Wish You Weren't Here

by Janeen Ippolito

  Around me, I heard the others stirring. “Stay back!” I shouted. “It’s not safe.”

  “Don’t worry about them.” Kiran waved his hand, and they all vanished.

  “You better not have hurt them!” I stepped closer, remembering what Melrose had taught me. Get in as close as possible. Then overwhelm. Choke a Jinn on their own magic to disable them.

  His expression suddenly softened. “I would never hurt them. They were just in the way.” Orange flames spread across his body, rippling through his t-shirt. “I know you want this, Allis. You never really stopped.”

  “Do you even hear yourself? You sound just like Terezal! Only I’m not doped!” Yet somehow, he managed to ease closer and fluster my thoughts so I couldn’t focus on what needed to be done. “What are you doing? And what were you trying to do to me in the Dreamscape?”

  His hand trailed up my arm. “Oh, Allis. You forget the past too quickly. Remember that one fight we had where you asked me if there was any way for us to be together officially, and I said no?”

  “Yeah. The night I broke up with you.”

  His voice dropped. “I’d tried, Allis. I’d tried to create a bond, but your curse-mark blocked it.”

  The words hit me like a ton of bricks. “Right, because your mother is a devious psychopath.”

  “With horribly accurate foresight. Always. I hate it.” Kiran’s lips twitched. His breath was warm on my cheek. “But when your curse-mark was broken, the bond flickered to life. Only on one side, Allis. Mine. But it was enough to let me slip into your Dreamscape. Enough to get your attention and give you one final choice. Give us one final chance.”

  My heart skipped. He couldn’t be serious. “So, all this time, you’ve been using that against me?”

  “I’ve been trying to help you understand.” His eyes stared knowingly into my soul, reading my desires and fears, even through my shields. “I let you go because I had no other choice. It is the biggest regret I have. And then, that damn vampire swooped in and captured you.”

  My mind spun. Get in close. Overwhelm him.

  Kiss him.

  My muscles seized. No! Choke him on his magic.

  His lips were far too near. I swallowed. “I chose him, Kiran.”

  “You didn’t have all the information. You didn’t know any better.” His flames coiled over mine, twining with my sapphire magic and drawing pleasure from me amidst the anger and confusion. “Choose again. Choose someone who understands you. Someone who never forgot you.” He paused. “Or choose Cendric and try to stop her alone—if you can disentangle your magic from his without hurting his poor shifter feelings.”

  I ran my fingers up his chest, inhaling his intoxicating scent of maple and bourbon. It filled my mind, reminding my senses of how much we’d shared. How much I’d loved him.

  It would be easy to cut the rope. To lean into him and see where this new Kiran led.

  But it wasn’t real. None of this was. All of it was vanity and dreams. Kiran and I had had many other problems besides the curse-mark. We didn’t have the same goals at all. Yes, he understood me, but only when he wanted to—there had been plenty of times he’d disappeared into artistic spirals for days, weeks. Even months. What was I going to do, get him drugged up whenever I wanted attention that wasn’t on his fickle terms?

  And I’d made my promise to Cendric. Yes, we had things to work through, but I was keeping that promise, no matter what. He was worth figuring out. I wasn’t letting him go without a fight.

  “I choose option C.”

  He blinked. “Option C?”

  “Yes.” I pressed both palms against his chest. “Don’t you know about option C?”

  With that, I flooded him with magic through my hands and into his chest, forcing him into defensive mode. Dangerously close to fight or flight. Dangerously close to death.

  Similar to what I’d done with Terezal, only far more deadly.

  There was no other choice.

  “Allis, what are you doing?” He groaned and clenched his teeth, trying to step back. But my magic held him fast. “You’ll never win this battle. If you kill me, you’ll never get your husband back. You’ll never learn the truth.”

  “Oh yes, I will.” I poured even more magic into him, monitoring his heart rate by the rush of his blood. “See, you forgot to factor in something important, Kiran.”

  His dark eyes fixed on mine. “What’s that?”

