Mage Chronicles: The Beginning

G.W MERAKI.

Mage Chronicles: The Beginning.

Copyright © 2024 by G.W MERAKI.

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This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

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To the number 7,

For all the beautiful things, and all the beautiful moments you have brought to my life.

Contents

Acknowledgments

1. THE BEGINNING.

2. MAGIC OR NO MAGIC?

3. ZOOMIES.

4. REVELATIONS.

5. COLD CURSES.

6. I CHOOSE DEATH.

7. SAD GOODBYES.

8. MOTHER O’ FAERY.

9. GLASS ROOMS.

10. DRU.

11. THE BLACK HOUSE.

12. HAUNTED HAVEN.

13. SENSUAL ILLNESSES.

14. POLES AND LAPS.

15. MAGIC WORDS.

16. FRUSTRATING FEMALES.

17. BABY UNICORNS.

18. LESSER EVILS.

19. FAKERS IN LEATHERS.

20. NEW FRIENDS.

21. CATFIGHT?

22. SHADOW ATTACKS.

23. FIRING SQUAD.

24. SCARY LEGENDS.

25. NYX.

26. BRIGHT PRINCES.

27. AN UNWILLING ROYAL.

28. ICE PRINCESS.

29. INSIDE VOICES.

30. MAGICAL MAKEOVERS.

31. WINTER WONDERLAND.

32. BEAUTIFUL STRANGER.

33. GIRLS NIGHT.

34. BLIND MASSES.

35. ROSY BARGAINS.

36. THE EXTRA MILE.

37. FILTER.

38. CHATTY DOORWAYS.

39. HELLHOUNDS.

40. VENGEFUL PSYCHO.

41. SPAM BOX PRAYERS.

42. TRIAL OR NO TRIAL.

43. VOICES IN MY HEAD.

44. HEADLESS PRINCESS.

45. SOUL TIES.

46. KNIGHT IN FLAMING ARMOUR.

47. ELEENA.

48. BITTER SWEET.

49. BACK IN FAERY.

50. FAERY GODMOTHER.

51. TEARY REUNION.

52. EMOTION AVALANCHE.

53. STEAMY PREDICAMENT.

54. MATES?

55. TOUGH LUCK.

56. LITTLE SPIT FIRE.

57. LOVE LANGUAGE.

58. SNARLY WITH THE SCALES.

59. PANT-UPS.

60. A WHITE LIE.

61. LEASHES.

62. A SPAR GONE AWRY.

63. MASTER OF WAR.

64. DREAM-NAPPED.

65. BROKEN SHACKLES.

66. BEAUTIFUL RAPTURE.

67. MORNING AFTER.

68. WARDS AND HAGS.

69. THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM.

70. PEACEFUL OBLIVION.

Acknowledgments

My deepest gratitude to the Magic Shop⁷ for the inspiration and motivation to start this journey.

To my family and friends for their unwavering support, I extend my sincerest appreciation.

And to those first readers who followed along with each chapter update, your encouragement made all the difference, I am indebted to you. Thank you for believing in the Mage Chronicles!

1

THE BEGINNING.

I’ve got to say your ink is pretty unique.

The sound comes from behind me, referencing the ink at the small of my back that was part of my performance costume. The same performance that had just got me kicked out. Schooling my face, I brace for the unwanted interaction.

Thanks, buy me a drink and I might show you the tramp stamp that goes with it, I say, turning to the person who dared to interrupt my solitude. Bar or not it was still sacred.

Oh my! You are one beautiful man! I blurt my mouth loosened by the number of drinks I had downed.

A snort comes from behind the gorgeous specimen, and I switch my focus, albeit reluctantly. The guy was fine.

Woah! What is in the water where you come from? Girl, you are smoking, I tell the sexy goddess behind the broody hottie, You kind of look like that chick from that movie, The Old Guard, her name was … Andy?

They stare at me all silent and intimidating, but I was well on my way to tipsy so it didn’t work. Not giving them a chance to respond, I go on.

"So, what’s up? I ask turning to BH.

I’m pretty sure you’re not trying to pick me up, not with sex on legs here, I add, cutting him off.

