“What else can you do? What can I do?” Courtney leaned forward slightly.
“I can make people feel like they are being shocked by electricity. That’s my method of combat, it seems. I can also heal people.” I didn’t tell her about the ability to bring people back from the dead. I wasn’t ready for that to be common knowledge yet. Maybe never. It was way too Jesus Christy for me. “As for what you can do, time will tell. It seems almost everyone can do little tricks like the ball of light thing, but as for your more major abilities, we know you can see through glamour. You may or may not have others. Everyone is different.”
“When will I know?” She was eager to learn.
“I don’t know. Vittorio can answer questions like that better than I can. I’m still learning, too.”
“But you’re so strong.”
It was my turn to give a questioning look.
“Everyone in the coven talks about you. They’re either in awe of you or terrified of you.”
I gaped at her in disbelief.
“It’s true.” She paused. “Are you really going to the the new Sacerdotessa?”
“I don’t know. It’s possible. I still have a lot to learn. But let me ask you something. How do you know so much about the coven?”
“Miriam tells me about it. She knows I want to join, and she thinks if I know more about it, Clavius will be more likely to accept me.” She looked down into her lap. “Well, he would have been.”
“Why do you want to join so badly?”
“At first, it was to piss off my mom. But the more I hung around The Chapel, the more I got to like the people there.”
“You know this isn’t a game? It’s a religion. It’s not something you should do just because you hate your mom.”
“I know. I’ve been interested in witchcraft for a long time. I just never knew anyone for real until I met Miriam and her friends. And even then, I didn’t know magic was real…or that I had any power.” Courtney ran her finger around the rim of her glass, brow furrowed.
You can come save me anytime, love, I thought to Vittorio.
As soon as I did, he walked into the kitchen. “The guest room is ready if you would like to get some sleep.”
“Can I ask you some questions first?” Courtney’s expression was already under control.
“Of course.” Vittorio sat at the table.
I went to make him a cup of tea, and refill mine.
“How do I learn how to use this power? And what else can I do?”
“I will find someone in the coven to teach you. And there’s is no way to know that upfront. New abilities may manifest in time.”
“What do you mean ‘may?' "
“You may have other abilities, or you may not.”
“But how can I protect myself?” Courtney had so much to learn. It was hard to believe I knew as her just a month ago.
“Not everyone has a combative power,” Vittorio said.
“Do you?”
“Yes.” Vittorio did not elaborate.
I realized I didn’t know his combative power, either. Odd, since we had already been through so much. I guess I hadn’t been around for most of it, though, and things were chaotic the other night.
Again, Courtney did not push. She was very perceptive. It didn’t take magic to read a person’s body language if you knew what to look for.
“I think I’ll go to bed now. Thanks for letting me stay here,” she said.
“You are most welcome. You can stay as long as you like if you will feel safer here,” I said as I led her to the guest room.
“I think Courtney has been through something rough,” I said, finally in Vittorio’s bedroom.
“Why do you say that, mio amore?”
“She’s good at keeping her facial expressions in check. And she’s very perceptive. She knows when to ask questions, and when not to push a point. Do you think she might be able to read people’s minds or emotions?”
“I do not think she can read minds. That is a rare ability indeed, and is hard for the person possessing it to be unaware of. She shows no signs of it. It is possible she is an empath, however. Time will tell.”
I waited for him to say more.
“Are you going to ask me?” He raised his eyebrow.
“Ask you what?” I didn’t want to push him, either.
“How I protect myself.”
“Oh, that.” I tried to be nonchalant, but wanted desperately to know.
“Mio amore, do not play coy. I know you are curious.” He smiled at me, and pulled me to him.
“I just figure if you want me to know, you’ll tell me. I do find it interesting I haven’t seen it yet considering what we’ve been through,” I said, cuddling close.
“I have two combative skills. I am able to block power attacks, and turn their power back on them. I try to limit it to that.”
“What’s the other one?” I pulled away a little so I could look at him.
“I can drain one’s life force.”
“What do you mean?”
“Essentially, I can drain their energy and take it into myself. If I limit how much I drain, it will merely leave them weak. If I am not careful, it will kill them.”
“That’s how everyone’s combative power works, isn’t it? Too much and you kill your enemy?”
“Yes, but this is a little different. Bringing my enemy’s energy into myself is usually unpleasant. Many think it would be a wonderful ability, because it makes me stronger. But it is someone else’s life force, and it is often a negative force that I do not want in myself.”
“Can’t you drain them without taking their energy into yourself?”
“I have not figured out how, if it is possible. Imagine taking Neal’s power. Neal is hateful, evil. That would leave a stain on your psyche. Once will not affect you strongly, but if you drain too many people, even a little, it will build up. I do not like the power. I would almost rather have no combative ability.”
I shuddered at the thought. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For asking. I can tell it causes you pain.”
“Do not apologize. You deserve to know. It is the one aspect of myself which I have not been able to accept.” He looked lost in a sad memory, but I did not push for details. I put my arms around him and kissed his cheek.
“You have the power to drain life, and I can give it back.”
