Beyond The Veil: A Paranormal & Magical Romance Boxed Set

by Multiple Authors

  William laughed. “I know that look well; the look of regret when you finish your first bowl. Don’t worry,” he leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “I’ll make sure we take some with when we leave and store it in Daniel’s magick ice box.”

  “Do I even get a say in this?” Daniel asked, feigning objection.

  “Of course not,” William and Persephone answered in unison.

  The trio laughed, and Persephone delighted in the relaxed atmosphere. It felt too long ago that she had been so relaxed, even though it was only last night that she had been relaxing over an equally delicious meal at the Ceorl Frog.

  “How’s Daphne?” Persephone asked William.

  “She’s doing fine. A little sore, but she’s had a light dinner and her own small bowl of Heaven.” Persephone gave William a look of befuddlement, her head to the side and eyebrow raised. “That’s what we all call it. Rosetta has a proper name for it, but we’ve all called it Heaven for so long, that I don’t think even she remembers its true name.

  “Anyway, I wanted to talk to you,” he continued, looking now at Daniel. “Daphne will say otherwise, but I don’t think she will be up for travel tomorrow. We’ll be staying here one more day, though if you want to continue on…”

  Daniel shook his head. “Persephone wants to explore the town, I believe.”

  She nodded in answer. “I’d love to see what this town has to offer.”

  William smiled at her. “Quite a lot. Rosetta said that if you were interested, she could take you shopping. She only has three sons and always wanted a daughter, but her husband died before they could try one last time, so many a young woman who comes through is doted upon like a daughter.”

  Persephone grinned and excitement made her heart skip, until she remembered she had never had any money. William scoffed when she said as much.

  “Rosetta wouldn’t let you pay for a single thing. Her treat. Trust me, it’s best not to argue with her about this. Just enjoy it and allow her the indulgence.”

  She sat back and nodded, her imagination running wild with thoughts of what might be for sale in this strange town. With her belly full, however, she yawned, her body betraying her active mind.

  “I think we should all head to bed.” Daniel smiled in response. “I wouldn’t mind checking out some supply stores myself, tomorrow, and William, I’m sure you have plans, even if it’s just watching over your sister until she throws you out.”

  William chuckled. “I’m beating her to it this time. Have a lady friend in town I want to meet up with. We haven’t seen each other for a few months, so it will be good to catch up.”

  Persephone stretched and yawned again. “Well then, if you two don’t mind, I’d like some privacy to go to sleep.”

  They all stood up, William giving her a quick hug and kiss on top of the head. They’d only found out that morning that they were cousins, yet she appreciated the familial gesture. As William walked out, Daniel embraced Persephone in a strong hold, and she allowed him to take comfort from her. She could only imagine how much he had berated himself over what he’d had to do. When he finally pulled away, she saw a single tear in his eye. He puffed out a sigh, kissed her on the cheek, and walked to the door, turning to give her a smile one last time, and then he closed the door, leaving her alone once more.

  So much had happened these past few days sending her emotions on such a trip that all she wanted to do was curl up and sleep for a year. If things didn’t calm down soon, she was sure her emotions would just snap and she’d be left with no feeling. Persephone walked around the room and blew out the candles, trails of smoke dancing from the wicks as the heat died. She rubbed her eyes and shook her head, and began to undress for bed. She didn’t want to wrinkle this lovely dress. Once the dress was carefully folded and Persephone was only wearing her underclothes, she climbed under the covers and lay on her back staring at the ceiling.

  Having been unconscious for most of the day, it took her a while to settle, so she lay there, trying to think of those peaceful moments in the forest with Adrian. They didn’t have much time together, but she knew he would always be her true love. He had given his life for her, and she vowed that she would make sure his sacrifice wasn’t in vain. Persephone would fight the Dark Magick; she would not let it win.

