Hidden Runes

by G. Bailey

  “Got it,” he grins and lifts me off him. We make quick work of grabbing clothes and things I might need over the next few weeks before making a portal back to the cabin.

  “We need food, we literally only have Evie’s bacon left,” Connor says, coming over to us as I open the door to Hali’s room and drop my bag inside. Luckily Hali has two beds in her room, so we have been sharing.

  “Trex is here and Azi went off to get important weapons or something,” Connor explains. “I need someone to come with me in case of trouble.”

  “I have to get ready, and I hate shopping. Good luck, boys,” I grin, and I hear their laughs behind me as I go into the room and shut the door.

  I pause outside the room I’m about to knock on, wondering whether I should knock or not, but thankfully the decision is made for me when the door flies open, and Trex’s grumpy face is scowling down at me.

  “What do you want?” he huffs, crossing his arms and leaning against the door as his eyes run over my body in this stupid tight dress.

  “You know what? It doesn’t matter,” I say, shaking my head and deciding I can just wait for the guys to come back or Hali to finish in the shower so she can help me.

  “Evie, for fuck’s sake. Get in here,” Trex says, grabbing my hand to stop me from walking away. I pull my hand away, crossing my arms and keeping my face neutral of emotion.

  “I only wanted you to do up my dress at the back. The stupid thing is impossible to do up, and the others are out getting food and more weapons,” I say, wishing I didn’t have to come to this asshole for help.

  “Hali?” he asks, flashing me an expression that suggests I’m trying it on with him or something. Which I’m not.

  “In the shower. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to hit on you,” I grumble, knowing this was a bad idea from the start.

  “Yeah, sure you’re not,” he laughs, and twirls his finger around in the air. I scowl at him before turning around.

  “Are you going to Seth’s club then? I’m assuming so with this dress on,” Trex says, and I feel him tugging the bottom layer of lace into place. It only laces up to half my back, and there is a place to tie it I think. I could tell Trex this, but part of me wants to see if he gets annoyed when he runs out of lace.

  “Yep. Seth lives in the club. He has an apartment right above it,” I explain. It’s really smart of him to do it that way, because no one is going to start trouble in his club when they know a demon overlord is literally just upstairs.

  “Why does he call you ‘Evie darling’? Were you and he together?” Trex asks, pulling the lace extremely tight, and I take a deep breath in before answering.

  “No,” I say as I laugh a little at the thought. “Azi would murder Seth if he tried anything like that.”

  “Good,” he answers, surprising me a little bit with his possessive tone. I turn my head over my shoulder to look at him, wanting to see if he looks as possessive as he sounded, but he is focused on the lace, and ties it like a pro when he is done.

  “Didn’t know you had skills in doing dresses up, Trex,” I muse, shivering when he runs his hands up the lace to check it’s fine. At least I think that’s why he did it.

  “Usually I’m taking them off, not doing them up,” he replies smoothly, and a wave of jealously slams into me. What the effing hell is that? This is Trex. I don’t get jealous over Trex. I quickly turn back, avoiding eye contact with him as my thoughts run around in circles over why I feel like this about him.

  “Thanks. I best go and have some food while I wait for Azi and Hali,” I comment and make the mistake of meeting his green eyes. His eyes are so strange in the most stunning way. They have flakes of dark and light green, mixing together in swirls almost. I freeze when Trex steps much closer and reaches into my hair. He unclips my hair, letting it fall down over my shoulders in waves.

  “I like it when your hair is down,” he explains, and I don’t have a clue what to say to that or why it makes my heart pound in my chest. He moves his hand back slowly, keeping the clip. “Have a good night, Evie.” With that, he goes back into his room and shuts the door. Did Trex just say something nice to me?

  “I love that dress on you!” Hali says after she walks out the bathroom, distracting me from the problem that is Trex. I run my eyes over her black jeans, black tank top and her braided hair up in a ponytail. She has a leather jacket in her hands and what I am sure is a pair of boots on her feet. When did she get into my size shoes? I don’t bother asking and just smile at her.

