“Thanks to Zoe, I’ve learned to enlarge the sphere of invisibility a little. I’ve been working on it the last few days. Now as long as there’s a chain of physical touching, I can keep us all out of sight.”
“I’ve never been invisible before.” Marica grinned. “What fun this will be. Nicoleta, do you remember our cousin Angelica? She had a spell that let her be invisible. She never would share it, though. When I was small, she would do it to amuse us children.”
“No.” Nicoleta shook her head. “She died before I was born.”
“Ah. Pity. She was a wild one.”
Nicoleta met my eyes with a slight smile. I’d been mildly surprised that she was joining us this morning; this was a dangerous mission, and not one with room for error. But Cathryn had said that she wanted all of the safeguards in place for Marica, just in case. I imagined that the possibility of her turning on us had occurred to Cathryn, too. Nicoleta had the capacity to rein her in if that happened.
The car ambled to a standstill in the middle of several large canopied trees. Daeglan turned it off, removed the keys and turned around to face us.
“The chances of someone finding this car in the middle of the woods and stealing it are pretty small. On the other hand, the chances of the shit going bad on this job are much higher. There’s a chance that . . . fewer of us might return to the car, and there’s a chance, too, that whoever is left might be in an infernal hurry to get gone. So I’m leaving the keys here on the console. There are maps in the glove box, just in case.”
Nell nodded. I tried to quell the rising panic in my stomach.
“Well, then. Let’s get underway. On the count of three, everyone out of the car and taking hands. One, two and three.”
We scrambled to get out and touch a person near us. Daeglan had disappeared the minute his door opened, so it took Nell a minute to find him and grasp onto his hand. I took hers. Once again, Marica was between Nicoleta and me.
Being invisible was . . . kicky. I looked down at my hand, but it wasn’t there. I could feel Marica’s fingers clinging to mine, but I couldn’t see her. I could hear Daeglan breathing as he led us, but he was a presence instead of a person.
“Tas.” Nell whispered to me as we stumbled along. “You can do this. We can do this. You know it, don’t you?”
I nodded before I remembered that she couldn’t see me. “Yes. I think I do.” I squeezed her hand a little tighter. “Whatever happens, I’m glad I’m with you.”
She was quiet for a moment and then she squeezed me back. “Same here. Let’s show these assholes how King witches roll.”
I felt an unfamiliar sense of solidarity. I’d never identified myself as being from the town of King, since we’d only moved there when I was in high school, but the truth was, King was where I became who I was now. It was where I found love, and where I discovered how powerful I could be. I thought of Caroline Brooks and her family, and of all the stories she’d shared about the first families of King. I was part of that legacy now.
It was a long time—or so it seemed—before Daeglan halted and pulled us into a copse of thick bushes and vegetation. The sun hadn’t come up yet, but the sky was lighter. I shivered in the damp air and tugged my hoodie tighter to me.
“We’ll settle here for now. Our best bet is that they’re performing the ritual in the same area that they did fifty years ago. Tasmyn, can you hear anything? You know, with your extra-special hearing?”
I closed my eyes and focused. “Someone’s there. More than one person. They’re . . . preparing. I hear . . .” I frowned. “Nell, your mother is there. She’s thinking about you.” And she was. The gist of her thoughts wasn’t kind or helpful, though, so I decided to keep that to myself. “Another woman. Two of them. One’s blocking me pretty thoroughly, but she feels—” I swallowed. “Bad. Really bad. I think the other one might be the vampire Veronica told us about. And—” Terror gripped me. “Oh, God. Ben Ryan’s there. I recognize the chaos. He’s not blocking totally, though, and he’s thinking about the sacrifice. He plans—shit, I can’t get a good read on it. He keeps buzzing out.”
“All right, then.” Daeglan nodded. “We lay low until they’re about to begin, and then we’ll move in on them.”
“Why not now?” Nell asked. “We’re here. They’re here. Let’s go ahead and start this crazy battle.”
