Under the Burning Stars Read Online Free Page A

the cup, nothing displayed on the ceiling.
    “Before entering the circle, you must ha ve absolute love and conviction,” Savina said. “This chalice holds the blood of each of us. As you drink, you will feel a strong sensation.”
    Peter took a deep breath. He dran k the contents from the chalice, and passed it to Seth, until everyone had taken a sip.
    “Take each other’s hand, and focus on your power,” Savina continued. “As we focus, our strength enters Peter.”
    Ava drew a slow deep breath and exhaled. She felt the power within her and everyone else’s consume her. It was stronger now that the other coven was there. Her body hummed and tingled. Then, she sensed a new power, not as strong as the others’, but it was there. The pentagram on the rug glowed, completing their Aureole.             
    “You are a Guardian,” Aaron finally spoke. Even when Aaron was serious, he still sounded like a polite Southern gentleman. He was very regal, but was also someone Ava did not want to upset. “You protect us as well as yourself. Because of this vast protection, your body can regenerate, or heal at an accelerated rate.”
    “How do I know I have the power of an Enchanter?” Peter asked.
    Colden smiled. “Look at your hand.”
    Peter looked down and the cut on his hand had vanished. “Whoa.”
    “ Nicole has the ability to manipulate ice,” Savina said. “Link can create explosions and Seth is a Pathfinder. He has the ability to track individuals and objects.”
    “We shall train soon, but remember Peter, it takes two days for the full effect,” Maggie stated. Her black hair parted on th e far left side of her head, covering her right eye, which never seemed to bother her. Her regal stance was daunting. “Tonight, rest so your body can become acclimated. You will feel lethargic during these two days, but I assure you, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Your body is going through a rather large and distressing change.”
    “Two days? ” Peter asked. “I can’t practice or train for two days?”
    “For the first few hours, you must rest ,” Aaron said. “When you wake, we can start you out slowly.” He looked from Peter to Seth to Link and finally Nicole. “Welcome to the Aureole.” He gave a warm smile.
    Peter and Ava filed out of the room while the others went outside.
    “Why didn’t the ceiling portray anything when it was my turn?” he asked.
    “ Because it only shows true blooded Enchanters,” Ava replied as they walked up the stairs to her room.
    Once inside, she closed the door behind them. She put her hand on his necklace and s miled a little. “I feel you.”
    “I can feel you , too. It’s almost overwhelming.”
    “What are you thinking?”
    “How amazing this is. And this energy. I might explode. And I’m a little dizzy.”
    “Maybe you should lie down.”
    Peter nodded and slipped under the blankets with his arms around her and she rested her head on his chest.
    “What are you thinking?” He intertwined his fingers with hers.
    “Oddly at peace. Having you be like me.”
    “You don’t regret this?”
    She shook her head. “No.” Ava smiled and continued to feel his immense love for her. “I can now feel what you feel for me. I have never been so happy.” She pulled his mouth to hers. It was always electric when they kissed, but now the intensity of their love ran rampant through her veins. Her necklace was hot against her chest, just like the fire of his lips. Nothing else existed but Peter and the comfort of his love. Ava knew that, with Peter by her side, everything would be okay.

CHAPTER THREE
MEMORIAL
    Ava dressed in a black sleeveless dress and heels. She hated wearing heels, but at least they weren’t as tall as the ones that Melissa had.
    Twelve people had died in the bombing. Images of fire and smoke flashed in Ava’s mind. And then the dreadful memory of Xavier carrying her, only to bury her and her friends in some underground room, made her