Isaura (Aberrant) Read online

  “Get up!” I heard a woman's voice, sharp and crisp, commanding. I sniffled once, turning my head to see who it was. Her raven hair and emerald eyes I could never quite forget, Isaura. Standing with her were six goons as she carried a long blade. A sword of some kind. I recognized her. She'd been in Torv at the representatives meeting. She'd spoken to me when I'd come for help. When Joshua had been taken.

  “I know you,” I breathed carefully putting Adelaide down as I stood, holding my arms up in surrender. “Why are you here?”

  “For you, dear princess,” she mocked and my eyes moved over her men. Two of them I recognized as well. They'd been the outlaws who had accosted us on our way to Haven, the other four I didn’t recognize. All looked untrustworthy. “Come with us,” she demanded and I felt two sets of arms on me, one at either side as they lifted me off the ground. I kicked and flailed.

  “Put me down!” I demanded, my eyes narrowing as I whipped my arm out and around knocking the one man to the ground before kicking at my assailant. Two were down. It didn't take much until I felt the tip of the sword at my throat.

  “Try that again and I will slice you open. Orders were to bring you in alive. They didn't say unharmed.” Her tone mocked me as her emerald eyes glowed.

  “What are you?” I hissed, watching as two other men grabbed my arms and pushed me down onto the rubble on my knees.

  “Your only ally,” she smiled wickedly. She gestured towards the men as they lifted me to my feet.

  “Put her down!” I heard the tiny, fragile voice, but it was commanding and defiant. Little Adelaide wasn't afraid. For almost seven, she looked a few years older. Adelaide came running at full speed towards the men who held my arms tight. She ignored the ash and debris as she ran with bare feet kicking down one man and the other, grabbing my arm but I was unable to move.

  Isaura laughed, eyeing Adelaide. “Nice try, child.” She smirked, stepping towards me with a dark smile on her face.

  “Adelaide, run!” I screamed. I wanted to move, to kick and scream and fight, but found my body incapable. Grateful I could still speak, my eyes found hers. “Run!” I told her again, hoping Joshua could hear me and at the same time wishing he couldn't. Isaura would likely hurt him, too. Joshua, this is bad. Get out of here, now! I thought to him, hoping he'd listen to me.

  Adelaide's eyes widened in horror as she saw Isaura take after her and she ran fast and hard disappearing further into Shadow.

  Isaura smiled turning back towards me. “Very well. It's just you and me, for now.” She beamed quite proudly.

  “What do you want?” I asked, trying to move, but still finding it impossible.

  Isaura waved a hand and I felt my body no longer trapped. I eyed my surroundings. “Don't even try it,” she warned me. “You may have been given a drug to heighten your abilities, Olivia, but I've been given something much more powerful.”

  “What?” I asked not knowing if she'd confess what she was up to and who she was precisely. “Why are you here? Why are you doing this?”

  Isaura laughed. “You don't know?” She said. “I came for Collins. I got what I wanted.” The smile grew on her face. “He's dead, as is the rest of your pretty little town.” Her tone dripped with hatred and I felt a shudder coarse through my body.

  “What was it you wanted, Isaura?”

  “You,” she smiled, staring at me. “You, Olivia.”

  Olivia, where are you? I heard Joshua's voice as Isaura stood before me.

  Just get out of here, Joshua! Make a portal to Spade. I wanted them to be safe. They needed to be safe.

  I can't do that. I heard his voice and shook my head. “Damn it!” I screamed. Please just do it! I'll be fine! I doubted he'd listen to me but what other choice did I have? I couldn't risk Adelaide's life or Joshua's. If I was what Isaura wanted, she could have me.

  CHAPTER 8

  “What do you want with me?” I stared up at Isaura, unafraid and unwilling to let her scare me.

  “It's not only you I want.” Her voice dripped like honey and she pulled me closer. Her nails pierced my arm, certain to leave a mark. I refused to flinch. I didn't want her to know she could hurt me. “It's what you're worth.”

  “This is because I can get pregnant?” I wasn't an idiot. The world seemed to now know who I was by now.

