by R. L. Wilson
“What was that?” I question.
“The screwdriver fell on the floor. Don’t worry, I’ll get this door off the hinges.”
“Uh, what?”
He’s not thinking straight. He knows better. Trying to detach the door won’t break the magical ward. I’ll have to break this damn ward myself. You would think Kato could, since he is a voodoo priest.
I concentrate a little harder now, a tingling buzz streaming down my arm. However, a plethora of darkness flows within me. Somehow, it’s connected to the ward.
My anxiety is getting the best of me. I push through, forcing the darkness out. Sweat marches down my forehead.
It’s an internal battle. I’m sure the light will prevail. I push and push. A click from the door sounds, followed by a breeze of air and the patter of footsteps. The footsteps get closer and are drowned out by Morgan’s squeaky voice.
Fighting the dizziness is taking a toll on me. My eyes are heavy, and my eyelids flutter.
A bunch of words flow from Morgan’s lips, but they’re garbled. Kato flashes a smile, showing teeth that hide behind his thick lips.
My feet are unsteady. I’m falling and I can’t stop.
Is the darkness winning?
Chapter Eight
I’m awakened by a strange nudging at my shoulders and a distinctive heady scent. I force my eyes open to find Morgan shaking my arm. The overpowering pungence of her expensive perfume wafts through the air. If you want to knock someone out, this perfume would do the trick. I attempt to get off the floor. How did I even get here? My entire body drenched in sweat. Why is the heat so high? Morgan’s voice fades in and out. If she stops moving, I can get a steady view.
“Are you okay?” she questions.
Hell no, I’m not okay. I’m as far from okay as anyone could be.
My eyes become heavy; I need to close them for a second. I relax, letting go of my fears. I keep my concentration on her face.
“Hold on,” Kato screams.
“She has a fever and her body is burning up,” Morgan snaps.
Although my vision is blurry, their voices are sharp. Along with this pounding headache and the faint voice in my imagination, I can’t think straight. As the voice speaks again, there is a silent hush that envelops Kato and Morgan’s voices.
“Don’t you want to help your father?” the sinister voice goads.
I squirm, trying to respond, but nothing comes from my mouth. My words are stuck; I’m silent. I want to yell, but I can’t. It’s as if my lips are sealed. Trying to lift my head, my body is limp. I can’t even move my arms. It doesn’t help me to continue trying to move. This must be what paralysis is like.
Blinking back tears, I view Kato. He has something in his hand. Shit, not more of that devil dust he blew in my face before. Then he does it, and I’m screaming on the inside, my heart beating ferociously. Please don’t, I had the worst visions of my life last time… My mind drifts off and everything goes silent.
Here I am in another lucid vision. Everything has slowed down, the colors a brighter version of themselves. Marching toward me is a tall thin man. Usually I’d be terrified of his unblinking stare and mean demeanor. Is this the sinister voice I’m hearing?
He wears pain on his face and his green eyes are slanted like mine. From the sinister voice, I imagined a sterner-looking guy. And much older. A button-up collared shirt with an expensive Hermès blue tie graces his torso. His hair is a light blond. As he drifts closer to me, I realize he’s older than I thought. Maybe in his forties. He has a few strands of gray, only visible in the light.
The closer he gets, the more nervous I become. I clench my teeth, too afraid to wipe at the sweating seeping through my shirt.
He flicks a glance across the street and then back to me. He pauses within feet of me. It was like we were speaking without talking earlier. I’m less nervous now. His energy isn’t frightening. Actually, it’s quite calm. I know he wants to talk. But I won’t speak first. I’m safe here—he’ll protect me. If it is possible to stay here, I would. Somehow, I know that’s impossible without asking.
Something about his face holds my focus. He looks familiar. I’m not sure why.
“I’m a healer,” he says.
He’s not the angry voice I heard. I think he’s my father, given the familiar jaw line and the slanted eyes. But I won’t say anything about it if he doesn’t.
“My grandfather was cursed, and it passed down to every generation after him. I kept myself alive for a very long time.” He rolls up the sleeves on his shirt.
