Something in the Shadows

by Elle Beaumont

  “Fine, keep your secrets, but for that you get to clean the bathrooms.” I countered his smirk with a cheeky grin as he arched an eyebrow.

  The downstairs bathroom wasn’t terrible since I’d cleaned it first thing so we could use it, but I had no idea what the upstairs bathroom, the one that Aunt Cecilia used, looked like. Perhaps there were even two bathrooms upstairs. I couldn’t remember. My mind had been too bogged down by all of the junk.

  With a sigh, I slammed the water off and propped my arms on the counter’s edge and heaved in a heavy breath as anxiety threatened to take me. One job at a time. Just one. I’d forget about the next several on the list and focus on the one.

  Large, gentle hands were a comforting weight on my shoulders, grounding me. “I am here to help you, Destiny. Tell me what you need of me and I will do it.”

  “Why?” My voice quivered as emotions of all kinds stole over me.

  “Because, I am your friend. If never anything more than just your friend, I will remain at your side.”

  “But you want more, don’t you?”

  He chuckled, leaning in to rub his nose against the outer shell of my ear, causing me to shiver with the husky sound of his voice. “What man wouldn’t?” He stood straight, breaking the sensual tension between us. “But I will wait and be patient. Even if you never see me that way, I will still be your friend. Matrada are not only mates, but companions. All we want is to be with our female, in whatever way she will allow.”

  “That seems a bit desperate.”

  “It is, I suppose. I’ve waited nearly a millennia to be summoned, and every second I am by your side is worth that wait. I do not know of any human words that could properly describe what I’m trying to explain.”

  “I see.” I really didn’t. I was still too caught up on the fact he’d waited a millennia to be summoned. Just how old was my demon?

  My demon. Crap, I was so dead when the coven found out. That meant I needed to hurry up with this house.

  Changing my mind, I handed over the cloth and directed Cass to clean out the fridge while I sorted through every cabinet and drawer in the kitchen, including the small walk-in pantry. Most of that food was past its “use by” date, so it wound up in garbage bags.

  Izzy joined us at the table a while later to read, wanting to be near us. When Cass took a break from being my gofer running around, he sat beside Izzy and let her read a story to him. He complimented her ability to read, tousled her hair, and assisted me once again with the task ahead of us.

  Most of Aunt Cecilia’s dishes and random kitchen supplies went in a donation pile, though I kept a few out for us to use now just in case. I’d pack up the kitchen items from home and bring them here soon. They were newer, and I knew where they’d been.

  After a quick lunch break, we finished the kitchen and moved upstairs. The condition of the two small bedrooms was as I’d feared: clean, but an inch of dust covered everything, including the beds, dressers, and stacks of boxes. The Master bedroom wasn’t nearly in as much neglect, and there weren’t nearly as many boxes.

  A fourth room was a tiny office. I hadn’t done more than peek inside yesterday morning, but now I felt like exploring, Cass at my back. There was a sheet of paper on the desk I hadn’t noticed yesterday, so I sat down in the chair and lifted it. Was it being nosy if I was going through a dead woman’s belongings that she’d given me?

  As it turned out, it was a letter, and it was for me. I swallowed.

  “My dearest Destiny,

  “If you’re reading this letter, then I was never able to meet you in person one last time, which is quite the shame. I have always enjoyed your correspondence, though, and your curious mind. This house belongs to you, now, so do with it what you will, but I caution you against selling it. It has been in the family for generations, but only by those of us who practice ‘dark’ magic. If you are as curious as I think you are, you will find that there are only dark people, not dark magic. It is how magic is wielded that makes it dark. Unfortunately such thoughts and opinions can be detrimental in some circles, like the family coven. Be cautious about that coven. There is more darkness in the hearts of that horde than in a room with no light.

  “Keep your sister safe and at your side. The estate lawyer should’ve given you a key. You’ll find the keyhole in the wall beside the painting on your left if you’re sitting at my desk. Enjoy this little surprise, and tell no one of its existence. You will know what it is when you see it.

