by Sarah Noffke
“I have much to do,” he said, glancing around the dusty hallway as they strode for the stairs.
The castle that had been full of darkness and shadows was now suddenly filled with color. Liv was amazed at how beautiful the paintings that lined the walls were. She hadn’t noticed them before. She peered up at the intricate pattern on the ceiling. The ancient castle was like something out of a museum.
When they were almost to the stairs, Liv pulled away from Rooster. “I’m sorry. I almost forgot something.”
She sped down to where the suits of armor were resting. They were all back into their respective places as if a battle hadn’t happened there. She plucked Bellator from the floor, sheathing it.
When she returned to where Rooster was patiently waiting for her, he said, “What about your cat? Will he be okay there?”
Liv cast a glance over her shoulder. Plato was seemingly asleep. “Yes. He has tuckered himself out not helping me.”
She took the arm he held out for her and started down the long staircase to the main entryway. To her amazement, the gifts from the wedding were gone. So were the pictures that had been lining the wall. A quick peek toward the back told her the wedding decorations had disappeared as well.
When she turned back to Rooster, he was wearing a calm expression. “I figured it was time to redecorate. What do you think?”
She nodded proudly, amazed by how fast he’d changed everything. He was one powerful magician. “Yes, that seems like a good idea. Will you stay here?”
He glanced around. “Oh, yes. This is my home. It always has been. But I think I’ll be relocating it. Getting to the grocery store is quite the pain from this location.”
Liv laughed. “I hope you don’t mind, but I did seek you out for a reason.”
Rooster tilted his head to the side. “Was it to steal my heart? Because you might have succeeded at that.” He winked at her, and Liv was very aware of this man’s charm. Give him a guitar and a microphone, and every woman on Earth would be dying to be his. Not Liv, though.
She smiled. “My heart actually belongs to another.”
“Oh, what a lucky man,” he said with a genuine grin.
“Although we can’t be together,” she said, surprised she was confiding this to a stranger.
He tilted his head. “That’s how the best stories begin. True love will always prevail, though.”
Her insides were suddenly rattling around with nervousness. There was that word again: love.
Maybe sensing her anxiety, Rooster gave her an easy smile. “And what is your request?”
“I need to know how to make a chimera reveal itself,” she stated.
He nodded, his eyes growing distant. “That’s a beautiful spell. One I haven’t thought about in quite some time. But first let me ask you, do you know of a chimera? They are rare.”
“I know there are at least seven out there that I have to find,” Liv answered.
“How is your singing voice?” he asked her.
She pursed her lips. “I’m afraid that’s not my specialty.”
He nodded, a knowing look on his face. “But that’s all subject to change.”
Rooster lifted his palm into the air and blew. Although Liv hadn’t seen anything in his hand, sparkling dust spread over her face, covering her in a cool mist. Suddenly she had music buzzing in her head.
It made her instantly start humming. Rooster smiled widely, looking like the young man she’d seen in the photos lining the walls. “And now you know the song of the chimera. Sing it for them, and they will reveal themselves.”
Feeling suddenly light, with a strange buzzing in her head, Liv strode to the entrance of the castle. She was absolutely stunned to find they weren’t located on the top of Mount McLoughlin in Southern Oregon. The castle had relocated to a grassy meadow with rolling hills and streams in the distance.
She spun to face Rooster, her mouth open. “You already… But how?”
His eyes sparkled with delight. “I simply moved back to where I belong.”
She shook her head at the incredible magician before her. “You are something else, Rooster. What’s next for you?”
He mused, staring at the blue skies and white puffy clouds rolling toward the castle, which was no longer covered in snow. “I think it’s time I get the old band together—minus one member, though. Do you happen to know any drummers?”
Liv laughed. “I don’t. But I’d love to go to one of your concerts when you tour.”
He nodded, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it. “I think you should be in the front row. I can guarantee there will be a new song or two dedicated to you, Warrior Beaufont. Good luck with your adventures.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Are you insane?” Clark asked Liv, tapping the large leather-bound book she’d given him.
The Black Void loomed in the distance, but she tried to ignore that it was even more colorful than before. She’d pointed it out to her brother, but like everyone else, he couldn’t see it.
“Yes, of course, I’m insane, which is why the council gets to send me off on ridiculous missions where I risk my life.” She flashed him a pleading smile. “But please, I need your help.”
He held up the book she’d shoved into his arms moments prior. “You didn’t have to give me this book. I already knew the law. Everyone knows the law, even if these books have long been buried.”
Adler had apparently made many books go missing that detailed the House of Fourteen’s laws and history. That was better for him, so that no one learned any clues about mortals once being a part of the House.
“I didn’t know the law,” she confessed. “And neither did Stefan.”
Clark shook his head. “Then you’re fine. Just end things, and you won’t have to worry about getting in trouble. If it ever comes up, you can simply plead innocence, and the missing history books will support your case.”
Adamantly, Liv shook her head. “We don’t want to end things and move on. We want to change the law.”
“No, Liv, that’s not how it works. You can’t simply change what the Founders stated as laws when they created the House of Fourteen.”
“Why not?” she challenged.
