Failed Future (Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles, #3)

by Elise Kova

A voice that resonated with her very soul

But Vi was still very much grounded in the world. It was a world of men who cut down women to take their children. A world of red lightning. A world where she had somehow allowed someone into her heart who may not want to be there.

People I love… Love… She loved him. Her heart felt like it had just shattered into a thousand pieces only to have them all start beating in unison—a chorus that sang for Taavin alone.

Vi held her breath, waiting for his assessment, and praying she’d done enough in time to save the man she’d fallen in love with.

“Maybe that’s just what happens to the people we love.” Her mind returned to one of the last thoughts she’d had when she’d seen him previously. “Maybe we’re meant to hurt and be hurt. Maybe we’re just meant to burn.” Vi took a small step away from him. Taavin caught her wrist. Sparks crackled, bright yellow, tangled with a hazy blue glow that Vi knew as the hallmark of his magic—of Yargen’s power. “Fine,” he breathed. “If we’re meant to burn, then we burn together.”

“Hurt her and die.” Arwin’s eyes swung back to Taavin and the expression on her face almost had Vi wondering if she’d heard something Vi had not. A devious, deadly smile crept across her lips. “What does she matter to you?” “Everything.” There was no hesitation. No holding back. “She is everything.” Arwin’s grip faltered slightly; the spear sagged as surprise settled in on her. What are we?

She loved him. And he loved her… despite both of them knowing better. Despite neither being brave enough to say it in such plain terms. Those facts made no difference in the end. They had fallen in love despite themselves. They just had yet to be brave enough to say it aloud.

“I can guarantee one thing.” “What’s that?” “Should you want it… allow my arms to be your home. Here is home. Because, as I told you once, here is where you are safe.”

Imperfection fit them both well. Maybe life had carved enough parts out of each of them that they needed each other to feel whole.

Something worth holding onto as long as time allowed.

You should never underestimate a Solaris… least of all my daughter. She’d prove her father’s words right as he watched in shock and awe.

I’ll only need a minute to bring about destruction.” A sinister grin found its way onto her lips and Vi turned before either of them could notice.

Magic has an odd way of finding us when we need it most.

“This streak of recklessness, you get it from your mother.” Despite his words, her father had a proud smile, as if he were silently taking credit for the fact.

you wield one as well. And I will not see you suffer the same fate. These weapons attract lies as easily as foolish, power-hungry men.”

“Is it? Or is this just another turn of a vortex that every Solaris will drown in?”

“This recklessness—you get from your mother.” “So you’ve said.” “Have I told you that you also inherited her profound compassion?” Vi gave a small smile.

Vi finally spoke of Taavin. And, just like that, he transformed from her precious secret to a known person she held dear.

“Call me a monster and I’ll show you my fangs.” Vi sneered widely for emphasis. Ulvarth chuckled.

“Count your blessings,” Vi whispered. “The last time someone betrayed me and my family, I killed her. But I guess I really did love you, Taavin. Because here you stand, and here you’ll stay.”

In the darkness, the crown princess felt herself burning alive, from her heart outward. But she didn’t cry. She didn’t call for help. She let the fires within burn. Until there was nothing left but ash.

Destiny. She hated the word. Vi was living a nightmare that ended with the world’s destruction. For the third time in three short days, she was overcome by a sensation of déjà vu.

Why was the line between love and hate so confusingly thin? She stared at his back, at the scythe positioned on the pedestal before the flame.

“Regain your birthright as Champion,” Yargen intoned. The spear that was bestowed. A voice that both was and wasn’t her own replied from within her mind. “Assume your mantle as Champion.” To defend the Crystal Caverns. “See my power is never turned on itself again. See I am not weakened. See I am able to stand against the incomprehensible darkness that rages at the edge of your mortal world.”