“If you don't have a Siren now, who is leading you? Seems like it would be chaos." The burn from the necklace creeped up my neck and my face flushed. I walked to the sink and splashed cool water on it.
“You’re kinda right. We have elected leaders as well, who serve as advisors when we have a Siren. But they aren’t as respected by the magical community and they don’t hold a tight rein on their people even when it’s needed.” Lorelei patted my back as I continued to splash my face and neck with water. “Are you okay—”
“Mermaid. Yard time. Move.” A tall, lanky guard stood in the doorway of our cell and gestured toward Lorelei.
“I’ll be back soon.” She turned her back to him and he placed the glowing gold cuffs around her wrists before he escorted her away.
Every muscle was rigid and tight. My lungs burned for air, but no matter how deep a breath I took it wasn’t enough. Like Quincy’s hands were still around my neck. I dried my face and stepped out from the open cell. I felt so confined like I had been locked away and the key lost. Which I guess was fitting since this was prison after all. I observed a group of prisoners standing in a long corridor filled with floor-to-ceiling windows and they all stared out the glass, whispering amongst themselves. I walked over and worked on squeezing my way to the front. My necklace was hot against my skin.
"Fucking fish." A harsh tone cut through the whispers somewhere behind me, followed by gruff chuckles.
"I don't know why we're kept here with the marine life. They should have their own prison," a female voice rang out, high-pitched and annoying, but I couldn’t identify its owner.
My pendant quivered, sending a shudder down my spine. The ferocity increased the closer I moved to the windows. I finally found my way to the front as other inmates started wandering off, bored with the show. A sandy beach met sea-foam water surrounded by jagged black rock, speckled with white. Forming a tiny cove, separated from the vast sea, the impenetrable rocks perfectly created a watery prison. Guards lined the edge of the cove while mermaids swam in its waters. Their multicolored fins covered in scales highlighted by the sun broke the water’s surface. It was easily the most beautiful scene I had ever seen in my life. Sorrow struck my heart and I missed the water more than ever.
Inmates rambled away, leaving me alone in the frigid corridor, my face and hands pressed against the cool glass. A line of inmate mermaids walked out onto the sandy shore. I recognized Lorelei’s short curls immediately near the middle of the train of orange-clad bodies. The guards uncuffed them and the mermaids then stripped off their prison uniforms. They walked into the ocean and the oncoming waves engulfed their nude bodies.
My eyes were glued to Lorelei as she crouched down in the shallow water and let the sea surround her. Her back arched almost as if in pain. Her wet hair clung to the sides of her face, obscuring her eyes, but a wide smile spread across her lips. Scales spread over her skin, creating a greenish glow around her. They rose from her skin, showing the world they had been hiding right under the surface the whole time. The sun reflected off of them, sending a kaleidoscope of colors into the air and across the water.
A few shiny scales scattered up the sides of her torso, flowed over her hips, and then covered her breasts, stopping before her collarbone. A moment later the glow faded and a glorious emerald green tail replaced her tan legs. She swept her hair back from her face and sent a spray of water into the air with a flip of her tail. She disappeared under the surface of the water and tears seeped from my eyes.
I retreated from the window and my soul attempted to pull itself from my body, begging to be in the water. Separating myself from the ocean and the view of the other mermaids caused a wave of nausea to wash over me. My heart shattered in my chest. Tears stung my eyes as I denied my soul the comfort of the ocean. I stumbled back until the backside of my knees felt the bench against the wall and I sat down. I continued to look out the windows at the open ocean, but my view of the cove disappeared beneath the windowsill. Every fiber of my being wanted to be in that water.
I swallowed back the lump in my throat and stifled my tears. I didn’t want to cry out in the open for anyone who passed by to see. What would people think seeing the new witch cry at the sight of the ocean? I didn’t want to find out. The bench beneath me rocked as Evan took a seat next to me. I turned my head away from him and wiped away any remnants of tears. We both stared at the sea as it began to darken and churn as if it was heartbroken. Water collected on the glass, creating a hazy view.
