“I’m going to try another Locator spell,” Naomi said. “I’ll be in the study.”
Alaric studied her retreating back. He’d watched her struggle to locate the Stone ever since the whispers came to her in her dreams back at his estate. He thought she was putting too much pressure on herself, but he’d kept that concern to himself.
“I think you might be going about this the wrong way,” he told Casimir, returning his focus to the present matter at hand. “Perhaps you should stop trying to locate Order members as a whole and focus on one or two individual members.”
“It sounds like you’re telling me how to do my job again,” Casimir said, with an icy look.
Alaric’s mouth tightened. He’d known Casimir for a few years now, and he was almost always polite and reserved. As someone well-versed in the technical workings of the Alliance, Casimir was often focused on some computer, tablet, or cell phone, hovering in the background, staying out of the conflicts of their small group. Casimir was so unobtrusive that Alaric often forgot that he was a witch—and a strong one—in his own right.
But ever since Fiona, Alaric’s daughter, had briefly spent time with their group before leaving to travel, Casimir had been in a foul mood. Fiona was Casimir’s ex-lover, and it was clear he still had feelings for her.
“I’m not,” Alaric said, forcing himself to maintain a calm tone. Recently, he’d been a frustrated man in love, so he sympathized with Casimir. “I’m just suggesting we hone our focus.”
“He has a point. And if I’m agreeing with Alaric, that counts for something,” Elias added, grinning. “The Order knows we’re watching them; they’re being careful as a group. Focusing on one or two known members might help us get somewhere with locating them.”
Casimir’s expression remained icy; Alaric braced himself for his protest.
“It’ll take me some time to find the two witches to focus on,” Casimir grumbled.
Madalena arrived minutes later, and Alaric took her aside, filling her in on what Naomi had heard.
“Oh, no,” Madalena murmured, closing her eyes. “Ironic that it happened right after she left Alliance headquarters.”
“Why were the leaders so cold to her?” he asked. He’d told Naomi a bit of a white lie; yes, the Alliance had been cold to him when he approached them to join, but not as cold as they’d been to her. It was odd.
“Because they don’t want another Stone to exist,” Madalena said, “they thought this was all over. And believe it or not, they wanted to dissuade her from joining. Right now, she’s the only Descendant we’re aware of. They’re wary of putting her in more danger. In fact, they’ve discussed sending her to a safe house. With or without her consent.”
Alaric frowned. He’d rather not have Naomi join the Alliance either, but it was her decision to make. He didn’t want her shuttered away like some disobedient child—or a prisoner.
“But they won’t do that. I wouldn’t let them, and several other leaders wouldn’t, either,” Madalena assured him, taking in Alaric’s look of alarm. “As cold as they may have seemed, they do like her spirit. When all is said and done, they’ll be happy she joined.”
Alaric’s shoulders relaxed, though he still felt a lingering unease.
“I’m worried about the Order and what they’re planning,” he said, “and Naomi’s again at the center of it. It’s almost time? What the bloody hell does that mean?”
“I don’t know,” Madalena said, her forehead creasing with worry.
“I feel like I’m not doing enough to protect her,” Alaric said gruffly. It wasn’t something he liked to admit out loud, but it was true. “Yes, I know she’s capable of taking care of herself. But if I hadn’t been there, Raphael would have killed her after she destroyed the Stone. Even being bonded to her doesn’t feel like it’s enough.”
“I know. But you’re going to have to trust her. She chose to join the Alliance. We’ve given her plenty of outs. But . . . in terms of bonding . . .” Madalena trailed off, looking thoughtful. “There is one thing.”
“What?”
“Witches have their own bonding practice. It’s called Brakij. It just means ‘mated’ in the ancient language. It’s like marriage in the human world and the Blood Bond amongst vampires. Witches consider it the most sacred bond. Even witches who belong to the Order.”
“The Order?” Alaric echoed in disbelief.