  She let go of me, studying the marks she’d left on my arms. “One of many reasons. You are not the only one treated with what Collins referred to as Mindonsiphan.”

  I didn't say anything. Unwilling to attest that she was right, that there were others. “You don't have to answer me, Olivia. I know the truth. I'm one of them now.” The smile lit up her face. “It wasn't hard, considering he had the syringes in his hand when the city had fallen.”

  “You did this!”

  She waved her arms around. “All of this, of course,” Isaura boasted. “I'd hoped you'd come later when I could have glamoured the city, but all worked out in the end for me. In fact, everyone thinks Joshua is dead and soon they'll think Craynor killed you, as well. No one will have any idea what I've been up to.”

  I shook my head and broke free further from her grasp. “No.” I took a step back, glancing around wondering where her goons had disappeared to. Joshua are you okay? I'd told him to leave but had he listened to me? “There are others who know the truth.”

  Isaura laughed. “A legend you'll become, Olivia. That is merely all. Now come with me before you cause any more harm to those you love.”

  “Not so fast!” I heard Henry's voice and spun around.

  Joshua stood alongside of him as did Adelaide. Elsa, Aidan and Cate were coming along the other side, behind Isaura.

  “Let her go!” Adelaide shouted.

  Isaura laughed towards her men. “Take them out!” She didn't budge as the fighting began.

  With six goons surrounding us, Joshua pulled a blade, throwing it at one and landing a blow with his fist at another's face, barreling him backwards. Elsa stepped in, helping Joshua as the man stumbled forward to retaliate only to get kicked in the groin and then the stomach before falling to the ground in a heap.

  Adelaide wasted no time as she slid between the first man's legs unexpectedly. I didn't notice the piece of shrapnel she'd found, but she shoved it into his leg watching him fall to the ground screaming in agony. Cate grabbed a slab of wood, slamming it across his face, making sure he didn't get up again. The second man took after Adelaide, but tripped onto the rubble, face first into a brick. Had Adelaide done that intentionally? Henry defended himself well. He used his fists and legs, kicking and punching, blocking each blow as both men came at him at once. He wasted no time and though he'd nearly been dead less than an hour ago, now he was up and moving as if he'd barely been hurt. He reached down, finding a pile of ash and tossing it into one man's face as Aidan buried a knife into the other man's stomach. Together they rolled down off the rubble towards the street ten feet down.

  Isaura's eyes narrowed. “You can't have Olivia.” She lifted the long blade of her sword towards my throat. “I'll kill her before I hand her over to any of you.”

  “You won't,” Joshua retorted. “Not if you want to live.”

  Isaura nicked my throat with the blade. The slightest bit of blood scathed the metal and my eyes focused on the material watching it glimmer in the light, realizing what it could become. I reached my hands for the blade, ignoring the searing hot pain as it slit my hands. I turned it back and around at Isaura the moment the tip touched her head she disappeared into thin air.

  Henry's eyes widened in shock. “Where'd she go?”

  “We don't have much time.” I dropped the sword to the ground seeing her reflection as she was momentarily stuck in the sword. It wouldn't take her long to learn to break free. Her goons were still alive and would come after us. “We have to leave, now!” I demanded, gesturing for them to follow.

  Joshua stopped me mid-stride, grabbing my wrists as he flipped over my palms. They'd been caked in blood a moment ago but now al
l that remained were scars. My hands had healed without me even thinking about. He watched in curiosity as he dropped my palms and Henry and Adelaide glanced between each other.

  “What's been going on?” I couldn't blame Henry for not understanding. I was still trying to understand it!

  “I'll explain it to you later. We need to get back to Spade.” I glanced at Joshua. “Can we make a portal to travel to Spade?”

  He eyed the blade sitting just feet from where we were. “Are you sure we won't run into Isaura?” I didn't know how the portals worked, as we made them on our own with the Mindonsiphan. If Isaura was in a space of nothingness and we traveled to Spade, would we reach her on our way to Spade?

  “No.” I answered as honestly as I could.

  “I have a better idea.” Joshua gestured for us to follow as we walked among the rubble and destruction towards the farthest edge of Shadow. “The hanger,” he announced as it remained untouched. Isaura hadn't known what was inside or it would have been destroyed.

