by Alisha Basso
“You two really need to calm down because I am so not in the mood for macho peacocking right now. Okay?” I sighed tiredly.
“That’s alright, Gracie.” Lucian stepped back just as Seth came nose to nose with him. “I’m going to go take a look around. See if I can find any sign of the other parasite in your life.” Lucian bared his teeth at Seth and then turned to disappear into the trees.
I gawked, feeling slightly shell-shocked as I watched Lucian go.
“Wow, and you questioned his spine?” I shook my head in wonder at Lucian’s anger.
Seth smiled as if nothing was amiss. “To answer you, Sweet, I do not require much sleep. May I ask what troubles you enough to bring you into the night?” He took my arm and steered me onto the path that led to my little cottage.
I watched his profile gleam in the moonlight. His pale skin was easy to make out in the darkness. He seemed perfectly at ease and not affected in the least at Lucians actions. Seeing him so unfazed had me shrugging. Something was going on with these two, but right now I couldn’t dwell on it, I had much bigger problems.
“I had a dream,” I stopped walking and his hand fell from my arm. “Lu said he was already here.” I pleaded with my eyes. He had to take me seriously.
Seth’s playful grin fell. “How long?” He grabbed my arms firmly as relief flooded my body.
“I have no idea.” I let out the breath I was holding. “I don’t even know for sure if he’s truly here or just screwing with me. Maybe his influence has somehow found a way in?” I paused, reaching out with my senses. It was odd. The feelings I got from the surrounding forest were nothing like the feelings Lu brought out in me. I frowned.
“I don’t feel his…” I thought a second. “His flavor? I don’t know how to put it into words, but what I feel is not Lu.”
Seth considered this for several seconds. “We need Gavyn.” He grabbed my hand and dragged me in the opposite direction down the path.
***
Gavyn’s cottage was a muted gray in the darkness. The flowers that surrounded his outer walls were all brightly glowing in the moonlight. Silvery petals gave off a sweet scent as we passed through the gate. Seth approached the door and rapped his knuckles on the wood loudly. The noise startled several sleeping birds, sending them into the air in a rush of wings and screeching sounds.
“Really, Seth?” I scolded. “You just have to wake the entire village, don’t you?”
“I do not care, Grace. This situation requires attention and I intend to get it.”
I threw up my hands. “Fine, pound away.” I folded my arms and waited as soft lights began to glow inside of Gavyn’s home.
The door opened and Gavyn stood there, his body bare but for a small loin cloth scrap of material. His hair was mussed and he looked half asleep. Then seeing who was at the door, he seemed to perk up and collect himself.
“We have a very serious problem, my friend.” Seth sounded calm but very stern. Gavyn nodded and held up a finger. The door shut and a few moments later, he emerged fully dressed, his hair bound behind his head in a lose knot.
“To the war room?” he asked as we all fell into step with each other.
“I believe that is the best place, yes.” Seth’s stride picked up pace and both Gavyn and I had to jog to catch up.
EIGHTEEN
The reality of my enslavement to Lucifer was becoming more and more apparent as the limitations to my powers became clear. I knew I was no longer myself in many ways, but now I found I couldn’t bind my powers to Seth’s.
Once we’d entered the war room, we joined hands and sat in a circle. Closing our eyes, we all reached out with our minds as I had always been able to do in the past. Seth and Gavyn both sent their power out towards me but, astonishingly, my power shuddered and fled. Leaving me sitting beside them utterly useless.
I had no words, only the shame that filled me and the memories of fashioning the spells that now seemed to cut me off from being any kind of help. I pulled away. If I couldn’t bind my magic to theirs, at least I could send it out on its own. I reached out, tasting the air, feeling the earth.
It didn’t take long to find the magic woven by the elven elders. They looked like a rainbow of mist woven around the trees. Some were bright and vibrant while others looked to be almost completely faded. These were the areas that seemed to be fading on their own. Then there were the black smears of power. Writhing black blobs, oozing out of the trees like poisonous tar. They sizzled and popped as they ate through the bright colorful mists of Elvin magic.
