Unveiled: An Enlightened Novel

Thirty

One

His fist glanced off my shoulder as I turned my body to evade the barrage of blows. Stepping around, I got onto his blind side and rammed my knee into his kidneys, satisfied when I heard him groan.

Shit, Ana. Ease up, would you? Garrick rubbed the spot where I’d connected and threw me an annoyed look. It’s just practice.

Bouncing on the balls of my feet, I kept my fists up. Kudlak’s not gonna ease up, neither should we.

Garrick let his hand drop from his back and dragged it through his hair in a show of exasperation. Ana, how long are you going to keep this up?

Guard up, I ignored his question and motioned for him to come at me. I didn’t want to have this conversation. He turned, showing me his back, and walked to the other side of the empty gym, snatching up his towel from the floor. Wiping his face, he turned to me. When are you going to tell the Commander you’re ready to have your job back?

I have a job.

Pulling beers at Reds every other night is not a job.

I shook my head. Not gonna happen.

I couldn’t go back to work for the Commander. Even though it was something I had always wanted, the horror that took place a few months ago had changed all that.

In my world, there is a battle; one that has been raging since man first walked the earth – a battle between the Kresnik and the Kudlak. We are the Kresnik, and we’re the good guys. We live in relative secrecy amongst humans, keeping them safe from the evil they all fear but refuse to believe in.

Our original five Kresnik ancestors each received a special ability from our God, Daska. These powers allow the Kresnik people to protect themselves and those that need it most from the Kudlak. But just as the Kresnik are real, so too are the bad guys; the Kudlak. Vampires, for lack of a better term, sent by their God, Draku, to steal the powers of Daska. The five original Kudlak are known as The First, and it’s their spawn that now haunt the night – solitary, merciless, and base in their need for blood. But now that’s all changed.

I’d been working alongside Commander Dominik Bravnica as his assistant when power became the new Kudlak motive for murder. They could no longer be considered an enemy driven purely by a basic need to kill and feed. They were now calculated and cunning, and we underestimated them. They invaded our walls, and our hidden city of Lumeer was no longer safe. Kudlak swarmed the intricate network of tunnels that snaked beneath the city.

Their target was the Auroras; small flasks containing the power-enriched blood from our original ancestors. With five Auroras in total, each holding one of Daska’s unique powers, there is one for each Elite family. The powers of mind control, essokinesis (the ability to manipulate reality), and pyrokinesis are used by our Kresnik warriors in battle, giving them an edge over our enemies. The ability of psy-chometry is engaged for strategy and tactics, and the power of healing is used after each encounter. Elite males gifted with these powers are referred to as Enlightened. They exhibit trademark ice blue eyes, which are a testament to their capability and a warning to our enemies.

Dominik Bravnica is Enlightened. He is the eldest living son of the Emir – ruler of the Kresnik people – and one day will replace his father on the throne. As the Commander, he leads the Kaul Army and is considered one of the bravest warriors to ever fight against the Kudlak. We became close during our time working together – as close as you can get when there are social graces between Elite and non-Elite to consider – but to me, none of that matters anymore.

It started in the tunnels. I’d become lost beneath the city with the Kudlak. I would have died there, in the dark, if it weren’t for Yari. I’d known him all my life. We were Promised to each other and he loved me. He came for me and died for me. We were overrun by Kudlak, but he got me to safety. He told me to run and I did. I left him.

It wasn’t your fault.

Garrick’s words hit me like a kick to the solar plexus, dragging me back to the present. I let the wall I’d constructed around my emotions over the past few months slam closed.

Don’t.

He moved toward me, concern creasing his brow. Ana, please. You can’t keep doing this.

I cut him off, raising a hand to halt his advance. It won’t happen again.

Ana …

No, Garrick. I won’t let it.

I studied my lean body in the mirror, noting the dramatic change. I’m getting stronger and faster every day. My eyes flicked over my shoulder to meet his in the reflection. If they come again, I won’t stand idle.

