Hearts of the Guardians

~Chapter One~

There was a distinct chill in the air. Rayne shivered wishing she had something warmer to wear other than the pajamas that didn’t provide much protection against the frozen atmosphere.

Ah, much better. Rayne breathed a sigh of relief as she pulled the cloak that appeared tighter over her shoulders. Fur lined boots appeared on her feet as well adding extra warmth.

Rayne surveyed her surroundings wondering where she was. She sensed she wasn’t anywhere near the academy. Where was Damien when she needed him? She thought. Any other time he’d be there right along with her. Rayne felt so alone and it made her nervous.

The land was of snow and ice. Rayne’s breath came out as a fine mist. Ice crystals hung in tree branches and shimmered all around like huge diamonds.

It all seemed surreal. Rayne knew she should feel at peace in these woods being around nature but something about the deathly quiet disturbed her.

Green eyes glittered like emeralds and Rayne stifled a scream as a sleek black panther padded silently closer to where she was standing. She jumped back startled as a piercing shriek penetrated the atmosphere shattering the quiet.

Since when did panthers appear in frozen climates? Rayne didn’t give it a second thought as she ran in the direction that the panther took; her long black hair flying in the breeze. She was certain she should be running away in the other direction and not into potential danger.

Rayne came into a clearing and stopped for the panther had disappeared. Instead she found a petite female who was in a heated battle with some sort of wolf-centaur hybrid. The creature seemed pissed. Rayne assumed that whoever the female was had ruined the creature’s dinner; bloody remains and bones lay scattered along the snow covered ground.

The girl dodged out of the way with ease. Rayne could tell she was about the same age as herself. If Rayne didn’t know any better and that the girl was in for the fight of her life; she would think this girl and wolf-centaur hybrid was performing some sort of weird ballet.

Here goes nothing, Rayne thought as her body began to glow with a white hot light. She had to help. Magick pulsed and shimmered all around her and she directed it at the snarling beast; its fangs dripping with saliva and blood. Rayne hoped it wasn’t the girl’s.

Ravyn blinked wondering what caused the lycantor’s sudden immobility and that’s when she noticed the girl in the woods looking like some unworldly goddess. With her final blow, Ravyn sliced through fur, bone, and muscle; blood splattering everywhere as the beast’s head was severed from its body.

“Thanks.” Ravyn called out turning to thank the girl, but she was gone.


~Chapter Two~

Oh this should be good. Eden smirked, feeling a smug satisfaction as she and a few other students were now in 'Demon Hunting 101'.

"Maybe Damien shouldn't be here for this. He might end up as demon toast." She laughed. Damien gave Eden a murderous look. Eden either didn't notice or she wasn't paying attention.

“Don’t.” Rayne mouthed silently to Damien sensing his intent. He stepped closer over to her.

“Pathetic. What a bunch of losers. Demon Boy here is so scared of his own kind that he has to cower behind you.” It was now Rayne’s turn to narrow her eyes in Eden’s direction. Although it was only a simulation, the demon before them looked and acted very real.

“You didn’t do much better when it was your turn Eden.” Rayne reminded her.

“Ha! I was holding back. I’d like to see what you and Demon Boy are going to do.” Eden loved torturing Damien or Rayne when the opportunity struck.

Rayne rolled her eyes skyward. She and Damien knew how to take care of themselves if the need arose. But her gaze was now on the new girl once the instructor called out, “Next up!”

Ravyn Wynwood was a bit nervous although she tried not to show it. She hadn’t really made any friends as of yet, although Rayne had made her feel welcome. She didn’t seem to mind having Ravyn as her roommate. Something seemed oddly familiar about her.

The mock demon took a swipe at Ravyn, its claws razor sharp ready to rip her flesh into shreds. She dodged easily enough and knew that physical force wasn’t the answer from Eden’s attack on the creature earlier. If only she could find one of its vulnerable points.

Rayne smiled as droplets of mercury appeared out of thin air to form a dagger. Ravyn suddenly lunged, plunging the dagger into the demon’s stomach and slicing up; spilling the simulation’s blood and terminating its holographic life.

Even Eden seemed in awe as Damien cringed using Rayne as a shield. “Nice job.” She complimented her friend.

“Thanks.” Ravyn says shyly as she pushed her short hair away from her face. Red and black streaks gleamed in the sunlight.