He blew out an exasperated breath. “Because it’s…well, it…I don’t know. They are laws for a reason.”
“Just because things are laws, it doesn’t make them right.”
He threw his free hand into the air. “How many times are you going to lecture me on laws and justice?”
“How many times are you going to fail to see that they aren’t the same thing?” she fired back.
“Liv, even if there was some way to change things, I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to do it. Not to mention that I’m overwhelmed by studying the Forgotten Archives. There’s so much we don’t know. And mortals are seeing magic for the first time. Well, those who aren’t asleep are seeing magic. There’s some strange virus going around that’s causing a sleeping disorder.”
“Don’t worry, I’m on that case,” Liv stated with confidence. “I’ll have mortals awake and healthy again soon.”
“Wait, you know why so many of them are sleeping most of the time?”
“Yeah, but it’s a case with Father Time, and I’m not allowed to discuss it.” Her eyes darted to the Black Void, sensing she should not say much more, but not sure why.
Clark pressed his fist to his forehead. “I don’t know what you want me to do here. Families can’t date. And two Warriors? Well, that’s absolutely cut and dried. There’s too much conflict of interest.”
“Stefan and I have worked tons of cases together,” Liv argued. “It’s because of our bond to each other that we’ve been successful when we should have died.”
“Does this have something to do with his unprecedented success at slaughtering demons?” Clark asked.
Liv couldn’t help but smile. “I’m not at liberty to discuss the secrets behind that.”
Clark growled.
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br /> “Look, how many times do I ask for your help?” Liv argued.
“Well, there was when you were bitten by the lophos, and then when Queen Visa nearly killed you, and when you needed to hide Sophia’s egg.”
Liv laughed. “Okay, good point. But seriously, I know there’s a way for us to change the law. I can’t give up on this one. We’re not going to risk our positions, I promise you that. We know better. But if there is any way in the world I can be with that guy? Well, I never thought I’d want that, but I do. Clark, this is not a fleeting feeling.”
He gave her a look that shook her to the core. “Don’t you think I know that? You haven’t so much as had a crush. If you feel this way about someone, he’s someone special. But I just don’t know.”
“Will you please just try?” Liv asked. “That’s all I’m asking.”
He considered her for a long moment. “Yes, of course, I will. I’ll do whatever I can. But please don’t get your hopes up.”
Overcome by a strange joy she’d never experienced, Liv bounded forward and planted a kiss on her brother’s cheek. “Thank you! You’re the best.”
Before she could take in his astonished face or deal with her strange show of affection, Liv sprinted through the Door of Reflection into the Chamber of the Tree.
“Mr. Ludwig,” Lorenzo Rosario said as soon as Liv stumbled through the Door. “We are ready to hear your update on the elf negotiations.”
“Actually, we aren’t,” Raina said, pointing to Clark, who came through the door behind Liv. “It is customary for us to wait until all council members are present.”
“I’m sorry I’m late,” Clark said, hurrying to his seat as Liv took her spot between Stefan and Spencer.
“Brushing up on House history, I see,” Kayla Sinclair said, pointing to the leather-bound book in his hands.
“U-u-uhhh…” he stuttered. “Yes. Many of these volumes disappeared while Adler and Decar were in the House.”
“If this is going to be another session where the Royals degrade my relatives, I’ll have to object,” Kayla said, her long black hair on one side falling over one of her eyes.
Liv knew there was something off about the girl, but she couldn’t tell what. She glanced at Spencer beside her. He didn’t appear to share any of the traits of the other Sinclairs, but she wasn’t sure that mattered. Something wasn’t right about the two.
“Councilor Sinclair,” Hester began. “I don’t think we have to remind you that your relatives, if alive, would be liable for treason, murder, and a list of many other crimes. These are not men who hold the respect of the Royals.”
Thankfully this shut the girl up.
“Well, since everyone is here,” Lorenzo began, “I was hoping to get a report from Mr. Ludwig on the elf negotiations.”
“They could be going better,” Stefan said, standing with his feet hip’s width apart and his arms behind his back.
“But?” Haro asked.
Stefan’s eyes darted from side to side. “Well, I can’t help but think that Warrior Sinclair is sabotaging my efforts.”
There was a collective murmur around the room.
“That is a bold accusation,” Lorenzo stated. “Do you have evidence to back this up?”
Liv peered sideways at Spencer, studying his face and spiky black mohawk. To her surprise, he strangely appeared unaffected by this claim. He simply stared straight ahead stoically, reminding her of the suits of armor in Rooster’s castle.
“I don’t,” Stefan answered. “But when I’ve tried to track down one of the last enemies of the elves, I’ve been sabotaged at every turn. My weapons were destroyed at one point. After I had them replaced, the villain I was after was told of my stalking and fled before I could capture him. It’s been a series of problems that I’ve never encountered in the past.”
“Is it possible that you are the problem and not Warrior Sinclair?” Lorenzo asked.
Liv could tell that Stefan was trying to keep his anger at bay, but it wasn’t easy. “With all due respect, I don’t make mistakes like those.”