“I had not thought of it like that. An interesting observation, mio amore.”
Interesting, indeed. I still wanted to know what all this meant, why he said I could do great things. “I’m scared of my power, Vittorio.”
“It is nothing to be afraid of, mio amore.”
“The power to bring people back to life, in particular. I mean, if word of that gets out, everyone and their dog will want me to bring their loved ones back to life. I can’t do that.”
“We will keep that a closely guarded secret. But I do not believe it works like that. I believe you have to have a close connection to the person, a strong desire for them to be alive.”
“I hope you’re right.” I huddled close to him, as if he could make the Big Bad Monster go away. “Sometimes, I wish I could go back to being normal.”
“I understand.” He looked a little hurt.
“But then I remember it’s all this craziness that brought me to you, and I wouldn’t change a thing.” That earned me a smile.
CHAPTER SIXTY
The next day, Vittorio gave me a quick rundown of the members of the coven, who was on our side, who was on Samuel’s, and who he was unsure of. There were far too many in the last two groups. We decided to go to The Chapel that night; delaying it would do no good. We both wanted more rest, but couldn’t afford time to ourselves just yet. Vittorio also decided we both needed new outfits to wear for our reappearance at the club, something spectacular. He wanted to send me shopping with Sarah while he went on his own, but I refused to be separated from him. Partially because I was scared
for myself, but mostly because I was scared for him. He agreed with no hesitation, sensing the prudence of staying together until this was all over.
Vittorio’s new outfit was easier to pick out than mine. He opted for a cream white velvet tuxedo, shirt, vest, and tie. He did not let me see him in it when he tried it on. I teased him for acting like a girl. I knew what he was doing, though. I would spend the day impatient to see him in the beauty of his new clothes, anticipation rising, then would spend the evening impatient to see him out of them. I grinned at his manipulations.
He insisted I buy a white gown as well. “White isn’t very goth, is it?” I teased.
“We need to make a statement when we arrive. White will set us apart from everyone, and will signify the new beginning for us.”
“And what new beginning is that?”
“Our new stance on the coven, against Clavius and his followers, and for justice and equality.”
I tried on half a dozen gowns, but none felt right. When the shop girl brought the last one for me to try on, I caught my breath. I had seen that dress before. It was the dress I wore in the dream I had of marrying Vittorio the night I met him. It was perfect.
Sarah again helped me with my hair. She arranged it in a partial up-do, and curled the strands that trailed down my back. She also advised me to keep my makeup simple and earthy this time, to help me stand out from the rest of the crowd. My black and purple-streaked hair was a stunning contrast to the pale gown and makeup.
A knock at the door as I finished applying my lipstick demonstrated Vittorio’s impeccable timing. Sarah went to let him in, leaving us alone. I turned from the mirror, excited to see him in his new tux. I caught my breath. Vittorio was always gorgeous, but tonight he affected me as strongly as he had when I first saw him. His thick, black hair fanned out in perfect contrast to his white tuxedo. He walked to me, gently pushed my jaw up, and kissed me. “Wow.”
“Is the wow for the kiss, or my outfit?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said, breathless.
He kissed me again.
“Wow,” I said again.
Vittorio pulled a small, long box from the inner pocket of his jacket and handed it to me.
“What’s this?” I asked, hesitant to accept what must surely be a very expensive piece of jewelry.
“Open it,” he insisted, pushing the box into my hands.
I discovered a gorgeous diamond necklace that must have cost twice what I made in a year.
“Is this real?”
He nodded. Of course it was; Vittorio wouldn’t give me cubic zirconia.
“Vittorio, I can’t take this.” I held it out to him.
“Why not?”
Why not, indeed? “It’s too expensive.”
“I do not think so. Nothing is too good for you.” He took the necklace from the box and stood behind me to fasten it around my neck before I could protest further. He led me to the mirror, where I admired its beauty.
“Thank you.”
“You are welcome, mio amore.” He kissed the side of my neck, and I inhaled his scent. My pulse raced, and my power called to him. “Now, mio amore, you will mess up your perfect hair and makeup. Am I that tempting to you?”
“Do you even have to ask?”
He smiled and chuckled in response, the way only a man can when he knows how completely a woman desires him. “Let us go now. There will be plenty of time for that later.” He held out his arm for me. “Shall we?”
I sighed in only partially mock disappointment. “If you insist. I love you, you know,” I said, and kissed him gently on the lips, keeping my power firmly in check.
“Ti amo, troppo.”
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
When we walked into The Chapel, everyone turned to stare at us. We must have been quite a sight in a sea of black and dark colors. I wished I could have seen us from an outsider’s view. The crowd parted to let us pass, and I almost felt as if we were walking up the aisle on our wedding day. Courtney had gone home to change and get more clothes to bring back to Vittorio’s. We thought it would look odd if she arrived with us, since we hadn’t been close to her previously, and decided it would be better to keep that semblance of distance, at least for the moment.
When we got to the top of the balcony stairs, everyone stopped their conversation and watched us. I thought I would suffocate from the tension in the air. Vittorio did not seem to notice it, and acted as if nothing was wrong.
