Broken Wolf

by Stacy Claflin

  “Why not?” Tap leaned forward, his expression intense.

  “Magic—it’s keeping it alive in there and also making it hard for me to read.”

  I jumped from my chair and paced. “What are we supposed to do now?”

  Soleil frowned. “You’re going to want to call one of your witch friends—possibly Gessilyn. It’s going to take the two of us to figure out. I don’t think a witch or valkyrie acted alone in setting this all up, and I don’t think either a witch or valkyrie now can crack the code alone.”

  I paced more frantically, tugging on my hair. “This just gets better and better.”

  “At least we found the stone,” Tap said. “Imagine if it got in the wrong hands.”

  “I doubt the stone would’ve let that happen.” I stopped pacing.

  “You make it sound alive.”

  “It seems to be! It’s chosen Victoria and killed everyone else who came close.”

  Tap rose. “Let me look at that thing. I know a thing or two about magic.” He headed over to the couch and held the stone. The color didn’t fade nearly as much as it did for Soleil and me.

  “Why is it still so bright?” I asked.

  His face scrunched as he stared at it. “Maybe because I’ve had half the map in my possession for so many centuries. The map is clearly connected to the stone.”

  I turned to Soleil. “Do you think that’s true?”

  “Sounds like a real possibility.”

  Sighing, I sat on the floor in front of the couch and took Victoria’s hand in mine. She stirred, but didn’t wake. Part of me wanted to take the necklace and throw it off the plane into the middle of the Atlantic.

  Soleil frowned with sympathy and patted my shoulder. “You want to watch a movie?”

  I shook my head, suddenly overwhelmed with exhaustion.

  “I’m going to put something on if you change your mind. I need the distraction—it might be good for you, too.”

  “Maybe. I’ll think about it.”

  Tap and Soleil went over to the other side of the room and sat on another couch. Soleil started a new action movie. I gave it a double-take. It wasn’t even in theaters yet.

  “I really have to make friends with these royal vampires,” Soleil told Tap.

  Closing my eyes, I rested my head against Victoria’s arm. In the background, explosions sounded from the movie. My mind raced, trying to figure out the connection between the stone and my fiancée. As much as I wanted to sleep, my mind wouldn’t let me.

  Or was it the stone?

  I sat up and cupped it in my palm. The colors faded as soon as it touched my skin. Frowning, I slid my fingers around the chain and pulled it around Victoria’s hair.

  Just as it passed her nose, her eyes flew open and she sat up, gasping and flailing her arms.

  Chapter 20

  Victoria

  I ran through a field, chasing the moon. It was low in the sky, just out of my reach. If I could just catch it, the curse could be broken. We could all shift whenever we wanted.

  Icy fingers wrapped around my neck and squeezed. I jerked back, my skin freezing at the touch. The chill ran through my body in every direction. Fear tore through me. I gasped for air and reached for the hands, ready to kill my attacker.

  The grip tightened, making it impossible to breathe. Everything in the field closed in around me. I needed to act quickly to save myself.

  My eyes flew open. Toby stood only inches from me, his eyes wide and terrified. Choking. My hands throttled his neck.

  Stunned, I released my hold.

  He stepped back, gasping and still choking.

  “Toby—I’m so sorry!” I jumped from the couch to him.

  He moved away from me, his face pale. He stared at me, not saying a word.

  “I-I don’t know what happened. In my dream, someone was trying to kill me—strangling me. I thought… It doesn’t matter. I’m just sorry.” I stepped back and sat back on the couch, pulling the blanket over my lap. “I won’t touch you. I promise.”

  Toby turned from me and struggled to breathe. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and apologize, but his fearful expressions tore through me.

  After what seemed like forever, he finally turned back around and his gaze locked on mine. I wanted to apologize again, but couldn’t get my voice to cooperate. I tried to show it with my eyes. His expression finally softened and he took a couple steps closer, and then a couple more.

