice cream, but I’m a girl of bad B movies and the yumminess of butter pecan ice cream. I won’t give them up. “Fine, it’s a deal. Now, let’s go find Max and your mother. I’m sure they’re going to want ice cream too.” It had been only a few days since my encounter with Ingrid and crew. School was back in session and we were halfway through the week. I will forever hate that I still must go the same private school with other mage kids. Luckily, it was my last year here then next year, I’m off to some human school. Since my magical abilities never manifested, there was no
point in going to high school with the other mage children and I am kind of grateful. High School is where mage children really learned and perfected their craft. Studied long enough in hopes they would be chosen to study at one of the elite academies for college. Which only accepted the best of the best even if you were dumber than a bucket of rocks. Also, it didn’t matter what family you came from either. Just as long as your magical abilities were top-notch, you were golden. I’m not dumber than a bucket of rocks, and I can’t even conjure a warming spell. The basic of basics. I mean, it would be cool if I could see a ghost or two, but nope. I don’t even have the sacred ancestral death magic. I can’t do any of that. Let me tell you, the one time I witnessed a Necromancer in their full magical glory, it was a sight to behold. I was absolutely jelly. Besides... who wouldn’t want to carry around a wicked cool double-bladed scythe? The bell rang overhead signaling the end of class. I shoved my books into my backpack and closed it. I only had two more classes after lunch then back home. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to get home and back to normalcy. I rose from my desk in the little corner at the back of my Magical History classroom. I wanted to stretch, but I also didn’t want my peers paying any attention to me. Ingrid was bad but hell, she had a crap load of just as horrible friends. Most of them were in this class. Mrs. Hagendale spouted out about some report due at the end of the week as my classmates rushed out of the door, and I mentally made a note to do some research later once I got home. My primary concern for now, was getting out of the room unseen so I could go grab my lunch then head to my favorite spot on campus: the old willow tree near the pond. I slid my arms through the straps and eased my way out of the room. I kept my head down and rushed out of there. Next thing I’m on the floor just outside the door and I glimpsed a foot moving back to its owner. I glanced up to find Parker with a sneer on his face as he peered down his nose at me. I knew it was him who tripped me, but I dared not say anything. I gathered myself together, got up as fast as I could and stormed out of there. Parker was Ingrid’s boyfriend and those two ruled this school. Screw them both. They’ll get what’s coming to them one day. I made it to the lunchroom, grabbed my grub, and ran out the door that led to the pond and my favorite tree. It was quiet and peaceful. Just what I
needed. I leaned back against the tree, closed my eyes and willed all the anger that filled me daily to go away. Not much longer. Only a couple more months. That was my daily mantra. I didn’t have to deal with any of them much longer and that was all the motivation I needed. After my short quiet meditation, I dug into my pasta. Then into my triple fudge chocolate cake. I swear this school had the best cooks in the world. The chocolate cake was the finest ever. I licked my fingers clean every single time. I would for sure miss the cake. Probably the only thing I would miss. I ate my food at record speed and sat under the tree for the rest of my lunch break, enjoying the nature around me. A strong breeze came through, with the scents of fall on the air. No matter how much I hate the people here, I would always love this campus, my tree, and my spot. It was beautiful. Maybe I am somewhat sad that I won’t be able to continue, but it’s the best for me and my family. “Aww look, it’s the dud.” My heart raced at the voice. I was almost free, but I should have known better. I didn’t bother to look up. I kept my eyes forward and watched as the wind kissed the pond’s surface, causing it to ripple. I wouldn’t give Ingrid the time of the day. Hopefully, she would leave me alone. Although, I seriously doubt it. “You can ignore me all you like, but I have a promise to keep.” Her voice was flat and unemotional. The kick to my ribs surprised me. Too much force from it caused a grunt to escape my lips. I fell forward as I continued to groan. Pain blossomed in my middle and radiated outwards. I didn’t expect the blow and before I could register what was happening, another kick came from the opposite side. This time one of her lackeys became bold and delivered the kick. Ingrid bent low to get on my level. She was so close I could see the thick buildup of her makeup. “You will never disrespect me again. Especially in my own damn house,” Ingrid’s voice was calm and controlled but her features screamed angry and that’s when the warning bells in my head went off. I should have known something was coming, but I didn’t want to believe she was capable of physical violence. She was always the verbal type of P.O.S.
With a jerk, my upper body shot up, her pawns held each one of my arms. I tried to wiggle free, but their grips were like iron. I was not getting loose. Ingrid uncoiled from squatting and stood up. She flicked her fingers in my direction, and without warning, I was tied against the base of the willow tree. “It’s against the rules to use magic against another student,” I stammered out. A phantom punch to my jaw came soon as I spoke. Bright stars filled my vision. Ingrid’s laugh sounded like nails on a chalkboard. “I didn’t say you could talk. Besides, who’s going to snitch on me? Stop me? Surely, not you?” I gulped for air and winced at the pain. I had a feeling my ribs may be broken. “They’ll know it’s you, Ingrid.” I glanced at her. A coil in my core started to form and the fiery rage from it filled my being. Everything in my vision was bright red. I hated her. Hated the school’s rules. Hated the entire Mage Society. I couldn’t do a thing except take the beating she was giving me. “They would be happy to know that I put you in your place.” Another phantom punch to my face. “Glad that I, Ingrid Volden, taught this magicless Ravendark a lesson in respecting her betters.” Another phantom punch, but this time to my stomach. The contents of my lunch spewed out of my mouth. Ingrid jumped back, and I caught the look of disgust on her face. “Have a fantastic life, trash.” A barrage of phantom kicks and punches rained down on me and I couldn’t do anything but take it. The snickers and laughs of her friends echoed around us. My head hung low against my chest. My entire body ached. This time I let the tears fall because I was exhausted. Tired of trying to be strong. I wanted to dig a hole in the ground and hide there forever. I listened as Ingrid and friends left me alone, still tied to the tree’s trunk. Their feet crushed the grass beneath them as they walked away from where they left me by the pond. Giggling as if they were all in together on a private joke. When they reached the doors to the school, the bonds around my wrist and ankles released and I tumbled to the ground. Curling into a ball, I continued to let the torrential deluge fall from my eyes. Besides, it hurt to even move. Screw going to class.