A deeper voice rumbled at the doorway, If they come again, you will let the Kaul Army handle it.

I turned upon hearing my eldest brother’s voice. He stood by the door, taking in our training gear with disapproval. I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder. Thanks for the session, Garrick. I pushed past Dahrel.

Anastasia, wait. He reached out to grab my arm, but I yanked it free and slipped through the door without a word. I waited for it to swing shut behind me before stopping to take a couple of deep breaths.

Garrick’s voice made its way into the hall, Nice one, big brother.

I stopped to listen to Dahrel’s deep rumble, She’s still not talking to me then?

Do you blame her? You’re her brother, you shouldn’t have been so quick to condemn her for what happened. There was a pause and his voice softened, You’re not the only one who lost him, you know.

Dahrel’s voice barked back, a little too loud, Why are you training her? You know the Commander doesn’t approve.

I narrowed my eyes. It was always about the Commander for Dahrel.

Garrick argued, She’s determined to learn to fight and she’s going to do it one way or another. I’d rather she do it with me than someone else.

I let out a scoff. This was typical behaviour. Since our parents died, my brothers were the ultimate control freaks when it came to my life. Well, when I say ‘our’ parents, I really mean my brothers’ parents. They died before telling me I was adopted, and I would never have known if it weren’t for a letter from my birth parents. The familiar sting started to heat the back of my eyes; I blinked hard and shook my head. Don’t think about it.

Shifting the weight of my bag on my shoulder, I stalked down the hall and pushed through the double doors leading to the courtyard of the Kaul barracks. I paused and took a few steadying breaths, letting my eyes adjust to the sudden light.

You know he’s pulling his punches, don’t you?

I spun around at the unfamiliar voice. Excuse me?

The owner of the voice was leaning against the outer wall of the building I had just exited, one booted foot crossed casually over the other. He gave me an easy smile. He was Kaul, like my brothers; tall and broad, and still in his training uniform of battle fatigues, minus the weapons. His dark hair was perfectly messy and his swag was borderline cocky, Your brother Garrick – he’s taking it easy on you.

My shoulder begged to differ as the heat from the blow radiated out in painful waves. What would you know of it?

I know well enough to see when a Kaul is handing you his blind side.

My face flushed and I swallowed down my retort, choosing instead to keep a tight leash on my temper. I turned and walked away.

He stepped in beside me and I gritted my teeth. I’m Andrik.

I ignored his proffered hand. I’m not interested.

I knew Yari.

My heart stumbled at the sound of Yari’s name. People made a point of not mentioning him around me, so it had been a while since I’d heard it on anyone’s lips.

I let out a shaky breath while regarding him through narrowed eyes, hoping he couldn’t see how he’d rattled me. I willed my brain to formulate a reply and prayed my voice didn’t waver when I did.

He spoke again before I could, his voice low, He was my friend.

I swallowed hard. He never mentioned you.

He hid the pained look, but not before I’d seen it. I regretted my harsh reply. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.

He smiled, dipping his head a little to meet my gaze. It’s okay, Ana. His eyes were warm and friendly. Do you talk about him?

I let out a sigh, Not really. The words were out before I could think. I didn’t want to reveal too much to a complete stranger but the idea of talking to someone who knew Yari – and wasn’t one of my brothers or my best friend Tash – was incredibly tempting.

He indicated to one of the bench tables in the common, Wanna sit?

The last thing I wanted to do was make new acquaintances. It had been a while since I’d been in any kind of social mood, but Andrik had my interest piqued and I wanted to hear what he had to say about Yari. I nodded and we walked over to the table in silence.

He waited until I was settled before he spoke. We were deployed to the same outpost in Russia after graduation. Project 7 – a known Kudlak hotspot. Spent six months sharing rat packs and pickets, hard not to get to know a guy. He grinned as if remembering a shared joke. He spoke about you and your brothers and your parents. He thought of them as kin, you know. Not you though. He never thought of you as a sister.

