The Bewitched Box Set

by W. J. May

  “Was. Not anymore,” Brady seethed, feeling his anger build.

  “We shall see. We’re the same, me and her, and she’ll need someone who can be there, someone who understands our world. She’ll see this, and you’ll be left alone.”

  Brady ground his teeth. “Azul, you’re a real piece of work. Karis is not yours. She is mine in every way. The only thing we don’t have is a piece of paper.”

  Azul raised a brow at his words. “You best not be telling me what I think. You’ll be sorely sorry if you have forced her.”

  “Hold it right there! I’ve never forced anyone, let alone Karis. We are together, and not you or anyone else will change that. Have you seen her bonding mark?” He held up his arm with the tattoo. “It looks just like this. Take a good look, Azul.” Brady clenched his fists as he walked away.

  He crawled out from under the stage and into the theatre seating area, needing some space. He ran up the stairs to the balcony two at a time until he overlooked the stage, then grabbed the railing with his hands and squeezed. Leaning over, he exhaled deeply. He wanted to yell at the top of his lungs, but didn’t know who’d be around and didn’t want to draw unwanted attention to him or their hideout.

  He bent over and rested his head in his hands. “I really hate that man.” What he wouldn’t give to get him in a ring. Any ring. Anywhere. Hell, the ring could be made out of cardboard boxes in the basement of a mortuary for all he cared.

  Hushed voices came from the lower level. He picked his head up to listen better. He didn’t want to eavesdrop, that wasn’t him, but he needed to know that whoever they were, they were friends and not enemies.

  “Does she suspect?” a man’s voice whispered. Brady looked around until he caught the shadows of two people standing close together in the corner by the back stage exit.

  “No, not yet anyway. Are you sure we have to do this?” Brady tensed up. He knew that voice. It was new but familiar. He’d heard it in the last week, he was sure.

  “So this is the famous hideout, huh? Where is everyone?” the man’s voice whispered again, ignoring her question. “Coron will be happy to know he can trust you. I’ll let him know where to come. Just make sure everyone is here. We don’t want anyone to escape.”

  “I know,” she said quietly.

  Brady held his breath and strained to see who was talking, but it was too dark. The back door opened, but it just led to another dark room, so no light was shed on the couple as they left the stage. He released his breath and darted down the stairs. Staying in the shadows, he crept along the wall to the stage exit door.

  Who was that? He needed to find out. He needed to keep Karis safe. Carefully, he pushed open the door, but whoever was there was already gone. He kicked the doorjamb, then trotted across the stage and jumped off, flinging the door under the stage open and running down the stairs.

  There weren’t as many people hiding out as there had been when they first arrived, so he could move quickly. He spotted Karis in the corner with Azul. Anger boiled inside him again seeing them together. She spotted him and smiled; his heart warmed knowing it was meant only for him.

  He skipped the two steps up that lead to the corner platform. Reaching out, he touched her arm. “We need to talk.”

  She focused on his eyes and nodded, then turned to Azul. “I’m sorry, we’ll have to continue this another time.”

  She stood and left without hearing a response from Azul. Brady grasped her hand and held on to her tightly as they moved to leave the secret room.

  Brady led her upstairs to the balcony where he was before. “Brady, what’s all this about? What’s wrong?”

  He looked into her eyes. “I needed to talk to you without everyone around.”

  “You know we can communicate with each other in our minds, right?” She gave a small laugh. “We’ve been practicing a lot this week.”

  “I know, but this is different. I didn’t want prying eyes and such.” He grasped both of her hands. “I was up here about fifteen minutes ago, right before I found you, and there was a couple in that corner over on the stage.” He nodded with his head in the direction he meant. “There was a woman and a man. The woman gave the man details and telling him where the hideout is. Karis, the man said he would let Coron know and that the woman was to keep everyone here so no one could escape.” He hesitated and watched her face drain of color. “I think the woman was Corina.”

  She looked away. Why would Corina betray them, betray her? “She did leave for a bit.”

