The Castle: Prequel to the Guardian Angel Series

by Melissa Johnson

  Chapter 3

  Heather hummed as she checked off the tasks on her list, a sixth sense directing her around unopened crates and rolled up tapestries lining the corridors. So much to be done before the Grand Opening! How would it be finished in time?

  It would be. She was filled with optimism, her mood lifted considerably after her unexpected meeting with Eric. She smiled, touching her hand to the warmth of her locket under her blouse.

  Near the arched entrance to the archive room, heavy oak doors leaned haphazardly against the stone wall, ready to be put on their hinges. An accident waiting to happen. She shook her head and added the detail to her list as she walked into the cavernous room.

  Her head bent low, her sixth sense failed her. She collided with a solid wall of muscle.

  “Oh!”

  Strong arms wrapped around her waist and guided her into shadows. She giggled. He’d said he’d be back in two hours. It couldn’t have been that long already!

  “Eric--”

  Her voice broke off as a firm mouth covered hers. In an instant, she knew the kiss was different. The touch was different. An unshaven cheek scraped against her jaw line while hands roamed freely, groping her.

  Heather jerked her head back and tore her mouth away.

  “Take your hands off me, Thaddeus.”

  For a second, she thought he wasn’t going to let her go, but he lifted his hands and stepped back. She rubbed her tender mouth while glaring at the darkly handsome man who leaned indolently against the wall. Of course she thought he was handsome. He was Eric’s twin.

  “What game are you playing?”

  He shrugged a broad shoulder. “Not a game. An experiment.”

  She knew she shouldn’t ask. “For what?”

  Thaddeus arched an eyebrow. “Isn’t it obvious? To see how long it would take before you knew the difference.”

  “I knew immediately.”

  “Did you?”

  He reached out and lifted her braid. Already shocked by his behavior, Heather watched as he brought it to his nose and inhaled deeply. “I would know you. You have a scent I would know anywhere.”

  She jerked her braid loose. “What is the matter with you? When Eric hears of this--”

  “Eric won’t hear of this.”

  Incredulous, she asked, “You think I won’t tell him?”

  “I know you won’t.”

  He looked so certain, and that made her nervous. Her eyes shifted to the doorway. “You’ve become as unhinged as those doors.”

  Thaddeus laughed.

  Heather shivered. He was up to something. She knew it. She’d known it for some time.

  Weeks ago she’d come to the Castle while it was still under the domain of the construction crews. No one else was supposed to be here, so she’d been surprised to come across Thaddeus in his new lab. His back to her, he hadn’t noticed her, and she’d stood in the doorway, taking in the scrolls unfurled on various tables. Curious, she’d walked up to take a look, casually asking what he was working on. She’d barely caught a glimpse before he’d practically knocked her down to push her aside, reaching across her to gather up the scrolls. He’d yelled at her for disturbing him, and something in his black eyes made her think she’d be turned to stone if she didn’t move. So she did, half stumbling out the door before it slammed forcefully shut behind her.

  Stunned, she’d stood in the hallway and stared at the door, her hand reflexively touching her locket. She knew what she’d seen. On the scroll was a symbol that matched her locket.

  Later, she’d relayed the encounter to Eric and asked him flat out to tell her why, if Thaddeus didn’t want to be disturbed, then why did he choose to work in the unfinished Castle with all the construction noise? Eric had merely shrugged, saying he’d long ago quit applying logic to his brother.

  And here lay the heart of her discontent. Eric had dismissed her concerns, even when she told him about seeing the locket symbol on the scroll. He’d actually tapped her nose, chiding her for discovering Thaddeus’ surprise for the Castle Grand Opening. Just stay out of his way, Eric advised. Feeling rather foolish for her suspicions, she’d been more than happy to do so, but sometimes she caught Thaddeus watching her.

  The “surprise,” she now knew, had been the announcement of the locket ceremony. The sense of wrongness draped over her again. No, there was more to Thaddeus’ plan. She was sure of it.

  “Shouldn‘t you be at Dragon‘s Keep?” she asked him now. “The Council is meeting.”

  Thaddeus’ mouth curved in a smirk. “And an interesting meeting I’m sure it is. My one regret is not being able to witness their reaction.”

  She had no idea what he was talking about. Reaction to what? Whatever it was, she decided she wanted to get away from him more than she wanted to know.

  Quietly, she said, “Excuse me. I have to go.”

  He gave a nod, as if granting permission.

  She felt the absurd urge to run, but refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much he’d spooked her. In her hesitation, he took a couple of steps back. But instead of giving her breathing room, his movement placed him between her and the door.

  Thaddeus gestured to the door. “After you.”

  Her head high, she took a step. When she walked past him, his hand shot out and grabbed her braid again.

  Heather cried out, more in shock than pain. Angry words on the tip of her tongue, they died a prudent death when she collided with the ruthless expression Thaddeus boldly wore. It fit him well, as if he’d finally let his true colors show. With a rising sense of fear she knew he’d shed all pretense of respecting boundaries. Why? Why didn’t he care?

