Title: Dark Moments

Author: Ageless Light

Beta-ed by: Nobody right now! But I'd like one!

Characters/Pairing: Zacarias De La Cruz and OC

Genre: Romance/Fantasy

Summary: Zacarias De La Cruz meets his lifemate a most inopportune time. When he re-awakens he discovers she is gone, and vows to find and claim her at all costs. Their possible union gains the attention of a powerful race but are they friends or foes to the Carpathians?

Rating: T (Contains content suitable for teens and older)

Disclaimer: I do not own the Dark Series Universe or any of Christine Feehan's characters. I do own the OC's though. I went to babynames . com for my character names though. The book the original concept of the Ways came from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series. I however, have altered their purpose, make-up, and description to fit my fic. They are very different since I haven't even read the story, but if you like epic fantasy books; I encourage you to check them out.

Status: Continuous (Incomplete)

Spoilers: Up to and including Dark Slayer (The most recent novel in Feehan's Dark Series).

Created on: February 9, 2010

Word Count: 5,445 (Total 80,962)

"Talk" – regular talking

Talk- Inner thoughts

"Talk"- Speaking telepathically

Chapter 24

Chains

"Will you stop it?" Ashe tried to sound stern and chide him, but she was too busy trying not to smile. Glancing up at the imposing figure that was hovering over her shoulder she was met with a blank look. Even though his face was expressionless she could feel his amusement between their private link. Zacarias growled low in his throat and tossed a predatory look at the nearest Elemental.

"I'm serious, Zacarias. Stop scaring them." Ethan Starshine stunk of fear and nearly stumbled when the Eldest De La Cruz brother focused his attention him. It was obvious that the young elemental would need to go through some remedial courses to not be so emotional or intimidated again.

The Carpathian returned his gaze to his lifemate's and she could see the smugness radiate in his black ice colored eyes. In response to his behavior and poor treatment of her fellow soldiers she half heartedly smacked him with the back of her hand on his chest. For once Zacarias didn't even feel the smack which did not pack any power behind it, thankfully. Before her hand could fall to her side, he grabbed it within his larger hand and laced their fingers together. A gentle pull forced her back to his side and they continued walking side by side towards the Ways.

They had spent the previous night talking. Though they could read each other's minds they both wanted to speak of their expectations in their relationship. Zacarias was still angry over her confession and insistence in protecting him. At first it was an affront to his pride but then he realized that wasn't her intent. Though he wasn't happy with her behavior he merely decided that as the male he would just ensure that she wouldn't have to make a choice to risk herself for him. They had avoided talks of the future but instead spoke of how they had each gotten to where they were in their lives.

Learning that being underground didn't affect her as negatively as he first believed, he kept them underground during the night and into the next day. The sun healed Ashe and kept her in top performance but she was able to be without it for almost two weeks. Just like most of the Kylierion military personnel, a fact that the Empire kept secret so they could be underestimated by their enemies. It was only until late afternoon that they left the cave. When that happened Zacarias noticed an increase in his tolerance of the sun. The sun did not burn his eyes or his skin as much and they believed that it was because of her blood.

Consulting with Manolito about the physiological changes occurring from the wolf's blood added to the knowledge that Amelyn changed when ingesting Kylierion blood, they decided that her blood was just as powerful maybe even as dominant as his. They weren't sure what changes could or would happen and decided that in the coming days they would experiment together. Ashe tried not to think too far ahead but she wanted to be able to take Zacarias around during the day time just as she did with Amelyn.

His original thoughts of having her safe within the ranch were obviously not going to happen. Zacarias had learned that she intended to fight him every step of the way and that she wasn't submissive at all. If you had asked him before he met her if he would not only allow but welcome such a challenge he would never have believed it.

Ashe had learned that in accordance with his culture and laws they were married. She denied that but had openly acknowledged that they were engaging in a relationship. It wasn't what he was hoping for, but it would have to suffice. For now.

Overall, it had been more than just relaxing being alone in the chamber. It had been needed, for them to be away from others and their influence. For more than a full day they were able to just focus on each other.