I shuddered as my magic sped back to me. We returned to ourselves at the same time. I jerked back, my breath was knocked out of me and I gasped, rolling onto my side. Gavyn sucked in a huge breath of air as Seth choked and coughed from his hands and knees.
“How’d that unholy sludge get past the spells?” Gavyn choked out.
“He found a loophole. Good God, we are so stupid.” I stood up slowly, brushing the dirt from my bare legs. “It’s not alive. Didn’t you say that the spells kept ‘anyone’ evil out? There was no life in it, no consciousness that I could detect.” I pulled up a stool and sat down hard. “It wasn’t the same thing that I felt before, though. It lacked the sour flavor that was in the air earlier.” Then I had a thought, standing up in a panic, I yelled, “Where are you keeping Helen?” I watched in dismay as Gavyn’s eyes bugged out of his head.
“Son if a bitch!” I yelled. “You have got to be kidding me? You left her unsupervised?”
I moved to run from the room only to fall back a step as Seth tore from the room with his rarely-used vampire speed.
“She was catatonic!” Gavyn defended. “She was unable to move or speak!” He looked sick. “Well, come on then.” He motioned for me to follow. “We may as well stop Seth from gutting her should she still be chained to the wall.”
I blew out a breath, thinking Seth had it right. She needed to be disposed of and quick. I didn’t condone murder, but if it kept my friends alive and me out of a demonic marriage bed, I’d hand him the knife.
***
The night had given way to morning, illuminating the dirt path as Gavyn and I made our way to the dungeons. As we walked, he explained that they had given Helen some of the same drug that they had given to me. The Dead Dreg. It would render her completely useless should she wake and try to use any of her powers. I had my doubts that it had lasted. It seemed that these dumb-asses had forgotten their little guest and therefore they wouldn’t have kept up on her doses.
“With so much happening…”
Gavyn’s voice was droning on with all the reasons he could think of as to why this had happened. I just looked at it as a total fail. I was no angel, so I had to swallow all of my shitty comments.
“… and honestly most of us had decided that she was just about dead anyway.”
“Forget about the whys and the hows, Gavyn. Let’s just try and fix it, okay?”
Seth’s roar was enough the clear the forest of every single bird in the trees. We ran, fumbling through the doors at the same time like a couple of keystone cops.
“Damn it, Gavyn!” I shouted and pushed him ahead of me into the room. We immediately descended several flights of stairs into the dungeons.
The scene was chaos. Elves ran about the room in a panic as Seth tore through each and every cell searching in vain for Helen.
“She is gone!” Seth panted. His hair was long once again and hung around his shoulders in complete disarray. He was shaking as he clenched his hand at his sides. Then he shivered and looked up. “This is a problem, you realize?” he said, his voice low and menacing.
“We’re done for,” Gavyn moaned gripping onto an iron bar on one of the cell doors. He leaned heavily on it causing it to sway and creek loudly. “My people will be wiped out.” He looked at me, his eyes deep pools of despair. “You know this.” He stated, his voice flat.
I wished I could comfort him. I wished that I could say that a war would be a wise approach and
his people stood a chance, but it was nothing but bull shit. His people were going to die. If they picked up arms against Lucifer, which was just what they planned to do, they would all die and it would be all my fault. I felt sick. Turning on my heel I ran from the room.
NINETEEN
Ann’s house came into view. I stopped, bending over I dug my hand into the stitch in my side. Panting, I stood and entered her small yard.
“Auntie, Grace!” Ann smiled as she pulled me into a one armed hug. “How’s it going?” As she pulled away, her smile fell. “What now?” She handed a squirming Missa to a pretty blonde girl. “Stevie, take Missa to the nursery, would you?” She smiled warmly at the girl as she turned to take my arm.