“She’s not after you, you idiot.” Rayne turned to look back at Damien. He was her best friend and constant companion throughout her sixteen years.

“Yeah, I’m glad she’s on our side. Remind me never to piss her off.” Damien remarked. Rayne nodded. Although like herself, what Ravyn lacked in height she had speed and agility as well as a warrior’s soul. Rayne had noticed the change in Ravyn once she struck; including the color of her eyes. They went from their normal shade of grass green to liquid silver; the color of the substance that Ravyn’s dagger was made out of.


~Chapter Three~

The night was crisp and cool even for New Orleans. Millions of stars shone in a cloudless sky. Rayne burrowed deeper under her covers then sighed as she began to get warm; the feeling seemed to seep into her bones.

“Sexy bitch.” Rayne turned to smile and curl into Damien’s much warmer body. This wasn’t anything new for him to show up in her room and in her bed.

Rayne sighed. The dreams had been haunting her more lately as well as the battles waged that Ravyn brought her into and she was exhausted yet awake. Damien frowned. “What? I’m not welcome here? I can go get Devon if you want.” He smirked. “I know you wouldn’t mind him sharing your bed.”

“Jealous much, Damien? You’re my best friend and I love you.” Rayne pressed her lips against his in a friendly kiss.

Damien kissed her back. “I love you too. And you’ll get to see Devon tomorrow night along with Mackenzie. Won’t that be fun?” Damien rolled his eyes.

Rayne chuckled. Eden Mackenzie Kaine would never be one of Damien’s favorite people since she tortured him as much as she could during their school years at Beaumont Academy for the Gifted.

“Mac is alright and a good friend. I really wish ya’ll would try to get along.” Ravyn wasn’t about to admit aloud to Damien of all people that she was looking forward to seeing Devon and her friends at the charity social function tomorrow night.

While Damien and Rayne were curled up together in Rayne’s bed; Ravyn was in another world. For once she felt at peace as she was soaring through the air on a dragon the color of deepest night.

We could rule together if you would give me what I desire. Ravyn frowned confused as to what the dragon meant. Rule what together? For she was certainly no queen!


* * * * * *

It was a lovely day for jogging. It was great exercise and helped Ravyn try to sort out her jumbled thoughts. She was a video game developer who worked from the house she and Rayne shared and her mind wasn’t on her work.

Ravyn smiled when she realized that she was in front of Phantasma, Rayne’s occult store and bookstore. It was Rayne’s passion just as hers was video games and reading about mythical creatures.

Most people would think that she and Rayne lived in a world of fantasy. If they only knew, Ravyn thought to herself before walking in. So many beings beyond comprehension or in anyone’s wildest imagination walked upon the Earth and in other realms.

She and Rayne could attest to it.

“You smell like demon.” Mackenzie wrinkled her nose at Rayne in displeasure. “Please tell me that you’re not bringing Demon Boy tonight.”

Ravyn tried not to laugh as she walked in further. Some things would never change and she knew one of those things was the relationship between Mac and Damien.

“Considering I found them in bed together this morning I think it’s pretty safe to say Damien is her date for the evening.” Ravyn couldn’t help but tease her best friend as Rayne scowled over at her. She knew it wasn’t at all unusual to find Damien sharing Rayne’s bed. It had been happening ever since she and Rayne were roommates at the academy.

“I’ll see you both later tonight. Wear a dress both of you and try not to look all Xena Warrior Princess.” Mackenzie said giving them each a look. If I’m going to suffer at this thing then so are ya’ll.” And with that Mackenzie walked out.

“Remind me why we’re friends with her again.” Ravyn commented dryly.

“Because we love her.” Rayne stated simply.


~Chapter Four~

Day turned into night as the sun set along the horizon. Champagne flowed like water and the banquet spread out along elaborate tables was a feast fit for the Gods.

Three petite women stared out from the glass enclosure known as The Plaza. It was known throughout the city to hold social functions. Each woman looked like a goddess in her own right. Ravyn wore a silver dress that shimmered like moonlight when she moved. Rayne wore a blood red dress that molded to her curves. Mackenzie wore a black designer dress and appeared the picture of calm.

But Rayne knew better. She could sense something was bothering Mac.

“Don’t.” Mac gave her best friend a look, sensing what Rayne was about to do. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed across the sky causing Rayne to give her friend an inquiring look. Mackenzie only shook her head. Rayne was an extremely powerful witch and had the ability to access people’s memories.

