Ch.10 Sand and Time

Chapter 10

"You're headed out too?" Ella asked with a little frown as she watched Maya hurry towards the apartment door.

Maya paused to look at the young girl curled up on the sofa with her textbooks and laptop. She felt a net of guilt rain over her heart as she nodded.

"Yeah, I have to go meet an old friend," she said. "Where's Mackey?"

"He had to go to the Senate dinner with Sofia," Ella said.

"Why didn't you go with him?"

"I have a final in a few days," Ella's frown grew.

"Will you be okay on your own?"

"Yes," Ella laughed. "There are guards in the lobby."

"Don't worry I'll be back soon," Maya said awkwardly as she took a step back. "I might bring over someone, so..... Just a heads up."

"Okay," Ella nodded before she turned back to her work.

Maya hurried out of the apartment and shut the door on her way out. She checked her purse one last time to make sure she still had the spell book before she stepped into the elevator and rode down to the lobby.

All set? Maksim mind- linked her from downtown.

All set, Maya said as she got into the car waiting outside for her.

Was Ella okay?

Yes, Maya rolled her eyes. She's a big girl, she was fine when I left her.

Just making sure, Maksim replied.

Is Sofia there?

Yes, she's right next to me.

Does she have the necklace?

Of course.

Alright, Maya took a deep breath. Keep an eye on her. I'm on my way.

Will do.

Maya felt Maksim close off their link as the car drove through the streets of New York. It was late November and the store fronts were already putting up Christmas decorations. The twinkling lights reflected off the dark windows of the car as Maya went over their plan in her head.

Once she arrived at the event, Maksim would guide Sofia to the balcony or lobby by saying he needed to speak to her. And as soon as she was away from everyone's attention, he would wait until Maya appeared to hold the woman down and snatch the necklace from around her neck. They needed to be fast. Sofia's guards wouldn't be too far away from her. Once Maksim got the necklace, it would be all up to Maya to set Heyder free.

The Fey spell book had proven to be very useful. Maksim and Maya went over the pages on Jinns and jot down all the notes they possibly could. Once Maya had the necklace, she needed to break the glass inside of a salt circle. It would ensure the jinn didn't lash out in anger. Maya insisted Heyder would do no such thing but Maksim was unconvinced. He was hellbent on Maya using the salt circle to minimize any possible threat or damage.

In the darkness of the car, Maya pushed her hand inside her purse and touched the sack of crystal salt and the spell book. Her heart hammered in her chest as she bounced with adrenaline. She knew her family would be upset. But she was convinced they would understand once they saw how happy she was with Heyder.

"Would you like for us to go through the back entrance, your grace?" The driver asked as they neared the block of the hotel.

"No, the front is fine," Maya said as she got ready to jump out of the car as soon as it stopped. She couldn't hardly wait as the driver double parked outside the grand entrance and opened his door. He was surprised when Maya opened her own door and ran out.

"I'll call you when I'm ready to leave," she said over her shoulder as she ran onto the sidewalk and headed for the building.

Mackey! Maya opened her link. I'm in the building.

Okay, Maksim took a deep breath. I'll bring her out. Wait for us by the balcony.

Got it. Maya replied as she pulled out her sack of salt and pressed the elevator button.

"Maya," A voice suddenly surprised the princess as she stared up at the floor numbers on top of the elevator door.

Maya jumped in surprise as she turned around to find Mirza standing behind her. She was caught off guard as she stared at the tall man in black suit.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" She asked.

"I needed to talk to you," Mirza said calmly.

"Wait a minute," Maya narrowed her eyes. "How did you know I would be here? Are you following me?"

"Kind of," Mirza shrugged.

"Okay.....creepy," Maya took a step back. "What do you want?"

"I can't stop thinking about you,"

"Oh sweet Jesus," Maya groaned. "Not right now, okay? I have something very important going on."

The elevator dinged open behind Maya. She turned on her heels and headed in its direction when Mirza's voice stopped her again.

"I haven't been completely honest with you," he said, taking a step forward.

"Not right now, man," Maya said.

"I'm a Jinn."

Maya's feet froze. She whirled around with wide eyes as her lips parted in a gasp.

