In My True Element

Chapter 29

Knowing in my heart that I should get out of the car and run in the opposite direction to regroup and think of how to save my family on my own, I let Ilana continue driving. I need to see how this situation will play itself out. I hope that I will be wrong about Ilana. Yet in my heart of hearts I know she's driving me to my execution.

When we stop at the castle I put my hands behind my back pretending that they are handcuffed and let Ilana lead me inside. The main doors are already open; Brackwick must be waiting for us. I was sure he'd be here waiting at the door, so he could steal what is not his as fast as possible.

Ilana leads me into the big room with five chairs and a few chandeliers where I got my beating from Brackwick and where I agreed to help him with the jewel.

The man I hate with all my heart is already inside, rubbing his hands together. Brat is standing to his right a smug smile playing on his lips. At the northern wall I see my family standing with their hands tied behind their backs, three soldiers point their guns at them and the fourth the tallest and the thinnest is just standing there eyeing all of us intently.

At the sight of my family my heart skips a beat and a heavy weight is lifted off my chest. They look healthy. At least for now. Fire wants to take a step in my direction, but she's stopped by the gun pointed at her side. I will enjoy wiping that arrogant expression of that soldier's face, he dares to point a gun at my sister, he'll have to pay for it.

Suddenly everything starts happening very fast and all I can do is listen to my instincts to stay on top of the game, which to my dismay doesn't last long. Ilana screams at me "Now!" I shake off the handcuffs and outstretch my hands ready to knock Brat and Brackwick off their feet with the throne-chair when something heavy materializes on my wrists.

What the hell!

I hear Fire scream "No!" She tries to run forward but is knocked down by the same arrogant looking soldier. Water is pushing one of the men with his shoulder sending the poor guy to the floor, but is immediately sent flying in the air four feet across the room. How is it possible? No one even touched him. I strain my hands trying to produce fireballs, but nothing comes out of them.

Everyone around me is moving. People are screaming.

Almost in slow motion I look at my wrists and see beautiful golden bracelets seven inches wide, engraved with words written in old English. I raise my confused eyes at Ilana who's still standing by my side. Tears are frozen in her eyes and her lips that I kissed only a few minutes ago are now shaking. She wants to say something, but the words won't leave the barrier of her mouth.

"Why?" I whisper, feeling the earth shutter under my feet. "Why?"

The tears start running down her cheeks and she takes a step in my direction. "I'm so sorry." She whispers as her hand's covering her mouth and she's trying to suppress a sob.

I jump back from her and look around. The fourth tall man that stood next to my siblings is not a soldier. He's a warlock. A very powerful at that. He must have conjured the bracelets when I outstretched my hands. They block my powers, rendering me absolutely useless against men with guns. I turn my head to my family, they tried fighting, but they were quickly subdued. Fire's hair is all a mess and blood is running down her chin. Water has a few bruises on his face. Earth is panting supporting his weight with one foot.

I slide my eyes back to Ilana who's still shaking her head, shock frozen in her eyes. She led me here, she knew exactly what was going to happen. She betrayed me once again. My heart, which had been glued together by tape, broke into a million small pieces, making me numb.