“Where’s Damien? I thought your other half would be here with you tonight.” Mackenzie says for she was curious and also trying to distract Rayne.

“He’ll be here later.” Rayne told her. “And ok, I won’t for now.” She would find out what was bothering Mac when she had the chance. She turned when she felt someone put their hand on her shoulder.

And smiled up at Devon. Her heart skipped a beat. He was Damien’s other best friend as well as Mac’s twin brother, although they were nothing alike.

“Dance with me.” Devon hated these type of events as well but maybe he could enjoy the evening and appear the resemblance of sane as he held Rayne in his arms.

“Sure.” Rayne’s smile widened as Devon took her hand in his.

“You look beautiful tonight. Not that you aren’t always beautiful because you are.” Devon says awkwardly.

“Thanks.” Rayne smiled sweetly up at him before she laid her head against Devon’s chest as they began to slow dance. She was perfectly content to be in his arms.

Ravyn was relieved to see Rayne looking so happy. She knew that their otherworldly nocturnal activities was taking a toll on her friend and she was sorry for that; wishing there was a way to make it up to her.

The key will be mine. You will be mine. A male voice growled menacingly.

Ravyn whipped her head around wondering where the voice had come from. Something about it seemed compelling yet familiar. She shivered because it also frightened her.

Her gaze fell upon a tall male figure standing across the room. He was dark, from the color of his hair being the shade of a raven’s wing to the color of his eyes which were a deep sapphire blue.

“Who are you staring at or are you off in your own world?” Damien’s voice gave Ravyn a sudden jolt causing her to come out of her trance.

“Oh Damien. Hi. I’m sorry. I didn’t notice you.” Ravyn grimaced, knowing how rude she must sound.

“That’s obvious.“ Damien muttered following Ravyn’s gaze. And she wasn’t the only one staring. Nicholas Beaumont seemed to be as fixated on Ravyn as she was on him.

“Come on, I’ll get you a drink.” Damien didn’t care for the look in Nicholas’s eyes. He knew that look. It was a look of hunger and for some reason it was directed at Ravyn.


~Chapter Five~

“Is there something wrong?” Rayne sensed that all wasn’t right with Devon either. What was it with the Kaine family tonight?

“It’s nothing. I don’t want you worrying about me.” How could Devon tell the woman he loved that he was slowly going insane?

Rayne frowned, a look of concern on her face. She would do whatever she could to take the look of misery off of Devon’s handsome face. He seemed worried even sad.

“Is there anything I can do?” she asked, instinctively wrapping her arms around him tighter in a hug. She gasped as Devon’s memories came to her, washing over her like a flood.

He loved her. And thought he was certifiable as well.

Rayne blinked for she hadn’t meant to read him. Devon was glancing down at her, looking every bit as surprised as she was.

Devon wasn’t crazy. Rayne knew that for a fact. And what he considered dreams definitely was something real. Just as real as the love they each felt for one another. Oh screw it. Rayne thought as she reached up entwining her fingers through Devon’s dark blonde hair and bringing his mouth down to meet hers.

Then the room went black.

Oh crap. What happened? Oh Goddess, not now. Please not now. Rayne pleaded silently as she was plunged into a pitch black void.

Where was everybody? She wondered. She sensed that she was still in The Plaza only now the building was empty of everyone and everything. She had to escape and soon. She felt as if her very life depended on it.

Devon blinked realizing that he was alone. Oh no, not again. He thought and snarled for he was now in the body of a huge black cat. This wasn’t a dream but a nightmare. And where were his friends and sister? Where was Rayne? Something wasn’t right and he felt a dark presence within the vicinity of where he was and it was making the panther fearful. He was not about to stick around to find out what that was and began to search for a possible way of escape.

Ravyn was soaring through the sky atop the massive black dragon once more. The sky was a mixture of lilac and cotton candy pink; fluffy clouds reached as far as the eye could see. The roar of the ocean below could be heard in her ears and she smiled as she noticed mermaids and their jewel colored tails glistening in the sunlight as they sat upon rocks dotting the pristine blue ocean.

All of this could be yours. Give me the key and together we shall rule.

Ravyn frowned looking down at the dragon. There was that voice again and whoever it was seemed agitated, as if they were running out of patience.

