Oculus

by S. E. Akers

  “Because of Damiec,” I stated, remembering the way I’d seen them kissing on the rooftop in New Orleans.

  “Most likely,” he shrugged.

  My gloomy mood was nowhere near perking up and my mentor sensed it too.

  “Do you want to hear something funny?” he asked.

  “Ha-ha or bad?” I probed, though honestly either couldn’t have hurt.

  “Amusing,” he assured.

  I pounced on his offering with several nods.

  “This was ages ago, but . . .” he began, “Lorelei and I were set up on what you would call a blind-date nowadays.”

  I only had a split-second to coerce my mouth from falling open, but somehow I managed to pull off the miraculous feat. It seemed a summer at Tanner’s was going to force me into ditching my lip-gloss for a tube of freaking Super-Glue.

  Why is he telling me this? Hearing that he’d dated the half-Talisman / half-Leviathan who wanted me dead hit my heart like a brick. Not to mention, the fact that 9 out of 10 plastic surgery candidates would submit her picture to guide their doctor’s scalpels. SERIOUSLY? I could have gone my entire life without the knowledge of that cringing info.

  I swear… Some guys just don’t know when to dial back on the 411.

  “So?” I asked, trying to stave off the shade of green I could feel bubbling under the rosy glow of my cheeks. “How did it go?” I was rather proud of myself for the way it had rolled off my tongue so dispassionately — not even a hint of pissy.

  Tanner shook his head and casually turned from my gaze. “She was a bit handsy for my taste.”

  I smirked. Funny.

  His grin was practically set to explode by the time he’d turned back around. It finally did when he spotted the I-could-puke-in-my-mouth-at-any-second look that had struck my face.

  “Oh, and you’ve never been set up on a bad date?” he countered, muscular arms folded and locked hard at his chest.

  My mind flashed with thoughts of Mike Riverside and the Homecoming Dance from Hell. “I suppose,” I conceded. “But at least yours didn’t try to kill you.”

  “She would have if I hadn’t sent someone in my stead,” he insisted.

  I shot him a droll look, feeling the grinding churn of my gut. Silas’ true identity… Stripping me of my ruby… And now, Lorelei… This was the third time he’d managed to get a rise out of me today — and it was still morning.

  Tanner’s teasing expression took a sudden and distant turn. In fact, a million miles away hit it just right. My brain cells burst like a firecracker. “You sent Damiec, didn’t you?” I concluded. I knew they hadn’t always been enemies, but I didn’t realize the level of their friendship until I spied the doleful glaze in his eyes.

  “That’s enough distractions for one morning,” Tanner scolded, clearly ushering our current topic off the table. He motioned for me to follow as he swiftly headed for the door. “We’ve still got a lot to cover.”

  I trailed my mentor’s heated path while recollections of his sentiments regarding the Bloodstone Talisman-turned-bloodsucker swirled. I remembered when I’d told him about my run-in with Damiec at Nocturne. He had asked me what I thought about him. It was a reasonable question, but the undeniable emotion embedded in his curiosity wasn’t. I’d suspected there might be more than simply a general wondering at the time, and now I was certain of it. Then there was the fierce look in his eyes when he’d spotted the gaping wound on my neck and assumed that Damiec had drained all of my powers. He was livid of course, but in hindsight, it was almost like there was a twinge of betrayal to his anger. Even the hush that had fallen over him when I noticed the two puncture wounds on his hand at Bea’s that morning hinted at more than a few suspicious questions. Though I’d never asked him about the whole process of how turning a human into a vampire worked, I was still curious. Hell, there were more twists in Vampire lore nowadays than a jumbo-sized corkscrew. Take my word for it. I’d been doing plenty of my own research after serving the role of his disposable juice-box. It made you really miss the good ole days of them being rabid bloodsucking bastards. That’s the one I was stickin’ to, and I certainly wasn’t offering up any more of my diamond-drenched blood to make a single one of those soulless bastards sparkle. But regardless of the mechanics revolving around their notorious bite, Tanner had walked away that night scathed, but assuredly unchanged and without a single fateful side effect whatsoever. Whether one of them or both had abandoned their bout, now that was a complete mystery and would remain that way, what with the Amethyst Talisman’s propensity to lock up his personal secrets in a daggone vault. I knew Damiec hadn’t asked for his curse, despite Adamas’ vision about him turning traitor. Kamya had even remarked that Tanner was the one to ask if I wanted to know how the infected Bloodstone Talisman had gotten out of the cave they’d entombed him in. So was Tanner agitated because he missed his friend…or missed his friend’s heart?