“We’re not sure if others might show up closer to the start time. We don’t want anyone coming in on our rear and surprising us. Better to know exactly who and how many we’re dealing with before we put ourselves in harm’s way.” Daeglan squinted into the trees, as though it might help him scout out approaching Hive members. “Tasmyn, keep listening. Even if they block, you might pick up something.”
“The bad one you mentioned, the one who seemed particularly evil . . . could it be Mallory Jones?” Nell murmured. “She would fit that description.”
I lifted one shoulder. “It could be. I just don’t know, because I’m not getting a clear read on her.” I was quiet again, trying to dig a little deeper without tipping any of them off that I was probing their minds. “Someone else just got there. He’s easier, he’s not blocking me . . .” I focused, and what I heard in this man’s mind made my blood run cold. “Oh, my God. They found the cabin. They’ve sent a group of drones over there to take Joy and destroy the others. That’s what he’s thinking. They’re going to attack the house and kill everyone.” I jumped to my feet. “We have to go back. Daeglan, we need to go. I have to be there—Michael and Marly are there. They can’t defend themselves against this kind of thing.”
“Shhhh!” Daeglan grabbed my arm and pulled me back. “We knew this was a possibility. They have protection in place there. We have a job right here. We cannot go back, Tasmyn. You know that.”
“Protection?” I whispered furiously. “What protection? Cathryn and Cillian, who only have passive power? Jackie, who doesn’t have any at all? Colby, the farmer who half the time seems as though he wants to be anywhere but with us?”
“Seth’s there, and I wouldn’t underestimate him, ever. Same with my baby brother. His preferred use for his skill set is on the healing end, but did you ever stop to think that he’s capable of the reverse as well?”
I let his words sink into my panicked brain. “Is he? But would he do it?”
Just a moment of doubt flickered through Daeglan’s eyes. “Under the right circumstances, I believe so. Also . . . Sionnach and I left a small gift with the cabin contingent. It should help them considerably. What we need to do is focus on our mission here, and then we can go back. But Tasmyn, your job is here. So must your focus be.”
I knew he was right. Deep down, I knew it. But that didn’t mean that all of my soul wasn’t screaming at me to turn back and save the people I loved. I fought against that and forced myself to drop back to the ground.
“Good. Now join hands again so we’re protected from sight. No sense in sending them an announcement that we’re coming. Tasmyn, you need to focus again.”
I had to really concentrate to hear anything over my pounding heart. “They’re about to begin. Just forming the circle.”
“Right, then. We move now. Stick close together. Stay dark.”
We crept through the trees, the thoughts, feelings and vibes of the Hive group growing louder the closer we got to them. I could almost taste their excitement, their intense anticipation that finally, they were about to open the door that would change history. They were going to let loose the evil they’d been longing for, and the entire world was going to burn.
“Almost there,” Daeglan breathed, as if I didn’t know it. “They’re just beyond these trees.”
“Stop here.” Nell tugged our hands. “Daeglan, you and Nicoleta need to step back now.”
“No.” Daeglan sounded fierce. “Being invisible gives you some protection.”
“But the power we’ll be wielding could kill you. Get behind us.” Nell was fully in charge and not brooking any argument. “Now.”
They stepped back, and just like that, we were visible again. Nell stood in the middle. She offered one hand to me, and after only the barest hesitation, opened the other one to Marica. With a sigh and a smile, the Romanian witch clasped her fingers.
“Just like we talked about,” Nell whispered. “Aim at disrupting the circle, and then—”
“Our final guests have arrived.”
The voice was all too familiar. The last time I’d heard Ben Ryan speak, he’d been raging at me for making the wrong choice. But now he was calm, smiling as he stood in the circle. His eyes roamed over the three of us.
“Of course, you knew we’d be expecting you. Carruthers hasn’t exactly been discreet over the last months, has it? We’re so glad you’re here. You have a front row seat to the biggest show of all time.”
Proclaim eternal victory
Come on and change the cause of history
And pull us through
And pull us through.
