“To do what I should have done centuries ago. To destroy your family!”
Celine’s eyes grew wide. “Marcus! Wait!”
“No, Celine, this time I will not wait! You have betrayed me for the last time. I have given you more than enough chances. This time you shall be forced to face the consequences. The distraction of Grayson Buckley shall be removed. Then, with nothing to divert your attention, you shall be more easily coerced into submission.”
Celine rose, rushing toward him. “Marcus, please.” She grabbed his arm, pleading with him. He slipped loose from her grasp, shaking her off like a bug.
“Do not deign to beg me for any favors, Celine. I have none left to give.” He stalked from the cave. Celine ran after him. She smacked into a force field at the mouth of the cave. She reached out, putting her hand toward the opening. An electric shock passed through her hand as she hit the invisible wall.
The enchantment that held her in her cell at the old mill surrounded her in this location, too. She was trapped, again. She turned back to the cave’s interior. She hurried toward Damien’s side. Still unconscious, she pulled him onto her lap, holding him in her arms. She willed him to awaken. He was all she would have left.
Marcus stormed toward the VanWoodsens’ home. Anger seethed through him. However, he was shrewd enough to recognize the value in not reacting from pure anger. It was sloppy and left room for errors. He contemplated his plan. Celine would regret her betrayal. Once he left her with nothing, she would realize she had no alternate choices. She would have no reason to continue her irresponsible behavior.
He strode up the steps, thundering through the front door. Marcus found Celeste and Teddy in the sitting room. “Marcus,” Teddy greeted him. “Is everything all right?”
Marcus stepped to the drink cart, pouring himself a brandy before speaking. He drank it, then hurled the glass across the room. It shattered into pieces against the wall.
“Marcus?” Celeste inquired. “Whatever is the matter?”
“Your sister has once again betrayed me, Celeste.”
Celeste glanced at Teddy, unsure of her answer. “Perhaps…” she began.
“No!” Marcus interrupted her, raising his voice. He tempered it before continuing. “No, no. I will entertain no excuses for Celine’s behavior.”
“Forgive me, Marcus,” Teddy interjected. “But I assume Celeste hoped to discover the source of this betrayal. The girl has no contact with anyone. How has she betrayed you?”
“Hasn’t she?” Marcus asked. “Think again, Theodore.”
“I don’t understand,” Celeste responded.
“Somehow the very clever Celine has managed to contact her precious Damien even while in her enchanted cell.”
“How is that possible?” Teddy asked.
“I do not know. I did not care to find out at the moment. But she has achieved it. She has been working against me even while she promised herself to me.”
“How did you come to this knowledge?” Celeste asked.
“Does it matter?” Marcus retorted.
“Yes. Perhaps there is some misunderstanding that I may clear up on my sister’s behalf.”
“There is no misunderstanding. Grayson Buckley appeared at the mill earlier this morning. He spoke to Celine. He told her Damien was missing and she should not contact him until he has been found. Satisfied?”
“Damien is missing?” Celeste followed up.
“Damien is with Celine. An early wedding gift to her since she adores him so. It shall be the last kindness she receives from me.”
Both VanWoodsens were silent. “I’m sorry, Marcus,” Celeste replied after a moment.
“Not as sorry as Celine will be when I am through with her. She has betrayed me for the last time.”
Celeste rushed to Marcus. “You do not intend to harm her? Surely something can be done.”
“Oh, something shall be done, my dear Celeste. Something indeed. And no harm will come to Celine herself. But the time has come for the Buckleys to be destroyed. I shall leave no one standing, not Grayson, not Alexander, not even those bloody humans she clings to so vehemently.”
“Marcus,” Celeste warned, “is this plan wise?”
Marcus grasped Celeste’s arms, dragging her several steps. “Do you dare question me?”
“No!” she exclaimed. “I only mean to ensure Celine’s compliance.”
“She will have no choice left but to comply when there is no one alive to help her.”
Marcus released Celeste, who stumbled back several steps. She smoothed her dress, regaining her breath. “We will do whatever you ask,” Teddy assured Marcus.