  “Love always, Great-aunt Cecilia.”

  I had to read the letter twice. Once everything had started to sink in a tiny bit, my gaze lifted to Cass, who’d been reading over my shoulder. Our eyes met, and he shrugged.

  “Do you have the key she mentioned?”

  “Yes. It’s downstairs.”

  “Shall we figure out what it is she’s hidden?”

  The question hadn’t finished leaving his mouth and I was already moving. Whatever she’d left, it had to be important to keep it hidden and to provide the key to the lawyer to give to me. It was like she didn’t want the key and the letter being in the same house just in case the wrong person found it.

  Izzy looked at us as I dug inside my purse on the dining room table and pulled the key from one of the zippered compartments. It was an old-fashioned, brass skeleton key. If any key in the world led to a secret room, this would be the one to do it.

  We jogged back upstairs, Cass still on my heels with Izzy yelling after us about what we were doing and me calling back to stay there. Not knowing what we’d find, I didn’t want her anywhere near it. When Izzy attempted to follow, Cass turned her around. She listened to him. Go figure. Then again, I’d likely listen to a demon too if he ordered me back to my seat.

  Back in the office, we searched for the keyhole. Cass was the one to find it at the center of a dark knot in the wood paneling. He had good eyesight because I never would’ve found it.

  Sticking the key inside, I looked up at him towering above me. “Are we ready?”

  “Are you concerned?”

  His deep voice dripped with worry, and I shrugged. “Not really, but a little.”

  “Then let me open it.”

  It wasn’t an order, but I relinquished the key all the same and stepped back, peering around Cass but sticking behind his body just in case. In case of what, I couldn’t begin to guess. It wasn’t like my aunt was going to booby trap the room.

  The key clicked in the lock as it engaged, and the panel slid inward. Cass didn’t bother checking that I was ready but set his hand on the door and pushed it open slow and steady. The inside of the next room was black until he flipped the light on and stepped beyond the threshold. Confident all was well, he motioned me inside.

  Usually in movies that I watched, when there were hidden doorways, they usually led to somewhere techy. Not in this case. My mouth popped open all the same.

  “This is Aunt Cecilia’s workroom,” I stated, staring around at the full shelves, overflowing tables, cauldron, and to my gut-wrenching horror, a summoning circle on the far side of the room. “Why does she have that?”

  Warm hands settled on my shoulders. “Remember, not all demons are evil, and most can be summoned and then returned. If you aren’t comfortable with it still, also remember that just because it is here, does not mean that you have to use it. Is this room what Cecilia wanted to show you?”

  He was right about the demons and summoning circle, and that was comforting. However, I shook my head. “I don’t know.”

  Stepping further into the room, I searched across the tables and shelves. This space was still crammed with items, but they all appeared useful, though some I had to guess at what they were. Cass was able to fill in some of it, like a tiny jar of newt liver.

  He scowled when I swatted his hands away from it, a glint in his eyes I didn’t like. “Do not open that jar. It probably reeks.”

  “Not as bad as you might think, and newt liver is quite delicious. In fact, most of the items on this s
helf are rarely used in spells.”

  That caught my attention. “So, what are they used for?”

  “They’re demon delicacies.” His eyes scanned the room. “Are you certain your aunt didn’t have a Matrada demon living with her?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Because, those symbols on the book across the room, they’re demon tongue, not any Earth language. Only a demon would know those symbols.”

  I stared at the book he mentioned. “Could a demon have taught her that language?”

  “Perhaps, but I don’t believe so.”

  Cass crossed the room to lift the notebook from the table where he flipped pages around and read. Like he’d done to me, I peeked over his shoulder until I caught sight of an envelope with my name on it sitting on the table next to where the notebook had been. I was reaching for it when Cass’s voice stopped me.

  “How old was your aunt when she died?”