“Hello, Little Witch. You look like someone just broke your heart.”
“Just a little salty sea air in my eyes.” My hair fell in wisps around my face, concealing the uncontrollable flush highlighting my cheeks. The irony of being trapped in a magical prison surrounded by creatures I once believed only existed in daydreams, but still blushing because some cute guy caught me crying was not lost on me.
“If I wasn't mistaken, I would say you're sad that you're not out in the water with the mermaids. But that would be crazy, wouldn't it? A witch that wants to swim with mermaids?” He watched me as I shifted in my seat, angling my body away from the water. He swept his hand across my face and tucked the loose strands of my hair behind my ear. His soft, warm skin reminded me of my favorite heated blanket back home. Curling up with him would probably be more fun, though. He pulled away as I started to lean into his touch.
Duh, Jewels, he doesn’t like you. He feels sorry for you.
“It reminds me of what I must look like when I'm missing home. Or when I miss my sister." His gaze had shifted away from me and pointed to the ground. His forehead furrowed. His shoulders hung. His dark skin framed his baby blue eyes. The contrast only highlighted the sadness he tried to hide. There was no denying he was strikingly good-looking. The kind of guy you see in magazines but never in real life. His taut muscles created a slight pull on the fabric of his shirt, across his chest and arms. Photoshopped perfection in the flesh. I felt the blush intensify on my cheeks and shifted my gaze away from him.
“What was your sister’s name?”
“Annalise.”
“What happened to her?”
“They say she died.”
“I know that. How did she die?”
“I don’t know.”
“I heard you were covered in her blood and they found her in pieces.”
“So I’ve been told. But I know I didn’t kill her. I would’ve never done that.”
I rested my hand flat against my necklace as it lightly vibrated and released a soft warmth. I couldn’t figure out what triggered this thing. Was it me or the things that happened around me? Could it be both? I really wished my dad had told me the truth, had prepared me for whatever I was. I wished he had given me more information about the jewel that hung around my neck.
We sat in silence for a few moments longer before he stood and walked to the window. He pressed his hand to the glass and jerked his head to the side for me to join him. The condensation against the glass cleared under his hand and the effect spread over the surface, clearing the view. The compulsion to see the ocean and mermaids again was too strong to fight against the logic that this was a bad idea. I walked to the window and leaned my head on it. The glass was now toasty and welcoming against my cool skin.
We watched as the mermaids emerged from the water, their beautiful tails gone, replaced again with their human legs. Once they dressed, they lined up along the beach, heads hung low, as the guards applied the glowing golden cuffs to their wrists and led them back to the stone fortress walls of Spellbound.
"Is your last name really Farrington? As in one of the first families of Salem, Farrington?” He leaned against the window and watched me as I pulled myself away from the water view to lock eyes with him.
“Yeah. Why?”
“Your family has a lot of pull in the magical community. You'll be out of here in no time. No way they're keeping you locked up."
"I hope that's true. I don't belong here."
"No o
ne thinks they belong at Spellbound.” Evan laughed. He started off down the hall. “A piece of advice, Little Witch. Don’t let others see you eyeing the ocean like you want a tail. That would cause people to ask questions you don’t want them to find the answers to.”
Lorelei's hair was still damp when we walked into the common area. Teal, Becky, and Flynn were already around a table, digging into a bag of cheddar cheese puffs. Flynn flashed a toothy grin and waved when he saw us, his lips lined in the neon orange cheese powder. When we sat at the table I dug my hand into the bag and filled my mouth with the processed cheese goodness. Teal and Becky were debating how many enchantments it would take to freeze the entire common room long enough for them to clear the canteen out of all its snacky, crunchy goodness. I felt an arm snake around my waist and pull me back against a muscular chest. Brendan's cheek pressed against mine as he whispered in my ear.
"I wanna show you something."
“Now?”
“Yes, now.” He pulled me back by my waist and set my feet on the floor. Lorelei glared at him.
