Shadows of A Vampire

by Guida, ML

  William’s choices were few—save Kane or save Mariah.

  Drakon flashed in his mind. The dragon sat on his haunches, but for some reason, he seemed calm. “Save your brother. Mariah is strong enough to fight Natasa. But your brother does not have the power to fight Zuto.”

  May God forgive him. William had to trust Mariah’s magic and headed toward Zuto. Wind beat against him, and he flew erratically. Shite. More black magic.

  Palmer rushed out of the jungle and blocked Kane. William had never thought he’d be glad to see the devil himself. Criminy. Where was Ronan?

  “Get out of my way, Palmer,” Kane cried, his sword dripping with blood.

  “You’ve lost, O’Brien. Admit it. You’ll have to kill me before you can get to your woman.” Palmer’s smug voice got the result he wanted.

  Kane lunged.

  A black tornado formed above Zuto and crept toward him and his two limp dolls. Red eyes peered through the darkness, and William shuddered. Maketabori?

  “William, you must stop Zuto, or all is lost.” Mariah’s strong voice forced William to make a choice.

  He turned his head and his heart nearly dropped out of his chest as she dodged Natasa’s swipe. “Do not worry for me. I have her. For once, trust in yourself.”

  Chapter 30

  To Mariah’s relief, William shrieked, shot into the air, and soared toward Zuto, who clutched Hannah and her father.

  Natasa sneered. “See, your dragon is abandoning you. My magic is growing while yours is diminishing, foolish one.”

  Mariah shoved her athame back into her sachet and retrieved Lark’s wand. She clutched both wands and refused to cower from Natasa. She prayed that the soul catcher would restore Lark’s white magic. He tossed back and forth on the muddy ground. His face paled, and his mouth was set in a tight line. He groaned as if in a great deal of pain. Obviously, black and white magic battled inside him. She needed to touch him with his wand to push back the black magic.

  But Natasa blocked her path. Fire burned in her eyes as she shrieked and bared jagged teeth. She lunged for Mariah. Her long red nails ripped through Mariah’s dress. Pain seared where deep scratches bled.

  Ignoring it, Mariah pointed her wand at the dark sky. “Mother Isis, I call upon you.”

  Tingles swept over her and power streamed through her.

  “She can’t help you.” Natasa circled her, sending chills down Mariah’s spine.

  Mariah trusted in her magic and fought back her fear. She aimed her wand at Natasa. Lightning flashed out of it. Natasa dodged into the foray of battling pirates to miss being sizzled. She did not wait for Natasa to regain her composure. Mariah needed time to conjure another spell. And time she did not have.

  His hair hiding his face, Lark dragged himself out of the muddy puddle. She rushed toward her brother, hoping she was not making a lethal blunder. “Lark, take—”

  Someone slammed into Mariah, and she fell to the ground. Agony gripped her right shoulder, and her vision blurred. She rolled onto her back, clutching both wands. Natasa straddled her stomach and wrapped her hands around Mariah’s throat. Mariah could not scream. Her breath squeezed out of her.

  Hair streaked with mud, Natasa said, “Die, witch.”

  Natasa’s face burned an illuminating white, blinding Mariah. Her once fiery eyes disappeared into deep black pits full of hate, dread, and horror. But it was the chilling smile that sent terror into Mariah’s mind. Sharp jagged teeth stained with blood curled up into a sneer.

  Black dots blurred Mariah’s vision and she gasped. Fighting not to lose consciousness, she touched Natasa’s temple with her wand. In her mind, she called upon Mother Isis.

  Send me your white magic.

  Power surged through her shaking arm. The demon screamed and released her. On her hands and knees, Natasa scurried around in the mud frantic and shrieking. She smashed head first into a rock, knocking herself out.

  Mariah put a shaking hand to her throat and rolled onto her side, coughing. Dizziness faded. Lark sloshed through the mud only a few inches away. She couldn’t see his eyes and held her breath. Was he a warlock or witch?

  Determined to save him, she wriggled toward him and stretched out her trembling arm. Her heart jumped up and down, pushing fear down further and further into her gut. She gritted her teeth and brushed his wand over his muddy hand, and a white glow sparked. It flowed over him. His body convulsing, he screamed and arched his back. Black smoke jetted out his nose and flung into the ground.