* Get up. * A soft-spoken voice said to me. I must have been hearing things because I swore someone said something to me. Opening my eyes, I looked around my way. I was out here alone. Yup, just hearing things now. I didn’t even bother getting up and decided to skip the rest of my classes. There was no way in hell I was going back into that building. I didn’t need anything from my locker. Soon I was able to move, albeit slowly, I texted my dad and asked for him to come pick me up. He was the rational one between my two parents. Mom would have wanted to rain down holy hell on the entire school. I just wanted to high tail it out of there. When I noticed the car pull up, I gathered my bag and hobbled over to the SUV and hopped inside. My father gave me a once over, put the car in gear, and drove off, all without saying a word. From the corner of my eyes, I watched as he clenched his jaw. His knuckles on the steering wheel were tight against it. I wasn’t ready to talk about what happened. Instead, I stared out of the passenger side window, to the spot where normally I found peace. Today I had found pain. There by the base of the tree, a figure watched as we drove off. It looked like a girl around my age who watched us leave. She had on the Academy’s uniform, so I assumed she was a student. I don’t know why, but I waved, and she waved back. Maybe she’s getting the cafeteria food tray I left out there. We drove off and she had watched us leave the campus. Once we were on the road, I let my gaze fall forward to the scene outside of my window. Twenty minutes of silence reigned during our ride. Twenty minutes to think about how I was going to tell my dad what happened and how bad it sucked that I couldn’t even defend myself. Not against magic when I absolutely had none. When we were about ten minutes away from home, my father spoke. “What happened?” His voice was rough but calmer than I expected. Guess he needed the twenty minutes to calm down. “Ingrid Volden and her lackeys are what happened.” “Did you tell any of your teachers? The Headmistress?” “No. There was no point. She made sure that not a dang thing would be done, and she’s right, Dad. Not a thing will be done because she’s little Ms.
Perfect. The prodigy child of the Archmage. Her will is basically law at that school. If the teachers or the Headmistress tried to do anything, the Archmage would come down on them so hard their heads would spin. You know this.” He let out a loud sigh. We all knew I was right. I just had to endure this for another couple of months then I would be free from that living hell. “Well, you won’t have to endure it much longer,” he said as if reading my mind. My father, the ever pragmatic, Ekalis Ravendark, turned on the signal light to go left but we were stopped by the red light. “December is not coming fast enough,” I said. My head fell back on the headrest. Even moving it hurt something fierce. The red light finally turned green, and we went left at the light. “Then it’s human school for me.” My father cleared his throat. “I am afraid I have some news for you, Zazi Bear.” He glanced at me before looking back at the road. “The official order came through. The Archmage got the approval from the Mage Council. They have partially banished us because we haven’t manifested a true mage heir in many generations. You will no longer attend the school immediately per the Mage Council. They agreed that Max, you and your other siblings' last day would be this Friday, so hold on for two more days okay.” I didn’t think the ruling would go through, but I was just proven wrong. Guess Ingrid did know something we didn’t know. Honestly, I was sad and relieved. My father continued. “We still have to attend the major holiday festivals and events where all the first families must show up, but that’s it. Unless you or any of your siblings’ manifest, then we’re practically banned from the community.” “None of us will manifest because our family is cursed. We’re practically human, anyway. Good riddance.” “We are not cursed.” “If you say so.” I knew better. I’ve always found it odd that none in the Ravendark line had been able to produce a true mage heir for the last few generations. We’re without doubt fertile. We were not a small family. “One more thing. We still have some access to things like use of mage healers. They won’t wipe our minds, but we cannot tell humans about us or they will sentence us to death.”
“I know how to keep a secret. I just want to be normal, dad. Trust me, there will be no complaints coming from my mouth.” “Drink this root tea before you go to bed, and by morning you will be perfectly fine,” the mage healer said. She sat down the herbal bag on top of my nightstand. “If you need anything else, you know how to reach me.” I nodded. “Thanks, Laura. You’re the greatest.” “It was no biggie. I don’t mind helping my family when I can. It sucks what Archmage Volden is doing to you all. Someone needs to teach her and her daughter a painful lesson.” I sat up in my bed. “You know that type of talk is dangerous. Some even consider it blasphemous and treasonous.” Laura shrugged. “I don’t care. You don’t mess with my family. Even the cursed ones.” “Glad I’m not the only one who thinks we’re cursed.” Laura chuckled. “Get some rest, Zazi Bear. You’re going to need it to last the next two days.” Nodding in agreement, I told her as much. My cousin, via my mom’s side hence not being cursed, left me to my own devices. It was early, but I didn’t want to be around anyone, so I stayed in my room. My body may be healed but mentally, I was still hurting. I scooted down on my bed and curled up under the covers. Maybe a nap would help. Soon as I closed my eyes, a buzzing sound came from my nightstand. With a groan, I reached over and opened the top drawer and took out the device that was causing all the noise. It buzzed in my hand, and I realized that I was getting a text from Lia. I opened the message app and read her message. She wanted to know how my day was. All she knew was that I went to a very exclusive private school and that my classmates were grade A buttholes. I chatted with her for a bit then put the phone up. In a much better mood, I closed my eyes. My last thoughts were of the girl under the willow tree before sleep took over.
Officially, I was on the countdown, and that put a little pep in my step. I was more than ready to leave this school of the magic privileged. I maneuvered my way through the hallway after my fourth period without a care in the world. Ignoring all the smirks and whispers whenever I walked by someone. Nothing was a secret around here when it came to my family. We were officially outcasted. It was the hottest news right now in our society. We were a first. The Ravendarks were officially the worse of the worse and I didn’t give a flying troll patty. All I knew was that I didn’t have to be around those uptight brats anymore. I guessed it surprised Ingrid to see me show up and looking better than ever. My cousin, Laura, have some serious healing skills. I was good as new. Ingrid frowned when I walked past her, and I gave her the biggest grin ever. Sometimes the best way forward is to not give in to your bullies. I’m the better person, so I took the higher road. If looks could kill, I knew I would have been dead on sight. Luckily for me, I was practically untouchable since the news of my family was released. Touching me was like touching a human forbidden. Somewhere deep inside, I knew Ingrid well enough not to get too cocky and let my guards down. She was the one person who could do whatever and get away with it. From her looks alone, she was plotting something. I had every right to be worried, but now, no. Right now, I would bask in the glory that her lackeys couldn’t place even a pinky finger on me. I reached the door to the cafeteria and pulled it open. The loud peels of laughter and the rising decibels of chattering students reached my ears in a sudden roar, but the volume drastically decreased when they realized who walked amongst them. The Outcast. I didn’t need to look up to know they were staring at me, watching as I made my way to the buffet line. I was here for grub and the wonderful triple fudge chocolate cake that I would deeply miss. One of the few things I would miss. I had no friends here, and that was saying a lot. I filled my plate with fries, a hamburger, an apple and two huge chunks of cake because who was going to stop me. This was a daily ritual. No matter what I grabbed to eat, the cake would always be crucial to my meal. This time, I wanted two. A girl has needs ya know. Not wanting to linger around, I sped outside to my favorite spot. It was another beautiful day, thanks to the spell that kept the school hidden from
the normies aka humans or non-magical folk. There was some feature that made the weather randomly change. I glanced around to make sure I was truly alone before biting into my burger. It was good to be alone without everyone staring at you like you’re a pariah. “Hey,” a soft-spoken voice said. I looked up to find the girl I saw yesterday walk towards me. She stopped a few feet away, giving me plenty of space. “I’m Avery. Can I join you?” I must have looked crazy and shocked because she laughed at me before sitting down cross-legged in the spot where she stood. “Um, sure. Go ahead. If you don’t care about your reputation.” Avery lifted her brow, with a curious look on her face. I did a mental shrug and continued. “It’s because I’m a Ravendark. The dreaded nemesis of Ingrid Volden.” In a flash, Avery’s bright and cheery features disappeared into something horrible, then it was back to normal. I rubbed my eyes. I must have been seeing things. I was a bit tired. “I couldn't care less about what Ingrid thinks,” Avery said flatly. There was menace in her tone that wasn’t there before and I wondered what went down between those two. Honestly with Ingrid, there was no telling. I shrugged my shoulders this time and took another bite out of my burger. “Your choice,” I said with a mouthful. “Sorry, I know this is rude, but I’m on a time crunch.” “It is totally okay. I get it.” I don’t know why, but I picked up the plate with my cake and offered Avery some. “I normally don’t share the cake, but it looks like you could use some.” Avery looked like she wanted to take it but eventually she shook her head and waved it off. “I wish I could, but I have to pass this time. Thanks though.” “Your loss, and more for me.” I beamed. “So, what brings you out here? I’ve never seen you at the school before.” “I have... been away. I was sick. Yesterday was my first day back.” “Oh, okay. Are you better now?” Avery had a faraway look in her eyes before looking back at me. “I am about as good as I can get. I won’t get sick again. I’ve been cured. Mentally, though.” She tapped her head quickly with her left index finger. “It has been really draining.”
