Winter's Awakening (Light Coven Chronicles Book 1)

by Alessandra Jay

  Lucas looks at me and connects with my mind, attempting to calm me down. “Evan, chill. I’ll get the Tahr and you get Scarlet. Let’s go.” I hurriedly agree. He’s right, I need to focus. If I don't, we’ll lose the demon, and who knows if he tries to take Scarlet. With that thought in my head, I begin slowly walking towards the demon that is so attracted to my Anima Partem. When we are halfway there, the demon snaps his head in our direction. It senses us and urgently tries to grab Scarlet. My sense to kill the demon and protect her automatically takes over, as I rush towards it. As fast as I'm moving, I know I won’t get there quick enough to stop it from grabbing her. But as the demon makes contact with Scarlet, it quickly retracts its slimy hands off her, as if it just got burned.

  “Did you do that?” Luke asks, again in mind speak. With a shake of my head we stare ahead at in shock. We’re close enough for me to place myself in front of Scarlet. She still has no idea that we are here. Between the panic and the adrenaline racing through my veins, I couldn't wait any longer. I expertly throw my blade directly into the demon’s head, splitting it in half. What’s left of his brain and body begin to boil and ooze, until it’s bursting into flames, leaving behind a sulfuric burnt stench. Scarlet turns her head around and looks towards the smoke. She sneezes and walks back inside the classroom. Lucas and I lift the invisibility cast from ourselves and stand there in silence, as we try to contemplate what just occurred.

  Why did the demon look like he burned his hand when he touched Scarlet? Why is this the third demon that’s taken a liking to her since coming here? Why does she always show signs of knowing the demon is there, yet she can’t see them? Giving up trying to make sense of it, Lucas shrugs his shoulders. “I don't know, bro. Class is about to be over. I’ll see you in a few.” He turns to leave as I stand there, still trying to figure out what just happened. A few minutes go by, and I have come up with nothing. The classroom door swings open, and the students file out. Scarlet is the last one out of the classroom, as she carries both of our bags. When she sees me standing outside, she hands me my bag and gives me a weird look. “Something wrong? Did you get the demon?” She whispers, as she looks around to make sure no one is listening. Taking her hand and nodding my head, I lead her to my car. “Nothing’s wrong, love. We got the demon. It’s back where it belongs.”

  She looks pleased with my answer, so she continues the conversation. “Oh, good. I came out here before to get a candy bar because I was so nervous about you, and I could have sworn I smelled smoke.” She shrugs her shoulders and moves on. “Anyway, I hope statistics isn't as hard as I think it’s going to be,” she voices her concern. “I'm good with numbers. I’d love to be your private tutor.” I wink at her, trying to make light of the situation.

  She giggles, turns red and answers, “I’d like that.” We make our way outside to meet up with Luke when I ask her, “Are you hungry? We have a couple of hours before that class. Would you like to get some lunch?” She smiles and leads the way to my SUV. Being around Scarlet is showing me layers of my heart that I didn't know existed. This is why I have to figure out why all these odd things are happening to her. She is my caster soul mate, after all.

  Chapter 12

  Party Time

  Scarlet

  The first week of class went by so fast that I didn't realize it was almost time for that freshman party that Mack has been so excited about. I'm glad the guys are invited as well. Because if not, then I would've been hesitant to attend. At least now I'm entering the party with a guy like Evan by my side. Charlie really is leaving her book at home, now that she has Lucas to keep her occupied. Mack and Derek have come to some kind of weird agreement. Neither of them are ready for an exclusive relationship, so they're attending the party together as friends. Either of them can leave with whomever they choose, and no feelings will get hurt. I hope.

  My shift at the cafe ends in an hour, and I'm going straight home to shower and get ready. The guys are in Eden today helping with a riot they had early this morning. Apparently, the Elders are testing every female caster, and some of those women were not happy with their result. I don't get it though. Maybe it’s because I'm not a caster myself, but why would they want that? A title like that, I'm sure, comes with an endless amount of responsibility and time. Way too much is going on for someone like me to even contemplate. I have so much going on in my own life right now that I'm more than happy to be mortal at a time like this, but I feel bad for my family and Evan.