  “That was quick,” I comment, expecting Hali to have taken much longer getting ready. “Did you cover your mark up with the concealer?” I ask. We can’t risk anyone seeing her mark, and I don’t know if Seth knows about it. It’s likely he already knows who Hali is, the demon always seems to know everything, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

  “Yep, I did, and I did it quick because I’m excited to get out of this cabin! This place gets boring with doing school tests on my iPad and training with the guys. Not that they even try against me because they don’t want to hurt the kid,” she tells me. I chuckle and walk to the kitchen, passing a purring Star on the sofa, and stroke her head as I go by. I pick out a Mars bar from the nearly empty fridge and start undoing the wrapper just as Azi’s fire portal burns into existence in the middle of the living room. Another burn mark on the floor. I sure hope Trex or whoever owns this place likes burnt wooden floors as décor. Azi steps out the portal, carrying two gold swords and a rucksack on his back before the portal closes.

  “Where have you been hiding these shiny things?” I gasp at the beauty of them. I put the Mars bar down on the side, ignoring Azi who is staring at me as he puts the weapons on the sofa.

  “I’m glad I bought that dress for you. I thought you had thrown it out when we broke up,” Azi muses, his tone husky and sexy as hell. I grin, running my hands down the tight black dress which is laced at the sides and at the back. I pick one of the gold swords up and flip it around in my hand, getting a feel for the weight before putting it back. It’s not as good as my purple sword, and I’m really not into gold stuff. Unless you count stealing and selling it.

  “I know you like me in black, and you did have this made for me,” I eventually reply to Azi who is still running his eyes over me. I’m not going to lie about the reason I chose to wear this out of the limited dresses I have. Azi steps closer, his fingers running down the lace at the side of the dress like he can’t help but touch me.

  “If you two are going to be all googly eyes and gross all night, I might change my mind about going with you,” Hali groans, and Azi chuckles as he turns to face her.

  “No googly eyes here. I have a reputation to uphold,” he jokes, and she only laughs.

  “Come on then, big bad demon, let’s go and see your brother,” I say and call a portal. Azi winks at me before walking in, and I hold Hali’s hand as we follow. I just pray Hali doesn’t hate me when she realises the plan.

  Fifty-Five

  Evie

  The smell of the demon underground slams into me when I step out the portal and see we are in a very familiar alley at the side of the club. I hate this alley. I stop at the sight of a demon dead on the floor right in front of us, and Azi kneels at his side, touching his fingers to the demon’s red skin on his neck. There is a hole in his chest, and I turn Hali away, not wanting her to see the mess of his body. She still gasps in shock, not used to seeing death like this.

  “He is dead, we should go,” Azi simply states, getting up off the dirty ground and wiping his hands on his trousers. I let go of Hali for a second, leaning down, and closing the demon’s eyes.

  “Demons will rise,” I whisper, knowing the demon should have some respect shown and feeling like that’s the right thing to do and say. I’m sure his family or friends will find him soon and bury him. I straighten up and hook my arm through Hali’s, walking her away from the body.

  “Come on, let’s get off the streets,” Azi says as he looks back to check i
f we are being followed and then nods his head to the street at the end of the alleyway. I tug Hali along, knowing I need to keep her close in here. I’ve never brought her here before, and I can’t help but feeling fearful of her being outside at all. Not until she is better protected.

  “Did my mum live here with you?” Hali asks, figuring it out on her own. I smile at the memories flashing through my mind of this place and Hali’s mum.

  “Yes. In fact, that alley was where we first met,” I tell her. “Your mum couldn’t leave me there, even when she must have known I would be trouble.”

  “Mum loved you like a kid. I guess that’s why I feel like you’re my sister even though you had to do the parenting for so long,” she says, and I wrap an arm around her shoulder.

  “You’re my family. Sister or, well, whatever you want to call our relationship. I’m here for you, remember that.” I tell her as we get to the entrance of the club. There is a big line of demons waiting to get in, but the bouncers hold the rope open for us when they see Azi. One of the bouncers quietly says something to Azi, who pats his shoulder.