  Narrowing my gaze in thought, I lifted the envelope into my hands. “Well, she was significantly younger than grandma, just about a decade older than Mom. So, early fifties I think? She got sick. Why?”

  “Because, these ruins, they make no sense as they are. Do you mind if I speculate?”

  “You’re asking random questions and you’ve got me curious. Speculate away.”

  He opened his mouth to speak but caught sight of the envelope. “Never mind. Open that instead. Maybe she’ll confirm my theory, or I’m totally off base and you’re right.”

  “Come on, tell me.”

  Groaning, he set the notebook back down. “Either you’re right and she was learning demon symbols, or...she summoned a Matrada demon and had a child with him because this is the same as a child learning to spell your words. But it looks more like a child’s hand than an adult.”

  My stomach plummeted at the idea. “If there was a child, where is it?”

  He shook his head, staring around the room. “I don’t know.” After a brief pause, he tapped the envelope. “Open it, and I hope she gave you information to help us figure this mystery out or it’s going to drive me crazy.”

  “You crazy? You’re guessing my great-aunt had a baby with a demon. According to the book I read, they didn’t think it’s possible.”

  “Oh, it’s possible. That book was so old that most of it was speculation. Open that letter.”

  “Fine. Pushy.”

  I slid my finger under the adhesive seal, managing to avoid a papercut in the process, and slid out a sheet of fancy stationery. Finding a stool to sit on, I unfolded the paper and read, with Cass again standing behind me. My eyes read, but they were having difficulty believing what they were reading.

  “Oh Destiny, if I were alive I’d feel so relieved that you found this letter. I hope you find it in time. There is a reason I chose you to inherit everything. You are not only the most understanding of the witches and warlocks in my old coven, but also the most curious and compassionate.

  “You asked me once about demons, and I told you very little. There were too many others around for me to go into detail if one of them should hear me. I didn’t want to get you into trouble. Downstairs, there is a book on demons. Perhaps you’ve already seen it by now. It’ll be a start with your learning, but only a start. There is so much about demons that isn’t generally known.”

  I groaned at that. Perhaps I should’ve explored more before zeroing in on books. Shaking my head, I kept reading.

  “This book tells so much of the various types of demons. I need for you to look up the Matrada demon so that you understand the rest of this letter.

  “One of my aunts, the one who satiated my curiosity for ‘dark’ magic had summoned a Matrada demon, and I met him several times. He was the gentlest of males I’d ever met. They were so happy together. So, about a dozen years ago, I was tired of being alone, so I researched Matrada demons and summoned one for myself. Tygen and I were so very happy together. He rarely left my side before I became ill. He’s been my shadow since, and it’s comforting.

  “You are likely wondering why I have given you this letter. Here is the truth, and I hope you are as understanding and compassionate as I believe you are: Tygen and I had a child together, a little boy, a demon. If this bothers you, I’m sorry, but I need you to keep reading. Lars was born nearly seven years ago, just before your mother had Isabelle. He’s a good boy and stays out of trouble. Tygen was trying to teach him all he could about being a demon for the time Lars is old enough to return to that dimension. I don’t understand it fully, but since Lars was born here, he can cross between dimensions at will. Apparently most Matrada demons prefer to remain in their dimension so that they have a chance to be summoned. They can’t be summoned to their mate if they’re already in this dimension.

  “I’m likely overloading your mind with information, but there is a little left. You’re likely wondering where Lars is and what this has to do with you. I’m sorry to put a burden on you, more than there is already, but Lars is still young, only a child, and he needs to be cared for. I pray you’ll help me with this and raise him like you are Isabelle. There is money in my bank account that you have access to that should help provide for him until he reaches maturity and can cross if he wishes. He will be little trouble, and easy to disguise in public should you want to take him anywhere.

