Tempting the Fire

  Tempting the Fire

  Book Two of the Darkest Day Trilogy

  K.N. Lee

  Copyright © 2018 by K.N. Lee

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  For Sylvie and Jensen, my everything.

  Contents

  Aranthia World Info

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  An Exclusive Look at Awakened

  An Exclusive Look at Daughter of the Sea

  A Look at Fallen Empire

  Also by K.N. Lee

  About the Author

  Aranthia World Info

  RACES OF ARANTHIA:

  Humans

  Sun Elves

  Moon Elves

  Gnomes

  Fairies

  Dwarves

  Tryans

  KINGDOMS OF ARANTHIA:

  Veruth- Sun Elf Territory

  Odom- Dwarven Territory

  Modan- Sun Elf Territory

  Kapernica- Fairy Territory

  Leeds- Human Territory

  Erindium- Moon Elf Territory

  Vasiria- Moon Elf Territory

  Saint Aria- Tryan Territory

  REIGNING GODS:

  Preeti

  Vineet

  1

  X A N D E R

  As I walked away, I knew she’d hate me. It was a struggle to keep my feet moving forward and not turn around to warn Ava about what she would now face.

  I resisted the urge, and continued my descent down the steps that would lead me back to the boats. There was such innocence in her eyes. I hated to see that fade from them, but it was inevitable.

  Veruth was a dangerous place, and I realized then that I was one of its monsters.

  I’d plucked her from the filth of her pitiful life—from a prison that would break her spirit—only to cast her into an abyss that promised to crush her under so much suffering that not only would she cry and beg for mercy, but her soul would shatter.

  To release the power within.

  It was worth the price.

  I paid it willingly, even as my heart wept for her.

  The tempting of the fire would begin.

  I glanced to the bright, sunny sky and ignored the tears that burned my eyes.

  Dear spirits protect us from what I've unleashed.

  I made my way back to the boats, and boarded without a word. As it was sent back down to the streets of Veruth, I peered over the edge and toward the world outside of The Wall.

  There was so much out there that was a mystery to most of those living within the stone walls. I knew what lurked out there.

  I knew what was coming.

  Once the boat reached the docks of Veruth’s Upper West End, I left it to stand on the bridge. Surprise filled my veins as my sister flew toward me and landed, hopping off the back of her wyvern.

  She strode over to me, her purple hair bouncing around her small, heart-shaped face. Her armor glinted under the sunlight.

  We were a warrior clan—the entire royal line of Veruth. We had increased strength and speed, and fighting abilities, but were weak to magic. It was the one thing our father was afraid of—being taken over and defeated by the mage class.

  He didn’t fear the humans who slaved away for him—for their frail bodies could never house true power. There hadn’t been a mage-born human in the entire existence of our world.

  No, he feared other elves.

  Other Royals from afar and within.

  “What have you been up to, big brother?” Kastia asked, her eyes narrowed as she looked me up and down. “You missed supper in the palace, and worship in the temple.”

  She knew I cared little for either of those things. I craved and thirsted for knowledge, and spent most of my waking hours studying and searching for answers.

  “Nothing of your concern,” I said, keeping it short, keeping it vague.

  Kastia twisted her mouth, hands on hips.

  “You’re up to something. I know it,” she said, and her eyes widened as if she’d just realized something. “I can feel it.”

  “I’m always up to something, aren’t I? Aren’t we all?”

  “Don’t be cheeky, Alexander. This is different,” she said.

  Shrugging, I walked past her and headed toward the Citadel. She sent her wyvern home, and it took off in a leap and shot into the air. I glanced upward to see black wings and a slender body dart across the sky and toward the palace.

  She followed behind me, her boots clicking on the gold-plated roadway.

  “You’re not getting away so easily, Alexander,” she said, falling into step beside me.

  Rolling my eyes, I quickened my speed.

  She did the same.

  “What do you want from me, Kastia?” I asked, stopping in the middle of the plaza. Potted trees lined the rectangular garden that was lush with real grass that had been planted at the beginning of Veruth’s inception.

  Elves dressed in fine clothing and light armor went about their carefree day, oblivious to what was coming. They sat upon blankets laid out on the grass, smiling and sipping wine, while their servants rocked their babies and chased around their little ones.

  At that moment, I feared for Kastia, and took her by the shoulders.

  I couldn’t let her get swept up into what I was planning—not without warning.

  “Come with me,” I said in a whisper.

  She nodded, eyes widening as she read the fear within my gaze.

  I pulled her along to the row of temples that lined the plaza. Each temple was devoted to a different god—the gods of Aden—and the ones who had world’s of their own. Though Preeti and Vineet were the gods of Aranthia, I was partial to seeking guidance in the Temple of Wexcyn, perhaps the greatest warrior god who was ever created.

