Return to Wisteria (Book Three of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 18~Opal and Shadow~

Nova 

        It felt like I was burning up. My palms were clammy and my skin was tingling. What the hell was happening? I sat up, noticing that the sun was up and the bed was empty.  Where did Summer and Zaida go? I took a dizzy step towards the door, catching myself against the dresser. You should take it easy. Our body is trying to accommodate a lot of change right now, a voice in my head said.  

   I tried to catch my breath, eyeing the calendar posted up on the wall. February 17th, today was my birthday. I smiled as I tried to take another step. Happy birthday. What’s your name? I asked my wolf. She chuckled, Happy birthday, I’m Opal. Ok, Opal. Is there a reason why I’m having such a hard time? I thought gaining your wolf was easy. I didn’t understand why my body was reacting this way. I felt… heavy. 

    Opal laughed again, You've gained more than your wolf today. The heaviness that you’re feeling is our body adjusting to our new magical aura. I frowned, I finally had access to my full power but why was it so draining? I took a few more cautious steps to stand in front of my mirror. My mouth dropped in shock. I stared at the stranger that was my reflection. My aura had completely changed. 

   The once timid gray film that barely protruded from my body was gone and replaced with something fiercer. It was now a limitless dark gray smoke that shimmered with a light iridescent hue. My aura was vast, intimidating, powerful. “Huh, it’s even stronger than I expected.” I jumped at the sudden sound of Blair’s voice. She was lounging on bed with a mischievous smile. “Auntie Blair, what’s happening to me?” my voice a little breathless. 

   “Nothing my dear. Everything looks like how it should be.” She said blandly. I shook my head, “No, I mean. Ugh. Why is my aura so different?” Auntie Blair shrugged as she flipped her long gray hair back. “This is who you were meant to be. Your mother will be thrilled.” she gave me her creepy smile again. “I can’t go down there like this! I don’t want to frighten anyone!” I started to panic. 

     Blair rolled her eyes and waved her hand, “You’re so dramatic. But I do agree that you need to conceal your aura a little better. Or else other magic users will be flocking to Black Pines like a moth to a flame.” Blair had made it seem like it was such a casual thing but it wasn’t. Since I haven’t learned how to control my new power yet, I could be putting my people at risk. I was practically a beacon. Blair saw my panicked face, “Don’t worry dear. A few weeks of training and you’ll be able to suppress your presence unconsciously.”   

    I wrung my hands, “But what about now?!” “Oh sweetheart, it’s beautiful.” I swung around at the sound of Mom’s voice. She stood in the doorway with her hands held up to her chest, a small tear rolling down her left cheek. “Mom, I’m scared. What if I can’t control it?” I cried as I rushed into her arms. She hugged me tightly and patted my back. “The gods wouldn’t have blessed you with such power if they thought you couldn’t control it.” she murmured into my ear.  

   Mom pulled back and studied my face. “When I was pregnant with you, I was going through one of the hardest times of my life. There were multiple times where I thought I’d die while carrying you. I thank the goddesses every day that I was able to raise you. You have grown up so well. Happy birthday.” she said, placing a small jewelry box into my hands. “Open it.” she coaxed me. 

    My hand shook as I removed the lid, letting out a small whimper. I plucked the small necklace from its resting place and studied it. The small pendant was teardrop shaped and made out of obsidian, onyx and opal. My eyes watered, “How did you know?” Mom looked confused, “You always preferred to use opal stones in your training since you were young. The obsidian represents me and the onyx is for your dad. Do you not like it?” 

    I shook my head, fat tears rolling down my cheeks. “No, Mom. It’s perfect.” I cried. Mom grinned and made me turn around. She helped me put my necklace one and stared at me in the mirror. My wild aura shrank down to a thin veil around my body. “Blair and I worked for weeks to make it as powerful as we could. I’m so glad you like it. Come down for breakfast. Your cousin and friend are getting ready to leave for the airport soon.” Mom instructed before peeling Blair off my bed then left. 