  I found my voice. “I didn’t realize what I was doing. In my dream, someone was trying to kill me. Then you woke me… I didn’t know it was you. I would never hurt you—not intentionally.”

  He came over to me and wrapped his arms around me. I returned the embrace. He kissed the top of my head. “I know. I do. You just took me by surprise. It brought me back to the other times I’ve been attacked. I’m okay now.”

  “I’m really—”

  “I forgive you. You didn’t realize what you were doing. Let’s just move past this, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  We sat on the couch and he put his arm around me. “Are you okay?”

  “I attacked you, and you’re worried about me?”

  He kissed my cheek. “You were at Moonhaven this morning, and later ended up in a cave in Iceland with the long-dead original werewolf. I have a right to be concerned.”

  “When you put it that way, I guess you do. But you did some traveling of your own, didn’t you?” I toyed with a lock of his hair.

  “Yes, although we talked and texted about it.”

  “We did?” I ran my finger over the necklace as I tried to remember. The only thing I could remember was chasing after the stone.

  “You don’t remember?” His expression clouded over with concern. “Or do you not believe me?”

  “I believe you,” I said quickly. “I was just distracted, plus I’ve been so tired since I found it.”

  He gave me a kiss. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure everything will return to normal soon enough.”

  “Not too much time, I hope.”

  “It’s time to get ready before the big day, don’t you think?”

  “Are we still on? Nothing’s changed?”

  Toby took my hand and kissed my fingertips. “Not to my knowledge. Unless we irritated Tap through any of this and have to find a new venue.”

  “I heard that,” he called. “You’re still welcome at the Faeble.”

  Toby laughed. “Good to know.”

  A servant came over to us. “The plane is going to land in a few minutes. It looks like we might hit some turbulence, so we’re going to ask you to buckle up a little early.”

  “Thank you.” Toby rose and helped me up. I stretched and walked over to a window. It appeared foggy below. I couldn’t wait for warmer weather.

  “Come on,” Toby called.

  I joined the others and sat in a seat and buckled up.

  “Is the castle as magnificent as people say?” Tap asked.

  “More,” I said. “There aren’t words to describe it.”

  “I’ve always wondered. I hear so many rumors as people pass through the Faeble, and that’s one I’ve heard enough times to assume it’s truth.”

  Toby yawned. “You’re more than welcome to come inside with us. I want to check on Zia and thank Marguerite for providing the plane.”

  “And I want to look around,” Soleil said. “Is it true they have long-lost, famous artwork?”

  I nodded. “I saw things in there I’d always been told had been destroyed long ago.”

  Her eyes grew wide with excitement. “I—”

  The plane jolted us to the left. I hit my head on Toby’s shoulder.

  “Are you okay?” He put his arm around me.

  I rubbed my head. “I’m fine.”

  We continued bouncing around. A few small things flew across the plane, but most everything appeared to be bolted into place.

  Soleil grinned. “I love turbulence.”

  Tap clutched his stomach. �
��You would.”

  “Lookin’ a little green there, buddy,” Toby teased.

  Tap closed his eyes. “I’m a lot happier on the ground.”

  “Can’t say that I blame you. I don’t exactly find this fun.”

  “Learn to live a little.” Soleil grinned as the plane dipped and shot back up.

  Tap moaned. “Tell me we’re almost there.”

  “We’re almost there.” I reached over and patted his arm. “Right, Toby?”

  He leaned over me and glanced out the window. “I can see the forest below. It won’t be much longer now.”

  Tap mumbled something and clutched his stomach tighter.

  The plane tipped to the right and then the left before dipping again. Soleil looked around with the wide-eyed joy of a kid. Tap complained in a foreign language. Toby held me tighter.

  A servant came over to us. “We’re about to land. Please remain seated.” He ran off.

  “Did you hear that?” Toby asked Tap. “We’re almost to the ground.”

  “I’ll rejoice once my feet touch the earth.”