Unfortunately, they could not stay hidden away from the world much longer than a day. Right before dusk approached they had started their journey towards the Ways. The Empress had spoken and her call had to be heeded. Not trusting the Kylierions, other than his female and her squad, he merely informed her that he was coming as well. Zacarias was capable of shifting their form and speeding them to the Ways, but it was obvious to the couple they wanted more time with each other and so walked to procrastinate.

When another male moved closer to them he was brought out of his thoughts. The Elemental looked like had been about to speak but changed his mind. Without looking down he knew that his Ashelia was looking at him with disapproving eyes.

"They are fawning over you." The possessiveness in his tone and stance made her feel feminine and powerful but at the same time she was exasperated with his behavior. Ashe found it a bit difficult to understand that one of reasons she was attracted to him also irritated her.

"I'm their Imperial Princess, Zacarias. They are devoted and are smart enough to guess what's going to happen in this meeting."

"What can we expect?" Without effort he slid his mind deeper into hers trying to catch all of her thoughts but he was able to pick up the fact that she was hiding something from him.

"It depends. Aunt Lulu will play two roles. A curse all of us must play at times. She will be the Empress with her Kylierion agenda and then switch and be my aunt again with her personal agenda." Her emotions were chaotic and it was difficult for him to distinguish between them and his concern increased.

The trees thinned and he was eventually able to see, not just feel the power surrounding the clearing that the Way entrance was in. The ground rumbled and there was a flash of light just like when they first met. Then the Empress was standing in the clearing wearing a guarded expression on her face.

"I'll be right here and if you need me, I will come for you." His voice was firm and it carried over to the others around them. The elementals stilled at what he promised. Obsidian colored eyes glared at the Empress. Her expression turned cool at his words and she turned her gaze to her niece without responding. Power sizzled in the air and Amelyn dropped out of the sky next to the couple. Without looking back she strode forward. As soon as she cleared the barrier another Carpathian form appeared.

"You cannot think to escape me. I will not let you go Amelyn." The hardened tone belonging to Dominic was heard. In typical Stormcloud behavior, Amelyn gave no reaction to his words. The dark haired beauty kept walking as if she hadn't heard him at all.

"Ashelia, come." The Empress spoke in a chilling tone.

"Yes, your majesty." Inhaling deeply she calmed herself. Beside her Zacarias practically vibrated with intensity. Even upset Zacarias usually appeared calm and detached, but he was unable to repress his chaotic emotions and negative thoughts this time. The slight movement he exhibited showed his unease clearly.

Ashe knew he did not think highly of her aunt. It hurt her that people she really cared about were at such odds. Trying to ease Zacarias and say good bye at the same time she leaned up on her tip toes while he glared at her aunt. Angling her body she leaned against him and placed a light kiss on his jaw. Inches taller than her, she had to call upon the assistance of earth and air to help her cover the height distance between them. The tensing of his jaw muscles showed he was surprised and he had forced himself not to respond to her affectionate touch. It by no means calmed him, but it helped. A second later she was inside the barrier striding into the Ways, leaving him behind. Without any communication the two Carpathian males moved to stand side by side. Both of them stared at where the Way entrance with unblinking eyes anxious over the return of their females.

(Scene Change)

It had been some time since she had been in the Ways and she was glad she wasn't wearing her boots. Standing mid-calf in the water stream soothed her. Toes tingled from the power that still resided within the subtle waves and she felt some of her inner calm and confidence return. Within minutes they arrived at the nearest safe house. After climbing the stairs they moved towards the table and the three of them grabbed chairs. Usually there would have been some KATT members or even the Imperial guard within the structure but the Empress had ordered them out, leaving them alone. Earlier, Caleb had told his charge that Amelyn wasn't called into the meeting. Ashe knew that her other guardian showed up for her own reasons and would not speak up until later, if at all. Her mind tried to figure out what Amelyn wanted but her thoughts were interrupted.

"We have not really had an opportunity to be away from searching eyes and inquisitive minds. There is much I want to talk to you about." Like ice slowly melting, her tone warmed with each word she spoke to Ashe. "First things first, sifting."

The young elemental looked startled; surprised by her aunt's topic and thought she would have jumped into her relationship with Zacarias. Quickly her mind reviewed their interactions and she knew that she had hidden her secret well. Which left only one option, someone must have told on me?