“Draining I get. Dealing with Ingrid, Parker, and their lackeys daily for the last few years is extremely draining on the mentals. But it is almost over. I won’t have to endure it much longer.” Avery tilted her head just slightly and curiosity schooled over her features. I took a bite of my cake. “Tomorrow is my last day here.” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. I am glad and relieved. It’s like getting a new lease on life.” Avery nodded. “Me being cured. It was a new lease on life too.” “So have you always had this lunch period?” I asked her. Somehow Avery was a balm to me, and I didn’t even know her like that. She was easygoing, and I was kind of sad that I was just now meeting her. Perhaps we could have been friends. “No. Before my illness, I was on the first lunch period. When I came back, they put me on this one.” “Probably why I never saw you until now.” “True,” Avery agreed. We both went quiet for a couple of minutes. “Hey, Zazi.” My head shot up. I didn’t remember telling her my name. “How’d you know who I was?” “You’re the only Ravendark here that Ingrid tortures.” I relaxed some, even so, it sort of unnerved me. “Makes sense,” I said but honestly, it really didn’t. “We don’t have much time and I need to say what’s on my mind.” This conversation just went a little weird, and I truly studied Avery. She stared back at me with wide gray eyes, short curly black hair and somehow, she looked familiar and not. “I will admit, I am a bit confused, but why don’t you go ahead and say what’s on your mind.” I never been one to really bite my tongue, and it’s gotten me in more trouble than not. “It won’t always be like this.” “What do you mean?” “You won’t always feel alone and like an outsider. One day, your time to rise will come. Always remember who you are. That is most important.” “I don’t see how. As long as there is Ingrid Volden around, I’ll be the dust beneath her feet.” “Ingrid’s day is coming too. She’ll regret the day she ever crossed the amazing Zazi Ravendark. Actually, their entire line will regret the day.” The
bell signaling that lunch was over was loud, even out here. Avery stood up. “We’ll see each other again. Hope the rest of your day goes well.” I watched Avery head back to the building. Can we say weird? The entire experience was and what was up with that last bit she said to me? Oh well, no point in worrying about it now. I had a class to get to. My father picked me up from school and on the ride home I told him about how the day was much better now that everyone knew I was leaving. Even the teachers had gone soft on me. It was nice for a change. To feel a little more normal than my other experiences dealing with the school. I told my father everything except about Avery. For some reason, I wanted to keep her a secret. She was my weird bright spot at the school, and I didn’t want to spoil it. “Knock, knock,” my brother, Max said all the while entering my room at the same time. I never understood the knocking and entering without waiting for permission, but Max does it in abundance. “You are decent right?” “Of course,” I said and threw a pillow at him. It hit him square in the face. I was proud of my accomplishment. He always was quick enough to block, but today his game was off which allowed me the score. “What’s up?” Max came and sat next to me on the bed and bumped shoulders with mine before talking. “Tomorrow is our last day. Are you ready to intermingle with the normies?” “The humans? Of course, I am. Anyone is better than our own people. We are horrible, Max.” I sat my phone down on the pillow beside me. “Especially school age ones,” I mumbled that last part. “True, but not all of our society is like that. We have good people amongst us. I only think you have it worse than the rest of us because Ingrid is just a grade A backside annoyance. Teenage girls are frigging brutal and since she’s the Archmage’s daughter, everyone is going to follow her lead. You just gotta find your inner strength and knock her down a peg or two. Show everyone that she’s the same as the rest of us.” “If you say so.”
“I do say so. You are so strong and don’t even realize how special you are. Honestly, I think she’s jealous of you. You’re smart, beautiful, talented, and that’s without having magic. Now imagine if you manifest. That would be a sight to see.” “Which I won’t, but thanks for all the other stuff.” I really did mean it. I already knew my self-esteem was shot to hell. Sometimes, it’s good to hear positive things and my favorite brother knew what to say. Max continued rambling, and I listened with a loose ear. My mind kept going back to Avery and what she said. “Hey,” I cut my brother off. “Do you know anybody by the name of Avery?” Max cocked his brow with his gaze piercing mine. “Where you even listening to me?” He knew I wasn’t so there was no point in denying it. “Well, do you?” Max shook his head in disbelief and heaved a long heavy sigh. “You are incorrigible, Zazi, but no, I don’t know anyone by the name of Avery. I can ask Jon if you want me to.” “She seems to be close in our age range, but you don’t have to ask him. It’s no big deal.” Max opened his mouth to say something when my bedroom door flew open and my father barged in and rested on the door frame. “Oh, good you’re both here.” He was out of breath as if he ran all the way up here to my room. Startled, I jumped up, defenses on the ready. “What’s wrong?” I asked. Max looked just as concerned. “Everything okay, Dad?” “No. We’ve been summoned.” My stomach dropped. Being summoned was never a good thing. Especially since the only one who could summon us was either the Archmage, the High Archmage or the Mage Council. Right now, none of those were pleasant choices for us. “By whom?” I asked the million-dollar question. “Both Archmage Volden, and the High Archmage. We’ve got to be at the Palace tonight.” “Why?” Both Max and I said at the same time. “I have no earthly idea. The messenger just dropped off the summons.” My dad ran his hand through his hair. “It says the dress code is formal. It
may be a party... who knows. But we can’t refuse. So go ahead and get dressed. We need to leave in a couple of hours. I’ve already told everyone else.” “Yes sir,” Max and I both simultaneously said. I watched my father leave us standing there, with confused and disturbed looks on our faces. I turned to Max. “I don’t have a good feeling about this.” He returned the look. “Neither do I.” Being at the palace for the second time in less than a week wasn’t my idea of fun. In fact, it was downright scary. I followed my folks inside as we made our way to the ballroom. Once we arrived, we discovered there was an impromptu party for all the elite families and since we are the Ravendarks; we had no choice but to show up. Even if we were outcasts. Music became louder the closer we moved towards the main hall. The beautiful, slow haunting sounds of strings playing touched me in a way I never knew music could. The notes were soft and discordant at once and soared to a crescendo where my heart beat faster as it rose. We reached the entrance to the hall and there, everyone was dressed in black to match the mood of the music. My heart continued to race alongside the music and when it reached its climax, that was when everyone turned around to face us. I swear my heart stopped. This was wrong. All wrong. Out of nowhere, my instincts said run far away from here. I must have had a look of worry on my face because my brother slipped his hand in mine and squeezed. Finding comfort in the touch, I nodded that I’m okay when he silently questioned me. The crowd parted like the Red Sea revealing Archmage Volden at the forefront with the High Archmage at her side. Volden’s grin was full of contempt and malice and I knew then, something was seriously wrong. “So glad our guests of honor could finally grace us with their presence,” Archmage Volden said. “We figured we would have a little party to celebrate your banishment.” There it was. This was to humiliate us. No wonder Ingrid was the way she was. She couldn’t help it. Her mother was a giant bully too.