We were Promised.

I know, he told me all about you. He looked at me sideways, still smiling. He thought he was the luckiest Kresnik on the planet.

He gave me a look that said he agreed and I was suddenly uncomfortable. I’m off the market.

Of course you are. The compassion in his tone took me by surprise and made the backs of my eyes burn. He cleared his throat then, If you are determined to train, I’d be happy to oblige, or just to hang out. I’m new in town and don’t know a lot of people. Grateful for the change of subject, I gathered my composure while he spoke. I’m on shift tomorrow, but if you’re free the day after it’d be great to catch up. What do you think?

I found myself agreeing to a training session before my mind registered what it was about. I put it down to feeling blindsided; the last thing I’d expected today was to have a former friend of Yari track me down and offer to train with me.

We arranged to meet and I watched a little stunned as Andrik jogged off. He turned once to flash me a grin and a quick wave before disappearing through one of the arches at the opposite side of the yard. I was left wondering what the hell had just happened as I hurried for home, head down, eyes on the side gates.

The black surrounding me was complete. I couldn’t see my own hand in front of my face. Despite my desperation to remain calm I heard my breath catch as panic settled itself over me, chilling my skin and making the hair on my arms stand on end. I reached into the inky darkness, the tips of my fingers scrapped along the rough stone of the tunnel wall and relief escaped me in a small whimper. I had found an anchor but I swallowed hard as the slick cold stone confirmed my fear. The realisation of where I was tightened the band of panic that restricted my lungs.

I pressed my back to the tunnel wall and tried to listen. I knew why I was here. I had to find Yari, I had to save him before the Kudlak could take him. Hands shaking, I started moving slowly along the tunnel, letting my hands run over the rough surface at my back. I took in a shaky breath.

Yari? My harsh whisper echoed out before me, as though I was facing a massive cavern and not the small confines of a tunnel. It seemed to take forever for the echo to die and I held my breath, willing it to silence before the Kudlak heard it and came hunting.

Fingers digging into the wall at my back, I tried to steady my heart rate before moving again. The air around me suddenly became much cooler; if there was any light, I know I’d see my breath puffing out of me in little panicked clouds.

The back of my neck began to burn and I knew something else was down here – something not Kresnik and not Kudlak. I could feel it searching for me and instinct told me I did not want to be found. I looked around, hoping for a sliver of light, but there was none. I shuffled along the wall, desperate for escape, but stopped dead when a snarl came from the black emptiness directly in front of me. Sweat sprung from every pore in my body, and as though pinned by an imaginary force, I stood shaking against the wall. The snarl became a howl and the pitch black became inky grey as whatever it was came at me.

Heat seared at the back of my neck and a scream tore from my throat as I sat bolt upright in bed. I’d wrestled myself free of the covers and was tripping across my dimly lit bedroom before I realised where I was.

Just a dream. My voice hitched and my chest heaved as the adrenaline barrelled through my shaking body. Stumbling for the light, I hit the switch, illuminating my room and a reflection of myself in the mirror with blood red eyes. They stared back at me, so familiar but so foreign. My reflection whispered, No.

Slowly I closed my eyes and held them shut tight for the count of ten before blinking them open again, relieved when they revealed themselves to be their normal ice green. Stepping closer to the mirror, I leaned forward and rested my forehead on the cool glass.

This was not the first time I’d imagined myself with Kudlak eyes. It’d started after the Kudlak attack on Lumeer. Dominik Bravnica’s elder and presumed dead brother, Nikoli – now Kudlak – was found to be behind the onslaught. Blindsided, Dominik Bravnica was unable to predict Nikoli’s sudden attack. Nikoli bit me and Dominik Bravnica had no idea. If he had known, he would have killed me then and there. With no intention of turning, I set out to end my life. I trekked through the night, planning to meet my death with the rising sun, but when it eventually rose, the burn didn’t come. For some reason, I didn’t turn. I have no idea what effect, if any, this will have on me but that’s a can of worms I have no interest in opening.

