Page 52 of Queen of the Wicked
“But you also showcased the black smoke when Erebos and I tried to provoke you with the mention of Catalina, and you were able to control it, no?”
“Yes, but?—”
“But nothing. We are dependent upon your power to lead us to the Seeker. Eryx and Erebos are powerless, and although they carry brute strength, it will not be enough to manage the various beasts should they feel the necessity to attack.”
“Eryx has spoken to me through his mind link,” she pointed out.
“Because Erebos deemed him worthy enough to partake in that. He also granted him the ability to Travel, but as far as dark magic, he possesses none.” Izara sighed, waving towards the ring. “All I am saying is you controlled the smoke before. Just call upon it and see what happens.”
Alessia was hesitant to summon the smoke when it had already caused so much damage. It was a foreign part of herself that she was still trying to understand since her powers had been kept hidden until she was old enough to comprehend. Her parents were supposed to teach her how to wield them, and she was supposed to learn the true extent of her powers until the seraph showed up and wreaked havoc on her destiny.
Now she was left with nothing.
She was flung into the world with no wings to help her navigate the landing, free falling into a situation much bigger than herself. It felt like she had no control over her future, and she desperately wanted to change that.
So, with an affirmative nod, Alessia took a few steps back until she was in the center of the ring, willing the black smoke to manifest.
Nothing but empty air greeted her, even when she tried to furrow her brows and concentrate.
Come on,she pleaded.Work, dammit!
“Picture them in your mind,” Izara instructed, walking a slow circle around her. “Picture someone who has wronged you. Picture what revenge would taste likeif that black smoke granted them a merciless death at your hand.”
Alessia hated that Catalina was the first person to come to mind, but a familiar buzz drifted beneath her skin, so she kept the image of her at the forefront.
Crafted by pure temptation, Catalina was a woman who had probably never faced rejection in her life. Between her dainty frame and innocent features, Alessia was unsurprised that she had shared Erebos’s bed. The lord never confirmed it, but she wasn’t an idiot. They had slept together, and regardless of whether or not it was in the present, ithappened,and that fueled Alessia’s anger to a full boil.
Catalina in his sheets. Catalina draped across his body. Catalina giggling softly into his ear as he whispered sweet nothings to her after making love.
Catalina.
Catalina.
Catalina.
The urge to wrap the black smoke around her tiny throat was all-consuming. It sickened her that she’d find enjoyment in watching her disintegrate like Godric did, the flesh peeling from her skin and melting into nothingness. She wanted to mar every inch of her skin that Erebos touched.
In the back of her mind, she knew she was being irrational. Alessia hadn’t even spoken to this woman. For all she knew, she could be sweet and nothing like Alessia depicted her as, but for whatever reason, Erebos was a hard limit for her, and that unfortunately put Catalina in thecrossfire.
The buzzing intensified, and she felt the person inside her crack an eye open, awakening from a deep slumber.Is it time to takewhat is ours?
What is it that we’re supposed to take?Alessia replied.
The voice laughed in a melodic tune, so unlike the poison Alessia knew it was capable of spewing.You will find out soon enough, dear girl. I am unqualified to speak on such matters, but the Makers will see to it that things fall into place. Avoidance will not deter the balance from righting itself.
Why are you in my head if I can’t ask you questions?
Don’t you see? I am your conscience coming to light. I am the darkness that swarms inside of you, repressed for years but existing for eternity.
Stop speaking in riddles,she hissed.How do I call on my powers?
The voice tutted.You already have, Alessia.
Opening her eyes, she was surprised to find black smoke drifting around her, remaining an inch around her body as if waiting for her to command it. The smile on Alessia’s face grew as she tested the waters a bit, moving her arms and watching the darkness coil around her wrists in a gentle caress.
It was hers to call on.
Hers to beckon.
