On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

The day ended rather quickly and peacefully; dinner that my mom and I shared with the Giovanni family was exactly what we needed, and it brought some normalcy into our lives. While Thomas, Louisa and Lady D sat at the kitchen table, Anthony, Yzavela and the twins kicked a ball around in the backyard, sharing moments of laughter or spurts of tag, poking one another playfully.

Anthony growled, chasing Yzavela around the yard, while the twins laughed loudly, but then she squealed, feeling his arms wrap tightly around her waist, holding her close.

“I’ve got you.” he moaned in her ear.

“No, I’ve got you.” I purred, looking up at him, then glanced toward the house where Louisa called the twins inside to wash up for bed.

As the boy and girl softly complained, they giggled when Louisa had gently slapped their butts with a kitchen towel before sharing kisses and hugs.

“How about some coffee and cakes?” the Italian announced, looking at Anthony and Yzavela, “Or do you two need an extra moment?”

“No, Louisa…” Anthony grinned, “we’re fine, we’ll continue later.”

“Oooo, you betcha.” I purred, sensually running my left hand down his back, letting him know that I wanted to MATE. Offering him a flirtatious smile and wink, I walked past him, approaching the home.

“He’s got it bad for you, you know?” Louisa leaned in, whispering to Yzavela softly.

“And I for him.” I nodded gleefully, then glanced at the table where my mom and Thomas shared laughter as they glimpsed through their baby pictures, “Oh my god, are those what I think they are?” I teased, then glanced back at Anthony, “Your baby pictures?”

“Aye, Louisa…” he argued softly, “you didn’t!”

“Don’t look at me…” the woman innocently raised her hands, “I did no such thing.”

“Mm-hmm.” Anthony squinted at her affectionately, “Thomas…put those away, please!” he approached the table, reaching for the books but Lady D quickly pulled it away.

“Ah-ah, I think Yza would want to see these.” Lady D teased as she turned, handing the photo album to her daughter.

“Oh my god…” I gushed affectionately, “awe, look at you!” I raised my gaze, looking at Anthony who nodded with an awkward smile as he stood next to Thomas who then messed up his hair in a brotherly fashion, “You were so adorable!”

“Yeah, well…” Anthony fixed his hair, sitting next to her, “I would love to see your baby pictures too, hmm? What do you say, Ma-ma?” he looked at Lady D.

“Unfortunately…” Lady D sighed softly, “they, among other things, had been left behind in the Great City during the evacuation but at least I have all of the memories up here.” she tapped her temple, then grinned, continuing to look through the photos, “Oh, look at that…” she admired Thomas and Louisa’s wedding photo, “isn’t that just the most beautiful moment?” she looked at the couple that managed to share a quick kiss before giggling softly among themselves.

“It was.” Louisa recalled the moment as if it just happened yesterday.

“I was so nervous, I couldn’t stand straight.” Thomas leaned against the counter, folding his arms.

“No kidding, everyone could hear your knees rattling the entire time.” Anthony joked.

“So that’s what that was?” Louisa teased, concealing a hardy laugh behind her hands, “Awe, but Thomas it didn’t matter….you are my husband, and I love you. And your rattling knees.”

“All right, can we stop talking about my rattling knees?” Thomas let out a deep huff, but the faint grin showed his affection for her deeply.

“Well, at least the two of you know what to expect on your wedding day.” Lady D leaned in close to her daughter and Anthony, “And for your future, just look at them.” she smiled.

Both Anthony and Yzavela looked at her, then back at the husband and wife, that managed to share another affectionate moment.

“I don’t see anything wrong with that.” I whispered softly, looking at Anthony.

“Nothing at all.” Anthony leaned in, kissing her gently, while his left hand slowly reached for the photo album but felt her hands slam on the open pages.

“Nice try.” I rasped between our kiss.

“Can’t blame a man for trying.” he nudged his nose against her.

“Um…” Lady D cleared her throat, “wow, talk about feeling like the third wheel in a conversation or gathering.” she respectfully turned in her seat, allowing the two couples to share their tender moments.

“Sorry.” I grinned, reaching for her hand.

“Don’t be.” she squeezed her daughter’s hand, “Don’t be.”

“About that coffee and cakes?” Louisa announced, clapping softly.

