Earth Roars Read online

  Earth Roars

  Book 4 of a Game of Stars and Shadows

  Kara Jaynes

  Contents

  1. Stella

  2. Lyra

  3. Stella

  4. Lyra

  5. Sophia

  6. Wilder

  7. Sophia

  8. Stella

  9. Sophia

  10. Stella

  11. Wilder

  12. Eldaren

  13. Wilder

  14. Sophia

  15. Wilder

  16. Eldaren

  17. Stella

  18. Eldaren

  19. Sophia

  20. Sophia

  21. Eldaren

  22. Stella

  23. Eldaren

  24. Stella

  25. Lyra

  26. Lyra

  27. Wilder

  28. Stella

  29. Sophia

  30. Stella

  About the Author

  1

  Stella

  When I wake up, the first thing I see is eyes of gray. Gray, like mist on Liberty’s water. Gray, like shrouded moonlight. Gray, like thick clouds on a rainy day.

  “Good morning, Stella, mine.” Eldaren smiles slightly. “I am glad you are finally awake. Humans sleep a lot.”

  Blinking, I peer at him. “Why are you in my bed?” I should probably be disturbed, but the blankets are heated ever so slightly, and I don’t feel like moving.

  “You are actually in my bed.” The smile widens. “See? You managed that without any difficulties, and you look very comfortable. You slept well. If you became my mate, you could sleep in my bed every night.”

  “In your dreams,” I grumble. I push the blankets aside and sit up. I’m still in my street clothes. Well, at least Eldaren is honorable, though I don’t expect any less from him.

  “You slept like the dead,” Eldaren says. He’s still lying in bed, looking up at me. He’s still clothed too—thank the stars—his uniform rumpled. His midnight hair fans across his pillow, and one arm is draped across his forehead. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the elven prince so relaxed.

  Wait. My mind snaps back to what he just said.

  The dead.

  Thandin.

  Thandin is dead.

  Thandin, the elven guard who tried to kill me. My memories of the past several days come flying back to me.

  Humans, vampires, and now even an elf tried to kill me. And I still don’t know why. Thandin said something about me regaining my powers.

  What powers?

  “We’re leaving today, aren’t we?” I say, worry stirring to life in my gut. The idea of leaving Liberty behind for any length of time makes me anxious.

  “Yes.” Eldaren sits up with a sigh. He rolls his shoulders and stretches his arms. “Though if you’ve decided to become my mate this morning, I think we could stay a little longer.” He glances at the bed in a very indiscreet manner and arches an eyebrow.

  I roll my eyes. “No way. Last night you were going on about how badly we needed to leave, so let’s go.”

  Eldaren frowns. “Fine.” He stands and extends a hand to me, pulling me out of bed. “You know, I doubt there’s a single eligible elven maiden who would turn down my advances. I’m a very advantageous match.”

  “Then go find an elven maiden.” I pull on my boots.

  “Never.” Eldaren sounds scandalized. “You’re the only woman for me, Stella.”

  “Then why—” I sigh and let the subject drop. “How early are we leaving?”

  “As soon as you’ve said goodbye to your brother and have eaten breakfast.” The prince picks up two backpacks and slings them over a shoulder. “I shall go get us some transportation.”

  “Not the wind plank, I hope,” I say anxiously. I can’t imagine flying over miles of water on that contraption.

  “No, though that would be faster. There are humans living on the island, and I’ve decided we should try to fit in, to some extent.” He pauses. “Though I suppose the watership we’re using will startle anyone who sees it . . . oh well. At least it’s human made.”

  “I imagine I should fit in just fine,” I say, smothering a smile. “Being human, and all of that.”

  “Yes, I suppose,” Eldaren concedes. “It might be a little trickier for me.”

  “Hide your ear tips and don’t boss everyone around like you own the place, and you’ll do fine.” I finish tying my laces and glance at the prince. He’s cocked his head at my words.

