Catherine shook her head. She could not absorb the truth. Edward was restless--he had waited long enough for Mr. Thorn to die, now was the time. He did not want to talk; he needed to feel Mr. Thorn's lifeblood filling his mouth, he wanted to feel his last heartbeat as he ripped his heart from his chest with his jaws. While the creature name Johnathan was occupied, Edward ran around him and his aunt to lunge for Catherine and Mr. Thorn.
Catherine screamed as Mr. Thorn jumped to his feet, flaming sword in hand. Edward snapped and tried to bite into the flesh of Mr. Thorn's arm only to have the burning blade score into his shoulder. He jumped backwards and circled Mr. Thorn and Catherine. Mr. Thorn stood in front of Catherine defensively while Edward plotted his next attack. Johnathan did not try to intervene. He and his aunt seemed prepared to let Edward and Mr. Thorn have their fight.
Mr. Thorn went on the offensive, jabbing at Edward's exposed underbelly with his blade. Edward shifted out of the way and loped around him towards Catherine. He knew he should focus on his enemy, but her fear was driving him wild. He just wanted one taste. He wedged himself between them. Mr. Thorn was at his back and Catherine had scuttled backwards and was pinned against a wall. Johnathan and Isobel were too far away to intervene. There was nothing stopping him now. He rushed forward, jaws open, saliva flowing, anticipating the sweet and salty taste of her flesh. Catherine threw up her hands and screamed.
Chapter Twenty-eight
She saw the creature that had been her husband thundering towards her. The entire world slowed down. Every step he took seemed to take an eternity. She felt as if she were swimming through molasses. Am I going to die? Is this how I will meet my end? If only I had broken the spell sooner, none of this would have happened. On impulse she threw up her hands. She knew there was no hope, and out of desperation she said the words of the spell.
"I release these ties that bind; no longer will I hold you in my thrall. You are free to love as you will!" The words echoed and vibrated through her. A tingling sensation rose from the tips of her toes, coming up from the ground, and coursed through her.
The monster stopped a few inches from Catherine. She could smell his rancid breath and see the gleaming points of his teeth. The monster tilted his head like a lapdog. It was ludicrous, and Catherine laughed at the sheer madness of it. The tingling sensation faded and left her feeling empty. The spell had not worked; she still remembered everything. The monster's hesitation gave Mr. Thorn the opportunity to launch an attack from behind. He stabbed Edward in the back, and the beast thrashed backwards, trying to attack Mr. Thorn, who was clinging to his back by his sword. Then the other beast joined the fray. He clamped down on Mr. Thorn's thigh and tore at his flesh. Mr. Thorn pulled his blade out of Edward and swung it towards Johnathan.
Johnathan was quicker than Mr. Thorn, and he merely jumped backwards, teeth bared. Edward turned back around and rushed Mr. Thorn, knocking him to the ground but not before he swept his leg under Johnathan and brought him crashing to the ground with him. Johnathan threw out a clawed hand and pulled Edward down as well. The three of them rolled around, the green blade flashing as Mr. Thorn fought off his attackers.
Mr. Thorn regained his feet and scurried backwards. The two beasts harried him, pushing him into a corner. They then took turns attacking him. One would pounce at him, then the other would snap at his ankles. Mr. Thorn had his back pressed against the wall, swinging his blade, hacking and slashing.
A hand came down on Catherine's shoulder. She looked up to see Mrs. Rosewood smiling down at her. "It's time to go, Catherine."
Fear gripped her hard. Mrs. Rosewood was not the woman she thought she knew. Despairing, Catherine realized her one friend had betrayed her. Catherine tried to wrench free of the woman's grip, but it was iron tight. "What about Edward and Mr. Thorn? Shouldn't we do something to stop them?" She hoped somewhere buried deep Mrs. Rosewood still held some affection for her nephew.
"They'll sort one another out, I am sure," she said and pulled Catherine to her feet. Catherine felt like her knees were going to buckle beneath her at any moment. Mrs. Rosewood half-dragged her towards the door. Catherine cast a few desperate glances towards Mr. Thorn. He was bloody and his sword arm was sagging. The monsters were taking their time wearing him down. He did not notice Catherine being abducted.