  “Now, as to his location. If you’ve been over the rest of the house you can see he isn’t there. Across the room, on the opposite wall of where you entered is another keyhole for the key that got you in here. This will lead you down a secret staircase to the basement of this home. This was where we lived most of our lives, away from the prying eyes of other witches, like your coven. It is completely furnished and this is the only entrance. Lars is down there, and he has enough food for a few months, so I hope you heeded my first letter to the lawyer to visit my home early.

  “Please, do not be afraid of Lars. He wouldn’t hurt you. Yes, he is a demon, but Matrada demons are peaceful, except when those they love are in danger. You should note that the book doesn’t tell you what their powers as demons are, so I will. They are strong, far stronger than anyone I’ve ever seen. While their skin has a blue hue to it, they have the ability to shift that skin tone to blend in with their surroundings. They also, once summoned, have the ability to learn to use your magic, syphoning it through your connection. You can block this, but I found with Tygen he only used my magic when he was curious, and not for malicious intent.

  “I’m sorry for the length of this letter, but there is so much more that I want to say and there isn’t time and I don’t have the energy. Tygen has chosen to join me in the afterlife instead of returning to his dimension. Already I miss Lars, and yet he sleeps beside me now, using my lap as a pillow. There are only a few days left. Please, Destiny, please give my baby a hug for me, please hold him tight and tell him I love him. Please, please have mercy and care for him. It shouldn’t be your burden, but I can think of no one else who I would trust with this task.

  “I love you, Destiny, and good luck. Love, Aunt Cecilia.”

  I swallowed hard. “You were right, Cass. There is a child.”

  “And he’s likely afraid.” Cass left my side to stare at the far wall, the one with the entrance to the basement. “We should find him.”

  “We will.” I joined Cass at the wall and took one of his hands, startling him to look down at me. Shrugging, I stared back at the wall. “You seemed upset, so I thought holding your hand might help.”

  “Oh. Well, I’m interested in the child’s well-being.”

  “Do all Matrada demons care about children this much?”

  “We care very much for our mates and our young, even the young of others. If you are to raise this boy like you are Izzy, then I will do so at your side.” He pressed his lips together, pondering his next words. “Matrada demons are...we have a strong natural desire, instinct even, to protect those we see as ours, our family. We also feel this way toward young, whether ours or another’s. I cannot describe it an
y other way. If you choose to take on this responsibility, you will not be doing it alone. I will help, and I’ll help Lars be ready to enter the demon dimension when he is old enough and wishes to do so.”

  I squeezed Cass’s hand. “Thank you. In so many ways, you’re much better than many of the human men that I know.”

  “Let’s find that keyhole,” Cass murmured, as if my words had affected him more than he wanted me to know. “That child has been alone long enough.”

  He was too right about that. Both of our attention fell on the wooden wall, and I also swiped my hand across it, trying to feel for the keyhole. In the end, it was Cass who once again found it. I wanted to smack the satisfied grin off his face, but instead rolled my eyes at the man. It may have only been a few hours since we’d met, but there was something about him that drew me to Cass. That something was both terrifying and exhilarating.

  The doorway clicked open toward us, revealing a dark staircase. As before, Cass found the light switch and led the way ahead of me, his protective nature not wanting to put me in harm’s way. The further down we walked on the spiral staircase, the more my stomach twisted. What condition, physically, mentally, and emotionally, would this boy be in when we found him?

  Another door blocked our way at the bottom, but this one wasn’t locked. Cass gave me a nod over his shoulder before twisting the handle and entering a brightly lit room. He stepped in, surveyed the area, and moved aside to reveal an empty room. Well, empty of people. There were plenty of furnishings. It was like a whole different house had been built below the upper levels.

  “Lars?” I called into the room, voice barely louder than a whisper.

  No one responded, so I stepped further into the living area. A kitchen could be seen through a large opening in the left wall, making it both a bar to eat at and a way to pass food into the living room, which also had a dining room table off to the side. More doorways led off to the right, which I assumed were bedrooms and a bathroom.