    I held my pendant for a few moments then got dressed. I skipped out of the room, suddenly stopping outside of Dimitri’s door. I was so wrapped up in my own s**t I forgot that today wasn’t just about me. I knocked on his door, “Happy birthday D!” I waited in silence for a response then knocked again. “Dimitri, are you ok?” I called out. I frowned when my phone went off. Happy birthday to you too. I'm gonna get some more sleep, talk to you later.  

   I frowned at the message D just sent. He hasn’t been himself lately and he refuses to talk to any of us. I wish that there was something I could do to make him feel a little better, but he was avoiding me. “Don’t sleep all day. Our moms planned a dinner for tonight. They would be upset if you missed it.” I shouted at his door. My phone went off again, I’ll be there. I sighed and walked away.  

Summer 

         Two days have passed since our run in with the Tarragon Syndicate. Angus followed through and handed over all of the mermaid scales he had collected and closed down his shop until further notice. The Assembly made quick work of reaching out to the mermaid kingdoms. Hell’s Shield and the Assembly teamed up to make the transfer of scales to family members smooth and safe. It was going to be a long process because of the large amount of scales, but it was going to be worth it. 

       We were able to bring in the princess of Atlari onto shore on time as well. She was a cute chubby little redhead, full of monstrous energy from the moment she stepped foot on land. Her name was Aqua and she had insisted that everyone call her that instead of princess. She safely returned home last night and threatened to return soon to play with my hair. 

     Zaida was leaving for the safe house today. I had to admit that I was sad. We haven’t known each other for very long but she was very important to me. I watched her joke around with Idris as we ate breakfast. I would sometimes catch her staring at Auntie Phoebe as she lectured Nova. It was obvious that she missed her family; I could only pray that we’d be able to bring them justice soon. 

     Nova sauntered down to the dining hall with a wide smile. She plopped down next to me and started to pile up her plate. “Happy birthday, weenie dog.” Idris smirked. Nova just giggled, too happy to give in to his teasing. The rest of the table wished her a happy birthday, watching her smile widen. “Where’s Dimitri?” Auntie Tiana asked. Nova’s smile immediately fell, “He’s still asleep. But he said he would be up for dinner.” Tiana and Phoebe shared a worried look but didn’t comment.  

    I looked at my watch, “Come on guys, we gotta leave now if we are going to catch the flight on time.” Nova started to stuff her mouth quickly, choking on her food. “For Goddess sake!” her mother chided as she patted her back. Nova coughed; her eyes watery from her ordeal. “I’m ok Mom. Come on let’s go.” she said, already standing. Zaida stood up slowly, “Thank you so much for letting me stay here Mrs. Jones.”  

   Phoebe smiled, “Of course love. You’ll always be welcome here.” Zaida quickly wiped a tear and nodded. Phoebe huddled us into the car then we were off to the airport. Zaida sat in the middle, holding onto our hands. At the airport, I double checked her items, making sure she had her letter of admittance to the villa.  

   Our goodbye was filled with raunchy jokes, crying and giggles. “Thank you, Summer. For believing in me and helping me.” Zaida whispered. “It was nothing kid. I’ll keep in touch and let you know how everything is going on the Council side.” I reassured her. Zaida gave me one more hug before she boarded the plane. I held Nova’s hand as we walked back to the car. Who ever killed Zaida's family was going to pay. 

Dimitri 

   I waited for Nova’s footsteps to disappear before I screamed into my pillow, trying to muffle the noise. My body was on fire, my bed soaked with sweat. I felt nothing but excruciating pain as my body transformed. I’ve been like this since midnight, the pain increasing with each hour. My head felt like it was about to split and my body felt like I had gotten hit by a train. You’re doing great, Dimitri. Take deep breaths, my wolf coached me.  

    His name is Shadow and he’s probably the only reason why I've managed so far. I’m trying but it f*****g hurts, Shadow! Why is this happening?! I demanded. We are changing into our true form, he said. What the f**k did that mean?! I muffled another scream as another wave of pain wreaked havoc on my body. My horn burned as I clutched my head.  