Be annoying Mahina, it will make them leave.

Oh! Oh! Are you looking for a third partner? I continue before they could speak, If so, no thank you, I declare and turn back to my drink. That was enough deterrent, no one wanted to speak to a bumbling drunk.

Uhm… starts Broody Hottie.

Why? I inwardly whine. Why won’t they leave me alone?

We are not really here for that, Andy says.

Okay Mahi, you tried. Your evil therapist better note that. I tell myself pulling up my ‘do I look like I care’ face on and turning to the pesky gnats, sexy ones; yes, but still gnats.

Talk.

We have an offer for you, starts BH.

Pass, I cut in.

You are not telling it right, hottie with the legs huffs in frustration, pushing to the front. At this point, I’m signalling Ryder, also known as my favourite bartender ever for a refill.

Do you believe in mythical creature…?

It’s Mahi and maybe? It depends on when you ask, I answer the sexy goddess half-heartedly, manners and all that.

Well, long story short we are mage recruiters; basically there are two groups; light and shadow mages, she continues.

Which are you?

Shadow.

Cool, I say gesturing for Ryder to pick up his pace. Why was he watching us like a cat trying to figure out if it could get away with pushing a mug off the table?

And for the past two months, you’ve been pinging on our radar like crazy, but every time we get close to finding you, you disappear, she pauses for dramatic effect but I just stare blankly.

For example, we followed you in here, but about ten minutes since you got into this bar, your signature disappeared.

Look, I say finally grabbing my new, excitingly full glass, That is good and all, but you want me to believe I’m a mage as in a Fae, Elf, or Shifter? That shit? Yeah no, I’m not that drunk.

Am I?

Look here, midget…

Oh look, he found his tongue, I start going on the defensive, to kill the conversation that was getting weirder by the minute, I was wondering if you were just here for the intimidation, it’s not working by the way.

I pause before something occurs to me, Did you know that what you just called me could be termed as derogatory, in some crowds?

You are in danger, if we found you, you bet your ass others are going to and we can’t promise they will be nice, he threatens ignoring my quip.

Well, that is ‘nice’ and all, but you see those ‘others,’ they beat you here and their pitch was way better. I’m surprised you didn’t see them, some mages you are. So once again, no thank you.

So why didn’t you go with them? BH asks.

I need Ryder’s stuff to survive, I start counting on my fingers, I don’t do well under authority and they were light mages. I finish off, gulping down half my drink.

What’s wrong with that? Andy asks.

I found out that most of the time the people who claim to play nice are the meanest mother truckers on the planet and more often than not, also have a God complex, besides they were too pretty and bright.

What’s wrong with pretty? BH asks, watching disapprovingly as I clear my drink.

Nothing, I like pretty, but with a side of broody and rugged, I answer, smirking at him.

I like her, Andy declares.

She really looked like Andy from The Old Guard.

"What’s your name? I can’t keep calling you Andy in my head."

I liked that movie, she says, smirking.

BH scoffs, making me turn to him in surprise, was there some inside joke?

Am I missing something here?

Andy holds out her hand with a smile, Hi, I’m Morrigan, but you can call me Mor.

Hold up, was the movie by any chance about you? I ask, offering my own hand in return.

Yes, though they missed quite a few details.

Isn’t Morrigan Irish or something like that, Andromache gave a more Grecian or Roman vibe.

Staying in one place for long among humans is quite a task for immortals, so we tend to move around often. Different cultures give different names. I’ve forgotten some of them.

What was the original name?

The Morrigan.

So, you’re the crow lady.

For someone who’s sceptical about immortals and magic, you seem to know a lot, she challenges eyeing me suspiciously.

Me and my stupid drunk mouth.

I like fantasy and paranormal books, especially RH romance, you’re very popular.

And you could be her new best friend, BH comments.

Okay, I say, placing my empty glass back on the counter, plastic smile in place, This has been fun but I’ve got to jet.

And with that, I haul ass with one last wave to Ryder, who blows me a kiss.

2

MAGIC OR NO MAGIC?

You can’t stop me I’m Beyoncé! I sing, getting into my house only to let out a screech to rival a harpy’s.

Jesus Mama! You scared the shit out of me, almost literally.