  “Have a good night,” the bouncer tells us, his bright yellow eyes matching his light-yellow skin, and he narrows his eyes at Hali. I snap my fingers in his face and place a finger against my lips. He must scent that she is witch or something. Witches are extremely unpopular around here.

  “Shhh, or I will end you,” I say quietly, and Azi stops, staring back at us. The bouncer looks into my eyes and then to Azi, and nods. I don’t look at the bouncer again, only pulling Hali closer to me as we walk into the club. The heat blasts against my skin, and the loud music nearly deafens me as Azi looks around. He seems to see something and starts pushing demons out of the way, heading right to the back of the club and to a pair of hidden stairs behind a black curtain. We walk up the stairs, where a bouncer is stood at the top, and he turns around, opening the door and letting us inside. Once the door is shut, the sound disappears, and I let go of Hali as Seth walks into the room. Seth walks over and shakes hands with Azi before coming to me.

  “Evie darling, I didn’t expect to see you twice in one year,” he says, grinning that charming smile and offering me a hand to shake. “I don’t know whether I should be worried or excited.”

  “Neither, I’m afraid,” I say with a smirk as I slide my hand into his. He harshly pulls me to him, wrapping his arm around me and pressing a burning hand to my neck.

  “I don’t like seeing you and the danger you bring my brother. Nothing but trouble has followed me since I last saw you. Now why shouldn’t I throw your ass out of here?” he asks. I slide a dagger out from the holder on my thigh as I lock eyes with him. The dagger was nicely hidden under my dress, and I press the tip right between his legs.

  “Let me the fuck go, Seth,” I warn, and he moves his hands away, letting me step back.

  “I was only being friendly. No need to get all stabby,” he says, holding his hands in the air like he wasn’t threatening me only a second ago.

  “Don’t be a dick, Seth, we have serious shit to deal with,” I warn him, lowering the dagger.

  “And if you touch my Evie again, it won’t be her dagger-filled, trigger-happy hands you need to worry about,” Azi growls, and Seth tilts his head to the side to smirk at him.

  “Ah I see. Never mind then. I guess you can stay, and I can listen,” Seth says and winks at me. Azi sees it and starts stomping over to us but stops when Hali walks between Seth and me, holding her hand out as she speaks.

  “Hello, Seth. I’m Hali. You seemed to forget I was here.”

  “I didn’t forget. I don’t like witches, kid,” he comments, walking away from her, and she lowers her hand. “You are very, very lucky you are anywhere near me.”

  “I’m not a kid, and it’s rude to walk away from someone. Asshole,” she says, and Seth stops in his tracks, turning and rubbing his jaw as he laughs.

  “Are you challenging me, little witch with no powers yet?” he laughs out.

  “Only a few more years and then we can see who will win,” she counters, crossing her arms.

  “Hali! Just sit, will you?” I ask, grabbing her arm and walking to a sofa as she huffs. This meeting is not going to plan. Hali sits on the sofa, flashing a smug look at Seth who seems far too amused with Hali for my liking. I walk over to Seth, choosing to purposely stand blocking his view of Hali with Azi at my side.

  “Drinks, anyone?” Seth asks.

  “Yeah, I could do with one,” Azi replies and starts pouring himself a drink.

  “No, thanks,” I reply, and Seth shrugs, making a whiskey and downing it before slamming his glass on the table.

  “What do you want, dear brother and his crazy girlfriend?” Seth asks Azi, who finishes making his drink before answering. I would correct his crazy girlfriend statement, but it feels a little petty to do so. And I did just hold a dagger to his dick. So, I guess I can be classed as a little crazy.

  “Cex has resurfaced,” Azi says, and I watch Seth’s reaction, which is not one of shock.

  “I know. He paid me a visit, and it wasn’t for a brotherly chat,” Seth replies solemnly.

  “Tell me what happened,” Azi demands.

  “Cex wanted my blood, and he used Cheri against me. I knew he would kill her if I didn’t do what he wanted. I didn’t have a damn fucking choice,” Seth bites out.