Pushing back from the mirror, I felt for the angry scar at the back of my neck, half concealed by my hairline. No one knows I was bitten, not even Tash, my flatmate and at the moment, my rock. The opposite of me, she is tall and slim with long blonde hair, and is the brains of the operation. She firmly believes that the answer to all life’s questions could be found in a book and lately had developed a perverse prejudice toward Google.

Ana? Tash’s muffled voice sounded concerned through my door. She knocked quietly and pushed it open just enough to poke her head through. I dropped my hand quickly.

You okay?

Yeah, sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.

No, no. I was already awake.

I glanced at my clock, it was just before six. Tash never slept in. She pushed the door wide and eyed my bed. Sheets twisted and exposed, my blankets were strewn across the floor, and my pillows pushed up against the wall.

Another dream?

Letting out a weary sigh, I picked my blankets up off the floor. Yep, this one was a doozy.

Tash helped me right the blankets. ’Wanna talk about it?

Not really. I was in the tunnels again.

Tash’s face fell. Oh, Ana, are you okay?

I waved her off, It’s fine, really. It’s just a stupid dream. It was easier to make light of it and move on than examine it over and over.

Are you sure? You know it might help to talk.

We made our way out to the kitchen and I sat at the breakfast table. I’m fine, I promise.

Tash flicked the kettle on and got two mugs out for coffee. I zoned out watching the familiar routine and was caught off guard by an unwanted intrusion inside my head.

Ana, what happened? Was it a dream?

I slammed the mental door shut on Dominik Bravnica and threw a few deadlocks over just to make my point. The Bravnica family had the power of mind control. When I started working for the Kaul, they created some kind of link into my head, but it was only Dominik Bravnica that ever used it. I was getting better at feeling when he was looking to me and stronger at keeping him out. If I concentrated hard enough, I could nearly see the invisible path he used to get from his mind to my own.

I stood abruptly. I need to get some air.

Tash’s eyes widened as she looked from me to the coffee she had just placed in front of me. Are you feeling all right?

Yeah, I just need to get out.

She eyed the early morning outside our window speculatively but said no more as I retreated to my room to change into my running gear.

I ran without my music these days, I liked to be able to hear if anyone was behind me. Racing along the dirt track I pushed myself hard; trees on either side rushed past as I tried to shake the feeling of being hunted from my dream. I concentrated on keeping my breathing in a steady rhythm and ignored the urge to look sideways into the trees. There are no Kudlak in Lumeer. It’s broad daylight and I’m safe.

As I rounded a bend and came into a small clearing, I caught something large racing toward me on my left peripheral. I screamed and whirled away, almost tripping. I managed to gather my feet and keep turning, fists up, ready to fight. Dominik Bravnica caught them.

Two

My heart didn’t quite know what to do. It slammed away at my ribcage in staccato bursts. The heat from his strong hands as they encompassed mine sent shock waves radiating along my arms and through my body. It had been a long time since we had touched and apparently, the separation had only served to double the electricity that arced between us.

He was wearing his usual black T-shirt and camo pants. With his broad chest at my eyelevel, I tried to ignore the movement of muscles, expanding and retracting as he took slow measured breaths. I dragged my eyes up past the solid line of his stubbled jaw and kept going, pleased that I only faltered slightly when I got to his lips. I met his ice blue eyes and pulled at my shaking hands. For a moment I wasn’t sure if he was going to let me go, but he did, reluctantly.

I don’t like to be ignored. His voice was low and controlled but the look in his eye was anything but.

I folded my arms, shoving them into my armpits so that he wouldn’t see them tremble. I took a few steps back, putting some distance between us. Yeah? Well I don’t like being jumped by randoms on my run, yet here we are.

He raised an eyebrow. Elite are treated like royalty in our society and the average Kresnik wouldn’t dream of speaking to an Elite like that, let alone the Commander and future Emir. But I’m not average, and I’m well beyond caring.