"I can feel the change within you." Immediately, Ashe felt shame fill her for doubting her loudmouth blonde friend. Aunt Lulu had no idea about what she was thinking and barreled right into the topic that Ashe didn't want to discuss.

"How long have you been sifting and how many times has it happened?" Eyes so similar to her own were glowing slightly, and Ashe knew she had to be honest

"It started a couple of months ago and it's only happened a few times." Her aunt nodded and she didn't seem surprised with her answers. Ashe found it to be quite strange and tried to stay calm. It helped that Zacarias remained a presence in her mind a source of strength.

"The process has not been completed." For a second Ashe thought she heard wrong. Her attempt to appear distant failed as shock flittered across her face. What? Process? Within her mind, Zacarias stirred; slowly he merged fully with her interested in her aunt's response.

"How did it feel? And what are your thoughts on it now that it's happened to you."

"I've read the books and because of that knowledge I'm scared. However, something doesn't make sense. It was painful but, I think, it was because I stopped it from happening. Afterwards I realized that if I ignored the pain it felt similar to when Amelyn turns to mist and carries me on the wind."

"A few centuries ago, a group of our people believed that we had lost too much of our culture and that it was wrong for our blood to become so diluted." Nodding a few times Ashe recalled the moment in their history that sparked their current movement and obsession with their bloodlines.

"What do our radicals say?" Ashe was trying to figure out where her aunt was going with this topic but could only guess.

"There is speculation that sifting is a part of our being and that once we were not so corporeal. The radicals believe that but also feel that we de-evolved."

"Even with limited evidence it does seem to point to our people having another form. You were able to figure it out only because of your interactions with Carpathians, but you are right. You are sifting and will gain your other form soon." The Empress raised her hand to halt the words on her niece's tongue and barreled right along explaining everything.

"Sifting shows up in Kylierions who are of pure-blood and have an unusually deep connection to the elements. It may or may not be evolution but sifting is a part of us. It is natural. For many reasons this subject has been highly classified and only those studying or have the ability to sift are given clearance. Amelyn is aware of this, but as of this moment I am giving you full clearance." Totally unprepared for this conversation or the turn it was taking Ashe was completely floored.

"Just wait until you hear more of what she says. If there are people sifting and people studying this phenomenon then you are not alone. There are others beside you that will help." Zacarias' words helped her to regain her composure and she was glad they stayed connected.

"I am guessing that more than a thousand people have or had the ability to sift." The healer part of her personality emerged and she began piecing things together in her brain, trying to solve the puzzle.

"Yes. One of the first things your father did when he took office was make this classified. I was one of the people in charge of forming the department. Before it was up and running I started to show signs of sifting. As you are aware, our society has become more concerned with our heritage and our bloodlines in recent centuries. In the past few generations there has been an increase in the number of Kylierions that have sifted. You are not the first or the youngest that has begun the process. Since the opening of the department many have survived that we believed would not have otherwise without the proper research and guidance from our teachers." Leaning forward purple eyes locked gazes and what the Empress said next made Ashe want to cry in relief.

"You will not die. You were right; you have to let the process happen. It is not as simple as that, but you cannot fight it. I have already begun plans to find you a suitable teacher who will help you with the transformation to your form." Optimism filled the bonded pair as her words sunk in.

"How is it happening? What causes it?" Her aunt reclined in her seat and genuine smile filled her face as she delivered the positive news to her niece. Carefully, she mulled over her thoughts and thinking about what to say.

"You should know. You have taken your science classes and biology classes before testing for KATT. The elements are just complex compounds. In simple terms, they are energy. Every living thing is energy, just like us. And like living things our body is influenced by our genetics and the environment around us. We are an extension of the elements and therefore are made up of the same energy. Essentially we are the elements in just more complex form. Civilians do not understand that when we wield the elements we are changing particles on a basic level. Compared to the other races we are the elements in a more pure form." Sensing Ashe's confusion she explained further.

"Take the Carpathians for example. They are of the earth and their entire beings reflect that. They presence, their abilities, and their limitations echo their connection to the earth. When we talk about our connection to the elements we are referring more than just a psychic connection, we mean a connection on the most basic level. If you want the specifics then talk to the head of the Vega family and our leading researcher.