“As you can tell, we pulled out the works for you. We have the best strings playing for us, fantastic food, and you, of course.” Volden quickly clapped her hands, the half of a smile she wore, not getting past me. “Carry on.” I knew Ingrid was somewhere around when I spotted Parker. I left the safety of my family to go to the restroom when I detected eyes watching me. I went in, did my business, washed my hands, and came back out to run right into the spawn of the devil herself and crew. “Watch your step, trash.” She yelled to my face. I’m officially over her. The mage society. The Archmages. Everything. I remembered my brother’s words. Find my strength, so I stepped up to Ingrid. “Keep calling me trash, and I’ll prove how much this trash can whip your butt.” Her friends all sounded like a collective hiss of angry snakes, but I never took my eyes off Ingrid. “If you’re not going to do anything, then move.” I waited. She waited. My fists were clenched at my sides. I was ready to get my butt kicked if I had to. Only to prove that I am no weakling. Color me shocked, when Ingrid moved to the side and signaled her lackeys to do the same. I moved forward, not wasting any time to get away from them. “Zazi,” Ingrid called out. I stopped and turned. Her eyes narrowed. “This isn’t over.” I didn’t say a word, turned and left them. I had no doubt it was anywhere near over. I didn’t think Friday would ever get here. Today was officially my last day and I was more than glad and way beyond ready to start my new life. I found out this morning on the way to school, that I would be attending the same school as my best friend, Lia. We would be in the same grade technically and I was so glad. It was going to be wonderful for a change to have a friend at school.
My morning classes went by too fast, and there was anticipation in the air. A pregnant knowing filled it and lunch time was uneventful, only adding to the heaviness. Sadly, there was no Avery either. I found myself searching all day to thank her for the moment of kindness she granted me, but she was nowhere to be found. Now, here I was, sitting in my second to last class, staring out the window, counting down the hours, minutes, and seconds until the final bell rings and I could leave this place forever. Completely zoned out, I didn’t realize I was being called on, until I heard the giggles and chuckles next to me. My head shot forward where Mr. Zefaris stood with a glare of contempt at me, while his hands were crossed against his chest. I glanced down and caught his foot tapping the floor. Oh, he’s mad mad. “Ms. Ravendark. So glad that you can finally join us. As we all know that today is your last day amongst your betters, but please try and act a little bit better than your actual station.” I frowned at his comment. Did I mention that he’s a purist in the most fanatical way? “My apologies, Mr. Zefaris.” I didn’t have time for any quirky snap back, but I sure did want to say something when Ingrid turned in my direction from the front and smirked. Yea, I totally wanted to snap at her. Mr. Zefaris droned on about the differences between the different types of arcane magic and how we all have a talent for one. Some are Divinest. Some are healers but the rarest ancestral magic was Necromancy. I didn’t need to know everyone stared at me when he brought it up. My family was the first family of Necromancy and Reaping. When we stopped producing mages in the direct bloodline, there were plenty of whispers. It was no wonder the Voldens rose to the top after our downfall. They were the next mage line that was able to claim Necromancy even though their talents and skills were nothing like ours. Time flew by and next thing I knew, the bell was ringing to signal the end of class. I was free and had one more class to go. Internally, I sighed. I could do this. I practically ran out of the class and down the hall. Only to be stopped in my tracks. I tried to take a step and couldn’t move forward. Dang it. I knew an immobilization spell even if I couldn’t conjure it. The sadistic duo of Parker and Ingrid stepped in front of me with their minions
surrounding us. My guts were telling me this was unbelievably bad. “Didn’t I tell you this wasn’t over?” Sighing, “Just leave me alone, Ingrid. It’s my last day then you will never have to see me daily again ever. The day is almost over with. Let me just leave in peace, please.” Never thought I would resort to being polite, but I truly weren’t in the mood. I was so over being accosted on the daily. I was so tired, I felt it in my soul. “Oh, she begs.” “I’m not begging, I’m asking kindly. Something you obviously don’t know about.” Ingrid stepped to me, getting in my face. She poked my chest. “You have been a thorn in my side for the last few years. I’ve been waiting on this day for a long time now.” She snapped her fingers and suddenly the air in my lungs was clamped down, and I couldn’t breathe. My eyes widened and I couldn’t even grasp my throat because she never released the immobilization spell, she held on me. Ingrid was trying to kill me, and I noticed the sick perversion in her eyes. She was loving all of this. Rapidly, my gaze glanced at the others and they were the same. “Don’t worry about calling or screaming for help,” Parker said from behind her. “I placed a ward around us. No one can see us or hear us. No one is coming to your aid.” A revolting pit of dread filled my stomach and spread all over. They were going to kill me and get away with it, all because they were privileged buttholes. I began to see white spots in my eyes. I needed air like as of yesterday. My limbs were numb, and I sensed the darkness at the edge of my consciousness. I gave up all hope and wanted to fall into the sweet embrace of obscurity. As I closed my eyes, I heard a voice that sounded familiar. I opened them to find Avery standing next to me. “It’s not your time yet. A gift from an ancestor, I am. I lend you my strength, Zazi.” She moved quickly and before I knew it, she became ethereal like. “Invite me in. It’s the only way to save you.” “I invite you in, Avery,” I mumbled out.