  I was thankful that Evan answered more of my questions and provided more information than my family did. It’s odd having someone other than my family speak about the events that are going on. Evan is the only one that gives me concrete details. When I asked him about the occurrences in Eden the other night, he quickly answered me.

  “There is a long-forgotten prophecy from Sister Hazel that many casters treated as a myth, but it’s not a myth. The prophecy is genuine. And it’s taking place now. Sister Hazel died having a vision of the future. She saw a dark coven coming to kill her Sisters. There will be a struggle for power. If they find the chosen one mentioned in the prophecy, there’s a chance that the dark coven can be defeated. If they don't find this caster, the dark coven will succeed and take over as new Elders. Elders who cast with dark, black magic.

  I stopped him, confused. “Why didn't Hazel just tell them who this caster woman is, or who the leader of the dark coven is?” They're casters. Couldn't they just summon some type of answer? Evan shakes his head no and continues, “It’s never that easy, love. Ava and the others have waited centuries for this prophecy to resurface. These casters in the dark coven are smart, cloaking their power and their dark magic from the Sisters effortlessly. Although casting with black magic will make your power stronger, it slowly turns your heart and soul dark. Until there is nothing else but evil intent.”

  I didn't even know there were bad casters out there. My dad never told me about that part of the caster world. I remember hearing about this prophecy once before, but it wasn't told directly to me. It was after Demi received her power. Dad took her into his den, and he spent over an hour telling Demi about the secrets of Eden. I was curious and tried to eavesdrop. When I put my ear to the door, I heard Dad telling her about an old prophecy. Dimitri caught me red-handed and dragged me into the kitchen. That day I learned how to make chicken Parmesan and discovered who The Drifters were.

  I'm excited that I get to see my family tomorrow for my birthday, but I'm also slightly nervous. This will be the first time ever bringing a guy to meet them, even though they already have met him, which is so weird. I force myself to stop thinking about tomorrow, when I have enough to be nervous about tonight. I anxiously watch the time go by, bringing me closer to going to my first party ever. Charlie, Mack, and I stand in front of the floor to ceiling mirror in Mack's room, staring at ourselves for the fifth time. Who knew choosing an outfit for a party could be so stressful and exhausting. I'm sick of changing outfits, so I'm leaving what I have on, a simple, short, black spaghetti strap dress with a small flannel vest buttoned up, making my cleavage really pop out. It’s Charlie's vest and it is really cute, but I’ve never worn anything so revealing. I begged Mack to let me wear my Converse and she agreed, only if I kept the vest on. I quickly said yes, just so I could be in comfortable shoes. When it comes to those high heels, I don't know how she does it.

  Charlie did some begging herself. She wanted to wear her combat boots, but Mack refused until she saw my short overalls on her and tied a black sweater around her waist. Mack is in her bra and underwear again and for the last time slipped on a dress. She finally settled on a tight black bandage dress that highlights all of her curves. She slips on her stiletto heels and walks around like they're not affecting her balance.

  Another 15 minutes and we’re all ready to go. As we walk into the living room, I knew the guys were there before the knocking came. I felt hot tingles down my spine and instinctively straightened up. I'm going to have to ask Evan why that happens w
henever he’s near. Charlie and I both feel out of our elements in the outfits we’re wearing, so the confident Mack is the one who answers the door.

  “Damn, girl!” Derek compliments her. I bet now he wishes he was going with her as someone who’s more than a friend. The way his hungry eyes are looking at her proves my thought. Mack sashays her hips outside, and Charlie and I trail behind her. Lucas takes Charlie by the hand and gives her a twirl, so he could look at her all around. I see her blush and roll her eyes. For a second I didn't even realize the way Evan was looking at me. His eyes trail from my hair down to my sneakers. He walks up to stand directly in front of me and raises his hands, placing them on the back of my neck and lifting my face up, so he could give me a soft and small kiss. As he regrettably releases his lips off of mine, he whispers for my ears only, “Scarlet, you look gorgeous. I love your hair down like that.”

