Reclaimed (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1) (11 page)

“Thanks,” wheezed Summer. “You know what would be a great gift?”

He cocked his head to the side. “What?”

“If you finished healing my shoulder because my teammates aren't as good as you.”

Petar puffed his chest out at the compliment. “Of course.” He pulled her to a stop and in a matter of seconds her shoulder felt better.

“Thank you. It was really bothering me. Not sure what I did before I knew light wielders existed.”

“Walked around like miserable cow!” exclaimed Petar.

“What?” Summer shook her head. “Never mind. Don't answer that.”

Summer was so busy joking with Petar and Tracy that she almost crashed into the wall of students. She grumbled loudly and made her way to the first vacant spot. The council was on the field again and this time the hooded figures were standing in front of them. Jasper stepped forward, the anger on his face almost tangible.

“Quiet down!” he shouted. Once there was complete silence he cleared his voice and began pacing. “Our guests were not impressed yesterday. They're graciously giving us one more chance during sparring today. Let's make this count.”

“Go home. We don't need you!” yelled a voice from the crowd.

There were snickers and words of agreement. Jasper clenched his hands into fists and was about to step forward when one of the hooded figures rested a hand on his chest.

“Wait,” they said.

Both of them dropped their hoods and the students gasped. Standing in front of them were two elves. Summer rubbed her eyes while staring open mouthed at them.

Ash was the first to move. He shoved his way through the crowd and stormed off towards the building.

“Ash!” exclaimed Summer.

Tracy grabbed onto her hand. “Let him go. He needs to cool off.”

The elves curiously watched him before returning their attention back to the crowd. The male observed everyone with cold eyes as the female bowed her head slightly.

“Good morning wielders. My name is Nareh and this is my partner Vanrhyn. Your work yesterday was impressive but, we’re not sure training you is worth our time.”

Vanrhyn stepped forward. “Use today to sway our decision. Show us that the humans are still powerful.”

The challenge was accepted by most. Summer could see the determination in the faces around her. She personally found herself offended and considered storming off just like Ash had. The only thing keeping her from doing that was the promise of fighting Carl.

They helped her yesterday by tossing her over but, it was clear they didn't like her. Trying out a few attacks on one of the twins would be nice.

As they were separated into pairs Summer had a last minute change and was forced to spar with Nora.

“Maybe next time, sweetheart,” said Carl as he passed her.

Summer made sure to even her breathing as she put her hair into a tight ponytail. Nora wasn't even paying attention to her. She was talking to one of her friends who kept looking at Summer and giggling.

“So stupid,” grumbled Summer.

Once everyone was lined up, Jasper put his fingers to his lips and let out a long whistle. The field heated up as attacks were fired in every direction.

Nora smiled as she moved her hand through the air. A wisp of black and purple followed her fingers like a trained pet.

“Scared?” she asked.

Summer shook her head, afraid that her voice would tremble and betray her. She wanted to seem confident but, in reality she was terrified. Her attacks could easily take Nora, and any other wielder out. They just weren't predictable and she was admittedly a bit tired from her training this morning. Thankfully she had her marks and didn't feel quite as exhausted as she normally was.

Nora pushed both hands forward and fired an attack that cut through the air like a blade. It slammed into Summer's chest before she had time to react and sent her flying backwards.

Her body skid across the floor as she bit the inside of her mouth so she wouldn't scream. She finally stopped at a pair of feet.

The female elf, Nareh, looked down at her curiously. “You are new?”

Summer stood up and wiped the trickle of blood from her mouth. “What gave it away? Getting my ass handed to me or being terrified?”

“You took the attack well,” answered Nareh.

Summer hadn’t expected that. She mumbled her thanks before racing back to her partner.

Nora was now staring at Summer like she was bored.

“I'll liven things up,“ whispered Summer.

To her surprise she was able to summon two large spheres of fire and quickly shot them into the ground. They raced towards Nora who had been oblivious until right before collision. She tried to jump but, was pummeled with fire and debris.

