He tried one more time in spite of the warning. “I have not the capabilities to kill one of my kin. You have to know it is not easy to kill a wizard.”
There is one among you know who has been weakened by your blundering attempts to discover a weak spot among The Assembly.
The mere thought of taking Charlemaine’s life sickened him. He’d never be forgiven, and if his plan failed, his family would disown him. A wizard without a guild had to forge a life of his own, fighting any battles without assistance. He would be forced to stay on guard, always looking over his shoulder.
Realizing the Pravus still awaited his answer, he cleared his throat and offered a rebuttal. “She is protected now. I cannot penetrate their shields.”
Do not lie to us, Wizard. You can reach the young one with your mind.
How could they possibly know about the telepathic connection he shared with his family? “I can only disable her temporarily.”
Then we will be happy to assist you. Open the portal to her mind, and we will take care of the rest.
Charlie found herself aloft in Jensen’s arms the second the words left her lips. “What are you doing? Where are we going?” Struggling now, she shoved against his chest. “I am capable of walking.”
“The pain could return at any time, rendering you immobile once more.”
He had a point. She relaxed against him. “So where are you taking me then?”
“The Assembly has gathered.”
“Wait. You’re taking me to see your entire guild?”
“No. We have a council. Now close your eyes and hold on.”
“Why? There’s no need—” The words ended on a squeal when Jensen spun around so rapidly the wind pushed her hair back from her face. She ducked her head into the curve of his shoulder and closed her eyes until the spinning ceased.
When her head righted itself, she peeked up. A large, oval table, so shiny it gleamed, took up much of the space in the room, and around the table sat eight men and four women. She only recognized Falcon.
“What’s happening?”
Jensen carried her to an empty chair next to Falcon and lowered her to the seat. He squeezed her hand gently. “Do not be alarmed. You are safe. We know you are not the enemy.”
“Unfortunately, someone in your family is.” Falcon didn’t waste time.
“How can you be sure it’s someone in my family?” She still recalled the sound of her mother’s soft voice saying her name. Her heart stirred. Such sweetness could not exist with evil.
“It was your family that attacked our fortress.” The deep-voiced reminder had Charlie’s head turning to follow its owner.
A gray-haired man—or wizard, if that was what he was—looked back at her solemnly, his hands folded together atop the table. “It is our understanding you do not remember your family, young one. Perhaps you simply do not recall the treachery that lies within.”
Charlie swept out one hand, and an empty chair scooted across the room, banging against the far wall. She jumped and clutched her arm to her side. “What just happened?”
“I believe your powers are returning even if you don’t remember them.” Jensen placed his hand atop hers.
She didn’t feel any differently, and yet, she supposedly had these magical abilities. Someone in her family was the enemy, she was in a room filled with powerful wizards, and she barely knew her own name. What was she to believe? And why was her skin tingling now?
Her gaze sought Jensen’s for reassurance. He gave her a slight smile and squeezed her hand again. She tried to offer him a smile in return, but her lips wouldn’t move. No other portion of her body would cooperate, either. Before she could panic, pain ripped through her skull.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, but it was the only outward sign of her agony. She had to be dying. It could be the only explanation for such torture.
“Something is wrong.” Jensen gave her a little shake. “She is not moving.”
Why did he sound so panicked? He barely knew her. Surely her death would have no great impact on his life. As the words slipped into her mind, she discounted them. Jensen had proven himself to be a man of compassion. He would not want anyone to suffer.
Falcon took Jensen’s place, his hand waving in front of her face. “She has been telepathically paralyzed.”
“Through our shields? How can such a thing be possible?”
“No ordinary wizard could break through our barriers.”
“’Tis impossible.”
The cacophony of voices only enhanced her pain, and Charlie wanted nothing more than to sink into oblivion, a blessed darkness that would give her respite.
“Her blood kin is linked to her by nature.” Falcon stood, but she couldn’t follow his progress. “Even our spells cannot prevent the acknowledgment of the familial bond.” His tone darkened. “That is why our enemy has chosen to utilize such a weapon.”
“He knew Charlemaine could tell us more now that her memory is starting to return.” Jensen’s voice trembled with raw fury, the tone both guttural and dangerous.
“It is possible this is a method of communication, but we will know nothing until she is released.”
“We cannot just let her sit there like that. She is crying,” Jensen snapped back.
“’Tis more than likely fear.” Falcon’s hand dropped to her shoulder. “The link cannot be sustained for an indefinite period of time, Charlemaine. That would require more magic than even we possess.
Charlie wanted to weep with the relief his words brought. The pain had started to ebb, but she still couldn’t move. Could only see and hear, making her a prisoner inside her own body.
Charlemaine, you will be silent or many will die.
The insidious warning soaked into her brain seconds before the paralysis abated. Her shoulders drooped, and she gasped, pulling the air into her lungs with such force, she became dizzy.
Jensen dropped back beside her. “Did you hear anything? Did someone talk to you? ”
“No.” The lie tasted bitter on her tongue, but she would not be responsible for anyone’s death.
