Ashes of the wind elemen.., p.1
Ashes of the Wind: Elementals Book 2 (Elemental Series), page 1
Copyright © 2023 by Madalyn Rae
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.
Cover art by JVArts
CONTENTS
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
“Fire of the Sky”-Elementals Book 3: Chapter One
Newsletter Sign-Up
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by Madalyn Rae
CHAPTER 1
Three months have passed, and I’m already sick of this shit. I didn’t realize becoming the goddess of fire would also make me the chief person in charge of every whine and complaint in the fire elemental world. I flop down on the bright red couch in my bedroom suite with a deep sigh. In a day full of pointless meetings, this is the first time I’ve been alone and I’m relishing the silence.
A faint knock on the door draws me back to reality. “Yes?”
“I have your agenda for the evening,” a familiar voice says.
Hell no. “Go away!” Guilt hits me instantly. “Murphy?”
“Aye,” he answers.
“I didn’t mean that, don’t go away.” I sigh, opening the door to see the man I love casually leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed.
“I know. May I come in?” Two dimples form on his cheeks, melting my anger slightly. The paper he’s holding gets stuffed into his back pocket as he walks through the threshold. “We’ll go over this later. I think cuddle time is more needed right now.” He pulls me close, encasing me in my favorite place, the Murphy cocoon.
“This is why you’re the perfect boyfriend. I’m sorry I’m being a bitch.” He doesn’t respond, instead, he holds me tighter.
“The past few months have been hard on everyone, you most of all. I can’t imagine how you feel. Five months ago, you were a human trainer with no real clue about the elemental world. Now you’ve been thrown into the world of immortality full force.” He steps back, keeping his hands on my shoulders.
“It’s not the world that’s exhausting, it’s these damn fire elementals and all their drama. Llyr doesn’t deal with drama with the water elementals. What the hell has Brigit been doing for the past century?” I pull away, falling dramatically on the couch.
Murphy sits on the opposite end, pulling my feet onto his lap. “It may not feel like it, but you’ve done a lot since being here. Brigit was preoccupied with killing everyone. To say she neglected her duties as goddess is a huge understatement.”
“What gave it away?” I motion to the space around me. “Have you taken time to look at this room and everything she left?” I jump up, walking toward a bookshelf still containing Brigit’s belongings. “Just look how this place is decorated. At first glance it’s nice, but when you really start to look at it, it’s just...”
“Eccentric?”
“Exactly!” I choose a particularly ornate candlestick from the shelf. “Look at this thing.” I turn it over in my hands. “It looks like it came straight from a production of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and belongs on stage somewhere, not in my bedroom. And this,” I pick up a wooden statue of a creature with one eye, a horn, and four legs. “What the hell is it?”
“Something we don’t want to meet in person.” He takes the statue and sets it back on the dresser.
“Are you saying that thing is real?”
“I don’t know or want to know.” He smiles. “We need to discuss a few things.” I huff loudly, following him back to the couch as he pulls the paper out of his pocket. “The new chief of security is coming to dinner tonight, and the gala that follows will be in his honor.”
“I would love a night off.” I rub my hands along his chest. “We need a night off.”
“Aye, we do.” He pulls my hand to his lips, kissing each finger seductively. “But he’ll be here before long and as a First Elemental and goddess of fire, your attendance will be expected.” He continues kissing.
“If you keep doing that, I’m going to hold you captive, have my way with you, and neither of us will be in attendance tonight.” I lace my fingers through his.
“Don’t make promises we don’t have time to keep,” he flirts, moving closer.
A knock on the door interrupts. “What?” My tone is gruffer than intended.
“I have your dress for the evening, your highness.” We sigh in unison.
“Come in,” I call to the door, while Murphy puts space between us.
Rhys walks in, carrying a long garment bag. “Rhys, we’ve talked about this. Please call me Adria.”
“Sorry, your high… I mean, Adria. I forgot.” He hangs the dress on the wardrobe in the corner of the room. Flowing red taffeta explodes from the bag as soon as he unzips it.
“Oh, look… it’s red.” My voice is laced with sarcasm. Ever since becoming the goddess of fire, I’ve been surrounded by a rainbow of red hues. Red walls, red carpets, red ceilings, red clothing, red everything.
“Thank you, Rhys,” Murphy dismisses the man who’s willingly become my personal servant while being here. He smiles, flashing his amber eyes, and bows before leaving the room. Returning to the paper he brought with him, Murphy reads the schedule. “Cocktails will be at seven-thirty, followed by the meal at eight, and the gala at nine.” He looks at the dress hanging on the front of the wardrobe. “As you can tell, the dress is black tie.”
“Why can’t you be the chief of security? I’m not a fan of bringing in an outsider.” I prop my hands on my hips, trying not to act like a total brat.
“Aye, me either. But in this case, it’s for the best. In this world, I’m technically the outsider, plus being a hybrid water elemental in a fire elemental world is a slight conflict of interest.” He runs a hand through his auburn curls.