  Joshua manned a drone with Adelaide sitting behind him. I climbed in with Elsa for a tight fit as he piloted all five planes, Henry, Cate and Aidan having their own.

  Landing the drones just outside of Spade, we walked around the stone walled perimeter. Henry led us to the front as the gate was lowered and we were escorted inside.

  “What is this place?” Adelaide whispered in awe.

  I couldn't blame her reaction. I felt the same way the first time I had laid eyes on the castle.

  “My home,” Henry answered. “I'll take you to my chambers where you can rest,” he offered as we walked up a ramp leading to the second floor. There were no keys or locks on the door. Henry turned the handle, opening the door for us to step into the room. My eyes moved over the large space and stone flooring. The entire castle was made of the material that held up the walls outside. It was impressive. I'd never seen anything quite like it before. “I'll be right back.” He slipped out of the room, leaving us alone.

  I sat down on the antique couch, Adelaide and Cate at my side as Joshua walked around, taking in the surroundings, getting a feel for where we were. Elsa leaned against the wall, staring up at the ornate ceiling. Aidan gazed out the window; I had no idea what he was hoping to see. Adelaide sighed, resting her head on my lap as she stretched out to lie down. “Are we safe here?”

  “For now,” I said.

  Joshua stared at me. “Who was Isaura?”

  “Isaura was one of the representatives of Torv. She was there while they were working to form the new government and once you were taken, she was on the committee refusing to assign anyone to help find you,” I explained.

  “No wonder,” he muttered beneath his breath. “What about Henry?”

  My attention turned towards the door, waiting for him to return. “I told you, he helped me find you. Rane, Gavin and I had gotten lost on our way. We ended up here instead. He led us to Haven.”

  “And you trust him?” Aidan asked.

  “You thought it was a good idea to trade favors with a man who kills people for a living?” Joshua retorted.

  Henry swung the door open and cocked an eye as he entered the room, hearing the exchange. “If this is about your friend, I am sorry for what happened.”

  “Sorry!” Joshua stomped over towards Henry. “Sorry doesn't bring her back.” He was face to face with him, staring Henry down.

  “Joshua, please come sit.” Though there wasn't much room left, it was a better option than the two boys fighting. I didn't know what would result if Joshua threw a punch at Henry.

  I ran a hand through Adelaide's hair. “What happened with Rane and Gavin?”

  “They're in Spade,” Henry admitted. “It's what I was finding out when I stepped out for a few minutes.” He eyed Joshua. “They came here on foot. They're staying in their own chambers.”

  I found it hard to understand why they hadn't returned to their home, to Torv. “I'd like to see them.” I admitted giving Henry a warm smile. There was no reason to alarm him.

  “Of course. I've already let them know you were here. They'll be meeting us for dinner shortly.”

  “I'm hungry,” Adelaide announced with a heavy sigh.

  Elsa cleared her throat. “If you don't mind showing me to my room, I'd like to lie down for awhile?”

  “Of course,” Henry offered, “come with me.”

  CHAPTER 9

  Henry provided us all with sleeping arrangements and luxurious clothing. I was surprised by such lavishness. I hadn't seen anything like it since Haven and even then, this was far superior. The room was large, twice the size of the bedroom Joshua and I had shared back home in Shadow. The curtains were drawn and of dark purple crushed velvet. My fingers moved over the material as I stared out the window. There wasn't much to see. White gray stone walls surrounded the city. Looking down from the tower I could see guards walking the courtyard, but nothing out of the ordinary.

  This place was strange, unlike any other city I'd visited. There was something about it that made me feel like I'd stepped back a few centuries. It reminded me of the mythical times of King Arthur.

  I had time to shower before dinner, a welcome feeling after all I'd been through. The bathroom was attached to the bedroom and had indoor plumbing. Maybe it was better than Camelot. Joshua lay on the bed, taking a nap while I showered.

  In the bathroom mirror, I saw the slightest scar on my back from where the knife had pierced my skin. It had healed. The Mindonsiphan was still a mystery to me, and without Chancellor Collins, I may never know how it worked. I hoped Elsa, Cate, or Aidan could shed some insight.

