by Chelsea Luna
Liam grinned. “Only an illusion. My spirits were probably playing with you. Praying on your fears. Spirits can be nasty.”
“But I’ve seen other people - strangers - with red eyes. They weren’t reflections. They were real people.”
“Spirits sometimes like to slip in and out of humans. They come, they go. They can’t stay in the host long. The strongest ones can only last a couple of hours. Sometimes that’s the explanation for the lunatics you see on television. You can only see a spirit in a host - meaning a person with red eyes - if you’ve had a near death experience. We’re talking flat lining and then coming back - or if you’ve conjured one.”
Those poor people, the old woman at the hospital and the redheaded girl, possessed by Liam’s spirits.
“But we drive spirits crazy,” Liam said. “The power inside of a witch is all too alluring for a spirit. If a spirit possesses a witch, then they can latch on to the energy inside and create a more permanent stay. That’s why half-breeds are so afraid of spirits. Unfortunately, that is also the problem your grandmother had with the spirit she conjured.”
I clenched my jaw. “It was the same spirit? The one I conjured in my basement and the one that killed her?”
“Yes. It seems that particular spirit was stuck in its receptacle. Trapped in the mirror.”
“The spirit knew I was a pureblood.”
“Of course it did. It could feel the power. A brave spirit will try to possess a pureblood, but they’re no match. We’re too strong for them. But….”
Liam closed his eyes and a small shudder convulsed his tall frame. When he re-opened his eyes, they were red. “Purebloods can control spirits. We can make them do as we please. We can tap into their power and energy.”
He knew I’d conjured. His red-eyes were the bait that lured me to the Bell Tower. I was so stupid.
“Anyhow, I know we’re at school, but enough with the lessons.” Liam ran his hand over his face, pulling down his features. His eyes were green again.
“You asked how I found out about you. Once I had confirmation that you were pureblooded and in Hazel Cove, I contacted your stepfather. He was all too eager to help in exchange for his own safety. He brought me up to date on everything that happened in your life over the last seventeen years.”
“I’m sure he did.”
“That was a magnificent move by your father, Ethan. It was very clever to make a deal with Gamma to keep you hidden. He must’ve known I’d be on the lookout for you, too!”
When my father’s name rolled off Liam’s tongue, I snapped.
My body convulsed in fury. I directed all the angry spasms of energy at Liam. I’d made poor Simon’s brain bleed in the cemetery on accident. Now, I was trying to do it again on purpose. Hopefully, it would have the same effect on Liam.
My eyelids fluttered like a hummingbird’s wings. The tips of my fingers went numb and the echo of my heartbeat drummed in my ears. I pushed everything I had towards him. All the hate and anger and rage and fear.
Liam blinked. One tiny-trickle of blood dripped out of his nose. He slowly brought his hand up and wiped above his lip. For an entire moment, he couldn’t pull his eyes away from the blood smeared on his finger.
Liam’s eyes met mine and he started laughing. It wasn’t an evil sound, but a delightful one. Like he’d just heard the punch line of the funniest joke ever told.
I directed all of my anger at him, but it was useless. I was projecting harder than I had with Simon and it was having no effect on Liam.
“Remarkable!” Liam said, after he’d stopped laughing. “And you’re so young!”
I pushed harder, conjuring up images of Grandma Claudia and Ethan and what they’d sacrificed for me. I needed everything I had to fuel my anger.
“Now, now. No need to be so vengeful. Even though I love the hate radiating out of you.”
I cursed at him.
Liam shook his finger. “Tsk-tsk. None of that. You can stop now, before you hurt yourself. Don’t be discouraged. I’m sure you could do some damage on a human or a half-breed. Just not me.”
A jolt of power rocked my body like an electric shock. My brain squeezed in agony. It was like a migraine to the hundredth degree.
My knees buckled and I gripped the wall behind me to steady myself. Liam had deflected whatever I was doing to him back at me. But only for a second. The pain disappeared as quickly as it came. He wasn’t trying to hurt me, only prove his point. He was too strong.