“Who are you talking to?” Ingrid asked. I ignored her. I was too enchanted by what was happening. Avery rushed my way and merged her spirit with mine. A shock of cold chills racked my body before she settled in. “Can you hear me?” Avery asked except it was all in my mind. W.T.F I told her I could. “Good. Now let’s kick’s Ingrid’s behind.” A warmth spread through me from head to toe, expanding all the way to my limbs and fingertips. There in my core, where I always felt empty, now it was full. *That is your well, pull from it. * Avery commanded. Everything came naturally and I pulled from the well inside of me. This was magic. This is what it felt like. This is what my family had been deprived of. “Wh-Why is she glowing like that,” a nervous Parker asked. I heard him but paid no attention. I was mesmerized by what was happening with me. Ingrid shouted something to her crew and that’s when I saw the spell she conjured. She flung it my way, but the magic I now had instinctively reacted and placed a ward around me. *You’re a natural, * Avery commented. *Now, let’s teach her a lesson. * I was able to see things around us, to glimpse the dead. I called a few to me and sicced them on Ingrid’s lackeys. They screamed and went running away from us. I turned my attention on Parker and Ingrid. They flung spells my way, but I deflected and counteracted. With Avery guiding me, I had Parker down and out then it was just me and Ingrid. A few of her loyal lackeys stayed behind to witness. Ingrid flung a ball of mage fire my way, I dodged and slid into her blind spot and punched her in the jaw. Her hands instantly went to her face then I kneed her in the stomach. She fell to the ground and that’s when I attacked her. Tears ran down my face as years of frustration and anger let loose on her. Eventually, I tired and stopped. I was over it. Ingrid’s friends finally came back and pulled me off her and dragged Parker and Ingrid away. I slumped against the lockers. * You did good. They all got what they deserved. They won’t ever bother you again. * “Are you sure?”
*I’m sure as a cold winter morning. * There was a beat of silence between us. * I must leave, you know. * Before I could protest, Avery removed herself from me and all the magic and power I had for that brief time along with her. She stood over me and had the proud look of a mother on her face. “You won’t remember what happened today. All you will know is that you defeated Ingrid for now. She won’t bother you.” I was bereft. I tasted what it meant to be whole and now it was gone. “Will I remember you?” Avery slowly shook her head. A wave of sadness overcame her. “No, but we will meet again someday.” I watched as she bent down and kissed my forehead. Everything went blank. “I can’t believe you got into a fight with Ingrid Volden,” my father said rather calmly. He had picked me up from school after they called and said I was in a fight and I should be lucky no charges would be placed on me. “And you beat the crap out of her. I knew you had it in you.” I laughed, surprised he wasn’t angry. Guess I got tired of being picked on. Hopefully, she and her friends learned a lesson. My father and Max asked for the details soon as I got home, and I gave it to them as I could remember. My memory was a little fuzzy on some parts. It felt good not to worry about Ingrid anymore. I was glad that I got my revenge on her too. Being an outcast never looked any better. Now I could start my new life without worrying about looking back. I’m not missing anything. Besides, we’re practically normies anyway.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR D.L. Howard is a cosmic traveler who embraces her weirdness. Never one to back down from a chance to get away, she is always traveling on a new adventure snapping pics of her escapades. A lover of animals, she is ruled by her psychotic cat overlord Sir Crookshanks! She finds comfort in listening to music, thunderstorms, dark and gloomy days, cold weather, curling up in a corner with a blanket and a good book. Subscribe to her newsletter to get awesome updates on the latest news, exclusive goodies and new releases.
“I won’t pretend to be any less powerful than I really am.” ― Sarah Gailey, When We Were Magic
10
G DAUGHTER OF SOIL AND GOLD Meghan Rhine old drapes across every inch of my rich brown skin, contrasting and shining in a brilliant spectacle of royal color. A shimmering ring pierces my nose. Its connecting chain runs to the cap of my ear and snakes down my earlobe. A thick gold necklace stacks in luxurious rows from the nape of my neck down to my clavicles. Bands strap across my triceps, and bangles hang on my wrists. Thin strands of gold, as light and delicate as lace, wrap around my waist, connecting to the pendant of gold and sapphire pierced through my navel. My steps chime as the charms dangling on my ankle clink together, and I feel like a goddess. Gaia has blessed my people with an affinity for wielding the land’s precious metals and stones above all other land wielders. I honor her gift by adorning myself in the gold my faction is named for. Everything must be in place. Today my father will convince our faction I am the strong and regal leader they need. I must look every bit the part. The wet sound of Father’s labored coughing pulls me from my thoughts. I rush to him as he braces himself against the armrest of his chair, hacking until faint streaks of blood line his handkerchief. Tala lifts a silver bowl to his dry and cracked lips. “Drink this,” she says, as her other hand brings a damp towel to pad across his forehead.
Tala is our faction’s healer. She migrated from our clan’s Alchemy Faction long before I was born. Then, dealings amongst the factions of the Terra Clan were friendly and uncomplicated. The alchemists specialize in wielding plants and herbs. They extract and manipulate the toxic and medicinal properties. Alchemists are natural healers, and she has been indispensable to our faction since the war began. In our years of civil unrest, the Lower Region’s land and fire wielders turned on the Upper Region of air and water elementals. We’re the last faction of the Terra Clan to remain neutral in the ever-growing conflict, and our neighboring factions have become increasingly hostile toward us. The Farming and Alchemy Factions of our Terra Clan have denied us trade. The Magma and Smithing Factions of the Fire Clan have grown outright belligerent. I am unsure if they cannot trust our neutrality or resent our prosperity. While all others around us fall, the Terra Clan’s Gold Faction flourishes under the favor of the Upper Region. That protection has not come without cost. As the Lower Region factions turn to war against the Upper, they are reluctant to trade with us. We are forced to rely on the Upper for many of the medicines and commodities we still need. A chill runs up my arm at the thought of what I must continue to pay for this favor when I lead our faction in my father’s stead. The decision has divided my own people. Many have rejected Father’s rule and live as renegades under the leadership of Enzi. Once a friend to my family, the man now boasts as our greatest opposition. “Please try to drink it all,” Tala says, as Father turns his head to cough into the small, soiled cloth. “You will need all your strength for today’s ceremony.” My father looks up at me, a weak smile creeping across his lips. “My daughter. It is your big day. When did you grow so lovely?” He tries to stand. I grip his arms to help lift him, but he flicks his hand, shooing me. “I’m fine, girl. Let me have a look at you.” He bears down on an elaborate cane of gold and gems, lifting until he is the tall, domineering man I recognize. He is the product of a long line of Gold leaders before him. “You look so much like her.” His tone is laced with a familiar sadness that always accompanies talk of my mother, lost to us long ago. Bright gold streaks through his dull brown eyes and he turns, walking to his bedroom. Tala and I exchange
confused glances as he disappears, then reemerges from his quarters with a large square box in one hand, while the other balances him on the cane. “A vision so lovely is only missing one thing.” He opens the dusty black box with a quiet creek. Beneath the lid sits a brilliant sunburst headpiece laid atop rich black velvet. I stand awestruck and quiet, staring at the adornment my mother so often wore. Placing the box on a table at his side, he lifts the headpiece from its resting place to affix it atop the crown of tresses and coils cascading from my scalp and falling down my back. They expand in a mane beyond my shoulders, framing me in a halo of tight curls. He turns me to glance at my reflection, and for the first time I see the strength and poise I’d so envied of my mother. I look every bit the strong and capable leader our faction deserves. I gaze upon the woman before me and am ready to face my people. Father places a finger to the comm unit embedded in his ear. “It is time,” he whispers the message that plays over the earpiece and takes my arm to lead me outside. Kov waits by the door, bouncing a flame from one hand to another. He is one of the few fire wielders in our faction, out of place in a city of land wielders. His flame dissolves as he stands at attention, greeting my father. Kov gives a teasing smile as he assesses my appearance. “Are we naming a successor, or crowning a queen today?” I punch his shoulder as we pass. One of my oldest friends will spare me none of his mockery once the ceremony is through. Kov and Tala fall behind us as we cross the short distance between our home and the temple. Father does not falter, but his intense grip on my forearm tells me he’s dangerously close to losing his balance. Our people line the pathway, watching and cheering as we proceed, though their praise does not drown out the hackling of elementals not so supportive of my father’s rule. I scan the crowd for Enzi and signs of his radicals lurking among my people. The twisted scowls and backhanded whispering reminds me that the faction I am to inherit is broken and dangerously divided. “Should the Upper officials not bear witness to who will lick their boots next?” Someone says. I stare ahead, not giving them the satisfaction of my emotion. I will not let the negativity of a few disgruntled subjects cloud the brightness of today.