  As she remembered those few meetings in the forest, Adrian’s face swam through her mind. His beautiful brown eyes, his light golden hair hanging down to his shoulders in waves, and his tall frame, well filled out with muscles. He hadn’t been a wide man, but his muscles were well developed, and she had been so eager to run her hands over them. Just thinking about his firm body set her heart flip-flopping in her chest. Her stomach quivered and a heat gathered between her legs. She had yet to fully know the touch of a man, but Persephone would have willingly given herself to him if he’d asked. Now, she would never feel what it was like to be with him.

  Sorrow filled her heart, and she rolled on to her side, facing away from the window. She finally allowed herself to feel grief at the loss of the only man she had ever wanted to share her life with as man and woman.

  Eventually, she drifted into sleep, and the darkness of the night claimed her once more.

  ***

  Persephone awoke the next morning unable to remember her dreams, though she was sure that they had involved Adrian. Thinking about him before she fell asleep had made her sad, but she knew that the dreams were far from depressing. The dreams had been quite erotic, if her damp underclothes were anything to go by.

  Slightly embarrassed by her arousal, she was suddenly grateful to have her own room. Entering the small washroom, she cleaned herself up and left the dirty clothing hanging on a rack to dry. She would see that it was washed, but for now she had a day of shopping to get ready for.

  Checking no one had entered the bedroom while she had been in the other room, she quickly walked over to the bed in the nude, sitting down to grab a new under-dress out and pulling it over her head. She stood up to smooth it down over her body, and grabbed the yellow dress from the bag to wear again today.

  It took much less time to get ready today than it did last night, and she was finishing tying her hair back in a braid when a knock sounded on the bedroom door.

  “Come in,” she called.

  A woman she didn’t recognize walked in with a tray that smelled wonderfully like bacon, eggs, and coffee.

  “Rosetta,” she stated simply. “And you, my beautiful girl, are Persephone. I’m pleased to see you’re awake and returned to yourself. Nothing like a good meal and solid night’s rest to chase away the last of the Dark Fever.” She motioned for Persephone to sit at the table while she prepared the table.

  “You know much about the fever?” Persephone asked.

  “Of course, all witches experience it. It all depends on whether you embrace the darkness or the light as to whether you become a Dark Witch or a Witch of the Light.”

  “But Father said—”

  “Oh pish,” Rosetta joked. “Earth Wizards don’t know much about a witch’s power, and I’m afraid that your mother was poorly educated about the differences between the Dark and the Light. Not her fault though; Dark Witches don’t tend to allow their children to know they actually have a choice. From what Daniel told me, Alexandria was self-taught, and was a formidable witch considering her limited education. She could have been one of the greatest if she’d lived.”

  The two women sat in silence for a few minutes, eating their breakfast as they thought about Alexandria, a great woman neither of them would have the chance to meet.

  “Well, eat up,” Rosetta brightly began, “then we’ll head out. There are a few stores I’m sure you would love, judging by what your father told me.”

  Persephone smiled warmly, wondering just what the old man had told this strange woman. Rosetta seemed nice enough, chatting merrily while Persephone enjoyed her bacon and eggs. Her bright red curly hair bounced as she talked, her hands waving about as though they had a life of thei
r own and were trying to escape the arms keeping them down to earth. The woman’s vivid and strangely beautiful purple eyes shone with an inner fire, complemented by the large purple stone that hung around her graceful neck, and rested just above an ample bosom that jiggled as Rosetta talked and laughed. She was a slim woman, not quite as tall as Persephone, yet she was still an imposing figure as her confidence gave her stature. Persephone could imagine how the woman would appear with light shining from behind; surely it would look like her head was on fire, and would be a frightening sight. But here, in this room over breakfast and coffee, she was a friendly matriarch who did not look much older than Persephone, yet William had said that Rosetta had owned this place since before his adoptive parents were children.

  “So, breakfast is finished, are you ready to see the town?” the lady asked.