  A door closed with an echoing bang, and Karis jumped from the startling sound. Brady let go of her hands and held a finger to his mouth, telling her to keep quiet. “We don’t know who it is,” he told her in her mind.

  She nodded and scanned the dim stage for any movement. A woman came in to view. Her short blonde hair made her stand out, and it took all Karis had not to gasp out loud.

  “It’s Corina,” she projected to Brady’s head.

  Brady made a grim twist with his mouth and glared down at Corina. She turned and looked around before opening the under-stage door.

  “You think it’s a coincidence she was being all sneaky coming back?”

  Karis bit her bottom lip and glanced away. She didn’t want to admit that her friend was her enemy. Brady laid his hand on her lower back. “Karis.”

  She waved him off. “Just don’t.” She sucked in a deep breath. “We need to tell Azul so we can prepare an escape plan without causing attention. We need to get all these people out of here.”

  “I agree.” Brady looked back down to the stage. How many people were in that room? There had to be at least one hundred, if not more. How would they get everyone out, without Corina noticing and running back to tell Coron?

  They headed down and found Azul in his usual spot in the corner with Syrena close by. Karis rolled her eyes but continued ahead. “Azul, we need to talk with you.”

  Azul glanced up at Karis with a gleam in his eye. “Of course, M’Lady, anything for you.”

  Karis gave Syrena a hard stare. “Alone.”

  Syrena let out a huff and turned to leave. Azul chuckled. “I don’t think she likes you.”

  “I don’t rightly care who she likes. I’m here for the people, not to be her best friend.”

  Azul cocked his head. “That doesn’t sound like you. You always cared what people thought.” He stood up and took her hands in his. “What’s wrong?”

  She glanced around and Brady pulled the curtain shut. “I know it doesn’t give us seclusion from prying ears, but it can help.”

  Azul’s eyes went wide. “This must be bad.”

  Karis leaned in close to Azul. “Read my thoughts.” She closed her eyes and thought hard, “Corina is plotting against us. Coron knows where we are.”

  Azul jerked back. “You’re sure?”

  Brady nodded. “I overheard her on the stage with a guy I didn’t recognize, but it was too dark to get a good look at him. Then Karis and I watched her sneak back in.”

  Azul rubbed his chin. “We need to get everyone out of here.”

  “Yes, but how do we do that without alerting Corina? Or alerting the people that something is wrong? She’ll tell Coron, and he’ll charge before we’re all out,” Karis spoke in a hushed tone.

  All three of them sat in silence as they thought. Karis’s eyes lit up. “I have an idea. I’ll ask Corina to go for a walk with me, you know, to show me the city since I’ve been gone so long. You guys will escort all these people to the lower portal and leave. I can meet up with you tonight.”

  “No,” both men said simultaneously.

  Brady folded his arms. “Absolutely not, I will not leave you to be prey to some psycho girlfriend.”

  “I agree with Brady, for once. You shouldn’t place yourself in harm’s way. The people need you. I need you.” Azul narrowed his eyes at her.

  “That’s why I must do it. For the people. Once you have everyone out, then Coron can’t hurt them,” she pleaded with both of th
em.

  Brady shifted his weight. “I have a better idea. Why don’t we just tie Corina up and leave? Then when her precious Coron gets here he can save her.”

  Azul nodded. “Yes, I like that idea. Why not do that.”

  Karis sighed. “She’s my friend, I don’t want her hurt.”

  “Karis, she might have been your friend once upon a time, but right now she’s the farthest thing from a friend.” Brady held a stern stare in her direction. She knew he was right, but it broke her heart to admit it.

  She tried to give him a half smile, even though it was fake. “Okay.”

  Azul rubbed his hands together. “So who gets to do the deed?”

  “For graciousness, Azul, it’s not a game.” Karis glared at him.

  Brady stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’ll stay with Karis, you get her to the back corner on the stage, and we’ll meet you there. We can do it together.”

  Azul nodded. “Alright, I’ll see you there within the hour.”

