Unholy Sundering

by DeAnna Browne

  He might’ve had a point, but… Did it matter either way? Was what Liz showed Becca inevitable or only a warning? Becca wondered if her fighting would lead to that foreign forest or if staying would. Knowing the future could be just as damning sometimes as not.

  “Do you really think we need to leave?” he asked.

  “I can’t sit here and do nothing, waiting for the slaughter.”

  “This room I’m creating can hide people, protect them from the rages of magic and Mother Nature. You will be safe. I’ll make sure of that.” He swallowed as his hand tightened around hers. “But if you really want to leave, then we can leave. I’ll talk to Andre tonight.”

  “I thought you were committed to Andre and this community.”

  “I’m committed to you.” His warm hand encompassed hers, sending a tingle up her arms. His open face showed feelings that she hadn’t seen for some time. “That is if you’ll have me. I know you’ve had a lot to process with your magic, your sister, and your past, even with Caleb. I didn’t want to press you. But this has always been for you, for us.”

  Surprise, bliss, and pure, utter contentment almost overwhelmed her. While something had always remained between Becca and Darion, she’d been telling herself his priorities were elsewhere. He felt so distant at times, only their magic bringing them together. She wanted her future to include him, no doubt, but she knew this was more than about what she wanted.

  He thrived here, working with Andre, using his magic in a way that didn’t bloody his hands. And if she was honest with herself, for the first time in a long time, she felt safe here, like she belonged. Maybe staying wasn’t sacrificing her family, but fighting for them instead.

  His anxious gaze searched her face while she thought. “Becca?”

  Decision made, a feeling of rightness settled in. “Let’s stay and fight.”

  The edge of his mouth lifted up slightly, though his eyes remained worried. “You sure?”

  “Definitely.” She pulled him into a hug and buried her face in his chest. Surprisingly, a sense of security came over her, even in the face of what threatened them. She was home in all the ways that counted.

  He ran his hand up and down her back. “I’ve missed you, Bec.”

  His warm palm unraveled the tension she’d been holding for so long, and she sank into his body. It felt like forever since they’d had time alone, to lose herself in his touch. His thoughts must have mirrored her own, for as she lifted her face, he quickly found her mouth.

  The heat in his lips ignited a passion free from restraints. Though his touch might’ve been boiling, the sizzling warmth growing deep in her stomach was more than that.

  He drew her onto his lap, and she wrapped her arms around him. Her kisses held a hunger she thought would never be satiated. A small moan escaped his lips, and her grip tightened.

  Her worries outside this room melted. For this moment, it was only Darion. And it was more than enough.

  The temperature rose, and she lifted her mouth for a breath, gasping slightly. His lips moved down her neck, and he helped her out of her jacket. The warmth, radiating off him, struck her to her core. As heady emotions rolled through her body, settling in her stomach, she buried her fingers in his hair. His hands grasped her hips as if he would never let go and kissed her deeply. Lost in his kiss, she ached for everything she missed when they were apart. How could they be so close, and yet it wasn’t close enough?

  Against her desires, he pulled back and watched her closely as if memorizing her face. She admired his careless hair and parted lips, their taste leaving her craving more.

  “Becca.”

  She looked up, his dark eyes burning with his own need.

  “I’ve missed you. Missed us.”

  “Me too.” She placed a hand on his chest and took a breath as emotions boiled near the surface. “I needed to tell you something. Something that has been threatening to burst out, and I’m afraid I’ll scream it in the cafeteria or something.”

  This got his attention. His eyebrows shot up. “What?”

  When she hesitated, he kissed her one more quick time, as if he couldn’t wait for her answer.

  Foreheads pressed together, she said, “I love you, too.”

  He froze, his hand resting on the nape of her neck.

  “I do,” she continued, unable to stop. “I love you. I’ve wanted to tell you, but there was never a good time.”

  His lips widened into that slanted smile she adored. His face brightened into something she’d never really seen before. He drew her close, his breath a warm tickle on her cheek. “You know how I feel. I love every last stubborn inch of you.”