“There was an incident a few years ago,” Madalena said, after a brief pause. “My father told me about it. The Order attacked a group of humans, killing all but one woman. The woman they left alive was bonded to a witch. When she was questioned, she confirmed the Order left her alive because of the bond.”
Alaric stared at her, his heart pounding as he realized the implication of her words.
“But she was bonded to a witch. I’m a vampire—a creature the Order hates,” he said.
“Amongst witches, Brakij is sacred no matter who a witch is bonded to—it’s a magical contract. Killing someone who’s bonded is like destroying this contract, something witches are forbidden to do.”
“So if Naomi was bonded in the way of witches—to anyone, even a vampire—“
“It may provide her with another layer of protection. But I emphasize may. We don’t know that all Order members would honor the bond.”
But it was enough for Alaric. He and Naomi were already bonded in the way of vampires; he already considered her his wife.
“Alaric . . . if you do ask for Naomi’s hand, make sure it’s for the right reasons.”
“We’re already bonded,” he said.
“Speaking as a woman, and not just a witch, proposing for any other reason besides love is never a good idea.”
“We’re already bonded, Madalena,” he repeated, irritated.
“Amongst vampires you are. That’s different than the bonding practice among witches,” Madalena said. “Just . . . think about what I said, all right?”
She left before he could respond, and he glared after her. Madalena had to know he would use this vital piece of information.
Ever since they’d left the estate, Alaric’s anxiety about Naomi’s safety had risen. Now that she was joining the Alliance and again hearing the whispers . . .
Alaric closed his eyes. He’d fallen for Naomi the first time he’d laid eyes on her back in Athens, but he’d denied his feelings for her out of fear; worried that he would lose her the way he’d lost the only other woman he’d loved. In the end, he’d given in to his feelings—he loved her too damn much to stay away.
Madalena’s right, he concluded. If he presented the witch bonding ceremony as another layer of protection for her, she’d refuse him. He knew Naomi was weary of his overprotectiveness.
But . . . he wanted to bond with her out of love as well; that’s what he would focus on when he discussed it with her. No, when he proposed. He wanted it to be special, the way humans proposed to their mates. Naomi had spent most of her life in the human world. She would appreciate it if he made it special.
He left the drawing room to search for Naomi. She wasn’t in the study, but he found her in their guest bedroom. She was in the same position she settled in whenever she performed her spells; cross-legged on the floor, hands resting in her lap, eyes closed. He could tell her magic was working, her skin seemed to pulse and shimmer, and she murmured the words of a spell beneath her breath.
He turned to leave but her voice stopped him.
“Please. Stay.”
“I don’t want to interrupt—“
“You’re not. It’s not working,” she said, opening her eyes and clamoring to her feet with a frustrated sigh. “This Stone is different from the other one. More elusive. It makes itself known when it wants—oh God, look at me,” she groaned. “Talking about this object like it’s a person.”
“That’s because a person created it. Try not to pressure yourself so much,” he said, as she stepped into the circle of his arms. Her sweet scent hit his nostrils, and he buried hi
s face in her hair, which smelled of lavender and roses. Love and desire spiraled through him, and he held her closer. He wanted to bind her to him in all ways; human, witch, vampire. He wanted to keep her safe from those who wanted to harm her. She pulled back to look at him, her eyebrows lifted in inquiry.
“Alaric? What is it?”
Marry me. In the ways of your kind; the way of witches. Anything to keep those bloody bastards away from you.
Instead, he just smiled. Not yet. But soon, and at the perfect moment; not when she was stressed about the Stone.
“Want to take a break?” he asked, his tone husky with meaning.
Naomi’s eyes darkened with desire. “Yes, please,” she murmured.
She lifted her hand, and the door shut behind them. She turned to the door, whispering the words of another spell. He recognized a part of it, he’d heard Madalena use the same spell a few times.
“What was that?”
“A Silencing spell,” she said, with a mischievous wink. “You know. In case it gets loud in here.”