“Who are you? What exactly are you Dragon?” she pondered aloud. Ravyn knew this was no ordinary dragon!

The dragon chuckled. “Give me the key and all will be revealed.”

What key? Ravyn wanted to scream out of frustration. She had no knowledge of a key and wasn’t in possession of any key besides her house key and she didn‘t think this dragon would be after that!


~Chapter Six~

Rayne felt a bit frantic, then found herself in the form of a female black panther. When had she shifted? She was confused.

Something sinister was lurking within the confines of the building. It was stalking her for Rayne
could feel murderous intent radiating from it.

With claws as sharp as razors, Rayne swiped at the air coming into contact with nothing and winced as multiple slash marks now marred the cat’s fur and flesh from a sudden attack. Where was Mackenzie and the others? Where was Devon? She wondered. She hoped that they were alright.

Relief washed over Rayne as an exit sign came into view. She was in the back of the building she realized and glanced around to survey her surroundings. The panther’s senses were sharp, especially it’s hearing and sense of smell. A scent strong yet familiar wafted in the air. Rayne knew that scent. The panther knew it as well and was now restless wanting to be with her mate.

The only thing standing in her path was a chain link fence which the panther climbed over with ease. It was a small comfort that she lived in New Orleans, at least if anyone noticed the panther they wouldn’t think it so strange.

Hopefully no one would call animal control or the Audubon Zoo.

Rayne’s panther followed the scent of the male that was also in the area. He was hers, she knew that much; her heart raced at the thought.

The male snarled a warning when she finally came across him; his fangs gleaming in the moonlight. Brown eyes gazed into green ones; Rayne felt the male panther’s terror and confusion. She decided to take her chances and walked over to it and began to nuzzle him affectionately. The snarling stopped as the panther recognized her and Devon began to nuzzle her back.


* * * * * *

What the Hell had happened? Ravyn awoke to find herself and her friends had all passed out on the ballroom floor of the The Plaza. It was too strange to be much of a coincidence.

Rayne awoke soon after to find herself cradled in Devon’s arms. She smiled up at him before sitting up.

“Are you ok?” Devon looked at Rayne with concern in his eyes. There were cuts and scratches as well as blood all along Rayne’s body; her dress in tatters.

“I’m better now my love and no, you’re not crazy.” she says while laying her hand on his cheek.

“I love you too, sweetheart.” Devon kissed Rayne gently on her lips after he helped her up. He was relieved to find out that not only did his twin sister have magical talents but he had his own as well. Even better was the fact that Rayne loved him as much as he loved her.

Rayne looked around making sure that the rest of her friends were okay. She caught Ravyn’s glance and her thoughts echoed Ravyn‘s from earlier.

What in Hell was going on?


~Chapter Seven~

Nicholas slammed his fist on the mahogany executive desk almost cracking the wood. Obtaining the key to Eurona was proving to be more difficult than he first thought.

And using his Draconic Magick was draining. It wore Nicholas out and depleted his energy causing him to waste precious time by needing to rest. Then there was the issue of Ravyn Wynwood. But she had always been a thorn in his side.

Yet she had the ability to make his blood burn and fuel his innermost desires. Nicholas raged and closed his eyes; willing himself to take a deep breath. The black dragon threatened to surface, bloodlust in its heart. He would rule Eurona by any means necessary even if he had to take it by force .

Nicholas was known to be cold, calculating, and even ruthless when it came to his business and in his personal life . A slow smile crept across his face. Another plan began to form in his mind.

* * * * * *

New Orleans hadn’t changed much since the last time she was in the city. Brandine Beaumont thought as the taxi traveled along one of it’s many streets. The Garden District was as gorgeous as ever with its old plantation homes.

And the Beaumont mansion was no exception. Brandine could remember growing up and playing with Nicholas in the many rooms of the mansion.

“Ah Brandi. It’s been awhile.” Nicholas says casually as it was he himself who answered the door.

“Yes it has been Cousin. I was surprised to receive your phone call after all this time.” She reached over to embrace Nicholas in a hug.

Nicholas stiffened for he wasn’t the affectionate type. Just because he and Brandine grew up together didn’t mean that he had to like it or her. But she would suit his purposes quite nicely.

Quite nicely indeed.


~Chapter Eight~

The next morning Ravyn decided that she and Rayne needed to have a meeting with their friends and loved ones.