  “I’m called by destiny. I have an amazing team.” I sucked in a breath. “And I’m mated to a freaking vampire.”

  I blasted his blood and soul with magic, Cendric’s and mine, sending him flying off his feet. Sapphire flames consumed him in a portal, disintegrating him into his pure, magical essence and trapping him within mine, to place anywhere I wanted.

  The turpentine bottle. With a flick of my hand, I encased it with my magic, making it indestructible. I anchored his soul to it and trapped his consciousness in the Dreamscape. Hopefully, nowhere near Cendric, for Kiran’s sake. My husband’s primal raven form was vicious, and it went for the eyeballs.

  A new surge of magic filled me, driving up from the ground and through my feet. The homeland. The small pieces of Pittsburgh that Malda Singh hadn’t claimed. The places Kiran had carved out for his studios.

  All mine. My inheritance by birth. Mine to own.

  I just needed to do a little house-cleaning.

  Crouching to the ground, I shoved my magic into the land, owning it as mine and easing around the claims from other magic users as their magic of place stirred to life, demanding their rights. Tree elves. Shifters. Those who were here before my mother or any of the European Fae, take your spot. I just want to make sure no other Jinn force their way in. Give me that much, and I’ll leave yinz alone.

  Unless you’re evil jerks.

  Important detail to add in there.

  The earth quaked beneath me, throwing me flat on my back against the ground. My hands fisted as I fought to stay conscious amidst the upheaval. My magic was absorbing all that had been Kiran’s—but had never really been his. Things he had never wanted, really. Not the real, undrugged Kiran. The one whose memories now filled my mind through the magical space that had once been his. He’d only wanted left alone. That had been his greatest desire. Not me.

  My limbs shook. Tears coated my face.

  I clung to the rope tying me to Cendric. To my family bond with Gideon. To the destiny I had. Whatever happened, this was the right move.

  At least I had done something useful.

  Finally, silence filled the room.

  Chapter 15

  Every part of me felt like ribbons piled together. Certainly nothing strong enough to stand on. The exhaustion after a marathon—and I didn’t run those anyway. Why run a marathon when you can teleport?

  I blinked, staring up at a gray ceiling. Not the Dreamscape, then.

  “Get up.”

  The voice was familiar and incredibly welcome, if a bit more abrupt than I was used to.

  “Get up, lelkem. There’s more to do.”

  “Cid? Is that you?”

  “Yes. As I haven’t been for a while.”

  Something tugged at my hair, gently but firmly. Like a strong comb, running through the wayward dishwater strands. I should have been startled. That would have been a normal reaction, maybe with a side of flailing. But all I felt was contentment and peace.

  I turned my head to the side. A large raven stared back at me. My mouth dropped open, and elation filled me. I knew that raven. “Cendric, I thought you said you couldn’t shift into a raven anymore. That you’d lost that magic when you became a vampire.”

  My mate gave a soft warble. “I don’t understand it either. But making the impossible

  happen has always been one of your most significant gifts. If only you would see it as a gift and not as a curse.”

  He gave a squawk, tugging a lock of my hair harder. I sighed. “Am I really that bad about it?”

  “Yes. It grows we
arisome.”

  I huffed. “Well, if you’re going to be insulting, then say it like a man, birdbrain.” I paused. “Or like a vampire.”

  The raven gave a chuckle, then shifted before my eyes into human form. He crouched over me, his long black hair framing his angular face, and his gray eyes equal parts calculating and burning with intensity. “Is this better?”

  “I mean, I’m a fan of birds, but—” I let my eyes rove over his body, still clad in the white button down and black pants I’d dressed him in that morning. “Yeah, this is definitely better. I have good taste.”

  “Or I do, and for a myriad of odd reasons, you agreed to marry someone far your inferior.” A brief burst of fear from him reinforced the statement. He honestly thought he was way worse than me, and that I would leave once I found out. As if we didn’t all live tainted in a messed-up world.

  “Cid, I’d never marry someone who was my inferior. That’s the best way to ensure a quick breakup.” Then my eyes caught on the red-brown stains on his face and arms. “Did you get into a fight?”