What happened this morning?

When I didn’t immediately respond he stepped forward and the weight of his demand pressed heavily on me. It was hard to defy a man who not only commanded the most lethal group of warriors on the planet, but had been raised from day one to rule an entire race.

I raised my chin. My mornings are none of your business.

I could see his jaw working, but when he spoke his voice was low and level, I see from your fighting stance that you have been sparring – even after I specifically asked you not to.

I knew where this was going and wanted to cut him off before he started. Squaring my shoulders, I placed my hands on my hips. "You may have forgotten, but I don’t work for you anymore, Commander. His eyes narrowed at my emphasised use of his title and I let a small smile touch the corner of my lips. I can train however I like."

He closed the distance between us. Ana, I understand your need to empower yourself, but you’re focusing your energy in the wrong place.

I gave an internal sigh. Here we go. This is why I didn’t want to have a conversation with him. It always led to the same place. He wants different things for me; he doesn’t agree with the path I’ve chosen. It’s in his DNA to protect and to fix things that are broken – but I’m too broken.

We have to talk about what happens when you lose control.

Oh Daska. We both knew there was something wrong with me, there had been for as long as I could remember. Occasionally, when I lose control of my emotions, objects around me can become displaced – or blown up, depending on how you look at it. The only other person who knows about this is Tash. For years we’ve been trying to figure out why, but then Bravnica witnessed it. Twice.

No.

Anastasia …

I said no.

He grabbed my arm, but this time when I tugged he didn’t let me go. It’s dangerous, Ana. We need to figure it out before someone gets hurt.

I couldn’t think being this close to him so I tugged again, relieved when he relented. I put a few feet between us as he continued.

I can schedule time for us to work on it.

I started to shake my head but he didn’t give me a chance to speak. Ana, I will keep your secret but I have a responsibility to protect the people within this city, and that includes you. He dragged one hand through his hair and waved in my general direction with the other. You’re like a ticking time bomb wandering around the streets, just waiting to blow something or someone up.

I raised a finger. Hey, I have never blown anyone up.

Yet.

I screwed my face up. "Yeah, well, it only happens when I’m pissed off, so I guess as long as you stay away from me, your people should be safe."

I don’t remember him finding me at the side of the road the day after I’d been bitten, and I don’t remember him being by my side in hospital. Everyone says I should be grateful, after all, he did save me. I know he did. But I was mad at him because, in doing so, he took all of my memories of Yari. Even the ones I didn’t want. He was infected after saving me in the tunnels and returned for me as a Kudlak. The Commander came to save me but I ended up saving him – I killed Yari to save Bravnica. My recollection of what happened is very disjointed because after it happened, Bravnica took all my memories of him.

They started coming back a few weeks after the incident. Bravnica told me what he’d done. He said he’d done it to calm me so that he could get me out. He warned me that when the memories returned, it would be unpleasant. I later found out that using the word ‘unpleasant’ to describe what was to come was like saying, ‘This might pinch a little,’ to someone while you sawed off their leg.

The first memory was the hardest and my reaction to it was explosive. Literally. I was getting a drink of water from the kitchen when it hit me. All of a sudden, I remembered Yari. All the love and all the pain, fear so strong I could taste it, loss so great it was all-consuming.

I woke up the following morning in hospital, with Tash holding my hand and the Commander standing grave-faced by the door. I desperately wanted him to come to me; to wrap his arms around me and tell me that everything was going to be okay, and I was so mad at myself for it. How could I feel that way after everything that had happened? Daska, I had been Promised to Yari! I told him to leave and watched his eyes go cold as he squared his shoulders. His voice was gruff as he apologised for causing me pain.

I’ve managed to avoid him ever since, even though he occasionally tried to make contact. All the glassware within our apartment has since been replaced and the cuts and scratches have healed, but I knew I needed to get control of this thing. If Tash had been anywhere near me when it happened, she could have been seriously hurt.

