The stone suddenly crumpled and I swallowed a cry of alarm. Dougal faced me with a sinister smile and holding his palms heavenward, fire burst within both of them, the flames long and blue. He tilted his head to the sky and cried something I couldn’t make out, something guttural and foreign. The sky, seemingly in response, grumbled a great and rumbling sound as dark clouds eclipsed the blue sky. The clouds grew and swirled together. A drop of cold rain splashed against my head. Then another, and another until it beat down on me, as if the blue sky were crying over its demise.
Dougal neared me, the rain glancing off him like he was carrying an invisible umbrella. He held his hands up to the heavens again as lightning struck the ground beside him. His tattoos glowed and he closed his eyes, as if inhaling the residue of the lightning.
The sky thundered and a bolt of lightning graced the ground in a dance of electricity. Dougal dropped to his knees, face heavenward as another bolt hit him right in the center of his chest tattoo. He shook violently. I felt a scream tear from my lips and stared at him in incredulity as smoke whispered from his tattoos. As soon as the smoke appeared, flames of blue engulfed Dougal, swirling around him and reflecting against the crazed look in his eyes. I half-wondered if maybe his magic had gone wrong but no, he’d planned to be aflame.
His skin began to buckle with what looked like scales. And his fingers arched, his nails elongating into talons accompanied with the sound of snapping, like someone stepping on dried twigs. His spine seemed to grow underneath his skin, the bones breaking and reinventing themselves anew. His neck was now maybe five times longer and his face… I couldn’t handle the fear coursing through me as his teeth became razor sharp incisors that were as long as my hands. I had to look away.
I shielded my eyes, too afraid to bear witness to whatever horrid creature Dougal was becoming. I knew without a doubt, whatever creature it was, its sole purpose was to kill me. Now very much aware of the fate awaiting me, I shook with my own fear. I raised my head when I heard a round of applause from the bleachers and beheld a dragon directly before me, a dragon glowing in blueflame, immune to the rain.
I screamed and the creature brought its head right down to me, staring at me with the eyes of a lizard. Its massive snout was the size of a small car and its forked tongue lashed out of its mouth, tasting the air.
Shivers seized me and tears mingled with the rain as they coursed down my face. No matter how I tried, I couldn’t force my attention from the beast. Its body was covered in dark yellow scales, the tail maybe thirty feet long. It didn’t have any wings but had long claws on all its four paws. It waddled toward me, its tongue continuing to sniff me on the air.
I pushed the wet clumps of hair from my face and imagined a wall of protective energy. The dragon flicked it with his claws, but the wall refused to budge, seemingly standing against the incredible beast with its chest puffed out in pride.
The dragon released a shrill cry and the wall shook like it was as frightened as I was. I dropped to my knees, shielding my head with my arms and closed my eyes. I needed all my focus and energy on my protection, not on the dragon. At the sound of the dragon breaking down my defensive wall, I opened my eyes. The dragon was a few inches from me, wearing a definite smile in its hideous eyes.
I screamed, nearly drowning in the onslaught of rain.
The dragon reared up above me and took a great intake of air, its chest billowing out. Then it threw its head toward me and breathed a river of fire from its mouth. I huddled upon myself and imagined my glowing orb of protection. The fire bounced off the orb, and the dragon took another breath. He sprayed fire down upon me again, and I could feel the potency of my shelter waning. I covered my eyes with my hand and continued to visualize the defensive barricade of my orb, picturing the walls to be as strong as steel and as thick as the trunk of a huge tree.
“Dougal, dinnae kill her!” Odran screamed from the bleachers.
I glanced at the dragon and realized there was nothing capable of reasoning within it. The man was gone; all that remained was the beast.
I was as good as dead.
I felt the heat of fire again as the dragon breathed down on me. My defenses were steadily growing weaker, exhaustion starting to claim me. I scrunched my eyes tighter and imagined my orb glowing with a brighter light as it reinforced itself. Another blow of fire rained down on it and the heat was fierce against my back. Before I had the chance to envision strengthening the orb, the dragon breathed another blast against me. This time the heat was more potent, singing my back as if a giant were putting out a cigarette on me.