  “Thank you,” I say shyly. His eyes almost look as hungry as Derek's as we get situated in the car. Evan pulls me into his side, takes my hand in his and speaks lightly, so we can speak as privately as we can. “The big 18 tomorrow. Are you excited?” Looking down at our linked hands, I tell him honestly, “I'm more eager to see my family than anything else.” For the longest time I dreaded this birthday. It would solidify the fact that I'm a powerless mortal.

  Evan squeezes my hand and attempts to reassure me as he softly whispers in my ear, “You're perfect just the way you are, love.” I give him a small smile, as I turn my head to look out of the window. “Do you all want to make this an early night, so we can leave at a decent time tomorrow? Remember we have a four-hour drive to Scarlet’s house.” Evan says this aloud. Charlie and I didn't want to stay late at all so we were happy with the idea and I answer for us both, “Definitely.” Lucas sweetly replies, “Wherever Charlie goes, I go.”

  Of course, Mackenzie and Derek are not fans of the plan. “Well, y’all can leave early if y’all want to, but I'm stayin’ all night. I’ll be fine in the mornin’ if you wake me up early,” Mackenzie says confidently. “Same here.” Derek agrees with her, not taking his eyes off of her once. We park in a dirt road and I'm more than happy that I wore my sneakers. I look back at Mack in her high heels, and I have to give it to her. She’s walking like a pro. This ground doesn't seem to be fazing her at all. We’re in the middle of nowhere, at a warehouse about 30 minutes away from the college.

  “Are you sure we’re in the right place?” Charlie asks, as she warily looks around. “Yes. Now chill out and have a good time. Y’all promised,” she reminds us again. “Yes, mom.” Charlie sarcastically responds. Mack quickly sways her hips, as she walks ahead of us with Derek right beside her, like a lost puppy. “And you, we had a deal. We’re just friends,” she tells the desperate-looking Derek. “We can be whatever you want us to be.” He tries to redirect the question with flirting. But Mack looks slightly annoyed, so he continues, “Yes, we’re just friends. But if you don't leave here with anyone, and I don't leave here with anyone, we’re leaving together,” he proudly announces, causing Charlie and I to laugh.

  “Fine. That’s our new deal, then.” Mack surprisingly agrees. We make it to a rusty set of stairs and listen to Mack's heels clank as she takes the steps up. Finally there, Derek knocks hard on the door. As soon as it opens, the sound of blaring music bursts out, overwhelmingly making me nervous. As Mack and Derek show the invitations that will get us in, I straighten my back and decide to loosen up. The doorman nods his head once and lets us all go in. Mack immediately looks like she’s in her element. She lifts her hands in the air and begins to shake her thick butt to the music, as we walk through a dark hallway. I'm right behind her, as Derek and Evan walk side by side. Mack hooks her arm into mine, and we enter through the only door there is.

  We walk in on the second floor. This place is enormous, and it’s packed! Mackenzie holds my hand tight, as we squeeze our way through the crowd to the stairs in the corner. I don't know where she’s leading us, but I sure hope it’s somewhere we can sit. I don't have much experience dancing, especially to hip hop music like what the DJ is playing. We make our way downstairs, and she walks right up to the makeshift bar the college students put together. She gets two red cups and two closed beers. Popping them open, she pours them into the cups. She hands me mine, as she lists off a few party rules. “Rule one: never accept a drink from a stranger. Rule two: never drink the punch. Always stick to drinkin’ somethin’ that you opened or mixed yourself. Got it?” She asks me, and I nod my head, as I take my first sip of the drink she poured me. It’s gross and bubbly like soda, but it goes down smooth like tea.

  “What is this?” I say, as my face shows my disgust. Mack giggles. “Don't tell me you never had a beer, Scar,” she says with much seriousness. I shake my head, confirming that fact. She continues her disbelief. “Wow. Well, you'll get used to it. Give it a minute. It looks like the guys and Charlie got us a booth,” she says pointing across the room. “Here. Take these.” She hands me two beers and puts two empty cups on the tops. I'm struggling to hold them all, so I quickly try to make my way to our group. Evan meets me halfway to help with the drinks.