Immediately I glance toward his neck and see a few lines of a tattoo, just like the one I have. He’s certainly my father. At last I’m face to face with him, and I’m at a loss for words. I swallow hard and wipe the sweat from my palms on my jeans. I never take my eyes off him.
I ignore the fact that he never attempted to be a part of my life. We can make fresh memories. I don’t have any parents now. My energy to be angry about the past has evaporated.
“I just got my healing powers back. Prentiss stole them at one point some centuries ago.”
Whoa, I didn’t know Prentiss could steal my magic. My mouth goes dry and I inch back.
“Don’t worry, I cursed Prentiss, so he no longer has immortality.” He loosens his tie and unbuttons his top button. The view of the tattoo gets even clearer. We have the same one.
He continues his rant. The rage within him as he speaks of Prentiss is familiar. It’s a mirror of mine. The anger inside me. The difference is he wears it on his face like a mask.
“Each time he dies he gets weaker and weaker. He’s so weak now that he can’t steal magic, and he even needs the help of other supernaturals.”
I relax and exhale. No, I don’t want to be a healer anymore. But I didn’t want Prentiss to take my magic either. He’ll use it for evil.
He sighs. “Prentiss has discovered a way around the curse.”
From the corner of my right eye I see the darkness looming. It’s tugging at my attention. But I can’t take my gaze from my father’s emerald eyes. My stomach twists into knots because I’m terrified of the darkness.
He keeps right on talking. The darkness isn’t fazing him.
“Prentiss chose your mother to give birth to you. To save him. But that will also be the reason for his demise.”
“How so?” I question. Prentiss’s demise sounds good to me. Great minds think alike. The sole purpose of my life is the death of Prentiss Darby.
I ignore the chatter of Morgan and Kato, although I faintly hear them. My focus is on trying to listen to the plan to silence Prentiss.
“Your mother was in love with Prentiss. But for him she was the only one who had the power that blood-sucking fool needed.” He frowns, and his face becomes apple red when he speaks of Momma in love with Prentiss.
Which raises more concerns in my mind. Did he care for Momma when they were younger? Did the two of them date?
“You, and only you, have the power,” he urges with a sharp glare. A severity that makes me flinch. It is a death glare—one I have only witnessed before from Prentiss.
“Are you up for the challenge to save the city?” he questions.
“Yes, but how? I tried! He always wins,” I explain. Prentiss seems to always be one step ahead of me. I want him more than anyone else.
“You have the power to overtake the darkness on your own. Stop running,” he mutters.
I admit I’m afraid of the darkness, but not the devil—Prentiss. The darkness is unpredictable and dangerous.
He steps back, preparing to leave. "But wait!” I yell. He pauses, never taking his eyes off me.
“Are you my real father?”
He lowers his head in shame. I already know he’s my father, but I need him to say it.
He lifts his head now, not looking me in the eye. “I am your father, and I am ashamed to say I’m not a part of your life.” He darts his gaze around then rests his eyes on me. “No matter what, I love you.”
I smile with a nod. I’m relieved after hearing his confession. The poor guy must have tried to bury the truth. The instant relaxation in his shoulders and his face speak volumes to me. This is a nightmare for us both.
“Embrace the darkness, stop running,” he pleads before he drifts away. I continue watching. I don’t want to return to my life. And I’m not sure I want him to leave.
Suddenly, a loud clap like thunder knocks me back to reality.
Chapter Nine
The aroma of lemon tea and the whistle of a kettle grab my attention. Although my eyes are still closed, the scent is refreshing. A slight pounding at the base of my skull makes me wince in agony. I’ll just lie here a little longer, until I’m rejuvenated, and this headache eases up.
I try ignoring the pain, but it’s excruciating. If I can get an Advil, I’ll feel better. Vision blurry, I blink as a burst of light from chandeliers burns my eyes. Even with my eyes still closed, the headache becomes more intense. With a powerful burst of will, I force my eyes open. Only to observe Kato sitting in the recliner with his gaze fixed on my face.