My heart throbbed in my chest as I forced myself to concentrate. I imagined my orb again and focused all my attention on it, feeling the energy surround me. The next blow of fire wasn’t as hot. But the blow after was. I didn’t have time to regroup before another fire onslaught caught me off guard—the heat so intense, I could smell my hair burning. I ran frantic hands over my head but found it wasn’t aflame. It was just in my imagination.
The magic wasn’t real.
Another blow of fire pelted down on and my skin singed, the pain like the stab of thousands of knives. I focused on my orb, trying to strengthen it, but another blow of fire disabled me. Now I could smell my skin burning.
It’s all in your head, Jolie, I told myself. It’s all in your damned head.
Another blow and I shuddered against the pain.
I was dying. I could feel it. The shouts of the audience were a soft droning, like the buzz of flies and my eyelids felt increasingly heavy. My energy was dissipating, and I didn’t have the wherewithal to focus on my own protection. I couldn’t last much longer, and the truth of it was that I just wanted to give in—anything to end the pain.
Another river of fire danced over me and I dropped my head to the ground, no longer able to hold it up. The dirt was rough against my cheek. My whole body was aflame now. I didn’t need to open my eyes to know it was true. I was going to burn to death, whether it was real or not didn’t matter. It felt real and either way, it was going to kill me.
Do not give up.
I didn’t recognize the voice in my head. It was a woman’s voice, strong and sure.
You can beat this. You have the strength within yourself, child.
I shook my head, feeling another flame of fire lapping at my skin, burning through me. Killing me slowly.
Believe in yourself, Jolie, you have more ability than you know.
And like a wave of calm, the pain within me completely dissolved into nothing. I opened my eyes and found my cheek against the rough earth. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the dragon breathing more fire down upon me, but I couldn’t feel it. My eyes found Odran who was focusing on his lap, shielding his face from the spectators who were silently watching the dragon.
I pushed myself up to my knees and felt the blow of fire on my back but couldn’t feel the pain. There was something within me, something strong and something angry. I stood and wavered a bit before I found my balance. I faced the dragon just as it blew another fire stream. The flames merely danced upon me, entertaining more than threatening.
I took a step nearer the beast and when it blew fire again, I held my hand up and the fire merely crystallized into drops of ice as soon as it met my palm. If it was possible for a dragon to look dumbfounded, that’s exactly how it looked. I continued walking toward it, something driving me forward.
The fire meant nothing to me.
The dragon inhaled until its chest looked like it might explode and breathed a torrential downpour of liquid fire atop me. The heat of the fire momentarily stopped me, but I had to continue forward. Tiny pinpricks of heat and pain coursed over me, but I ignored them. Only a few steps separated me from the dragon.
The dragon, apparently realizing I was immune to the fire, threw its face down at me, its mouth open and teeth shining. It wrapped its jaws aroucheek agapper shoulder and bit down. I screamed against what I imagined would be hideous pain but opened my eyes when I found
I could feel nothing.
The dragon tossed its head this way and that as if tearing my shoulder apart, and I clamped my eyes shut, imagining Dougal as nothing more than a fairy, denying him his dragon appearance. I felt myself collapse to the ground. When I opened my eyes, Dougal lay before me unconscious…or dead.
The sounds of silence from the bleachers was telling. I knew what it meant. I’d defended myself. Now the men who sat around me would be going to war, that is, if Odran kept his word. I moved like I was in slow motion as I faced Odran who stared at me open-mouthed.
I felt myself go down again, and braced my arms against the ground. I inhaled great gulps of air as tears coursed from my eyes. How did I manage to defeat a dragon? The question rang through me and I had to push it aside, knowing I’d never find the answer. Either way, I’d won. I might be half-dead, but I’d won. We actually had a chance to defeat Bella now.
I’d never been prouder of myself.
“Lass.” It was Odran. He reached down and pulled me into him, cradling me against his massive chest. “Ye did it.”
