As if it knew exactly what she waited for, a sudden gust came, the perfect wind to send her high into the sky. She turned loose of the railing and let it take her up.
A moment later, she rode the wind toward the mountains and the small, gleaming lights from the town faded away. Everything in the forest was simple and pure and she felt instantly better being near it, and while it did clear most of her head, she still found herself thinking of John…of his wild, blond hair that spiked up uncontrollably in every direction, his kind brown eyes…and the gentle way he had of cupping her cheek before he leaned down to kiss her. The last time he had kissed her had been the week before. It had felt like an eternity—another lifetime ago.
All feelings of peace left and she screamed in frustration, filling the air with a shrill howl that in no way sounded like a creature of the wind. The current dipped, taking her nearer the treetops, so she pumped her wings a few times to gain a bit more altitude in hopes of catching another breeze.
The mountain was blocking her, she decided, so she flew around it and found another current of wind gusting on the opposite side, just over the lake. She soared with it, dropping down close to the water to look at her reflection in the moonlight—to see the creature that had frightened John away.
Two large golden eyes gazed back at her from the sleek surface of the lake. They were set in a round, white-feathered face flecked with tiny bits of black. Two enormous wings stretched out on either side of its head, displaying rows upon rows of silky, white feathers.
The breeze lost a bit of its power and Ronnie pumped her wings to keep from touching the surface. The owl in the water mirrored her movements. She was still staring at it, wishing herself to hate the reflection, to detest the giant owl whose wings held not only power, but beauty.
As far as magical creatures go, there were definitely worse things to be, she decided, as she watched the lake’s still, glassy surface. Things that made her owl look gorgeous in comparison.
Ronnie relaxed just a bit and one of the owl’s giant claws reached toward her. She felt the chilly water touch her talons and the reflection rippled, then disappeared.
She thrust her wings up, arching toward the sky to gain altitude. She would fly to the next mountain, circle for a little while, then head back home. Her head was as clear as it was going to get.
As she flew up to the top of the mountain, a strong, cold blast of air smacked into her from the north, countering the soft breeze that she had grown accustomed to. The shock of the colliding winds on either side of her wings kept her from turning into the stronger gust and she suddenly found herself being thrown, tossing in the air, helpless.
She struggled to change direction, to use the wind to her advantage, but it was as if the air had taken a life of its own, and had no intention of letting her fly. As she tried to turn one last time, she spiraled toward the ground and saw the trees coming up to meet her.
Her head exploded with pain as it met the hard trunk of an enormous oak. Stunned and barely hanging onto consciousness, she felt herself sliding down the hard bark, before finally landing onto the ground. She felt her magic fade as the Chickcharney disappeared deep within her, leaving her a human girl, lying against the tree like a discarded, broken doll, her head propped up at an angle that made her neck ache.
She tried to sit up, but her vision doubled and bright white spots mixed in with the snowflakes that had begun to fall. She slumped back against the tree and felt it move, as if it were trying to accommodate her and offer her a more comfortable position. She felt something like branches lift her up, cradling her.
That figures, she thought hazily. I’m an owl, but the wind throws me away and I get picked up by a tree. I really am a freak of nature. It’s no wonder John doesn’t want me anymore.
At least the tree felt safe, she decided, as it carried her through the forest. Then, the blurry images of the forest left—and the darkness came.
HER FATHER’S WORRIED eyes were the first thing that she saw when she came to, though he seemed to have an extra sets of eyes that swirled around, never keeping still. The drab, white walls of the emergency room spun in circles, making his eyes move around faster. She felt dizzy and queasy. She squeezed her eyes shut.
“Easy now, Veronica.” Her dad sounded as if he were talking in a barrel. His words sounded anxious, but far away, muffled, mixed in with other voices that spoke around her. The other voices made no sense. “We’re giving you something for the pain. It will all be all right now. I promise.”
