Curses and Ash Read online

  Table of Contents

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Copyright © TIFFANY DAUNE 2014

  This edition published in 2017 by

  O F T O M E S P U B L I S H I N G

  U N I T E D K I N G D O M

  The right of TIFFANY DAUNE to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real people, alive or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Cover design by Eight Little Pages

  Interior book design by Eight Little Pages

  For my beautiful brilliant sisters

  and my majestic brother.

  CONTENTS

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  “WHEN THE TIME comes, promise not to kill me.” Galadia rested her head in the crook of Tarius’ neck.

  He inhaled her sweet salty scent, taking in each breath as if it where his last. “You will have to leave before the change.”

  She propped up on her elbows, meeting his gaze. “I am jesting. I know you could ever harm me.”

  “But the beast I will become might.” He brushed her soft cheek, wishing for another way.

  “Let us try again then. We must convince heaven’s council we need to be together.” Her tone grew determined.

  The hope in her eyes cut deep like dragon talons in the flesh of prey. “We have tried. You are to be the mother of Elosia and I the father of Etlis. We cannot change destiny.”

  “But we can fight it. Visit me on the shore each night when the moon is high above the water. Earth can still be our home.” Her mouth turned with a smile.

  He loved that smile; the mischievous grin that often led to trouble. He would do anything for that smile.

  *

  On the winter’s full moon, Tarius stood by the shore as he had every night since he had kissed Galadia goodbye and still, season after season, year after year, she never showed. The waves lapped his hooves and he wished for a body with gills and fins to bring him closer to her.

  “I have lost her,” he said to his trusted advisor, Nora.

  “She does not love you anymore.” She stroked his fur, running her hand along his antlers. “You need to let her go.”

  “But what if something is wrong? Maybe she cannot surface.” He had to believe Galadia still loved him, otherwise, what was the point of going on? A life without her was not worth living.

  “Her people come to shore. The Elosians mate with the humans.” Nora faced him, her eyes dark as the churning sea. “There is nothing keeping Galadia from here.”

  “Bring me an Elosian, then. We will find a way to Galadia.” He struck his hoof against the sand and lightening flashed in the sky; a warning to tame his frustration.

  “We have tried that before. They die before we get answers. They cannot breathe long enough to withstand interrogation.”

  “Then bring me a siren.” The sky trembled with thunder at his suggestion.

  Nora’s lips parted, her tongue on her teeth, and he knew she would advise against it. The sirens were wild, and filled with dark magick. Yet, he had witnessed miracles in the presence of these magnificent creatures. Sirens very existence defied the heavens, planting jealousy in his soul—they were free, while he remained tethered to his realm. “If I can tame one, perhaps find a way to shackle their magick, then I can send a message to Galadia.”

  “It is too dangerous. Even the Elosians have abandoned the sirens.”

  “I need to know why she hasn’t come.” His voice came out wounded, as it always did when he spoke of Galadia.

  “I will do as you ask, but when she does not return, promise you will let her go.” Her mouth broke with a soft smile. “There are others who love you—others waiting for your heart.”

  He knew she yearned for his love just as he longed to witness Galadia surface in the sea. Nora stood by the shore of his heart waiting to be swept away in his love. Why did she not see, he could never love another? But he needed this favor, and if Galadia returned, then he would never have to break his promise. “I will let her go, if she does not come. I give you my word.”

  Nora bowed with quick nod. She spread her arms by her sides and the wind whipped around her, picking up her hair, spinning it around her as she transformed to the raven he trusted. She flew toward the trees lining the shore, disappearing into the thick of the forest. Had he known his most trusted advisor would betray him, that everything he created, every tear, every smile would be lost in that one promise—he would have drowned the wretched raven in the sea that day.

  “WE’LL LEAVE FOR Etlis in a day or two. You’re not ready to travel.” Dax leaned against the doorframe; his stormy blue gaze slipped over Halen, studying her as if searching for the lies she was hiding.

  How much did he see? Panic rushed through Halen. Had he witnessed the shift in her eyes as they blurred over with Asair’s stare? Could he see her demon passenger now?

  “Are you sure you can handle a shower on your own?” He crossed his arms, the silver band of his Guardian bracelet hidden against his heart. “Tage is just in the other suite. She wouldn’t mind helping.”

  “No!” Her voice rose a little too loudly for the cramped hotel bathroom. The last thing she needed was an empath digging through her emotions. If she had screwed up and
hadn’t killed Asair, but instead swallowed his soul, then no one could find out. After all her friends sacrificed, they would never forgive her. “I don’t need Tage.” She worked a smile onto her face.