  “Let me escort you. There is something you should see.”

  Heather had no choice. Thaddeus wrapped her braid around his hand and held it like a leash to lead her into the corridor. A few steps away, he opened a doorway, jerking her through. They were instantly at the third floor alcove.

  Heather shielded her eyes against the light. She blinked until they adjusted and she could make out the shimmering bands of gold that arched over the mountains.

  “A remarkable view, don‘t you think?”

  It should have been beautiful. Instead it seemed sinister – deadly.

  “W-what is it?”

  “My masterpiece.” He let go of her braid to make a frame out of his hands, like an artist admiring his work. “I find it quite stunning how the lockets make it glow. I‘ve always appreciated a powerful spell that is also beautiful.”

  “The lockets?”

  “Did you really think I wanted them collected for a sentimental ceremony? I found a much more fitting use. I used them for the spell.”

  Horrified, she tore her eyes away from his creation and turned to Thaddeus.

  “You destroyed the lockets for – that?” She waved her hand at the window, unable to put a word to it.

  “Every single one of them. Even yours.”

  No, not hers. She almost lifted her hand to touch it beneath her shirt, needing its comfort, but knew it would be a huge mistake. She clenched her hands at her sides.

  “What have you done? You destroyed them all for a pretty view? You crazy bastard. The Council is going to imprison you for the rest of your eternal life.”

  It occurred to her she shouldn’t be making threats while alone with Thaddeus. But he threw back his head and laughed.

  “How short sighted you are. This is much more than a pretty view. Let me spell it out for you. It‘s a Barrier. On this side, the Castle. On the other side, Dragon‘s Keep. And never the twain shall meet.” His voice morphed into a sing-song rhythm that made her shiver. “Everyone who was unfortunate to be at Dragon’s Keep when the Barrier went up is dead to us.”

  No, it wasn‘t possible. “I don’t believe you.”

  Thaddeus shrugged. “You’ll see. When the days and years go by and no one cros
ses, you’ll see.”

  Heather felt sick. She swallowed repeatedly, breathing hard. Eric. The Council and hundreds of other Guardians. Her friends. A few short hours ago the parents had said goodbye to their children, leaving them here until the ceremony tomorrow.

  Thaddeus seemed to read her mind. “I chose my moment carefully. A few undesirables slipped through, your friend Marigold for one, our old friend Seymour Fenton, but most of the troublemakers have been weeded out.”

  It was too much to comprehend. She grasped for something to tear at his confidence in his plans. “Eric and the Council will take down your Barrier. They will cast a spell from Dragon‘s Keep.”

  Thaddeus nodded and stroked his beard. “Ah, yes, good point. They will try, of course. But no. I assure you, there will be no spell casting from Dragon’s Keep. Magic doesn’t work there anymore, I‘m afraid. It’s now… what is the word? Ah yes, a wasteland. Even the image enhancers have gone blank. No more Guardian work for them. Not anymore.”

  Heather turned back to the mountains, staring at the Barrier. Could Eric feel her gaze this time? She wrapped her arms around her shoulders, hugging herself against the cold seeping into her bones with every word Thaddeus spoke.

  “Now then,” Thaddeus continued. “Let me tell you how things are going to be from now on. For one, no more High Council. Here, I am in charge. What do you think of the title High Commander?”

  She didn’t bother to answer.

  “I think it will grow on you. The Castle is the new headquarters for the Order of Guardians.” He rubbed his hands together. “Isn’t this exciting, Heather? Think of all these young minds to mold. No strong magic though, teleporting only. You‘ll have to find a new subject to teach.”

  Heather wanted to cover her ears. She didn’t doubt all Thaddeus said was true. But she had a locket. As Thaddeus kept talking of the new Order, she felt a glimmer of hope. It flared into an idea. Could her locket allow her to cross the Barrier? She wouldn’t know until she tried. As soon as she got away from Thaddeus she would try.

  “You should know one more thing, Heather.”

  “What?” Her mind was swimming with plans. She clung to the last hope. Eric would know what to do. And if magic didn’t work at Dragon’s Keep, she could bring him here. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest. She could do this.

  She cried out as Thaddeus jerked her braid. “Look at me when I speak to you.”

  “I’m looking.”

  “Listen carefully my little alchemist. If you have any foolish notions of casting your own spell, it won’t work.”

  Her eyes widened with surprise. To do it herself hadn’t occurred to her. “You give me credit for more ability than I have.”

  “Perhaps. But know this. It was a sacrifice, but I tied my immortality to the Barrier. If that Barrier falls, I will die.”

  Why was he telling her this? A laugh escaped her. “Are you trying to give me an incentive?”

  Thaddeus twisted her braid tightly around his fist, drawing her close. No emotion showed in his black eyes. “Eric will die too.”