Summer grinned, thinking the match was over, when Nora suddenly materialized in front of her. She kicked Summer's feet from under and shot a wave of dark energy into her chest.

She fell to the ground so hard that it was a struggle just to breathe and stay conscious. The sun, just beginning to peek through the clouds, was the only thing keeping her from the black void that was trying to pull her under. She focused on it until her breathing evened out.

Summer slowly got to her feet and felt every ache from where Nora hit her. She had started to become overconfident in her attacks but, the reality was she had only been training for a few days. Her attacks were unpredictable and not as strong as some of the wielders.

“Happy birthday, freak,” whispered Nora before melting into the ground and reappearing back in her original spot.

Summer ran a hand down her face and looked at the other wielders. She caught the eye of the elves as they shook their heads and started to walk away.

“Damn,” hissed Summer.

No way was she going to be blamed for something else at this training camp. The council thought she was some big hotshot and she was going to prove just that.

Summer pulled back her sleeves and closed her eyes. She could hear the whispers coming from around her but, she drowned them out with the promise of her building power.

She called to the energy, willing it to come forward. Her fingertips began to heat up and spark. As she opened her eyes she was briefly shocked to see her marks glowing. They were bright against her pale skin and continued to grow in brightness.

Summer let out one last breath as the silence descended around her. Her eyes locked onto Nora who wasn't bothering to hide her fear. With a grunt she launched her first bolt of fire. It struck Nora in the legs as she crumbled to the ground.

Summer raced forward, flew through the air, and slammed a fist full of fire into her chest.

Nora rolled over and cried out in agony as Summer fell next to her. She was on her hands and knees, struggling to control the power that she had just summoned. Her arms were still glowing and she felt like the fire was going to consume her.

“Breathe,” said a familiar voice.

Summer looked up and found the warm, purple eyes of Ash willing her to calm down. The rage began to subside and the power slowly retreated.

She held out her hand and welcomed his embrace as he helped her off the ground.

“We'll train the wielders,” said Vanrhyn. “You can thank her,” he said, waving his hand at Summer.

Chapter 12

It had been two weeks since the elves had promised to train the wielders. They said they needed to speak to their people and they would be back. No one knew exactly when that would be.

During that time, she had continued training with Ash. On the plus side she was becoming stronger, quicker, and better at controlling her power which sometimes felt like it had a mind of its own.

The negative was how cold Ash was. He barely spoke to her and refused to even look at her unless it had to do with training. She wasn't sure what she expected from him but, she was sure that they had at least become friends. It hurt that she trusted him and he was just another person to disappoint her.

Summer pulled off one of her gloves and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. The weather was getting warmer but, it was an unusually hot day. She was wearing nothing but a tank top and a pair of sweatpants.

“Of course it's our turn to help in the garden on the hottest day of the year!” exclaimed Summer. “I feel like I'm melting.”

Tracy laughed and leaned against her shovel. Her dark skin was glistening in the sun and was much prettier than Summer’s bright red face.

“Yeah but as soon as we're finished we have the rest of the weekend off.”

Summer yanked her glove back on. “Well those elves better hurry because I'm tired of sitting around and waiting on them like they're our answer. It's annoying.”

Tracy threw a small rock at her. She laughed again when it hit Summer in the head and caused her to yelp.

“Girl, you are fitting right in. All pissed and irritated; it's the mark of a wielder.”

Summer finally cracked a smile. “Just mad that the humidity is making me smell like a man. The only one pissed around here is Ash.”

“Still not talking to you?”

“Nope,” said Summer, shaking her head. “At least he's still training me. That counts for something, right?”

“You're the only person he's bothering with right now so yes, that does count.”

Summer sighed and looked over at him. Her and Tracy had been assigned to help out the dark wielders with the garden. It was so odd seeing him and how obvious it was that he was doing everything in his power to ignore her. He was hard to miss, though.

Most of the guys had their shirts off and this was the first time Summer had seen him like this. To say he was attractive was an understatement. His tanned body was perfect; solid and lean. He even made the purple marks on his skin look good.