  “Okay, but all you have to do is ask.” His unwavering gaze never left hers. He was suspicious, or maybe just worried; she couldn’t quite tell, but his energy flashed like streaks of lightning in a summer sky.

  “I’m just having a shower.” She snatched a bar of miniature soap from the counter and inhaled the citrus scent. Act normal. She peered up at Dax. “I’m sure I can handle this.” She smiled broader, though her pulse raced with fear at the thought of being alone with Asair. She wriggled off the chill pinching the back of her neck. Within seconds of passing through his dimension, Asair shredded her confidence with a simple smile, quickly turning her into his captured prey. If not for Dax, she would still yearn for Asair’s twisted touch; her soul would be as dark as death’s shadow.

  She owed Dax an explanation. She should at least tell him what she saw in the mirror, but he too had placed his trust in her magick. Maybe she had been wrong about Asair? She glanced toward the mirror where only moments before, Asair’s jade gaze seared through hers. Etlis is still mine. His whispery voice consumed her like a tornado whipping up its victims. But if he were alive, then why did guilt still tear at her insides? The image of his corpse pressed her memories; she rubbed the crook of her arm, still able to feel the weight of his death.

  Dax stepped forward, closing the space between them. “Hey, the Etlins will strip Asair’s memories from you. We’ll figure all this out. Bit by bit.”

  “Do you really think Asair’s memories stitched with mine?” Though it sounded unbelievable, so did having another soul lurking inside her. She preferred Dax’s option to hers. “You honestly believe that’s why I feel so crummy?”

  “I know so.” He tucked her long swoop of bangs behind her ear.

  Maybe she was confused, lost even. She hadn’t eaten in days or even had time to get her bearings. “What if I’m never rid of Asair? If his memories are tangled with mine, how will the Etlins ever unwind this mess?”

  “They will.” When he tilted his head, a lock of blond hair fell across his eyes. He swiped it aside. “The Etlins will do anything for you, now that the portal is open. You have no idea how grateful they'll be.”

  Grateful. She sighed. If Asair is really dead. She ran her hands along her white pajamas, stopping to inspect the embroidered W on the chest pocket. The same W logo also adorned the towels and toiletries. “Do I have any other clothes to change into?” She shifted the subject.

  A mischievous grin played on his lips. “You’re going to love the T-shirt I bought in the gift shop. It screams demon slayer.” He stepped away, returning a moment later with a large shopping bag. “I hope the clothes are to your liking, Ms. Windspeare.” His eyes held a glint of amusement.

  “Where did you get money for all this—clothes—a hotel suite? How did you even check in without ID? Do you have a credit card?” She knew Dax had spent time on Earth, but she didn’t really know exactly how much time; he seemed at ease in her realm.

  “We have Tari connections in every city bordering the oceans and seas. It’s not hard to get what we need. Money, cell phones, a warm place to stay…” He nodded toward the bag. “Or a memorable souvenir.”

  She peered inside. Not too bad: a black sports tank, matching shorts, and yoga pants—nothing to warrant that teasing grin. She pushed aside the white tissue paper. Her jaw dropped as she pulled out a neon pink shirt. Holding the sleeves, she stretched the fabric; screen-printed across the front was a trolley car inside a big white heart. Printed in cursive, the words I left my, curved over the top of the heart, and beneath the pointed tip, in San Francisco. She eyed his perfectly plain gray shirt, dark wash jeans and designer belt. “How did your wardrobe get out unscathed?”

  His cheeks flushed. “I borrowed a few items from the hotel’s lost and found. You wouldn’t believe what people leave behind.”

  Thief, Asair’s voice hissed through her thoughts.

  She clutched the shirt to her chest as sparks tripped along her fingers. Spinning to face the mirror, she expected to find Asair, but found only her troubled expression. As she set the bag on the counter, her hand trembled.

  “What’s wrong?” Dax touched her wrist and she snapped back as if pricked by a flame.

  “Nothing.” Her voice held an edge she hadn’t expected.

  His gaze narrowed. “You can’t hold anything back from us. We all want to help.” He cocked his head to the side. “But you need to share your feelings. For some reason, I’m unable to connect with you.”

  She swallowed the lump creeping up her throat. “What do you mean?”

  “Whenever I try to connect with your seam, I’m met with darkness. It’s like I’m navigating your soul with blinders on.”

