Tricks & Kisses(Eyeless Jack) Sequel to Sugar & Spice

1. Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire

A/N: If you have not read Sugar & Spice, I would suggest doing so for some background, or at least reading the last chapter to better understand where and how Kori will end up, but nevertheless, this is Kori's story of how she came to end up with Jack and I hope you all enjoy. 💕

Kori listened to the sounds around her, sighing with relief upon not hearing a sign of the Vilenjaci clan or her brother. She stretched her tired limbs, aching but already healed from having not over exercised her powers throughout the night. She knew her brother saved her, but her pride kept her from thanking him for it or even just being happy. Trusting the dark vilenjaci had been stupid. She had nearly killed herself. And for what? Power?

The memories of the night before flooded back to her memory in a dreadful haze.

Kori stood, weak and tired. Her body begged to rest. To stop.

"Are you ready to bathe, child?" The Eldest Dark Vilenjaci asked.

Kori modded her head solemnly.

She knew what to do. She knew she had to step into the red waters these Vilenjaci had crafted to enhance her powers. But every time they pulled her out, she grew more weak and tired, her veins turning darker and darker without time to heal.

  Knee deep and she felt the burn rising up her body. The invisible flame licking at her skin and pulling her power to the surface. It was excruciating.

She submerged herself completely and closed her eyes, the ceremonial black robes billowing around her in the water as she floated on her back.

But then the ground began to rumble, the volcanic rock cracking and shifting beneath the feet of the watchers. Kori was in too much pain to open her eyes. But she could hear and she could feel and she knew it was him.

"Kenai," Splendor whispered, the name falling from his lips in slight terror and disbelief.

Kenai had tried to bury him in the ground the last time he had seen him, only Kori could stop it.

The ground shifted from beneath him and tossed him against the far wall, the rock cuffing his ankles and holding him in place.

The Vilenjaci didn't dare stop Kenai.

He sprinted towards the water and pulled Kori out by her arm, tossing her on the concrete in a not so gentle manner.

His hardened expression turned soft as he noticed his sisters state. She was all bones and pale skin, her blackened veins striking amongst her porcelain skin. This could not continue; he had to save her.

"Come home with me," he whispered, pressing his forehead to hers.

Kori knew he spoke of Croatia.

17 with no place to go if she left what she had.

It was her only home, always had been.

"I can't."

"Come home!"

"I can't go home!"