“Yes, please.” Thomas added awkwardly, then approached the table, reaching for the photo, closing it gently, “There’s always time to go back for memories, besides…there are some things that photos can’t tell.” he winked at both Lady D and Yzavela, hinting at tales from their past.

“Do tell.” I urged.

The rest of the evening was lighthearted, with no drama and stress.

What a relief it was, while it lasted.

The Guardians patrolling the wall, hoped the day would rapidly end, and the chest of mixed heads would be claimed for the Ravens, over and over, needed to be chased away for their beaks pecked fiercely at the chest, trying to get to the contents inside.

“Go on, get out of here!” Nick, who had been released from his stay at the hospital, returning to his duties, chased the birds away, after he almost had his hands and fingers pecked off from their sharp beaks, “When the hell is Yza coming for this god damn chest?” he hissed in complaint, “I’m tired of chasing the Ravens away, and getting pecked at, I almost lost a hand you know.” he turned to Caleb, shaking out a hand.

“Most of us have almost lost a hand mate, it’s nothing new but Yza said she’d be here at the witching hour and well…” Caleb glanced at his watch, “look at that, right on time, so…” he searched the black sky looming above, “where is she?” he huffed, quickly placing a hand on his hip, while the other combed his bangs back, “Or should I say, where are they?”

“They?” Justin wondered nearby.

“No clue mate, no bloody clue.” Caleb shrugged, then glanced over at Nick, watching as he continued chasing off the squawking birds, “Oi, take it easy mate, you heard what Matthews said.”

“I know what Matthews said Caleb, I was there.” Nick hissed deeply, “And I’m not going to sit around doing nothing, waiting to get back to my old self, I can’t do that.” he argued bluntly, “This is my life…” he gestured around, “and I’m going to see to it that I don’t let Yza, or any of you down.”

“Nick…” Justin sped forward, turning him around, looking into his big dark eyes, “you’re not letting anyone down, we all know what had happened, we get it.” he pulled his hands away, “Not if Yza gave you the order to take it easy, would you argue with her?” he watched as his friend shook his head, “All right then, please go home and rest.”

“But…” Nick stuttered.

“Oi, I’m your Maker remember?” Justin hissed, “Don’t make me use that Maker-to-Sire bond.” he referred to that supernatural link.

“All right, all right…” Nick nodded, “when did you get so bossy?”

“You’re just figurin’ that out?” Justin teased, “Now go on, mate.” he urged his friend forward, “Caleb, make sure he gets there.”

“Yep.” Caleb agreed, then placed a hand on his friends’ shoulder.

Justin watched as his two friends, his brothers, disappeared. Turning away, glancing at the sky once more, then toward the Ravens, he let out a deep hiss as he sped forward, chasing the birds away.

“Come on Yza, where are you?” he glanced at his watch.

“Sorry, Zanz but…” I approached the large wolf, “you can’t come with me this time.” I knelt in front of him, scratching his neck, “I’ll be fine.” I kissed his snout.

The large wolf whined, dropping his leash, then followed her around the room while she retrieved a jacket from her wardrobe before she turned away, walking toward her door with Anthony and Abraxas in her arms. Standing near the bed with this head held low, and his tail hanging between his legs, he panted releasing soft whines then perked his ears, watching as she reached for his favorite chewy toy, tossing it across the room. As he lept midair, catching it, he thrashed it around violently, then laid near the fireplace.

“That should keep him busy for a while.” Anthony grinned.

“It should, but he’s nervous.” I worried, “As am I.” I watched as he closed the door behind him, then I stepped forward, securely locking it.

“I still don’t like the idea of having you go alone.” Anthony worried.

“I know, I don’t either but this has to be done.” I held onto him.

“Can’t Azir do it, surely you can trust him to see it through.”

“I do yes, but…I think it’s best that I see everything that’s out there.”

“But…” Anthony muttered.

“Hey…” I paused, turning to him. As I looked around the estate, he and I weren’t even close to the maze but were heading in its direction, “I want to know that you’re here waiting for me, it will give me hope and something to come home to.” I looked into his worried eyes, “I have to do this, trust me please?”

“Always.” Anthony cupped her face, gently stroking her cheeks, “I’ll take you the rest of the way, is that all right?”

