by Lizzy Ford
“Something’s happening at the school. I haven’t quite figured out yet what this feeling means, but I’m pretty sure it’s a warning,” he admitted, blinking the alarm from his features. “I need to go, Morgan.” He gazed down at her warmly. “To be continued?”
She nodded. “I can come with you. I’ll protect you.”
He hesitated. She didn’t have to ask why. The moment she spoke, she knew it was wrong.
“Never mind. I’m sorry. I know I can’t,” she said hastily, afraid of his rejection.
“We’ll figure it out, Morgan. I swear it.” Beck kissed her gently then eased off her.
She tugged the sheet up and sat, watching him get dressed. She thrummed with need and ecstasy at the idea of forever with Beck.
When he had left, she stretched for the soul stone. This was the reason she couldn’t help him now. Maybe never.
What good was she to him, if she couldn’t protect him from someone like Dawn? If she couldn’t help the Light? If she always had to stay away?
A sliver of her uncertainty returned, along with the fear one day Beck would tire of the fact he couldn’t have her and the Light at the same time. Last night was beyond incredible for her, the mixing of their magicks and bodies, his electric touch and how tenderly he’d treated her. She no longer doubted his feelings for her, but if his choice was to his duty or her, then she also knew she’d never let him make it.
I can’t have him and the stone. Morgan’s fist glowed with fire. Frustration fed her flames, and they turned purple then white. The brilliant fire came more readily to her today. She wanted so much to throw the stone away and for it to be gone forever.
Nothing she ever did warmed it, not even the purple-white flames that burned the Dark out of Noah. Thoughts on him, she grabbed her phone. Her mother had texted twice, and so had Noah. His message was simple. I freakin’ love you, Morgan!!!!! As a friend, of course.
His happiness soothed her pain a little. Her mother had texted to say to let her know if they were going to meet up for breakfast. Morgan responded quickly then rose. She started to put on her own clothing and stopped to sniff her skin.
She smelled like Beck. She didn’t want to ever stop smelling like him. Better enjoy it while I can, before he figures out I’m still an issue. After a moment, she picked up the t-shirt he’d been wearing the night before and put it on, hugging herself in it. She put on her sweater, jeans and shoes, all of which had dried by the fire.
With a deep breath, Morgan left Beck’s room. She padded down the hallway towards the stairs and to the ground floor. She heard voices from the direction of the kitchen lined with a bank of windows streaming in brilliant, morning light. Her first instinct was to leave quickly through the front door down the other end, and embarrassment made her blush. She had no idea what she was supposed to say or do the night after sleeping with Beck. Would his parents assume they’d had sex if she walked into the kitchen? Would they be upset? Could she pull off acting normal, like nothing happened?
She started quietly towards the front door, not hearing the steps of whoever followed her, but sensing the fire magick.
“Tell me you used protection.”
Morgan’s fire flared in the air around her.
The woman behind her, Beck’s mother, laughed warmly. A pulse of her magick pushed Morgan’s back into her where it belonged. “Come on. Have breakfast.”
Humiliated, Morgan waited a moment then turned.
Rania Turner hadn’t left. Small, beautiful and Dark, she radiated sultriness and shadows. Her blue-black hair was in a ponytail, and she was dressed casually in jeans and a dark sweater. There was a smile on her face while the Darkness in her eyes peered at Morgan with curiosity that scared her a little.
Morgan recalled the twin’s mother had been the Mistress of Dark before Decker and reached protectively for the soul stone. Decker had been mesmerized by it to the point it worried her. She wasn’t going to trust anyone else Dark with the stone.
But she started forward awkwardly, not sure how she was supposed to act and whether she should try to lie about what happened between her and Beck.
Rania led her into the kitchen, where Michael Turner sat at the breakfast table. He glanced up when they entered, raising an inquisitive eyebrow at his wife. Morgan had noticed his subtle earth magick when they met briefly at the charity ball in December. It seemed stronger now, filling the air, as if he were aware that having two fire witchling women in the house meant it was going to take more to stabilize his environment. His magick was soothing like Beck’s.
