The Craft Boys | The Elementals Series BK 1

Prologue

June 6, 1917

A century ago today....

Sophia stumbled through the portal, barely able to hold herself up. Trying not to look conspicuous, she staggered towards a nearby tree. Leaning against it, she slid down till she was sitting comfortably. Or at least it looked that way.

She knew she was losing blood rapidly, but she couldn't do anything till she found the one. And so she sat. Looking around, she soon realized this was the same park she met John in. The trees were already in full bloom, ready for the summertime.

The sun glowed, like a golden globe in the sky. Arrows of sunlight bathed the park. She could hear birds chirping and singing their heart out. The sunlight painted Sophia's lips and hair; it played over her dress, alighting softly on her skin. It gave her eyes just the right glimmer to look beautiful yet terrifying.

Hours came and went. People came and went. Nobody bothered to acknowledge her. Before she knew it, she drifted off to her thoughts. She couldn't believe how bad things had escalated.

John was dead.

People were dying and it was all her fault.

She knew she shouldn't have gone out that day.

She knew!!

But she couldn't help herself. She just had to get out and so she did.

That was the day she met John.

That was the day her life changed for better or worse, she's still yet to decide.

"Ma'am are you okay?" a young voice called.

Startled out of her thoughts, she looks up relief flooding her. A young woman stands before her with a young man, who took a defensive stand. Looking at him, he seemed to grow warier due to her unusual eyes. Sophia was breathtaking, no one could deny it. Her beauty was quite terrifying.

Looking back to the young woman, Sophia met her eyes. Her eyes showed deep concern. Trying to comfort the two, she attempted to put a smile on her face. Which instantly became a grimace, as pain shoot through her body causing her to fall forward. She quickly caught herself, staying down to control her breathing.

The young woman immediately rushed forward. She knelt down, grabbing Sophia by the shoulder, trying to comfort her.

Horror soon replaced her features.

"Robert she's bleeding! We have to get her help!" She said starting to panic.

"How didn't I notice the blood earlier! She's wearing a white dress for crying out loud!" her voice was rising.

Shaking her head, Sophia knelt up, grabbing the young woman's hand. Closing her eyes, she called for the young woman's story. She gasped as her life was revealed.

She saw her past, present, and most importantly, her future. Holding on longer, she saw generations of generations. All leading back to the young woman. Relief once again flooded her.

She had found the one.

Shaking her head once again, she leaned forward and spoke.

"I have", she took a shaky breath, "Something to tell you".

The young woman nodded her head leaning in.

***

Robert knew of his girlfriend's need to help those in need, but he knew this wasn't any normal situation. The woman didn't even look like she really needed medical attention, yet, he could see the blood from where he stood.

He knew he should be getting his girlfriend away from the strange woman and getting the hell out of there. Yet he couldn't move his feet. He felt like he was being ordered to stay put.

But by who?

The strange woman, he instantly thought. But that's ridiculous.

Yet, he still felt like he would be disobeying her if he were to move and that was the last thing he wanted to do.

He wanted to please her.

All he could do now was stand and wait.

***

As soon as Sophia was done, relief flooded her. She instantly felt calm, maybe even happy. But she didn't dare shift her eyes from the woman. She compelled the woman to turn around and leave. She compelled her to forget everything that had transpired between them, to forget everything that had been said and seen. The woman nodded before standing, stumbling back. The man caught her by the waist, tightening his grip when he felt her body.

She was ice-cold.

"Are you okay Claire?" he asked moving his hands up and down her arms. She nodded.

"Let's go", she said, looking Sophia in the eyes.

She wasn't sure why, but she knew it was the right thing to do. Turning around, she took his hand, intertwining his with hers.

"Let's go home", she said confidently, beaming up at him.

Sophia watched as he looked back at her. She smiled, nodding her head, reassuring him. Slowly he nodded, tightening his and Claire's hands. Sophia smiled, watching them walk away. She watched as her light, her last true joy walked away. Without it, she felt desolate. She continued to watch as the young man leaned down and kissed Claire's cheek. Causing them to burst into roars of laughter and happiness.

She longed for John's touch.

But she knew not to think such thoughts. Especially after recent events.

John was gone.

There was no coming back from that now.

Slowly, she stood using the tree for support. Willing her powers once again, she opened the portal from afar. She closed her eyes, searching deep within her very soul. Reaching out to the last remaining traces of her powers, she willed it through the already closing portal. She watched as the portal closed, her only way home, gone.

She collapsed with tears in her eyes, exhaustion getting the best of her once again. She knew her time had come. It was long overdue after all the pain and misery she had caused. She had come and done what needed to be done. Now all she could do was hope for the best.

"For better", she said, closing her eyes as death took her away.