He growled, and she laughed as he swung her up in his arms.
“I love you,” he said, and their lips met in a fervent kiss as he carried her to the bed, hungry with desire.
Chapter 3
“Things are good,” Naomi said. “Well, as good as they can be.”
Early the next morning, Naomi was on the phone with her aunt, curled up in the window seat of the study. The rising sun lit the early morning sky with a rainbow of color. Taking it in, she silently uttered a spell. Infia elera. The window slid open, and she relished in the sensation of the brisk morning air on her skin.
“How’s that vampire treating you?”
Kat’s tone was teasing, and Naomi smiled. Kat had initially disapproved of her relationship with a vampire, but she’d come around when she saw the depth of Alaric and Naomi’s feelings for each other.
“Wonderful.” Heat filled her body at the memory of their lovemaking the day before. When they’d emerged from their room after several hours had passed, flushed and breathless, Elias had given them a knowing wink.
“How are things in Seattle?” she asked. Kat had been with their group when they searched for the first Incantation Stone. She’d returned to Seattle only a couple of weeks ago, and Naomi already missed her.
“Same old, same old. No magic, vampires, or secret supernatural wars,” Kat said, with an exaggerated sigh. “I almost fell asleep at the last teachers’ meeting. I think a part of me misses the excitement.”
“You’ll just have to live vicariously through me,” Naomi teased. “My induction ceremony into the Alliance is tonight.”
“Already?” Kat asked, her tone shifting to one of wariness. Kat had tried to dissuade her from joining the Alliance before she returned to the States; Naomi knew she still wasn’t happy with her decision. “Congratulations, I suppose,” she continued, grudgingly. “And not to sound like a broken record, but will you promise to be careful?”
“I will, of course I will,” Naomi said.
“Good,” Kat said, expelling a breath, “but I still worry. At least you have an intimidating vampire as a boyfriend. Tell him I say hello.”
“I will,” Naomi promised, smiling.
After hanging up, she found Alaric and Madalena in the drawing room. Madalena was pulling ceremonial robes out of a box.
“What’s that?” Naomi asked, entering the room.
“Your ceremonial robes. Everyone wears these when they’re inducted into the Alliance.”
Naomi took the robes from Madalena, examining them. They were long and dark, made of silk fabric, and words in the ancient language were woven into the fabric with golden threads. She studied them, trying to decipher the words. She had learned a little of the ancient language through her study of spells, but linguistics had never been a strong suit of hers.
“The words say, ‘Creatures of blood and magic, united to fight against darkness,’” Madalena said. “I think it’s a bit didactic and cheesy, but no one else has complained.”
Naomi grinned, glancing up at Alaric.
“How was your induction ceremony?” she asked.
“Brief. Uneventful. I recited the words of the Oath and that was it.”
“As was mine,” Madalena added. “You’ll do fine. I know it doesn’t seem like it . . . but they are glad you’re joining.”
Naomi wasn’t so sure about that, but she nodded.
“You don’t have to do this if you’re too nervous,” Alaric said, after Madalena left them alone. Concern filled his blue eyes as they met hers. “We can postpone it, or—“
“Alaric . . .”
“I’m not just saying that because I’m worried—even though I am,” he admitted, with a rueful smile. “You’ve been on edge since meeting with the leaders. If you need more time to—“
“I may be nervous, but there’s no point in postponing my induction. The leaders may not win any personality awards anytime soon, but we’re all on the same side.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, her lips lingering on his cool skin, before making herself stepping back. Their brief contact had sent a jolt of desire through her. “I should get prepared for tonight.”
Alaric still looked uncertain, but he left her alone.
Naomi shrugged into the ceremonial robes, taking a breath. During tonight’s ceremony, she’d have to recite from memory the wordy Oath that all members took, committing herself to the Alliance’s cause. After taking the Oath, she’d then have to perform a complex Binding spell that sealed her vow, which was required of all witches who joined the Alliance.