  I glanced over to a window. Trees were at eye level. “We’re almost—”

  My head jerked back into the seat as the wheels hit ground. They squealed as we glided down the long runway and finally stopped not far from the castle.

  Two servants rushed out and helped us gather our things before practically pushing us outside. Toby held my hand as we made our way down the steps. Once on the concrete, Tap leaned down and kissed the ground.

  “I guess he was serious,” Soleil said.

  He rose. “You have no idea.”

  Toby pulled out his phone. “I’d better let Marguerite know we’re here.”

  A servant appeared from behind. “We’ve already sent word. She’s excited to see you all and requests that you meet her in Alrekur’s wing.”

  “Thank you.” Toby gave a slight bow and turned to us. “Follow me.”

  We took a short pathway to the castle, entering in a quiet area. The only noise came from a fountain to our left.

  “Is that…?” Soleil walked over to it and ran her hands over the sculpture of a woman with long hair, a shield, and spear. The water flowed from her spear which was held high above her head.

  Tap nodded. “It appears to be the very one.”

  Toby and I exchanged a curious glance.

  “It was a famous Icelandic landmark some centuries ago,” Tap said. “People would rub the shield for good luck. The statue was never spoken of once it disappeared after a devastating earthquake.”

  “Good luck, huh?” I stepped closer and ran my fingertips along the edges of the round shield.

  “Can I help you?” came a voice from behind.

  I spun around to see a servant.

  Toby cleared his throat. “We just arrived on a royal plane from Iceland.”

  “You have no accent.” The servant stood taller and pursed his lips.

  “We’re here to see the queen,” Toby said. “We’re on our way to Alrekur’s wing.”

  “Shall I see you there?” He pulled a rag from his coat and wiped the statue.

  “I know the way. Thank you.” Toby took my hand again, and we headed down a hallway that twisted and turned more than a maze in a fun house at the fair.

  “The vampires are stuffier than I took them for,” Soleil said.

  “Some of the royalty can be a little over the top,” Toby said. “Overall, though, they’re wonderful.”

  “I’ll have to make friends,” she said. “I could spend months in here, just admiring everything.” She stopped and ran her finger over the intricately carved molding along the wall.

  Tap stared at a portrait of a breathtakingly beautiful redhead who resembled the queen. She wore a robe not unlike the one wrapped around me. There was a fire in her eyes, like she was plotting something devious as she sat, waiting for the master artist to finish his masterpiece.

  “It is a little overwhelming at first,” Toby said.

  “How familiar are you with the castle?” I asked. A twinge of jealousy ran through me, remembering that he and the queen had once had a short-lived romance when I was dead. I tried to ignore the feeling. It was ridiculous to think he’d live like a monk all those years, thinking I would come back to life. It was actually surprising that he’d only had the one quick fling.

  He squeezed my hand. “I’ve been here on official business numerous times. Fighting battles, mostly.”

  I smiled and tried to squash the jealousy. There was no reason for it.

  We continued weaving our way through the castle, passing through several wings.

  “Are we there yet?” Soleil asked. “I swear, we didn’t have to walk this far to find Victoria at the cliffs.”

  Toby chuckled. “We probably didn’t. People aren’t exaggerating when they say this is the biggest castle in the world.”

  A few minutes later, we came to an open area. It looked familiar, but I couldn’t be sure. In a way, everything seemed to look the same after wandering so far.

  Vampires ran around, distracted. None even looked our way. They whispered to each other with a fear in their eyes.

  “What’s going on?” Soleil asked.

  Tap narrowed his eyes, staring at the confusion in front of us. “We’d better find out.”

  “This way.” Toby tugged on my arm as he darted down another hallway.

  My heart raced. Whatever was going on, it seemed to be major news. Had one of the lead vampires been hurt? Or worse, what if something had happened to Ziamara or her baby?

  “Hurry,” I urged Toby.

  “We’re almost to the king’s wing.” He picked up speed, and we all kept up. After winding our way through several more hallways, Toby said, “This is it. Usually, they’re in his games room or meeting room. They’re near each other, and aren’t far.”