“You’re the one bringing him here, and I trust you.” I walk to the dress. “It just seems like all we’ve done since coming here is clean up Brigit’s shit. I don’t want any more issues.”
“That’s why we’re bringing in fresh blood.”
“Thank you,” I mumble, mindlessly running my hands through the layers of taffeta. “Why is everything elementals do so formal? Why can’t I wear sweatpants and a hoodie to meet this guy?”
“I am particular about some of the leggings and sweatpants you wear.” He wiggles his eyebrows, relaxing me slightly. Since coming here, we haven’t had five minutes alone or without interruption. I miss him, I miss us. “I’ll be back in an hour to pick you up.”
“Okay.” I nod.
I take a quick shower, allowing the water to wash the stress and headaches of the day away. Truth is, I hate it here. After killing Brigit, the original goddess of fire, and her son Earwyn, I was forced to assume her role in the world of elementals and become the new goddess of fire, along with the official title of First Elemental. One out of ten, do not recommend.
The woman staring back at me in the mirror looks different. Blonde curls have grown longer since my transformation and my blue eyes, normally bright and full of energy, look dull and lackluster. Dark circles underneath give a sense of being sunken in. Fighting Brigit took a lot from me. More than anyone knows. The Adria that fought, died that day, leaving me a shell of what I once was. If it weren’t for Murphy and the occasional visit from Shu, the god of air, and my grandfather, I would be lost in this world of fire and hideous red decor.
Growing up in the foster care system of California, I never knew either of my parents. I didn’t think it was possible to miss that life. Yes, it sucked, but at least it was mine. Here, everything I do is dictated to be for the good of Brigit’s lessers she created centuries ago.
I turn on my favorite YouTube makeup guru and follow her glam tutorial. I’ll be the center of attention tonight and need to look the part. “Suck up the pity party, Adria,” I say to the image looking back at me. “You’re the daughter of Llyr, the First Elemental of water, the granddaughter of Shu, the First Elemental of air, and the damn goddess and First Elemental of fire. Get over yourself and play the part you’re meant to play.” I rewind the video and follow her instructions until my face looks flawless. A fishtail braid and small ringlets on the side of my face complete the look. I look powerful and in control. Guess there is truth to the adage. Looks can be deceiving.
Sliding the dress over my head, I realize it’s off the shoulder, and cut low enough I’ll have to add two-sided tape to prevent a boob from escaping. Wearing this will certainly turn heads. Rhys outdid himself.
Being six feet tall, I usually choose low heels. Tonight, I want to appear larger than life itself. I choose three-inch silver rhinestone sandals that will make me the center of attention.
Murphy knocks as he opens the door. “Are you rea… shit.”
“Is that a good shit, or bad s
He closes the door behind him and moves closer, reminding me of a predator on the hunt. “Can we skip the event?” He slides his hands around each side of my waist.
“When I mentioned that earlier, it was a solid no from you. We’ve reached the point of no return.”
“That was before you put on this dress.” His grin is wicked, and I like it. “You look breathtaking. I mean, you always look beautiful, but… wow.” Normally he’s a half foot taller than me, but in these heels, we’re close in height. He takes my hand, spinning me while whistling. “You’re going to leave them speechless.”
“Good. That’ll be fewer people I have to talk to. Let’s do this.” He kisses my forehead, wrapping my arm through his, and we move into the long hallway that provides privacy from the rest of the castle.
“Tell me about this man.” The dark hallway is the same color palette as the rest of the castle. Wall-to-wall dark burgundy carpet is surrounded by dreary brown walnut walls. Ornate Tiffany-style lamps hang every ten feet, casting dark shadows for our walk and giving the hallway a haunted house feel.
“Honestly, I don’t know how I found him. His information kind of fell into my lap. I was surprised to discover he was local and comes with high accolades. His father was a fire elemental, and his mother’s family has lived in Iceland for centuries.” I stop.
“He’s a hybrid? I thought he was a high-level lesser elemental?”
“I know what you’re thinking and no, he never worked for Brigit, or was loyal to her. He went to school in California when he was eighteen and returned to Iceland a few weeks ago.” He laces his fingers through mine.
“California? Really?” I’m excited to meet someone from my part of the world. “He can’t be all bad then.”
He kisses my fingers seductively, sending chill bumps up my arms. “Shall we go meet this boy from Cali?” He uses a horrific American accent.
“I think that would be a splendid, lovely idea,” I answer in an equally horrible UK accent mashup.
He wraps my arm through his again, “Do me a favor?” I raise an eyebrow toward him. “Don’t ever attempt that again. It was like a bad Lucky Charms commercial.” He kisses me on the forehead.
I punch him in the shoulder with a laugh. “Bastard.”
“Good evening, your highness.” Rhys greets us. I give him a look. “I mean, Adria. Good evening, Adria.” He stumbles over his words. “You look ravishing.” He joins Murphy and me as we walk toward the ballroom.
