Read Dark Mage (Avalon: Web of Magic, Book 11) for Free Online

Lyra, and Emily crept up behind the warrior. Adriane swung the door open, Dreamer close at her side.
    “There’s no one here,” Emily whispered.
    “Bon jour, mademoiselles.”
    Five mini dragons—only inches high—stood on the floor, waving their little paws. Red Fiona, yellow Goldie, purple Barney, blue Fred, and orange Blaze buzzed into the air, flapping happily around the group.
    “How polite, you knocked.” Kara beamed, scooping Goldie up and giving the golden d-fly a hug.
    “You can make gateways between magical worlds but you can’t open a door?” Adriane asked as Fred landed on her shoulder.
    “I’ve been teaching them portal etiquette,” Kara explained, petting Goldie.
    “Here’s the plan,” Adriane instructed. “Anyone finds a crystal, they check in with the others via d-fly. Then head straight to The Garden, where Zach will put the crystals into the vault.”
    The mages and their friends nodded in agreement.
    “I’ll guide your jumps from the Ravenswood portal to get you where you’re going.” Tweek was scrolling through images on his HORARFF. “But I can’t promise you’ll come out exactly where you need to be.”
    “If you get into trouble, find the nearest mirror,” Tasha advised.
    “Shouldn’t be a problem for Kara, but what about us?” Adriane asked sarcastically.
    Tweek twirled around happily. “I’m programmed with MapQuest. Tasha and I will guide you.”
    “Okay, I guess we’re ready,” Emily said. “Get whatever supplies you need and meet at the Ravenswood portal in thirty minutes.”
    “Everybody ready to save the universe?” Kara asked, holding her hand out.
    Adriane hesitated, then placed her hand on top of Kara’s.
    Mages, goblin, and assorted magical beings extended hands, paws, wings and twigs, knowing the fate of the magic web and Avalon now depended on them.

T HE ENCHANTED SKY glowed fire red as the teenagers stood within the ancient circle, their bonded animals beside them. Nine glittering crystals spun in a wash of color, binding together like pieces of a puzzle. In their center, a brilliant portal shimmered, its jewel-like surface reflecting only hints of what lay waiting on the other side.
    Dark mist coiled from the portal like curling snakes ready to strike.
    But this was not the familiar magic they had used to become powerful mages. She had suspected it for some time now. Avalon would only open for one who could use the twisted power within—and she was ready to become the dark mage.
    The warrior stepped forward, gem on her wrist blazing.
    “What are you doing?” the blazing star demanded.
    “Taking what’s mine.” The warrior raised her hands as the dark magic swirled around her.
    Through the haze, a vision of hope appeared—her bonded animal, fiercely determined to save her. “This is not the way. If you need magic, take mine.”
    “I was planning to.” Sickly green shot from her black jewel and wrapped around the creature.
    In the blink of her bonded’s shocked eyes, the dark mage did the unthinkable. In a single moment all was gone, all they had been, all they would become, wiped clean, as cold and empty as her heart.
    “Why are you doing this?” the blazing star cried, horror reflected in her eyes.
    “It is the only way for me now.”
    Before the others could stop her, the dark mage unleashed the power of Avalon.
    The healer screamed as the magic ripped through her body. Even as she changed, mutated beyond recognition, her twisted fingers tried to weave the warped magic.
    Desperate to save the other animals, the blazing star struck the warrior head on as chosen fought against chosen. But she was no match for the terrible power of the dark mage.
    Blinding lights exploded as the crystals flew apart, tearing across the sky in jagged streaks of lightning. The Gates of Avalon vanished like a ghost.
    The dark mage stood transfixed. Their quest had failed, but she had completed her path. To become a dark mage, she had committed the ultimate