“Brendan McGregor, what are you doing?” Becky’s hands rested squarely on her hips.
“Just showing the newbie all the cool things Spellbound has to offer.” His five-hundred-watt smile could light the Hollywood sign.
“Don’t get her in trouble. Not everyone has Daddy and a strong family name to bail them out when they fuck up.” Becky crossed her arms. A smirk flashed across her face. Brendan’s hands clenched into fists then released and his smile disappeared.
“Well, luckily Jewels has the same perks I do.” His smile returned. “Come on, Becks. Don’t give me such a hard time or I might have to tell everyone about the time we were actually friends.”
Becky scoffed and filled her mouth with chips, avoiding his twinkling eyes. Brandan looked around the table, bedazzling them with his, toothpaste commercial smile. My own stomach fluttered gazing at him. “I will bring her back safe and sound soon.”
He took my hand and guided me from the common room. Lorelei’s eyes were like daggers in my back. I knew she was watching me without even seeing her do it. His fingers intertwined with mine, keeping a firm but gentle hold on my hand. He winked at me as we walked and my stomach leaped into my chest in response.
We stopped at a set of double doors marked ‘library’ and he opened them for me. He bowed as he let me walk in first, then flipped the sign to closed.
A woman with a half-shaved head sat in the corner against a brick wall. Brendan glared at her until she gathered her things and hurried out. He led me back through all the stacks until we reached the rear corner near a small window. He pressed me against the wall, one hand on my hip pulling me close and the other cupped my face as he leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. Fireworks exploded in my belly. My lips quivered when he pulled away and all I could think was how I wanted more.
"I could kiss you all day.” He rested his forehead against mine, his breath heavy with desire.
“If you always kiss like that I might let you.” I leaned forward and kissed him again, nipping his lip with my teeth before he withdrew. “Is this the cool thing you wanted to show me?” I asked. He laughed and his hands slipped over the curve of my backside and squeezed.
“Among other things, Newbie.” He released my rear and held one of his hands in the space between us, palm facing the ceiling.
“Scintilla.” Sparks flew from his hand like a sparkler on a hot July night. They launched out in all directions. The sparks hit an invisible wall and stayed contained in a dome shape around his hand. A small flame appeared in the center of his palm and he held it cupped in his hand. He took my hand and brought it near to flame. “Clear your mind. Just focus on the fire. On controlling it, owning it.”
“Do I have to say the words?”
"If it helps. But it's not necessary. Sometimes saying it out loud helps you focus. Helps you pull the magic from around you and bend it to your will. But the strongest of us don’t need it.”
I stared at the flame as it burned in his palm, never wavering. I focused on the intensity of the heat, how the fire danced in the air, while consuming no kindling at all. Slowly the flame shifted from his hand to mine until I held the dancing flame on my own.
“Good. Now imagine it taking the shape of a ball.”
I pictured the fire swirling into a globe like the earth rotating on its axis. The swirling flames constantly moving but always held in the sphere shape. The flame curled in on itself, forming a fireball larger than a softball. It reminded me of the fire that flew from Evan’s fingertips when he protected me in the laundry room. With that thought the fire shifted to my fingertips, forming little streams of fire.
“Nice job.” Brendan pointed to a sign on the wall twenty feet away. “Light it on fire.”
“How?”
“Come on, Newbie. Can’t you figure it out by now?” He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders, crossing his arms with a smug look on his face. His eyes gave away what his mouth refused to speak. He didn’t think I could do it. Anger boiled in my chest. I craved the satisfaction of proving him wrong.
I thrust my hand out in the direction of the sign and urged the flames forward. The ball of fire flew across the room, followed by a stream of fire flowing from my fingertips. I hit my target and my magic consumed the sign in flames. Suddenly it was gone. My magic retreated back into me and the flames disappeared. I could feel the magic I had called upon still brewing below my skin. Like it wanted to burst out at any moment but wasn’t sure which way to go. A pile of ash lay on the floor below where the sign once was.