  He collapsed into the mud beside her. “Mariah, you freed me.” He covered her hand. “Thank you for coming for me.”

  A sudden giddiness spread over hear and tears welled in her eyes. “You’re my brother. I will always come for you.” Her voice choked.

  He was Lark again. His violet eyes had returned. The black magic had vanished. His soul was whole again. Grand-mère’s premonition had been right. Mariah had saved her brother and wanted to weep with joy.

  Now, she had to use her magic to save William and free Drakon.

  “Drakon, you have angered me. For trying to rescue Hannah and her father, you’ll remain trapped inside William O’Brien forever.” Zuto’s boomed louder than thunder.

  William answered him with a stream of fire, but the flames failed to touch the demon as if some kind of shield blocked them.

  Zuto raised his gaze to the heavens. “Maketabori hurry!”

  Mariah dragged herself to her feet. William circled Zuto but couldn’t get close to either Hannah or Capitaine Knight. A black tornado hurtled toward them. Icy cold penetrated her bones, and Mariah shivered. Evil lived in that whirling black wind.

  She refused to give in to despair. She staggered to her feet, pulling on Lark’s hand. “Come on. Get up. We have to help William. Use your wand and break the yari binding Hannah’s wrists. Maybe it will awaken her and she can use her power.”

  Zuto swung Hannah over his head and flung her toward the swirling tornado. She sailed through the air like a cannonball.

  “Hannah!” Kane’s agony reverberated throughout the clearing, drowning out the sounds of combat.

  William flew after the lifeless form. But an invisible forced him back.

  “Quickly, Lark!” Mariah screamed.

  On his knees, his body battered and muddy, Lark nodded. He aimed his wand at Hannah and William. “Mother Isis, hear me. Break the bonds of darkness.”

  The tail of the tornado reached toward them. Vicious twirling winds hit William and he flew spasmodically, his wings collapsing.

  Mariah pointed her wand and repeated Lark’s chant. Strength and tingles of magic whirled over her. Lark’s magic sent waves of reassurance through her.

  Together their voices became stronger. White light rushed from their wands and rushed over William. The winds stopped tossing him around like a feather. He righted himself and flapped his wings. Hannah was about to fly into the tornado when he stretched out his talons and caught her legs. He wrapped his talons around her calves and flew away.

  The same light bathed Hannah.

  “I command you, yari. Fly back to Coaybay.” Lark’s voice was surprisingly loud and strong..

  The yari slipped off Hannah’s wrists and hurtled into the roaring tornado. Mariah inhaled a shaky breath and smiled up at her brother. He lowered his wand and hugged her. Tears streamed down Mariah’s face, and she clung to him, not caring about the muck mashed against them. Lark was back. She had missed him so much and wept on his shoulder. “Grand-mère,” she whispered. “I have your lost mon chou.”

  Zuto faced William. “No!” His forcible voice radiated with power.

  Mariah lifted her head.

  Zuto shook Capitaine Knight. “You can’t save them both, dragon.” He flung Knight toward the rushing tornado.

  Lark released Mariah and pointed his wand. “Awaken, Hannah.”

  Mariah held her breath and clutched Lark’s arm, praying his magic would work. The light burst out of his wand and washed over Hannah, and she
stirred to life. She blinked, and color returned to her face. She gazed at her father flying through the air. Hannah wiggled, her arms flailing around her. “Kane!” Desperation filled her shrieking voice.

  “Use your powers,” Lark commanded.

  “Father.” She lifted her palms. Her father hovered in the air and floated away from the tornado to the other side of the battlefield away from Zuto. William followed Capitaine Knight, still clutching Hannah’s calves. He released Hannah, who landed on her stomach in a heap of grass next to her father.

  Mariah clasped Lark’s hand and smiled. “Your powers have grown stronger. Thanks to you, Hannah and her father are safe.”

  “For…now,” he panted. “The battle…has not been yet…won.”

  “Fools,” Zuto hissed.

  Mariah jumped at the anger and hate in his voice. She squeezed Lark’s hand tighter, afraid the demon would try and take him from her again. She gripped her wand, ready to battle him.

  Zuto pointed. “Maketabori, the warlock and Natasa have betrayed you.”