Though his eyebrow lifted, he said nothing to refute her words. He turned his attention back to Falcon who watched both of them with a fierce gaze.
Charlie swallowed hard. Did the leader sense something? Could he read her mind? She knew nothing about the wizard’s abilities and hadn’t thought to ask. But the way Falcon stared at her now, she thought he could see right through her.
“The telepathic communication must have taken much out of her. Jensen, take Charlemaine to the spare bedchamber next to the dining hall. She will be comfortable there.”
“She will be more comfortable in my chamber,” Jensen replied then quickly added, “’Tis the only place she has known since her arrival.”
“I don’t imagine I have a say in this, do I? Am I still to be treated as a prisoner?” Her legs cooperated, and she stood. “You should take me home or close enough so that I may find my own way.”
“You barely remember your own name. How do you suppose you could locate your home?” The question came from a surly wizard at the end of the table.
Charlie didn’t have time to answer the question. Images and sounds flooded her mind, the sensations so overwhelming she fell to her knees and clasped her temples.
She relived her childhood in black and white, clearly seeing her parents and siblings. And so much more played out before her eyes. The great hall where she and her friends played hide and go seek. Wizards walking by in scarlet red robes, talking in hushed tones. A brutal battle. Death. Destruction.
All the memories that had been lost to her returned with a vicious vengeance, many so painful she couldn’t even think about standing. When the images finally ebbed, she slumped forward. Jensen caught her before her face could hit the marble floor.
“She needs rest now.” Falcon waved a hand toward the wall as Jensen scooped her up into his arms.
She didn’t have the strength to complain when he to
ok her on another dizzying ride.
The job was done. Shaking, he stood, tears streaming down his face. The second his mind touched Charlemaine’s, he’d felt the influx of evil, the cold, vicious reach of the darkness that would end her life.
Her memories had returned, and for that, he was grateful. She would die knowing who she was, the love she had experienced in her life. It wouldn’t erase his part in her death, but every one deserved peace at the end of their life.
As much as he detested the way this had to happen, Charlemaine’s death would serve a dual purpose. His people would never seek retribution against The Assembly without the proper amount of provocation. This would be it.
The Seer thought Charlemaine was dead now, but the vision wouldn’t last for long. Once the young wizard crossed over the mortal coil, the images she’d seen would become permanent. Then he could take possession of the Fire Dagger, and with it, Nocturne could unite with their fellow guilds to eradicate The Assembly once and for all.
Chapter Five
“Tell me why you lied to me.” Jensen stood over Charlemaine, his arms crossed. He’d known the moment he’d asked the question she hadn’t been truthful, but he hadn’t wanted to confront her in front of the others. Such deceit would not be treated lightly.
Brown eyes wary, Charlemaine picked at the silken sheets where she sat on the edge of the bed. “It’s better this way.”
“What did you hear?” He sat beside her, a part of him wanting to comfort her, erase the worry on her face.
“It doesn’t matter.” She lifted one hand, surprising him by stroking his cheek. “Thank you for everything. You saved my life, and I’ll never forget that.”
His nerves jangled which was not something he was accustomed to. “You make it sound as though you are leaving.”
“I must return to my family now.”
“I believe we already had that discussion. How will you find them?”
When she looked at him, he read in her gaze what she had not yet said. “You remember. Everything?”
A broken sigh slipped through her lips. “Yes. Who I am. Where I belong. That is why I must go home now. Whoever intends to harm your people must be stopped, and if I can find that person, I can help.”
Jensen gripped her arm. “No. You cannot leave. What you are suggesting is too dangerous.”
A fleeting look of irritation crossed her face. “I’m a wizard. Do you not think I can handle myself?”
“You are not strong enough to return. If the witches find you, you will be destroyed long before you can reach your home.”
“Then you can stay with me until I reach the gates, if that will reassure you.” She made it sound as though she was bestowing a great favor upon him. “Unless <,> you’re worried about your own safety.”
Worried? The thought never occurred to him. “You think I might be afraid of the witches?”
“Others have been.”
“In your guild, maybe.”
The response obviously annoyed her. Her brown eyes frosted, and her chin tipped upwards. “I know how powerful the Assembly is. That doesn’t make my guild weak.”
“Those were not my words.” Jensen studied her flawless complexion, and his heart stirred. Could she feel the attraction between them as well? Its force was so magnetic it threatened to cripple him.
“They might as well have been.” Charlemaine stood and sent a sizzling glare in his direction. “And every wizard in the Universe knows how the Assembly feels about those outside its hallowed halls.”
Jensen considered her words. She didn’t sound bitter, only irritated. That he could handle. “Really? Every wizard? And you are so sure of this because of your mind-reading abilities?”
Her hands fisted at her sides, drawing attention to the indentation of her tiny waist. “I don’t need to read minds to know what has been shared among my people.”
“Do not believe everything you hear, sweet Charlemaine.”
“Stop calling me that. I’ve never liked it.”