She opened her mouth to try to tell him that she would be okay as she felt the prick of a needle. No words came out and she sank into nothingness.
TWO DAYS LATER
“SOMEONE BROUGHT YOU in,” said the nurse, “and I can’t tell you who it was, because I don’t know. All I do know is that you were found in the forest, hurt, and they brought you here.” She gave Ronnie a low, level look as if reprimanding her for being in the woods to begin with.
Ronnie ignored her. “Would anyone working the ER desk know?” she asked. She had been in the hospital for two days, and while her head still felt sore, she knew it could have been worse. Whoever it was that had saved her, deserved her thanks—once she figured out who it was.
Surely someone had seen the person who had found her. The last thing that she remembered was hitting the tree and then the tree carrying her, but that couldn’t have been right. Trees didn’t walk—much less walk into the middle of town and deposit someone inside the emergency room without causing some kind of commotion.
“I doubt it. You’d do best to just be thankful and leave those girls be down there. The ER has been busy for the last two days and they don’t need you down there bothering them. Besides, you had a concussion and you don’t need to go gallivanting around. You’ll be going home soon and you need to rest up.” The admonishing tone in the nurse’s voice made Ronnie scowl. She read the name tag hanging on the front of her blue scrubs.
“Listen…Eva, is it?” Ronnie knew her voice was hard and cold, but she just didn’t care. “Somebody saved my life when they brought me in here and I will figure out who it was, with your help or without it. Going as far as the waiting room isn’t going to hurt me.”
Eva pulled the tape off the IV on her hand harder than had been necessary. Ronnie yelped and pulled instinctively away.
“You’re a lucky girl,” Eva said in a low voice. “But if you bother the nurses, I will let Dr. Oswald deal with you.”
Ronnie had stopped listening once she had heard the word lucky. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the nurse…Eva…remove the IV needle. She felt the quick sting as the needle left her flesh, but she didn’t stop staring at the nurse. It was too coincidental that she had used that particular word for someone who was a Chickcharney. That meant that she knew what Ronnie was—which likely meant that Eva was something magical, too.
Her head bent over Ronnie’s hand, Eva wiped away the drops of blood with an alcohol wipe and stuck a band-aid on the small wound. Ronnie couldn’t pick up anything magic-wise from her. She didn’t have any tell-tale signs of being anything other than human.
Ronnie sighed. That was one of the drawbacks of being a Chickcharney. As far as shifters were concerned, the owls weren’t highly receptive of the magic of those around them. More times than not, they were the last ones to know who was who—or who was what.
Taking Ronnie’s sigh as one of relief, Eva patted her hand in sympathy, making Ronnie think that perhaps she really was just human. “I’m all finished now. If you want to get up and dress, I’ll get your discharge papers ready to go and tell your dad you’re ready to get out of here.”
“Sure,” Ronnie mumbled, watching Eva leave, closing the door behind her. Her thoughts wandered back to the person who had brought her in. Someone has to know who saved me, she thought stubbornly, pulling off the ghastly, green checkered hospital gown and shoving her head into her t-shirt, then pulled on her jeans.
She was tying the laces on her shoes when
a light knock came at the door.
“Come in,” she answered.
Her dad popped his head in first, as if making sure everything was good, before the rest of him came into view.
“Hey,” Ronnie said with a smile.
He returned the smile and nodded. “Are you ready to go home?”
“Yep, but could we stop by the ER first? I want to see if anyone remembers who brought me in.”
Her father gave her a shrewd look and shook his head. “No, we’re going straight home and then you are going to bed and staying there. End of conversation.”
“But Dad…”
“But nothing. You’ll do as I say,” he cut her off, the tone of his voice daring her to contradict him. Rarely ever had he used that tone of voice with her, but when he did, she knew well enough to be silent and agree to whatever he wished.
She made herself a silent promise. She would find out what she wanted to know, just not today.
