by Alexis Batty
3
Dreams are usually a safe place to be. Yes, there are nightmares, but you are safe in your nightmares no matter how scary it is. These dreams didn’t feel like they are safe. There is no way I would turn around and help a Spook fight another Spook. I am no match for a Spook. Of course, at the end of the dream, it seemed like I was a Spook and created a force field shield thing. The dream was so strange that I’m lying in bed trying to figure it out.
“You can lay there with your eyes shut, but I know better.” Doc chuckled somewhere next to me.
Doc is here. I must be in the hospital. Maybe I did hit my head, and it’s serious. The dream is a fantastical story created by my subconscious to keep me busy. I hear Doc sigh, “Look, I know you’re awake, and if you don’t want to face reality yet I understand, but we really should talk before we have to move you and your family to the new safe house.”
I jump up in bed, “What? Why do I need a safe house?”
Smiling, Doc sat back in his chair, “You need a new safe house because your current safe house has been compromised.”
My mind is reeling, “I don’t know what you are talking about. What safe house?”
“Your biological family was singled out and have been hunted down and killed to near extinction,” said Doc softly.
I couldn’t believe him. Doc had a history of exaggerating the severity of things just to make you realize how bad things really weren’t. “Define near extinction.”
“You’re it. You are all that is left of a once substantial line of very powerful witches. Your family name is Andolyn. The best place for you now is your ancient family home. There you will be able to train and learn under some of the oldest and strongest wards around.”
“If these wards are so strong, how come my family didn’t just hold up there in safety?”
Doc sighed, “Would you have been willing to spend your entire life trapped in the house, never able to leave for fear of being killed?”
I thought about it, “No, I would go crazy.”
“If it makes you feel better, the main reason we want you to train is so that won't happen to you. The only known way of how to get to your ancestral home is in this. It will only open for you. Here, it’s from your birth mom, Piper. She said it uses a magical genetic code of sorts.”
I stare at the envelope unsure if I really wanted to open it. This seems like a can of worms that I can’t even hope to contain. “How do you know that is what is in it?”
Doc smiles, “She told me. I have been guarding it ever since.”
“How am I supposed to learn magic on my own?” I whisper.
Doc chuckles, “You won’t. That is why I’ve called in a favor.”
“So this is the last of the all-powerful Andolyn witches,” challenges a grating voice.
Doc growls, “Jared if you aren’t going to be nice, then you-”
“Please, I am the only person that is trustworthy and willing to teach her. I would never betray the Andolyn family, so stop with the empty threats,” scoffs Jared.
I don’t like Jared. He’s rude to Doc. No one is rude to Doc. I glare at him. He has dark brown eyes and hair. He looks arrogant. I imagine him with a big fat zit on his nose, so he can’t hide it.
Jared grinned, “She’ll do.”
As he walks out of my room, I turn to Doc confused. “What just happened?”
“Well, whatever you were thinking when you glared at him impressed him. He is not easy to impress. His family is magically connected to yours since yours is well just you, his family has been taking on your responsibilities. Actually, if your family had never been killed, you would have been raised with him and taught together,” sighs Doc.
“Why?”
“With the hope that you two would maybe one day get married, or at least form a strong enough bond to be allied on the council.”
“Yuck,” I said sticking my tongue out.
“I guess Jared is going to have to prove his worth. He is trustworthy, as far as teaching you and keeping the secret of how to get to your house, but he is a bit of a loose cannon.”
“Doc?”
“Yes?”
I glance down at my clenched hands, “Why? Why has everyone been so nice to me? I know why you are nice to me, but why were Ash and Garion nice to me before they knew who I was? Do I smell like a witch?”
“You do now. Magic is a bit like food. Your scent shifts with the food you have eaten. When a person uses magic, it sticks to them. The more they use it the more it sticks. If they stop using it, then it will slowly ebb away. You never knew magic was real, let alone used it, so no they couldn't smell that you were a witch.”
