The Cursed Key

by Miranda Brock

  Kael pulled a chair from an empty table and scowled so viciously at the waiter who started to complain that the man quickly backed off. He sat slowly and propped his arms on the table.

  “So, what’s wrong with her?” He waved his hand at me.

  “It’s a common female ailment known as stubbornness,” Renathe said.

  The man beside me growled. “Not her attitude.”

  I shot Kael a glare. I did not have an attitude. Across from me, Ren grinned. He knew exactly what Kael had meant.

  The fae finished off his wine, then said, “I would assume that when she tried to bind the mage with her own life, she missed, and hit the key instead, thus trapping her soul within.”

  “Can I…get it back?”

  Ren ran a finger around the lip of his empty wine glass. A waiter stepped around the corner and poured him another. “I am not certain. However, I would be willing to look into the matter for you. I am rather well-connected.”

  I bit the inside of my lip and studied Ren through narrowed eyes. His face seemed open and honest enough, but I knew better.

  “I suppose this information will cost me something?”

  Renathe’s eyes danced. “Perhaps another date, since this one was ruined by a pesky cat?”

  Kael growled. He was getting tense. It was time to wrap it up.

  “Well, you have my number, Ren.” I scooted my chair back. “Thank you for your help, and for dinner. I had a lovely time.”

  “And yet you are leaving with a different man.” He shook his head sagely, and I couldn’t help but smile.

  “You know, you seem to have ensnared the attention of a group of women over there.”

  Ren leaned over to peer around me and grinned. “So I did.”

  He wouldn’t be alone for long. I supposed most women found him irresistible.

  I gave Ren a final smile and turned. He caught my wrist, and I glanced down at him.

  “One more thing.” All playfulness had gone from his eyes. “Whoever possesses the key will also have the ability to control you and your power. Keep that in mind, Olivia.”

  I merely nodded, but I caught an expression of worry on Kael’s face as we made our way through the tables.

  Chapter 30

  I groaned as I slid a large box full of books out into the hallway where I intended to take them down to the garage at some point. Back in the study, I squinted at the section of bookshelves I had cleared and wondered if it would be enough room. I had been re-organizing the room for three days. I wanted to add a section on all things supernatural.

  Puffing out a heavy sigh, I leaned against my desk to give my arms a break from the heavy lifting. It was a quiet day. The sky was blue through my window but a step outside would bring a crisp breeze, the first whisper of winter a couple of months away. A faint hint of woodsmoke permeated the house. I loved sitting downstairs in the living room in front of a warm, crackling fire—it was usually calming—but the flames had been unable to soothe the restlessness I had felt over the past few weeks.

  My phone chirped behind me, and I twisted to grab it. I swiped the screen and rolled my eyes. It was Renathe. Again.

  I ignored the call. I’d call him back later. I had yet to hear anything from him about a solution to my magical problem, and since he had gotten into the habit of calling me frequently without offering one, I’d fallen into the habit of assuming his calls would be unfruitful.

  I didn’t mind him calling too much, but I couldn’t decipher if he was being flirtatious, friendly, or just interested because I was some kind of magical oddity, a delightful puzzle to figure out. He had ended up asking for another date as price for looking into my problem, though he wanted this one to be one hundred percent sans shifter.

  I pushed away from the desk and walked over to the window. I opened the curtain and peered out at the empty street. I hadn’t heard from Kael since he had left, the day after my date with Ren. He had gone back to wherever his PITO headquarters were to report to his superiors. He’d told me he also intended on disclosing the information we had discovered about the pack of wolf shifters in England.

  I twitched the curtain wider to let in more sunlight and shook my head. I really hoped he wouldn’t get into trouble. We had left quite a mess behind us. Not only the deceased sisters at the bed and breakfast, but also the dead wolf shifters. It had been fortunate that Kael was able to call in some favors to get us back to the States before more about us was found out.

  Kael hadn’t called once since his departure, and I wished he would. I plopped down in my chair at my desk.

  “It’s not like I miss him or anything,” I muttered to myself.

  His sudden absence made me feel disconcertingly adrift. I was introduced to this world of magic and shifters and fae, with Kael largely by my side since the beginning of the entire ordeal, and then I had been dropped right back into reality with some rather hefty baggage I didn’t know what to do with.

  I tugged the keys out of the front of my shirt and stared at them. I didn’t like wearing them all of the time, but when they weren’t on my person, I was uncomfortable. Especially given the fact that one of them had my soul trapped inside.

  I ran a finger down the tarnished, golden length of the key I had plucked from the depths of the rainforest. If I held it long enough, I swear I could almost sense my soul...and the ties binding it to the key.

  I clicked my tongue and dropped the relics. What was I supposed to do now, besides wait for a date with the fae and worry about my bound soul?

  Getting back to some actual work would likely be a good thing. I had a research paper to turn in, and my boss was breathing down my neck. My sudden trip hadn’t sat well with her, seeing as I had just returned from South America.