“Good. I have many arrangements to make. We begin our siege tonight. By tomorrow morning, the Buckleys will be no more.”
“You shall inform us of our part in the plan over dinner?” Teddy asked.
“Yes,” Marcus answered. “Until then, Celeste, would you check on Damien? I have moved both Celine and Damien to the cave near the beach. Ensure he isn’t dead. He could prove useful to us later.” He instructed her on how to communicate with Celine through the enchanted barrier.
“Yes, of course,” Celeste agreed as Marcus stalked from the room. “I should go,” Celeste said to Teddy.
She pulled on her jacket and left the house, heading to the cave. She arrived and used the instructions to view Celine inside. Tears streamed down Celine’s face. She held Damien in her arms. His body appeared lifeless.
“Celine?” Celeste called.
“Celeste!” Celine answered.
“How is Damien?”
“Alive, no thanks to Marcus. How can you see me? Can you let me out?”
“No,” Celeste responded. “Marcus only instructed me on how to speak with you, not how to break the enchantment that holds you inside. Celine, what happened?”
Celine sighed, she released Damien, letting him slide gently to the ground. Standing, she dusted herself off and joined Celeste at the mouth of the cave. “I found a way to slip into Shadow World. I was able to call Damien there, too. I used it as a conduit to communicate with him and hence Gray.”
“What?” Celeste asked in shock. “Shadow World? How did… And Damien survived?”
“I only spoke with him for moments at a time. He became quite ill after each session, but I was desperate!”
“That is why he was always unavailable when I called,” Celeste determined. “And why you were always so concerned about him.”
Celine nodded. “Yes.”
“Oh, Celine, darling. I am so sorry your plan failed.”
Celine began to answer when Damien groaned. “Damien!” she exclaimed, rushing to his side. He writhed on the ground; his eyes still closed. “Damien, can you hear me?”
His eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times, glancing around. “Celine?” he questioned.
“Yes, D, I’m right here,” she answered, taking his hand in hers. “Don’t move. You’re hurt. No, don’t try to sit up, just lay back.”
“I’m okay. I’ve got a killer headache though,” Damien answered, groaning as he held a hand to his head. “Where are we?”
“Marcus moved us to another location. One where no one can find us. He realized that I betrayed him. I’m afraid his retribution will be swift and severe this time.”
“Not if I can help it,” Celeste promised. “Marcus once again owns my soul, but you, sister, risked your life to restore mine. I will not permit him to destroy your life.”
“Celeste, you cannot risk betraying him. He will crush you.”
“I do not intend to do it alone,” Celeste added. “I shall tell Gray as soon as I leave here.”
Celine’s eyes widened with understanding. “Are you sure, Celeste? When Marcus discovers your betrayal, he…”
“Don’t worry about that, it is my risk to take.”
“Celeste! I…”
“Stop, Celine. I won’t listen to it. I will tell Gray whether you approve or not. I haven’t been a very good big
sister. It’s time I correct that.”
“Oh, Celeste. Please don’t do this out of guilt. I have forgiven you. We’ll find another way.”
“This is not out of guilt, Celine. It is something I must do. I will protect you as you have protected me.”
“Please be careful, Celeste. And tell Gray I love him.”
“I will on both counts. With any luck, we’ll have you out of there before Marcus realizes we’ve betrayed him.”
Celine smiled at Celeste. “If I wasn’t stuck in here, I’d give you a huge hug, Celeste.”
“When you’re free, sister, I shall collect my payment,” Celeste replied with a wink.
She departed from the cave’s entrance, leaving Celine and Damien alone. “Do you think we can trust her?” Damien asked.
“I’m not sure, but I lean to saying yes. She’s never behaved this way before. Let’s hope she follows through,” Celine replied, staring after Celeste. She turned to Damien. “More importantly though, how do you really feel?”
Damien sat up despite Celine’s protestations. “I’m fine. I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck who then proceeded to reverse and back over me again, but I’m okay.”
“I wish we could get you medical attention now. You could have an internal injury we don’t realize.”