“But why be so nice to me?” For some reason, I need an answer.
Doc wouldn’t look me in the eye. “Ash will have to answer that for himself. As for Garion, I raised him better than that. There is nothing wrong with what we are, and there is nothing wrong with humans. It is just a few changes in the genetic code that gives you a witch or a shifter rather than a human. That is just the way we were born. Neither side is better; each side has their pros and their cons.
“This whole uprising was done in a manner contrary to how I have raised my family, and how many of my pack mates raised and are raising their family. We can coexist. However, that is a talk for another day. Your safety is much more important right now. You do what Jared says and learn your spells and hexes.”
“I don’t wanna.”
“To bad.”
“Uggg.”
“It’ll be fine. Now, get ready to go.”
“Yes Doc,” I sigh as I open the letter clutched in my hands; a small moon-shaped necklace is inside along with a short note. The note didn’t contain much other than I’m sorry and here is the spell you need to get to safety. It at least had a best pronunciation guide. It isn’t even signed.
I get out of bed and grab a bag. I throw a few items inside it including the necklace. I can’t help but frown at the bag wondering why I was even bothering.
“Are you ready?” asks Ash from the doorway.
“No. I am not ready, but what choice do I have.” I snap.
This was the only way that I could keep my parents safe and learn to defend myself against magical attacks. It seems so easy for them to just accept that my whole life was one big lie, it’s no big deal.
My parents knew from the get-go. So this isn’t shocking, no wonders they kept calm and were able to keep us alive during the Uprising. I just don’t know who to trust anymore.
“Sure no big deal just you know a life-altering moment that could have happened to anyone,” I answer shrugging.
We walk to the living room where everyone is waiting for us. “Here it goes, just pray I say it right. I’ve never been good at foreign languages.” It’s Gaelic and meant “family of the white moon,” supposedly. I personally thought it a bizarre password, but it’s an ancient one. “Teaghlaigh na gealaí bán.” The world shimmers around us making me feel light headed. It stops after a few seconds. I can’t help but wonder if maybe I didn’t say the spell right.
4
It is breathtaking. Snow White’s cottage is before me. The grey stones are overgrown with a jungle of vines. The light blue door is faded, and the paint is chipping in spots. So what I meant by breathtaking is that it is breathtakingly disappointing. I can’t believe I’m supposed to live here. Months of work was needed to get the outside decent, I’m not looking forward to seeing the inside. My parents look excited. They love gardening and this is a goldmine. They can die happy here just getting the lawns in order.
I don’t understand how they are so at ease. They left a thriving business with absolutely no word and no way to be contacted. My mom had her arm linked through my father’s arm. Dad had gone gray years ago, but mom’s blonde hair looked untouched with age, except for the spot above her temples. Their brown eyes are crinkled with happiness.
“This is a joke… right? Cause I don’t see how we are supposed to live here?”
I retort waving my hands in front of me.
“Well don’t judge it too harshly,” chuckles Jared.
Rolling my eyes, I step forward feeling for a safe way to the front door. A powerful wind blows behind me. If it hadn’t been for Ash grabbing ahold of me, I would have face planted into the hip-high grass. The wind stops, and everything has been transformed. A disappointed sigh escapes my mom. The cottage truly is breathtaking now.
There is a stepping stone path to the front door. The stones have different phases of the moon carved into them. The blue door is vibrant and revitalized. A stone wall runs along one side of the property; it only comes up to my hip but adds an ancient feel to the house. There are bluebells scattered along in front of the wall. In front of the house, there is a row of roses. There are blue roses, purple roses, and one bush of black roses. There is no way they are natural.
“Magic is wonderful, isn’t it? You can create such beautiful things with it,” said Jared as he grins. It’s hard to listen to Jared talk. His voice sounds like he chugged acid at some point.
“The roses?”