  Persephone looked at her plate, seeing it empty. She hadn’t even realized she had finished eating. Taking her last sip of coffee, she placed the plate and mug back on the tray and pushed her chair back to stand. Rosetta nodded with a smile and rang a small bell that Persephone knew wasn’t there a moment ago. Come to think of it, she couldn’t see it now, either.

  Rosetta must have seen confusion on her face, because the other woman’s face light up with a grin. “Sleight of hand.” She winked. Both women stood, then, as the door opened and a young woman came into collect the tray, issuing a shy smile at Persephone before leaving again. “A sweet young girl, that one.” Rosetta nodded after her. “Her parents disowned her a few moons ago because she refused to marry a man and showed no interest in any of the men who wanted to court her. She’s not interested in male affections, and so her family threw her out, leaving her to fend for herself.” Rosetta shook her head. “Parents should love their children no matter what. Junie is attracted to other women, so she’s not worthy of their love?” She snorted. “Disgraceful. The poor girl turned up on my doorstep looking for somewhere to work. I can always use an extra pair of hands around the place, so I took her in. She’s still shy, but she’s slowly gaining confidence she never had. And who knows, I might be able to find her a woman to treat her right.” Rosetta’s eyes glinted, and Persephone smiled as the woman delighted over the possibility of playing matchmaker one day.

  “I’m glad to hear she’s found a home.” Persephone warmly appreciated Rosetta’s large heart. “People can be so ignorant and selfish sometimes.” The two women nodded their heads, and then Rosetta became business like.

  “Alright, if we’re going to make a full day of hitting the stores in town, we’d better get a move on. That’s what you’re wearing?” she confirmed.

  “Is there something wrong with it?” Persephone asked, suddenly unsure of her choice of clothing.

  “Of course not, it’s beautiful. I just want to make sure you’re ready. Come on, then,” she held out her arm. “Let’s hit the town.”

  ***

  A few hours later, Persephone flopped into a large armchair at one of the cafes in town and heaved a sigh. Rosetta had dragged her around to a few dress shops to get some new clothing. She had lost count how many dresses and riding suits Rosetta had made her try on, as well as the stores they had visited, and the day was only half over. The other woman had limitless energy. Persephone wondered if it wasn’t a spell of sorts.

  Taking off one of her slippers, Persephone rested the foot on the opposite knee, massaging the aching sole. Rosetta had bought her some beautiful dresses to add to the three from Adrian, as well as some smart riding suits in neutral, muted colors so she wouldn’t be too easily spotted from a distance. The other woman had also insisted that Persephone needed some hats to keep the sun from her face and a few types of shoes including a pair boots with a slight heel and thick tread underneath. The vendor had promised she should be able to scale a cliff with ease while wearing the boots.

  Persephone had followed Rosetta around town to look at all sorts of clothing and accessories for the whole morning, and was relieved when Rosetta had pointed out a café where they could have some lunch. Directing Persephone to a table, the other woman had marched to the counter to order some food and cool drinks. Persephone now slouched in the chair, massaging her other foot while Rosetta stood at the counter chatting with the man behind it.

  She smiled ruefully. “What was I thinking, assuming shopping would be an easy day? Oh Adrian, if only you could meet Rosetta, you would love her, I’m sure. She’s such a mother hen. We could have had such a different life, if only I’d let you take me away sooner.”

  Growing a little restless as she continued to wait for Rosetta to join her, Persephone wished she had at least one bag to look through. Instead, the packages were to be delivered straight to her room back at the inn by a young courier man, George, who Rosetta had hired before they began shopping. He had followed them around town giving Persephone cow eyes, trying to grab her attention. While he was a good looking young man, roughly her age, her heart still belonged to Adrian. Rosetta had tried to get her talking to the courier, but all she could do was smile and nod as he chatted away.

  Eventually he had grown quiet, and she’d felt bad, apologizing and explaining that she had just lost the man she loved, and she wasn’t sure if she could love again. George had nodded and said he understood, and resided himself to watching her with eyes that spoke volumes about his attraction to her.