“Thank you, Rhys. The dress is beautiful. Thank you for choosing it.” His cheeks turn rosy. “Is our guest of honor here yet?” I ask, walking up a small flight of stairs that leads into the ballroom.
“He isn’t, mistress. He sent word that he would be late to cocktails.” He bows, moving back down the stairs.
“Ready?” Murphy asks. I take a deep breath, and the two of us enter the room full of people I’ll have to talk to.
The crowd bows, practically in unison. “My queen, mistress, your highness,” whispers are heard throughout the room.
“Thank you all for being here to support a new member of our family.” I perform for the room of higher-level fire lessers staring at me. “Please, continue what you were doing.” My words feel awkward. Where Brigit relished the fame, I despise it. The audience returns to their cocktails and conversations.
Murphy and I mingle through the room, greeting my fans, with me pretending to be someone I’m not. Most talk about Brigit, and how pleased they are with the change of leadership, others talk about the weather or their families. I try to look interested and entertained by each.
“Will you excuse me for a moment?” Murphy asks. “I need to check on our guest of honor.” He kisses my hand, leaving me alone in the middle of the crowd. I continue greeting guests for the next few minutes until the need for fresh air overtakes me. Walking to the terrace that will lead to my escape, I shrink into the shadows, hoping to go unnoticed. The cool air that greets me is just what I needed. I take a deep breath, clearing my mind and soul.
“You alright, miss?” a deep voice asks. Shit. Back to performance mode. I turn, plastering on my fake smile and personality.
“Yes, I apologize. I was just getting some fresh air, the room felt quite… stuffy.” I don’t recognize the man standing in the doorway. He’s as tall as Murphy with hair the color of coal and the signature amber-colored eyes all fire lessers share.
“I agree. I’ve been here all of two minutes and needed some air myself.” He pulls a cigarette from a metal container. “Care for one?”
“No, thank you. I don’t smoke.”
“Mind if I do?” He slides the container into his coat pocket.
I wave to him. “Of course not,” I lie.
He laughs softly. “I thought all fire elementals smoked.” He takes a long drag on the cigarette, choking out a loud cough afterward.
“Been smoking for a long time, huh?” I hide my smile.
“A while,” he answers, still coughing. “Which one of the stiffs in there is the new goddess of fire?” He nods to the ballroom. “I’ve heard she’s a real pill.”
I look up in question. “What have you heard?” I cross my arms.
He takes another drag on his cigarette, followed by a choking cough. “Not much, really. Just that she’s come into the kingdom making a ton of changes. People are never a fan of change.”
“No, I guess they’re not.” I don’t know whether to laugh at his ignorance or egg him on.
The doors open as Murphy walks onto the terrace. “Ah, there you are. I see you’ve met Keegan.” He slides an arm around my waist.
“Keegan? The new security chief?”
“Aye.” He gestures toward my new cigarette-smoking friend. “Keegan Jacobson, may I present Adria Kane, goddess of fire.” The cigarette falls from his mouth as he stands before me dumbfounded.
CHAPTER 2
My wrist vibrates, waking me from what I hoped was a dream. Sadly, I’m met with red walls and carpet and realize it’s all real. I roll over, finding my bed empty. Occasionally, Murphy will share my bed but not in the full sense of “sharing.” We made the decision while with Llyr, not to go any further until we could fully commit ourselves to one another. At this point, I don’t know if we’ve kept it that way because of our decision or the fact that we’re under a constant spotlight and scrutiny since coming here. Either way and much to my dismay, our relationship has stayed relatively platonic.
I take my time getting dressed. I’m not in any hurry to hear the complaints of the day. Memories of Llyr and his castle fill my mind, making me homesick. He hasn’t visited since I’ve been here, and I miss him. I missed out on twenty-three years with him, only to be separated again.
Murphy knocks before opening the door. “Good morning, sunshine.” He hands me a cup of coffee.
“Oh, my gods. Is this what I think it is?” I caress the cup like he just handed me the holy grail.
“Aye, ‘Murphy’s Coffee and More’ is back in business. The espresso machine finally came in. It takes forever for anything to be delivered here.” He pulls the other hand from behind his back handing me a blueberry muffin. “I thought you might be hungry this morning.”
Since becoming a First Elemental, my appetite has been nonexistent. I take the muffin, not wanting to seem ungrateful. Taking a sip from the coffee, the mocha hits every taste bud on the way down. “This is just as amazing as I remember.”
“Good to see you still have an appetite for something.” He kisses me on the forehead, taking the muffin back. “Ready to go?” he asks, eating half the muffin in one bite.
“I miss the days when we could train all day.” I slip on a pair of low-heel dress boots that match perfectly with the tweed coat and slim-cut dress slacks I’m wearing.
“Aye, me too.” He holds the door open for me. “I do have a bit of news you might like. I’ve set up a training session for you and Keegan this afternoon.”