“You’re perfect,” Liam said with delight. “You’re smart and powerful and you’re months away from turning eighteen! I’ve never seen anything like it. And you have that mean streak in you! I love it!”
I felt weak. I’d used up so much energy trying to incapacitate Liam that my body was shuddering from the loss of it. My hands were trembling. I was sweating despite the blizzard whirling around us.
A warm liquid dripped from my nose. I wiped at my face and blood smeared across my fingers.
Liam was too strong.
I didn’t stand a fighting chance. It didn’t matter that I was pureblooded. I’d given him everything I had and it didn’t even make a dent. What else could I do? Throw more wood at him? Levitate him off the ground? I couldn’t beat him. No one could. And that was precisely the reason he was thousands of years old.
“Get it over with, will you?” I screamed.
A line formed in between his smooth brow. “Whatever do you mean, darling?”
“Kill me already! I’m tired of hearing you talk! Just do it and get out of here! Get out of Hazel Cove!”
Liam tilted his head. “I’m not here to kill you.”
“Then what do you want?”
“I’ve come to-”
The crashing sound of the wood door slamming open against the brick wall interrupted him. I closed my eyes in absolute and complete defeat. I already knew who it was. There was no need to look up.
Bursting through the door was, of course, Peter. What I wasn’t expecting was Anne Marie following closely on his heels.
CHAPTER 27
Never in my life had I wished that Peter wasn’t by my side. Not until the moment he exploded through that door. It was stupid of me to think he wouldn’t show up. I was away from the party too long. Of course, he would search for me.
I cursed my stupidity at following Liam to the Bell Tower. Not only would it cost me my life, but more importantly, it was going to cost Peter and Anne Marie their lives. A hockey stick wasn’t getting us out of this situation.
Peter was handsome in his tuxedo. The cold wind gave his cheeks a hint of pink and his blue eyes were the color of glacial ice. His right arm was outstretched protectively in front of Anne Marie.
Peter glanced at Liam casually standing by the stack of lumber and then over at my half-crouched form against the wall. Using the bricks for help, I inched my way up to a standing position. I had to get ready. Peter and Anne Marie needed my help.
“Lex, what’s going on?”
“Get out of here,” I whispered.
“Peter LaViollette!” Liam flashed a million dollar grin. “The faithful boyfriend I’ve heard so much about. It’s nice to finally meet you. Fantastic job rescuing Alexandria from Gamma a few months ago.”
“Go,” I said a little louder at Peter.
Anne Marie peered over her brother’s arm.
“Oh, don’t be so rude, Alexandria. Who is this little one here?” Liam smiled. “What is your name?”
The wind blew Anne Marie’s hair into her face. She pushed it back. Her teeth were chattering because of the cold, but she steadied herself before she answered. “Anne Marie LaViollette.”
“The sister. Perfect.” Liam raised both hands. With a quick movement, the wooden door slammed shut behind Peter and Anne Marie.
Anne Marie yelped.
That was it. Their chance to escape was gone.
I hobbled over to Peter. My energy was slowly coming back, but I was still too wobbly to be of any use.
“Liam Ross. Nice to meet you.”
“Ross?” Peter looked confused. “He’s related to you?”
“Unfortunately, he is,” I mumbled.
Peter’s mouth fell open. “Wait. Liam? From the journals?”
I nodded.
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Peter shook his head in denial. “That was over four hundred years ago.”
“That’s exactly what I was getting to before we were interrupted,” Liam said. “And for the record, Peter, I’m much older than four hundred. We’re talking thousands.”
Anne Marie whimpered.
I untangled Peter’s hand from my own and took a step in front of them. “It’s me you want, right? I won’t fight back, I promise. Please. Let them go and kill me.”
Peter’s hand went to my hip, but I gently pushed him away. I wouldn’t let Peter get hurt.
Liam sighed. “I didn’t come to your school dance to kill you, Alexandria. Please don’t be so dramatic.”
