by Sarah Noffke
“Do you know how many lines I stood in?” Liv asked Clark when he met her at the entrance to the House of Seven.
“I’m guessing more than one,” he replied a bit sheepishly.
“Have you ever been to an airport?” Liv asked him as they strode down the long hall.
“No, but I hear they are fascinating places for people-watching.”
“That’s true, because guess what’s everywhere?” She paused, but he didn’t answer her rhetorical question. “People! They are ambling around without a clue where they were going, chatting on their cell phones like we all want to know what they are doing this weekend and not parenting their offspring, who, much like them, are glued to some device but not using headphones so that everyone gets to hear their music as they fail time and time again to beat a level of Angry Birds.”
“What’s Angry Birds?” Clark asked, his brow furrowing.
“I can’t help but think that you somehow missed the point of my story,” Liv said with a tired sigh. She was still wearing the same clothes she’d had on in Lupei since she would rather have her magic unlocked than take a shower at that point.
“Well, speaking of devices,” Clark stated, withdrawing a phone from his pocket, “I went ahead and got you a new cell phone. You think it was one of the pack members who stole yours?”
Liv nodded, averting her eyes from her brother’s. She didn’t want to lie to him, but the reality was that she was going to have to lie to everyone in order to protect the village of Lupei. She’d tell him the truth at some point, but not yet. He didn’t need any extra stress. Her mother had confided the information to her father and he’d worked to help her, but apparently, that had put him in a dangerous position too. Clark had enough to deal with.
As if sensing her thoughts, Clark pointed to the cane that thankfully the security at the airport had thought was only a cane. “Did Father’s weapon come in handy?”
Liv tightened her grip on it. “Yes, I’d say it’s probably why I’m standing here right now.”
Worry spread across Clark’s face. “Well, hold on to it a little longer; at least until you’ve moved off this werewolf case. You might need it again.”
“Is the beach bum back from his travels?” Liv asked when they paused outside the Chamber of the Tree.
Clark shot her a look of confusion. “Who?”
“Adler,” she stated. “I’m ready to have my magic back.”
“Oh, yes,” Clark said, comprehension dawning. “He’s here. Just arrived.”
“I wonder where he had to go that was so important while I was stuck without magic in the middle of werewolf-infested Romania,” Liv complained.
“I don’t know,” Clark mused. “Honestly, I’m not sure he even left the House of Seven. No one saw him come or go. But it was strange for him to take a leave of absence, even for a day, and especially with everything we have going on.”
Liv’s eyes automatically slid to the Black Void. She could have sworn she heard whispering coming from that area, but she reasoned that it could also be the lack of sleep and airplane food making her hallucinate.
“Okay, well let’s get into the Chamber,” Liv stated. “I need a shower and a plate of nachos.”
Clark agreed. “Yeah, you do need a shower. Sorry, but you smell sort of like a farm.”
Chapter Nineteen
Everyone in the Chamber turned when Liv stepped through the Door of Reflection. She couldn’t help but notice that Stefan’s face brightened with relief at the sight of her. Adler, on the other hand, didn’t appear happy to see that she’d returned safely.
“Ms. Beaufont, was it really necessary to have your brother escort you into the House of Seven?” Adler asked when she took her spot.
Aside from Stefan, the only other Warriors in attendance were Akio and Trudy, who stood stoically, their hands behind their backs.
“Well, since I ran out of money for my Uber and someone had to pay the driver, yes, it was necessary,” Liv stated. “Of course, I wouldn’t have had to take a flight from Romania with two layovers and then a car from the airport if I’d had my magic.” Liv tapped her finger to her chin like she was thinking. “Now, why again didn’t I have my magic when stuck in Romania? Was it because you, Councilor DeVries, were away on holiday?”
Hester smirked at her playfully.
“Or was it because Councilor Ludwig had a stomach bug, and was stuck in bed for the last two days?” Liv pretended to ask.
Raina winked at Liv.
“Oh, that’s right! I believe it was because strangely, you, Mr. Sinclair, had other business to attend to,” Liv stated.
Adler’s nostrils flared as he sat back, not at all looking impressed. “I assure you there was nothing strange about the timing. I simply had important affairs that couldn’t wait.”
“Right,” Liv said. “A timeshare presentation you were obligated to sit through? Jury duty? Did you sign up to referee Little League football yet again?”
“Ms. Beaufont,” Adler snapped, his irritation palpable. “What I was doing is none of your business, nor the council’s. They are well aware of that, and you’d do well to remember your place.”
“I would be greatly irritated too,” Haro stated from his spot on the other side of the bench. “If I were stuck in Romania without magic and had to take mortal transport to return, I’d be making similar statements to you, Adler.”
Raina nodded. “I agree. The timing of your departure was unfortunate, and although we all know that you couldn’t avoid whatever it was that you had to do, Warrior Beaufont did have to suffer for it.”
Liv smiled inwardly. The council was starting to rebel against Adler. Even if it was only in these small ways, it was progress.
“I will remind you all that Ms. Beaufont stated that she’d be out of Lupei by nightfall, and that was when her magic would need to be turned back on,” Adler explained, heat flaring in his voice. “She did not phone us at that time, which was when I was available.”