Chapter 2
“I’M REALLY GLAD you’re okay,” Nikki said, handing her enough homework to keep her busy until the end of time.
“Yeah, I’m okay. Thanks,” Ronnie said, taking the heavy load just far enough to drop it in an unceremonious heap on the living room couch. “I’m happy you came to see me. I’ve been ready to go nuts here by myself.”
“That’s what friends are for, although you may not be thanking me once you see the physics assignment Mr. Drummond gave us.”
Ronnie waved a hand at the stack of books, dismissing the impending challenge. “I’ve got nothing but time. Dad’s banned me from leaving the house, so I’ll need something to do.” She bit her lip thoughtfully, then asked the question that had been burning in her head ever since she had asked Nikki for a favor.
“Did you stop by the emergency room?”
“Yeah. No one remembers who rescued you, Ronnie. I’m sorry. I asked every single person behind that desk, but they all said the same thing. The same storm that caused your accident, caused a three car pile-up on the highway that had everyone hopping. They were too busy to pay attention to anyone who wasn’t missing a limb or bleeding profusely.” Nikki gave her a small, apologetic smile.
Ronnie huffed out a big breath. “Oh well, so much for thanking my rescuer. Thanks for trying, Nikki. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re safe and sound, that’s all that matters. I’m sure whoever it was knows that you are grateful. Besides, I’ve got other news you might like to hear. A certain quarterback has been asking around about you.” A sly grin slid across Nikki’s face.
“He could have called me if he truly wanted to know,” Ronnie mumbled.
“I know,” Nikki nodded, agreeing. “But he does look terrible for what it is worth. I don’t know what is going on with him. Adam and the guys have been picking up on it, too. Is he on drugs or anything that you know of?”
Ronnie shook her head adamantly. “No, he wouldn’t do that.” As soon as she said it, she began second-guessing. Who was she to say what John would or wouldn’t do? She never would have thought that he would have dumped her, but that had happened—and happened fast. “At least, I know he didn’t used to. Now, I don’t know what he’s into. There are a lot of things that I don’t know now.”
Nikki nodded thoughtfully. “Have you tried to call him?”
“No, and I’m not going to,” Ronnie replied firmly. “If he changes his mind, he can call me. I’m not going to call and beg him to give us another chance, because that’s what would happen. I’m not begging. I won’t do it.”
“I understand. I wouldn’t beg either. I just thought…you know…you might want to check on him. Out of everyone in the world, you might be the one he would listen to if he’s wrapped up in something that he shouldn’t be.”
The clock in the hallway chimed, and Nikki looked up. “Listen, I need to head out. I have to stop and pick up my little sister from a friend’s house. If you need anything at all, call me, okay?”
“Sure thing,” Ronnie gave her a hug. “Thanks for coming by. I really needed it.”
“Anytime.” Nikki returned the hug, flashed her a big smile, then left.
Ronnie watched Nikki’s blue Jeep pull out of the driveway, then she closed the door and leaned against it. The pile of books on the couch beckoned to her in the same welcoming manner that a dentist appointment would have. She would rather have her teeth pulled than deal with physics homework today. Her gaze wandered to the phone lying on the table by the couch. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to call and check on John—maybe he needed her.
Maybe he didn’t.
She crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at the phone. Then, she walked to the living room window, looked out at the falling snow, and paced back to the table holding the phone. One phone call. What would it hurt?
She picked it up, pushed buttons, and heard the dial tone. Then, she turned it off and flung the phone back on the table and paced to the window again. She’d been dumped by guys before, but never had someone hurt her as much as John. With a handful of words, he had shattered her heart. And now, the hurt had been replaced with a healthy dose of anger.
She marched back to the table, picked up the phone, punched the buttons, and dialed the number from memory. John would hear exactly what she felt. He would know how much pain he had caused her, then she might cause a bit of her own. She willed her fury to stay with her while the phone buzzed in her ear and she waited for him to answer. A light click sounded, proof that the call had been picked up.