I shove my magic down, using all my strength. It’s on overdrive; seeing Kato scares me. I went into fight-or-flight mode. Despite my attempt to conceal my reaction, Kato senses it.
“Sorry to frighten you,” he mutters.
Last I remember, I was lying facedown on the hall floor. To awaken to someone staring in my face freaked me out.
“It’s okay,” I respond while peeling a blanket away and easing into a sitting position.
“How do you feel?” he asks as his lips rise into a grin.
“Fine, except for this pounding headache,” I respond, grabbing my forehead.
“Made you some tea.”
I hope it’s regular tea with lemon and honey. And that he didn’t add those herbs he carries around to perform his voodoo with. There is no doubt if I drink some of his herbs, the crazy-ass visions will return.
“I know, the scent is potent,” I reply
“You don’t like when I blow dust in your face. But it was to help you through the auditory hallucinations.” He squeezes his hands. “Something had a sturdy grip on you. Refused to let go, too.”
He rises to his feet and marches toward the kitchen. I roll the sleeves on my sweater up and cross my legs tailor-style.
A groan breaks from my parted lips, outside my control. My head fills with a lightness that makes me woozy with a drunk sensation. I shut my eyes tightly. Even though I’m strong, I cry out for help.
The sound of metal shrieks against the kitchen floor. My guess is he dropped the teakettle onto the floor.
“Please bring the ibuprofen with you,” I beg.
I’d much rather have a stronger analgesic. Perhaps some Norco, but that’s scarce these days. Morgan pops those like candy since she has a wisdom tooth coming in.
Carrying a small cup with a bottle of honey in his hand, Kato stops in front of me. He slips the teacup on the table and grabs the bottle of ibuprofen from his pocket. I swallow the ibuprofen with no water. My head hurts so bad.
A warm cup of tea. Just what I need for relaxation. “Thank you.”
“I don’t want to pressure you, but what did you see?” he questions before taking a seat next to me on the sofa. The scent of lemon intertwines with his cologne. He rests his arm on the back of the couch. His words trail off as his eyes tug at my heart.
I take a sip of tea, then pat my chest as the warmth from the tea burns my esophagus.
“I saw a lot, but I’m not sure if I can believe any of it.” I grab the bottle of honey and squeeze a fair amount into my tea.
For a quick second, we make eye contact. He looks at me with such adoration. It’s hard for me to concentrate on anything when I’m wrapped in his attention. My feelings for him have grown stronger. Neither of us want to say it, but I know he has powerful feelings for me too.
“I saw my father.”
“Really?” His gaze races up and down my scrunched face. “What does he look like?” he prods.
I sigh out of exhaustion and disbelief. “Like me, actually. He has the same slant to his eyes and blond hair.”
Kato’s eyes grow larger but never leave my face.
I have a strong resemblance to my dad. I can’t believe Carl is not my biological father. “Why did my mother hide who my dad was?”
Kato grabs my right hand. “She was trying to protect you.”
“From my family?” I grumble and snatch my hand away, resting it on my lap.
“Yes. Maybe she thought that was best.”
I give an unapologetic shrug. How’s keeping me from my family protecting me? She should have given me a choice. She stole my life.
“But he said one weird thing. He told me to embrace the darkness.”
“Really?!”
“What damn sense does that make?” I frown in disgust. “Darkness isn’t something I want to embrace.” I’m trying to escape the darkness.
“Use the darkness to your advantage,” he utters.
I put my cup of tea on the table and shoot a sharp stare his way. “Are you serious?” I ask before rolling my eyes.
“Yes. Just because you embrace the darkness doesn’t mean you let it consume you.”
I lean back on the couch and grab my blanket. He’s talking like a crazy person. I’m steering clear of darkness.
“Let me explain.” He licks his lips and rests his elbow on the arm of the couch.
“Please do.” I was being defensive because I’m confused.
“I used the darkness, and I let it consume me and control my thoughts.” He darts his gaze at me. “Be better than me.”