“My mother talked about them all the time. She loved seeing those roses, but they were put in so long ago that no one remembers what spell was used for the colors. I have never seen them. She tried to describe them accurately, but she never did them justice,” answered Jared. He sighs as he stares at the roses.
I’m not sure what to say. I certainly didn’t know the spell, but I’m pretty certain Jared’s mother is no longer among the living. The way he talks about her and the look on his face adds a new dimension to him. He looks so lost and lonely talking about his mother. Since I am socially awkward, I have no idea how to respond. Thankfully, my mother is not.
“I’m sure she did her best. It would be difficult to describe those roses. Words really aren’t enough. My mother loved roses and had an amazing rose garden. Wherever she could, she would plant roses. It was amazing. She is the reason I’ve developed a love of gardening,” responds my mother while she gently laid a hand on Jared’s arm.
Jared smiles. “She was amazing. There was more talent and magic in her than anyone I have ever met. Never once did it go to her head. She was always so patient and kind and loving with everyone she met.”
I stare at my feet anxious to get away. “We should go in and get situated,” I suggest.
I can’t hide my smile. After seeing the yard magically transform, I’m keeping an open mind to what secrets this small looking cottage holds. I bound up to the front door and stop. This is the moment of truth and I’m not sure if I am ready for it. As I reach my hand out for the doorknob, the door swings open on its own.
“Good grief!” I exclaim snatching my hand back like I had been shocked.
It is bigger on the inside. It has to be. There is no way that all this space fit in the tiny cottage you see on the outside. I can see five different rooms from just the doorway and that is only on the first floor. There is a spiral staircase to the side of the door that leads up to who knows what. I can see rooms that look like a library, a kitchen, a parlor, a dining room, and a sunroom. There is white tile with swirls of black and navy blue with silver sparkles throughout the house. Wandering through the downstairs, I see the cottage is full of furniture and books but lacking a speck of dust. I would have thought that someone was living here and taking care of the house all this time.
“Is it magic?” my dad asks brushing a finger along the mantel checking for dust.
We all roll our eyes. “Yes, the house will also change and adjust itself to the needs of those inside. Most of the actual decor and style will come from what the house senses from Gwendelyn,” answers Jared.
“Neat,” I reply. This is supposed to become my home away from home, once I have figured out magic. Jared has already explained how the gardens grow food year round. Whatever the garden doesn’t provide, the house can magic up when asked.
The only thing the house lacks is people. Only family members with a few close friends are supposed to be allowed on the premises. Friends are never taught the password. I am the head of the family. That is why the decor will change according to what I say. I’m the boss.
Turning around to look at the entryway from another perspective, I notice Ash is staring at me, watching my every movement. Jared wandered over to the staircase and heads upstairs.
My mom, Jacqueline, and my dad, Fred, were looking out the back window in the kitchen. They were probably itching to go look at the gardens in the back. Normally, my mom’s gray hair blended in with her light brown hair, but the sunlight cast it in sharp contrast. Dad could only hide his gray if he dyed his hair. Everything about them was average. They were both average weight and height, neither ugly nor exceptionally attractive. They could have blended in with a crowd. I had no idea how two outstandingly normal looking people ended up in this situation.
I didn’t know what to think about Ash. He gave me some story about how he talked to his boss about my situation, and they decided I needed a bodyguard. So, now I have him as a bodyguard.
He is easy on the eyes, and we got along unless he went into alpha male mode and tries ordering me around. Apparently, he didn’t learn the first time. When I tried saying I didn’t need a bodyguard, he started going off about how I was lucky to be alive, and how if he hadn’t pushed me out of the way, twice, I would have been killed by the crazy witch.
Ash failed to mention when I turned to save his butt. I managed to save myself by throwing up some shield. I tried to point that out, but he wouldn’t listen to me. He yelled that it was dumb luck that saved me. It got to the point when my mom had to tell me to pick my battles, and it wouldn’t be so bad having him around as a precaution. I begrudgingly gave in.