“Apocalypse Please” Lyrics by Matthew James Bellamy
2017
Jackie
I hadn’t slept at all. Well, the truth be told, I hadn’t been sleeping much since Lucas had left to travel back in time. But on the night before the world was scheduled to end, I didn’t close my eyes once. I lay in the bed I’d shared with him since we’d been here, and I tried to imagine what Lucas might be doing now, tonight fifty years ago.
While it was still pitch dark, I heard the sounds of people moving around. I knew it was Daeglan and the witches, leaving to go to the commune, but I didn’t move out of bed. I could only guess what their mindset would be, and the last thing they would need was someone extra offering a tearful farewell. I lay still, praying for their safety. Praying that at the end of the day, we’d all be alive and together again.
And then I got up and crept down to the kitchen, thinking coffee was the best idea ever. I mean, really. The idea of fighting evil and trying to avert an apocalypse without a solid foundation of caffeine was just foolishness.
“Well, well, well. Look who’s the early worm, up and at ‘em.” Henry leaned against the counter, grinning at me.
“Henry, my one true love. Tell me you’ve made coffee, and I’ll be yours forever.”
Laughing, the tall man reached for the pot and a mug. “Start planning the wedding then, honey, because I have chickory already brewed . . . and oatmeal muffins just out of the oven.”
“Perfection. You truly are a god, Henry.”
“Nah, not hardly. I can’t do much, you know? Cathryn brought me on this mission because she trusts me. She needs me. But there’s not much I have to offer. This, the food—it’s what I do.”
“Magic comes in all forms, Henry. Yours is one of my favorites.” I sipped the liquid nirvana and sighed in pleasure.
“You practice it pretty good yourself, Jackie. Tell you what, darlin’. We get through this whole world-saving deal, and I think you and I are going to throw this team a party like they’re never going to forget. How does that sound?”
I smiled. “Sounds like a winner of a plan.”
“Oh, thank God. Coffee.” Cathryn stumbled in and held out her hand. “Please. Now.”
“Sit down there, it’s coming right up.” Henry slid her a mug. “Did you sleep at all?”
“Not really. I was thinking about Seamus, and of course, I was going over everything for today.” She glanced at me. “They left already. Daeglan and the others.”
“I know. I heard them.” I nabbed a muffin and bit into it. “Yum. Henry, this is—”
Boom! The cabin was rocked by a huge explosion, and I fell from the stool onto the hard tile floor. Cathryn cried out and braced herself, and Henry reached for our mugs to keep them from shattering.
“What the hell was that?” I scrambled to my feet.
“I don’t know. Earthquake?” Cathryn peered out the window into the dark, as though there might be some answer out there.
Another series of bangs shook us, and this time I heard shouts from upstairs. I held onto the edge of the counter and managed to keep to my feet.
“That wasn’t any damn earthquake,” Henry growled. “Something’s exploding.”
“Turn on the television, Henry.” Cathryn’s hands were trembling. “Please. We need to see what’s going on.”
Cillian appeared in the doorway. “What in the bloody hell—are you all okay?”
“I think so.” Cathryn attempted a smile. “Although Jackie took a spill from the stool.”
“I’m fine. Maybe a little bruised.”
“I fell out of bed.” Joy stumbled into the kitchen. “I thought it was a dream, and then the second one came.”
“You all right?” Colby was just behind her.
“Uh huh. I didn’t land hard.” She looked him over from head to feet. “What about you?”
“Fine. Seth’s just behind me.” He ran a hand through his hair.
“Uh, Cathryn. You might want to see this.” Henry had switched on the small television set on the corner of the kitchen counter. Images filled the screen, and they took my breath away.
Fire. Explosions. People running in the streets. Buildings tumbling to the ground. Mass pandemonium.
“Where is this?” I whispered, searching for landmarks while my mind went to all of the people I knew who were still out there, unprotected.
“It’s . . . everywhere. That right there—it’s Philadelphia. And then . . . oh, Los Angeles. And Berlin. London.”