  Our course plunged further into the depths of the cave, thankfully. The last thing I wanted on my official first day was to be dragged towards the dungeon floor for Monster Mayhem 101 — even after being shown his arsenal of magical weapons, which in no way put me any more at ease. How could they when they’d been deemed off-limits until I’d been formally branded as “READY”?

  I bet he even has an actual stamp and diamond-dusted inkpad to do it too. There might even be a ceremony…

  We came to a halt seven more levels down. I had no idea what to expect when he stopped at another pair of doors. I’d seen the hall containing all the Talisman’s totems, knew exactly where the beasts were under lock and key, had been shown the arsenal of weapons I would be training with, and even issued an indispensible compact fitting for a supernatural James Bond. What more could the morning possibly hold?

  Tanner noticed the strained look saddling my eyes. “Don’t be intimidated by what awaits behind these doors,” he warned.

  I couldn’t tell if he was teasing or not. “What is it?” I asked, sounding painfully wry. It couldn’t be more weapons (I didn’t think). Who knows? Maybe this was where he hid the big guns? Surely if one existed, Tanner would lay claim to the only Veil-fueled nuclear missile — launch-stones included, of course.

  I stared at the door, brushing off the ridiculous notion. He wouldn’t keep something like that in here. He’d probably tuck that in his bed, just so he could snuggle up to it like a daggone teddy bear.

  Oh yeah… I could totally see it.

  One swing of the door was all it took to formally scratch Weapons of Monster Destruction off my list of guesses. What I spied threw me for a mild loop, considering my mentor’s vocal views on the touchy subject. My feet forged a steady trail across an expansive oriental rug drenched in primary hues. I had to get a closer look, just to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me. I came to a halt in front of a methodically arranged and cataloged collection of tinctures, potions, and herbs on display in a run of bookcases — all of them spaced perfectly in their places. I assumed the string of cabinets and bins to their right were concealing more of the same. After thinking about some of the grosser things Ms. Lá Léo kept on her shelves, I predicted that’s what they were hiding, despite the fancy molding and embellishments trimming the decorative walnut cupboards. An intricate laboratory set-up captured my eyes. I worked my way around its perimeter, scrutinizing every inch of the methodical scene. A variety of colorful liquids bubbled under blue-flamed burners, lending the air an earthy scent of herbs… Racks of test tubes and vials containing a hodgepodge of liquid and dry ingredients were stacked on every table… A modest highway of glass and rubber tubing coursed paths running every which way… An elaborate set-up of funnels were distilling a variety of liquids into their respective flasks, which any diehard moonshiner would give the rest of their teeth for… A gleaming antique brass scale sat balanced, waiting for its next tip… Thermometers were sticking out of practically every beaker with their red lines racing… One could even knock out a quick water-song by tapping on all the gradu
ated cylinders filled with varying ounces of liquid, if they only had a spoon… My smile was uncontainable as I picked up a pestle and gave the leafy contents in its mortar several mashes. My final ruling: part old-school Madame Curie, part modern mad-scientist — less the static-fueled, sparking glass ball. But no matter how the professor dared to slice it, it sure cackled “witchcraft” to me.

  I returned the pestle to its appropriate spot and pointed to a large cast iron pot. “Nice cauldron,” I teased, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  “This is ALCHEMY,” he stressed. “Let’s don’t get the two confused.”

  “What’s the difference?” I laughed. I couldn’t wait to hear this.

  “It’s legitimate for starters,” he insisted. “The forefather to modern chemistry that’s based on proven methods and predictable results. It’s the scientific way of extracting magic from something and then deriving a specific formula to manipulate its essence. Metals, plants, and minerals all possess their own signature abilities. It’s simply the proper way a true alchemist goes about achieving their results. The way I’ll be teaching you, for your reference. There are no showy chant-fueled gatherings or dress-up involved.”