  “He ’s not a warlock.” Mariah found her courage and challenged the arrogant demon. “You have lost. Zuto. Your plans have failed.”

  Zuto laughed. “You think so, witch? Maketabori, punish the betrayers.”

  The red eyes disappeared, and the tornado evaporated. Rain diminished, and the sun peered through dark clouds. The ground rumbled beneath her. Birds flew out of the trees into the air cawing. Chills of dread shot up her feet and paralyzed her heart and lungs. Something was coming. Something evil. What had she done?

  Lark frowned and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. He sensed it too.

  “We have to get the men to the ship.” She looked wildly around the battle ground. “We must leave this island now.”

  Zuto snatched at the hilt of his sword and stormed across the fighting pirates, his sights set on Kane. He flung men into the air and shoved them onto the ground.

  Engaged with Palmer, Kane had his back to the oncoming threat. William soared toward Zuto, talons outstretched. Zuto ducked, and William slammed into fighting pirates, sending them scattering in all directions.

  The ground grumbled louder. Men had difficulty fighting their opponents. Swords missed and slashed into thin air. Pistols fired erratically, hitting friend and foe alike. Men staggered back and forth, stumbling and falling onto their knees, swearing and yelling. Others clung to trees to keep from falling down. Still others crashed into each other. William flew back into the air.

  Mariah waved her arm. “William, we have to get the crew to retreat. Something is coming. Use your fog.”

  William nodded and exhaled a black fog that crept over the battle, blinding only the crew of the Fiery Damsel. But for some reason, it was useless against Palmer. Was Zuto protecting him?

  Kane and Palmer staggered around, still trying to battle. Palmer smiled as Zuto approached.

  “Capitaine,” Mariah cried out. “Watch out.”

  Kane turned and stumbled. Palmer ran his sword down Kane’s and pushed him toward the demon. Kane landed on his back, and Palmer laughed.

  Zuto stepped on Kane’s wrist, forcing him to drop his weapon. He pushed the sword into Kane’s throat, and blood trickled down his neck. The ground cracked and widened. Sand and dirt slipped through a crevice. As it spread, men screamed and fell backward. His sword still in his hand, Zuto smiled. Mariah held her breath. The demon knew what was coming.

  Ronan barreled out of the jungle, covered with crimson and mud. He rushed toward Zuto, his sword drawn. “Death to you, demon!”

  Zuto didn’t even flinch.

  Mariah’s heart quickened. “Ronan, no.”

  She lifted her wand to cast a spell on Zuto to slow him down, not even knowing if she had the power to do it. “Mother Isis, hear me,” she called. But ’twas too late.

  Zuto dodged Ronan’s lunge and swung his sword, severing Ronan’s wrist. Blood spurted into the air. He screamed and fell onto his knees, clutching his arm to his side. His severed hand still gripped the sword’s hilt as it hit the ground.

  “Ronan!” Mariah cupped her mouth.

  Zuto said something to Ronan, and Mariah was sure it was a spell or chant, but she couldn’t make it out. Ronan stared up at Zuto, his face pale and his mouth shut tight as if he had just received a death sentence.

  Palmer lifted his sword. “You’re finished, Ronan.”

  Biting back her horror, Mariah aimed her wand at Palmer and finished the spell. His sword jumped out of his hand and slammed into the ground behind him.

  He stared at his empty hand. “What the devil?”

  The ground shifted, and a horrifying shriek wailed inside the splitting crevice. Mariah shrank. “Lark, ’Tis not human or animal. ’Tis pure evil.”

  Zuto smiled. “You best get your men out of here, Palmer.” He shrugged. “Unless you want a rough ride back to Coaybay.”

  A storm of terror shot through Mariah, cutting off her heart, her lungs, and freezing her feet. Black dots swirled in front of her eyes.

  Don’t faint. Don’t faint. Don’t faint.

  Long, black, spindly legs crept out of the crevice, and a giant, bulbous spider with a swollen abdomen emerged. Eight red eyes stared at Mariah, and the massive fangs chomped, dripping saliva onto the red-stained ground. ’Twas the same one that had chased her and William in Coaybay.

  The spider squirted strands of sticky web, and it whipped around the nearest man, dragging him toward its jaws. He was part of the Fiery Damsel. This thing didn’t care who it captured. All of them were in danger.