  “Is Cheri okay?” I ask. I remember his daughter well from the time I rescued her, and she can’t be far off Hali’s age now. Cheri has Seth’s charm, but her mother is a succubus demon, and she is the image of her with pink hair and skin. I know she is going to have Seth running through hoops when she is older and boys notice her. Though I don’t know who is mad enough to try and date an overlord’s daughter.

  “Cheri is shaken up, but it was my fault. I let her come and see her mother here when usually her mother comes to the house, he says, guilt written all over his face. “I’m keeping her in the safehouse for the rest of her life at this point,” Seth growls out.

  “Our mission in Hell went to shit, and they got my blood too,” Azi explains what happened to us, in a very short way. I doubt Seth would believe I was killed and came back with wings. Nor do I think Azi wants to admit he recused me from a place overlords were told not to go to.

  “Why would they want both your bloods?” I ask, not understanding. I guess there might be something different and interesting in their blood, but it seems like a lot of effort to go to.

  “No clue, Vi,” Azi answers, but Seth looks away, running his hands through his hair.

  “I heard something once, but shit, I thought it was rumours or made up,” Seth admits, pouring himself another drink.

  “What is it?” I ask as Azi drinks his vodka.

  “That strong, ancient blood mixed in with powerful magic could give someone control over black magic,” Seth says, and the room goes silent as I watch Azi’s reaction. And it’s not a damn good reaction.

  “Bullshit. Black magic would kill anyone that tried to use it!” Azi exclaims.

  “I wouldn’t lie to you,” Seth says, and I actually believe the demon. He looks worried and fearful rather than hiding anything. Seth has too much to lose, like his daughter for example.

  “Hold up, what does black magic do?” I ask as I have never heard of it before.

  “It’s a massive power boost for one. It apparently can give you the power to control souls, even control Hell and breach the layer between earth and Hell itself. You could open and close it at will. Could you imagine someone like Cex being able to open millions of portals all around the world with one single thought? Could you imagine all the souls that would kill millions if they got out?” Seth asks. “It would be Hell on earth if Cex got that power.”

  “The grove must be the magic he wants,” I muse, connecting all the dots. That is why he is so interested in Erica; he needs the magic, and he must have the blood already.

  “We can stop him…you just have to beat Erica and become queen. You would ne
ver make him a knight and his plans are ruined,” Azi says. “Problem sorted.”

  “Then get out of here and get your throne,” Seth says and pauses as he looks back at me with a smirk. “Wait, what throne?”

  “The Protectors. Evie is an heir,” Azi explains. Thank god he didn’t call me a princess.

  “You have one cool girlfriend, bro,” Seth says, making Azi laugh. I roll my eyes and look over at Hali on the sofa, knowing I have to ask now before I back out.

  “I need you to do something for me, Seth. A massive favour,” I say, still watching Hali. Seth follows my gaze and turns back to me, grinning.

  “I see,” he muses. “I wondered why you would risk bringing the witch here.”

  “I need you to keep her safe. Treat her like your daughter and protect her with your life,” I tell him firmly.

  “In return?” he asks.

  “You will be owed a debt by the queen of Protectors. Isn’t that worth keeping a witch safe for a few months at the most?” I ask, knowing he will collect his price at some point or another. When I’m queen, I will be in a better position to pay him back.

  “She isn’t just any witch, Evie darling. The queen of the witches wants her head and would pay a pretty price, plus…” Seth chuckles and walks closer to me, lowering his voice, “I don’t want a deal with Queen Evie of the fucking Protectors.”

  “Don’t be an asshole. I will owe you a debt if you watch her,” Azi demands, grabbing Seth’s arm. Seth knocks him off and looks back at me.

  “Every demon I talk to whispers the old saying, “Demons will fall. Demons will rise.” But more recently there is a new saying. One only a few know its meaning and everyone repeats in hope,” he pauses. “Demons will survive. The Salvatore will rise.”

  “It’s a nice saying, but what the hell does it have to do with this?” Azi asks, his eyes flashing between Seth and me because I remember the demons I saved in Hell calling me that.