Banished: Book 1 of The Grimm Laws

by Jennifer Youngblood

  She gave him a withering look. “Yes, and you would’ve realized that yourself if you had an ounce of sense. Can’t you see that he’s just like you?”

  Alexander jumped to his feet. There was a crazed look in his eyes. “You lied to me! You married another and then made me think it was his child!”

  She got up in his face. “And you left me! You went off to war and abandoned me!”

  “I was doing my duty as king! I told you I was coming back!”

  “You had my husband killed!”

  He rocked back.

  “Both of you, sit down!” Ruben ordered. “This is my show!”

  A deep weariness settled over Alexander. “What do you want?”

  He held up his phone. “It’s simple, if Huntsden doesn’t hear from me before midnight, then he will kill your sons … and the girl. That barrier that protects the candidates of the throne doesn’t yet apply to him, but if you make him a candidate for the throne, giving him what is rightfully his, then he will be powerless to hurt them.”

  “And the girl.”

  He waved a hand. “Very well, make him a candidate, and she’ll live as well.”

  Something snapped inside of Alexander, and he lunged at Ruben, sending them both sprawling backwards over the desk where they began trading blows.

  “Enough!” Wisteria yelled. “Enough!” She pointed at the clock on the wall. “Alexander, we only have five minutes! Give him what he wants.”

  He backed away from Ruben, breathing hard.

  “Alexander! Do it!” Their eyes met. “Do it! You owe me that much.”

  The fight went out of him instantly. “I’ll do it.”

  Ruben clasped his hands together. “Splendid! I knew you’d see it my way.”

  “Call off your son,” Wisteria demanded.

  “Not so fast. I need assurance.”

  “I give you my word,” Alexander muttered through clenched teeth.

  Ruben smirked. “Forgive me, brother, but your word isn’t worth all that much these days.”

  “Name your price.”

  “I want it written in The Grimm Laws.”

  Alexander’s eyes narrowed.

  “Do it!” Wisteria yelled. She was on the verge of becoming hysterical. “We only have two minutes!”

  Alexander’s mouth twisted. “Fine!” He looked around and then up at the ceiling. “Merek! Are you getting this? We need your help …”

  * * *

  The parking lot was empty by the time Rae and Jack got the instruments loaded into Rae’s mother’s van.

  “Sure was nice for Rush and Elle to help,” Jack said dryly.

  Rae made a face. “Tell me about it. I don’t know what’s with the two of them lately, but they’re really starting to get on my nerves.”

  “Amen to that.”

  “Let’s go, I’m starving.” Rae slung her purse over her shoulder. She brightened. “Well, there is one good thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Elle’s doing much better on the guitar. She killed it tonight, didn’t she?”

  Jack scratched his head. “Well, I wouldn’t say she killed it, but she did all right.” He started searching though his pockets. “Have you seen my phone?”

  “No. When did you have it last?”

  “I don’t know!” He swore under his breath. “Well, this is just great!”

  “Maybe you left it in the gym.”

  “Yeah, maybe, let’s go back and look.”

  After fifteen minutes of searching and coming up empty handed, Jack thought of something. “I remember looking at it to check the time, just before we left The Chocolate Fountain to come here.”

  Rae put a hand on her hip. “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, I’m sure, it’s got to be there.”

  Rae let out a long sigh. “Can’t it wait? I’m starving!”

  He rolled his eyes. “No, it can’t wait! If it were your phone, you’d be high-tailing it back there on the double.”

  “Fine!” Rae pouted. “Let’s go.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Time’s Up!

  Rush motioned. “Why do you keep looking at the clock?”

  “Because, tough guy, it’s nearly time for you to die!” Huntsden snarled.

  It was one minute before twelve o’clock. “So, is midnight the bewitching hour?” Rush countered.

  Huntsden grunted. “Something like that.”

  Edward shot Rush an incredulous look like he couldn’t believe he was goading Huntsden.

  The minute hand moved to twelve, and Rush noticed that for the first time, Huntsden looked nervous. Something wasn’t adding up. He cocked his head. “You don’t want to kill us, do you?”

  “Of course I want to kill you, tough guy!” Huntsden yelled, but his hand was starting to shake.

  Rush held up his hands. “Easy now.”

  “I think I’ll kill you first!”

  Rush had placed the butcher knife back on the counter. Their only chance was for him to grab it and attack. He would probably be shot in the process, but at least they would have a fighting chance. His muscles grew taut as he readied himself for the pounce.

  The front door chime sounded. Huntsden pointed the gun at Elle and put a finger to his lips. “Make a noise and she gets it now!” he whispered, zeroing in on Rush.