“Impressive. A powerful witch who is also a good kisser.” Brendan placed his hands on my hips and lifted me up as he kissed me.
I wrapped my legs around his waist and he wedged me against the wall and his torso as his tongue began to trail down my neck. I ran my hands through his hair and pushed my body against his, granting him access to my collarbone and the top of my chest as I tried to steer him clear of my pendant, but I couldn't stop staring at the bare spot on the wall where the sign had once been. I really did that. Me.
His lips found mine again and he placed my feet back on the floor. He took a step back, creating a bit of a distance between us. “You are… distracting in the best way. But I did bring you here for a reason. This area of the prison, specifically along this wall” —he held his hand to the wall above my head— “is where the binding spells are weakest. You can access more magic here. Which makes it a good place to practice. Particularly for you, Newbie.”
Brendan walked across the short space between the stacks. He moved a few worn books on the end of the shelf to the side and jiggled the brick in the wall. It was loose and popped out quickly. The brick fell to the floor with a thud and he reached his hand inside the dark hole and removed an old, worn red leather-bound book. He caressed the cover lightly with his fingers, tracing the outline of the faded lettering.
“This is my family’s Book of Shadows. It holds all of our most powerful spells.” He extended the book to me. “My family is a first family as well. This book was started during the Salem witch trials.”
I opened it and a musky smell of old paper and degrading leather filled the air. I slowly turned the pages, unable to recognize most of what I was looking at. Images of black crows, skulls and crossbones, and pentagrams were etched on the pages. With each turn of the page my necklace vibrated against my chest as if it was trying to keep rhythm with my anxious heart. Soon my necklace was jumping on my chest like a child in a bounce house. Unable and unwilling to stop. I placed my hand on top of the necklace, palm to my chest, as if I was in awe so Brendan wouldn’t suspect anything odd. It slowed under my touch but didn’t stop.
“Why are you here?”
“I told you. To show you something cool.”
“No. I mean why were you sent to Spellbound?” I asked. His body tensed and he averted his gaze.
“It was a misunderstanding. I’m not really supposed to talk about
it. My lawyer’s orders.” He took the book from my hand and flipped through the old pages. When he finally found what he was looking for he smiled and handed it back to me. Written on top of the page in red letters was ‘Death’. Brandon again reached in the hole in the wall and pulled out a small box.
“Let’s see what you’re made of, Newbie.” He pulled the lid from the box, revealing a small brown mouse. “This spell requires more than one participant. We chant these words together and visualize the life energy of the mouse exiting its body. Are you ready?”
The room seemed to close in on me as a wave of nausea washed over me. My necklace scorched my skin and it danced so violently on my chest my ears started to ring. Brendan raised his eyebrows as he watched the panic overtake me. There was no way he couldn’t hear the dull pat of my necklace as it pounded against my chest. I glanced at him but not once did his eyes wander to my neck. I pressed my hand down firmer, trying to force it into submission. It finally slowed to a stop, but the weight of it suddenly increased and it felt like when I wrestled Ben and he sat on my chest.
“No! I don’t want to do this.” I wanted to step away, but my back was already against a bookcase full of books.
“It’s just a mouse.” He held it up by the tail as if to show me it was nothing. As if it being tiny and defenseless meant it deserved this. As if its life had no value. It clawed at the air, trying to free itself. “This is magic 101. Just like in the human world, we experiment on animals. This is how we practice. I’ve been doing this since I was twelve. It’s child’s play. But if you think you’re not at the level of a child, well, then I overestimated you.”
“Will it feel pain?” My voice trembled as I stumbled over the words.
“If you want it to.” He shrugged.
“I don’t.” I shook my head.
He nodded.
“Isn’t taking a life with magic forbidden?”
“What are they going to do? Arrest you?” He laughed and took my hand as he began to chant. He kept the mouse suspended in the air by its fragile, thin tail. It struggled and swung its body around in little circles, trying to escape. It didn’t even know what it was afraid of, but it was smart enough to be afraid.
The Siren Jewel: Spellbound Prison Saga Page 8