  The vampire’s face hardened. “You did send Kiran into our Dreamscape. A raven never allows an enemy safe passage.”

  I pushed myself into a sitting position, dread filling me. “Please tell me you didn’t …”

  “Kill him?” He growled. “No. I managed to restrain myself. Although he is worse for wear and trapped in a corner where he can’t harm anyone else. Not that he’ll be able to anyway. The Dreamscape traveled by ravens is cold and eerie enough to drive the strongest Fae or Unspoken mad.”

  “Really?” I scrunched my face. “I find it very cozy and peaceful.”

  At that, Cendric threw back his head and laughed. “Allis, the question of your sanity was answered long ago. You’ve gone fully native in wonderland.” He pressed a fierce kiss to my lips. “And I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

  Gripping his arms, I pulled him closer for a deeper kiss. And then another. Uncaring that we’d fought before he’d been cursed, that he still kept things from me. I savored his nearness, the feel of his skin settling my nerves. I might have claimed some of Pittsburgh, but he was still my anchor. My husband. My home.

  Although Kiran had said that was dangerous. Was it? Was holding my magic harming Cendric?

  The thought made me break off the kiss, and I gasped. Trying to find something to say that wouldn’t open up a huge conversation I didn’t want right then. “Wait, did you just call me crazy?”

  “Yes. Utterly mad.” He gripped my hands, and together we rose to our feet. He smirked. “Next time you need to vanquish an ex-lover, don’t send him to our Dreamscape.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I was dealing with a lot! We’ll figure out how to shove him somewhere else … wait.” Fear filled me. I dropped his hands and scanned the area. “The bottle. Where is the bottle?”

  “What bottle?”

  “The bottle I tied Kiran’s essence to!” My voice echoed around us.

  I took in my surroundings. The studio was gone. There was only an empty parking garage. That explained the tunnels and twists and turns. The magisphere had to be anchored in something like reality in the mortal world. But the bottle could be anywhere.

  Cendric rested a hand on my shoulder. “Be at peace. If you created it, then you should be able to find it with your magic. Center yourself and seek it out.”

  His words calmed me, even as his shadow magic chilled the edges of the sapphire flames beneath my skin. “Okay. Seek it out. Right.”

  I took a deep breath and exhaled, reaching out with my magic to the surrounding area. I raised my shields and focused on Kiran’s magical signature even though a part of me really didn’t want to. I’d just gotten my husband back. I really just wanted a day or twenty off.

  Meh.

  My skin suddenly twitched. Something flashed in the corner of my vision. I whirled around. A portal? Only a few races could teleport, besides Jinn. And this didn’t feel like Jinn. I’d gotten way too used to that chaos lately.

  Fling pillows at it?

  Man, even my Jinn magic was exhausted. I gave a dry chuckle and scoped out the garage again. The being was there … and then it wasn’t.

  I didn’t need any more surprises. I was all surprised out.

  Cendric tapped my shoulder. “Allis, are they friends of yours?”

  “Who?”

  My eyes focused on two figures striding toward us, radiating magic. One was a female with long red hair, the other a male with long silver hair, both desiring to know where the surge had come from.

  The woman held out a bottle of turpentine. Sapphire and orange magic faintly flickered around it.

  “Excuse me? Is this yours?”

  A friendly alto voice laced with humor set me immediately at ease. I studied the bottle casually. It was Kiran’s, all right. But better not to let the stranger know how much I wanted it.

  “I don’t know. Looks kinda familiar. I’m a little tired from doing … stuff.”

  The other being spoke up: a thin, refined tone with a gravelly edge. “You’re referring to the numerous portals you opened in various parts of this city that consumed a variety of paintings and a gallery, not to mention two other studios.”

  “Okay, are you two cops? Because I know General Emiror, and I think she’ll vouch for me.”

  Cendric cleared his throat. “And if there are legal proceedings, my wife is fully represented.”

  I glanced at him. “Why are you always representing me? Just once I’d like to see the shoe on the other foot. Or foot on the other hand. Or something.”