“That was because I had my cellphone stolen and found myself stuck in that lovely village,” Liv stated. “Which, by the way, doesn’t have wifi or cell phones, or even a freaking typewriter I could have used to write a message and send it to you by Pony Express.”
“You are here now,” Adler countered. “Did you find out who the pack members and their leader are?”
“I did,” Liv answered. “However, I’m much better at telling this story with my magic. Will you all please unlock it? Then I can cast a perfume spell so I don’t have to smell myself anymore.” She gave Stefan a sideways look. “I smell like sheep and wet dog.”
He nodded. “I’m afraid I know that already.”
“I’m ready to unlock Warrior Beaufont’s magic,” Hester stated, turning a knob on the control panel in front of her. The other Councilors all murmured in agreement.
“Get ready, Ms. Beaufont,” Adler said. “On my mark, Councilors. One, two, three. Go.”
Whatever the Councilors did next, Liv didn’t see. Instead, her vision was streaked with bright lights, and she felt a strange sensation surge through her chest. She nearly stumbled back like she had last time, but she was able to remain standing, remembering what Plato had said about breathing when having her magic unlocked. She inhaled deeply and flexed her fingers, feeling the power she’d missed for nearly three days flow through her.
To test her magic, Liv pointed at herself, freshening her clothes and body and getting rid of the farm smell.
“Much better,” Stefan said, letting out air like he’d been holding his breath.
“Hey!” Liv complained. “I never get onto you when you show up smelling like demons.”
“You probably should,” he countered, flashing her a smile. “If we can’t rely on our friends to tell us these things, we’re doomed.”
“You’re right,” she stated. “You have spinach or something in your teeth.”
He didn’t, but watching him pick at his teeth for the next several minutes was going
to be entertaining. The crow flew down from an unseen place, cawing at her.
Stefan winked. “You’re lying.”
Liv stuck her tongue out at the bird. “Why did you have to ruin everything?”
“Diabolos has no concern for your affairs,” Lorenzo stated. “He simply responds to lies.”
Liv cut her eyes at the bird. She needed to shoo him away before she gave her speech—or maybe it was better that she’d attracted his attention with a small lie. Then the council wouldn’t notice when she fudged the next few bits.
“Diabolos is his name?” Liv asked, glancing sideways at Stefan. “I would have taken him more for a Felix.”
Stefan had his eyes pinned to the ceiling like he was trying to calculate quadratic equations in his head. Liv knew he was actually trying to keep himself in check in the presence of the crow.
“Your report, Ms. Beaufont,” Adler stated dryly.
She nodded. “Yes, I’d love nothing more than to give that.”
Diabolos cawed again.
Liv narrowed her eyes at the crow. “Seriously, you’d be a real downer at a garden party where everyone is supposed to make polite conversation.”
“It isn’t customary to talk directly to the Regulators,” Bianca said with an admonishing glare.
Regulators, Liv pondered.
“And yet there aren’t any laws against it,” Liv argued. “I figure if no one gives them any attention, they are probably quite lonely.”
“Your report?” Adler repeated, sounding even more irritated than before.
“Yes, so I’ve determined who the pack members and their leader are,” Liv said, careful how she stated her information so as to not set off Diabolos.
“All of them?” Haro asked.
“Yes,” Liv affirmed, careful to keep her eyes off the crow.
“Good,” Adler stated. “Then you’ll need to return to the village of Lupei and dispose of all of them.”
“All of them?” Liv questioned. “I believe the alpha is the problem. There might be a few other loyal followers, but for the most part, they are simply men who have been forced to do their leaders’ bidding.”
“Although I know that taking out ten werewolves will be challenging, that’s what has to be done to eradicate this problem,” Adler said simply. “These werewolves know what the agreement states, and they are in direct violation.”
Fane was right, Liv realized. If the council was aware that the entire village of Lupei was full of werewolves who were the only ones who could spread the curse, they’d probably vote for them to be eradicated too.
“I can help Warrior Beaufont,” Trudy stated at once.
Liv wanted to protest, but she didn’t know how to do so without drawing unwanted attention to herself.
Adler sighed. “Okay, very well. The two of you should be able to handle a pack of wolves. I want this problem dealt with swiftly. And if you’re unable to take out all of the wolves, then Decar, you will be called in to take over.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Liv said on the heels of his statement. “I’m certain that Warrior DeVries and I are more than capable of the task.”
Her eyes fell on Diabolos, grateful that the bird was keeping its beak closed for once. Liv already had many doubts about returning to Lupei and fighting Vera while also protecting the innocent people of the village. Doing it with Trudy in tow was going to complicate things even further.
Chapter Twenty
“When I move out, you’ll be able to rent the place for tons more,” Liv said to John as they stood on the long veranda she’d magicked, expanding her small apartment. The studio, which had been four hundred square feet, was now more than double that with a separate bedroom from the living area and a walk-in closet. Actually, it was no longer a studio apartment but a one-bedroom.
