by R. L. Perez
I lifted my chin. “That’s because I wrote it.” I stepped forward, brandishing the poker. “Care to try again?”
Leo arched an eyebrow, his eyes glinting. “Tell me, Miss, uh, Worst Nightmare, what is your affinity? I fear I hold an unfair advantage over you by shifting.” He spread his arms wide. “But I feel you have not responded in kind. Surely, you must be holding back.”
My jaw went rigid. Glaring, I muttered another spell,
“Magic above, surround this space,
Freeze my enemy and hold him in place.”
Blue jets of magic spilled from my hands and surrounded Leo in a bright glow. He froze in place, still wearing that infuriating smirk on his face.
I bounded forward and rammed the poker into his shoulder. It went right through his flesh. Something unreadable flared in his eyes, but he didn’t so much as flinch.
I yanked the poker free and lunged again, but this time my spell wore off. He collapsed to the floor, moaning as he tried to rise. Blood poured from the wound in his shoulder.
A weary chuckle escaped his lips. Groaning, he climbed to his feet and clutched at his injured arm. “Impressive,” he said hoarsely. Amusement still danced in his eyes, but his face was wary. Nervous even.
It brought me a tiny bit of satisfaction to see his expression shift, even if the change was subtle.
I raised my eyebrows, challenging him.
Leo’s chest heaved with ragged breaths. His face looked paler than usual, and when he stepped toward me, he winced, his expression crumpling.
I smiled, cocking my head at him. “Again?”
He breathed an airy laugh, shaking his head. “You are a worthy adversary, Little Nightmare. I’m sorry I underestimated you.”
“Not sorry enough,” I growled, stepping forward.
A door slammed, echoing in the hall behind me. For once, Leo’s smile slid off his face. I stilled, watching him. Waiting. My hand felt slick with sweat as I gripped the poker tightly.
“Until next time,” Leo whispered. Before I could react, he vanished in a puff of black smoke.
I gasped. My head whipped back and forth as I looked for him. I heard a faint buzzing sound near my head. I whispered hastily,
“Surrounding magic, guide my eyes,
Reveal this enemy’s deceptive disguise.”
Blue magic poured from my hands again, circling the room, but nothing happened. Eventually, the light faded, and my magic vanished. Swearing, I whirled around to look for Leo, but I already knew I wouldn’t find him.
He was gone.
My face was covered in sweat. Panting, I looked around. Footsteps echoed in the hall. I was gripped by the sudden urge to hide or conceal my weapon, but I didn’t know why.
Then, I focused on the tip of the fire poker. I hastily drew it closer and wiped the tip with the sleeve of my shirt. Now it looked like I’d been injured.
I had no idea why I’d done that. But something told me I needed to keep Leo’s blood. And I didn’t trust the Count with it. If I could use it for a locator spell—or some spell of my own invention—maybe I could hunt Leo and his coven down myself.
Several figures appeared in the doorway of the library. The Count stood in front, dressed in a satin robe. His hair surrounded his face, and his eyes were wide and bloodshot.
“Miss Gerrick.” He looked around the room. Aside from a few books that had fallen from their shelves, the library was otherwise undisturbed. “What happened here?”
I wiped my forehead. “Leo Serrano was here. We fought. He left.”
“You . . . you fought?” The Count sputtered, glancing over his shoulder. Just behind him I recognized Ignacio and a few others who were obscured by shadows.
“Yes,” I said through clenched teeth. “I wounded him, and he left.”
The Count rubbed his chin, his eyes wide and calculating. Then, he turned from me to whisper something to Ignacio. Ignacio nodded and left, followed by another mage.
“Mr. Wilkinson, would you be so kind as to search the premises for any other demons?” the Count muttered.
My heart lurched. Riker’s here? A figure stepped out of view, vanishing into the shadows before I could get a better look. I swallowed down the lump in my throat.
The Count turned to face me again, his eyes narrowing. It was just the two of us now. I felt I should put the poker back, but it gave me a strange sense of comfort. I ran my thumb along the cool metal handle.