“I agree,” Hester stated. “Warrior Ludwig has a fantastic track record. If he thinks having Warrior Sinclair shadow him is holding him back, I think we should honor that request.”
“I must object,” Lorenzo said, his voice suddenly loud. “How is a new Warrior supposed to learn the ropes unless they have help?”
“Warrior Beaufont managed,” Raina stated.
“Yes, but…” Lorenzo’s voice trailed off.
“Maybe Spencer should shadow Liv, then,” Kayla offered.
“Although I would love the chance to learn more about this supposed human,” Liv said, waving a hand in front of the face of the warrior beside her, “I can’t help. I’ve got a case for Father Time.”
“Yes, and that’s exactly why I think that Spencer could benefit from the experience,” Kayla imposed.
“We are very grateful that Father Time has chosen one of our warriors as his delegates,” Raina interjected. “And we won’t risk that by losing his trust. If Warrior Beaufont doesn’t want to be shadowed, the discussion is closed.”
“I don’t think that’s how democracy works,” Kayla fired back.
“Then we take a vote on the matter,” Haro suggested.
“He should shadow me,” Trudy stated from the far end. She was usually so quiet that Liv forgot she was on the other side of Stefan.
All of the Councilors looked at her.
“I’m an experienced Warrior. Actually, I’ve been doing this for far longer than Warrior Beaufont.” She glanced at Liv. “No offense.”
“None taken,” Liv retorted.
“I’d be happy to have Spencer shadow me,” Trudy continued.
“Well, this seems like a good solution,” Hester said with a proud smile and a discreet wink at her sister. Liv had recently learned that Trudy was keeping the secret that she was a seer. That wasn’t a gift that was always revered in the magician culture. Some who wanted the future veiled got rid of seers. They had been mysteriously murdered for ages, so it wasn’t a surprise to Liv that the sisters were keeping this information from everyone. However, it made Liv wonder what Trudy had seen that made her want to help her by taking on the responsibility of the newbie Sinclair.
“Well, then we’ll need a proper update from you, Ms. DeVries,” Lorenzo said.
In a perfectly professional and rehearsed manner, Trudy began to give her report.
Stefan cut his eyes at Liv. “I noticed that Clark has one of the law books.”
She nodded minutely. “He might be able to help.”
“Raina has agreed to help too,” Stefan said in a whisper, a small smile hiding at the edges of his eyes.
“Don’t you dare look at me like that, Warrior Ludwig.”
He crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue. “Is this better?”
Liv couldn’t stop the laugh that spilled from her mouth.
“Excuse me,” Lorenzo interjected, making her tense. “Is there something you want to share with the council, Ms. Beaufont?”
Her phone buzzed right on cue, as if someone knew she needed to be rescued. She pulled it from her pocket. It was a text from Mortimer.
I have the location for Zeno Dutillet, but the brownie can only give it to you in person. You have been out of mortal territory, or I would have avoided this message altogether.
Liv nodded. She had been in magical territory for the most part.
“I apologize,” Liv said, recovering. “This is Father Time business. I’ll have to be off.”
“And this business?” Lorenzo began.
“I believe we’ve been told not to pry,” Hester interjected.
“I think that if we at least knew that Ms. Beaufont wasn’t off gallivanting, it would be better,” Kayla stated.
Liv’s temper flared. “I never gallivant. I haven’t even taken a day off. For your information, I’m going to go relieve the problem that’s putting mortals to sleep.”
Sh
e turned and stormed from the chamber.
If Liv had been looking then, she would have seen the satisfied expression that sprang to Kayla’s Sinclair’s face. The warrior had fallen for the trick, defending herself against Kayla’s accusations by spilling some of the truth.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Liv couldn’t think of a more mortal place than John’s electronic repair shop.
Well, except that it had had magical renovations to make it bigger, brighter, and newer. But it also had John, and he was the best mortal she knew.
He gave her a welcoming smile when she strode through the door. Pickles barked with excitement, running up to her and jumping around her heels. All she wanted to do was sing the song of the chimera to determine if she was right and Pickles was not really a dog, meaning that John was one of the Mortal Seven.
She was just about to do that when John stepped aside, revealing the tiny brownie beside him. Liv recognized him as the one who had helped her in the Natural History Museum.
“I’m guessing you can explain why this guy is hanging around here,” John said with a laugh.
Liv nodded, a bit disappointed that she couldn’t sing the song to Pickles and learn the truth. “Yes. I believe he has a message for me.”
Kneeling down, Liv smiled at the brownie. “You do, don’t you, Freddie?”
He clapped his hands. “You remembered me! And yes, Warrior Beaufont. Mortimer has sent me to give you the location of Zeno Dutillet. However, I must warn you that he resides in a dangerous place even brownies won’t venture into.”
Liv let out a breath. “I sort of figured that.”
“You’ll need to be really careful since there are many man-eating monsters,” Freddie continued.
“Yes, that seems about right.”
“And Zeno Dutillet is heavily guarded,” Freddie stated.
“But if I don’t get to him…”
“Then mortals will sleep forever,” Freddie finished her sentence.
“Why doesn’t it affect me?” John stated. “I could use a nap, actually.”