"Excuse me?" She blinked.

"I'm a jinn," Mirza repeated. "And I've met you before."

"What?" Maya couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"When we first met, I didn't know how much of your past life you would remember so I didn't say anything.....but slowly it became very clear that you have some memories of it."

"Stefano...." Maya said slowly.

"Yes," Mirza smiled. "That would be me."

"You're lying to me."

"Jinns can't lie, Maya."

"How did you find me?"

"I have my ways," Mirza shrugged. "I can't stop thinking about you and I need you to know the truth."

"The truth?" Maya asked. She felt the air leaving her body slowly. The sound of the elevator door closing behind her rang out in the quiet lobby. A million questions started to swim in her head as she stared at Mirza's murky green eyes.

"What's your brother's name?" Maya asked.

"I think you may already have an idea."

"Heyder...." Maya said breathlessly.

"Yes.....unfortunately."

Maya, Maksim opened his link. We're here.

"What do you mean unfortunately?" Maya took a step forward as she peered at Mirza.

"Greed is really what drives my brother," Mirza said. "He's been the reason behind our separation in so many of our past lives."

"What?" Maya's ears began to ring.

"You and I belong together," Mirza took a small step forward. When Maya didn't jump back or move away, he took another step. "We have a chance at our happily ever after in this life."

Maya stared at the jinn in shock as he lifted a hand and placed it against her face. She felt her heart race like a war horse as her mind tangled in so many questions and memories and thoughts.

Maya, Maksim called her again. Where are you?

"He's not here," Mirza said. "I don't have to keep looking over my shoulder wondering when he will come and mess it all up."

"What...." Maya couldn't even form her thoughts correctly. "What happened in the past?"

A frown formed on Mirza's handsome face. He slowly dropped his hand and lowered his head.

"Tell me!" Maya demanded. "Do I....do I die?"

"Yes," Mirza said in a small voice.

"Why?" Maya swallowed the lump in her throat.

"That's not important," Mirza shook his head as he looked up. "What's important is that it won't happen in this life."

"Why not?" Maya took a step back. "Is....is it because Heyder is locked up?"

"Yes," Mirza said.

"You're lying to me," Maya felt her chest tighten.

"Jinns can't lie Maya," Mirza said as he let out the breath he was holding.

"I don't.... I don't understand," Maya shook her head. "Why are you telling me all this now?"

"Because I was hoping you would call," Mirza said. "I wanted to start a normal relationship with you. But when you didn't, I knew I had to take a chance and tell you everything."

Maya! Maksim grew frustrated. I can't keep her here much longer. I'm running out of things to say.

Maya didn't know what to do. She stared at Mirza with wide eyes as her world started to spin in her head. Was she really wrong about Heyder?

Flashes of Nick, Emir, and Roy passed before Maya's eyes as she heard his deep voice in her head.

I wanted to be the first to see my bride....If you want I will take you away right now.......Fiza, don't leave me.

Come back to me.....

Just a few seconds ago, her decision seemed completely clear. But all of a sudden, Maya couldn't tell where the road started or in which direction she was headed. She stood frozen in the lobby as Mirza started at her with his green eyes. She had no words for him.

"Heyder.....he's not my mate?" Maya asked after a long stretch of silence.

"He's your downfall," Mirza said. "I try over and over to keep him away from you.....to keep you alive.....but the faiths are cruel and my brother is greedy."

"But Maya," Mirza leaped forward and took her face in between his hands. "This time it will be different. This time he's not here to stop us from being happy."

"I.....I am really confused right now," Maya confessed.

"About what?" Mirza searched her eyes. "You've seen us together. I know you have. That's why you asked about Greece."

"Heyder.....Heyder was there," Maya felt her eyes water as her heart shrank to the size of a pea. "He was watching us...."

"And then he swooped in and took you away," Mirza leaned his forehead against his Maya's. "I try so hard, Maya. Every time.....I'm so sorry I couldn't save you."

Maya felt her chest tighten as her lungs forgot how to function. Her mind felt like a wild tornado raging through a calm village.

"But I promise this time it will be different," Mirza said.

"I..... " Maya looked at him. "I need to think about all this. This is a lot."