  Brady stood with Karis in the shadows of the stage. She kept glancing up at the stage then back down at her feet as they waited. “Karis, it’s going to be alright.”

  “I know. It’s just hard to imagine her going against me. It makes no sense.”

  “Come here.” He held his arms out for her. She stood up and walked into his embrace, breathing in his fresh scent. It reminded her of their time on the island when he was just a man, and she was only a banished woman. Things had certainly become harder since then, with so many changes. She wasn’t sure how she could’ve managed any of it without him.

  Karis leaned her head against his chest and relished the moment. It seemed like forever since they’d been alone. She remembered the last night they shared together and felt the familiar warmth creep up through her body. She wrapped her arms around his middle and held on to him.

  “It’ll be okay.” He rested his head on hers.

  A shuffle at the edge of the stage lifted their attention. Azul spotted them and his jaw clenched. Corina gazed over to where Karis stood and froze.

  Karis pulled back out of Brady’s embrace. “Corina, we need to talk.”

  “I don’t understand, what’s going on?” Corina looked at Azul then back at Karis.

  Azul grasped his hand around her upper arm. “Not so fast, Corina. Running away isn’t an option. Did you forget that I can read minds? Even memories?”

  Corina twisted and tried to get free of his hold; Brady pushed forward and grabbed her other arm.

  Karis stepped forward. “Why, Corina? I thought you were my friend.”

  Corina looked up from her wild tantrum and glared at Karis. “To be you. To be Queen. Coron loves me, and we’re going to be married.”

  Karis swallowed the lump in her throat.

  Brady looked at Karis as he kept a firm hold on Corina. She flailed around, but both men held on tight.

  “I’ve seen what her plans are, we can’t wait any longer. Coron is being told of our whereabouts right now.” Azul reached inside his vest and pulled out a bronzed rope.

  “Seriously? Is nothing in this world basic?” Brady shook his head as he helped pull Corina’s hands behind her back. “Why is it glowing like that?”

  Azul chuckled and moved out of the way as Corina kicked out at him. “This, my friend, is a protective rope. I know she doesn’t have the power to break the rope’s hold, and it will protect against all power attempts made by her to break free or to call out to anyone.”

  “Of course,” Brady said dryly.

  After the guys efficiently tied up Corina on the floor, Karis crouched down to her level. Corina glared at her over the binding they placed around her mouth. Her mumbled attempts at yelling were futile as the covering muffled most of the sound.

  “I’m sorry it came down to this.” Karis let out a deep breath and stood back up. “So do we just leave her here?”

  Azul shrugged. “She won’t be able to go anywhere, and she’ll be out of the way as we get everyone out of here.”

  Brady clasped his hand around hers. “It’ll be okay. It’s the right thing to do.”

  Karis took one last glance at the woman who once was her friend, then back up toward Brady. “You’re right. We should get going before Coron shows up.”

  Azul entered the hiding room before Karis and Brady. He climbed up the steps to his corner and let out a whistle, then clapped his hands together and gave a fake smile to everyone in the room. All eyes went to him, and the room fell silent. “We’ve been hiding here for years undetected by Tharious or Coron, but we have been ratted out. Now that the Princess is back, Coron is working harder to destroy all of us who support her.”

  Karis gasped as a hand grasped her elbow. Magnus stood beside her with wide eyes. “Is what he’s saying true? We’re no longer safe here?”

  Karis licked her lips before answering, wanting to prolong the response that she knew would cause fear to those around her. “Yes.”

  They all looked back up at Azul. “We have a plan, but we need to act in haste. We cannot tarry. Coron will be upon us soon.”

  Karis could feel her heart beat faster at the reality of the situation. Her people were in danger. She cleared her throat. “What Azul says is true. Coron will be here at any time, but we have a place to go. I will do all I can to protect you.”

  “But what about you, Princess? How will you reign over us, or be our Queen if you are dead?” someone in the back of the room spoke out.