  In between the two rows of temples, stood the statue for Preeti, the Goddess of War. With her sword raised, and eyes fixed to the sky, she seemed prepared for battle, and determined to protect us all from foes.

  “This way,” I said, and we went inside the last temple to our right. A cleric with an elaborate headdress and heavy robes stepped aside for us, her eyes the only feature of her face to show as she wore a scarf across her nose and mouth.

  Inside the temple, torches and perfectly aligned candles lit the open space. It was quiet, with a scant few kneeling in prayer to the shrines and statue of the bronze god.

  I walked to the foot of Wexcyn’s statue and lifted my gaze to golden eyes that seemed to look down upon us. He held a long spike in one hand and the other was at his waist. Tall, formidable, and brave in the face of opposition, He was an imposing figure..

  That was the kind of leader I wanted to be.

  When Veruth was mine.

  “I’m planning something—something big,” I said, quietly.

  Kastia gave me a sidelong glance. “I can see that. Tell me what it is.”

  Breathing in, I turned to her.

  “I’m going to destroy Veruth. I’m going to destroy it,” I said, and her face went pale. “And, a new nation will rise in its filthy, stinking, ashe
s. A new world.”

  2

  A V A

  Welcome home, Ava.

  Something about those words filled an empty space within my heart. Though it was broken by the shocking truth of my heritage, there was a need and a thirst for a connection of any sort. I’d been locked away for days, and now a whole new world was unlocked for me.

  I could barely believe all that I’d learned, and was left breathless, grasping at what I thought was true all of my life.

  Who was my real mother and father? Were they still alive?

  So many questions.

  Orphan or not, I wasn’t going to squander this opportunity. I would embrace it. Xander had given me a second chance at a better life. I owed him so much gratitude and wished he’d stayed long enough for me to properly thank him.

  Nonetheless, I had a hard time wrapping my head around it. “Home?” I asked in a whisper.

  “Yes, dear,” she said, and took me by the hand. “You were born for great things. The gods have given you an amazing gift that will change Veruth and the rest of the world. I will lead you to your destiny.”

  “But, what of my mother and sister?” Imagining a dismal life without what little aid I could provide blackened the bright future the beautiful moon elf offered.

  She took my hands into hers and regarded me in silence for a moment. Her eyes searched mine and lingered on my hands as she stroked them. “You have a pure, innocent heart,” she said. “I can see that.”

  I expected her to go on, but she didn’t. Instead, she dropped my hands and placed hers on my shoulders.

  “But, beauty and innocence will not serve us.”

  Confused, my brows furrowed. Stepping back, I clasped my hands before me. “What are you saying?”

  “Prince Alexander will make certain of it. Your focus needs to be on the task at hand—at your studies and development of your gift. You must forget them if you wish to reach your full potential. Rest assured. They will be cared for.”

  I froze. “You mean I won’t be able to visit them?”

  Ocura Maga laughed softly, and shook her head. “No, dear. Your past life will remain in the past. It must.”

  She turned away then, despite the questions that flooded my head. There was so much I needed to know, but her assurance that Moira and Mother would be cared for consoled my frazzled nerves and worrisome conscience.

  I stood there for a moment, considering following her or turning back and trying to contact Xander to take me home. But, this was an opportunity that could elevate everyone in my little family.

  I didn’t care that they weren’t my true sister and mother. It didn’t matter.

  I loved them, and that would never change.

  Ocura Maga stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “Come, I will show you to your room.” Her eyes went up and down my body. “And, direct you to the baths.”

  She led me outside, and around the main building to a series of smaller buildings scattered around the enchanted gardens and stretches of green land.

  We came to a small, stone cottage, and she pushed the doors open for me.

  Though small, it was bigger than my entire home back in the lower East End. There was a bed with a thick blanket, and table with a wash basin, another with a candelabra, and a wardrobe.

  I stared at it in appreciation and awe, wishing Mother and Moira could be there to enjoy it with me. We didn’t need much space, and this was the nicest room I’d ever seen.

  “This will be your room,” she said. “We begin training after sunset. So, get cleaned up, and rest while you can.”

  “Training?” I asked, lifting a brow. “What is it that I will be learning?”

  Her white grin made my skin crawl. There was something sinister about it—something eerie.

  “Your calling,” she said. “What you were born for.”

  As she closed my door, my brows furrowed.

  My calling?

  I had never heard of such a thing, but there was so much I didn’t know, but the Sky Keep was one place I’d always wanted to see. Now, I was here, ready to learn the truth of my past and build a new future.