Gross Mahi, Mama replies, folding her arms in a posture that I’d grown to know means I was seconds from getting an epic lecture.

What is it? I ask with a sigh which earns me another pointed glare.

You went to Ryder’s again after work, didn’t you?

I…

And you left my sweet grandbaby alone, I had to drag myself all the way here to stay with him.

Mama! We live in the same estate, on the same grounds, quit being dramatic, and Blue wasn’t alone, I’ve just met Cherry peeling out of here like demons were on her ass, what did you say to her?

Nothing.

Yeah right.

Cherry was my babysitter and for some reason, Mama loathed her from day one.

Mama! my baby boy calls flapping his tiny blue-black wings towards me.

Oh, look at you, you are practically an expert at flying, I gloat like any proud mother would.

"Nana’s been teaching me, Blue says, his speech clearer than it had been in the morning. Why the hell was he growing up so fast?

Mama, I hope you broke nothing else with those damn wings of yours, I grumble shoving my worries aside to glare at my huffing mother.

Yeah, I know what you are probably thinking.

* * *

See, I’m adopted… kind of. My Mama is a nymph which is more like a succubus, yes, the sex demon, but she’s not a demon, she’ll probably smite my ass for the description but it’s the best I can come up with buzzed, sue me. Also, she’s the best person in the world. To the people she likes that is. My Papa is a dragon-shifter alpha who moonlights as an executive in an entertainment company, which he also owns.

Before they came along, life was pretty hard; sleeping in parks, meals at the mercy of restaurant and café owners or their amazing staff.

As a female, I was used to being unfairly and sometimes inhumanely treated. Having my food snatched from me was one of the things I had to learn to accept if I wanted to stay alive and untouched. But one day, my sparse luck ran out. They weren’t just satisfied with the food or the punches or the kicks to the face. All I remember before I blacked out was gleaming eyes crowding me in and a distinct smell of sea and forests.

When I woke up, the next day, I felt fine, tired and sore but fine. It wasn’t until a month later that I realized that a lot more had happened than I had previously thought.

Fast forward eight months and a teary adoption later, Knox ‘Blue’ Dracon was born. That was the single most terrifying moment of my existence and I swore I would on everything pretty that I wasn’t doing that ever again. But the moment I laid eyes on the snivelling blue-haired boy, I fell in love, everyone did.

Papa had some tests run once it was clear Blue was no normal baby. I mean, the tiny thing came out with blue hair. One distinct thing that came back was that he had nautical DNA somewhere, which would explain the amazing colouring.

They talked me into therapy for the trauma but the funny thing is, my issues didn’t stem from that incident since I couldn’t remember anything.

Long story short, I knew what those mages were talking about, the only issue was, I wasn’t the magical one, Blue was. Maybe Blue had left some traces in me.

I don’t like that girl; Mama’s voice jolts me back to the present.

I know that.

What did she do now? Do you know how hard it is to find a good babysitter these days?

I found Knox hiding because she wanted to take a picture of him, and she called him a freak.

She will die.

But you glamoured him.

Yes, but the little hellion snatched something off the shelf with his tail, so she noticed.

Am I a freak Mama? Blue asks with a sad face, which just breaks my heart.

Did he even know what a freak was?

No baby, you are perfect and beautiful and loved.

And handsome? he asks slyly.

Very handsome, I insist with a mock solemn nod.

Like Jin?

Yeah, baby! I yell clapping my hands, You are also worldwide handsome.

Oh fates, my Mama mutters, letting herself out.

Nana, my blessings and kisses, Blue whines reaching for Mama with a pout.

Come here, boy, he waddles over and she picks him up, planting kisses all over his face as she draws the family insignia around him with magic as a blessing.

The image lights up my world, two of my favourite people smiling and laughing, despite all we’d been through.

She hands him over with one last peck and leaves.

I turn to my boy, Okay baby, what’s for supper?

Fish!

Again? I swear, sometimes you prove our speculations about you being part nautical. I’m tired of eating your brethren, I mutter, hiking him up with a huff, while carefully navigating the pretty attachments on his back, he was getting heavy.