“Is…is he dead?” I asked, my voice still sounding distant and odd.
“Nay, Lass, nay.”
I nodded and my eyes fell to the opening of the amphitheatre as some people left and others remained. Then my eyes found the familiar face of Rand as he made his way toward us, pushing aside anyone unlucky enough to get in his way. He reached me in seconds, his eyes never straying from mine.
“Odran, get the hell away from her,” he said as I collapsed into his arms.
“Wait,” I said, lifting my eyes to Odran as he started to walk away. “Odran, wait.”
He turned to face me and his eyes were angry. “Lass?”
“I defeated your fairy.”
He was silent before he nodded, his eyes furious. “Aye, Lass, we will join ye.” Then he turned on his heel and strode away, reminding me of a great lion. A great lion retreating.
“Rand, did you hear that?” I said, facing Rand again.
“Yes,” he whispered with a grin. “You did it.”
His arms tightened around me as I collapsed into him, sobs tearing through my throat.
I did it.
I didn’t know how and I had no idea whose voice I’d heard in my head or if I’d invented it or what. But all that remained was the fact that I’d done the impossible. And I never could have done it without Rand.
His fight was my fight. We were in this together from here on out. And I couldn’t say that bothered me. Even with Bella’s army looming above, I believed in us…I knew we could win.
I looked into Rand’s eyes again and they glistened with unshed tears. His lips were tight. There was something in those eyes—a warmth. Love. I could see it as clearly as the moors of Pelham Manor after a cool rain.
He and I would have our day—I didn’t know when and I didn’t know how but someday, Rand and I would find what we both wanted. I didn’t just believe it; I knew it was true.
I just smiled.
Rand had changed my life—in some ways for the better and in some ways for the worse. I guess nothing is ever one hundred percent black or white. But, either way, he had been my ever-fixed pillar of strength. He’d taught me to accept my abilities and he’d taught me how to use them. Without Rand, I’d still be sitting in my shop in Los Angeles thinking my cat was the best kind of company.
Are you okay?
I glanced at Rand and nodded, sinking into the chocolate beauty of his eyes.
Everything’s perfect.
Perfect? He chuckled. Well, I don’t know about perfect, but I’ve certainly put you through a lot.
I didn’t drop his gaze.
I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Pondering my life, I’d never thought it would’ve taken the turn it did. The Jolie of just six months ago was a different person to the Jolie of today. I didn’t fault the old me—I didn’t resent my apparent acceptance of the status quo or the fact that I thought I was happy with the lonely life I’d led. I loved the person I used to be, but I also loved the person I now was. I was strong, independent, and capable.
I was beautiful.
And I was ready for whatever life decided to throw at me next.
Bring it on.
Interview with Rand and Sinjin!
JoAnne McLeary, from Strange Candy Reviews hosted an interview with Rand and Sinjin recently…
JoAnne: Welcome to Strange Candy Reviews, gentlemen. How are you both?
(Sinjin sits on the couch and Rand takes a seat in a chair across from JoAnne and Sinjin)
Rand: Very well, thank you and thank you for having us.
Sinjin: (offering JoAnne a flirtatious smile) I am well, Ms. McLeary, thank you.
JoAnne: You've known each other for a while. How did you meet?
(Sinjin glances at Rand but Rand stares straight ahead and his jaw is tight).
Sinjin: That aight ahit of a loaded question, Love. We started off on quite the wrong foot, so to speak.
Rand: Sinjin seduced my best mate's sister.
(Sinjin just smiles guiltily)
JoAnne: Okay....What was your impression when you first met Jolie?
(Rand’s anger softens and the tightness in his jaw relaxes)
Rand: Jolie is a very gifted witch and when we first met, I knew she would not disappoint me. I’d come very far to find her, not even then realizing exactly how powerful she is.
Sinjin: Lovely story, Randall, but that was not the question.
(Rand looks uncomfortable)
Sinjin: What did you think of Jolie’s physical attributes?
(Rand narrows his eyes)
Rand: Jolie is beautiful.