The Count’s eyes followed my movement, fixing on the weapon I wielded. “You fought him off with only that?”
“And my spells,” I muttered.
The Count’s eyebrows lifted. “Most impressive, Miss Gerrick. Perhaps we should bring you along with us when we next attack.”
My heart lifted, and I straightened a bit.
“Come and sit.” The Count gestured to the chairs surrounding the fireplace.
We sat in the armchairs, similar to when we’d first met. I carefully placed the poker back against the wall next to the fireplace and clasped my hands on my lap.
“You are hurt,” the Count gestured to the blood on my shirt.
I cleared my throat. “It’s barely a scratch. I can’t even feel it.”
“Even so, you should have Ignacio take a look.”
I nodded, eager to move on from this subject. “I will.”
The Count scrutinized me. I forced myself to meet his gaze, trying to arrange my face into something carefully neutral.
“So, you spoke with Serrano?” the Count asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.
I nodded.
“What did he say to you?”
“Just that he wasn’t expecting me. He was expecting you.”
The Count frowned. “And . . . what were you doing in the library at this hour?”
I shifted in my chair. “I couldn’t sleep. As I’ve told you before, arranging books helps my mind relax. I was hoping it could help me get back to sleep.”
The Count watched me for so long that my eyes started to water, but still I didn’t look away. I was telling the truth. I had nothing to fear.
At long last, he nodded. “Did he say what he wanted?”
I shook my head. “He was cloaked. I didn’t recognize him at first. I think . . . I think he came alone. This wasn’t like before when they all attacked at once. I feel like he crept in here on his own.”
“Why?” the Count whispered, stroking his chin.
Though I had the feeling he asked himself the question, I still answered it. “Maybe he was looking for something.”
The Count stilled, his eyes shifting to me and sharpening. Distrust and uncertainty flickered in his expression.
I watched him, and something roared within me. I was right. He’s hiding something. Something Leo Serrano wants.
“Perhaps,” the Count said slowly. “I will have to consult with my mages and examine the extensive evidence and research we’ve collected on the coven over the years. This incident was isolated, but perhaps it will help me to see the bigger picture.”
He looked away from me, and I understood his implication: my opinions weren’t wanted. And he knew more than me about this.
I pressed my lips together and nodded. If I wanted to avoid his suspicion, I needed to act compliant.
Especially if Riker and I would be snooping through the Count’s things later.
“That is all, Miss Gerrick.” The Count waved his hand. “You may return to your chambers.”
I stood and left the library, anxious to be alone and decompress from the whole ordeal. When I entered my room, Maria was already inside. She yelped when she saw me, raising her hands in the air.
“Oh my lady, I was so frightened! The other servants said they heard fighting and then I came here and couldn’t find you—” She broke off, shaking her head. Tears filled her eyes and she sucked in several breaths.
I smiled and took her hands in mine. “I’m all right, Maria. Thank you for your concern. But I’ve been up for a long time a
nd would like to rest now, if that’s okay.” I glanced toward the window and found sunlight bleeding into the room.
Maria followed my gaze and squeezed my hands. “It’s all right. His Excellency is always more lenient after demons attack. I’m certain he won’t mind if you rest a bit longer.” She exhaled and wiped her hands on her apron.
“Relax, Maria,” I said. “Everything’s fine. It was just one demon, and he’s gone now.”
Maria offered a wobbly smile. “I only need my nerves to settle, my lady.”
“You go and rest too. I don’t need your help undressing or anything. I’ll be fine, I promise.”
Maria looked at me, her eyes wide and fearful.
“Really.” I fixed a stern look at her. “I insist.”
Maria chuckled shakily and curtsied. “Thank you, my lady.”
Then, she left.