  I say, “Thanks,” looking back to make sure Mack is still there. She is, and she’s balancing the two other beers like she’s done it many times before. Mack easily hands them to Charlie and Lucas, as Evan hands Derek his. Mack lifts her cup in toast formation, and we follow suit. “To new friends and new beginnin’s.” We repeat her and sip our drinks. “Not a fan?” Evan asks, clearly seeing the sour look on my face. I shake my head. “It’s my first time having a beer. Mack says it grows on you.” He nods his head and smiles at my innocence as I make my way to sit next to Charlie in the semi-circle booth. Evan and Lucas slide in on either side of us, as we sit and watch Mackenzie chug what’s left in her cup.

  “I'm ready for more. Anyone else?” We all shake our heads except for Derek. He saunters up to her and tells her, “I’ll go get you one.” But she doesn't want his help. She’s made that clear the whole ride over here. Mack walks away, shaking her hips and bouncing to the music. Derek looks let down but doesn't want us to see it so he walks away towards another group of girls. “All right, ladies. Y’all chug what y’all got left, then we’re goin’ on the dance floor!” She happily shouts. Charlie and I both look at each other with panic plastered on our faces. Evan chuckles next to me. “Drink that, and you'll feel a little more comfortable, love.” I tap cups with Charlie, and we both finish quickly before Mack grabs our hands and drags us out to dance. At first, I did the common shuffle step. But as the beer began to slightly kick in, I felt the music more. I swayed my hips to the rhythm as I sang along to the catchy tunes. To my surprise I didn't even know I knew the words to these songs.

  We’ve been on the dance floor for four songs and I realize that I have to go to the bathroom. Mack was pulled away from us by a good-looking guy in a letterman jacket, so Charlie tagged along with me. When finally, after waiting ten minutes, I’m inside the bathroom as Charlie waits outside. The second I sit down, the lights shut off, leaving me in the complete darkness. “Not funny, Charlie. I can’t see what I'm doing here!” I shout to who I think is my roommate, but there was no answer. What is going on? Maybe the light blew out? Attempting to finish in the dark is a lot harder than I thought. And when I went to open the door, it was stuck.

  “Charlie, let me out! This is not cool!” I yell at her on the other side of the door while pulling as hard as I can, but nothing happens. Then I hear the sink turn on. How did that happen if I'm standing all the way over here? “Who's there?” I ask, with fear growing in my voice. There is no answer. The water shuts off, and that’s when the whispering starts. At first, it’s slow and clear enough for me to understand. But then it slowly picks up its rhythm, and then it becomes frantic. “We’re coming for you, caster.” Is what I first understood. Then the words became jumbled. I banged on the door as hard as I could, until it finally swung open. “Scar? Are you all right?” Charlie asks, as I rush out of the bat
hroom.

  “What? You didn't hear me banging on the door? I’ve been trying to get out of there. I was yelling your name.” I try to explain, but Charlie looks confused. “Are you sure you're okay? You were only in there for two minutes, and there was no banging. I didn't hear you shouting.” Charlie shrugs it off, but I know what just happened was real. “I'm fine, but I was really stuck in there. The door wouldn't open, and there were voices. I heard them.” Again, I attempt to get some valid answer, but all she does is shake her head. “No, Scar. I waited outside the whole time. No one else went in there.”

  What happened to me in there, then? Who were those voices? Why did they call me a caster, when I'm only mortal? We get back to our booth, where Evan and Lucas await us. Evan can tell right away that something is wrong. He stands and pulls me away from the table. “Is everything okay?” I shake my head and tell him what happened to me in the bathroom as he sits me down. I wait there as he goes and checks the bathroom for any sign of what occurred. When he returns, the look on his face tells me he found nothing.

  “I didn't see or feel anything in there, love. Would you like to leave? We can watch a movie, then I’ll head home so we can get ready for tomorrow.” I would like nothing more than to leave this place. “Yes, please. Let’s go.” I quickly agree. Charlie and Lucas tag along, as we say our goodbyes to Mack and Derek, who were together, making out in the corner. I knew those two couldn't keep their hands off of each other. We ride home in silence, as I go over the frightening bathroom scene over and over again. I hope and pray that it was only in my head, even though I knew it was real.