The major power plants and water sources have been kept operational, but the humans are beginning to panic because the smaller ones are freezing.”
“We’ve been watching the human news,” Iterra explained, pointing to a television. Though her people did not use modern technology, she was familiar with most of it. After all, they spent a great deal of time in the human realm.
“We are still waiting to hear from Osiris about our mates,” Kairi said. “I’m truly hoping he has enough incentive to figure out a way to release them.”
“I’m sorry you’re going through this,” Iterra said, her voice genuine and full of care. “If it were Terrick, I know I would be lost without him. We will do whatever we can to help you and the others.”
“Thank you,” Kairi said. “I appreciate your concern and willingness to help.” Neither of them bothered to acknowledge that they both knew there was nothing Terrick or Iterra, or anyone else for that matter, could do. At least not for the royals trapped in the underworld. But they could help the humans, and that action would at least be a distraction from her own worries.
“Now,” Kairi said, taking a deep breath and letting it out, “where can I help?”
Aston pulled his phone out of his back pocket. He hadn’t heard from his brothers in over twenty-four hours, though he’d sent several texts to each of them.
He grinned as he read the text he’d just received. It was from Liam.
When did you turn into a mother hen? We’re fine. Or at least I am. I haven’t heard from Ra or Elias, but they’re probably just busy with a mission or sleeping. That’s all we have time for lately.
Aston couldn’t argue with that. If he wasn’t helping his team, he was sleeping. Though a lot of his help involved research instead of using his elemental power. Still, it wore him out.
Aston typed out his response. Thanks for letting me know. How’s your girl?
The last text he’d received from Liam had been informing him that he’d bonded, though not completely, with Gabby. Aston was happy for him, but, secretly, he was jealous of his three best friends. He saw what Elias had with Tara and what Ra had with Shelly, and he couldn’t help but crave that kind of bond for himself. Not only did it fascinate him, but it also called to a part of him that longed to have a deep connection with a female, to know she was his, and he was hers.
Liam’s response was quick. Best thing that ever happened to me.
I’m happy for you. Be safe, brother.
You too.
Aston slipped his phone back into his pocket and then pressed his hand to his chest. He’d been experiencing a throbbing in his chest ever since they’d arrived in Transylvania.
When they’d heard about the attack on the team who’d been in Michigan, Jax and Professor Fernis had decided it was pertinent they check on the portal to the dragon realm. Located in a haunted forest in Transylvania, it was the only location on earth that would take an elemental to the land of the legendary flying lizards.
Aston had done loads of research on the dragons when he’d started his Creatures of Legend class at the academy. Though he probably should have been scared to face the huge beasts, he was excited.
They had been walking in the forest for over an hour and still had not reached the supposedly haunted clearing. The farther they walked, the worse the pain in his chest became.
“Aston,” Professor Fernis said, his voice low as he leaned toward the wind elementalist, “are you all right?”
Aston couldn't speak. He was pretty sure if he opened his mouth, he was going to vomit. He nodded his head instead.
“The grimace and profuse perspiration on your forehead indicate otherwise,” the Crimson Academy professor pointed out.
Aston swallowed several times until he was sure he wouldn’t throw up all over Fernis and then spoke. “It appears that something in this forest doesn’t agree with me,” Aston admitted. “I did not want to bother anyone with it, considering the threat of dragons that will soon be staring us in the face.”
“You can’t face dragons if you are growing ill,” Professor Fernis said.
“Maybe they have an aversion to human vomit,” Aston said. “Though none of my research has indicated such a disinclination, that could simply be because the beasts have yet to come in contact with the projectile variety.”
Fernis chuckled. “Dragon death by human emesis. That would, no