I heaved a sigh and strode to the window. Rolling hills and small concrete buildings stood in the distance, surrounded by a thick forest. Just barely visible near the horizon were the peaks of small mountains. The air smelled of dust, dirt, and decaying leaves. I gripped the edge of the window, staring for a moment at the scene below me. How had I never wondered what this city looked like? The one time I’d been outside, I’d been in a panic and intent on finding a way back home. I hadn’t really appreciated my surroundings.
Resolving to explore later, I drew the curtains closed and settled into bed, my mind and body so exhausted that I didn’t think once of my nightmare before drifting off to sleep.
15
Brielle
I SLEPT WELL PAST NOON. Maria came to fetch me when lunch was being served. She helped me dress in a shirt and pants similar to what I’d worn yesterday. She also insisted on pinning my hair up into something elegant.
I entered the dining hall and realized I was the last to arrive. Everyone had already begun eating, including the Count. The men all stood at my entrance and then sat down when I seated myself between Riker and Izzy.
“You will forgive us for dining without you, Miss Gerrick,” the Count said, nodding toward me. “I thought it best to let you sleep after your ordeal last night.”
I inclined my head politely. “Thank you, Your Excellency.”
I ate in silence, though I felt Izzy’s gaze on me during the meal.
Just before I stood from the table to excuse myself, a blinding light exploded from the other end of the table. A boy was completely on fire.
I sucked in a gasp, looking around in horror for something to douse the flames. After barely a minute, the flames died, revealing the shaggy-haired Douchebag.
I swallowed down the panic in my throat, pressing a hand to my chest. Several boys jumped up to pat down the flames on the table and chairs with their waistcoats.
Vaguely, I remembered this same boy setting himself on fire my first day here. His name was Porter. I stared at him, wide-eyed. Chagrin filled his face as he hurried to help clean the ash and soot lingering on the table from his accident.
The Count waved a lazy hand toward the door, and a mage appeared. “Take him.” He pointed to Porter.
Red splotches appeared on Porter’s face, but he nodded in dejection and followed the mage from the room.
“Where are they going?” I whispered to Izzy, slowly lowering myself back in my seat.
“Probably more training. That’s what they do for me. If they can’t subdue his flames, they’ll give him a sedative. It’s happened to me once or twice.” She rubbed her nose, dropping her gaze.
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” I said sternly. “We all have problems here. It’s not your fault.”
Izzy offered a bitter smile. “It doesn’t feel that way when someone you love gets hurt.”
I stared at her as she took another bite of food. Horror climbed up my throat. I didn’t know what to say. Sure, I’d had my own problems, but I’d never hurt someone else. If anything, I’d been the one hurt so many times because of my incompetence.
The tightness in Izzy’s jaw and the darkness in her eyes told me she didn’t want to talk about it. So, I didn’t pry. But my heart twisted in agony for whatever tragedy she’d suffered.
On my other side, Riker nudged me with his elbow. “You all right?”
I nodded, offering him a weak smile. “I’m fine.”
“Last night,” he said, then paused and swallowed. “I . . . I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”
I frowned. “Why?”
“To help you fight him, of course.”
I snorted. “I don’t need help. In case you couldn’t tell, I beat him. He bolted.”
Riker’s brows knitted together. “Or he fled because he heard the other guests waking up.”
I shot him a glare. “You think I can’t handle myself in a fight?”
Riker raised both hands in surrender, the corners of his mouth curving upward. “I said no such thing, my lady.”
His mocking tone and disarming smile easily soothed my anger. “Good,” I muttered, but I couldn’t help but smile back.
Riker chuckled. “You are a feisty one, Brielle Gerrick.”
My face warmed at his use of my full name, but I said nothing.
AFTER THE MEAL, THE mages met with us again. This time I was grouped with Armin, Abe, Elias, and, to my disgust, Samson. His eyes were full of fire when he looked at me, which told me he hadn’t forgotten about our altercation the night before.
We sat in a circle as Ignacio coached us through some tedious breathing exercises. He chanted some words in Latin while lifting his hands as if in prayer. I wouldn’t be surprised if he and the Count actually believed we could be cured through some divine intervention.