  “But I do own the place,” he says. “I rule everything, Stella.”

  I’m unable to hide my amusement now and laugh. “It’s your speech that gives you away, Eldaren,” I say. I soften the words with a smile.

  “I am not sure what you mean.” Eldaren motions to the door. “At any rate, I’ll only try to act human if the situation requires it. Otherwise, I remain the elven prince, and it is everyone’s privilege to obey me.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be just fine with that,” I retort.

  “Thank you.” Eldaren nods once. “I’m sure they will, if they have any more sense than the humans in Liberty.”

  Eldaren understands humans about as well as I understand elves.

  I step out the door and huff in exasperation when Eldaren follows me. “I’ll be fine without you,” I say.

  “I insist on coming,” the prince replies. “If one of our own elves attacked you, then I am the only one I trust to protect you, aside from Geldyn and Sol.”

  “Whatever. Just don’t get in the way.”

  With Eldaren in tow, I stalk down the hall to Quinn’s room. I’m not sure what time it is, and I’m worried he’s already left to go study.

  I knock on his door.

  “Come in,” he calls.

  I open the door and find my brother tightening his belt. He’s dressed in training clothes: dark shirt and trousers, and calf-high boots. He smiles when he sees me. “Hi.” His gaze travels to Eldaren. He bows. “My prince.”

  I frown over my shoulder at Eldaren. “We’re trying to have a family moment here.”

  Eldaren glances around the room and tilts his head for a moment, listening, probably trying to make sure there aren’t any threats, then nods once. “I shall wait for you in the hall, then.” He closes the door behind him with a gentle thump.

  I look at Quinn, and a lump forms in my throat. “I have to leave for a while,” I say.

  “Okay.” My brother nods and scratches his thatch of dark brown hair.

  “But I’ll be back,” I add. “I shouldn’t be gone very long.” As soon as I say the words, I’m suddenly unsure. Eldaren never gave me a time frame for how long we’d be away. Still, I can’t imagine we’ll be on Vashon for more than a couple of days. The island can’t be that big.

  “Okay,” he says again. He looks distracted.

  “What’s wrong?” I say.

  He looks at me. “Nothing,” he says. “I’m almost late for practice.”

  “Oh.” Quinn is devoted to his studies. I can’t blame him. When it’d just been me looking after him, he’d spent his days playing video games. Now he has passion and drive for something bigger. Quinn holds magic, a trait uncommon for humans, and the elves have helped him harness that power.

  I hold out my arms and smile tentatively. “Can I get a hug?”

  Quinn is younger than me by a couple of years, but already taller. He smiles at my words and steps over for an embrace.

  “I’m going to miss you,” I choke, and a tear slips down my cheek.

  “Love you, Stella.” He pulls away and blinks. Reaching out, he wipes the tear away. “Don’t be sad,” he says. “You’ll come back. You always do.”

  He leaves for the training halls. I step out after him. Eldaren watches my brother go. “He’s a good
boy,” he says. “He’s progressing in his training faster than any of the other humans.”

  Pride surges through me at the words. “I’m glad he’s found something worthwhile here,” I say.

  “Yes, he has,” Eldaren replies. “He will be very helpful in our mission to cleanse the Earth once he completes his training.”

  “How close is he?” I ask.

  “It’s difficult to say,” Eldaren answers, “but if I were to venture a guess, it’d be within the next six months. If he finds the next stage of training more difficult, then it’ll be closer to that number. If he does better than expected, less.”

  I set out for my own room and halt in the doorway before Eldaren can follow me in. “I’m going to get dressed,” I say. “And use the bathroom, and all of that.”

  “I can look away,” Eldaren protests, “even if you’re being ridiculous about it. I—”

  I shut the door in his face. “No.”

  Wisely, he doesn’t push his luck, and I heave a sigh of relief. Stars, his constant hovering is getting annoying.