"Okay," Mirza said, taking a step back. "I understand. Take all the time you need. I'll always wait for you."

"I can't think if you're standing right in front of me."

"Do you want me to leave?"

"Yes, obviously," Maya said.

"Okay," Mirza nodded as he took a step back. "You have my number. Call me when you are ready."

"And if I don't?" Maya asked.

"The faiths will always bring us together.....birdie."

And just like that Mirza disappeared into thin air leaving Maya standing in the lobby all by herself. Overwhelmed with all she had learned, Maya bent over and placed her hands on her knees. Her swallow breaths came out in puffs as she tried to take in as much air as possible. The dizziness in her head made her want to rip out her brain and flush it with cold water.

"Maya," Maksim's voice rang out from behind her. "What the hell?"

Maya slowly stood up and turned to face her cousin. He was dressed in a black tux with his hair neatly combed over. His brown eyes started at her in confusion and concern.

"I had her out on that balcony for so long," Maksim said. "She probably thinks I'm a idiot with all the dumb questions I was asking her."

"I...." Maya looked around. She ran a hand through her hair as her feet wobbled.

"Woah," Maksim jumped forward and caught her before she fell over. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I.....Let's go home," Maya said.

"What about Heyder?"

"I want to go home, Maksim!" Maya shouted.

"Okay, okay," Maksim said. He held her upright with one arm as he grabbed her purse off the floor. Maya didn't even know when she had dropped the thing. She watched Maksim mind-link the driver to bring the car around as he slowly walked her to the back entrance and out into the cold open air.

The car ride to the apartment was long and silent. Maya laid her head on Maksim's lap as she stared off into space.

Was she wrong? How could she be wrong?

Shutting her eyes tightly, Maya pulled her knees to her chest and curled up into a ball. But no matter how tight she shut her eyes. She couldn't get the image of Heyder's brown eyes out of her mind.

Sweet Baby.....

When the car arrived at the apartment complex, Maksim stepped out and picked Maya up into his arms. She was in no condition to function as she stared off into space and silent tears ran down her face. As they entered the apartment, Ella jumped up from the sofa in schock.

"What happened?" She asked.

"I don't know," Maksim said as he carried Maya to the spare bedroom. Ella followed behind with worry as she tucked her loose hair into a bun.

Maksim sat Maya down on the neatly made bed and took a step back. Ella moved forward and bent down to look into the girl's eyes.

"Maya...." she asked gently. "What's wrong?"

Maya didn't answer. She lifted her gaze as if realizing for the first time where she was.

"Are you hurt?" Ella tried again.

Maya shook her head.

"What happened?" Maksim asked as he took off his bow tie. His forehead creased with concern as he placed his hands on his hips.

"I....I want to be left alone, please." Maya said.

"Okay," Ella nodded. She tried to take a step back but Maya stopped her by grabbing her hand.

"Can you....can you help me change? I can't think straight right now."

Ella looked at Maksim with worry before she nodded. Maksim stepped out of the room and shut the door behind him. He paced the halls for a few minutes before he went into his and Ella's bedroom and changed.

Maksim didn't know what to do as he cleaned up the already clean room and waited for Ella. He felt his stomach in knots as he wondered if he should contact Exton or Gemma. But what would he even tell them without worrying them.

"Max..." Ella slowly opened the door to their room and stepped inside.

"How is she?" Maksim asked as he looked up from here he was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"She took some sleeping meds and went to bed," Ella said. "What happened? Where did you find her?"

Maksim stared at his mate as she waited for answers. The muscles in his jaw jumped as he ran a hand through his hair and shook his head.

"We were going to set Heyder free tonight," He finally confessed.

"What?" Ella asked in confusion. She didn't know the whole story with the jinn but from what she knew, he was the bad guy. "Why?"

"Maya says he's her mate," Maksim hung his head.

"Is that possible? I thought only werewolves had mates."

"It's possible," Maksim nodded. "They don't call them mates....but different beings can meet the one what was made for them. Ever wonder how the term soulmate came to be?"

"Oh," Ella said as she took a seat beside Maksim.

"Yeah," Maksim sighed. "But only werewolves are more hyper aware of it. The scent, the sparks, the voice in our head."