I nodded to the retreating girl, lifting a brow in question. Ann smiled. “That’s Tobias’s young sister. She’s living here now, helping me with the baby and reminding me how old I am.” She laughed and shook her head as she led me to the back door. I watched her sit. She was so at home in this world. So full of peace despite what was happening all around her. I felt guilty as hell bringing my mess to her door.
“I’m sorry,” I said, overcome, I rose to leave before I made things worse for her.
“Sit your ass down right now, Grace Allen and spill it!” she demanded.
I opened my mouth and then closed it and plopped back into the chair. At her stern look, I laughed, “Wow, you have the mom thing down. Missa’s in for it.”
“Yes, yes, I’ve mastered my estrogen. Now what’s put that look on your face?” She leaned forward and took my hands.
I sucked in a big breath and began telling her everything that had happened starting, with the meeting I’d attended in the war room and my crazy mating bond with Seth and Lucian, to the revelation that Mariee could possibly be a huge, love-sick idiot, to my latest dream starring Lucifer. She sat quietly while I spoke until I came to the part where Helen had gotten free.
“I told them to kill that demon bitch!” She slammed her had onto the delicate table that sat between us, sending several of Missa’s brightly-colored toys to the ground. “I knew with her looks and her freaking demon powers some idiot would slip up.”
I was in shock. “Wow. I had no idea you wanted her dead.” I lowered my eyes and looked at my hands. “We don’t know how she got free. But I feel the same way. Lu really likes her, I think. As much as he can like anything, I guess. He wouldn’t have let her near me otherwise.”
Ann shifted in her chair. “I’ve been thinking, Grace.” She looked into my eyes. “A lot.” She stood. “I might have an answer, but we need to talk.” She opened the door and gestured me outside. “Stevie, I’m running to the river with Grace, are you alright to stay with Miss Mess?”
“Yes, Ann. She will be well,” I heard Stevie’s sing-song voice call out.
“Okay, let’s go.” Ann grabbed my hand and pulled me down the grassy hill that spanned her back yard. “We can’t have any ears around.”
***
The sound of the flowing water was soothing, but not enough to stop the chill that had settled into my bones. Ann’s plan was completely outrageous, bordering on impossible. It required me to be at my absolute most powerful and even then I wasn’t sure if I could, or even should attempt it. The risk was huge. Not only to myself but to absolutely everyone else.
A plan like this could only be used if we were at deaths door or worse. Until then I would have to think of something else. I couldn’t let these people sacrifice their lives for me. Not when they had worked so hard for so long to keep their people alive. A war with Lucifer would mean their death. Not to mention Ann. No way was I letting these people pay for a deal I had made on my own.
“You look ill,” Ann said, giving me a nudge as we walked back to her yard.
“No. I’m alright.” We reached her door and she moved to grab the handle. “You go on in and take care of the little piggy-girl,” I smiled and pulled her into a tight hug.
She smiled. “It won’t come to that, you know. You’re clever. You’ve out smarted him so far, you can keep it up.” She turned to go inside and stopped. “I’m not afraid,” she said, turning to face me. “Even if it does come to that and you have no choice but to move forward, I trust you. One hundred percent.”
I smiled at her. “I know, Annie,” and then I frowned, “Ann?”
“Yeah?” Her brows lowered.
“Stay inside.” I met her eyes, “okay?”
“Of course, Gracie.” She laughed and shook her head. My shoulders fell as I watched her retreating back. Her voice rang out as she greeted her daughter. The sound filled my heart as the tears filled my eyes. This was it, I’d made up my mind. It was time to pay the piper.
I walked down the path sending my power out into the forest. I was still weak but my anger was fueling my determination. The sludge was spreading and I had no idea how much longer it would take for that crap to eat through the spells, but I was afraid it would be soon.
The sound of running spun me around.
“Jamie?” She came to a skidding halt in front of me. I grabbed her arms. “Cripes, what’s wrong? Where the hell have you been all this time?”
“Researching, now come on, they need you!” she panted. “The spells are almost down.” She pulled my arms. “Helen is at the boundary!”
“What?” I jerked from her grip. “Seriously? How did she get past the spells?”