  Heat blossomed inside of her, and she wasn’t sure she could contain it all. Pressing up against him, she tried to show him how she really felt.

  Someone cleared their throat behind them.

  Becca jumped off his lap, pulling down her shirt, and hit her head against the wall. She swore and rubbed the sore spot on her scalp.

  It was Caleb, face red and eyes glued to the floor. “Sorry to interrupt.”

  Darion gave her a regretful look before standing up and smoothing out his clothes. “What’s up?”

  Becca yanked out her hair tie and redid her rumpled ponytail, avoiding Caleb’s gaze as her cheeks warmed with embarrassment. Not that Caleb didn’t know they were together. It was just... It wasn’t a position she cared to have anyone catch her in. Especially with a guy she had a history with. Even though they were only friends now, she didn’t want him to catch her making out. He didn’t seem to enjoy it much either.

  “I-I’m heading out,” Caleb said. “I wanted to say goodbye, but couldn’t find Becca so thought I’d try here. Sorry.” He stammered over his words.

  The only thing Becca heard was “heading out,” and she forgot about her embarrassment. “Where are you going?”

  “Andre has an assignment for me.”

  “What assignment?” Darion asked. “I haven’t heard of anything.”

  “You can’t leave now.” Becca reached out as if she could stop him. “Liz had a vision, one of death and war. We need to stick together.”

  Caleb took her hand, but didn’t speak right away. Something wasn’t right. This didn’t feel like a supply run, but a goodbye.

  “What is the assignment?” Becca narrowed her eyes, demanding an answer.

  His gaze darted to the side. “Collecting information on any potential upcoming attack.”

  “What? That’s dangerous. Who’s going with you?” Becca would have continued with her tirade of questions and concerns, but Caleb stopped her with a raised hand.

  “You know it makes sense. We need info, and you two are needed here to build up our defenses. Please don’t make this hard.” Caleb dropped his hand and stepped back.

  His sober eyes quieted Becca for a moment. She didn’t want to hurt him, only protect him. How could she do that if they separated?

  “You don’t have to go,” she said.

  His eyes glimmered with understanding and peace. “I do. Just like you do.”

  Darion pulled something out of his pocket. “I’ve been making a few amulets down here. This metal wall here is a type of huge amulet, actually.” Three large silver stones gleamed in his hand. “They won’t work miracles but can save you in a pinch against minor spells.” He placed them in Caleb’s palm. “Be careful.”

  The bond they’d forged these last few months on the run wasn’t easily broken. Caleb turned to Becca, and she hugged him. She couldn’t say goodbye to him. Never in a million years. Caleb might not tell her what his specific assignment was, but she’d find out where he was going and hunt him to the ends of the earth if she had to. She’d done it once before.

  “I’m glad you two finally straightened things out,” he whispered into her hair and kissed the top of her head. “Be safe.”

  Why couldn’t she be cool and collected like Darion? She knew the risks, and they both had lost so much. She knew every goodbye could be the l
ast. Her heart ached at the idea of not having Caleb with her again.

  “Don’t make me come after you,” she said.

  “And face your wrath? Never.”

  Tears blurred her vision. If this wasn’t a goodbye, why did every part of her feel like it was?

  CHAPTER 30

  P eter tried to relax as the magic poured down his face. He had a drink and pills to numb the pain, but the sensation of someone prying off his skin didn’t settle well.

  Despite the unnerving pain, he held still in his suite while Nevada worked on his face. Thankfully, Ryma sent Nevada down early. He arrived last night and resided in one of the rooms near Peter. These rooms were better equipped than the rest of the coven’s. He wondered how Arturo would explain his poor housekeeping to Ryma. Arturo wasn’t fit to run this coven, and Peter planned on showing Ryma why he was.

  The magic slowly withdrew from his face.