In the foyer there was evidence everywhere of the guests' flight. A discarded shrug lay trampled on the floor. They exited the manor out the double doors, which had been flung open. A hat smashed and torn lay at the bottom of the steps. Even the front lawn was upturned from those who had ridden their carriages over the grass rather than wait to take the driveway out.
"What happened to Miss Ashton?" Catherine said. She needed to keep talking or she would crumple under her fear. She wanted to know where Mrs. Rosewood was taking her and what she wanted from her. She had said Catherine was precious to her. Did she think Catherine was the Thorn King's heir? That would explain why she wanted Catherine.
"She is dead, I am afraid. I borrowed her form for this evening, as you may have surmised. She was very good at stirring up trouble, which is exactly what I needed."
Catherine trembled all over. She had liked Mrs. Rosewood. She had felt comfortable with her, and everyone else in the village had treated her with scorn. "I thought you were my friend. Why are you doing this? What do you want from me?"
Mrs. Rosewood shook her head. "Oh, darling Catherine, I could spend ages explaining to you what you are and what makes you so special. Tonight, however, our time is short, and there is much to do. Believe me, I never falsified my affection for you. I care for you more than you know. "
I suspect she cares for me as a tool. She tugged her along the garden path and to the forest edge, where the wild met the manicured. This was what Mr. Thorn had called the gateway to the Otherworld. It was here that Mrs. Rosewood finally let go of Catherine. She stumbled and her legs continued to shake. She was not sure if it was from fear or if it was a lingering effect of the attempted spell.
"Open the gateway for me," Mrs. Rosewood said and pointed at the edge of the forest.
Catherine looked from Mrs. Rosewood to the forest. "I cannot. Mr. Thorn is the one who guards the gateway. I do not know how to open it."
"Yes you do; any child of the Thorns can open the gateway."
Her heart lurched. She does not know that I failed the test. "You're mistaken. Mr. Thorn tested me; I am not one of the Thorn Dwellers."
"That's where you're wrong, dear Catherine. It is true you are not the daughter of the king, but you are very much one of the Thorn Dwellers. Haven't you felt the change since you arrived? You feel more alive, more assured than before."
She wanted to deny it, but it was true. Looking back, she had grown so much in a short amount of time. She had done and said things that she never would have dreamed of before. The forest had terrified her when she first arrived. The more time she spent near the forest and in it, the less she feared it. I no longer think I am mad. I stood up to Mrs. Morgan when she tried to force me out. I have changed; is it because of the forest? She glanced over to the dark forest. The trees loomed above her, shadowy beneath the moon. The fog that had once dominated the landscape had dissipated. The moon was full and bright in the sky and lent plenty of light. Catherine could see the small folk scurrying about in the undergrowth, watching her and Mrs. Rosewood.
Mrs. Rosewood continued, unaware of Catherine's inner dialogue, "You were never meant to be sent away, believe me. I have waited a long time for this, Catherine. You are meant to open the gateway for me. Now go." She shoved Catherine lightly on the shoulder.
There was a hard line where the manicured lawn ended and the ground was left wild. She crossed over this invisible barrier and felt the press of a film clinging to her skin. Her fingers and toes tickled; there was a warm sensation rising from her toes and coursing up her legs. Catherine took a few more cautious steps towards the line of trees, with tangled thorny bushes and knee-high grass. The small folk chittered as
she drew near, but they did not emerge from their hiding places. She saw flashes of sharp teeth and a glimpse of clawed hands. The undergrowth was alive, pulsing with the creatures that would attack her if she came too close. They were agitated as they scurried from branch to branch. There was no pathway to light her way as before, just darkness and glowing eyes watching her. The bushes rustled, and a creature flew out to land on a tree just above her.
Catherine looked up to see Tabitha the owl looking down at her. Catherine opened her mouth to speak when the owl gave her a small shake of her head and nodded toward a large rock at the base of the tree. Catherine caught her meaning, though she was not sure she would have the power to do what the owl expected of her.