“Anyone can get out, that’s not the hard part. She can’t get back in. Seth and Lucian are trying to strengthen the spells right now. They need you. Come on, Grace!” She took off, not looking back and I shook myself. Digging my feet into the ground, I ran as fast as I could until I entered the clearing at the center of the village.
“Oh my, holy hell.” I gaped at the impossible sight in front of me.
This was all because of me.
The village was chaos as flames licked along the tree line, threatening to block out the sun. I watched as the ground below writhed with demons. They danced among the raining ash just outside of the failing border of protection.
I moved forward, my eyes drawn to the figure of Helen. She was dressed in a shining, patent-leather cat suit. It clung to her curves like a second skin as she strode back and forth along the boundaries. Slick, shiny-skinned demons slithered along the ground. Their malformed bodies crawled and twisted along her legs as she mocked the Elvin soldiers.
Our eyes met and she cocked her hip and winked at me. Her smug attitude proved that she was eating this up. She must feel like the true demon queen as she sneered down her nose at me. Shit, as far as I was concerned she was the perfect choice. Her lust for Lu was palpable and her evil practically oozed from her pores.
I took another step just as a demon screamed. Adrenaline zinging through my limbs I ran toward the edge of the trees, scrambling past the smoking flesh of the stupid creatures as they tried to get past the boundaries. Hissing and screeching sounds echoed in the air as the ancient spells continued to hold them at bay.
Grace, we need your magic.
I snapped my head up and moved faster. Seth and Lucian stood back to back on top of a small, grassy rise. Their powerful bodies glowed with golden power as they worked to strengthen the spells.
The ancient elves who wove the spells were long dead and now, as Madea, we were the only true hope. Elvin magic wove the spells, but with their species dying out, not many elves were born with the kind of power needed. Not even Gavyn possessed the power to fight the sludge.
This was bad. I joined them, grasping each of their hands, I stood with my back to them. I closed my eyes and shoved my power into theirs.
Agony shot through my head and my mark caught fire. I screamed and fell to the ground.
“Son of a bitch!” I screamed.
Lucian and Seth cried out as I smacked my arm wildly. Panicked, they started to move. I held out my hands making them stop.
“Don’t break your link! Don’t stop, I’ll be okay.” I looked at my arm, it was red and puffy, but other
wise I was okay. “Please, just don’t stop or they’ll get inside.”
I shifted on the ground in misery as they continued to pour their power into the spells. I’d been neutered. That fucking demon had rendered me useless.
“Fucking asshole.” I mumbled and stood. My eyes searched the field, landing on Helen. She watched me, a smug smile on her face. I looked down at my mark. A small portion of the tattoo glowed brightly.
My, God, what the hell have I done?
The village was beginning to clear of all those who weren’t staying to fight. Elves lined the borders, armed with spears and bows and arrows. The human priest who helped exorcise my demon blood ran up and down the line of soldiers blessing weapons and tossing holy water around like a mad man. Gavyn barked orders, standing tall and proud, showing no fear as he faced what he knew was their end.
I stumbled down the hill. My feet felt heavy as I funneled through the soldiers. Gavyn stood slightly apart from his men. My heart sank as I moved to stand next to him. He looked at me and then as one we looked out toward the horrors before us. Demons, hundreds of them, writhed together, line after line of horrid creatures gnashing their teeth and clicking their razor sharp claws. The sounds they made were worse than any nightmare imaginable. The sight was utterly terrifying.
Shouts sounded as the smell of the fires began to seep through the spells. They were falling faster.
I looked toward the grassy rise and felt sick. Lucian and Seth were struggling to keep it together, their magic frantically repairing the tears the black ooze created as it spilled from the cracks in the trees.
“This will end tonight, Grace,” Gavyn’s said in a low voice, “one way or another.” He looked out at what he knew was their end. I watched his body language as it betrayed his lost hope.
“It will end,” I stated simply. “No doubt, but you won’t be the one to end it.”