  We dashed through more hallways before Toby finally stopped. He peeked in one room, and I glanced around him. It was empty.

  Conversation sounded down the hall. Glass shattered.

  “That can’t be good,” Soleil said.

  “Alrekur has a temper,” Toby said. “It’s not unusual to hear things breaking.”

  “Feels like home,” Tap muttered.

  We rushed toward the sound of more things breaking. We came to a closed door. Two enormous, burly servants blocked it. They both stood with their arms crossed and scowls covering their faces.

  “What’s your business?” one demanded.

  Toby stepped forward. “We’re here to see the queen. She’s expecting us.”

  “Name,” the other one bellowed.

  “Tobias Foley.”

  He pulled out a tablet and slid his finger around the screen. “You may enter.” Both servants moved from the door. The first one opened it for us. They continued glaring at us as we entered.

  “So welcoming,” Soleil mumbled.

  “It’s probably Toby and me,” I said. “Most of the older vampires I’ve met loathe werewolves.”

  Inside the massive games room, chaos abounded. Vampires ran around, several conversations buzzed, and a glass pitcher flew through the air. Alrekur shouted in Icelandic above all other noise.

  Toby held me close. “What’s going on?” he asked the nearest vampire.

  He turned to Toby. “We’ve heard three separate stories of a werewolf on a rampage. He’s killed hundreds, and rumor has it he can take out a whole line of vampires with one bite.”

  My stomach lurched.

  Fen.

  Chapter 21

  Toby

  “Fenrisúlfr,” I whispered. Victoria stepped closer, and I pulled her to me, pressing her back against me.

  Dagur, one of the Fyrsturae—the original vampires—stared at me. “What did you say?”

  “Fenrisúlfr,” I repeated.

  His face paled. “He’s been awakened?”

  Victoria shook in my arms. I tightened my grip around her and nodded to Dagur. “He has. We saw him with our own
eyes.”

  Dagur took a deep breath and clenched his fists. “It’s worse than we thought.”

  “Worse than being able to kill you if he bites someone who descended from you?” I asked.

  “Fenrisúlfr hates us. Where do you think the ancient rivalries began?”

  My stomach twisted in knots. “What do you need us to do?”

  “We’re going to have to call a meeting of the Fyrsturae. Speak with Alrekur to see what he thinks.”

  I glanced over at the raging vampire. He picked up a thick wooden end table and broke it over his leg. “That should be fun.” I turned to Victoria. “You can stay over here while I talk to him.”

  She shook her head. “I’m going with you.”

  “Okay. Just stay behind me. He’s dangerous when upset.”

  “I can see that!” She stepped aside and slid her soft, petite hand in mine. We walked around the other vampires as we made our way to the very first vampire.

  I cleared my throat. “Alrekur.”

  He spun around, his eyes a deep red that only the Fyrsturae could achieve. “What?”

  Victoria pressed herself against me.

  I stood taller and held the vampire king’s gaze, pretending not to be nervous about his raging temper. “We’re here to help in any way we can.”

  “What can you do?” he snarled.

  “We are werewolves, your highness. Perhaps we can do something. We want to help.”

  “You want to help?” he bellowed. “Go check on the vampire you took into your pack.”

  “That’s how you want our help?”

  “Go!”

  Victoria jumped. I rubbed her shoulders and guided her to the door.

  Marguerite came over. “I’m really sorry about Alre. He gets like this when he’s upset.”

  “It-it’s okay,” Victoria said.

  “Don’t take it personally.” Marguerite put her hand on Victoria’s arm. “He just needs some space to… think. He’ll be fine after we have a meeting of the Fyrsturae. We’ll get him calmed down.”

  “What about the werewolf?” I asked.

  “I don’t know what to think, although I find it hard to believe he could kill an entire line of us with one bite. It sounds a bit too much like a scare tactic to me.”