“It’s too much of a coincidence that we were all thrown into another reality, don’t you think?” she asked Rayne.

Rayne nodded. “I do as a matter of fact. And each of us were separated with the feeling of being stalked or attacked.” Ravyn frowned thinking about the multiple lacerations along Rayne’s body. She was thankful that Rayne had the ability to heal herself by using the right herbs and Magick.

“Do you think it’s possible to get everyone to assemble for a meeting?” Ravyn inquired. “I’d love to get their thoughts and maybe have a plan of action for us in case this does happen again.” she says.

“I’m sure we can.” Rayne tells her. “We can get everyone to meet us at Phantasma. I can close up early since Devon is coming meet me there anyway.” Rayne smiled as she said this.

Ravyn nodded but her thoughts were elsewhere. Why was Nicholas Beaumont staring at her the night before? In school he was known to be aloof and thought he was above everyone else. His family had founded the academy some centuries before. Nicholas didn’t associate with anyone below his caliber. Maybe Rayne and Mackenzie would have an idea when they met up later during the day.


* * * * * *

“What was so important that we all had to be here?” Mackenzie was not happy to be sharing the same room with both Damien and Devon, let alone breathing space.

“We need to discuss last night.” It was Ravyn who spoke. “I’m the one who called for this meeting.” she explained.

“Alright. Well make it fast because I don’t want to be around these two losers any more than I have to be.” Devon frowned as Damien looked ready to strangle Mackenzie.

Rayne shot them each a warning look. “That’s enough from the both of you. Don’t you think it a bit strange that we all were transported elsewhere last night? And the fact that someone or something was after us?”

“That’s nothing new. At least for you two.” Mackenzie says indicating both Rayne and Ravyn. It’s like ya’ll live for trouble.” she commented.

Rayne sighed. There was usually no arguing with Mac when she was like this. “Mac, please. Think about it. All of us? That isn’t normal.”

“She’s right and I don’t like it. Rayne could have been seriously injured or killed.” Damien was pissed.

“Of course you don’t like it Demon Boy. Especially since it wasn’t you that Rayne was cuddled up to and kissing.” Mackenzie smirked. Everyone had told their version of what had happened the night before when they had arrived at Phantasma.

Damien’s eyes glowed with malice. Mac yelped from pain and surprise as a ball of fire seared her skin and her clothes. Her hair was singed and she now reeked of fire and burned flesh.

“You’ll pay for that you asshole. You’re lucky that we’re in Rayne’s shop and that she loves you or I’d make sure that there would be nothing left to you but a pile of demon ash.” Mackenzie warned Damien.

Ravyn gave Rayne an apologetic look. Things were not going so well at this impromptu meeting.

“Mac is right.” Rayne was trying to hold back her own temper. “If either of you so much as destroys anything in my shop you will both be cleaning it up and replacing things. Now does anyone have any idea as to what we should do about what has been happening to us?” It was rare for Rayne to display her temper but both Damien and Mackenzie knew to heed the warning signs.

“I think we shouldn’t go anywhere without someone knowing where we are at all times or without one another.” Devon suggested. “Protect each other’s backs so to speak.”

“That sounds good to me.” Ravyn says. Everyone else nodded in agreement. She was relieved that this meeting was now over.


~ Chapter Nine~

It was later that night that Rayne finally was able to confront Mackenzie about the night before. Ravyn was putting the final touches to a video game that she was designing while Damien and Devon were out getting everyone’s evening meal.

“Are you going to tell me what it is that’s been on your mind or am I going to have to get it out of you by force?” Rayne was concerned for Mac and only wanted to help if she could.

“Everything’s cool now. I was worried about Devon that’s all.” Mackenzie confessed. “But now that we know he’s a shifter and that he is with you he seems happy. You don’t think that Damien will try to poison my food, do you?” Mackenzie says nervously.

Rayne merely shrugged. “I’ve no idea what he’ll do but if he does you do deserve it. Oops, no more elementalist.” Rayne’s mouth twitched as she was trying not to laugh. She couldn’t help but tease Mac.

Mac swatted her with a pillow. They were in Rayne’s bedroom painting their nails out of boredom. “Of course you would side with Damien you demon lover.” she accused.
“We haven’t in quite some time now.” Rayne retorted, causing Mackenzie to nearly choke.