"How does Maya know that Heyder is her mate?"

Maksim lifted his gaze and looked at the beautiful girl beside him. He held out his hand and without question or hesitation Ella placed her hand in his. With a deep breath, Maksim began to tell her everything Maya had told him.

The hours on the clock passed one by one as the night grew darker. Ella sat on the bed in front of Maksim and listened carefully as he shared with her Maya's journey. When he was done he fell back on the bed in exhaustion.

"So I had Sofia at the balcony, talking to her about politics and policies, counting the seconds until Maya showed up.....but she never did." Maksim sighed.

"And when you got downstairs, she was like that?"

"Yes," Maksim nodded. "I don't know what to do. Should I call Egg or Gem? Is she okay?"

"We can't call them now," Ella shook her head. "Maya trusted you with her secret. You need to speak to her first and find out what happened before you go pulling anyone else into this."

"You think so?" Maksim looked at his mate.

"Yes," Ella nodded. "Let's wait until morning. Let's see what happens."

___________________

Maya's body burned through the sleeping pills way too quickly. She found herself walking up at the crack of dawn tossing and turning restlessly. Mirza's words swam in her head as her chest shook with pain. No matter what Maya did, she couldn't get Heyder out of her head.

In the dark of the room, Maya felt as if she was sitting ducks with a bunch of bits and pieces of her story. She didn't know what the beginning was or who the characters were. All she had were memories. Memories that felt so real and true that it felt her breathless and in tears when she wondered if they were all lies.

When she could take the questions no more, Maya sat up on the bed and started to recite the samsara spell. She wiped the tears off her face with the back of her hands as her nose grew red and her spine singled. Within seconds, Maya was whisked through time and taken to the old dressing room where Willow had given Roy his tattoo.

Maya got off the floor and looked around. She spotted Heyder on the ugly yellow couch as Willow worked on another design on the side of his ribcage. Curiously, Maya took a step forward and peeked over the girl's shoulder.

Heyder watched Willow with admiration as she concentrated on the last few details of the bird she was drawing.

"There you go," she said as she wiped off the ink. "Do you like it?"

Heyder gave her a slow seductive smile. Maya felt her own heart skip a beat as he pulled Willow onto his lap and pushed his hand into her hair. He brought her mouth down as he kissed her urgently. Willow giggled against his lips as she looped her arms around his neck.

"I love you," Heyder whispered into her ear. "So much...... you will never know."

"I love you," Willow moaned. She pushed her body against him as her hands tugged at his hair. Heyder picked her up for a brief second before he had her trapped underneath him on the sofa.

As Maya watched, with an envious heart, Willow wrapped her legs around Heyder's waist. He pushed her shirt up with his hand as he trailed kisses down her neck. The rings on his finger stood out against her caramel skin as she moaned his name and pulled him closer.

But then, with a blink of an eye, Maya disappeared from the dressing room and landed in a small cafe in the middle of a desert oasis. She blinked against the harsh sunlight and the bits of sand flying in the air. In front of her, Heyder sat under the shade of the date trees, drinking tea as his piercing brown eyes scanned the crowd in front of him. Maya followed his eyes but found nothing of value until her sight landed on an old woman walking towards them. As she neared, Heyder's eyes grew angrier.

"The oracle is never wrong, Heyder," the woman said as she took the empty chair next to Maya.

"You said she would be a Dorin queen in this life," Heyder spun the little salt shaker on the table as he leaned back and spoke calmly.

"Yes," the woman nodded. "That is what the oracle said."

"She has a mate,"

"That can't be," the old woman frowned.

Maya's eyes bounced from the jinn to the woman. Who were they talking about? A Dorin Queen?

"I've been her," Heyder said as he looked up at the woman. "With my own eyes.....and her mate."

"The oracle is never wrong Heyder,"

"I never said it was," Heyder said.

The look of defeat in Heyder's brown eyes knocked the breath out of Maya. she found herself reaching out to touch his face as her heart started to beg for him. But before she could lay a finger on him, the spell broke and Maya landed on her bed in New York.