"Hurry, the moon is nearly at its pinnacle. There is not much time left," Mrs. Rosewood said. Her heart-shaped face was tilted back as she regarded the moon. Her dark hair was shot with silver by the light of the moon, and her face was ecstatic. Her arms were outstretched in welcome.
Catherine squatted down to pick up the rock. It was the size of her fist and dense. She closed her eyes. I can do this. Then Tabitha screeched and flew towards Mrs. Rosewood. She threw up her arms and batted away the owl. Catherine took her chance to spring at Mrs. Rosewood. She collided with her, wrapping her arms around her middle. They fell onto the grass, rolling around. Catherine tried to get on top of her, but Mrs. Rosewood was deceptively strong. She punched and kicked at Catherine, clawing at her arms, trying to pry the rock from Catherine's hand.
Catherine felt the tingling sensation grow, turning into a slow-building burn. It gave her energy and strength. She pulled hard with her free hand and flipped Mrs. Rosewood over and pinned her down with her thighs and her free hand. She held the rock aloft, unsure of what to do next.
"You will not do it," Mrs. Rosewood sneered. "I know you better than you know yourself. You are not a killer."
Her arms trembled. It was true. Catherine could not kill another human, even if she had turned Edward into a monster. Mrs. Rosewood did not struggle as she gazed up into Catherine's eyes. Catherine lowered her hand. I should let her go.
"That's right, Catherine. You are a good girl. Drop the rock, and let's talk about this," Mrs. Rosewood said in a coaxing tone.
There's no need for violence. I am sure she has an explanation for her actions, Catherine thought reasonably.
"Catherine, do not listen to her. She is putting a spell on you," Mr. Thorn said.
Catherine's head shot up. Mr. Thorn had never called her by her Christian name before, and it broke the spell Mrs. Rosewood was trying to weave. He was standing above Mrs. Rosewood's head. His face was covered in blood, and his clothes were torn. There was a deep gash in his thigh, and he was holding his shoulder at an awkward angle. He's been injured. Does that mean... She could not complete the thought.
Isobel laughed. "Ray, you fool. You know the moment you raise your hand to fight me, our pact is at an end. Those were the terms. I remain bound to Thornwood unless you tried to do me harm."
He glared down at Isobel. His eyes were a bright green like the forest at noon time. He was struggling with his decision, his flaming sword held aloft. Catherine knew she had to do something. She brought the rock down, intent on hitting Mrs. Rosewood hard enough to knock her unconscious. She closed her eyes to do it; she could not face the violence. That was a mistake. Mrs. Rosewood's hand shot up to stop her and twisted Catherine's wrist.
"I am impressed, Catherine. You have hidden steel. I am glad to see it," Mrs. Rosewood said with a malicious grin.
Catherine cried out. Mrs. Rosewood's touch burned her flesh. The sensation crept up her arm and lit her body aflame from the outside, sinking down into her muscles until she was paralyzed by invisible flames scorching her. Pain-induced tears streamed down her face.
"Let me go, Ray, or I kill her here in front of you," Mrs. Rosewood said, yanking Catherine up by her arm and dangling her in front of Mr. Thorn.
He raised his sword, perhaps preparing to kill Catherine himself to put her out of her misery. Catherine could think only of the pain. She wanted to die if it would end this agony. Her vision turned red from the pain, and no amount of screaming did anything to abate it. He drove the tip of his sword into his flesh and said: "Threads undone, binds broken, I release you from your obligation to me."
His blood dripped onto the ground in a pool. Mrs. Rosewood stared down at it with pleasure. "If I would have known it was this easy to have you undo the spell, I would have done it years ago."
She dropped Catherine, who crumpled on the ground. The fiery pain receded in small increments. Catherine curled over on her side and brought her knees to her chest.
"Now that the pact is broken, I am free to kill you," Ray said and raised his sword. He swung it towards Mrs. Rosewood, who did nothing to stop his blade from slicing her in half. When the blade touched her, she burst into black dust that dissipated on the wind.
Ray swore and spun around in a circle. "Come back. This fight is not over."