A surge of uncertainty flowed through her at the thought of performing the spell in front of a crowd. She reminded herself that she had performed much stronger magic during the confrontation with the Order in Greece.
But this didn’t quell her unease, and her nerves were still on edge when it was time to leave for the ceremony. During the brief drive to the Alliance’s headquarters, she struggled to keep her thoughts focused on the words of the spell she’d soon have to utter. Alaric’s presence at her side was calming, and when he murmured reassuring words in her ear, she met his eyes to give him a tremulous smile.
Once inside the large home that served as the Alliance’s headquarters, Alaric, Madalena and the others trailed behind Naomi as she entered the same ceremonial room where the leaders had questioned her the day before.
Naomi halted, her adrenaline spiking. Unlike yesterday, at least fifty vampires and witches now filled the room to the brim. They’d been talking amongst themselves, but as soon as she entered, they all fell silent.
Naomi’s face heated as they surveyed her; she felt as if she were on display. She wondered if they thought Descendants were beautiful and powerful looking creatures; Naomi looked like an ordinary human as far as she was concerned.
Zahara stepped forward with a polite but distant smile, gesturing for Naomi to approach a circular group of stones that were arranged in the center of the room. Naomi obliged, kneeling in the center of the stones.
“We are all gathered to witness Naomi Feldman’s induction into the Alliance,” Zahara said, her gaze sweeping over the gathered witches and vampires. “There will be absolute silence until the conclusion of the ceremony.” Zahara turned back to face Naomi, giving her a nod.
Naomi’s heartbeat thundered in her ears. Though she’d worked alongside the Alliance for weeks now, she still felt as if she were on the threshold of something novel. There would be no turning back; Madalena had told her that the penalty for violating the Oath was death, too much was at stake. Her life could never go back to being what it was.
But she could never go back to her previous ignorance, nor could she pretend that magic or this whole other world didn’t exist. She looked up, meeting Alaric’s eyes across the room. His jaw was tight, his body rigid, but love and reassurance filled his eyes as he looked at her. Working with the Alliance would help destroy the Order, a group that wanted to kill creatures lik
e Alaric, the vampire she loved. They had to be stopped.
A rush of renewed determination flowed through her, and she closed her eyes.
“I vow to protect creatures of blood and magic, vampire and witch. I vow to obey the laws inscribed by the Alliance.”
She repeated the Oath in English and the ancient language before opening her eyes. Zahara gave her another nod, this one of approval, gesturing for her to continue.
Naomi lifted her arms, silently reciting the Binding spell that would seal her vow. Ierina calieri. She waited, holding her breath. But she didn’t feel the telltale signs of her magic working; the current of electricity, the sense of heightened awareness. She felt . . . nothing.
Cold humiliation flooded her. Zahara and the other leaders looked both disappointed and perturbed while the other members pinned her with looks of suspicion. Though no one spoke, she could guess their thoughts: Is she really a Descendant? She’s the one who destroyed the Incantation Stone?
Forcing herself to calm down, she lowered her gaze to the stone floor. She silently repeated the spell. Ierina calieri.
This time, her magic stirred beneath her skin, coming to life. Encouraged, she repeated the spell, until its force lifted her body from the floor, until she hovered in mid-air.
Shards of pain began to stab at her palms like needles. She looked down. Madalena told her this would happen, but it was still startling to see; the spell had carved miniature jagged wounds into the flesh of her palms, sealing the Oath with blood and magic.
The room around her dimmed and blurred. Her lips were moving, but she couldn’t understand the words she spoke, it was as if the spell had taken control of her; her body shook as its force roiled throughout her.
Her lips soon stopped moving, and the sensation of her magic faded to a low hum. The wounds in her palm sealed shut on their own, and her body settled back to the ground.
It took a moment for her to catch her breath, and when she looked up . . . everyone was looking at her in horror. Even Alaric.
“W—what happened?” she asked, startled.
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