The hollowness in her chest couldn't drown out the pain that bleed through her. She curled up into a ball amongst the pillows as she weeped silently. Outside her window, the morning sun traded light with the afternoon as the day dragged on. Maya heard Ella and Maksim talk in hushed voices outside. She knew they were worried about her. They needed to know she was okay, but Maya didn't want to talk to anyone.

After several hours, there was a light knock on the bedroom door followed by Ella's voice.

"Maya....there's a delivery here for you," she said.

Maya frowned, "For me?"

"Y-yeah," Ella opened the door.

"What is it?"

"Flowers," Ella said.

Maya slowly sat up in bed. She tied her hair up into a bun as she walked out of the dark room and into the bright apartment. Maksim sat at the kitchen counter watching her with concerned eyes. Maya ignored him as her eyes landed on the giant box of white roses. He pulled the card out and frowned at the familiar messy handwriting.

Please call me. I've waited for you for so long. ~ Mirza.

The wave of anger that came over Maya was unexplainable. She ripped the card to shreds before waving her fingers and setting the roses on fire.

"Woah!" Maksim said as he jumped up and pulled Ella behind him. The smoke detector started going off as he grabbed the fire extinguisher and sprayed the flames.

"Sorry," Maya muttered under her breath.

"Care to explain what the fuck is going on?" Maksim asked. Ella frowned at his tone and smacked his arm.

Maya's eyes flickered to Ella before she dropped them again and started to play with the ripped pieces of the card. Ella cleared her throat and quickly took a step away from Maksim.

"I have to go do the groceries," she said, grabbing her purse.

"No, Ell...you don't h-" Maya sighed as she tried to stop the girl.

"Max ate all the ice cream," Ella smiled as she picked up the keys. "And I wanted to make you pasts tonight. I just need a few things."

"Jamie is waiting downstairs for you," Maksim said as he sank into the stool he had been sitting on earlier. "Don't go anywhere without telling him."

"I'm not a child, Max," Ella rolled her eyes as she opened the door and blew a kiss at him.

I love you, Ella opened her link. She needs to talk to you. It's okay. And we really do need more ice cream.

Maksim sighed as Ella closed the door and left him alone with Maya. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed the trash can as he started to clean up the mess.

"Do you have OCD or something?" Maya wondered as she watched him clean.

"I don't like messy things," Maksim muttered.

"My whole life is messy," Maya said.

"What happened last night?"

Maya took a deep breath as she stepped out of Maksim's way, "I ran into Mirza.....or he ran into me? I don't know what ha-"

"Mirza?" Maksim asked. "The tiger guy?"

"Yes," Maya nodded. "Well it turns out he's also Heyder's brother."

"You're fucking with me," Maksim deadpanned.

"Nope," Maya shook her head. "He said some things last night that......um....what's the words....made me question my relationship with Heyder."

"Your relationship with Heyder?" Maksim frowned. "You haven't even met the guy!"

"I did!" Maya said. "Remember he saved me on that balcony?"

"What did Mirza say?"

"He said....." Maya hesitated. "He said I belong with him and that Heyder messes things up every time."

Maksim blinked in surprise, "Do you believe him?"

"Jinns can't lie."

"That wasn't my question."

"I don't know," Maya shrugged. "I don't know what to believe anymore. My heat says Heyder but my head says Mirza."

"What a shit show,"

"Yes, thank you very much for your monthly subscription to my issues," Maya groaned.

"Were the flowers from Mirza?"

"Heyder can't really send flowers from inside a jar, now can he?"

"Why are you getting mad at me?" Maksim held up his hands. "I'm only trying to help."

"I'm sorry," Maya groaned once more as she walked over to the sofa and plopped down. "I just....I have so much going on in my head."

"You need to first figure out which jinn you actually want first."

"It doesn't work like that, you dick," Maya shook her head. "What if I pick the wrong one?"

"How do we even know which one is right?"

Maya began to chew on her bottom lip. Her knees bounced as her brain turned it's wheels.

"What are detectives trying to do when they have a case to solve?" She asked.

"Find out the whole story....." Maksim said in confusion.

"Yes, exactly," Maya jumped to her feet. "We need the whole story. We only know what I saw and what Mirza told us. We still need to know Heyder's side of the story."

"And how do we do that?"