We still do not have direct answers to your questions. It seems to happen to everyone differently. At first we thought it was once the body matured physically, but that's not entirely true. It seems to be that, plus a combination of other factors." Following along now, Ashe nodded as she absorbed all of the information.

"You are referring to our bloodline and our connection to the elements."

"Exactly, but you need to think deeper. Our body, our blood is made up of what?" Ashe knew it was rhetorical question and didn't answer and instead waited for her aunt to continue. "When you break it down it is all subatomic. Think of the difference between our bodies and that of our allies, humans, even the Carpathians. Or how they all differ from each other. We are an extension of the elements and on a basic level we are the elements. The correct non-biological and biological material combined with the depth of our bond to the elements changes us. Different things influence the change but once the process happens of those factors.

The elements have several forms, why would you assume that we would be any different. Once the body is mature, combined with the depth of the connection the physical body can no longer contain the changes and the energy within. You are at that stage. Sifting is the process of your body literally breaking down, because your physical body can longer sustain the energy or the changes done to its structure. Think of it this way; you have a frozen bottle of water filled. Then you leave it out on your counter at room temp. When you come back the water has expanded and because there was no easy way for the liquid to go it forced its way out."

"I don't remember any major changes in me. I monitor myself frequently." At this the Empress shook her head and was amazed at how her niece wasn't getting it.

"That's because you wouldn't. You have been changing since you were created. Cells mutated and your body absorbed certain chemicals or composites from your environment. All these random changes, like how cancer can happen in humans changed you. You can't go back, there really isn't anything to fix because nothing is wrong. Your state of being is changing." It was quiet for long moments and Zacarias was oddly silent in the back of her mind as she thought everything threw. Her aunt was explaining it to her in simple terms but she was a healer at heart and the complexity of the situation astounded her. It was a possibility but it was like her aunt stated, there were several factors and it depended on the influences you were exposed to in the right order. It made sense on why only part of their population could sift. However some things didn't make sense.

"There is something I don't understand. When you spoke of our connections to the element what else did you mean?"

"When we sift we do not take on a general form like some of the other races. Amelyn uses mist but if you break that down it is a combination of certain and specific particles that are part of the elements. My deepest connection is to water and since I am an extension of that element I become the water. When I sift I merely turn to water droplets." What she said made sense but it didn't apply to her and she stated as much.

"I was starting to sift in the bathtub but I have a closer connection to air. I understand what you are saying but your reasoning doesn't explain what's happening to me?"

"Doesn't it? I thought you would have made the connection." At Ashe's confused look she continued. "I said that you only sift to your deepest element, which is true. But haven't you noticed that that those have a connection to more than one element have an easier time with one or two over the others. It is because in the elements there are chemical elements that are common. Water is made up mostly of hydrogen and oxygen. Air is made of oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen. So usually there is air in water, and in water there is air. They go hand in hand. Your two strongest elements are air and water. You were starting to sift when you were in places that had an abundance of both. Like all complex particles they like things easy. They bond to what is the same. Your body is sifting into another form to rejoin the other elements. Your atoms literally call to each other and to the atoms in your environment. Your physical body cannot resist that any longer nor can it survive the strain you have been putting on it." Luluani stopped and let her take in the information for a while.

She knew that her niece would be reviewing all her experiences in her mind and analyzing exactly what would come next and how. Calmly she waited until Ashe had anything more to say. Amelyn and Luluani exchanged looks and they were both feeling calmer themselves. Sifting alone was not only dangerous but it could be traumatizing. Both of the older women were upset at themselves for not noticing the changes. All of the clues were laid out before them and they both had been so busy they never noticed. Their most important clue was the fact that the princess had become numb and withdrawn. The change had already started and her resistance at not merging with the elements manifested in other ways. They had seen it before.

"Ashelia, listen to me. Every one of our people has the potential to sift but not all of them actually do. You are close to reaching your full potential." It was Amelyn who spoke up this time and even though Ashe was still thinking she heard and filed her guardian's words away in her mind.

"I know you said you were finding me a teacher to help me through this process, but what if it happens again when no one is around. Can I injure myself in any way or can I try to complete the change on my own?" Luluani's signature gesture showing she was thinking deeply started. Perfectly manicured nails tapped the table.