  “That’s all I can do for now.” Nevada slumped into the chair next to him, grabbing his own drink. He wore tight slacks and a large wrinkled shirt. Sloppy. His hair grew like an unkempt bush.

  “You need more demons. Your limitations are pathetic,” Peter chided him. Anyone serving Ryma should be suited to the station, for the coven’s sake.

  Nevada shrugged, finished his drink in one large swallow, and headed to the liquor cabinet. “Look in the mirror. It’s not as great as my illusions, but I have only so much to work with.”

  “Shut it.” Peter snapped at the insult. He didn’t want an illusion that could be torn from him. He wanted his face whole and perfect when he killed Darion.

  The pale, puckered skin of Peter’s face had faded, looking much better. Completely smooth, his forehead and cheeks showed no sign of scars. Yet, part of his burned features still peeked out, reminding him of the nightmare that had been his life for the past several months.

  “Your eyebrows should start growing back soon.” Nevada filled up his glass one more time. “I’m heading to my rooms.”

  “Don’t be late tonight.” Peter wanted to have a plan in place before Ryma’s arrival. “And be sober.”

  Nevada shrugged and took another drink.

  “Nevada,” Peter said. “I’m sick of your insubordination. We have a job to do. Don’t half-ass it, or I’ll take care of you on behalf of Ryma.”

  Nevada tilted his head back and laughed. Peter wanted to kill him on the spot. He stepped towards him, gathering his magic.

  “You can’t kill me. How would you get your pretty little face back?”

  Peter itched to wipe off that sarcastic grin. “And what about when you’re finished?”

  “You forget that I’m an indentured servant, and my death doesn’t mean as much to me as it may to you.” He turned, swaying slightly, then continued out the door.

  As much as Peter wanted to punish him, it was true. He did need him, not only for his face, but Nevada played an important role in the upcoming attack. These rebels were stronger than he’d thought, and Peter wanted to prove to Ryma that given the right tools, he could wipe them out. Arturo used his magic in this city to get fat and be lazy. He was a waste of magic. Peter would be more.

  The stakes were high, professionally and personally, and Ryma was due by the end of the week. If everything went smoothly, they would flush out the rebels, Peter would replace Arturo as coven leader here, and his personal debt with Darion would be repaid.

  Caleb finally climbed out of the switchbacks and stood on the top of the cliff, stretching out his back. The nocturnal sounds welcomed him as he breathed in the scent of trees and soil. The scattered clouds and high moon gave him barely enough light to see, but not be easily spotted. The anxiety about the task in front of him lessened slightly as he started on the trail.

  Out here, he could think more clearly and try to figure out how to complete Andre’s assignment. This was his element, the forest. He grew up in it, hunting and fishing. He could spend the rest of his days out here, and one day he would, but he had to make it safe first.

  A twig snapped behind him. He spun, crouched low, and notched the bow that had been on his back.

  It couldn’t be.

  He stood slowly, lowering his weapon. “Nikki?”

  In a dark-hooded camouflaged jacket, she ducked her head and approached. She blended perfectly into the darkness of the night. It was the noise that alerted him.

  “What are you doing here? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I’m to accompany you.” She adjusted the straps on her bag, not meeting his eyes.

  “Really? After the fight with your dad, I’m to assume he sent you with me?” Doubt laced Caleb’s voice. Did she really think he was so stupid?

  “He didn’t want me to come necessarily, but Leon did. You need me. Those stones he gave you are tricky to use. Magic helps.”

  “They’ll eat you alive. You can’t come.”

  “They need me. If they’re recruiting for a war, they’ll want a witch. I can even pass as a healer. And it makes more sense if we come together, as a couple.” She set her jaw as if preparing for a fight. “I’m not going back.”

  “Yes, you are.” He could deal with the fact if he died fighting, but not her.

  “Then I’ll sneak out and go on my own, but I’d be safer if we stuck together.”

  He turned his back to her and ran a hand through his hair. “Why are you being so stubborn? First your father asks the impossible, and then you ask to jump on board. You’re going to get us both killed.”