  I pouted my lips purposely. “No flying brooms or magic wands?”

  His eyelids closed in a locked strain. “No,” he assured, keeping a tight clamp on his grumbly grin.

  I extended the hypocrite a respectful smile and quickly turned from his stare. Tomato, tamato…

  I happened to glance up at the colossal chandelier spitting out flames when the smell and sight of leather smacked me in the face — and its punch hit with the blindsiding whack of a semi-truck. My gaze may have ascended the walls, but my bottom lip remained firmly cushioned on the oriental rug covering the floor. Thousands and thousands of books extended halfway around the room, followed by thousands and thousands more. The only thing more intimidating than the wide reach of the grand bookcases was the loftiness of their height. I started counting levels until I reached the number “9”. Nine stories of supernatural knowledge stood before me. I hadn’t read THAT MANY BOOKS in all of my eighteen years — Dr. Seuss included.

  Tanner noticed the part of my lips. “I take it you’re officially intimidated.”

  “More like overwhelmed,” I replied, my eyes weary and words dragging. “What’s in them?”

  “Just everything a Talisman needs to know,” he replied.

  That’s what I thought.

  “They’re all cataloged by their subject matter,” he explained with a taut stretch of his index finger. “You’ll find historical accounts on the first two levels, volumes of updated creature lore on the third and fourth, spell books on five, six, and seven . . . which describe the magical properties of every substance on earth, including gemstones. The ones on level eight detail the Guardians and The Veil, and then finally, level nine is dedicated to the lands that exist in the parallel realm of Caelum, including The Darklands. All the information they contain is valuable, especially the ones dealing with creatures. Knowing their weaknesses can help you tear them down. We’ll start on those first thing tomorrow, but feel free to read any of these at your leisure.”

  There wasn’t anything “leisurely” about the supernatural rounds of history, science, and geography I had ahead of me. “There wouldn’t happen to be a speed-reading stone hiding around here somewhere?” I asked.

  Tanner laughed. “All you have to do is be aware of what’s in them, Shiloh. You already have access to most of the information in this room through your stones’ memories. Beatrix’s would be the easiest to pull from, what with the strong connection you share, but you could draw from any of them. The only thing you lack is the initial exposure to what you seek and the skill to successfully summon the particulars. We’ll work on that.”

  Okay, now I didn’t feel as tense, but I still found myself in need of a fan-fueled breather. I casually made my way over to a less intimidating bank of gold-leafed étagères. A vast assortment of gemstones lay scattered throughout their airy and open shelves. With so many of the magic rocks confined in this one setting, you couldn’t help but sense their energies radiating like one big, muddled aura. I felt like a kid standing in front of a chest, not knowing which one of the colorful toys to choose. Being lectured about stones was one thing, but I preferred the hands-on approach to learning, and I was itching to get them dirty.

  “I see that twinkle in your eye,” Tanner acknowledged.

  I shot him back a grin. Despite my current gemstone-high, I was pretty sure it had more to do with my eyestrain subsiding from a massive case of book-overload. All the various stones were intriguing in their own way, but three little beauties stuck out like a sore thumb. They were the richest shade of royal blue I’d ever seen and so perfectly round and shiny that they looked like marbles waiting to be shot. These were the ones I wanted to play with first, definitely. The only thing standing in my way was the glass case that housed them — a taunting see-through box that was latched with a tiny amethyst-encrusted lock. All the other stones were sitting freely for anyone to pick up, but not these suspicious little spheres. After hearing Mr. Conservative’s rules about his arsenal and noting its added stone safety-guard, my gut predicted a possible hand smack.

  I pointed to the encased stones. “What are these?”

  Tanner shook his head. “Just three of the scarcest gemstones in existence. Those are the last sapphires Solomon bestowed to The Guild willingly. They’re as rare as that white topaz Beatrix tricked out of Helaine.”

  Beatrix never wanted to go in depth about the sapphire’s abilities, which I’d always thought was strange for it being such a highly regarded air stone. Then there was what Tanner had disclosed about Solomon earlier; his detail-less admission had just made my need-to-know that much stronger. I figured I would take my best little-girl shot.

