Under an Onyx Sky (Elemental Enchanters Series Book 4) Read Free Page B

the bad guy. What exactly do you remember?”
    “Remember what?”
    “Klaus altered your mind.”
    Ava had to keep playing the game. “Altered my mind how? Why would he do that?”
    “You had some…memories he had to delete. Nothing important. Bad memories you don’t need.”
    “Why are you telling me this?”
    “Maybe I’m testing you.”
    She looked at him, confused. “Testing me?”
    “I want to make sure Klaus did his job.”
    “I’m confused. I was born here. But there’s a huge chunk of memories missing. Did something happen to me? I recognize this place, but I don’t know who you are.”
    He stared at her as if trying to make her crack, but she held her ground. His eyes softened, almost like he was apologizing. “So you don’t remember anything?”
    “What are you talking about? What happened to me?”
    He looked away. “You and the rest of the Elementals were taken from us. We had to help you.”
    “Tell me what happened. Am I in danger?” She acted scared.
    He moved closer to her and took her hand. She hated the gentle way he caressed it, as if he cared for her. She despised how his eyes softened at her fear. And the way he bit his lip as if he was afraid to tell her the truth. But she hid her emotions. Had he always had feelings for her or something? Or was she reading too much into it?
    “You’re safe here,” Xavier said. She never thought she would see the day Xavier Holstone would try to comfort her. Maybe he wasn’t that bad after all. But who was she kidding? He was almost as evil as Havok. Xavier looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers with assurance. “You are where you belong, and nothing will hurt you. Havok takes care of us.”
    Ava nodded and he released her hands.
    “Get dressed. You have to meet with Havok.”
    “For what?”
    “Initiation.”
    “But haven’t we done that already?”
    “Because you were taken from us, they made you bind yourself to them.”
    “Who took us?”
    “I’ll explain later. For now, welcome home. Oh, and I’m Xavier.” Xavier smirked and then left.
    Ava stared at the door. Either he was tricking her, or he really did have feelings for her. She’d have him wrapped around her little finger in no time.
    She smoothed the black shirt she had found in the dresser along with the black pants. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Angry, scared gray eyes stared back. Heavy bags hung underneath them, and her copper hair was a mess even though she brushed through it. She looked gaunt, her cheeks sallow. But traveling for a few months in the cold woods and fighting for her life had done that to her body.
    She stared at herself, but then she saw her mother. The room changed, and all around her were candles, and just her mom. Was it a vision? Was her mother trying to communicate with her?
    Luci stood with confidence, staring back at her with cold dead eyes. “You wanted to see me?” she asked.
    “I need you to become a spy.” Ava spoke, but it wasn’t her voice. It was Havok’s. She was looking at her mother through Havok’s eyes. It was as if she had floated into his body. She felt his pride. Everything. It was as if she was Havok.
    “Of course.”
    “I believe I have found the Elders. I am going to need you to show up, pretending you’ve been attacked and abandoned. You will live among them. Get to know each and every one of them and their abilities. If they mention anything about attacking us, report back to me.”
    “Yes, sir. But couldn’t we attack them since you know where they are?”
    “I do not want to kill my son and daughter. And do not ever suggest such a thing.”
    “Absolutely. I am sorry. Will anyone be accompanying me?”
    “No. You are strong enough to handle yourself. It will look too suspicious if there are two of you.”
    Luci straightened her back. “I won’t let you down.”
    “Good.”
    The candles faded, her mother disappeared, and Ava was back in her room staring into the mirror. What was that? Why would