The only response was the mocking laughter of Mrs. Rosewood followed by silence. Catherine lay panting on the ground as the pain receded. I thought I was going to die. I wanted to die. She could not stem the tears that were falling. Mr. Thorn came to kneel down beside her.
"Lady Thornton, can you hear me?" he said.
She nodded. She was afraid to speak. Bile was threatening the back of her throat.
"I have to take you into the forest to heal you."
He helped her to stand. She trembled all over. "Where is Edward?" she said, her voice cracking.
Mr. Thorn flinched. "I am sorry, Lady Thornton. He was not himself. I had to come and save you before she opened the gateway."
The ground seemed to fall out beneath her. She lost her balance and fell down to her knees. Mr. Thorn went down with her, his arm around her shoulder for support. "I need you to take me to him," she said.
"You're injured," he protested.
"I have to see him," she said through gritted teeth. Please, God, I promise to never ask for another thing if you spare Edward, she prayed and fought back her tears. Crying would do her no good. She wiped at her tearstained face with the back of her hand.
Mr. Thorn helped her to her feet, and they made their slow progress to the manor house. In the foyer there were signs of their struggle all around. At the far end of the room lay a crumpled pile of linen. Catherine looked to Mr. Thorn to ask him where Edward was; then she heard a moan. What she had mistaken for linen was actually her husband, lying pale, naked, and sprawled on the floor. Despite her own injuries, she rushed to his side. Mr. Thorn protested as she hobbled over to her husband. The pain was almost gone, but it had left its mark on her.
Edward was covered in gashes. His lips were bloody, and there was a cut above his eye. She sat down beside him, her hands hovering over his numerous wounds. "Call Dr. Rowan. We have to give him medical attention," she said to Mr. Thorn.
"Don't..." Edward's voice was the merest thread.
She leaned over him and brushed her hands against his face. He winced. "Edward, hold on. I am going to call for a doctor."
He coughed and blood bubbled onto his lips. "It's too late..." He took a rattling breath. "I can already feel my lungs filling."
He moved his hand and revealed a stab to his gut. Blood was gushing out of it in a steady stream. She wept. Her momentary resolve was broken at the sight of the gore.
"Hush, darling, everything will be all right." She stroked his hair.
"I heard your voice. I was fighting to break free of the madness, but I could not seem to find you." He took another wet strangled breath. "I lost control when I thought he had killed you." He closed his eyes for a moment. "I am glad you are unharmed."
Tears were falling from her eyes and dropping onto his face. He did not try to brush them off his own face, but he reached a bloody hand out to cup her cheek.
"I love you, darling. Thank you, I am sorry our time was so brief."
She held his hand to
her face and felt his pulse slow, then stop. He was staring up at the ceiling, eyes blank and unseeing. She sat there for a few more moments, unmoving.
Mr. Thorn touched her shoulder, and she wrenched it away as if his touch burned.
"Do not touch me. I do not want to ever see you again, Mr. Thorn. Do not come back here."
He said not a word but slunk away and out the door. When he was gone, she wept all the harder. It had not been a spell after all. Edward loved her.
Chapter Twenty-nine
The night was silent as Ray marched to the forest edge. He had tried and failed more times than he liked to admit, and tonight was the pinnacle of his greatest shame. Isobel, his great mistake, had broken free of the bonds that had trapped her for nearly two human decades. Now she was free to roam the earth while he remained bound to the gateway. Not for much longer, I am certain. The council might have forgiven me for Catherine, I might have even gotten another chance, but I lost my last bargaining chip. He knew it was weak to look back on his mistakes. A warrior looked ahead for the next challenge and the next battle. He wanted to turn around, to go back to Lady Thornton, and force her to look at him. I killed her husband. She will not ever forgive me. There was nothing left of the guardian inside him any longer; humans do not understand if I let the creature live, he would have killed everyone in the village--I had to do it. Edward Thornton had never been the right choice for guardian. In the golden days, the Thorn King would have interfered and placed another of their line over him. Edward Thornton had been a guardian who not only dismissed the Fae, but convinced his people to do the same. He was no guardian at all. Without an heir apparent, it would be up to the council to appoint a new guardian. Not that it mattered to Ray any longer.
Heart of Thorns Page 24