Blue, at almost three years old, despite being a tiny thing, had the intellect and understanding of a six or seven-year-old human child in all the other ways so he could eat pretty much everything and hold terrifyingly intelligent conversations, when he chose to.

They were entertaining sometimes, and I didn’t have a lot of dietary restrictions due to his age; Thank the fates for small blessings.

How about I make some pasta, beef, and veggies for the growing boy?

Nana says you have to eat veggies, too.

I scrunch my face But I’m grown.

She said to tell you not really, he answers with a serious face.

Okay fine, let me grab a shower quick, hmm? I ask already lowering him onto the sofa.

He nods and I’m off before he changes his mind and decides to join me.

The boy loved water.

3

ZOOMIES.

I walk back downstairs to find my baby having the zoomies… winged edition.

Blue, if you wreck our house, no fish for a month, I threaten before realizing what had him so excited.

Baby, come give me some love, I say, quickly scooping him up when he gets to me and turning to the two intruders leaning on my kitchen counter with confused expressions as they stare at the winged koala wrapped around me tightly.

Looks like we have to order in Blue, what would you like to eat? I address my son as I continue glaring at Mor and BH.

Pizza? Blue asks, more like demands.

What kind?

Meaty, and a veggie smoothie so that Nana doesn’t scold us.

So that’s a BBQ chicken and beef pizza. Ah! My baby was simply divine.

I make the order quickly as they continue staring at Blue, who gets shy and moves for a piggyback ride, burying his head in my back.

Okay Knox, I feel him stiffen at my use of his official name, Spill it. Why didn’t you alert me when they came in? I told you remember, stranger danger. I scold softly eyes fixed on the two intruders.

They smell nice, and he smells like Pops, Blue mumbles into my back.

This is what Blue calls my Papa, Raphael Dracon.

Really? I ask, evaluating BH with fresh eyes. Maybe he was a dragon shifter too.

I move from the kitchen to the couch in the living area getting comfortable; still snuggling Blue, then turn to the intruders, who follow me out.

Before I lose my shit, would someone explain why you are here? I ask my apprehension leaking into my voice.

We tailed you since you didn’t seem to grasp the enormity of the situation you are in, Mor supplies.

What I would like to know is how the f…why you have a mage baby since you pleaded ignorant of anything concerning magic earlier, BH adds.

Granted, that was a valid question but his delivery needed some work. I didn’t like his attitude, especially with no alcohol drowning my veins, I burned through the shit too fast for my liking. And, he had almost cursed in front of Blue, I’d have paid good money to see how that went. However, that didn’t mean they were entitled to any answers.

First of, that is none of your business and second, you are the ones who haven’t grasped the enormity of what exactly you’ve—.

Before I finish the sentence, a bright light flares in the middle of the room revealing the most beautiful woman I’d seen to date, also known as Nona Ellie.

Great Nona, you charred my carpet, again.

Nona Ellie! Blue yells clapping his hands and jumping from my arms.

Nona Ellie snatches him up before my heart stutters to a stop, after relaxing her fighting stance. Guess we were good.

I didn’t know you were here, Nona, I quip moving to stand.

I was supposed to meet up with your mother for dinner when we felt the foreign signatures in here.

Nona Ellie was Blue’s godmother, mine as well and Mama’s best friend. She was also Mama’s sister in all but blood. They met when they were still young girls, whatever age that is supposed to be for immortals. She should have been more like an aunt but she insisted she felt more like a grandmother.

Nona Ellie was also fae. The thought prompts me to look at Mor. They must know each other.

Meanwhile, BH looked like he’d swallowed something nasty.

My lady, he says reverently with a deep bow, face flushed.

Man, flustered was a good look on him.

Wait! What?

Your lady? I ask out loud.

Killian, Nona acknowledges with a nod, Morrigan, I didn’t know you were back. Great to see you.

Killian huh?

Girl, you are full of surprises.

This comes from Morrigan, who looks thoroughly entertained; as i struggle to unglue my eyes from a still bowing Killian; the name was too sexy for the brood.

Go let your mother in, honey. Nona Ellie says to me.

I head to the door mind reeling, opening it to reveal Mama leaden with take-out.

