Evermoon 2: Fate's Toy

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***Lanie's POV***

My heart sunk at the realization that the flower wasn't here. This was one of the most concentrated areas of magic around and the hope of finding a cure for my mother came crashing down.

If I could cry right now, I would as my wings fluttered in the air. Casting my eyes away from the guild, I started to fly away before hearing a guard talking to another.

"It's your turn to guard the flowers."

"Ugh, but that's the most boring task ever! Who just wants to sit there watching dumb flowers? It's not like anyone here ever needs them since we feed off each other's magic."

"Shut up! Don't let the Elder hear you! We need those flowers. Now go to your post before I tell the Elder of your insubordination!"

Grumbling, the sounds of footsteps in dry grass sounded while I watched one of them walk away.

My heart immediately swelled with hope again. Waiting for the other guard to turn his back, I turned and flew to follow the other guard at a careful distance.

Using my enhanced sight, I stalked the guard, much like a lion to its prey. The area before me made me pause to marvel at it.

The pond was crystal blue and still as the ground around it was littered in large fiery red flowers that grew low to the ground. Some gave off a glittery blue-purple hue while others didn't. I found them!

I just needed to subdue the guard. Looking around, I found a large patch of trees and transformed back into a human, slipping my clothes on. Peering over the edge of the trees, I watched as the guard grumbled, completely not pleased at where he was posted.

Silently, vines wrapped around my fingertips while I crept slowly forward, taking extreme caution to not make a sound. The vines slithered around my hands like a viper waiting to strike while I waited for the right moment to attack.

As the guard turned his back, I realized my moment had come. Taking his moment of temporary distraction, I unleashed my vines quickly to wrap around and immobilize him.

"What the hell?!" He yelled as he fell over, fully cocooned by vines.

"I need you to be quiet. I need a flower for my sick mother and I will release you after I leave." My voice was hurried and nothing more than a soft whisper while I rushed forward towards the flowers.

Soon, I'd have a flower and be on my way home to Alec and the rest! The cocoon wiggled around like a butterfly being born as I raced forward.

"Halt! You can't take these flowers!" The entrapped guard yelled while I couldn't help but giggle.

Getting close to the area, my body seemed to swell with magical power. This was too easy. Kneeling next to a flower, I took my bag out to dig for a knife and a container I had packed to transport it all safely back. I was so close!

Happiness danced in my spirits while I set the container down and dug for my knife.

Suddenly, I felt ice travelling up my fingers, freezing my hands in place as I gasped.

"Stop right there, thief!" A voice screamed while the ice started to travel and encase my arms.

"No! No!" I growled angrily, trying to focus to get vines to break out of the ice but it was no use.

I was trapped. Snapping my head around, I saw an elderly man with a cane standing there along with a younger gentleman.

"Please! I need this flower for my mother! She's sick and will die without it!" I pleaded, completely at their mercy. Tears threatened my eyes at the fact that I was so close only to be stopped by an old man.

The ice felt like a prison as I tried to move my arms with no luck. I was trapped!

"Tell me, thief. Who are you? What's your name?" The elder's voice crackled.

An elderly man unsteadily walked closer as his milky white eyes met with mine. The soft rhythmic tapping echoed across the forest floor as his cane landed against the dirt. He was bald with a long, gunmetal grey beard ending at his upper chest. He must have had to rely on his cane for some time as his normal body posture was hunched over.

The younger man followed closely to him, arms outstretched. The man had golden hair that reminded me of sunlight and icy, cold blue eyes. He wore dark red, almost maroon robes and held a staff with an amethyst attached to it.

“How did you know I was here?!” I snarled, unable to move and feeling like a caged animal.

“Easy. I noticed a new magical aura.” The elder said as my mouth dropped. How could I be so foolish?!

"My father asked you a question." The blonde's voice was smoky and deep. His eyes held no real emotion to them as he looked at me.

"Lanie…"

"Lanie who?"

"Lanie Lockhearte."

The elder gasped and took a step back, his free hand covering his heart while his milky white eyes widened.

“Father?!” The man grew concerned, his hand quickly finding its way to his father’s back to make sure he was steady.

“I’m sorry. What did you say, child?” The elder asked again.

“My name is Lanie Lockhearte. Why?” I sensed some sort of recognition in the elder’s eyes.

“Is this flower for Marina Lockhearte?” The elder’s voice was low.

“Yes. Do you know my mother?” My heart fluttered as I hoped the old man would help me get the flower.

“Yes. I do. I’ve known her for a long time. She ran away from the guild and took you with her. You were extremely important to me, Lanie.”

“Wait, what?!” A gasp got caught in my throat as I coughed from the utter shock. My mother was telling the truth about us running away from the guild. Now I’m staring face to face with the elder and his son! What was I going to do?!

Suddenly, the ice melted just enough from my hands to form cuffs of ice to keep my hands bound.

“You’re coming with me.” The elder’s voice was short while the blonde man cut the guard loose. Soon, I had the guard and the blonde on either side of me, directing and forcing me towards the guild.