Still pretending to be mad at Ash, I turn my nose up and head into the kitchen. I want to see what the kitchen kept in stock. Opening a cabinet, I find nothing, absolutely nothing.
“I thought you were supposed to be magic and to keep everything stocked. What’s the deal?” I huff at the house. “I mean come on you don’t even have flour or sugar or a random box of baking soda.”
Suddenly, there is a tingle in my brain, basically if your brain had a twitch or muscle spasm that would be about what it felt like. A wind blew all the cabinet doors open and then shut. I reach my hand out tentatively and peek into the nearest cupboard. They are loaded with all sorts of things, including my random box of baking soda.
“That’s better. Now did you also stock the fridge?” The fridge is packed, but what catches my eye is a plate with the most amazing sandwich.
It’s stuffed with turkey on what looked like artisan sourdough bread. There is lettuce, tomato, onions, and a dill pickle on the side. That is almost exactly what I was thinking.
“Next time no tomato. Thank you, house.”
I take the plate and headed towards the stairs. I’m ready to find my room and get some rest. When night comes, I’m starting my training with Jared.
I look out the front window as I head for the stairs and find Ash doing, um, I’m not sure what exactly. He is looking around and jotting down notes. He’s a weird one.
He looks back towards the house, and I stand completely still. His eyes look like they flash green at me. It’s almost like when a light hits an animal’s eyes just right, and their eyes reflect back the light. Except, his eyes are shadowed. This would have to be a glow. Ash smiles. It isn’t humorous. It’s animalistic, like a wolf catching a scent of its prey and knowing there is no way for it to get away.
What did I do? Being a strong and independent woman, I turn tail and run up the stairs to find the safe haven of my room. I thought I heard him laugh as I ran to safety.
At the top of the stairs, I count four doors two to the left and two to the right. The two doors on the right are plain wooden doors. The first door to the left has a wolf on it. The next door to the left has a moon carved on it.
Rolling my eyes, I open the door. This is my room because it has the family crest, or whateve
r, on the door. Silver walls reflect the light from an intricate chandelier that hung from the ceiling. There are orbs of light connected by clear crystals of various sizes and shapes scattered all over the ceiling. Each bulb hung at various lengths.
The plush midnight blue carpet looks comfortable enough to sleep on, but the bed looks twenty times better. It’s a canopy bed made of a dark wood with sheer curtains that match the carpet. The comforter on the bed is a silvery silky thing. After setting my plate down on the nightstand, I jump on the bed. Heaven is here.
“Please, house, let there be a balcony. I have always wanted a balcony,” I murmur into the blanket.
Ash’s soft chuckle sounds from the door. “Don’t worry there’s a balcony, Buttercup. This house has a thing for canopy beds. I think everyone got stuck with one.”
“Hey don’t knock the canopy bed. It’s like a fort but you can sleep on a comfortable mattress inside it. If you don’t want one, I can ask the house to get rid of it for you,” I smirk as I get up to check out the balcony. He didn’t answer. I really could be mean and ask the house to only give him a cot or no bed. That would shut him up about the canopy bed, for like five seconds I’m sure.
“Don’t forget your sandwich,” Ash reminds me as he turns down the hall, presumably to his own room with the wolf.
I snatch my plate back up and shut my door muttering to myself. The balcony is calling my name and I have to oblige it.
The grounds behind the house are interesting. I can see my parents wandering around in the garden behind the kitchen. There is a small picket fence around it. A walkway winds its way next to the garden. There are flowers along the path as it leads to a pond.
A small creek flows from the pond to a lake. Only a handful of trees are scattered on the main part of the yard, but a forest grows behind the garden. A fire pit surrounded by couches is next to the pond. I could possibly live here forever and never miss the real world.
“House, it’s beautiful,” I sigh. “You know you deserve a name. We have to think of a name for you, I don't like calling you house it’s so weird.” I think for a minute. “How about Binawalka? It's a combination of some of my favorite characters names.”