Free Blood and Snow 11: Resolved to Rule by Rashelle Workman Page A

along the buildings. The roads looked like they were made from pearls. And all manner of creatures flew or walked the streets. Trolls, elves, fairies, and gremlins. Even humans.
    Several streams meandered lazily in different sections of the city. And surrounding the city’s outskirts was a vast ocean. Did mermaids dwell here? I strained by eyes, hoping to catch a glimpse of one.
    The idea of mermaids brought up another concern. Where exactly did Abernathy bring us? What was this place? The dragon said the city was called Mizu Atlantica, but what was the city for?
    Abernathy flew us along the streets, over the heads of the multitudes of residents. No one shrieked, or screamed. Instead, most waved to Abernathy, and greeted him like an old friend.
    I shook my head in disbelief.
    This was wild.
    Abernathy landed in the exact center of the city. On a large, circular patch of green. It wasn’t grass. It was slimier—like moss, or algae.
    “Do not climb off,” Abernathy said, tucking his wings along his back, and to the side. “We are going below.”
    As he spoke, a screech reverberated through my body, like metal scraping against metal. I peered over the side, and realized the circle Abernathy stood on descended.
    Cindy wrapped her arms around Gabe. Dorian tightened his grip. I leaned into him, thankful for his nearness. Since I told him I was in love with Christopher, he’d been more quiet, but still available when I needed him. I realized a friendship like his rarely came along. I turned back to him, and smiled.
    “Thanks, Dorian.”
    “No worries.” He nudged me with his shoulder.
    After several long, nerve-wracking moments, we stopped.
    A blue-green light flickered on above, along with a rigorous hum, as the large hole in the ceiling closed. There was a click, and a door in front of us slid open. Standing in the doorway, flanked by two (I’m guessing) bodyguards, was my mother.
    She wore slick black pants, and a matching black top. It reminded me of a scuba suit, but with more flair. On her feet were boots with sparkling black buckles holding them to her legs. They went to midway up her calves. On her back was what looked like a large gun. And her long hair was in a braid, hanging down her back.
    “She’s kickass,” Dorian whispered.
    A glint of a smile crossed my mother’s lips, as though she’d heard him.
    I couldn’t say anything. I was shocked. Physically, she looked the same as she did the last time I saw her. Long hair, the color of spider silk, a lithe body. But she also appeared more hardened. There was none of the softness I remembered. Instead she looked… as Dorian said, like a kick ass, no nonsense woman.
    A woman who resembled my mother in physical attributes, but that was all.
    “Ariel,” Abernathy said, his voice low and soothing. “It’s lovely to see you again.”
    “That’s your mom?” Dorian asked.
     

Chapter 3
     
    Abernathy and my mother made small talk. She glanced my direction several times, her smile lighting my insides with happiness. But I couldn’t speak. Dorian wrapped a protective arm around my shoulders. Cindy tried to strike up a conversation, but I didn’t respond. I couldn’t focus on anyone but my mom.
    Gabe and Cindy hung back, unsure what to do with themselves.
    Mom. I can’t believe it’s her, I thought.
    Once Abernathy and my mother finished talking, the circular opening above slid open, and Abernathy flew away. “I’ll return when I’m needed. Good-bye little vampire,” he said.
    I noticed my mother flinched at his word—vampire.
    “See ya,” I said, and my voice echoed against the strange walls. A strange odor radiated from everywhere. It took me a minute to place it, but I realized the strongest smell was hazelnut. Underneath was salt water. It wasn’t a bad smell, but I was curious if they used some sort of scented candle or… something to cover up the stench of sea water, fish, and all things relating to sea life.
    Inclining her head to each of