by Rose Pressey
Chapter Thirty-Six
I woke in the middle of the night with a strange pull willing me out of the bed. The overwhelming desire to go outside compelled me from bed, down the stairs and out the front door. The wind was cold against my exposed skin. I had no idea what was bringing me out here.
I stopped in the middle of the front driveway. I looked up at the rolling clouds. They zoomed past at a million miles a minute. Was I dreaming? No, this seemed all too real. A tingling sensation started at my feet and moved slowly up my body, flowing up my legs, through my torso, over to my arms and up to my head.
I collapsed to my knees. My body was drained and my limbs were lifeless. I fell forward onto the ground and couldn’t move. The smell of grass and dirt assaulted my senses. It felt as if something was draining all the energy from my body. The clouds zoomed past above me. The wind whipped around my body, yet I still couldn’t move. I willed my body to move, but nothing happened.
My thoughts became foggy and I only remembered bits and pieces. Someone swooped me up and into his strong arms. I couldn’t open my eyes to see who it was. I smelled the familiar spicy scent. It was definitely a male. He carried me across the yard.
We moved up the stairs of the manor and through the front door. He carried me up the stairs and into my bedroom, laying me gently on my bed. He pulled the cover up over me and tucked it tight against my body. I was warm again and drifted off to sleep easily.
When I woke in the morning, I wasn’t sure if it had all been a dream. I opened my eyes and looked around. Nothing was out of place. When I pulled the covers back though, I realized it hadn’t been a dream. My gown was stained with dirt and grass. Who had carried me inside? And what had happened?
Throwing back the covers, I jumped out of bed and threw on a white long-sleeved shirt and jeans. When I stepped into the hallway, everything was quiet. No noise came from Isabeau. Today was the day when I would talk with her. She had to be out of the house by the Halloween Ball. I didn’t want her to ruin it for me.
In my bare feet, I eased down the stairs, careful not to make a noise. When I stepped into the parlor, I was startled to see Liam and Nicolas talking to each other. Were they challenging each other to a duel? They didn’t notice me at first and I thought about sneaking back out and listening to the conversation from the hallway. Unfortunately, they were talking so quietly I couldn’t make out what was being said.
My contemplation was over though because both men turned to look at me at the same time. The solemn looks on their faces had me nervous.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
I wanted to ask which one had brought me inside, but it would have to wait.
They exchanged a glance, then glanced around.
“What are you all looking for?” I asked.
“Where is Isabeau?” Nicolas asked.
“I have no idea. Why? I guess she’s in her room.” I frowned.
“She must leave right away. Your life depends on it.” Liam didn’t take his eyes off me.
I felt my chest tighten. “What? What are you talking about?”
“We’ve discovered information about her.” Nicolas’ face darkened.
“Such as?” I asked, motioning for them to spill it.
“Isabeau isn’t just a witch, she is a demon… and demons use their powers to drain energy away from witches,” Nicolas explained.
“Wait.” I massaged my temples. “Just let me wrap my mind around this. What you’re saying is she is here to hurt me?”
They both nodded.
“Why me though?” I asked.
“Isabeau was sent by Mara to take your power,” Nicolas said.
I glanced over my shoulder, looking for Isabeau. Was this true? The thought sent a chill down my spine. And to think I’d made her cupcakes. I was furious. But a demon? How did I begin to get rid of a demon?
“Was that what happened last night?” I looked from Nicolas to Liam. “I was outside. Something pulled me out there. I couldn’t stop it. It felt like all the energy was being drained from my body.”
Liam nodded. “She is using magic against you. She’ll take all your power. That opens you up to allow Mara to get the book.”
“So Mara knows where I am? I thought she hadn’t found me yet? I thought you were such a great detective that you found me first.” Panic rose in my voice.
Liam stared at me. “Well, did I not arrive before Isabeau?” he asked.
I paused, then finally had to say, “Yes, I guess you did.”
“She figured with me here that she’d have to find another way to get the book. With the magic Isabeau is doing, they hoped you’d be so weak that you’d just give them the book.”
“Fat chance of that.” I scoffed.
“They counted on you getting rid of us before now too,” Nicolas said.
“What do I do now?” I asked.
“You have to use your powers to banish her from the house. It won’t be easy,” Liam said.
“I’m here to help you,” Nicolas said.
Liam glowered at Nicolas. “I am here for you, Hallie.”
Nicolas glared back at Liam. Nicolas stepped closer to Liam and he puffed out his chest. I held my breath waiting for the first punch to be thrown.
I threw my hands in the air. “Enough! You all need to stop. I have enough to worry about right now without you two fighting.”
They backed off, but didn’t apologize. Tension still hung in the air.
“Is there a spell in the book for this?” I asked.
“Yes, there should be something for banishing the demons. But I’ll warn you now. It’s not an easy one. It’ll take all the energy you can get. You’re already depleted from last night.” Liam rubbed the back of his neck and let out a deep breath.
“This is your fault, Liam.” Nicolas clenched his jaw.
I walked out of the room, leaving the men arguing. They could waste time if they wanted, but I had problems to solve.
I needed to do this right away before she came down in search of doughnuts. I hadn’t known a demon would eat so much. I hurried upstairs and didn’t wait for Liam or Nicolas. They could argue over what I needed to do next if they wanted, but I had to get rid of Isabeau.
I’d have to use the darkest spell I could find to force Isabeau off the manor grounds. Isabeau had vowed to return. I knew she’d keep that promise.
I’d had a confrontation with Isabeau—and I hadn’t even known it. I’d learned the hard way that bad spirits can steal power from witches.