Did you snatch all the food the poor guy was carrying? I ask not even surprised. I has happened before, so many times that I wondered at how we weren’t blacklisted already.

No, I also paid for it.

Mama, those were other people’s orders. You bully!

They will wait, she huffs moving past me.

Is your father here yet? She asks, laying everything on the counter, not in the least surprised by the strangers she finds in my home.

Mor, Killian, child, please have a seat and forgive her manners. She’s a bit prickly, Nona says.

You don’t say, Mor mutters.

Now, how in fates did you lot find my daughter? Mama asks.

We tracked her to the bar, then followed her here. Mor answers since BH seemed to have been struck dumb.

What is going on? I ask.

They all exchange glances.

Mama, is there something I should know? I turn to ask her when I get no answers to my prior question.

Go on, Selene, it’s about time she knew, Nona says.

My anxiety is off the charts and I gesture for Blue to come to me. He was my anchor, after all.

Let’s wait for Raphael, he’s almost here, Mama answer wringing her hands. Was she nervous? That would be a first.

The mood suddenly changes and Blue feels it because he scrambles off my lap, rushing off to fates know where.

I guess you couldn’t really be content sitting on laps that just couldn’t stop shaking.

Do you guys hear that?

Mor’s voice pulls me from my musings.

No, what? Mama asks suddenly alert, even Nona stiffens defensively, then I hear it.

Ah jeez, I say, shooting up and sprinting towards the basement, which I had converted into a dance studio.

Blue, baby, now is not the time, I caution once inside, heading for the music system which was blasting Wave by ATEEZ, to turn it off.

But you are sad, Mama, and when you’re sad you dance, Blue insists.

Oh, my little angel.

I know baby, but I can’t today.

He pouts, totally taking advantage of his cuteness.

Don’t make that face, boy, we really can’t sweetheart.

Blue rushes off to change the song on the tab usually attached, and I burst out laughing.

You know my weakness, baby, but no.

He ignores me and starts jamming to the first beats of Mic Drop by BTS, nailing Hobi’s footwork to a T, as well as a boy his age could anyway; I taught him well.

He alternates between tagging on my leg and flying or hopping around me until I finally give in.

Okay, Okay, go start it again, I instruct giving in.

Once the song starts again, I take a deep breath and go to my happy place.

Maybe I needed this. Yeah, after the day I’d had, I totally needed this.

In no time, we’re both singing to the very catchy chorus, though Blue is very creative with his version.

No cursing, baby, I jump in laughing when his face scrunches up.

Mama, you are ruining it, he grumbles.

At this point, we are just jumping around yelling to the lyrics; or at least I am, I had no idea what my baby was yelling, oblivious to everything, until the music is suddenly cut off.

No!

Rude!

We both shout simultaneously then bump fists.

Sometimes I wonder which of you is the parent. This comes from Mama making me turn only to realize we had an audience.

How long have you guys been standing there? I ask, not embarrassed in the least. Lie.

Long enough to confirm you are doing a fantastic job, when it comes to raising that boy, answers Nona.

I pointedly avoid Mor and BH addressing the menacing man leaning at the door.

Papa, hi?

Hey baby girl, don’t let us interrupt you. It makes me happy to see you two like this.

Blue suddenly disappears from my side and reappears on Papa’s shoulders.

Well then, that was new.

We all stare at him in shock.

I won’t even bother trying to figure out what he is now, Papa says, turning to head back to the living area.

Honestly, Papa, I gave up after the wings sprung on his back, I muse trudging along.

4

REVELATIONS.

We all settle down, Blue snatching up his food before relocating to my lap. I envied how calm he was. I was too jittery to eat.

Can anyone tell me what’s going on, please? I ask impatiently.

What do you remember before we found you outside the company building? Papa asks.

It’s funny to think how fast my body slows and a chill engulfs me. I’m taken back to the time before I found The Dracons and I can’t handle it, I don’t want to.

Deep breaths honey, Mama says, patting me while Nona takes Blue from my lap.

You are okay, breathe. Mama coaxes.

I’m sorry for bringing this up, but we have to, and Mel told me you were doing better, Papa says looking tortured.

"I remember always being cold and