No leader can please everyone, and my father is no exception. Regardless of their feelings or political stance, the entire faction— excluding Enzi and his band—has come out to see me named our next leader in the succession ceremony, and I could not be more proud. My gut twists thinking of the hard battles still ahead. The impossible decisions I must make. The expectations I must fill and ties I will sever. As we approach the temple steps, I grip Father, allowing him to discreetly bear his weight on me. Each bit of the climb is laborious. He is weak and not long for this world. It is his failing health that has brought us here today, rather than sometime in the distant future, where I’ve studied his leadership and proven myself worthy of his title. We thought the blanket of security our truce with the Upper brought would give us the time we needed to secure a stable future for our people, but unlike the mythical immortals from tales of old, my father’s time draws to a close. Like all the other factions, we must make way for a new leader to rule our people. My father stumbles as we lift past the last step. I quickly recover him, discreetly using my essence to lower the stone before us so his foot does not catch. Once we’re on the temple floor, I allow him a moment to catch his breath, and quietly pull the stone, using my power to shift it back to its original position. The table of elders—heads of our faction’s top families—sit in a row at the end of the temple. We cross into the open space where I survey all who’ve gathered to witness my accession. To my right, Dorian stands at attention, his band of warriors flanking his sides. As head combatant of his division, he guards the ceremony. I admire the thin gold wires he’s weaved into his tight dreadlocks, capped at the ends with shiny gold bands. The long locks drape around his broad shoulders to splay across his bare chest. With his hands held firmly behind him, ready to grip the crossed swords at his back, the rich ebony of his skin glistens with beads of sweat from the too-hot sun, forming a stark contrast against the bright yellow gold that adorns his arms and hair. I imagine raking my nails across his brawny chest and weaving my fingers into his gold-laced dreads. Dorian is no fire wielder, but the heat behind his gaze tells me his thoughts do not differ from my own. He will make a strong and capable mate someday, but not today. Today I must focus on proving my ability to rule before allowing someone to sit
by my side. I must prove to my people that I am the right choice to lead them without the crutch of our most promising warrior behind me. We make it to the temple center to stand before the table of heads. Our faction surrounds us. As I gaze upon the sea of deep brown and glimmering gold, pride swells my chest. Father has led us through a period of great wealth and opulence. It is up to me to continue it. His hand drops from my arm as he raises his voice, calling to our deity. “Sacred Gaia, goddess of land and all the treasures it holds within and springs forth. We thank you for looking upon your children of soil and gold with favor, and blessing us with continued prosperity.” I take my cue to begin the offering. I reach into the pocket of my harem skirt that falls just past my knees to grip the trinket, lifting the talisman of gold and jewels to the heavens. “Gaia, please accept this offering from your humble daughter of soil and gold,” I say. Crouching to the round opening in the temple’s stone floor, I place my palm to the ground beneath me. To channel my essence, I push it through my hands and connect with the soil below. The land trembles and parts, making way for the amular flower I’ve pulled forth. Its bright yellow petals unfold from their bud, and open wide in a cup awaiting my offering. I place the talisman in the bloom, securing it against the flower’s pistil. Once settled, I push the essence—still glowing bright gold through my fingertips —to curl the petals back onto themselves and close over the precious tribute. I push the bud back into the land, deep past the soil and bedrock as homage to our deity who’s given us control of her element. As I stand, my father continues shouting above the rustling crowd. “I present to you my daughter, Xahara, and name her my successor and future leader of the Terra Clan’s Gold Faction.” Shouts and cheers erupt from all around. My heart thunders against my chest. Father takes my hand in his, lifting it high above my head. Pulling a ring from his middle finger, he places it on mine. I feel the buzz of his essence as he conforms the ring to meld perfectly with my skin, securing it to my finger and signifying me as our faction’s next lead. “No one told me there would be a party. I don’t believe I’ve received an invitation.” The crowd quiets as a menacing voice pierces the cheers and happy clamor.