Ash must have sensed someone staring at him because he looked up and locked eyes with Summer. Instead of turning away like he normally did, he nodded his head and went back to work.

Summer smiled and continued digging the field so that new seeds could be planted. Good thing she had been gaining muscle and weight or else all this work and humidity would have made her pass out.

“Hey,” said Nora as she passed by.

“Hey,” said Summer, leaning against the greenhouse wall. “Done for today?”

Nora paused and moved her black hair out of her eyes. “Yeah. They just dismissed us. I need to shower. This weather is killing me.”

“Good,” said Summer as she threw her gloves in a nearby bucket. “If they said we're done then I’m out of here.”

Nora smiled. “See ya.”

Summer took a drink of her water and waved. She had been surprised by the sudden change in attitude after she had almost killed Nora. They were on the verge of developing a friendship and Summer didn't mind. The girl was tough to be able to survive a hit like that and walk away.

“I'm gonna go shower and then eat something,” said Tracy. “See you in the dorm?”

“Yup. Just gotta go put my stuff away.”

Summer grabbed her bucket and walked to the small shed where they kept all the tools. She threw everything in and slammed the doors shut.

She turned and was about to leave when she spotted Ash by the lake. He had his feet hanging over the pier and was still wearing nothing but a pair of shorts. She bit her lip and debated leaving but, decided to chance it. He couldn't avoid her forever and maybe the nod was an indication that he was ready to talk.

She carefully approached him and opted to rest her arms and head on one of the pillars instead of sit next to him.

“What are you doing here?” asked Ash.

“I came to ask what you're doing here.”

He shrugged. “It's cool by the lake.”

“You ever go swimming in it?” she asked.

He leaned back, and looked up at her through his dark curls. “Sometimes. In the summer it's nice and we do some training courses in there.”

“Everything's better in the Summer.”

For the first time in two weeks Ash's lips twitched into a smile. He looked back out at the lake like he had been ashamed of his small display of emotion.

Summer pulled her hair from its ponytail and let the cool breeze dry her sweat ridden body. She inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent of the water.

“Do you know what sucked about turning eighteen?” she asked.

Ash turned to look at her with a questioning, raised brow.

“That literally no one cares if I exist or not. Before I was eighteen the cops, social services, teachers, foster parents, and even hospitals cared about me. I was hunted by them almost as much as the dark wielders had. Now I'm a legal adult and their hands are wiped clean of me. The only time they'll come after me again is if I break the law.”

Ash was quiet for a while. He looked back out at the water and let out a long, frustrated breath.

“People here care about you,” he finally said.

“I thought they did." She avoided his gaze. "Maybe I was wrong.”

He stood up and walked towards her. His fingers rested under her chin as he forced her to look into his eyes.

“I care. Is that what you want to hear?” His eyes glowed with emotion. “I don't want to but, I do.”

She pulled her head from his grasp. “You sure haven't been acting like it for the last few weeks.”

Ash ran a hand through his hair. “I don't like elves. You know that. My father died because of them. Having elves train us is stupid and I considered leaving.”

“But you're still here.”

“Because of you, Summer!” He exclaimed, throwing his hands out to his sides in exasperation.

She smiled. “I think that's the most I've ever heard you say.”

He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “You ask too many questions.”

“Then can I ask one more?”

“Sure, why not. You're going to ask it anyway,” he mumbled.

“Will you stay after the elves come back?”

His eyes snapped open. “If you want me to.”

The apprehension in Ash’s voice is what made Summer close the distance between them. She wrapped her arms around his torso and rested her head on his chest. He was momentarily stunned before pulling her closer with his arms around her waist.

“I want you to stay,” she whispered. Summer needed him to stay. Having someone in her corner felt good.

He ran a hand down her back. “Then I will.”

They sat there in silence for a moment longer before both stepping back.

Summer grinned. “I need to shower if we're going to hug like that. I'm sure I smell like an old, sweaty sock.”

“That's a good description.”

She hit his arm and finally got a laugh from him.

“You’re supposed to disagree with me and say I smell like flowers.”