“Come in. Have a seat,” Rania said and then went to her husband, wrapping her arms around him from behind. Her fire and Darkness quieted immediately, and he instinctively touched her arm.
Morgan did so.
“You remember Morgan, baby?” Rania asked her husband. She was amused, and Morgan had no idea why.
“Fire witchling.” Michael offered a quick smile. “You went Light. Congratulations.”
Morgan smiled, proud of herself despite knowing she accidentally passed her trial while frying Noah alive. It still didn’t quite feel … real, as if everyone else could see it, but she couldn’t yet.
“First in a long time,” Rania added. “She’s the one, Michael.”
He peered up at his wife, calm and quiet, though Morgan almost sensed an I-told-you-so passing from wife to husband.
“I know,” he replied. “Welcome to the family, Morgan.” This smile was warmer. “Our family motto is One day at a time. It’s how we make it through everything. It gets a little tense living with the Master of Light, Master of Dark, and the former Mistress of Dark. Add a bit of fire to the situation …” He smiled ruefully. “You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.”
You don’t even know me. Morgan wasn’t certain how to respond. They were serious about welcoming her, as serious as Beck had been about forever. The sense she had a place in life, a home, complete with a family waiting for her, rendered her speechless. It didn’t seem right they’d just accept her, not after her past and the cold stone burning a hole in her pocket, a constant reminder of how different she was.
His parents watched her for a moment, waiting for her to say something, and she finally forced herself to talk. “I’ll take care of Beck. I swear it on my soul. I’ll protect him from everything,” she managed.
Michael smiled, and Rania laughed.
“I believe you,” Michael said. “Grandpa Louis went to town. There’s a small spread over there if you’re hungry.” He indicated the buffet tables along one side of the kitchen. “We’ve got house guests for the equinox, so there’s plenty.”
Morgan went, more because she felt too awkward sitting there while they watched her than because she was hungry. She was too anxious to be hungry. As if feeling her frayed nerves, Michael’s earth magick increased and seeped into her, easing her tense muscles. She shook out her shoulders and piled a plate high with food. The use of her magick the night before, coupled with the night with Beck, left her ravenous.
Returning to the table, she was somewhat relieved to see Rania seated and flipping through screens on her iPad while Michael was reading from his Kindle. Morgan ate quietly.
“What was your trial?” Michael asked after giving her some time to eat.
Morgan swallowed, face hot again. Rania was studying her, the sparkle in her eye making Morgan think she already knew.
“I burned a Dark witchling to a crisp,” Morgan replied. “Torched the Dark right out of him.”
“I didn’t know that was possible,” Michael said. “Amazing. He’s okay?”
“He is now. Beck had to … ah … un-melt him.” Morgan replied.
“You’re as strong as Tranin.”
At their quiet, Morgan sneaked a glance to see them exchanging a look she couldn’t decipher. “I don’t know about that,” she said, glad they hadn’t lectured her about burning someone up. “But I can help Beck after …” Her hand went to her pocket.
“
Leave it there, sweetie.” A flare of fire accompanied Rania’s soft warning. “The Darkness beckons to anyone who might free it, and a Master or Mistress of Dark is the least stable of all the Dark witchlings.”
Morgan nodded. “It hurts the Light,” she whispered, stricken. “I can turn Dark to Light but I can’t go near Light. I can’t help Beck.”
“You can help him,” Michael replied. “Sometimes it’s not the way we want to help those we love, but you can help him.”
“I want that to be true,” Morgan said and pushed the remaining sausage around on her plate with a fork. Her thoughts went to what Beck had revealed last night. “I need to talk to Sam.”
“I’ll take you out to find him,” Rania offered.
Michael glanced at her, then back. “Maybe I should do that. My morning is open.”