For a moment, he thought he liked her better when she did not remember who she was. At the very least, she was a lot less acerbic. “Why do you insist on putting your own life in danger when you know The Assembly can take care of itself?”
“Maybe that’s not the only reason I want to go home.”
He took two steps toward her; she took two steps back. “Tell me then. What is your other reason?” One more step and her back was against the wall.
“Don’t do what you’re thinking of doing.”
“You can read my mind now?”
“Tell me you don’t intend to kiss me then.”
“A kiss is such a mild term, and it is not my only intention.” He cupped the back of her neck, the skin so soft beneath his fingertips it might as well have been lamb’s wool.
He heard the quick catch of her breath, saw her pupils dilate, and knew she wasn’t going to stop him. He promised himself the kiss would be no more than a simple brushing of his lips against hers to satisfy the need burning within him. But that was before he tasted her, felt the vibrations against his lips when she moaned.
Another step brought their bodies together, and his other hand slipped up to her neck as well. His thumbs brushing her jawline, Jensen caressed her lips, and Charlemaine’s hands circled his wrists, not to push away but to hold on.
He could have gone on kissing her but for the imperious summons of his leader. With a curse, Jensen lifted his head and gave Charlemaine an apologetic smile. “I am being called again.”
She nodded, her lips trembling a little. “They seem to do that a lot.”
“A little too much, I am thinking. And they have always had the absolute worst timing.” He touched his lips to her cheek and slid his hands away.
Her face flushed, Charlemaine gave him a smile that punched him in the stomach. “Perhaps they read your mind and thought it best to interrupt us.”
Jensen chuckled. “Perhaps. Wait for me.”
“Where else am I going to go?”
After one more quick kiss, he disappeared, convinced his brother had put Falcon up to the call.
Charlie walked around the bedchamber, her hands touching the rich fabrics, gaze taking in the elegance. Everything was just as she had imagined it would be—pure perfection. Though she’d heard stories about The Assembly all of her life, she never thought she’d ever make it inside the fortress.
The air split, and she backed up with a yelp of surprise. Remy stepped through the divide, a glower on his face. “Where is my brother?”
“Not here.”
“That much is obvious. Where has he gone?”
Charlie decided she definitely didn’t like this wizard. “He was summoned moments ago.”
Remy’s gaze swept the bedchamber, and his lip curled. “Was that before or after you had seduced him?”
“Seduced him?” Her temper flared. “I’ve done nothing to your brother, and I’d like you to leave.”
“This is my home, wench.”
“Wench?” Things were about to get very ugly. Charlie curled her hand into her fist, and the heat of the fireball made her smile. Nothing like a little heat to spice things up. “I’ve had about enough of your demeaning attitude. You have no right to speak to me that way, and I would suggest you remember your manners before I have to jar your memory.”
Laughing, Remy held his hands away from his body with a challenge. “Is that so? Well, suppose I don’t give a rat’s arse about your suggestion?”
Knowing she was being goaded didn’t rein in Charlie’s temper. She drew back and let the fireball fly. It bounced off the center of Remy’s forehead, and he let loose with a loud curse as stamped out the flames.
“You little—”
“Remy!” Jensen reappeared before his brother could take another step. “You will not harm her.”
“Her? She is the one who lobbed a fireball, brother. It is nice to know she suddenly remembered who she is.” Remy looked around Jensen’s shoulde
r. “How convenient.”
“I do remember who I am.” Charlie saw no reason to lie. “And with that memory comes the knowledge that I can handle myself quite well. Stay and find out.”
He sneered at her. “You think you can take me, wench?”
“There’s that word again.” Charlie launched herself across the room, going airborne to rise above Jensen’s head.
“Damnation!” Jensen leaped up and caught hold of her ankle, pulling her back down to the floor. “Stop this. Remy is only antagonizing you because he is convinced you are the enemy.”
“And has she not proven that by hiding the return of her memory from us?” Remy folded his arms and sent Charlie a smug smile.
“I hid nothing. Jensen knows.”
When Remy swung his gaze back to his brother, Jensen nodded. “She speaks the truth.”
The sneer only intensified on Remy’s face. “Then perhaps you should inform Falcon for he is under the impression she is still…innocent.”
“I’ve done nothing to deserve your disdain.” Charlie had never wanted to pummel another person like she did this man.
Jensen held up one hand to interrupt Remy’s reply. “Falcon is aware of Charlemaine’s memory return as I have just informed him, but you will need to explain to him why you chose to attack another wizard inside these walls.”
Only the strongest of willpower kept Charlie from grinning when Remy grimaced and slunk away.
“What is his problem? Why did he come to me like that? He pretended to be looking for you, but I don’t believe that for a moment.”
“You are wise, but Remy meant no harm. He did not believe your innocence and chose to confront you in an effort to protect the rest of us. No one can be blamed for caring for those they love.”
The soft way Jensen said the words deflated her anger. They made sense anyway, but Remy definitely needed to find a better approach. She’d still like to pummel him.
“Now, I believe we were in the middle of something before I was called away.”
Four days later
The First Spell Page 4