  My laptop sat opened and mocking on the surface of my desk, and I glared at it distastefully. I used to enjoy my work, but lately it had seemed tedious and dull. I yearned to be back out in the field, though Kael had cautioned me against it before he had left. It was dangerous, he’d said, given the little tidbit Ren had graced me with about others being able to control me if they got a hold of the golden key.

  A dull throb pulsed at my temples, and I rubbed the heels of my hands against my eyes. The headaches had been a mild annoyance that had pestered me frequently since my return home. No amount of medication, sleep, or caffeine had chased it away. It hadn’t been a stretch to assume it must have something to do with the magic churning inside of me. Since Renathe hadn’t come up with any information yet and Kael had gone quiet, I had turned to the only other person nearby who I thought would be able to help me…Cordelia.

  When I went into her tea shop last week, the witch had been a bit more welcoming, presumably because I didn’t have a grouchy shifter in tow. We sat sipping tea while I told her about the adventures I’d had since the night we stepped through her door. I’d meant to tell her about her witch friends who had gone missing, but as soon as I’d started to tell her, she’d lifted her hand and shook her head.

  “I already know, Livvie,” she’d said. “I felt it...I felt it the moment they…” She swallowed and looked away. “I had hoped I was wrong, but I scryed for days. Their spirits are no longer on this earth.”

  “I’m...so sorry,” I said, not knowing what else to say. But she just wiped her eyes with her wrists, plastered on a smile, and told me to tell her the rest.

  After I told her about my confrontation with the mage, and what had come of it, Cordelia sat in quiet for some time. Finally, she told me my headaches were from suppressing my magic and that it wasn’t made to be shut in. Though part of me—almost a living thing—the magic would grow restless if I didn’t exercise it.

  I didn’t see that I had a choice but to keep it in. Whenever I thought about practicing, I saw Kael being tossed across the ground. I had done that to him with hardly a thought, and I didn’t want to hurt anyone again.

  I shoved away from the desk and grabbed a teacup I had left on one of the shelves I’d been cleaning.
The tea inside had grown cold, but I still downed it in a couple of swallows. I grimaced. It wasn’t the best-tasting tea, but Cordelia had given it to me, and it did help with the headaches for a time. She also gave me a basket of scones; my stomach growled at the thought of them.

  I think there’s still a couple left.

  A glance at the clock revealed it was nearly noon. I had skipped breakfast, too restless and eager to organize my study. I headed out of the room and eyed the massive box of books. My lips pursed. I needed it down in the garage, though how I was going to do that without making a dozen trips to carry a few at a time, I wasn’t sure.

  Maybe I could slide it down the stairs with a little guidance. Get it done in one trip. I shoved the box toward the top of the steps, until it was at the very edge. Then, I shifted around it. I grabbed the box and tilted it down. I walked backwards down the steps with my hands braced on the sides, stepping carefully and going slow. Halfway down, my calves started to burn.

  “Livvie?”

  I jumped at the sudden voice and lost my grip on the box. The momentum of the books didn’t stop and the heavy box knocked into my legs. I started to fall down the stairs when there was a loud thumping and suddenly a hand on my back. An arm reached around me and smacked into the box, stopping it from further assaulting me.

  I twisted, and my heart beat faster. “Kael?”

  He didn’t answer me, at first. He merely guided me down the stairs and finished sliding the box down to the floor with ease.

  “What have you got in there, bricks?”

  That’s the first thing he says to me after going mute for three weeks?

  “They’re books. What are you doing here?”

  Kael looked down at me. I hadn’t realized he was still standing so close. I couldn’t help but draw in his strange scent. He quirked a smile. “Saving you from being crushed to death by boxes, apparently.”

  Only because he had startled me. “Assault by book avalanche aside, what are you doing here?” It came out snippier than I’d meant, but the man hadn’t even had the grace to give me a call. Who does that, then just shows up at someone’s house out of the blue? I crossed my arms. “You can’t just walk into my house.”

  I’d caught on to that fact a moment too late. I needed to get into the habit of making sure all of my doors were locked.

  “I have something important to tell you.”

  “So, that warrants trespassing?”

  Kael’s eyebrows drew together. “What’s with the hostility?”

  My mouth popped open. “What’s with the hostility? You disappear for three weeks and don’t bother to give me a call or anything. How am I supposed to know what’s happening or what I should be doing?”

  He blinked. “You wanted me to call you?”

  I threw my hands in the air and stepped around him to go to the kitchen. I wanted my damn scones.

  “Livvie, wait.”

  I grabbed both remaining scones—no way was I letting him have one—and started eating.

  “Are you angry?” he asked. He leaned against the counter beside me, and though he eyed my scones, he didn’t ask for one. “Sorry I didn’t knock.”

  Men. This wasn’t about him not knocking.

  “You’re always welcome here, Kael,” I admitted. “I just—”

  My phone blared, and I pulled it out of my pocket. Renathe again. I tossed my cell to the counter. Kael was silent, waiting.

  “I guess a phone call would have been nice. I was worried.” Ugh. This was so not like me. “A bit, I mean.”

  “I’m sorry.” Kael’s voice was quiet. “I should have called. Something came up.”

  His tone made me uneasy, as did his suddenly worried frown. “Something…bad?”