That stopped me in my tracks. “Then what do you want? Why are you here? You said before that you were here for me.”
“I wanted to see you in person. Confirm what my spirits said about you.”
“Confirm what?” I didn’t believe a word he was saying. I kept my defensive stance in case Liam went after Peter and Anne Marie. Maybe I could distract Liam long enough that they could run away.
“I had to see if you were as good as advertised. As strong and powerful as they said you were.” Liam rubbed his hands together. “And you are.”
“Why do you care? If you’re not here to kill me, then why do you care how powerful I am? Or is that what you do? Do you knock off purebloods to keep the competition low?”
Liam laughed again. He held his belly like he was in pain from laughing. “I am going to grow fond of you.”
I didn’t respond.
“I don’t kill to keep the competition low. No one, not even a pureblood, is any match for me. I sacrifice purebloods to extend my life,” Liam said.
I hadn’t expected that one.
Anne Marie shuffled behind me. “What’s going on Peter?”
“Shhh,” Peter whispered.
Liam motioned to himself. “How do you think I’ve lived this long? It’s not luck. It’s not the grace of God, I’ll tell you that.”
“So you lied. You are going to kill me.”
“Of course I am. How could I not? You’re an exceptionally strong pureblood and you’re my direct ancestor. My blood runs through you. That’s why I came tonight. I had to see you.”
“Kill me then and let them go.” I was tired of Liam’s charades.
“Not until your eighteenth birthday. Not until you receive your full powers.”
I remembered Sarah Ross’ journal. Born on Halloween. Killed by Liam on Halloween. Jonah Van Curen made the deal with Ethan to let me live until my eighteenth birthday because he knew I wouldn’t survive after that day. Either Gamma would kill me or Liam would.
I was always doomed to die.
A tiny flicker of hope hit me. I still had nine months. Liam wouldn’t hurt us now. If I was valuable enough for Liam to visit me in person, then he wouldn’t harm us prematurely. I could save Peter and Anne Marie.
I glanced at Peter. His face was lined with worry. Every muscle was tensed. Ready to spring. He had no idea there was nothing he could do to stop Liam. He didn’t understand the magnitude of the situation we were in. I tried to give him a reassuring smile.
“Well,” I said to Liam. “You’ve seen what I can do. I’m glad you’re happy. But it’s January and I have nine more months to live. I hope you enjoyed your visit to Hazel Cove. I’ll see you on Halloween.” I quickly turned to push Peter and Anne Marie out the door.
I wasn’t fast enough.
“Just one second,” Liam said.
I froze. It wasn’t going to be that easy. Of course it wouldn’t be.
“What do you want?”
“I haven’t seen anyone as strong as you in a long time. Because of the mandate, purebloods are born few and far between. They’re almost non-existent these days. You understand how that could be troubling for me, don’t you, darling?”
“Of course,” I said sarcastically. “It’s so sad that you no longer have a selection of candidates to sacrifice.”
“I don’t know when the next pureblood is going to come around. Let alone one from my own family line. This time around I’m taking a few precautions. Amplifying my return, if you will.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Liam smiled. “You have it in you.”
“Have what?”
“A twinge of the dark side.”
My heart turned to ice. “I don’t understand anything you’re saying. It’s all gibberish. And this isn’t Star Wars, you ass.”
Liam’s smile grew wider. “You attacked me earlier. Not just a slap on the wrist either, but a mortal attack. If I were human or a half-breed, I’d be dead right now.”
“Too bad it didn’t work. But I was just defending myself.”
“Possibly. But what about conjuring that spirit? It comes easily for you. You had no problem drawing the symbol and raising the spirit. All by yourself.”
Peter stiffened behind me. I hadn’t told him about my late night conjuring session in the basement.
“I wanted to find out what happened to my grandmother,” I said defensively.
Liam shrugged. “Perhaps. My point is you’re able to blur the line that many of our kind run away from.”