  Alone in my new room, I stood there unsure of what to do. I needed to bathe, but had no idea where to do so. The bed looked comfortable, and warm, and I hadn’t slept well in ages.

  With a sigh, I removed my boots and took off my dirty clothes. Inside the wardrobe were plain frocks and robes. Instead of putting one on, I climbed into the bed naked, and covered myself with the heavy blanket.

  The bed was firm, but it didn’t matter. I fell asleep within moments, and drifted into the space between reality and dreams.

  The darkness.

  3

  K E M

  “The bloody girl got herself caught,” Ludwig shouted, running into the cavern.

  His boots splashed on the slick, wet stone.

  I’d heard him running through the corridor, and winced as he skidded to a stop behind me.

  “She’s been taken to Veruth Prison.”

  I sat at the edge of the cliff, peering down into the pool of water. The news wasn’t something that brought me any peace, but he’d also ruined my one moment of solitude.

  “Did you hear me?”

  “I did,” I said, calm, detached. My eyes closed as I pictured such a delicate flower being subjected to the harshness of the Veruth Prison. “She knew the risk.”

  “She knew nothing,” he said. “You barely took the time to train her.”

  “That wasn’t the point,” I said. “She was special. She didn’t need my training. She has something none of us will ever have—will ever understand.”

  “Does that mean we aren’t going to do anything about it? You said she was valuable, and you can barely be bothered to stand and look at me when I’m talking to you.”

  Nodding, I knew not to look at him. If I did, I might betray the truth of my feelings. Of course, I knew she was captured by the sun elves. And, it was my fault. It was the reason I sat there, drinking moonshine, recounting everything I knew about Veruth Prison and what would happen next.

  Nothing ever got done the easy way, and I knew she wouldn’t perish within those walls. It just wouldn’t make sense. She was brought to us for a greater purpose.

  I always knew she was destined for greater things. I just hated it had to be this way. Memories of rooftop meetings and sunset chats had become something more—something I’d failed to recreate with any other girl since.

  “Right,” he said, and I glanced back to see him scratch the back of his neck, a look of confusion on his face. With furrowed brows, he lifted his gaze to mine.

  “She won’t be there for long,” I said with a sigh. “Try not to fret too much. There’s work to be done.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “Why?” I asked, eyes narrowed. “Did you fall in love with her in that short of time?”

  He shook his head, jaw clenched. “No,” he said.

  I noticed his fingers ball into fists, and stood.

  Come on. Do something.

  I was prepared to fight for supremacy. It was the cost of being leader of the rebels. There was never a moment of rest—not a moment to let one’s guard down.

  “Fine,” he said. “I trust you.”

  You’d better.

  It would be terribly inconvenient to lose my second-in-command.

  “Very well,” I said, and gave him a nod.

  He turned to head back through the narrow tunnel. I waited to hear his footsteps fade before pulling off my shirt and turning back toward the pool of water.

  The waterfall poured frothy foam into the dark water before me.

  Without hesitation, I leaped off the edge of the cliff, and into the darkness below. The splash of water crashed into my ears, and the coolness encircled me, claiming me. All sounds were sucked away, and I was utterly alone.

  The lads knew me as a ruthless leader, and showing even a second of being soft would just not do.

  But, Ava was a
childhood friend of mine, and she was special. I remember her chasing behind me and Ford as children. Her smile would brighten the entire lower East End. I hoped that spark of hers would never fade.

  If my hunch was correct, she might change everything.

  One fact remained; that there was no way I’d let any harm come to her. I swam downward through the pool. Once I reached the floor of the underground river, I held out my arm and activated my gauntlet. Powered by pixie wings and crushed orbs I’d won during a game of marbles with an elf, it glowed a bright golden light.

  The glow lit my immediate surroundings, highlighting the only exit. While I still had enough breath in my lungs, I swam to an underwater tunnel. It was a tight fit I’d taken many times throughout the years, but never ceased to frighten me once the walls narrowed and became tight around my body.

  Relief flooded me as I came out the tunnel to a bigger pool. Once I weaved my way through the dark, following my mental map after years of navigating the underground waterways, I emerged in a cavern.

  My lungs burned, and I gasped for breath. Air was sucked in and sated my craving. I pulled myself onto the slick ground, and stood. Dripping wet, I slid my hand over my hair.

  Glowing stones and crystals lit the area around me.

  I stood there a moment, marveling at the beauty of it all. If the sun elves knew this was beneath their torrid city, it would all be exploited and destroyed.

  As I walked through the cavern, I knew it was up to me to keep that from happening—for if we lost this sacred space…all would be lost.