“Of course.” I smiled, then leaned in his embrace as he wrapped one of his arms around my shoulders, avoiding Abraxas’ snapping jaws, “Be nice.” I glanced down at the small dragon that huffed little, black puffs of smoke. As Anthony and I walked for ten minutes, we finally arrived at the boundaries of the puzzled hedges, giving off an eerie greeting for there were no lights that lit the paths, only large arrows painted on the bushes directing you to the center, “All right, I can go on from here.” I turned to Anthony.

“I’ll come with you.” he urged.

“No.” I argued, “It would only make it harder for me to go. I barely left for Ireland, remember?”

“Yes, I remember.” he mumbled, “But…” he hesitated, “fine, but I’ll be waiting for you when you get home, and I won’t be able to sleep ’til I know you’re here and in my arms again.”

“Always the romantic.” I admired his charm that made me swoon. As I stood my toes, leaning in kissing him, I didn’t want to leave him, or his strong embrace but I knew if I didn’t, I never would know how to separate myself from what needed to be done, “I will see you later.” I comforted, nudging my head against his chin, “Just…keep a look out in the skies.” I closed my eyes, listening to his steady breathing, then turned away, walking down the dark gravel path that cracked beneath my boots. Turning right, I sighed heavily, carrying Abraxas upon my shoulder.

Anthony sighed worriedly, watching as she disappeared to the right.

“Be safe, my darling.” he reached out to her telepathically, and as he turned, he slowly walked the grounds, returning to his room but kept glancing back every now and then, hoping she’d change her mind but he knew, that she knew, her priorities and never expected her to drop her duties for his own selfish concerns.

“You don’t want to leave him.” the small dragon observed, sensing his mother’s emotions.

“It’s not just him.” I looked at the Zyphyn, “It’s the Great City, both my mom and I swore to never to return, there’s nothing left for us.” I closed my eyes, continuing to follow the path then paused, opening my eyes, seeing that I made a wrong turn to the left, leading to a dead end, “This is taking too long, fly above and guide me to the center.” I urged softly, “Please, and thank you.”

Abraxas nodded then flapped into the air, soaring above. Guiding her through, his Amber eyes could see that she was still too far from the center where a figure paced anxiously near the fountain.

“Abraxas…” I called out to him, seeing his small form among the black backdrop of the night sky, “this is taking too long, even with your guidance. Come back to me…” I reached out my arms, and just as soon as he cuddled close, I instructed him firmly, “take me to Azir, I know you can do it.”

“Are you sure?” the small dragon blinked at her, “I only ask because I have never teleported anything other than myself and Zanzabarr.”

“You’re coming into your powers, I know you can it. Now please…” I groaned, “get me out of here before I set this maze on fire, it’s too confining and I can’t breathe.” I looked around, feeling a heaviness in the air.

“As you wish, Mother.” Abraxas answered verbally. Crawling upward upon her shoulders, positioning himself in a more stable stance while his wings enlarged, accommodating her petite height and frame, he then wrapped them around her from behind, embracing her tightly. As he dug in talons deeply into her shoulders, feeling her flinch, he softly urged, “Do not move, or you could wind upon in the places in between places.” he glanced down at her, staring into her wide eyes.

“Places between places?” I wondered curiously, “Dare I ask?”

“No, I don’t think you should.” he snuggled against her cheek, then ignited his scales in his own reddish Aura.

Standing still, hearing a loud buzzing-like crackling sound around us, I began feeling a strong breeze encircle us, as energy gathered fiercely. Suddenly, I felt a warm tingling of pins and needles stabbing at every nerve in my body and in an instant, holding my breath and closing my eyes, I felt Abraxas digging his talons deeper and wings tighten around my shoulder before he vanished in a burst of fiery energy that was sucked inward as if being absorbed into a void.