As each memory returned, my episodes became less volatile and soon I was able to focus and harness the energy, willing it into something more controlled. A door slamming or rearranging the dining room chairs. It wasn’t ideal but it was better than blowing up the house.

Daska, Ana! Why don’t you just take a swing at me and get it over with?

My brain scrambled to take the sharp turn in conversation as he made a big show of looking around. There’s no one else here.

I made sure he saw my eye-roll before turning my back and walking away, picking up my pace as he called out after me, Ana, please.

I ignored his pleas and made sure I had gone a fair distance before stopping to try and compose myself. The war of emotions that Bravnica always seemed to incite was raging beneath my skin. It had been a long time since we had spoken and even longer since we had touched. The memory of his hand wrapped around my arm and the wild look in his eye caused something to tug low in my belly. I let out a groan. I hated the way my body seemed to be so far out of my own control.

I set the water temperature in my shower a little cooler than was necessary as my own punishment. Dominik Bravnica never failed to set me on edge.

I was towel drying my hair in the lounge when Tash emerged from her room. I’ve got to head in to the office. I’m expecting some sensitive emails and I have to access them via the secure server.

Any new leads?

Tash worked for the Council in the Archives department. After the Kudlak attack, it was found their real target was the Auroras. Tash was tasked by the Commander to investigate the Kudlak motive, and possible consequences had they been successful. Even though they were no longer a threat, and all but one of the Auroras were safe under lock and key, Bravnica insisted she carry on with her research.

Tash shook her head. No, but I have to brief the new Department of External Affairs liaison on what we have. Which is nothing.

Sounds like fun. The DEA are the human answer to the Men In Black. Suits that mingle between the human and the Kresnik world, wielding policy and procedure.

Anyway, I should only be a couple of hours, so I won’t be late for tonight. Do you need me to grab you anything?

I flicked her a curious look. Tonight? Tash had a better social life than me these days and I struggled to keep up.

She gave me an exasperated look. The bonfire. You know, for Anton and Taras?

Crap, how had I forgotten about that? Clearly my run in with Dominik Bravnica this morning was messing with me. The last thing I need was more interaction. Do you think the Commander will be there?

Of course he’s going to be there. She raised an eyebrow. You know they’re related, right?

I flicked angrily at my still damp fringe. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, Tash, and not very helpful. She grinned and I threw down my best listen-here look. I don’t want to go if he’s there.

Why not?

I shook my head at the perfectly reasonable question and searched for a similarly reasonable response but came up with nothing. Because!

Tash rolled her eyes and moved into the kitchen. She flicked on the kettle before levelling me with her you-need-to-calm-the-heck-down look. This is not a problem, Ana. You will go to the party tonight because your friends want you there. Anton hasn’t been home in months and who knows when Taras will be back. Both will be disappointed if you don’t show. She pointed the spoon she was using to measure sugar into her mug at me. And so will you.

I can’t. Not if he’s there.

Tash came toward me from around the kitchen bench, eyes full of concern, and her sugar spoon still in hand. I understand that you need time to heal, to deal with your emotions, but now you are just being unreasonable. We’re all on your side, but you’re your own worst enemy. The Commander is concerned about you and so am I. To be completely honest, I don’t know why he hasn’t given up on you after the way you ignore him. You know, one day he will. She paused, giving me a kind smile. "I love you, Ana, but it’s time for you to wash ‘n wear those big girl panties. You need to talk to him and deal with whatever issues you have so we can all move on." She spun on her heal and headed toward the door. She was right – she was always right.

Deciding what to wear took way longer than it should have. I was still staring mindlessly at the clothes hanging in my closet when Garrick arrived to get a lift in with Tash.

Are you sure you don’t want to come with us? Tash gave me a hard look as Garrick angled her toward the door.

He placed a hand on her back to keep her momentum up. She’s fine.

I nodded. I’m fine.

Tash stopped Garrick from pulling the door closed behind them. Ana?

I gave her a pointed