  “Can we sit down?”

  Was it that bad?

  I nodded. We sat at my kitchen table, and I shoved the spare scone over to him. He took it, but didn’t lift it to his mouth.

  Unease unfurled in my stomach. “Is this about me?”

  Had he discovered something about my magic? Was I going to die, or turn into some kind of evil being?

  “Well…”

  My phone rang again. I huffed impatiently and scooted my chair far enough back to reach my phone. I scowled at the name on the screen. That fae man was getting a little desperate. I silenced my phone and settled an expectant stare on Kael. He looked tired. His face was a bit pale, and shadows underscored his eyes.

  “Did you get in trouble?” I asked, willing to wait on his explanation for being here.

  Kael shook his head. “Not really. I’m not under investigation, but I’m certainly under a watchful eye.” He held my gaze and leaned forward, his hands pressing to the table. “Listen, the mage is on the move.”

  My pulse quickened. So, Vehrin was alive. I hadn’t been certain, since he so suddenly disappeared after our altercation.

  “According to our resources, he seems to be searching for something.”

  “Searching for something? Not coming after me, then?”

  “It doesn’t seem so.”

  What could the dark mage be searching for?

  I leaned back against my chair. “Okay, so what does this mean?”

  Our heads jerked to my front door as it suddenly opened. Renathe strode through my living room.

  “What is the deal?” I exclaimed. “Do supernatural beings lack any sort of manners?”

  Ren walked straight to the table, ignoring Kael’s scowl, and stared down at me. “Why haven’t you been answering my calls?” His tone was clipped, irritated.

  I jerked my head toward Kael. “I’m a bit busy at the moment. Apparently, the mage is looking for something.”

  Leaning against the counter, he picked at his fingernail. “Yeah, well, he isn’t the only one. I’ve gotten word that there is a fledgling mage around, one with a great and ancient power ripe for the picking.” His lips quirked up in a smile. “And you, darling, are the shiny apple.”

  I blinked. “What?”

  “You are the new, little mage some are whispering about.”

  “There are people who know about me?”

  Ren nodded. “So it seems. Those relics of yours wouldn’t have stayed hidden long, or your magic. It can be sensed. And you, Olivia, can be caught.”

  “What are you saying?”

  He stepped over to me, and I couldn’t help but notice Kael leaning closer. The man was going to have to work on his prejudices.

  Renathe crouched so his peculiar, teal eyes were level with mine. “I’m saying that you need to leave. It’s no longer safe for you here.”

  “I can’t leave. I just got back.”

  “It’s too dangerous,” Kael said. “We can’t risk someone capturing you, using your power.”

  I blew out a sharp breath. “Well, where am I supposed to go?”

  Kael stood. “I’ll take you back to headquarters. It’s the safest place for you until we figure out what the mage is up to.”

  I glanced at Ren, and he nodded. I pursed my lips. I shouldn’t want to have to leave my home again so soon, but I found myself eager. Perhaps it was my thirst for adventure, foolish as it was, or maybe I just wasn’t ready to settle back into normalcy yet. Maybe I couldn’t have normal again until I figured out who I was now.

  “All right. Let me pack my things.”

  “Do not think this means you can skip out on our date,” Ren said, shooting me a grin. “You still owe me.”

  Kael growled lowly, but said nothing to Ren, which was a surprise.

  “Where are we going?” I asked Kael.

  “Charleston, for now. Keeping you safe from those who will be after you is our first concern. But we also need to find out where Vehrin is going, and what he’s looking for. If it’s more important to him than you, it can’t be good.”

  I left the shifter and the fae so I could gather my things once more. I would be leaving to go to PITO headquarters. Another hunt for the mage was on the horizon, and my magic swirled in anticipa
tion beneath my skin at the thought.

  I clenched my fist, as if I could trap the magic inside. Standing in my study once more, I eyed the work I had done for no reason. I didn’t know what the future held for me or what dangers may lie ahead. All I knew was I possessed magic that needed to be tamed, and an enemy my past would not let me forget.

  If I could find the mage, perhaps I could do something to reverse this curse on me and get rid of the relics I had tied myself to.

  In the process, I knew I would be threatened. Hunted. But I refused to stay in hiding forever. I would take action. I had to.

  I’m coming for you, Vehrin.

  About the Authors

  About Miranda Brock

  Get a FREE Book from Miranda Brock!

  From an early age Miranda Brock has always loved fantasy and adventure everything. Since she doesn't live in a world of enchanting powers, mythical beasts, and things unbelievable she has decided to write about them. (Although, if you happen to see a dragon flying around, do tell her.) Born in southern Illinois, where she still resides with her husband and two children, she grew up running through the woods, playing in creeks, and riding horses.

  About Rebecca Hamilton

  Get a FREE Book from Rebecca Hamilton

  New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Hamilton writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Harlequin, Baste Lübbe, and Evershade. A book addict, registered bone marrow donor, and indian food enthusiast, she often takes to fictional worlds to see what perilous situations her characters will find themselves in next. Represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA, Rebecca has been published internationally, in three languages: English, German, and Hungarian.