The two exchanged another look, and Morgan had the sense this time it was a disagreement. Rania relented with a small sigh. “He’s right,” she said to the unspoken battle. “You shouldn’t be alone with any Dark witchling while you carry that, Morgan. Keep that in mind.”
Michael leaned over to kiss his wife then stood. “You ready?” he asked.
Morgan nodded.
They left the house and started down the driveway towards the road leading around the lake. The rain had stopped though it was cloudy and their path muddy. Michael’s magick remained strong, and Morgan relaxed, her fire happy to settle after the long night with Beck.
“You, uh, have any questions for me?” Michael asked as they walked. “About our family, the school. Anything?”
“Not really,” Morgan replied.
He glanced at her. “Beck’s a good kid. He’s made some mistakes, but he’s coming into his own. I’m really proud of him. Happy he found his counterbalance.”
She wasn’t certain if she should laugh or not at his amused tone.
“Really. Welcome to the family. It’s incredible to find a Light fire witchling and even more so that you’re going to protect Beck. He’s always been a little too trusting, wanting to see the good in everything and everyone. I think he’s wiser now, but just in case …”
“I’m here.”
“Yeah, though in my experience, fire element means you’re as likely to run as you are confront someone.”
Morgan flushed.
“It’s okay,” he laughed. “Rania ran from me when she learned I was her counterbalance. She was gone for a year. Came back, ran after we were married and she got pregnant. She’s run a few times, but she always returns. Decker wasn’t as bad, though he ran more often, just didn’t go as far.”
“How are you not angry?”
“Earth witchlings are patient. We often understand the meaning of something before the other elemental witchlings do,” he said with a shrug. “The combination of fire and earth always works. Every single time.” He was quiet for a long moment. “It’s none of my business, but Decker shared with me what you went through. I just want you to know Beck would never hurt you and you’re safe here. No matter what or who comes looking for you.”
“Dammit, Decker!”
“He means well.” Michael sounded amused. “You a runner, Morgan?”
“Yeah,” she murmured, calming as his earth magick swelled in intensity around her.
“As long as you come back.”
She considered. She didn’t know how she was still there let alone whether or not she was coming back once she left to protect Beck. Beck’s laid back nature came from the man beside her, and she met Michael’s gaze.
“I don’t want to run,” she admitted. “I don’t want him hurt, either.”
“You have a tough choice to make. Either way, whatever you decide, you will always be his, and he’ll always be yours. It’s the nature of the bond you share. Rania and I have pretty much seen it all at this point.” He paused at the edge of the driveway facing the forest. “Summer went through a lot to be with Decker. If you haven’t talked to her about it, you should before you run again. I think it’ll help you understand what’s happening between you and Beck. In the meantime,” he flashed a smile, “We’ll always be here for you.”
Her brow furrowed. She didn’t quiet understand why it sounded like they were accepting her – a stranger – as a permanent part of their family.
“Sam’s that way.” He pointed into the forest. “Come back to the house when you’re done so I can make any arrangements.”
She glanced up at him. “Arrangements?”
He chuckled. “It’s a lot to take in. Rania and I decided we don’t need a wedding ceremony to adopt the counterbalances of our sons. I’ll get you anything you need. A bank account, car, whatever.”
Her jaw dropped. It took her a moment to reply. “I don’t want your money, and I don’t need help from anyone!” she snapped.
“It’s Beck’s.” He winked. “Think of it as me providing you the means to protect him.”
“Absolutely not! I’m not a gold digger like Dawn, and I don’t need charity!” No part of her understood why Beck’s billionaire family was talking like they were either married or she was being adopted. She had her own family, however poor and dysfunctional they were, and she certainly did not need charity from his parents to make her way in life. Overwhelmed by the speed with which everything was happening, she purposely ignored the fact she’d been using Decker’s money for the past few months. She left Michael standing on the road while she strode into the woods, saying hurriedly, “I’m going to find Sam and get some air.”