Sinjin: Yes, quite so. And when dressed in fairy garb, she’s even more intoxicating…lovely legs and a small waist with ample…
Rand: Sinjin!
JoAnne: So, um, Rand, what do you wear when you sleep?
(Rand drops his attention to his hands, crimson overtaking his cheeks)
Sinjin: I believe that is answer enough.
(JoAnne clears her throat, also blushing)
JoAnne: I kinda had that one coming. Sinjin, in your opinion, what's your best feature?
Sinjin: Personality or physically speaking, Love? If physically speaking, I believe Jolie quite appreciated my eyes. (Throws Rand a knowing smile) and personality wise, why my winning sense of humor.
JoAnne: You do have very nice eyes, among other things. Oh my God. Did I say that out loud?
(Sinjin just laughs and offers her a knowing smile)
JoAnne: Ah, next question. You both have been around for a while, what's the most interesting thing you've seen and/or done?
Rand: The last time I was rendered speechless was when Jolie managed to reanimate a ghost and brought him back to life. I’d merely hired her to find out who killed him. That was quite a surprise!
Sinjin: Yawn.
(Rand faces him with a perturbed expression)
Rand: And what, Sinjin, is the most interesting situation you’ve encountered recently? Please enlighten us.
Sinjin: No need to be a todger, Randall. The most enjoyable situation of late was drinking Jolie’s blood.
(Rand looks like he’s aboutto explode).
Rand: Did you have to bring that up? You know how…
Sinjin: Yes, Randall, I was merely answering the question posed to me. (He faces JoAnne with a big smile, revealing the points of his fangs). But I am afraid, Love, your readers will have to wait until the release of Toil and Trouble to learn the specifics.
JoAnne: You're both um, pretty attractive guys, what's your best line to pick up a woman?
Rand: I don’t believe I’ve ever used a pick up line on any woman.
Sinjin: Thank you for the compliment, Pet. As to, what do you call them, one lines?
Rand: One liners
Sinjin: Ah yes, one liners, I must agree with the warlock. I have not ever required the need for a pick up line. But, if I had to think of on
e…hmmm…is that a stake in my pocket or am I just happy to see you?
JoAnne: Right, stupid question. Don't know why I thought you'd need a line. It seems I have an uncanny knack for embarrassing myself. Thanks for bearing with me. So Sinjin, what's it like being a vampire? The biggest perk? And Rand, what's it like being a warlock?
(Sinjin steeples his fingers and appears thoughtful)
Sinjin: Depending upon your persuasion, the ability to live forever could be considered the biggest perk, as you say. I, myself, believe it to be as such. I also quite enjoy your human fascination with the vampire. And, of course, there is always the perk of tasting the blood of a beautiful woman.
Rand (rolling his eyes): I quite enjoy the responsibility involved in possessing extraordinary powers—how important it is to protect those who are less able to protect themselves.
Sinjin: Really, Randall, you aren’t running for public office.
(Rand frowns)
(JoAnne hides a smile behind her hand)
Rand: It is increasingly difficult to have a discussion with you, Ms. McLeary, with this bloody bastard’s comments at every turn.
(Sinjin laughs)
Sinjin: Astonishing Ms. McLeary, it appears your warlock guest does have a bit of life within him after all.
JoAnne: It would appear so, yes. But it would help if you didn't keep pushing his buttons, Sinjin. Don't worry, Rand, the interview is almost over. I just have a few more questions...Chocolate or vanilla?
Rand: Chocolate
Sinjin: Neither. I do not recall what either tastes like.
JoAnne: Boxers or briefs?
Rand: Boxers
Sinjin (with a lascivious smile): Neither.
JoAnne: Summer or winter?
Rand: I quite love an English summer and summer at Pelham Manor is even more lovely.
Sinjin: I prefer winter. Summer is an unpleasant reminder I will never see the sun.
JoAnne: Do either of you have a favourite band/musician?
Rand: I go through phases with regard to my musical interests but seem to always return to classical music. I find myself repeatedly listening to Smetana of late, specifically Die Moldau.