  “I’m not trying to get anyone killed. I can help. Really. I have squelched my abilities for so long, trying to be something for my father that I’m not. I have gone on supply runs and worked with my uncle before. I can do this.”

  This didn’t ease the fear in his gut. Part of him knew she shouldn’t be out here, but he knew she was stubborn enough to go without him.

  “I’m not going back, Caleb.” She repeated herself as if sensing his thoughts.

  He eyed her thin frame, hoping she was stronger than she appeared. “Did Leon really train you?”

  “First time a boy asked me out, Leon taught me how to fight. He wanted me to learn how to protect myself. But don’t worry. With my powers, I don’t allow anyone that close unless it’s by choice.” Her dark steel eyes were serious and determined, and if she was anything like her father, he didn’t have a choice.

  He nodded once and turned into the forest. “You need to lighten your step. Be wary of where you walk.”

  “I can use magic if we need.”

  “Being detected as a magician out here can be as bad as a Mundane. Better to lie low where possible.”

  She softened her step.

  What was he doing taking her into the lion’s den? If anyone discovered who she was, everyone in those caves would pay. He was stupid and crazy to agree to this. Maybe, but sometimes stupid and crazy paid off. At least that was his hope.

  Becca and Darion went to dinner late. A quiet worry settled over both of them. Becca couldn’t help to be troubled with Caleb out there alone. No magic against a whole army. His only chance was to blend in.

  Navina and her family were still in the cafeteria. Becca sat across from them. She could count on Navina to keep the conversation going.

  “So you think Lance will let me fight?” the girl asked out of the blue.

  Alarm flashed on her mother’s face. Thomas hollered in agreement, though at two years old, he had no clue what his sister had said.

  “He better not,” Navina’s mother, Bree, replied.

  Knowing Navina’s willful personality, Becca added, “Maybe you can be on protection duty. Your mother may need help protecting the kids, if there is another attack.” There was no official declaration that there was going to be another attack, but most everyone could figure out they were vulnerable here. And Andre’s preparations were not hidden.

  “Not backup again.” Her head lowered.

  “You’re not fighting yet.” Bree, her eyes full of emotion, laid an arm on her
daughter’s shoulder.

  “You could always help make amulets,” Darion offered. “If you give them to the Mundanes for help, it’ll be your magic that saves them.”

  “Amulets? I don’t know how to make those.”

  “I can help teach you. There’s fire involved.”

  “Fire?” Bree again looked nervous.

  “He’s a pyro, Mom. It’s cool.” Navina’s curiosity peeked through her excited eyes.

  “Cool, huh?” Bree shook her head slightly. “If it keeps her out of trouble, I’m okay with it.”

  “He’s the safest person to be around when fire’s involved,” Becca said, trying to reassure her.

  “I better get going, but I’ll teach you soon, Navina.” Darion squeezed Becca’s leg under the table in parting.

  A warmth spread through her body. She grabbed his hand, not quite ready to let go. She didn’t look forward to spending the night chatting with the women in the bunk room. They were nice, but didn’t understand the worry knotting in her stomach about Caleb.

  “Wanna come with me?” Darion must have noticed her reluctance. “I’m translating ancient text for Andre. Not exciting but—”

  “Good enough for me,” she quickly agreed. “I don’t think I can sleep anyway.”

  Navina started to ask if she could come, too, but Bree cut her short. There were chores to be done. They said their goodbyes and walked to Andre’s offices.

  “So how long have you been doing this? I thought you stopped after we found the spell for Liz,” Becca said.

  “He wants me to translate the books into English. So they’re available to more people. I guess all those useless lessons as a child actually paid off.” He reached for her hand again.

  The welcomed warmth helped steer off the chill in the tunnels. Becca had been busy between training and working with Elizabeth. Once at the office, he put his hand to the door, and it opened with a click.

  “He trusts you with his office?” Becca couldn’t believe he’d earned that level of trust that quick.