Morgan calmed after walking in the quiet forest. The trees made a path for her, and she followed it, trusting them to take her to Sam. She glanced up periodically from her phone, where she’d sent Summer a text asking about the counterbalance thing and why Michael Turner seemed to think she was moving in.
Before Summer had a chance to respond, Sam appeared.
Morgan tucked the phone away and prepared herself for more bad news. “Sam, I need to talk to you about this.” She held out the stone.
I was expecting you. He eyed it without reaching for it. I had forgotten how dangerous it is.
She pulled her fire magick from the depths of her being to surround the stone, hoping to lessen its effects on the forest creature. “Beck said I might be able to bind it.”
Yes, it is possible.
“What exactly will that do?”
It will hide it from the senses of others.
“But it won’t necessarily stop it from hurting the Light.”
It will not.
Morgan bit her lip, throat tightening. “Then how can I be with Beck?” she whispered the question she feared voicing to anyone else. Her hand lowered, and she tucked the stone back into her pocket.
It cannot affect him, but it can still harm the Light.
“I know. I can’t help him purify Darkness, can I? If I can’t go near the Light?”
You changed a Dark witchling to Light. It is a method of purifying Dark by lessening its hold on someone.
“But I want to be able to help Beck grow the Light. How can I, if I’m always stuck outside it?”
Sam held out his hand. Place your hand on mine.
She obeyed, resting her palm on his downy fur.
Warmth like Beck’s moved through her: powerful, relaxing, grounded. Sam appeared to be testing her magick, prodding and confronting the flames rather than moving around them. She relaxed and let him work, praying he would come away with an answer she could live with.
You are so strong, Morgan, Sam seemed pleased. His magick retreated. I do not have the answer you seek now, but I can tell you, you are meant to find it. You are meant to help Beck restore the Light, push back Darkness and to find your own peace with him at your side. I will help you in what ways I can. The stone right now can only be handled by you. If that were to change, if you could bind it well enough, it might open up more options.
Her eyes watered at the gentle words.
You are on a path only you can travel to a destination that won’t
be clear until you see it.
“So I have to do something. With the stone?”
You have to trap Bartholomew inside it. It will take more than fire for this.
“Yeah but there’s Dawn between Bartholomew and me,” Morgan murmured, thoughts turning to the bigger threat facing the school and Beck.
She has crossed the point of no return.
“That’s what Beck said. Are you certain I can’t burn the Dark out of her?”
You cannot. She is no longer Dawn, but a vessel for Bartholomew. If he hasn’t taken over her mind already, he will, and the Dawn you know will no longer exist.
Morgan listened, her heart dropping to her feet. Noah didn’t know his sister was gone; he had agreed to be burnt to a crisp in the hope of saving her. Morgan wasn’t sure how she was going to tell him the truth.
But … there was a part of her that accepted the truth without a fight. Perhaps because she had despised Dawn since the first time she heard her threaten Beck, or maybe it was the incidents at the lake in winter. Either way, Morgan wasn’t too surprised to hear that Dawn was a lost soul.
“I’m not good enough like Beck to feel bad for her,” she said. “Is that wrong, Sam?”
As long as you always act out of Light and out of the intention to protect the Light, how you think is your personal business. He said with a chuckle.
“So I can’t burn the Dark out of her, and I can’t let her have the stone. I feel like that leaves me nowhere.”
You can protect Beck’s child.
“What?”
Bartholomew is the Darkest of the Dark souls. He has taken Dawn’s body. I believe her baby is safe inside her, but when she is born, Bartholomew will have a new vessel. One that is not being hunted by both Masters, one he can mold and claim for a second coming.
Morgan’s heart pounded. The scene he painted was terrifying. She hadn’t paid much attention in class, but the stories of Bartholomew had interested her, as much because of the fire witchling that stopped him as the atrocities themselves.
The same skill that lets you bind the soul stone will let you bind the child in the womb and prevent Darkness from claiming her.