“We’ll worry about that later. Despite my aches, I’m glad I’m here and you aren’t alone.”
Celine smiled at him. “I’m glad you’re here too, D. I’ve missed you. Shadow World visits are no substitute for real world visits. And I am so sorry about how sick it made you!”
“I survived. And it didn’t matter. I was ecstatic to be in contact with you.” He paused for a moment. “Although, I’m happy to never return there. That place was weird.”
Celine chuckled. “Shadow World is a strange place.”
“Alexander’s book said adjudicators like it. How could anyone like that place?”
“They find it charming with its lack of color and noise. Relaxing, even. They find our world too loud and overwhelming.”
“It was quiet there. Except that time I went there when Millie hypnotized me. You weren’t there at first.”
“Is that how you got there? I wondered. I sensed you calling me and came as soon as I could.”
“Before you got there, something was making an awful noise. Like a shrill scream.”
“Oh, an adjudicator was near to you. They sometimes make those noises when relaxed.”
“THAT’S what it sounds like when it’s relaxed?”
Celine laughed again. “Yes, D. Strange, I know, but true.”
“This world just gets weirder and weirder.”
“And you haven’t seen the half of it!”
Celeste banged on Alexander’s door. It took a few moments for Alexander to answer. “Celeste?” he asked, shocked.
Celeste strode into the house. “I must speak with you and Gray at once,” she stated.
“Please, come into the sitting room,” he instructed.
Celeste and Alexander entered the sitting room. “Celeste?” Gray questioned, glancing up from the desk. He glanced to Michael. “You okay?”
Michael shrugged. “Yeah, I feel fine. No effect at all.”
“There will be no ill effects from my visit,” Celeste assured them. “I am cured.”
“That explains the daytime visit,” Alexander replied. “How?”
“I am not sure how much my sister was able to impart in her Shadow World visits, but Marcus Northcott is back. He cured me.”
“And you decide to pay us a visit first?” Gray questioned. “Why?”
“I am here to warn you.”
“Warn us of what?”
“All of you are in terrible danger. Marcus has discovered that Celine has been communicating with Damien. He is furious, determined to destroy all of you for her betrayal.” Gray closed his eyes, worry for Celine filling him. Celeste continued. “He has moved her to a new location. I know where she is, but not how to free her. I can impart what Marcus has told me, then we should go at once to try to save her.”
“We’ll handle it, Celeste,” Gray answered, dismissing her.
“Do not cast me off, this is no light matter! I am here to help!”
“Or lure us into a trap,” Alexander suggested.
“It is no trap.”
“And we should trust you why?” Gray prodded. “Marcus Northcott restored you why? Not out of the kindness of his heart.”
“No. Celine orchestrated it. She risked her life for me, and I am repaying her.”
“If this isn’t a trap, tell us where she is and let us handle it.”
“She is in the cave near the beach. Do not waste time, Marcus plans to strike your family tonight. Gray, you must rescue Celine and Damien before then.”
“Damien?” Alexander queried.
“Yes, Damien is with her. Marcus took him to her earlier. It was while you searched for him that Marcus learned the truth.”
“Marcus was there when we…” Gray began, realizing he had unknowingly revealed Celine’s plan to the Duke. “But…”
“He masks himself,” Celeste explained. “You’d never realize he was present.”
“Is Damien all right?” Michael asked.
“Yes, he is fine. He was unconscious when I arrived. There was a scuffle when Marcus learned of Celine’s visits. However, he’s awake and seems recovered.”
“How is Celine?” Gray inquired.
“Celine is Celine. Always worried for someone else. She misses you, Gray. She insisted I tell you she loves you.”
Gray smiled to himself. “That’s Celine.”
“What can you tell us about the enchantment, Celeste?” Alexander asked.
Celeste imparted any knowledge she gleaned from Marcus about the spell. Gray and Alexander mulled over the information. They compared it to the materials they had amassed. “Have you any idea how to reverse it?” Celeste questioned.
“We have some ideas, nothing we are sure of,” Gray answered.
