Dark Mage (Avalon: Web of Magic, Book 11) (20 page)

Gwylrrtrwrx (Gwyx) is a young dragon on a warrior quest to save Dragon Home. He is about Drake’s size, but has rich black scales and deep purple slashes zigzagged across his leathery wings. Dragons have shunned the worlds of humans, preferring to stay with their own kind. It is forbidden for dragons to bond with humans, so Gwyx is extremely surprised when he meets Adriane and Drake.

A magic hungry parasite from the most foul regions of the Astral Plains. These deadly creatures possess a mouth full of disgusting fangs that penetrate the skin of a magic user, rendering its victim paralyzed and helpless. A shadow leech will only release its host once the magic is completely drained.

The Spider Witch controls a vast army of giant spiders. These web weaving arachnids serve their mistress by spinning dark magic into whatever pattern she desires. The witch is using thousands of them to weave a powerful tapestry of her own design, a new magic web only she will control.

S
HE BASKED IN
the glorious magic. Red, yellow, orange, and green fairy dust swirled through a clearing of wildflowers.

Her sister, Lucinda, had told her to come here, promising to give her something that would enhance her magic tenfold. Lucinda was the blazing star. She knew all about enhancing magic. If she had something, Miranda was eager to get it.

Lucinda appeared in the glade like a vision, magnificent golden magic emanating from her slender figure. One year younger than Miranda, yet she was the Fairy Queen, adored by all who laid eyes on this extraordinary young mage. Why should she have been chosen to lead the Fairy Kingdoms? Because she was always more beautiful, more powerful than Miranda, just by the magic of her blazing star goodness. No matter what Miranda did, Lucinda had always eclipsed her without even trying. A second figure trailed after Lucinda, the healer mage. Envy dug at Miranda as she saw the look of adoration Sylvan cast toward the blazing star.

Lucinda smiled, excitement making her blue eyes even brighter. “I know how you long to bond with an animal, sister.”

Miranda nodded. She lacked the connection her sister had with animals. It was her greatest wish to experience the real magic only a true bonded could provide.

Lucinda’s delicate hand reflexively touched her unicorn jewel. “I searched the magic web, and Sylvan agrees, this is the right match.”

“You will make great magic, warrior,” the healer murmured shyly. “Together you will be complete.”

Lucinda gestured, and a large black cat padded from the forest.

Deep green eyes shone from the panther’s face, powerful muscles gleamed under lustrous black fur.

“My name is Faylinn,”
the cat spoke.

Miranda gasped, she had never seen a creature so incredibly beautiful. The sound of Faylinn’s voice was an echo of her own. They were like two hearts living in separate worlds. Until this moment.

She knelt to touch her forehead to her bonded. The emerald on her bracelet blossomed with light as the large cat’s wings spread in a deep purple fan.

Colors melted around her as the chirping songs of birds warped to a mournful dirge—

They stood in the ancient circle of the island, the Gates of Avalon before them.

The mages were about to complete their quest.

Nine jewels of amazing power floated in a circle.

Lucinda stood on her left, unicorn jewel of the blazing star radiant upon her necklace. Sylvan took position on Miranda’s right, pearly blue healing jewel glowing on her silver ring.

Lucinda’s luminous light pricked at Miranda’s eyes. Lucinda, pure of heart, worthy of Avalon’s magic, basking in the adoration of the blond boy standing behind them. Miranda’s heart wrenched as Lucinda reached for his hand. Henry Gardener’s kind blue eyes would never look at the blazing star’s less beautiful sister.

No matter. They would all serve her.

She had learned that the Prophecy of Three was really a Prophecy of One. It existed for one purpose only: to create the dark mage who would rule Avalon. Her journey down the dark path would begin here, now.

None of them suspected a thing; not Lucinda, not Henry, not even clever Sylvan. Least of all Faylinn. Miranda had learned long ago how to hide her true feelings.

Clenching her fist, Miranda released a torrent of deep red fire into the nine crystals as she tore open the portal to Avalon. Her bonded saw what she was doing and jumped to stop her.

Without remorse, Miranda fired.

The look in Faylinn’s confused eyes ripped through the warrior. Cries of betrayal echoed across the circle, washed away like tears in the rain.

A cold steel cloak locked over her heart and she felt nothing. In that moment, Miranda was no more.