My father whips around, his voice laced with all the venom of a zelem leaf. “Enzi.” “That is my name, though you seem to have forgotten to add it to your guest list.” Enzi strides into the temple, trailed by his band of radical followers. Dorian is at my side in an instant. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I hold him back. I do not need his protection. “Why are you here?” I say. The corners of Enzi’s mouth curve in a malicious grin that reveals his gold-plated canines. “I hear we’re choosing new leadership.” An elder rises from the table. “The decision has been made. Xahara will lead.” “Made by whom?” Enzi challenges. “By a group of our faction’s most privileged and pampered families? Or has the girl’s father decided this?” He points a stare like he would a spear at my father, and it takes every bit of control for me not to dishonor him by moving myself between them. “We hardly think that’s fair.” Enzi gestures to his crew, closing in a circle around the temple. “We think the faction has had enough of Trezo’s rule, we do not wish to continue it through his offspring.” “Is that a threat?” My father says, standing taller than his health should allow. Another elder interrupts the quibble. “Trezo has led us through great abundance and wealth.” “At what cost?” Enzi says. “I will tell you. At the cost of his own people.” The crowd begins to murmur, and I grow uneasy. “Trezo has stood idly while our people are traded into servitude—and why? So we could remain the favored pet to our enemy?” “The Upper is not our enemy.” My father says. “The Upper is enemy to all land and fire wielders they no longer have use for. How long before our value depletes?” Enzi addresses the crowd as much as he addresses my father. “How many more must we send to labor for the Upper before they’ve decided it still isn’t enough?” His words expel with so much force the ground tremors while he loses grip on his element. “You sell our people to the Upper in exchange for frivolous tech and a pat on the head.” I can no longer hold my tongue. “We do not force anyone to go to the Upper. And if I remember correctly, your wrist once held a comm unit and
your travels were made by transporter pods.” All tech he graciously accepted from the region of air and water wielders. “Yes, you take volunteers to serve the Upper, that’s right. Tell me how many from your families have volunteered to serve?” He looks around at a quiet table of elders, then repeats the question to the surrounding crowd. Their disgruntled murmurs grow in intensity and my heart thunders against my chest. People call out the names of brothers, sisters, daughters, and husbands all lost to the very region we rely on for survival. He is twisting this. He’s painting a picture, distorting reality. I speak up. “I cannot volunteer. I must stay here in the faction. It is my duty to lead.” “And it is our duty to serve? Those who are the lowliest among us. Serving to provide our families with basic tech and necessities to fill their bellies.” “It is our truce with the Upper that keeps all our bellies full,” I say. “Need I remind you, my father has led this faction through prosperity in a time that all others around us fall?” “All others around us fight! While we lay in bed with the enemy. They have cut trade with the Uppers and no longer send elementals to their region to serve.” “And they are dying because of it.” “Damn your excuses, girl. We cannot stand idly while the other factions of the Terra Clan fight.” “And we cannot sacrifice our faction to spearhead your foolish ideas,” I counter. This is the radical and reckless thinking that would make him a danger to our people, should he ever gain lead. “The factions of the Lower are slowly being destroyed. The Alchemy Faction has been entirely annihilated. It’s only a matter of time before the Upper begins eradicating the others,” I say, speaking of her fallen faction without consideration to Tala, wincing as the words leave my mouth. “What is to come of the Goldens? When the Upper has decimated all our neighboring factions, and there is no one left to stand for us.” Enzi says. “We will not need to be stood for, if we do not make an enemy of our ally.” “You call those who have taken our people—regarding them as mere laborers—our allies?” “They volunt—”
“If they are volunteers, where are they? Why can we not retrieve them?” “We have a contract. They can return after their period of service is complete.” “Damn the contract! Where is my sister?” He shouts, losing total control of his element. His foot grinds into the ground, sending a split through the floor. His sister was one of the first to volunteer to serve in the Upper. I find it increasingly difficult to hold his gaze. “Why can I no longer communicate with her? Why is it, the last time I spoke with her, she barely remembered my name—” His last word cuts off as his eyes pierce mine, daring me to respond. I give him the only answer I have. “I don’t know.” His mouth fixes in a hard line. “That is not good enough. It is time for a leader who does.” My father steps in, trying to end the quarrel. “The time to challenge succession was in the meeting of heads, before the table of elders approved Xahara to lead. It is done now.” His words hold all the authority of his position, though his faltering posture does not. “I am not here to challenge succession. I am here to challenge the lead.” His eyes narrow at my father, and I swiftly pull him behind me, pride be damned. “Not without going through me.” “I would have it no other way.” His fingers glow as he pulls his essence into them, preparing to wield our element. I swiftly pull a wall of stone from the floor to form a barrier in front of my father. Enzi charges me and I push our element through my forearms and hands, allowing gold to envelope my fists. Forming them into hard mallets I swing at my aggressor. I slam my hammered fist against his face, feeling the shatter of his cheekbone through my metal, sending a spray of blood across my chest. As I bring my hand up to take another swing, he takes advantage of the opening it brings to slam his own fist of stone into my abdomen. I double over with the crack of my ribs. Daggers shoot through my core with each expansion of my lungs, but I must get up. Dorian runs to me. I slam my fist on the ground, causing the land to ripple in a wave beneath his feet, tripping him before he can reach me. “Stay back.” I must do this on my own. “Take care of the others.” Enzi’s gang surrounds the temple, closing in on us and the table of elders. Even more move toward me as I scramble to stand. Kov’s fingers
turn ablaze, sending flames from his forearms to engulf his hands. He places them to the ground and shoots a ring of fire to surround Enzi and me, effectively cutting us off from any outside help—or in my case, attackers. Alone in the ring, I advance my target. Enzi slams the ground with his foot, sending disks of dirt and rock into the air. He throws them at me with deadly precision. I dodge each of the soaring plates that whiz past my torso and neck until one slices my arm as I move from another aimed at my thigh. Blood trickles down my elbow, and I reach to grip it. As I try to slow the bleeding, my armbands tighten. The precious metal cuts into my skin as the rest of my gold tenses around me. The chains enclosing my waist constrict like a boa, threatening to slice me in half as Enzi wields and contorts the natural element. The leader’s ring, my father just awarded me, twists on my finger until it threatens to snap the bone beneath. Fighting through the pain, I push essence through my core and out my body in a pulse that shatters my adornments and frees me of their bondage. Regaining my breath, I reach for the sunburst headpiece embedded in my hair. I wield the gold spikes to sharpen at the ends, then propel the crown toward Enzi. His howl quakes the space between us as the spikes lodge into his hip. He falls and I use the moment of reprieve to kick my own disks of rock and soil from the ground. I shoot one after another at my fallen enemy. His fists turn to stone and smash each disk as it approaches him, until his hands shift from mallets to fingers and catch one mid-air, flinging it back at me. I drop, as the disk barely brazes across the top of my hair. “This ends now, little girl.” He grunts, pulling my sunburst from his hip, throwing the bloody spikes to the ground. “I am no little girl. I am your future leader, and you will show me the honor I deserve.” I slam my fist into the floor, sending a rippling wave of dirt that covers him and smothers the flame that surrounds us. I wield more soil to bury him as he fights to resurrect himself. With the wall of fire quelled, I see the chaos ensued around us. Dorian’s warriors fight Enzi’s renegades in a vicious battle. As we overtake the rogue fighters, my gut wretches at the sight of my people falling. Whether they fight for or against us—they are still my people. It is my place as their future leader to cause them no harm. I must stop this civil division once and for all.