“You’re not planning on moving out any time soon, I hope?” John asked, looking out at the street below from the roomy balcony. Jasmine flowers snaked their way through the arbors overhead, shading them from the sun. Before she’d spelled it, the area had simply been a fire escape with hardly enough room for one person, but now Liv had a place to drink her morning coffee and read the newspaper. She’d even joked to Plato that she could put a litter box out there for him, and he’d scowled in response. He’d never used a litter box before. Honestly, Liv didn’t know where he did his business. More of the mysteries of the lynx.
“No, of course not.” Liv looked at her handiwork appreciatively. “I just made the place the way I like it. I still don’t know why you won’t allow me to upgrade your apartment.”
John waved her off. “I like my place the way it is. The upgrades to the shop were nice, though. Thanks to you, the place is perfect for all the new business we’re getting.”
“It was Clark who did all that,” Liv admitted. “But thanks to him, I know how to expand spaces. At least, I’m getting better at it.”
John looked down at where they were standing, worry springing to his face. “It’s safe to be on this balcony, right?”
Liv didn’t hide her apprehension. She’d tried several times to upgrade the floors, but the old one with the original cracked hardwood kept resurfacing after a few days. “You know what? Maybe we should go inside. I have a few more upgrades to make, then let's go out for pizza and donuts.”
“Which one?” John asked, following her inside.
“Both,” Liv chirped. “Why should we have to choose?”
“Well, I’m not sure my doctor would agree with that,” John reasoned. “But I’m not a magician who can eat whatever I like, either.”
Liv paused once they were inside. “On second thought, let’s go to that new vegan restaurant down the street. I hear their hummus tacos are pretty okay.”
John grimaced. “Hey, I don’t want to die anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean I have to force myself to eat rabbit food. Life is meant to be enjoyed.”
Liv considered him for a moment. “Have you been taking your meds?”
He nodded.
“And drinking that superfood blend I got for you?” she grilled.
He nodded again.
“Fine, let’s go for pizza, but we’re getting mostly veggies on it,” she stated, swirling her hand at the ceiling, making it go up several yards. “That’s better. I needed a high ceiling.”
“Wow,” John said, marveling at the newly raised ceiling. “Do you think Ms. Goodwin above you felt that?”
“That senile old woman wouldn’t notice if a spaceship landed in her apartment,” Liv reasoned.
“This is really amazing magic,” John stated. “I never saw Chloe use hers for anything like this.”
“Oh, yeah?” Liv asked. “What did she use it for?”
John scratched his head. “I’m not entirely sure. A lot of potions. Conveniences. Sometimes she spelled people, making them do as she wanted. But her magic didn’t feel as pure as yours, if that makes sense.”
Liv nodded. This was the second time that John had mentioned feeling magic. That was an odd thing for a mortal to say, and not only because they’d been spelled not to see magic. John not only could see it, but he could feel it, which was similar to Rory. The giant was well acquainted with magic, being able to feel a magician’s power.
“Well, I’m glad to have mostly mastered the expansion spells,” Liv said with a sigh. She looked around and tried to decide what else she needed. That made her think of Mortimer, for some reason, and she decided to add a few windows to the place.
“That window is on an interior wall,” John stated. “The one that you share with my apartment. What exactly will the view be?”
Liv thought for a moment and then pointed at the window. “Well, why not have an ocean view? This is LA.”
John took a peek out the window, marveling at the sight of the waves of the Pacific ocean rolling onto the beach below. “Wow. If I ever do rent your apartment, I’ve got some explaining to do.”
“Seriously, John, let me upgrade your place with a gour
met kitchen or a movie room.”
“Maybe…” he said, seeming to warm to the idea. “But not right now. I’m sure there are way better things you could be spending your energy on.”
Like killing werewolves, Liv thought. She and Trudy would have gone to Lupei right after receiving their assignment from the council, since Liv didn’t want any more innocent tourists dying. However, that was the night of the full moon, which would be the worst time to go there, knowing what she knew about the residents.
Trudy had wondered why it mattered, since the pack could change every night. However, Liv made up an excuse that they were more powerful on the full moon. It might be the truth, for all she knew, but what was certain was that being in a village of four hundred who were all werewolves was definitely not a good idea, and it would make keeping the truth from Trudy impossible.
She’d have to plan their trip carefully so that Trudy didn’t see the elderly in the general store or learn anything else that made her suspicious. If everything went to plan, they would be in and out of Lupei before it got dark, having ended Vera’s reign as pack leader.
“What I’d like to learn is how to create and throw fireballs like a gnome with my magic,” Liv said longingly.
John gave her an uncertain look. “I thought the gnomes were good at making cookies and crafting toys?”
Liv laughed. “Those are elves you’re thinking of, the cartoon kind. Real elves mostly create artifacts that are imbued with magic. And they can be a pain in the ass if they catch you drinking out of a straw, which they state will pretty much destroy the Earth.”
“Yes, they get stuck in sea-turtles noses, right?”
Liv nodded. “Something like that. But gnomes, who are a lot less sociable than elves, have fireball magic, which they’ve refused to share with me. They’re also miners who have access to precious gems with magical powers.”