Inner Darkness (Book 2 of Dragonfire series)

Chapter 18

We stood there awkwardly while the Phoenix screeched and scraped its claws against the door. Cullen walked over and looked at me like I was damaged goods.

"Don't fucking look at me like that. I have more power than you can imagine. I'm arguably one of the most powerful beings in history and yet you still have the nerve to look at me like I'm a broken toy." He stood there silent, unsure how to respond to my words. I walked past him, making sure I bumped into his shoulder as I did so. "Does anyone have a suggestion because I'm all ears." I said with fake enthusiasm.

"Hey can someone come over here? I don't know what's wrong with her but she needs help!" We all turned to Derek who was holding a very weak looking Stella in his arms. Lilah rushed over and grabbed her hand.

"It's this place. We've been underground for who knows how long and Stella's powers come from the sun. Since there isn't any sun down here there's no way for her to recharge herself." Lilah placed her palm on Stella's forehead and chanted some words quietly until a yellow light slowly left her hand and completely covered Stella's body. After a minute or two, the light faded. "I gave her an energy boost so she will at least be able to walk around but she needs to get outside as soon as possible. She won't last much longer down here." 

I stood up and sighed, irritated with all the drama. "I'll take care of Damien, you guys run the other way and get out of here." A firm grip around my wrist stopped me as I was about to remove the seal on the door.

"Alena you can't take him on your own, it's suicide." He spun me around so I faced him, and placed his hand low on my back. "I don't know what he did to you, but I'm not going to stop until I fix it. That requires you to be alive."

"If you haven't noticed, I don't want to be fixed."

"That isn't you talking! You know that isn't the truth, deep down I know you're in there." I opened my mouth to reply and was stunned by his next move. He quickly leaned in to kiss me and raised his hand on my back, pulling me into him. His tongue slipped in my mouth and I didn't know what to do. I should hate this, this feeling. Why do I secretly enjoy it? He finally pulled away and I slowly opened my eyes, unsure of what to say. "That was just incase something were to happen to either of us. I love you Alena, and I'm never going to give up on you." I gave a final look at the others in the room before turning around and removing the seal. I opened the door and peered into the all too silent hallway.

"Something isn't right, it shouldn't be this quiet." I walked out into the middle of the hall and scanned for any movement. Something brushed my left arm, causing me to jump back. A feather slowly floated through the air, until finally resting on the ground. I slowly lifted my gaze to the ceiling, and saw the Phoenix descending upon me. I flew out of the way as its beak snapped shut, disappointed it missed its prey. "Sorry Damien, but I don't taste good raw." It opened its beak and released a stream of fire in my direction. I flew up, barely dodging the flames.

I extended my arms out to my sides and closed my eyes in concentration. I summoned my upgraded inner dragon thanks to my new magic. When I opened them, a gigantic, gold dragon floated behind me. The Phoenix once again blew fire at me, but this time I counter attacked.

Gold versus red; the fires raged for domination. I yelled out as I forced my fire to slowly beat Damien's. Finally, his fire gave out, giving him a face full of mine. The Phoenix slammed against the brick wall behind it and landed on the floor, temporarily stunned. I turned around and saw Cullen staring in awe and fear.

"What the hell--why are you still here? I told you guys to leave!"

"The others left, but I stayed behind. I told you I'm not leaving you." I was about to continue arguing when I was suddenly clobbered and thrown into a brick wall. The Phoenix was flying in front of me, looking more pissed off than ever.