    My back began to spasm and I could feel my shoulder blades move in opposite directions. It felt like my arms were being ripped off. The bedroom smelled like sweat and blood as my back ripped itself open. I screamed again, the pressure on my back was too much to bear. You did it! Get some rest, Shadow purred before I blacked out.  

    When I opened my eyes again the sun was already setting. I felt heavy and groggy. I tried to push myself up on my arms but failed. I was heavier but I didn’t understand why. Try to flex, Shadow instructed. I groaned in compliance, starting with my legs. I slowly stretched my arms then I tried to move my back. A loud flapping sound echoed, followed by a gust of wind. What the f**k? I stretched my back again, the flapping noise louder and the gust stronger. 

     I jumped off the bed and tripped, rolling onto my right wing. I froze up, I had wings? I slowly stood up and stumbled towards the mirror. My wings were knocking everything over. I tried to pull them in and control them but it only made things worse. Everything on my walls and dressers were crashing down to the floor.   

    I stumbled into the bathroom, walking in sideways to fit. I stared at myself in terror. The pair of midnight black wings were large and imposing. They shined in the light and they looked soft. My one-inch horn that was on the right side of my head had grown three inches taller. The tip was sharp and the horn was glossy like my wings. I rushed to the sink and threw up. I was turning into him! I didn’t want this! My father was a monster and his blood made me one too! 

    “Damn D, your wings are awesome!” Summer said from the doorway. I spun around quickly, knocking her back with my wings. She landed on the floor with a graceful thud. I started to panic; did I kill her?! I tried to run out of the bathroom but my wide wings blocked the exit. I struggled to twist and turn, finally getting out. 

    “Summer!? Are you ok?! I’m so sorry!” I shouted as I hovered over her prone form. I rolled her onto her back, confused by her smile. “Holy s**t! Your wings really got some power! I never thought to duck.” she giggled. Summer’s carefree attitude made me burst into tears. “Woah, why are you crying?!” she asked nervously. “Why aren’t you afraid of me?!” I demanded. Summer began to laugh, “Why would I be afraid of my baby cousin?”  

   I growled in frustration, “You know what I mean! I’m a demon lord!” Summer sighed and pulled me into a hug. “I’m not afraid because I know you’d never hurt me. Just because you’ve gained your wolf and your demon title doesn’t change who you are as a person. You're still the same ol’ Dimitri to me.” she said softly. “What if I turn out like him?” I hiccupped.  

    “It would break you mama’s heart if you told her you were thinking like that. You’re not him. Do you plan on enslaving thousands of people for the next few centuries?” Summer bluntly asked. “NO!” I shouted. Summer shrugged, “Then I’m not worried about it. So, get your ass up and come down for dinner. Your mom made a three-layer cake that has my name on it, but we can’t cut it without the birthday boy.” Summer pulled me to my feet, her eyes on my chest.  

   “I’d tell you to put a shirt on but I’m not sure if we have one to accommodate you.” she said. I couldn’t help but laugh as she led me out of the room. I was thankful that the halls were wide enough to accommodate my new additions. I tried to prepare myself for my mother’s terrified screams once she laid eyes on me. 

     Summer opened the door to the dining hall where our family was waiting. I closed my eyes and waited for the screams to start. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” was all I heard. My family surrounded me with hugs and asked questions about my wings. “Did it hurt?” “Can you take me out on a ride?” “Do you molt?” I felt guilty for having my doubts. This was my family. They gave me unconditional love and I had doubted them. I felt so ashamed. 

   “Oh baby, your wings are bigger than I thought they would be.” Mom cooed, snuggling her face into one of my wings. “You aren’t scared of me, mom?” I asked her. She threw an angry fist into my stomach, making me hunch over. “Why in the hell would I be afraid of my own son?!” she shrieked. I spent the next ten minutes listening to an angry lecture of how she raised me right and had high expectations. 

     A surge of magic rocked the room, revealing a partially dressed woman with black out eyes. “Well, look who’s all grown up now?” she said, her smile wicked.