"We get him out," Maya said. But before Maksim could lose his bananas she hurried to explain. "The Fey book said that as long as he is within the salt circle he won't be able to do anything. We get him out, ask our questions and then we decide what is true."

"And if he doesn't cooperate?" Maksim raised a brow.

"We'll still have the jar," Maya pointed out. "We will put him back."

"I don't know about this."

"Trust me," Maya said. "The plan still stays the same. Next week there is a dinner at the palace. Sofia will be there. You and Ella are coming home for the break. You distract Sofia, grab the necklace and I do my thing with the salt."

"At the palace?" Maksim wasn't pleased. "Do you have any idea what my mom will do to us?'

"How will she know?" Maya asked. "Clare can guard the door."

"Clare?" Maksim yelled. "You got her involved in this too?"

"She's involved in everything!" Maya said. "She knows everything."

"Then couldn't you just ask Clare which one is your mate?" Maksim shook his head.

"She said Heyder," Maya said. "But I still want to be sure because.....Mirza was there in my past life too."

"Ugh," Maksim rolled his eyes as he put away all the cleaning supplies. "I hate this. I don't like this. I just want to eat ice cream and cuddle with Ella."

"You will be King one day," Maya threw the roll of paper towel at him. "This will be your life. And you have Clare and Cleo and their mates to deal with too."

"I don't want kids," Maksim said as he walked out of the kitchen.

"What about Ella?"

"I'll buy her puppies,"

"Maksim!" Maya tugged at his arm. "Please.....I need your help."

"You used to beat me up when we were little."

"Would you like for me to say sorry?"

"No," Maksim sighed. "Just reminding you that I have a wonderful and forgiving heart."

"Yay, great, your highness. The kingdom is saved," Maya rolled her eyes. "So will you help with your forgiving heart?"

"I said I would, didn't I?"

________________________________

After days of anticipation and sleepless nights, the evening finally came. Maya and Maksim communicated through their links as the guests at the palace mingled in the ballroom and soft music played in the background.

Ever since Maksim and Ella had arrived two days ago, Maya went over the plan part by part with her cousin making sure everything was as it should be. They were all prepared and ready to roll. Maya would have only 10 minutes to ask Heyder all her questions. If he was her mate, she would release him from the salt circle. But if he wasn't then, back in the jar he would go back. Maksim will put the necklace back before they erase Sofia's memory of the last few minutes. No one will know a thing.

"Maya?" Adeline's voice spoke up from behind her sister.

"What?" Maya hissed in irritation.

"What are you doing?"

"What am I doing?"

"Your face is doing a weird thing," Adeline pointed. "Like you're thinking too hard."

"Believe or not, Mother Teresa, but I do use my brain,"

"How was New York?"

"Dreadful," Maya said as her eyes watched Maksim and Sofia over Adeline's shoulder. "Where's Ben?"

"Talking to dad," Adeline said looking over her shoulder.

Okay, I'm taking her to the throne room, Maksim linked Maya.

"I was thinking we should go see the ne-" Adeline began by Maya cut her off.

"I think mom is calling me," she said quickly as she handed Adeline her drink and hurried away.

Clare, Maya opened her link. It's showtime. Come to the throne room.

There was no answer.

Clare! Maya tried again. When she realized the little girl's link was closed, she cursed under her breath as she hurried down the hall. Mackey, we have a problem.

What? Maksim asked with irritation.

I can't get Clare.

Let's call this off.

No! Maya moved faster. Sofia leaves for London tomorrow. She will be hard to catch. We have to do this now.

Hurry up! Maksim hissed. I'm pretty sure she thinks I have a crush on her or something.

She does like Owen, Maya responded. I can see her thinking about you too.

Eh! Maksim gagged. Let's get this over with.

Maya neared the throne room and pulled off her heels. She tossed them aside and tiptoed into the large hall with the sake of salt in her hands. She heard Sofia's laugh as Maksim kept her entertained.

Maya moved in between the columns until she arrived right behind the pair. She quickly drew the salt circle and tossed the pouch aside.

Now, Maksim. She linked.

"May I have this dance, Ms. Sofia?" Maksim held out his hand for the woman.