As Enzi’s fist emerges from the dirt, I grab my broken chain from the ground and whip it around his wrist. I wield the gold to strengthen and multiply on itself. I use it to pull him from the land and wrap around him like a boa constrictor. I tighten the chain around his body until it cuts into his flesh and wrings a cry from him that quiets the crowd. Expanding the chain to wrap around his neck, I pull it tighter until his fighters cease their advancement on Dorian’s warriors. Rage boils beneath my skin, as I finally have the truest enemy I’ve ever known at my mercy. A rage that thrashes against the truth, he is no enemy at all. No one who seeks to serve my people is my enemy—even if they believe their leadership is superior to mine. No ruler should be above reproach. “Enough. Enough of this,” I shout. “You are not our enemy.” “No,” A radical calls out. “You bed our enemy and sacrifice us to their insatiable greed.” “Our alliance with the Upper has kept us alive and allowed us to thrive. You cannot deny this.” She does not. But I also cannot be so blind as to disregard her argument. “Our relationship with the Upper is precarious, but we cannot alter it without a better plan in place. I know your plight has been disregarded for too long. I hear you, and I see your suffering, but we will only perish if we turn on each other.” I cannot allow this cancer to fester in my faction, not when I have the power to heal it. I turn to Enzi, whose ebony skin grows clammy with the reduced oxygen. “I will not relinquish the lead.” I bring my face down to meet his, evening my tone with deadly steadiness. “And make no mistake, I will tolerate no more attacks to this station.” He grinds his teeth as my threat is made abundantly clear. I cannot ignore his place among my people, and I will not make him into a martyr. If he wants a say, I will give it to him. “I hear the cry of my people, and will not allow it to go unheard. It is time for the terras of the Gold Faction to align. If we want to amend the course of action, we must do it together. United—above all else.” I turn to address the crowd. “My first act as successor is to appoint a new member to join the table of heads in our faction’s decision making.” Clamor, ranging from outrage to excitement, erupts around. I hold my hand to silence them all. “Enzi, will you accept this station which binds you
to all our faction’s rules and expectations but allows you to effect genuine change from within our faction rather than work against it?” His nostrils flare and I know he weighs his options. This has every appearance of success. On the surface it is all he asks for. Though, we both know there is no better way to dismantle his rebellion and keep him in check. I tighten the chains to discreetly remind him he has been outmaneuvered, and when his shoulders sag, I know I have won. “I do.” Collective gasps wave around us. The expressions of his followers verge on the edge of confusion and betrayal. I relish in the satisfaction and swell with the pity of a burden I know too well. He faces needing to make a decision for his people that both hinder and advance his cause. He will receive no love for it, but it is his burden nonetheless. I release his chains and outreach my hand for him to grasp. When he does, his grip is maliciously tight, but I meet it with a firmness that promises I will not fold. Our eyes meet in understanding that when we join again, it will be in alliance—however reluctant we may be. “Now leave. You have done enough here. I will see you tomorrow at the meeting of heads.” “I look forward to the interesting conversation that will hold.” He tips his head in a mock bow and turns to exit, as the former radicals file behind him. My father moves toward me, his gaze holding something that is not quite like condemnation, but nowhere near approval. He is apprehensive of my rash decision, and I am sure I will hear of it later. But as for now—in front for all to see—he cannot let on to any question in my judgment. So he smiles. Lifting the sunburst from the ground, he fixes it atop my coils once again, slowly turning me by the shoulders to face our people. “My daughter. The Gold Faction’s next lead.” His voice booms and my people cheer, looking at me with an expectancy I cannot begin to fulfill. His grip on my shoulders loosens, and I feel his body stumble away from mine. The thump of him hitting the floor vibrates at my feet but feels miles away. Dorian races to us as I turn to see my father lying on the broken stone, wet coughs causing his body to convulse. When I fall to his side, I grip his chest and hoist him to me.
“Father, what’s happening? Please—” Blood begins to trickle from the side of his mouth as his coughs turn into a deep gurgling from within his throat. Dorian stops his advance. His frozen gaze mirroring everyone else’s. Trained on their dying leader. “Don’t just stand there, do something!” I yell, hugging him to me, wiping the blood with a shaky hand. I search his eyes for an answer he does not give. “Father—” I sob. His mouth parts, and it looks as if this slight gesture has expended the last of his energy, because no sound releases. Tears cascade down my cheeks to fall in puddles on his face. When the gold streaks of his dark brown eyes dull, I know he is gone. Tala pushes through the crowd, dropping at my father’s side. She presses her fingers against his neck, and one look confirms what I already know to be true. I hug him to me, tighter than I’ve been able to squeeze his frail body in ages. Stifling another sob, I lift my head to regard our people. I cannot break down here. Not in front of them. I must present strength. I am now their leader.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Meghan Rhine is a product of the generation who sent countless letters to the Hogwarts Admissions Office, fell in love with sparkly vampires, jumped onto dauntless trains, and volunteered as tribute in the reaping. She now resides deep in the bayous of Louisiana, where she reigns as queen of the wild things (three adorable little wild things). There, with her husband and three sons, Meghan lives her life fueled by coffee and sarcastic humor, one day hoping to work for the secret part of the government in charge of alien interactions. Visit her online at meghanrhine.com.
“What was magic anyway, but the world beheld by someone who chose to see it differently?” ― Roshani Chokshi, A Crown of Wishes
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T PRETTY YOUNG THINGS LaLa Leo he origin of hope of the courageous and brave ones who righteously chose to escape to the forests, to the seas, and to death versus living in captivity for the rest of their days. The irrefutable reckoning known as the ultimate inevitable...is or can possibly be classified as the meaning of it all, right? The precisely misunderstood reasoning behind everything perishable? Otherwise, time would possess no rightful meaning to be acknowledged as the utmost powerful, if one could not die or even worse, foolishly waste those precious borrowed seconds that are so heavenly bestowed upon the undeniably blessed. Whether it’s a test? That’s an answer left to be discovered by only those proven to be worthy enough.To be unfair, it almost seems as obvious as not quite remembering the lyrics to a well known song that you really like but still forgot somehow. You know it or possibly knew it but you can’t recall the classically timeless tune. It can be considered to be a refusal of
acceptance of the fact of what is and instead, or as a result, betting on what could possibly be. Another impossibility, contrary to unpopular belief. Are you bequeathed by a destiny, fate, purpose, prophecy, faithfully religious promise or maybe just an unfortunate visualization of what it means to conform? To try your best to become what society wants you to morph into being as expected. Unpredictability is frowned upon and only broods doom and endless karmic trouble, or so we’ve ALL been led to morally believe it as the best ethical choice when it’s really not a choice at all...if expected. It’s simply just not ideal. Who can honestly choose to turn the wheels of their own fate? There are a select few… Pretty Portia An empty ferry silently drifted past the hidden fairy, Living alone in the nearby rainforest grove. She froze and swiftly remembered That the days of existing in fear Had long past. The empty world now seemed so vast! However, Portia never longed to leave her home. Her microscopic heart heaved for those who Left her alone and were long gone. She was all alone. Nearby honeybees hummed their infectious song Around her unseen mushroom home. Perfect harmony and melodic rhapsody, A private concerto just for her enjoyment, Everyday at noon. Portia happily swooned and savored the sensual aroma, Intertwined with the irresistible rhythm.