He urged us to take deep, cleansing breaths and point our hands toward him, who was to be a conduit to our powers.
As I expected, nothing happened. And when we were dismissed, I grumbled to myself about what a waste of time that had been. I could’ve spent that hour researching or exploring the Count’s wards.
The days turned into weeks. After the incident with Leo’s coven, the Count had been relentless with our training, claiming that if the demons could attack at any moment, then we had to work nonstop to master our powers.
I could hardly call it “training,” though. It was really more like yoga and meditation, and it made me gag every time. For the next week, when I wasn’t busy listening to Ignacio spout on about “deep breathing” garbage, I was creeping around the castle at mealtimes as I tried to find a way out. But the Count’s guards were stationed at every door.
I often spent time in the armory practicing with weapons. I couldn’t exactly use a punching bag in this time period, so I had to release my frustrations through other means. My favorite was the small dagger. With my stature, I couldn’t wield a heavy sword easily. Sometimes Izzy would join me, and I’d teach her some basic sparring moves. I was never satisfied until I’d broken a sweat.
Juan often avoided me or shot me frightened looks, which was fine with me. I had no desire to become close friends with him. But after a while, unease wriggled through me, especially when I saw him chatting with the Count like they were best buds.
After a few weeks, I knew I had to clear the air. Even if he’d already told the Count about my father—I had to know.
After dinner one night, he darted out of the dining hall, and I hurried to catch up to him.
“Juan!” I called out, then clamped my mouth shut. “I mean, ah, Mr. Arévalo. Can I speak with you?”
Juan went still, his eyes guarded as he looked at me. “Of course. What can I do for you, Miss Gerrick?”
I glanced around before drawing closer to him, trying to ignore how he leaned away from me like I was contagious. “I want to apologize for speaking so . . . freely about my father and his dark magic.” I dropped my voice even further. “Can you forgive me for being so blunt and forward? I realize now it was a mistake to discuss something so sensitive with you.”
Something like relief flickered in his eyes, but he rem
ained wary. “Not at all, Miss Gerrick. Think nothing of it.”
He turned to leave, but I hissed, “Wait! Please. There’s something else.”
Juan stopped, his brows knitting together. “Yes?”
“I must ask that you keep the information to yourself.” I tried to look innocent and weak, but I was sure it came off as more of a pained grimace. “I realize now the error of my careless comments, and I would hate for it to offend someone else.”
Juan straightened, and something unreadable stirred in his eyes. “I’m afraid I cannot make such a promise, Miss Gerrick. I do not feel comfortable keeping secrets from my peers and my superiors.”
Panic swirled within me. “Juan, please,” I whispered, dropping the prim and proper act. “I’m in danger here. I swear to you, I practice light magic. I don’t follow in my father’s footsteps. Please.”
“Miss Gerrick, as you’re well aware, the Count despises demons. Even if I didn’t share his beliefs, I would feel like I was betraying his trust if I kept this information from him. He is already on edge due to his efforts to find a way to free us from this blight, and since he doesn’t know much about the dark warlock who cast the spell, the task has proven difficult. I cannot add another burden with my deceit.” Juan’s lips tightened, and he stepped away from me. “I’m sorry.”
And then he left. I stared after him numbly until his words struck me like a blow.
Demons. The Count despises demons.
If he hated demons, then of course he wouldn’t know anything about the dark warlock who cast the spell.
But surely someone did. Someone who also practiced dark magic.
Someone like Leo Serrano.
16
Leo
ESTRELLA’S LIGHT SNORES filled the cave. Satisfied that she was deeply asleep, I rolled out of bed and slid my trousers and tunic on. I glanced at her sleeping form, momentarily overcome with envy and nostalgia.
Lilith, I don’t even remember what it’s like to sleep.
I shook the thought from my head, instead focusing on the satisfying pleasure I’d shared with her just moments ago. It had been a welcome escape to step away from my conflict with the Count and allow my body to experience the passions of mortals. To forget myself and everything around me.