  She steadied her breathing and surprised herself at how calm she sounded. Her voice carried determination and authority. “I will not stop till Coron is dead. I will fight, and I will win.”

  “We stand by you,” another voice called out. “We will fight next to you.”

  So much pride filled her chest. Tears welled in Karis’s eyes, but she pushed them away. “Thank you. Let’s go now before we’re trapped under this stage.”

  Azul lead them out, taking every step before the others like a true leader. Karis was grateful he was on her side. He truly had helped her people in her absence. She could see how he cared for them, just as she did. She glanced up at Brady, who stood next to her as she waited until everyone was out of the room, electing to bring up the rear. She wanted to make sure everyone got out.

  He gave her one of his smiles that melted her heart. She was glad he was with her, and that he chose to follow her into the portal back on the island. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.

  He nodded toward the door. “I guess it’s our turn.”

  Karis looked around. Everyone was gone. They closed the door behind them and caught up to the others who trickled out of the building one or two at a time.

  Karis glanced over her shoulder at Corina, who was still in the corner of the stage tied up. Her eyes were wide as she watched all of Karis’s followers escape.

  “Goodbye,” Karis whispered under her breath. She knew she wouldn’t hear her, but she needed to say it. Unlike the last time she left Shamike, this time she would leave settled.

  Brady and Karis wove their way back to the portal where Azul gathered everyone. Karis looked around at the crowd. There was several more people there than there was at the theatre. “Who are all these people?”

  Azul scanned the group. There were at least two hundred men and women. “They are your supporters. Well, not all of them. They are here because they want to help. Some have traveled from outer cities to be here and about half are from right here in the city of Shamike.”

  Karis swallowed hard. “Well, we need to get them to Aridam. Magnus can help. We can figure it out from there.”

  Azul nodded and pushed through the crowd. “Alright, we’re going to send everyone we can at a time. The portals have been closed so you will need to create them. I am sure that means that we will only have so many trips before your power is drained. Tharious has closed them to ensure that people stay here in Shamike. What he doesn’t know is that our dear Princess, along with her intended, has a rare pow
er. Together they can create enough power to send large groups together.”

  Brady leaned down to Karis. “What is he talking about? Large groups? Can you do that?”

  She gave him a weak grin. “Our power together can do that.”

  He squeezed her hand. “Alright, let’s do this.”

  Tall stones stood high in a circle with just one entry. Light-blue shimmers swirled up like a whirlwind inside the middle. Karis turned around. “If we can get everyone who can fit inside the portal, we can get started. We’re sending you to Aridam. That’s where Magnus and Brady are from. It’s their world, and we’ll be safe until we can return.”

  She shifted her gaze to Brady. “Are you ready?”

  “Bring it on.” He rolled his shoulders in small circles and took a couple quick breathes.

  She touched his forearm. “It’s okay, they’ll make it.”

  As soon as everyone crammed into the portal circle, Azul nodded at Karis. She estimated that at least fifty or more people would be traveling together. She was relieved. The more people they could send at one time, the more that would be safe from Coron.

  At least for the time being.

  Azul grabbed Brady’s forearm. “I will go with the first group, so they are not on their own. Magnus will go with the next group. Don’t let anything happen to her.”

  Brady returned the gesture. “Not in my lifetime.”

  Azul nodded then sidestepped to Karis, leaned down, and kissed her cheek. “Karis, don’t worry, we’ll be fine. Coron won’t find our people.”

  She nodded up at him. “Thank you.”

  Azul turned and entered the circle. He spun to face Karis and Brady as the wind picked up around the stones. The black pants Karis wore from Aridam waved around her legs, and her hair whipped around her face. Brady’s vest flew open, and they both squinted as the wind carried dust, stinging their eyes.

  Brady grasped both of Karis’s hands. She closed her eyes, projecting the portal around the group, and pushed out with all the power she possessed. Her mind felt heavy as she fought to transport so many people. Brady’s power added to hers, and she could feel his tremendous energy flow through her veins and out into the portal.