  “If I were in trouble legally, we would be doomed because you have no knowledge of the law—or of how to break it and get away with it.” He paused. “And the Fae court still hasn’t acknowledged you.”

  “So what? I’ll have you know I did blood binder things while you were unconscious.”

  “I’m sure you did.” His expression turned rueful. “It seems there is no stopping you.”

  “Nope. And I tried to keep up with what was happening at the law firm, and I checked over the menagerie.”

  He shot me a grin. “Yet you think I receive nothing from our relationship.”

  “Well, I didn’t say all the animals survived …”

  “A hazard of nature.”

  “If you’re finished flirting, we’re here on official business.” That was gravel-voice again.

  “Hey, I just rescued Cid from a slow and painful death. Affirming a healthy relationship here.” I gave the newcomers another glance. Both elves, if their pointed ears and unnaturally sharp, beautiful features were any indication. The woman had waist-length, glimmering red hair with a silver sheen, pale skin, and brilliant turquoise eyes. She rocked the biker chick look in leather pants, black motorcycle boots, a gray tube top, and a leather jacket.

  But her friend was really something else. Every possible flowy, glowy, shiny robe and tunic was piled on him. His waist-length silvery-gold hair managed to reflect light even in the dingy parking garage. Basically, a walking Fae nightlight.

  Both screamed power and authority. A crapton of it. But I was half-Jinn. I’d just kicked my ex-boyfriend’s controlling ass and even left him alive. I needed coffee. I was done with caution.

  Apparently, so was Cendric. He narrowed his eyes. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

  “Dizandra Lyrium. Diza.” The redhead shrugged. “Casimir and I were passing through.”

  “So did you two just stop to watch the show? Or did she stop to watch,” I pointed to the redhead, “and she brought you along to be her personal searchlight in case she missed anything?”

  Casimir looked decidedly peeved, but Diza laughed. “I like you. This will be fun. And since this little bottle,” she tilted the turpentine bottle, “is clearly important to you from how you’re both trying not to stare at it, I’ll hand it over without asking any questions. A sign of good faith.”

  “Thank you.” I quickly grabbed it out of her hand, jolting as it touch
ed my skin. Kiran was definitely not feeling great in the Dreamscape. But I could imagine a love potion detox would be rough in general. Maybe it was for the best that he was bottled away for the worst of it. Cid and I could check on him later.

  The thoughts reminded me of the work I still had to do. I set my jaw. True love was worth dying for. Love potions didn’t make true love.

  Someone was responsible for them. Her.

  I nudged Cid. “I think I know who’s the big bad in this situation.” I wiggled the bottle. “I’ll tell you later.”

  He nodded, then turned to Diza and Casimir. “I also thank you for your assistance in finding the bottle. Have a good day.”

  Normally I’d be more curious about them, I really would. But my curiosity was shot to hell. The same place I wanted to send Malda Nazari, after we found proof.

  I reached up to tap behind my ear and get in touch with the others. Gideon would definitely be worried. So would Jack and Theiya. Melrose would be his version of concerned. Brightlef and Linvine had probably already forgotten about the whole “Allis versus the raging drugged-up Jinn” incident.

  “Wait!” Diza held up a hand. “Are you Allisandra Evanenko-Antalek Mahdi Al-Maram?”

  “Congratulations, you made it all the way through my name.” I crossed my arms. Fae gossiped worse than humans, so her knowledge of my name wasn’t revealing. “What do you want?”

  Casimir glared at me. “We’re here to inform you that you’re being considered for the rare privilege of joining the Lyrium.”

  “What, is that like the Midnight Corps? I didn’t realize you black ops societies were in competition with each other.” I glanced at Cendric, and he shook his head. I turned back to them. “Look, thanks, but right now I have enough grass of my own to water without hopping to greener pastures. And I have an otter brother who is ready to pull his whiskers out with worry, so …”

  I waved my hand in goodbye.

  The silver-haired elf looked like he was about to respond, then astonishment filtered across his face, probably due to the thick patches of grass carpeting the floor and the walls of the parking garage. “How did you—”