Pacing anxiously, Azir listened to the nightly crickets and their soft chirps, and magical energies that hummed through the air and within the ground beneath his feet, when suddenly that silence was broken as a faint sizzle cracked and popped like spitting embers from a fire. As he continued to listen, moving toward the sound, he watched as a set of sparks hovering midair before him, swirled in circular motions. Slowly removing his Scimitar from its sheath, keeping his golden eyes fixed upon the fiery center that appeared, it then erupted outward in a fierce blast that pushed him backwards to the ground and from his grasp, his sword was thrown away. Kneeling on his elbows, watching as a petite figure appeared in the center, a young woman that fell and rolled along the cobblestone that wasn’t gentle against her impact. As he raised his gaze, fire engulfed a small dragon before it extinguished in a dramatic fashion as the Zyphyn landed on the fountain’s ledge.

“Yzavela?” the Jinn muttered, pushing himself to his feet. Cautiously, he approached her, watching as she laid steaming with a faint fiery glow that highlighted her form, “Yzavela?” he worried, listening to her heavy breathing. As he attempted reaching out to help her from the ground, the Aura blistered his hands. Moaning in discomfort, he pulled them away as he shuffled backwards.

Shaking my head, blinking my eyes feeling dazed, I glanced up at the tall, graceful figures standing above me, I muttered words that the he couldn’t hear, nor were they were words. Crawling toward the ledge of the fountain, pulling myself upward, I moaned then quickly took a series of deep, steady breaths. Leaning my back against the fountain, I adjusted my jacket and combed my hair back, then turned gazing at Abraxas’ small form; the small dragon fluffed his scales then tilted his head in a way that made me chuckle.

“Don’t ever…do that again.” I complained.

“Then don’t ever ask me to do it again.” he answered her softly.

“Oh, you think you’re a little smarta** do you?” I mocked, knowing my personality was rubbing off him a little too much, some motherly influence. Shaking my head, hearing deep grunt to my right, I turned watching as Azir held his blistered hands, “Are you all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine. I just…nevermind.” he shook his head, then turned, glancing back and forth between the half-breed and dragon, “How…” he straightened his posture, “did you do that, you teleport? I didn’t know half-breeds could do so.” he wondered.

“We can’t.” I stood, dusting off my leggings, “THAT, whatever that was?” I moaned, arching my back, “Was all him.” I turned, gesturing at Abraxas, “And speaking of, where did you learn that?” I wondered, “It was too intricate and methodical.”

“Like you Mother, I too, have been learning about my abilities and all that I am capable of.”

“And when have you done this?” I reached for him.

“When you sleep, I wasn’t sure if you would be proud, or frightened.” the small dragon tilted his head, staring at her with his large blinking Amber eyes, “So I kept it my secret.”

I frowned, for his words hit me hard. Glancing at Azir, even the look on his face was of sadness for the creature.

“Of course I’m proud, don’t ever think or feel otherwise.” I cuddled.

“As lighthearted as this moment is, I think we should be on our way.” Azir advised, then turned away, leading Yzavela around the fountain, “Stand there.” he pointed to a single pale stone.

“Why, what’s it going to do?” I wondered.

“Nothing.” Azir chuckled, “It’s just a safer place to stand that is all.” he grinned.

“Oh…okay.” I followed his instructions. Holding Abraxas close, he and I watched as the Jinn knelt down, touching the surface stop each cobblestone, as if searching for something specific.

“What are you doing, if you don’t mind me asking?” I pondered.

“Ah, here we go.” Azir announced, pressing on six stone sequentially in a combination of some sort, “I think it would be easier to see than it is to explain.” he muttered over his shoulder, continuing to press on the stones firmly, listening as their roughness ground against each other. Once the last stone was pressed, Jinn symbol carved deeply on the surface, then vanished as he stood, standing alongside her.

“Is that it?” I teased, looking up at the elegant Jinn.

“No.” he grinned, “Just wait.” he nodded, then gestured forward; the ground surrounding the base of the fountain shook, fiercely rippling the surface of the water as if someone violently shook it, “There…” he straightened his posture, as if arching his back, watching as each of the stone began disappearing, revealing a set of natural steps that led somewhere underground.

“More stairs leading underground.” I groaned in complaint, “Where do they lead? Atlantis or a quick trip to the center of the Earth?”

“Always opinionated.” Azir glanced down at her, “It is another way to reach Axeon’s cavern that I created.”

“Created?” I wondered curiously, “You dug through stone?”