"There is no music, your grace," Sofia tossed her hair over her shoulder and batted her eyelashes.

"There is music in my....heart," Maksim said.

Ew. Maya laughed through the link.

Shut up, Maksim groaned.

Sofia took a step closer and placed her hand in Maksim's, "I hope Ella doesn't mind."

"She doesn't need to know," Maksim said with a painful smile.

Sofia gave a short laugh before she grew uncomfortable from how hard Maksim was gripping her hands. She tried to pull away but he held on.

"Your grace," Sofia frowned as she tried again.

Over the woman's head, Maksim saw Maya reach out. Sofia looked up and caught the small reflection in his brown eyes. She jerked away and threw her arms up in self defense as a shield made of light stopped Maya.

"What are you doing?" Sofia demand. "What is this?"

"Nothing," Maya said quickly. "We just want to talk."

Sofia took a step back. Her eyes landed on the salt circle on the floor as she gasped.

"No," she said. "What.....what are you planning on doing?"

Maya looked at Maksim with worry.

We can't let her leave now, Maksim linked her.

He leaped forward and tried to grab Sofia. Maya did the same. But Sofia was quick as a fox, she jumped out of the way and blasted the two with an energy spell.

"What the hell?" Maya said as she stared in confusion.

"Did you think your mother would leave me defenseless with this around my neck?" Sofia asked as she raised her hand for another spell.

"How is she doing that?" Maksim asked as he shook his head from the pain.

Maya's heart beat with worry as Sofia's palms began to glow. Around the woman's neck, another source of light began to shimmer as well.

"You're drawing magic from Heyder," Maya gasped.

Sofia didn't respond. She released her spell straight at Maya's head. Bit this time Maya was quicker. She blocked the spell and sent out one of her own. Sofia rocked back a few feet as Maya's shot caught her in her stomach. Maksim approached from behind her and tackled the unsuspecting woman to the ground.

"Sorry, councilwoman," he said as he pinned her down.

"Get off me!" Sofia screamed.

"In a second," Maksim pulled her necklace off and gave it over to Maya.

"No!" Sofia yelled. "You don't know what you are doing!"

"It's just for a few minutes," Maya said as she began to move towards the salt.

Suddenly, before Maksim could stop her, Sofia raised her hand from the floor and blasted Maya.

"Shit!" Maksim groaned as he pinned her hands back.

"Max, what the fuck?" Maya groaned.

"Hurry up!"

Maya gathered herself up from the floor and looked down at the necklace in her palm. It was glowing a brilliant electric blue that captivated her to her core.

"What the hell is going on?" Adeline shrieked from the doorway.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck," Maya said as she used a spell to yank Adeline into the room and shut the door. "Stay quiet."

"Maksim!" Adeline yelled. "Let go of her!"

"They're trying to release Heyder!" Sofia said from the floor. "Go get your mother!"

Adeline's eyes grew wide with shock. She looked at Maksim and then at Maya. Maya's heart began to pound in her chest. She begged her sister to not move as she held the necklace close to her chest.

A minute ticked by as everyone waited around to see what Adeline would do. Sofia struggled underneath Maksim as he held his breath.

"Adeline!" Sofia screamed. "Go!"

Suddenly, Adeline jumped into action. She ran into the room and threw her hand over Sofia's mouth, housing the woman's screams. Without missing a beat, Maya jumped to her feet and took the little jar off the necklace.

"No!" Sofia suddenly screamed as Maksim and Adeline flew off of her.

Maya whirled around in shock as the angry woman charged at her in full speed. But it was too late.

The powerful blast Sofia had sent out caught Maya in it's trap too. The girl flew through the air before colliding with a column behind her. The wind was knocked out of her as her palm opened and the little jar dropped from the air.

"No!" Maksim and Sofia screamed at the same time as Maya landed on the ground right as the glass shattered next to her face.

A hot desert wind blew through the room like a tornado. Bits of sand flew out from the air as it covered the throne room's floors. Maya began to cough from the dust storm as a figure loomed over her. She blinked against the harsh wind and sand as a set of piercing brown eyes smiled down at her.

"You stupid little girl," Heyder said.

My heart stopped.....what will happen now?