  She squeezed the counter, her knuckles matching the white marble. She needed Dax to be able to reach her if she fell off the seam into the darkness. Inhaling slowly and exhaling, she tried to steady her rapid breathing. Again, she considered telling Dax the truth, but what would she say? Oh, by the way, maybe there’s a demon inside me; he’s eavesdropping on our every word. There wasn’t a scenario where this wouldn’t end badly. Failure wasn’t an option for the Tari. Would they kill her for her failure? Not if they didn’t know. “There are things I need to deal with on my own. Even if the Etlins strip out Asair’s memories, I can’t erase mine. I took a life.”

  “I would never blame you for his death. You can let me inside.”

  Denial was the other possibility for her fractured thoughts. You acted in self-defense, she reminded herself. Still, a boy had died. She traced the edge of a floor tile with the tip of her toe. “You may think Asair deserved it. Maybe he did. But I have to live with my actions.”

  Dax nudged her hip. This time, his touch ignited the familiar tingly sparks, which fluttered her heart. She wanted to fold into him, collide with his energy and forget this madness.

  “You did what you had to do.”

  “I did what you all sent me in to do.” She leaned against his shoulder, stealing his warmth.

  “One life was sacrificed so the realms could thrive.”

  “One life,” she whispered. One life was too many. Her stomach grumbled and she hugged herself tighter.

  “That’s a good sign.” Dax stepped away. “I’ll order some food. You still want a milkshake?”

  “And fries.” Anything she ate would probably come right back up, but if eating brought her one step closer to leaving for Etlis, then she would try.

  He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. “You’re so brave.”

  Their eyes met, and for a second, she thought she might blurt out the whole thing—confess how terrified she was, and how she wasn’t brave at all, but a coward for hiding her secret. His jaw tightened and the muscles along his collar strained. Had he read her last thoughts? As her Guardian, did he have access not only to her soul, but also her mind? Asair warned her of the feelings tied to the Guardian bond; whether she wanted to or not, she would lose her heart to Dax. As she got lost in his sky-blue stare, she wondered what could be so wrong with that. “So, are we, like, inseparable now?”

  “Would that be so bad?”

  His lingering touch brought a hot flush to her cheek. Not real, she told her anxious heart.

  Tage shouting from the adjoining suite saved her from answering.

  Dax craned his neck peering into the bedroom.

  “What are Tage and Ezra up to?” she asked.

  “Dunno. I can’t see into their room from here.”

  “Maybe you should go check. Tage sounds pretty ticked off.”

  When he glanced back, with a glint of hesitation in his eyes, she touched his arm. “Really, I’m good.”

  Her confidence faded as Tage shoved past Dax and wedged between them, her skin flushed red from her neck to the tips of her heavily pierced ears. Her dark hair
was newly shaven on one side; the other half lay long and silken along her chest. Her wide caramel gaze simmered. “What the hell are you two not telling me?”

  “What’s your problem? Give Halen some space.” He yanked her sleeve, but she tugged her arm back.

  “Can’t you feel him?” Tage aimed her hot glare Dax’s way.

  Halen’s toes curled. Empath! The word wailed through her mind like a hurricane warning. At once, sparks ignited in every cell of her body, ready to strike. Tage was her friend; she’d fought alongside her against the mermaids; Tage wouldn’t harm her. Still, the sparks surged. Stay calm. Shaking her tingly hands by her sides, she inhaled a deep breath.

  Tage inched closer and Halen squirmed farther away until the backs of her knees hit the cold porcelain toilet.

  “Feel who?” Dax asked, though his stance widened, blocking the doorway.

  Tage towered over her. The bathroom walls seemed to close in around them. She had to get out quickly before the sparks turned to flames. She could shatter the mirror, throw them off guard, but the use of magick would leave her even more drained. The elixir of Dax’s bone marrow and coral hadn’t worked since Asair’s dimension. If she used magick, she wouldn’t get far afterward. Stupid. She never should have left the dimension until she knew one hundred percent Asair was dead.

  “What kind of Guardian are you? You don’t feel him at all?” Tage balled her fists.

  “Who?” Dax asked.

  “Asair!” As his name left Tage’s lips, a thunderous roar rumbled around them. The tiled floor vibrated, the lights flickered, and the little bottles of hotel toiletries toppled to their sides.

  Tage flew against Halen’s chest and Dax clutched the doorframe to keep from falling.

  “Earthquake!” Tage shouted.

  But Halen’s gut screamed—Asair.

  As another tremor shook the bathroom, Tage grabbed Halen’s arm. “Let’s get out of here!”

  When they stumbled into the bedroom, Ezra ran from the adjoining room waving a remote control in the air.

  “Are you okay?” Tage released Halen and ran to his side.