"Since you just started you cannot hurt yourself by resisting. If anything your willingness will complete the process faster. Amelyn and the Carpathians should be able to give you some good insight as to how to alter forms. You have to be emotionally stable otherwise you will just cause yourself pain. That is to say you can't try to sift but in reality in your sub-conscious fear the change and try to resist. You can coax and guide the change by letting go but you can't force it if you are not willing to let go.

At first you will be unable to maintain your other form and will change back to your physical body. That is why you should have someone with you. Before the department was up and running there were records of people sifting but since they had no control they sifted back at inopportune times. Regardless of what form you are in, you need to completely be in that form. That's why now you experience pain. When others changed back with no experience or control their physical bodies returned but it was incomplete or there was excess. Either the environment or the element they were merging with was still with them and it lead to their death. Most of the deaths were from earth wielders. They would sift through pieces of the environment. I found this one child who lost control and started to fall from the sky while changing. When his body became corporeal again he was partially inside a tree." Ashe could not stop the grimace that contorted on her face for a moment at the image she described.

"Were you listening to what she said?" It was stupid of her to ask because she knew he was in her mind. "Do you think you could help me through this change?"

"I will aid you in any way I can but I will admit that I may not be of much help. Either another sifter or your guardian should be present." Her heart pounded loudly in her chest as she realized one of her major concerns for the past few months, one that she had hid, was nowhere near what would most likely happen. Yes, it was dangerous but it seemed a common occurrence in her people now and with her connections to the elements she knew she could handle the process and master her other form. Excitement and anticipation filled her and she was eager to try to sift now.

"Before you lose focus there is more. But first I want to talk to you about your patient. I know that Mr. De La Cruz believes you are his lifemate. From your reactions to each other I would have to agree with him. However I am not sure how much is influenced by your bond or how deep your attraction is. What exactly are your feelings on him and this connection you two have?" Taking a deep breath she prepared her response and tried to ignore Zacarias' presence within her.

"I could tell there was something between us from the very moment we met. I had physical and emotional reactions to his presence for which I had no explanation. He only said the ritual words recently to bind us but I felt our connection as soon as our eyes met. After leaving him in the field, anytime I was away from him really, I was suffering. Exhaustion, pain, and deep sorrow constantly weighed me down and I had trouble functioning. As our connection grew and I saw him regularly it became worse. I-" She stopped and focused inward for a moment and reached out for him.

"Please withdraw. I would hate to have to kick you out." Before he could respond she continued answering the question she knew he would ask. "Zacarias it's not that I am trying to hide something from you, but this is my aunt and Amelyn. We are having girl time and you can't ease drop onto our conversation. Besides you are just going to review it later, knowing you, so can you give me some space to talk about you privately?" The ancient hunter was not pleased with his lifemates request.

He felt that lifemates had no secrets and handled everything together. They were of the same soul after all. However he knew that his presence would affect her responses with her aunt. Zacarias trusted his lifemate and though he didn't agree he decided to give her space and would revisit the conversation later in her mind. Slowly almost reluctantly he withdrew and a part of him wondered how many more times they would be separated like this. Tentatively, she brushed her mind against his and he met her eagerly but did not enter her mind. Satisfied she withdrew, but not before flooding him with her affection and appreciation for his actions. A glance to her left showed the intense green-eyed gaze of Amelyn waiting for her to continue. Looking back at her aunt she answered truthfully, glad she had another chance to speak on this topic.

"I'm falling in love with him, Aunt Lulu. I want to be with him so much that I can't describe it to you. When he isn't with me I'm incomplete and it hurts. By the Stars does it hurt." Concern filled her aunt's face as she took in her niece's words. Shaking her blond locks a few times she tried to figure out what to say. Seconds passed until words just slipped out.

"Why didn't you say anything earlier? Especially at the meeting with Mikhail?" The calm which she had perfected in the past decade as ruler was gone. Her astonishment and concern for her niece overran it all.

"It wouldn't have made any difference." Her answer was very matter-of-fact but she was unable to hide the sorrow she felt. Suddenly, she burst into tears because no matter what Zacarias thought, or what they wanted, she knew they couldn't be together.