“Oh my god! I knew it! You and Demon Boy have been banging it out all this time. I always knew ya’ll had the hots for each other.” Mackenzie cast a smug glance over at her friend.

Rayne groaned. She hoped that the guys would be back soon with their food.

Devon was waiting with Damien for their takeout orders when he spotted someone that they knew.

“Wow. I didn’t expect to see you two here. Hey guys.” Brandine smiled over at Damien and Devon.

“Hey yourself.” Devon smiled back. “You’re looking good Brandi.”

“So are you. How’s Eden and everyone else? Do you still keep in touch with Rayne and Ravyn? Although I’m sure you do.” Brandi said while sparing a glance at Damien.

Damien rolled his eyes. Brandine Beaumont hadn’t changed; from her looks to her personality. She was as clueless as ever.

“We’re actually going back to Rayne and Ravyn’s place after we pick up our orders. Why don’t you join us?” Devon asked.

“Sure I’d love that. Just give me their address and after I drop off this food I’ll be there.” Brandi replied.

“Alright.” Devon gave Brandi the address as Damien grabbed their orders. “See you later Brandi.”

“Bye Devon.” Brandi waved goodbye and watched both men walk out. She couldn’t wait to see her old friends again.

“Are you that stupid?” Damien turned to look over at his best friend once they had gotten in the car. How could you give Rayne and Ravyn’s address to Brandine of all people. She’s a Beaumont. Nicholas Beaumont’s cousin and he happens to hate us.”

Devon shook his head. “Brandi isn’t like that at all I promise you. She loves her family including Nicholas but we’ve always been friends. I’m sure the girls wouldn’t mind seeing her.”

“I noticed the way that you two were looking at each other.” Damien remarked. “How can you even tolerate to be in her presence? Even your sister hates her. I’d rather eat an AIDS laced pie than to even associate with her. Now Rayne, she is one fine female. I’d be banging her every chance I could if I were you.”

“Of course you would. I’ll be surprised if you haven’t tried to already.” Devon replied. He didn’t put anything past Damien at all including trying to get with his girlfriend.


~Chapter Ten~

“Honey, we’re home.” Damien called out as he and Devon walked into the house, their arms loaded with both vegan and vegetarian takeout along with Ravyn’s sushi.

“About time because we’re starving.” It was Mackenzie who first descended the stairs with Rayne not too far behind.

“Where’s Ravyn?” Damien inquired. “She’s not still upstairs is she?”

It was Rayne who shook her head. “No, she went outside to take pictures. She said something about it being able to help her with a video game that she’s designing.”

Ravyn was concentrating on her task at hand. Not only did she love video games and reading about fantasy lands but she also loved photography. Rayne’s birthday was coming up soon and to surprise her Ravyn was designing her an ‘Alice In Wonderland’ type of video game putting together two of Rayne’s interests as well. The photographs of the flowers in their backyard would help with some of the graphics that was going into the game.

Brandi found the house easily enough. Devon’s directions were simple to follow and looking up at the two-story house she found Rayne and Ravyn’s home to be quaint.

A flash of light coming from the backyard caught her eye. It was Ravyn and Brandi sensed that she was all alone. Brandi smiled to herself remembering Nicholas’s instructions. This was almost too easy.

Ravyn’s back was turned but she sensed someone was standing behind her. “Give me the key and I won’t have to hurt you.” she heard a feminine voice demand.

“What key? I don’t have a key.” Ravyn turned to face her tormentor and looked over at Brandi with a expression of bewilderment. Brandine Beaumont was the last person she expected to see!

“Are you really that dense? You’ve had the key all along you stupid girl.” Quick as a flash Brandi had ripped away the crystal pendant that Ravyn always wore from around her neck. Ravyn gasped as the necklace had been a gift from her parents before they both had died.

Tears formed in Ravyn’s eyes. She was in disbelief that Brandi would be doing such an evil thing to her yet stood there mesmerized as the crystal began to shine with an eerie glow. The crystal seemed to pulse glowing brighter by the minute lighting up the night and a portal opened. Brandi pushed her forward causing her to stumble; both of them stepping into the unknown.


~Chapter Eleven~

Eurona was thrown in chaos. A storm was brewing and Ravyn was terrified.


“Where are we? I thought we were friends.” Ravyn fought the urge to cry. She would not show this woman any sign of weakness.

“We’re in Eurona and it’s your home.” And people think I’m dumb. Brandi thought.