  I showered and dried off, wrapping a towel around myself as I stepped into the bedroom. Shivering, I dug through the wardrobe, finding dress after dress to choose from. It did feel like a blast from the past. I chose a dark purple gown with the illusion of a corset, but without the traditional tightness. Drying my hair, I secured it up in a messy bun with a few strands falling loose. Did everyone in Spade live like this or it was a luxury provided to few?

  I quietly left the bedroom, doing my best not to wake Joshua. “Thank you,” I breathed, having come out of my room finding Henry in the hallway. “For all that you've done.”

  He smiled. “For you, Olivia, anything.”

  “I don't know if I would have found Joshua without your help. Thank you for helping me save Joshua's life.” I turned on my heels, hearing the door creak as Joshua came out of our room.

  “It was my pleasure,” Henry told me.

  “We should talk later.” We had a lot to discuss that would probably overwhelm him. It was time he knew the truth and understood what he was capable of.

  Joshua stepped behind me, his arms around my waist, reminding Henry I wasn't available. “I still don't trust him,” he breathed into my ear.

  “You trust me, don't you?” I clutched his hand as I glanced over my shoulder at him. He loosened his grasp and let go of me, long enough to take my hand. Together we headed down the hall for dinner, trailing behind Henry.

  Joshua sighed. “Of course.”

  “Then trust me when I tell you, he's an ally. He didn't have to risk his life to take us to Haven, but he did.” I could see the cogs working in his head, trying to find Henry's motivation in helping us.

  “He killed Margo. I can't forgive him for that. I won't.”

  “I know," I said. “I don't think the others will, either. He explained it to me.” I squeezed Joshua's hand before we stepped into the large dining room. “I'm not happy it happened, but I'm trying to understand.”

  Joshua and I were the last to arrive at the dining table where our companions had gathered. It was the first time in over a decade I was glad to see Gavin. Almost everyone was dressed to the nines in suits and Renaissance dresses. All but Elsa, having ignored the attire in her wardrobe and opting after a fresh shower to wear her dirty clothes. Rane looked beautiful in a dark midnight blue gown. It reminded me of why I had been jealous of her the first time we met: she was
gorgeous. She sat quietly at the table, offering me a friendly smile. Elsa's eyes were transfixed on the ceiling, studying the architecture in awe. She was fascinated by Spade, curious about this new world she found herself tossed into. “Is it time to eat?” Cate asked as Henry stepped into the room.

  “I'm sure dinner will be soon.” Aidan eyed her to shut up, while picking at the dirt under his nails. He seemed bored, or at least he presented the façade of boredom. I didn't know if he was disinterested in Spade or trying not to show he cared. However, Cate fit right in, the forest green gown hugging her curves as she eagerly waited for the food to be served.

  “I'm not being rude,” Cate dismissed Aidan. “I'm hungry.”

  Adelaide ran towards me, wearing a red dress of her own. Just before reaching me, she twirled in a circle, her skirt swirling around her. “Don't I look pretty?” She beamed with matching rosy cheeks.

  “Yes, you do.” I said, bending down I planted a kiss to her cheek. I helped her to the table and scooted in the long wood-backed chair. It was heavy. The table seated twelve though there were only 9 dining tonight. “Wow, this is elegant,” I said to Henry. He smiled warmly pulling back my chair and I ignored the look Joshua radiated as he claimed the chair beside me before Henry had the chance. I tried not to laugh as Gavin sat across from me and Rane to his left. Henry finally took a seat between Rane and Elsa.

  “I'm glad you made it here safely.” Gavin smiled and I felt Joshua's quizzical look at me. I'd been angry at Gavin, hated him last Joshua knew.

  “Thank you.” I faced Joshua and explained, “Gavin helped rescue you from Haven. He and Rane accompanied me through the Gravelands.”

  Joshua tried to take in all the information. “Why didn't you return home?” he questioned.

  Rane smiled. “I was hoping to see Henry again.”

  I tried not to laugh. It had been no secret on the trip that Henry was searching for a wife. Was this why Rane had decided to come to Spade again? I didn't ask.