A raspy breath caught on the other end. “…hello.”
“John?” Ronnie nearly didn’t recognize his voice. It sounded haunted and hollow, a ghost of the person she knew.
“Yes, it’s me.” He wasn’t really whispering, but his voice sounded so unlike himself that she had to concentrate on his words.
“I just wanted to check in on you,” she said in a babbling, quick burst, afraid to let him hear the concern in her own voice.
“I’m…I’m okay…” The raging anger that Ronnie had felt a moment earlier was completely gone. He sounded horrible and whatever hurt he had caused, had obviously originated somewhere else.
“Listen, I want to come over. I want to make sure you are all right…”
“NO!” The shout blasted into her eardrum and she dropped the phone. She scrambled and picked it back up.
John didn’t say anything else, but she knew he was still there from the faint, rasping breaths that echoed in her ear.
A few long seconds passed. She felt the tears prick at her eyes again and knew as soon as she said the words that he would hear the hurt in them. “I miss you.”
His breath caught on the other end of the line, and went silent for a split second before he said, “I’m…sorry.” Then, the phone clicked and he was gone.
She squeezed the phone tight in her hand and screamed, letting the tears wash down her face. It was no good. Whatever was wrong with John, he wasn’t going to let her help him. She threw the phone down and it cracked against the tile floor. Plastic pieces flew in every direction.
Frustration, anger, and hurt built up inside of her and she threw back her head, screaming again—the howl of a Chickcharney bounced off the walls of the living room and an invisible current of air began swirling around her as her magic came to life.
An instant later, she flew out of the house towards the school, not caring who saw her.
There was one person who might know the secret to destroying her magic. The same person who had once owned a book full of magical secrets. It was time to find her.
Chapter 3
“WHAT MAKES YOU think I know anything?” the dour-faced Mrs. Graham asked, glaring at her as if Ronnie had asked her to commit some unspeakable atrocity.
“That book Nikki destroyed was yours. It had the power to take away magic and I need something like it. You don’t need to pretend that you don’t know what I’m talking about. I know you’re a Spriteblood and your true name is Wynter, so don’t bother denying
anything.”
The school librarian was looking less and less amicable with each passing second—not that she ever looked friendly in the years Ronnie had known her. Still, Ronnie held her ground. “You know how to help me, and I’m not leaving until you tell me what I need to know.”
Then, the Spriteblood laughed. It was unexpected and caught Ronnie off-guard, but not nearly so much as what happened next. The image of the dour-faced librarian distorted and flickered, then it disappeared. The creature that stood in where the librarian had been looked nothing like anything that Ronnie had ever seen before.
An opal-skinned fairy smiled, showing a set of extremely sharp, pointed teeth. A voice that reminded Ronnie of falling raindrops, asked, “I suppose my next query should be, why do you think I should help you?”
That was an easy question, and one that Ronnie readily knew the answer. “Because I’m a Chickcharney,” Ronnie replied, flippant. “If you don’t tell me what I need to know, I shall curse you with bad luck.”
Wynter’s pupil-less blue eyes narrowed as she considered what she had said.
Ronnie held her breath. She knew she couldn’t curse anyone, but she wasn’t sure if Wynter knew that. She’d always heard that all manner of fairies believed in myths, however ludicrous and unlikely they might seem. Today, she was getting to test that theory.
A long moment passed. Then, Wynter nodded, as if she had made her decision. “I don’t have my book any longer. It was destroyed, as I am sure Nikki told you.” A frown pulled at Wynter’s lips. “The only one who would be able to take your magic away would be the same one who made the book and I doubt he will be willing to assist you, whether you curse him or not.”
“Where can I find him?”
“Follow the crows. They can always lead you to him, if you watch them carefully enough,” Wynter shrugged.
The Keeper Saga: Wynter's War, Charmed, and The One (The Boxed Set Book 2) Page 18