Courtney and Miriam sat on a couch across the way. Courtney gave me a little wave, while Miriam glared at me.
We sat down, Vittorio’s arm around my shoulders, and Felicia immediately come to take our drink order. I opted for water, too nervous to risk cranberry juice with a white dress, while Vittorio ordered scotch and water.
A man I had seen before, but never met, sat in the chair across from us. “How are you, my friend?” he asked Vittorio.
“I have been better, but as well as can be expected. Emmettt, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Elena, the love of my life. Elena, this is my good friend Emmettt.”
Emmettt was six feet tall and muscular, with short dark hair and honey brown eyes. He looked to be in his late twenties, but wore an old-fashioned suit straight from a Jimmy Stewart movie. He completed his look with a fedora and Chuck Taylor high tops.
I held out my hand to shake Emmettt’s, but he turned mine over and kissed the back of my hand. It was just a touch of lips through the glove, nothing as enticing as Vittorio’s touch of lips to my skin. “Enchantee.” His grinned boyishly.
I smiled. Something told me I could trust Emmettt. “The shoes don’t quite match the ensemble, Emmett,” I said.
“True, but they’re comfortable, and I hate dress shoes,” he said.
“What news do you have for us, Emmettt?” Vittorio asked.
“Everyone is restless. With both Clavius and Aerin dead, and Elizabeth in the hospital, you are the only person in the chain of power left. Of course your allies are happy, but your enemies are plotting ways to be rid of you.”
“Do you know of any of these plots?”
“There is nothing solid. Now that Samuel and Jonah are in jail, and Neal is missing, no one has quite enough initiative to take control.”
“Neal is missing?” Vittorio raised his eyebrows.
“No one seems to know where he is, and if they do, they are holding the secret very tightly.”
“Interesting. I wonder if he has deserted Samuel’s cause. He always struck me as weak and indecisive. Maybe he is laying low until this is all over, waiting to side with whoever is victorious.”
“Will you be our new Sacerdote, and Elena our Sacerdotessa?” No beating around the bush for this guy.
“It is too soon to tell. If it means keeping Samuel out of the picture, yes, I will, but Elena has much to learn before she can make a decision such as that. She is not even familiar with our ways yet.”
“I will,” I said.
Vittorio stared at me. “Mio amore?”
“If you desire it, and the coven accepts it, I will be Sacerdotessa.” A knot I hadn’t known was there loosened in my stomach.
“How can you be sure?”
“What happened between us last night…I’m not sure how to explain it, but I know this is the right decision, that it’s what I’m meant to do.”
Vittorio smiled and embraced me.
“We will fight Samuel’s followers?” Emmettt asked.
“Unfortunately, I do not think we have any other choice. I neither want to fight them nor leave the coven in their hands. I care for our family far too much to leave them to that fate. I hope to make this as painless as possible for everyone, in every manner.”
Courtney walked over and interrupted our conversation. “Hey,” she said, standing awkwardly.
“Why don’t you sit down?” I asked, motioning to the empty seat next to Emmettt.
He introduced himself to Courtney the same way he had to me.
She giggled and looked do
wn to her lap, then looked back at him and smiled.
“Can I ask you something, Courtney?” There was still something that seemed too coincidental.
“Sure, what?”
“How did you meet Miriam?” I asked.
“It was kind of strange. I met her in my art class, but she talked to me first. It seemed odd. I mean, I didn’t exactly fit in with her style…I’m sure my mom gave you and old picture of me.”
I nodded.
“She seemed really nice, though, and I liked her style. I’d been having a hard time making friends in college so didn’t question it.”
“And Elizabeth is Miriam’s aunt, right?”
“Yeah, but what does that matter?” Courtney thought for a moment. “Oh my god, you think they set me up from the beginning?”
“I don’t know, but it does seem like a big coincidence.”
Courtney stood and looked about to storm back over to Miriam. “I’m going to give her a piece of my mind.”
I grabbed her hand. “Courtney, wait. I wouldn’t say anything just yet. If I’m right, it could be dangerous. I’d wait till everything blows over before you confront her.”
She sat back down, slumping. “I guess you’re right. So, I’m supposed to pretend like nothing happened and we’re still friends?” She sighed. “Alright, I’ll try.”
“Courtney, Emmettt has the power of glamour. Would you mind if we tried something to test if you are really able to see through it?” Vittorio asked.
“I guess not,” she said, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. “I’m still trying to get used to the idea of magic being real is all.”
“Elena, do you have something in your purse we can use, something Courtney has not seen before?” Emmettt asked.
I turned to hide my purse from Courtney and pulled out a small, red hairbrush. Emmettt made it appear to be silver, then I held it up for Courtney to see. “What color is my brush?”
“Red,” she said, as if it was the stupidest question ever.
“Vittorio, what color do you see?” Emmettt asked.
“Silver. Emmettt, please drop the glamour on the brush.” It appeared red again. “Now what color do you see Courtney?”
Divided (Elena Ronen, Private Investigator) Page 20