“Not exactly.” Azir tilted his head, “Magic, as I’m sure you know, is complicated.” he raised his hands, easily creating another green orb that hovered, beginning to split into several others, “Shall we?” he sent the orbs underground, equivalent to a 10 watt bulb and saying nothing more, he swiftly swept past her, disappearing down the steps.

Glancing down at Abraxas, then at the first few steps, I sighed.

“Here we go again.”

“Are you coming?” Azir’s voice echoed, calling out to her.

“Yes, don’t get your sword in a twist.” I mumbled, then sent Abraxas into the air, watching as he soared momentarily before diving quickly down into the narrow space, offering his own illumination of lightly glowing scales; the reddish hue blended beautifully with Azir’s magic. Following the spiraling steps, my hands felt the rough walls until we arrived on the other side of Axeon’s cavern, “Another passage, why?” I glanced around, spotting the great dragon that stood, twitching his wings as if anxious for flight. Taking his magnificent existence, both doubt and worry lingered in the back of my mind, “Is he feeling well enough for the flight, and having riders on his back no less?”

“I am suitable for this flight yes, but the extra weight might present a problem.” Axeon answered, before the Jinn could intercept with his own observations, “I have never flown more than one rider, but…” he lowered his head, gazing upon the two figures, “I will attempt it, and you shall not weigh much.”

“Gee, thanks.” I mocked softly, “Cause you’re light as a feather.”

“I do not understand.” Axeon wondered.

“Nevermind.” Azir stroked the dragon’s shoulder, then began a slow climb upon his back toward his thick neck, situating himself between a set of smaller spikes, “Yzavela…” he urged, reaching out a hand to help her. Once feeling her grasp his palm and wrist, with one strong pull backwards, he lifted her off the ground.

Grabbing hold of Axeon’s scales, roughly scraping against them as I was pulled upward, I reached for the spikes, pulling myself upward. As I situated myself between the smallest spikes accommodating my frame, I let out a deep grunt, adjusting then opening my jacket as one single black rat climbed up my back, tucking itself away inside one of my inner pockets before its nose peeked out from around my collar.

“Are you all right?” Azir glanced over his shoulder at her.

“Yes, thank you.” I nodded, then glanced at Axeon, “Are you?”

“I am.” the great dragon bowed in reply, “We must do this now.” he turned, focusing his attention toward the large opening toward the rear of the cavern.

“Whoa…” I held onto the spikes in front of me tightly, feeling the swaying motion of the dragon’s movements, both rhythmic and yet powerful, as if riding upon an elephant’s back. I’ve ridden him before, but still, the experience was something I would never get used to.

Approaching the cavern’s rough entry, there was no shore or beach, just sharp, steep cliffs and rough walls, with the sea crashing against the rocks.

As Axeon stood at the opening, I managed to peer over his shoulder and wing, seeing that he stood on a thin ledge that braced his weight, but focusing my eyes around us, the vast Irish Sea stretched out in all directions.

“Wow…” I admired, never seeing the sight from this point-of-view.

“Are you prepared?” Axeon turned, glancing at the riders.

“We are.” Azir nodded.

“Yes.” I agreed reluctantly.

Groaning deeply, Axeon swiftly pushed himself off the ledge, giving no warning of his speed and agility.

Screaming, feeling as if I were on a roller coaster which I fear greatly, I felt as he leveled out once growing high enough above the island. As he glided smoothly, with the cool air tickling against my face, I felt a sudden case of Vertigo hit me, but admiring the fabulous view of the stars and Axeon’s wings stretched out on either side, the fear immediately subsided.

“I forgot his this felt.” Azir admired the view with his own eyes, then spoke to Yzavela behind him, “You must be used to it now, yes?”

“Not really, no.” I answered, looking at him, “This isn’t something I do often, Axeon and Abraxas or not. I like my feet planted firmly on the ground.” I felt my stomach jumping into my throat.

Swerving his body on one swift turn, Axeon hovered above the island.

Glancing over his right wing, the Isle looked smaller from the height and altitude, but as the great dragon flapped his wings, keeping him in flight, he then pulled his head back before pushing forward as he made an unsuspected nosedive, closing his wings for a faster descent.

Releasing a Banshee-like scream that echoed in the dead silence, Azir cowered his head, hearing the young woman’s loud piercing screech in his ear. After this flight, she might have made him deaf.