“God.” Cillian’s face was a study in dread. “This is part of it, isn’t it? This is the Hive. They’ve started already.”
“Doesn’t surprise me. This was something they’d said a long time ago, to Nell and Rafe. Creating panic and terror is a chief goal.” Cathryn pressed her lips together. “I know it looks bad, but we can’t let it distract us from our job today. We have to protect Joy, and she has to . . . be the vessel.”
Seth joined us. “Cathryn’s right. This is a diversionary ploy. We should begin to put everything in place for Joy, because she should be ready when the ritual is scheduled to be performed.” He glanced at Cathryn. “Do you have the stone? You should give it to Jackie. She can have it ready for anyone who might need it.”
She nodded. “Absolutely. Let’s all move to the great room and get ready.”
I knew about the eternity stone, because Cathryn had explained it to Lucas and me. I’d helped him do some research to find more information on its use, as Sionnach and Daeglan, who had brought it to us, only knew that it could be used to brew an elixir that gave immortality and that it could enhance already-existent powers. All of that had been confirmed through our reading, but we hadn’t learned much more.
“Just hold onto it. If Cillian or I need it—or Seth—you’ll be more easily able to get it to the right person.”
“All right.” The smooth rock lay on my palm. “It doesn’t look like much.”
“These things rarely do,” Cathryn agreed. “All I need you to do, Jackie, is to sit to the side and keep your eye on things. And stay out of the way. Lucas would kill me if anything happened to you.”
“That’s reassuring. Thanks.” I retreated to the sofa as Colby and Seth settled Joy into a chair. She was clearly uncomfortable, fidgeting.
“What’s going to happen, Seth? I have no idea what I’m doing.” She frowned. “Do I have to say something?”
“Nope.” Seth smiled at her. “Just sit and try to relax. And remember to trust me.”
“Okay.” She sighed and looked at Colby. “Smile, farmer dude. Just think, once we get past this, you’ve fulfilled your destiny and you can go back home to the quiet life. I bet the cows miss you.”
He scowled at her. “My cows are just fine, thanks. You concentrate on your job, and I’ll do mine.”
“Oh, I got this. I just want to—”
The cabin shook again, the glass in the windows rattling. Then there was a much closer, louder bang from behind me. I swiveled, realizing I’d just heard th
e front door open and knock into the wall.
“Hey, who’s that?” I stood up and turned, learning on the sofa, craning my neck to see what was going on. A huge, hulking figure filled the doorway, pausing for a second before he lunged inside. Shock paralyzed me, but I didn’t miss the other men following in the giant’s wake. All of them were running toward us, shouting.
There was a loud, piercing scream, and I realized it came from me.
Colby jumped in front of Joy. Reaching behind him, he hauled her to her feet and dragged her across the room, away from the approaching attackers. He positioned the two of them so that the vessel was wedged into a corner, with his body between her and any danger.
But the giant who’d first crashed the door didn’t even look toward Joy. He was heading straight to Cathryn, who’d just come running down the steps to see what all the commotion was about. Grabbing her arm, he twisted until her body was pressed up against his enormous bulk.
“Don’t do anything stupid. Don’t anyone move, or I’ll snap her fucking neck.” He spoke in a near-monotone, as though he’d been programed. “We’re taking the vessel. As long as we get her without any problem, no one has to get hurt.”
“The fuck you are.” Colby glowered. “She’s not going anywhere.”
The giant holding Cathryn howled with laughter. “You think you’re going to stop me from doing anything I want? I’ll swat you like a gnat.” His hand gripped Cathryn’s head, and I had the fleeting thought that she was going to be so pissed about him messing up her hair. She was particular about looking perfect all the time.
As though she heard me—and crap, of course she did, Cathryn always heard my most embarrassing thoughts—her eyes darted my way, pleading. I frowned, trying to figure out what she might want, and then suddenly, I knew.
The stone. It still lay in my hand, and if I could get it to the right person—with the right powers—it could mean the difference between all of us living or dying.
Age of Aquarius Page 28