Kato used evil magic before. What if it gets the best of me? I’d have to be skilled and sharp. Stronger than the darkness. I’m not there yet.
“I’m not strong enough to control the darkness. Besides, I’m terrified.”
“You are strong. You have a fight within you that won’t stop.” He smirks before he leans in closer. Is he going to kiss me? I won’t stop him. It’s inevitable. My eyes dance with his, even as my bottom lip quivers with anxiety. My whole body shivers.
“Hey there.” The annoying voice of Morgan busts through the silence. Her eyebrows cocked, she glances past me with a speculative look. “What y’all doing in here?” she questions in her rumpled pajama pants and ripped T-shirt.
“Nothing, just talking about the weird vision I had,” I explain as Kato inhales dramatically then slides farther away from me on the sofa. Morgan always has the worst timing. But she knows that I’m vibing with Kato. We need a moment alone.
Kato looks at the multi-color socks and pajamas pants Morgan wears and snickers. He has some nerve; he just started wearing solid colors.
“What vision?” she questions before grabbing the remote and plopping down on the recliner. I guess she’s staying here with us. Great.
My gaze darts to the door. Like all the doors in the building, it’s thick and locked. But I have this fear that someone is listening. “I think I saw my father,” I reply, as I have a flashback to the guy in my dream.
“Really? Carl? What’s it like to speak with the dead?” she asks.
I shake my head. “No, not Carl,” I stall, not wanting to say it but needing to get it off my still-tingling chest. “Paul!”
Her gasp is dramatic and loud as she places her hand across her chest. “What did he say? Were you scared?” She barely takes a breath in between questions. Her mouth is moving faster than my brain can comprehend. My thoughts are still foggy from the headache and the dream.
My eyes fly open. “Terrified,” I reply.
“Why what did he say?” she hisses.
“He told me to embrace the darkness.”
Kato wiggles in my direction. “Tell her she needs to answer the call.”
“The call of darkness? Hell no,” Morgan yells.
“Shh, shh,” I respond.
“No one is listening, I’ve checked every inch of this
apartment.”
That’s a grand understatement. Prentiss is everywhere. Hiding in the shadows, waiting for his opportunity to pounce.
Morgan should take her leave while she still has her life.
I narrow my warm gaze on Morgan. “Not until Prentiss is dead.”
She holds her hand in the air. “I know you will get revenge.”
“You’re damn right I will.”
“Be armed with black magic before this war. Prentiss fights dirty.”
Chapter Ten
I scoop up oatmeal and stare at its lumpy texture. I turn my nose in the air in disgust. Kato should stick to tea. Cooking breakfast isn’t his strong suit. There is no way I’m eating oatmeal this thick and gray in color. I thought oatmeal was brown.
I narrow my gaze on Morgan as she chows down on her oatmeal. I’m taken aback; Morgan doesn’t like everyone’s cooking. Where is her sass?
Kato spent the night on the couch. To show his gratitude, he cooked us breakfast. What a treat.
Kato spins around, a snarl curling upon his charming face. This batch of oatmeal he laid on us can’t be the reason sweat gleams between his brows.
“How’s the oatmeal?” he asks, proud like he made a fancy six-course meal.
Raising my right eyebrow, I respond. “Splendid.” I look around the kitchen, trying not to make eye contact, or he’ll know what I’m thinking. This oatmeal is crap. He turns back to the stove and continues cooking. But I’m no longer hungry.
I nudge Morgan with my elbow. Not paying me any attention she continues gulping down the oatmeal at first, she pauses from eating and peeps over at me from the corner of her eyes. I frown and whisper, “You like this?” while pointing at the oatmeal. She smiles, trying to hold back a big laugh as my phone buzzes.
Saved by the ring. “Hello,” I answer. Screams and gibberish on the other end of the phone make it hard to make out the words.
“Calm down! What happened?” I question the voice further.
Kato has stalled his cooking and redirected his attention in my direction. “Who is that?” he whispers. I shrug, but continue listening.