“We should try. At the very least, you can see and speak with Celine,” Celeste replied.
“We should go now,” Alexander suggested.
“Yes,” Gray agreed. “Should we take Millie? In case Damien needs medical attention?”
“It’s far too dangerous, but we should warn her so she can be prepared for our return,” Alexander suggested.
“Do we need flashlights or anything?” Michael questioned.
“No, you stay here. It’s far too dangerous,” Gray argued.
“What? No! No way! Damien is out there and needs our help. I’m not going to sit here and do nothing!”
“Gray is correct, it is far too dangerous,” Alexander agreed.
“I don’t care how dangerous it is! I’m not leaving my friends out there!” Michael countered.
“Instead of arguing, perhaps we should be moving,” Celeste insisted.
“Fine, whatever, let’s just get going. I’ll tell Millie,” Gray replied. He disappeared from the room. Alexander gathered a few reference books, and they met Gray in the foyer. They hurried to the beach cave.
“They are in here,” Celeste said as they approached. She unmasked the enchantment so they could see and hear inside the cave.
Gray approached the cave’s entrance. “Celine,” he raced toward her, bumping into the invisible barrier.
“Gray!” she exclaimed, approaching him but stopping short of running into the barrier.
“Celine, we’ll get you out. Don’t worry. We have a few ideas, hopefully one of them will work. Alexander and I…”
“Gray! Look out!” Celine shouted, interrupting him.
Marcus Northcott approached the cave with a determined stride. Alexander shoved Michael behind a nearby tree, hiding him from sight. Marcus threw his arms out, expelling an electric shock that radiated from him. It knocked everyone down in its path.
“Well,” Marcus said, “I had expected to seek you out to destroy you. But y
ou’ve saved me the trouble. And now your beloved Celine can watch you perish. Perhaps then the consequences of her betrayal will sink in.” The skies overhead darkened, thunder rumbled. Winds picked up, sweeping around them.
Gray shot a bolt of lightning at Marcus. It had little effect. “Pathetic as always, Buckley,” Marcus retorted, continuing toward him. “I planned to save you for last. But I shall enjoy killing you first now.”
“Marcus, no!” Celine shouted.
Marcus lifted Gray from the ground, tossing him away from the cave’s entrance like a toy soldier. Alexander attempted to defend Gray, throwing a fireball at Marcus. It did little more than annoy the target.
“Patience, Alexander. I shall deal with you next,” Marcus replied, lobbing a lightning bolt at him.
Alexander dodged it, diving to the ground. “Alexander!” Celeste whispered. “Throw me the book!”
Celine watched helplessly as Marcus and Gray battled, exchanging supernatural assaults of various kinds. Marcus held the upper hand in the fight and realized it. He toyed with Gray, enjoying the game before moving in for the kill.
Celine approached the cave’s entrance as Celeste paged through the book. “Hurry, Celeste. Gray can’t last much longer,” Celine urged.
“Yes, I’m trying. I don’t even know if this will work.” Celeste found the marked page, uttering the words on it.
“If this enchantment is broken,” Celine said to Damien, “run. Take Michael and go to Alexander’s as fast as you can. Stay there until we return.”
“But Celine…” Damien began.
“No! Damien, no. I will have my hands full. I cannot worry about you and Michael.”
“Okay,” Damien acquiesced.
“Try now,” Celeste said. Celine pushed her hand toward the cave’s entrance. A bolt of electricity shocked her back.
“Nope.”
“Try the one in this book,” Alexander suggested, tossing another book over as he continued to attempt to help Gray.
“No, no, this one won’t work,” Celeste argued, shaking her head.
“Try anyway,” Celine pressed.
“No, it won’t work because…” Celeste began. She paused. “Wait. Perhaps if I…. Stand back,” she counseled.
Celine took several steps back, placing herself between the cave’s entrance and Damien. Celeste uttered a few words from both books in front of her. She waved her arms around the entrance, grasping at the invisible barrier then pulling backward.
Gone: A Shadow Slayers Story (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 3) Page 15