Wasn’t that what I’d been so afraid of since the moment I found out I was a witch? Being evil?
Liam’s arm moved.
I flinched.
“Settle down, settled down,” Liam said. “Don’t get all worked up. I can feel the power radiating off of you. It appears I’ve hit a sore spot.”
“You still haven’t said what you wanted.”
“It’s not much. Not at all, really.”
“Tell me.”
“Continue what you’ve been doing - practicing, cultivating your powers. But I want you to blur that line. Feed into that dark area that you shun. See what you can do,” Liam said.
“Black magic?”
“Magic?” Anne Marie whispered.
“Magic in general,” Liam said, ignoring Anne Marie. “With no boundaries. There’s no need to classify it as good versus evil, white magic versus black. That’s what witch hunters and half-breeds label it. I call it using all available resources. They can’t understand that type of power. Only a pureblood can.”
I wouldn’t do that for him. No way.
“You’re very powerful. And with the added power of black magic…,” Liam’s hand went up in quotes, “you will be that much stronger for me to take at your sacrifice.”
I shook my head.
Liam’s smile faded. “What’s the big deal? Conjure a few more spirits. They’ll do what you tell them because you’re pureblooded. You’re strong enough to control them. Dabble in some special books that I’ll send you. I’m not asking you to kill someone. However, if the feeling arises, go right ahead. I can only imagine what you’re capable of with that temper.”
“I won’t,” I whispered.
“What was that?”
“I won’t do it,” I said louder. He could kill me if he wanted to, but he wasn’t going to take my soul. I wouldn’t give him that, too.
“Sure you will.”
I tensed, readying myself for his advance.
“Practicing magic is important.” Liam took a step closer. “Don’t you think so, Peter?”
I spread my arms in defense of Peter and Anne Marie.
“My spirits told me you’ve been practicing levitation. Is that true? It’s a very useful technique.”
“Peter, make a run for it,” I said.
Peter swallowed. He move
d slightly to his right, hiding Anne Marie completely behind his body, but he didn’t run away. His eyes were focused. He wouldn’t leave me. He was readying himself for a fight; readying himself to defend Anne Marie and me.
“Practice is important,” Liam said. “Let’s see how good you are.”
Both of Liam’s hands rose from his sides.
Anne Marie screamed. “What is he doing? What is he doing? Oh, God!”
I whirled around. Peter and Anne Marie were rising off the brick floor. Their bodies levitated into the air. Two pairs of blue eyes enlarged as their feet no longer touched the ground, but hovered above it. Anne Marie’s heels slipped off and fell to the ground with a thud.
“Put them down,” I screamed at Liam.
Liam’s hands converged in front of his body, like he was diving into a swimming pool. Just as quickly, he pulled his arms apart. Each arm moved in a perfect ninety-degree angle from his sides. His body formed a giant “T.” At the same time, Anne Marie and Peter glided along the snowy air to opposite sides of the Bell Tower.
Peter’s feet rose higher and higher until he glided over the half- brick wall and out into the exposed sky. I risked a glance to my left. Anne Marie was in the same position, but on the opposite side of the tower. Her white dress flapped wildly in the snowy air.
Once Anne Marie was outside the safety of the Bell Tower, she looked down. Her chest heaved. She gulped for air and then let out an ear piercing scream.
It was a four-story drop to the icy ground below. If Liam released them, they’d both plummet to their deaths.
Peter’s face contorted in horror. He couldn’t pull his eyes away from his sister. He looked absolutely terrified. Not because he was about to fall to his death, but because Anne Marie was about to die.
“Liam, please, please,” I said. “Bring them back inside. Please. I’ll do whatever you want. I’m sorry. Please don’t hurt them.”
“Of course you’ll do whatever I want,” Liam said with both arms extended. “Don’t you see? You need practice. Can you do what I’m doing now? Can you levitate both of them this far apart from each other?”
The stupid sofa came to mind. How high had I levitated the recliner off the ground? An inch? Maybe two? For how long? Three seconds?