Within seconds strong arms wrapped themselves around her form. The scent of summer air mixed with her aunt's musky perfume surrounded her, offering comfort. Like a small child she maneuvered her arms around her aunt's neck and unleashed everything within as the tears poured down her cheeks. Another pair of arms wound their way around her and she relished in the comfort that they offered. There was a pounding in her head and it could have been from the headache caused by her tears or from Zacarias as he tried to figure out why she was so upset. She sent him a simple message of her being fine, even though that clearly wasn't the case.

Minutes passed and even though she didn't calm down, the sobbing tears lessened and she felt drained. Luluani's warm fingers found their way to her face and she wiped away her tears. A flash of a long suppressed memory of her aunt doing the same thing after her father's funeral rushed forward. She had been lost then, just as she felt now, and she knew her aunt could help her.

"Will you tell me why you think that way?" She couldn't look at her aunt when she spoke next because she didn't want to see the look on the Empress' face when she said how she resented her duty.

"How can I not? Everything that requires our waking attention keeps us apart. Zacarias is responsible for his family and answers to his prince. I'm in the military and my duties as a Pure Healer require my attention. Neither of us can just drop everything and those around us wouldn't let us. We are too valuable for our people to be allowed to do or be anything else. Our gifts have also become our chains."

The Empress mulled over Ashe's words and noticed her bitter tone. It was understandable, Ashe had legitimate points. She was a princess and the heir apparent to the Empire. If that wasn't enough to keep them apart then the Carpathian's standing with the other preternatural races would. Unless someone in power arranged a few things, Luluani thought. However, it was unclear to the Empress what Ashe actually wanted. Until her niece told her what she wanted in her usual fashion of a loud and angry tone, with flying fists she only had her suspicions.

"What you say makes sense. However, you know that anything worth having must be earned. You first have to decide if what you have with your Carpathian is something you want to save."

"What are you saying Aunt Lulu." Her voice came out as a whisper as if she was afraid to ask. Her aunt was hiding something and she was searching for something as well.

"You are right about being an important asset to us, but the Empire has many needs. There are always options. Now I have a meeting with Mikhail to prepare for and you have duties to perform. Plus I think you have enough to think about. I want you to record everything about sifting and if you make any progress. Report to me regularly and do not try anything without anyone else around. Also you need to speak with your Carpathian. We will not be here much longer." All the words she wanted to say, to question, were stuck on the tip of her tongue. Luluani was her aunt but she was also her Empress and even though she wasn't ready for their talk to end she knew a dismissal when she heard one.

With a nod of understanding, even though she didn't understand she got up. They hugged quickly and as soon as her aunt was out of the door she was issuing orders to her people leaving Ashe with troubled thoughts. It was at that point that Amelyn spoke up.

"I'll follow wherever you lead." The tone was even and but her guardian's attempt to hide her true thoughts failed.

"I wish I could say thank you for your support. But by following me it takes away your responsibility to make your own choice. You need to decide for yourself about your Carpathian. Not be forced to live with my choices."

Without waiting for a response she headed towards the entrance. She didn't stop to grab another pack like she planned to. Instead she kept walking, not answering any of her people as they called out to her as she passed by, because she just wanted to reach Zacarias' side.

Getting closer to the end!! I know I said there was only two more chapters but after writing this, it went over and I still didn't get to where I wanted it to end. I wasn't to happy with it but i had to explain a lot. Sorry it was so boring. I promise the next chapter will be better and I already wrote it so it should be up around President's day! Anyway since this chapter didn't really move along that means I'm extending it to another chapter or two and possibly an epilogue.

AWW Ashe finally admits her feelings and has a big decision to make. Sifting is finally explained and pieces are coming together. I wonder if any of you got what else I was alluding to or was I to subtle?? Hmm. Anyway, what did you guys think of this chapter?

Thoughts on this chapter? Please leave a review with your comments and advice on how to improve my writing!

~Ageless Light

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Next Chapter- Ashe & Zac start hashing everything out and she makes a discovery that could bring them closer together. :)

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Onto another side note Murgatroid-98 gave me some valuable information!! (Thank you)!! If you are a member of Christine Feehan's and sign in to her website you notice that their is the cover to the next book in her Dark Series. If you click on that and look under Goodies you can read infor about the book. And it's about Dominic and Solange!!! I am pretty excited about it!! What do you guys think?