  He walked into the café and Persephone jumped. It was almost as though she’d conjured him by mere thought. , He didn’t seem to have seen her, however, and sat down at a table in a secluded corner. She watched as a serving girl walked over to him, swaying her hips and flirtatiously leaned over to display her cleavage. Jealousy coursed through her, creating a pang in her gut that caught her off guard. Although she couldn’t see his face, she could see by George’s body language that he just wanted some food and wasn’t interested in the serving girl’s advances. She eventually returned to the counter, pouting at what Persephone triumphantly assumed was a rejection.

  Frowning slightly, Persephone thought about her reactions just now. She felt ashamed at being jealous over a serving girl’s attentions to a man she could have sworn she had no feelings for. She couldn’t have feelings for him, she loved Adrian. Being attracted to another man would be a betrayal to her love, wouldn’t it?

  She tried to convince herself that she wasn’t attracted to George and didn’t immediately notice when Rosetta finally joined her at the table. “What’s that frown for, sweetheart? Did I forget to buy something you had wanted?”

  “No,” Persephone absently replied. “I have enough clothing now to last quite a while. I’m just confused.”

  “Confused about what?”

  Persephone didn’t realize she was still staring at George’s back until Rosetta turned in her seat to scan the crowd. “Ah,” she responded with a sly grin, turning back to face Persephone. “You like young George over there.”

  Persephone shook her head. “I can’t,” she protested. “I love Adrian. He only died a few days ago; it would be a betrayal of his memory, wouldn’t it?”

  Rosetta laughed, her sultry voice ringing out merrily. “Oh honey, it’s only natural to be attracted to someone else. Don’t beat yourself up over it. I think, after everything that has happened, it would only be a betrayal if you ignored it. Adrian gave his life so you could live.”

  “Yes, to live, not to sleep with the first man I see who isn’t related to me.”

  Rosetta leaned forward and grasped Persephone’s hands, drawing her attention away from George. “Honey, you can’t stop staring at him. If Adrian is still able to sense events from beyond the grave, and being an Angel, I don’t think the grave exists for him, then I am sure he wouldn’t want you worrying yourself over a natural physical attraction. You’ve been incredibly stressed, and he can’t alleviate your tension because he’s not of this earth anymore. George, on the other hand, can. He’s a smart young man, he knows your heart lies with another and he would never hope to replace Adrian in your heart. He does
, however, want you to relax a little. That much stress is bound to break you one day. So let him help you relax.”

  “But I haven’t…”

  Rosetta put her hands up in front of her. “I know, honey. You haven’t been with a man, but you are not going to live out your life as a sexless, bitter woman, because face it, you keep holding on to something that very well can never happen, then you will end up bitter. Enjoy your life, you only have one!”

  “But Adrian’s sacrifice—”

  “Means you’re also an angel now, I know. Daniel told me. Adrian transferred his powers to keep you alive, and so you probably have a long life ahead of you until you can somehow find the place where angels reside. But until then, live a little.” Rosetta gestured to George's back with a wink.

  “But what about the shopping?”

  “Oh pish,” Rosetta replied, throwing her hand down. “Just go have lunch with him. I’ll make sure your plate finds you. I’ll come get you to finish the shopping, now stop making excuses and get your beautiful backside over to that table. Go on, now.” She made shooing motions to Persephone, leaving her no choice but to get up and walk over to George’s table. The closer she came, the warmer her face felt, and she was sure her cheeks were bright pink.

  At least his table is fairly private, she thought as she bit her lip. Persephone saw a few men’s’ heads turn as she walked past and could feel their eyes continue to watch as she neared her destination. Glancing at the counter, she saw the serving girl who had tried flirting with George give her a filthy look, and suddenly she felt confident. Flashing a smile at the girl, she lifted her chin and strode the last few steps to the table. As she walked around to sit in the other chair, she gave George a bright smile.