  “Besides deceiving, what can they do?” I asked. Tanner acknowledged my willfulness with a shrewd grin. I simply reciprocated his gesture with a shoulder shrug and stubborn smile of my own.

  Conceding defeat, my mentor opened the glass case and removed one of the stones. He rolled it around in his hand for a moment. My eyes may have been locked on his palms, but oddly I felt his gaze more directed towards me — kind of all over me, in fact. Like he was engrossed in something or possibly studying me? Whatever the reason, I sensed some hesitation. He certainly didn’t hand it over for a personal inspection. Maybe these particular stones were something he wasn’t up to sharing? Ouch… Now I felt kind of hurt.

  “Not only can sapphires deceive, they can also help one sift through illusions, tear away mental and physical barriers . . . even filter through lies.”

  I’d never had the urge to snatch something out of someone’s hand as bad as I did right now. I didn’t think he was using it on me at this very moment, but there was always that one-percent chance. “What do they heal?” I asked, hoping to distract his brain. After all, one percent was still a damn percent. Plus, there was something peculiar about the grin he was struggling to suppress that sounded my panic alarm.

  “It only has one healing ability.” Tanner paused for a few seconds, looking strangely remorseful. “The sapphire can rid a human body from some of its greatest biological threats and regretfully, it’s been placed out of mankind’s reach,” he sighed. “Tumors . . . Viruses . . . There’s nothing it can’t make disappear.”

  “Oh,” I mumbled. The power to completely heal a person from things that medical science grappled with curing every day and it couldn’t spare a single human life? That truly was a tragedy. “Why was Solomon imprisoned? Why didn’t Adamas just kill him?” Surely if his offense was horrible enough to lock him away, death would have been considered, especially knowing what a human sacrifice it was with respect to Talismans and their Guardian-granted healing duties. I doubt any pharmaceutical companies are chucking their “miracle cures”.

  “He was plotting to kill Adamas, which was bad enough, but Erion’s sacred labradorite went missing ar
ound the same time. Solomon would never confess to taking it, no matter what tactics any of us used. The thought of killing him did cross all our minds, but having access to his memories wasn’t a guarantee. Solomon was too clever not to have shrouded his mind in some way. He even alluded to the possibility. We even tried using a peridot to extract the truth, but it wouldn’t work. His sapphire’s defenses were far superior. So since we were left with no other options, Adamas locked him up until he was ready to confess. He’s been trapped for centuries, and no one but the Diamond Talisman can release him from his cell.” Tanner tossed the stone in his hand. “And you’re not doing that anytime soon,” he warned. “That said, these stones are only to be used in an extreme emergency. Aside from its powers of deception and illusion, Erion granted the sapphire one distinct ability that no other Talisman claims.” Tanner held up the stone with a purposeful pinch. “One crack of this sapphire allows its handler to teleport anywhere, at any time. It doesn’t need a linking portal like one of Kamya’s rubies requires two opposing flames. This one stone can send someone anywhere on earth without a trace. Popping up out of thin air and the element of surprise is quite advantageous. Imprisoning him in a cell he could never escape from was the wisest move, despite the ramifications it would have on humanity. He wanted to control The Veil just as much as Dunamis, so it ultimately came down to one thing . . . saving a number of souls or protecting the entire earth.”

  His rationale stung with logic, but then again, all the harsh reasons do. Still yet, knowing that kind of healing power was just hanging out there in limbo intrigued me. I wanted to hear more about the parameters of Solomon’s aforementioned cell.

  “Where is he?”

  “Adamas bound him inside a special diamond, one that contained enough Veil magic to block his teleporting ability, and then he buried the Sapphire Talisman in the earth. He felt it best that Solomon remain there until enough time had humbled him into submission. Unfortunately with Adamas’ unlikely departure, there was no one to break the spell. Just like the hex you lifted from Padimae. Only the diamond can release what the diamond has cursed. I’m sure he’s in there plotting his revenge. Time isn’t something that could warm a heart like his. He’s calculating, cunning, and cold. If anything, I’m sure it’s turned him into a more frigid block of ice.”