Ravyn was even more confused although this place did look familiar. That’s when she saw it… the black dragon. Finally a familiar face!

Thunder rolled and lightning arced across the sky. All Hell was breaking loose.

“I’m not doing it, I swear.” Mackenzie pleaded innocence as everyone turned to look at her.

“She isn’t.” Rayne stated. “I also sense that Ravyn isn’t here and is in trouble. Only I’m not sure where she is.” For probably the first time in her life she hoped Ravyn’s ability to bring her into her battles would work.

“I don’t know what you want with this place but I will fight you.” Ravyn was incensed and had enough of being pushed around. Her eyes turned from their normal shade of grass green to mercury silver. The ornate dagger that she always used in battle formed in her hand.

Brandine knew when to retreat. She took a few steps back and went to stand beside the huge black dragon hoping that the dragon’s magick would hold and be able to protect her as well.

Rayne, I need you and Mac. Ravyn hoped her teleportation ability wouldn’t fail her now.

“We’re here.” Ravyn smiled and her heart skipped a beat when she noticed that Rayne and her other friends were standing along side of her. The dragon roared with rage.

What was once a beautiful world was now thrown in chaos. The dragon spewed fire trying to take out Ravyn and her companions all in one blast.

Rayne sent up a wall of ice as a barrier to block the dragon’s fire. Instantly it melted but had served it’s purpose.

Thick black clouds formed in the sky. Brandi saw this as her opportunity and began to cast her spell. Shadow warriors began to appear from out of the darkness.

“It looks like we’re about to be outnumbered.” Damien’s eyes flashed with murderous intent. He would kill anyone who dared to harm Ravyn and their friends and especially Rayne. After all she was his that he had sworn to protect.

“Oh no we’re not.” Mackenzie looked over at Rayne and smirked. “We got this. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” She says to Rayne.

Rayne nodded. Funnel clouds began to take shape in the sky forming a tornado. Rayne added her own power to it which came in the form of fire. Tornado and fire merged to create a fire tornado which Mackenzie directed at the shadow warriors instantly causing them to become nothing but a puff of smoke.

“Not bad.” Even Damien was impressed by Mackenzie’s stroke of genius. Devon was a bit in awe of the women’s powers himself.


~Chapter Twelve~

Nicholas felt his power waning. He would not be able to hold the form of the dragon for much longer and Brandine had proven to be useless. Ravyn and her friends were proving to be a formidable opponent but he would not admit defeat.

Ravyn struck blow after blow in a burst of speed. Yet something about this dragon seemed familiar as if it were almost human.

Brandi went to do one final attack. There was still enough darkness amidst the fighting to create a few more of her shadow warriors.

Shadow creatures began to form when Damien struck. “No!” Devon cried out and lunged for Brandi to shield her as the blast of fire hit them both. Brandi crumpled to the ground as had Devon who lay over her.

“I love you. I think I always have.” he rasped out to tell Brandi with his last breath as he coughed up blood. “I loved you too.“ Brandi says weakly. Moments later both bodies were still, nothing left but a corpse.

It was as if time stood still. “Fucking piece of shit.” Mackenzie says at last for she was enraged. How could her brother do such a thing to her best friend?! She looked over at Rayne who stood where she was as if in shock, tears shimmering in her eyes. She turned burying her head into Damien’s chest as he gathered her into his arms. Damien kissed her forehead then her lips gently, letting Rayne know that he’d be there for her. But for once he and Mac agreed over something.

Magick shimmered and pulsed in the air then evaporated. Nicholas sat on the ground not only beaten but dejected. He had lost.

Ravyn slowly walked over to him. She was in shock over what had just happened and in disbelief that Nicholas had been the dragon this entire time.

“But why?” she was finally able to stammer out.

“I wanted to rule where I would finally get some respect. And I like you.” he reluctantly admitted. “I always have.”

Ravyn held her hand out to him to help him up. Nicholas grudgingly accepted it. “I’m sorry for your loss.” she says, then “Perhaps we can rule Eurona together when we’re not staying in our normal world. I don‘t think you‘re as bad as you want people to believe you are.” A slight smile flitted across Ravyn’s lips.

Nicholas nodded. He felt sad over the loss of his cousin; he had to admit that Brandine had loved him and was loyal. Yet in spite of it he had found potential love instead.