  It sank its fangs into the screaming man, and drops of crimson spewed into the air. The man struggled, but soon grew limp.

  Men yelled and dispersed into the jungle.

  Zuto lifted the sword and bowed at the spider. “I’ll leave you to your feast.”

  He headed into the jungle as the spider took a step toward Kane and Ronan.

  “Retreat, you bastards!” Palmer, not waiting to see if his men obeyed, rushed into the jungle, leaving them to their fate. Chaos broke out on the battlefield as men scrambled away from the spider.

  “Ronan, Capitaine.” Ignoring the paralyzing fear, Mariah held out her wand, hoping she had the time to stop the spider before it killed one of them.

  A shriek captured her attention.

  Tears of relief flared in Mariah’s eyes. “William.”

  He swooped down at the creature and exhaled fire, hitting one of its eyes. The spider recoiled, hissing. It rushed toward William, who dove through the trees. The monster spat out more of its deadly web and sliced off the tops of palm trees, leaving stumps. The beast pursued William into the jungle.

  Kane rolled out of the mud and clasped his arm around Ronan, who was swaying on his knees, his head bent over his chest. He dragged Ronan to his feet. He motioned with his arm. “To the Soaring Phoenix, men!”

  Doc rushed over to his capitaine.

  “Here, take Ronan to the ship.” Kane handed him to Doc. “I have to get to Hannah.”

  Lark grabbed Mariah’s hand. “Quick. We must help William. Together we can kill the creature.”

  Mariah nodded. “Oui.”

  Just as they made it to the copse of trees where the creature had barreled through, the ground shook again. Another pair of spindly legs emerged from the same crevice. This time, a white spider with the same red eyes and a swollen belly hurried out.

  Blood drained from Mariah’s face, and her legs wavered. Tingles spread through her, turning her toes and fingers numb. She gulped for air, trying not to pass out.

  Natasa groaned a couple of feet away from them and put her hand on her head. She dragged herself to her feet. “Now, you’ll pay, bitch.”

  The spider sank its feet into the mud and slowly moved toward them. Mariah clutched Lark’s arm tight.

  Natasa followed their gaze and screamed. She sprinted to the jungle, shoving men out of her way, but the creature pursued her, and it spurted out reams of white sticky
web. The sticky ropes covered her from behind, yanking her back. Natasa struggled, but the spider quickly cocooned her and dragged her into the crevice.

  Mariah spun around, the chaos nearly choking her. “We have to get out of here while we still can.”

  The stone against Mariah’s chest warmed, and she knew this was the destiny Grand-mère had spoken of. But it wasn’t with Lark. It was with William. Trees swayed and black smoke whorled over the trees. William drew the black spider farther and farther away from them. No doubt to protect her.

  But then the direction of the smoke and trees changed. The crashing of trees came closer toward them.

  Fighting against her fear, she forced her wobbling legs to move. “We need to help Kane get Hannah and her father to safety.”

  They rushed after Kane to where Hannah and her father lay on the grass. But they didn’t get there fast enough. Zuto did. And with him came the black spider.

  William flew out of the jungle and landed next to Mariah.

  The black spider cornered Hannah, Kane, and her father against a grove of palm trees, while Zuto stood by with his sword. There was no escape. Drool from the salivating spider dripped onto Capitaine Knight. Acid sizzled through his clothes, and he yelped.

  “Leave him alone.” Hannah knelt next to her trembling father.

  Blood dripped down her nose, and Mariah was sure her power was spent.

  Kane whipped out his dagger from his belt and sliced the man’s jacket while Hannah wrapped her arms around him. Reddened burns marred Knight’s stomach.

  Zuto pointed his sword at Kane. “You’ll give the girl and her father to me or I’ll have the spider burn them in acid. It will be a painful death.”

  Kane didn’t falter from his cruel gaze. “You’ll have no prize to bring to your god.”

  Zuto shrugged and patted the spider’s pawing leg as if to calm it. “Easy girl. Patience.”

  Mariah blanched. The thing was female?

  He tilted his head. “Your mate will be back soon.”

  Kane scanned around them. His men were trying to creep toward them but couldn’t get around the crevice. “Where’s the beastie?”