  Aleere has set out a tray of cheese and fruit. I like the cheese. The kind they serve here at the fortress tastes a little different from the flavors I’m used to, but it’s ridiculously good.

  I take my time eating, mildly curious about how long I can loiter before Eldaren gets irritated. I push my chair back after I’ve finished. “Time for an adventure, I guess,” I say out loud.

  And it is. I’m leaving Liberty. I’ve never left it before. I mean, technically, I have, but never more than a handful of miles outside of the city bounds, and even then, not for very long. If I hadn’t lived here back before my parents adopted me, I certainly can’t remember it.

  But now, I am truly leaving, if only for a few days. It is both exciting and scary. My stomach flutters with nerves, and my skin prickles with anticipation.

  I ready myself, dressing quickly.

  There’s only one thing left to do.

  I grab a quill pen and ink—in some regards the elves don’t seem that technologically advanced—and sit down to write.

  I have to go away for a while. We’re close to finding the gaia. I believe she can help this planet get better. I just want you to know that I’m—

  I hesitate. That I’m what? That I’m thinking of him? I am, but I don’t want Wilder to feel that I’m leading him on. Am I? I don’t know. This decision shouldn’t be so hard. Wilder or Eldaren? Why can’t I choose? How do I phrase my words?

  I’m thinking of you. You know I am. I wish things weren’t so complicated. I don’t want to hurt you, but my heart is a tangle. I don’t know what to think.

  Please don’t worry about my absence. I should be back soon.

  — Your spark in the night

  I grimace at that last bit, but I’ve already written it. Wilder used to call me his ‘spark in the night.’ He also used to call me ‘sweetheart’ and ‘dearest.’ I still remember the feel of his shoulder pressing into mine when we’d cuddle up on the sofa under a worn-out blanket, watching old movies together.

  Stars, I miss the old times.

  I let the ink dry, then fold the letter in half and slip it under my pillow. I don’t put Wilder’s name on it anywhere; I can’t risk that. But I know that if he sees it, he’ll know it’s for him. I didn’t have time to explain to him that I’d be leaving when I saw him last night. This letter will have to do.

  I wish my heart and brain would align and just settle this already.

  Logically, Eldaren is the more dependable man. He’s honest and filled with purpose. He’d never let me go cold or hungry. He’s rich. Powerful.

  But Wilder has always held my fragile heart in the palm of his hand. Even when I’d screamed at him for getting into drugs. Even when he’d walked away.

  It still wants him.

  My heart beats for Wilder.

  But underneath that, I feel the Kenelky, connecting me to Eldaren as if with golden threads.

  “It’s not real,” I grumble as I step over to the wardrobe and pull out a sweater. I’m feeling cold this morning. “It’s an elf thing. It’s not my heart.”

  Is that true, though?

  My heart shouldn’t yearn for two men, and I feel like a jerk for not being able to decide. “Pull yourself together, Stella,” I mumble to myself. I button the sweater and smooth the front. “Mom would be disgusted with you.”

  But Mom had loved me so much. I miss her with a strength that feels suffocating at times. I wish she were here to counsel me.

  But she isn’t.

  I am alone in this.

  Eldaren opens the door and peers in. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Would it kill you to knock?” I grumble. I walk over and out the door. He follows me down the hall.

  “I fail to see how knocking could kill someone,” he says. “Unless you’re knocking on the lair to a dragon, or other such ferocious beasts. In which case, it would be advantageous not to alert it to your presence.”

  I sigh and hide a smile behind my hand.

  Maybe I’m not as alone as I thought.

  2

  Lyra

  I watch Stella hurry down the stairs, Eldaren beside her. I’m on the landing above them, and I don’t call out.

  If last night has taught me anything, it’s that Stella is safer without me.

  Stars, some Colonials tried to kill her, there at Journey’s Stop.

  I certainly wasn’t given orders to kill my friend, and anyway, there’s no way I would have. I don’t believe in causes that command the killing of innocents.