Ash laughed again and just shrugged. Hearing him happy was something Summer never thought she would experience. It was contagious and she found herself giggling.

“Have lunch with me?” she asked.

Ash rubbed the back of his neck. “That's not a good idea. With the attacks going on you're a big target. I don't want to give them more fuel.”

“It's just lunch,” she replied. “Even bad guys take a break on the weekends. “

“Fine,” Ash said reluctantly. “I'll come to your dorm. Not as many people.”

Once Summer got the answer she was looking for she happily walked back with Ash. Like always, he followed her to her room and waited until the door opened.

“Just come by when you're done,” said Summer. “Tracy brings enough food for an army. I'm sure there will be extra."

“I do not!” shouted a voice from inside.

Summer rolled her eyes. “See you soon,” she said as she grabbed Ash's hand. She gave it a squeeze before slipping inside the dorm.

Tracy wiggled her eyebrows. “I see you guys are friends again.”

Summer walked right past her and to the closet where she picked out some comfortable clothes that included another tank top. She was slowly showing people that she no longer cared what her marks looked like. It's not like she could change them anyway.

“None of your business!” she shouted as she closed the door to the bathroom.

Summer took a quick shower and got dressed as fast as she could. She put her long hair into a braid and hurried into the main room. To her surprise Petar, Ash, and Tracy were sitting on the couches near the fire. Summer greeted everyone and took the only available spot next to Ash.

“Found him on the way,” said Ash, gesturing towards Petar.

Tracy poked Petar in the side. “More like stalking me.”

“Hey,” said Petar, holding up his hands. “You are beautiful so stalking is easy.”

Summer chuckled. “I'm sure it's a language thing but, telling someone that stalking is easy is totally creepy.”

Petar looked offended. “I am not creepy. I am honest!”

“Easy big guy,” said Summer. “Let's eat something before I die and this conversation gets any stranger.”

Ash gestured towards the small, coffee table. “You were right, Tracy grabbed enough food for like six people.”

“Whatever,” huffed Tracy. “I don't see anyone complaining.”

Petar graciously waited until they were mostly done eating before talking again.

“I came to find you all because the elves are back. I saw them.”

Summer could feel Ash tense up next to her. She took the last bite of her sandwich and cleared her throat.

“You're sure you saw them?” asked Summer.

Petar nodded enthusiastically. “They weren't covered this time and wearing the elf clothes.”

Summer raised an eyebrow. “Which is?”

“Mostly leather,” answered Tracy. “All handmade and medieval looking.”

“Interesting,” mumbled Summer, biting her lip. She gave Ash's leg a pat. “Are you okay?”

He looked embarrassed as Tracy and Petar gave him a questioning stare.

“I'm fine.”

She left her hand on his leg as she quickly tried to change the subject.

“What exactly can they train us to do?” she asked. “Do they even have wielding powers?”

“Sort of,” said Tracy. “They can manipulate all the elements but, aren’t especially strong in any area.”

“So what's the big deal? I don't understand why the council is freaking out,” said Summer.

Ash sighed and shifted but, not enough to move Summer's hand. “They don't train anyone outside of the Elven world and only if it benefits them. Like for their guard or something.”

Summer looked stunned. “So this is their first time doing this?”

Petar nodded. “Yes. They visit but, never train. We can thank you for the training.”

Summer blushed. “It wasn't that great. I was just trying to win.” She gave Ash's leg a squeeze. “Besides, I can thank him for all the training.”

“Mmm hmm,” said Tracy. “Just the training.”

Summer roughly sat back in the chair and folded her arms. “Whatever.”

“I need to go speak to Jasper and Tolai,” said Ash as he abruptly stood up.

Summer followed him to the door and hung on the frame as he turned to face her.

“Thanks for not hating me,” said Summer.

Ash furrowed his brow. “Why would I hate you?” He moved a stray piece of her hair. “That's not possible. See you tomorrow.”

She watched him go and let out a long breath when he rounded the corner. Ash was just another complicated thing to add to her list but, he was one that she didn't mind too much.