  But I still believe in the Colonials, the Founders, and our vision of freedom. There has to be some kind of misunderstanding—one I intend to figure out. I have to get to the bottom of this.

  I wait until Stella and the prince disappear from view, and then I continue my walk downstairs. I’m exhausted from the events of yesterday, and I still have a bump on my head.

  One of the elves attacked Stella.

  I shiver, feeling cold despite the fact this place is well heated.

  Thandin tried to kill Stella. I remember trying to help her, but that’s where my memory goes blank. The next thing I remember is waking up to see Geldyn standing in my room, looking down at me.

  I shiver again. Stars, elves give me the creeps. They look so human and yet are so . . . alien.

  Geldyn’s words still echo in my head. “Thandin is dead,” he’d told me. “Stella is safe.”

  He’d turned to leave after that.

  “Wait,” I’d called, pushing my blankets aside and trying to stand. I would have fallen, but Geldyn was suddenly there, helping me sit on the edge of my bed. “Why?” I asked. “Why is everyone trying to kill her?”

  Geldyn had looked at me then, his face so close to mine, I noticed little gold flecks in his brown eyes. “There are forces at work in this world. Some are good, some are bad, and some are still unaligned, but remain powerful. Stella has put herself in the middle of it.”

  Stars, if that doesn’t sound like something Stella would do.

  I hadn’t had a response to that, and after a moment of silence, he’d continued. “You were brave, little Drifter.” A small smile tugged at one corner of his mouth.

  “For all the good it did her,” I’d growled.

  “It bought Stella the few seconds she needed,” he’d responded.

  He’d left after that, and I’d gone back to sleep.

  There is no sign of the elf now. He’s probably making the usual guard rounds, or doing something else for Eldaren, probably with no sign of fatigue. Do elves even sleep? I should ask Sol.

  But I haven’t seen him since last night. The last time I saw him, he’d been fighting vampires.

  My stomach twists into a painful knot. Did he die? I didn’t even think to ask Geldyn.

  I see Aleere down the hall, carrying an armful of folded towels and call out to her. “Have you seen Sol?”

  The servant girl pauses. “No, I have not. Not since yest
erday afternoon.” She continues down the hall and turns down a side corridor.

  I huff and continue walking, fear clamping down on my heart like a vice. “If you’re dead, I’m going to give you a what-for!” I mutter. “Blast it, Sol, you’d better not be dead. I’m going to chew you out so bad, that—”

  “How about a kiss, instead?” a voice drawls behind me. “I’ve heard Drifters are good at that. Sounds more pleasant than getting . . . chewed.”

  I spin around, unable to hide the relief in my voice. “You didn’t die.”

  Sol looks the same as he usually does, in uniform, his short blond hair spiked, and his pale blue eyes glittering with secrets. I’ve never been happier to see him. Snap out of it, Lyra.

  “No, I don’t have any immediate plans to die.” He smirks at me.

  “What about all those vampires?” I ask.

  The humor vanishes. “I killed them,” he replies quietly. “I’m not in the habit of letting vampires walk free.”

  “So, uh, about last night . . .” I look at the ground between us. “Thanks for helping us. I mean, I think if you hadn’t been there, Stella would have died.”

  “That is why I am here,” Sol says, and his voice is almost gentle. “It’s an elf’s duty to provide and protect.”

  “Why is everyone out for Stella?” I press. I lift my gaze to meet his. Stars in the sky, he’s hot. I don’t know where he heard Drifters are good kissers, but I’m suddenly tempted to find out right here and now if it’s true. And more importantly, I want to know if he’s a good kisser. I bet he is.

  “I don’t know.” Sol sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t understand it. She’s a human orphan without magic or connections. It makes no sense.” He pauses. “She is Quinn’s adopted sister,” he muses, “but if this was a way to get to Quinn, I don’t see why he wouldn’t just be the target. There’s something about Stella that we’re not seeing. I hope the prince can figure out what it is.”