  * * *

  “This place gives me the creeps at night,” Jack said when they stepped inside the front door.

  Rae nodded and looked around. “Do you ever get the feeling that there’s something going on here that’s not exactly right?”

  Jack suppressed a shiver. “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. It just sometimes when I talk to Adele, I feel like I’m coming out of a fog or something. You know like you’re supposed to remember something that happened, but you can’t put your finger on it.”

  “Rae, you’re spooking me out. Let’s get the phone and get out of here.”

  They were going up the stairs when Rae stopped. “Shh,” she hissed. “Do you hear that?”

  Jack strained to hear. “What?”

  “I thought I heard something.” They both paused and listened until Rae shook her head. “Let’s go.”

  When they got up to the attic, Jack went to the table in the corner. He held up his phone. “Here it is.”

  They were walking by the study when Rae caught his arm. “Listen.”

  “Not again!”

  She hit his arm. “Listen! Do you hear that? It’s a muffled sound, like someone’s trapped inside a barrel.”

  “Rae, you’re losing it.” Jack caught hold of her arm and started pulling her down the hall.

  “No, stop! Listen! There it goes again. It’s coming from the study.”

  Jack paused, listening.

  “Did you hear it?” Rae whispered.

  “I heard something,” Jack conceded. “Probably a rat. Let’s get out of here.”

  She rolled her eyes. “A rat in The Chocolate Fountain? I don’t think so. Come on, let’s see what’s going on.” She walked into the study before he could stop her. She strained her ears and then pointed to a wall of books. “There.”

  Jack gave her an incredulous look. “Really? You think there’s something behind the bookshelves.”

  She shrugged. “Only one way to find out.” She went over to the shelves and started pulling out books. “There’s nothing here.”

  Jack caught her sleeve. “There it goes again. That muffled sound.” It was then that a gold bookend caught his eye. He pulled it out to examine it, and the bookshelf moved, revealing a small opening on the far side. He stuck his head in.

  “What do you see?”

  “Nothing. It’s pitch black. Hold on a sec.” He stepped into the darkness. The next thing he knew, Rae stepped in too. “What are you doing?” he hissed.

  “If you go, I go,” she said stubbornly. “Use the flashlight on your phone.”

  Jack pulled it out and turned on the flashlight app. He
held it up and shined it around the room that looked very similar to the study. There were shelves lining one entire wall, but instead of books, there were various sized glass jars, stacked side by side. Jack walked over, picked one up, and held it out for inspection. “Ew, this looks disgusting.”

  Rae went to his side. “What is it?”

  “It looks like green snot.”

  She shuddered.

  He placed the jar back on the shelf. Then he held up the flashlight and let out a low whistle. “Look at all of those pictures.” They walked over to them to get a better look. Jack leaned in, studying the painting at his eye level. “The detail on this is incredible.”

  “Uh huh,” Rae chimed, “spoken like a true artist.” A minute later, she gasped.

  “What?”

  She caught Jack’s arm and motioned.

  He got a good look. “What the heck?”

  “It’s a picture of Edward and Elle.”

  Jack made a face. “Why are they dressed like they’re in a fairy tale?”

  “And standing in front of a castle?”

  “Here’s Rush!” Rae’s eyes went wide, and she leaned in. “Is that a suit of armor? And a sword that he’s holding?”

  “Yeah, weird!” Jack moved on to the next picture. “That’s me!” he blurted. “What the heck am I climbing up?”

  Rae laughed despite herself. “If I were guessing, I’d say that’s a beanstalk, and that huge man at the top is a giant.” She shrugged. “Well, it does fit. Your name is Jack, after all.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Hey look at this one.” It was Jack’s turn to be amused. “That’s you.”

  “What?”

  “It is, look, that’s you! With really long hair, that’s trailing out of a tower.”

  Rae’s hand went to her hair. She grimaced. “I hate long hair!” She grabbed Jack’s arm. “I knew that Adele was crazy! Every time I talk to her, I get the feeling that something’s off.”

  “Yeah, she’d have to be some sick weirdo to do this,” Jack agreed.

  They jumped as the door through which they had entered the room slid shut. Jack ran over and tried sliding it open again, but it was no use. After a minute or two, he turned and looked at Rae who had a look of sheer terror on her face. “We’re locked in!”

  * * *

  They waited until they heard them walking up the stairs. Huntsden lifted an eyebrow. “Friends of yours?”

  “Yeah,” Rush said, rubbing his neck. “Our band practices here, they probably went up to the attic.” His pulse was hammering in his ears. Huntsden kept looking at the clock, and he had the feeling that their time was almost up. He had to act, and he had to act now!

  Huntsden’s phone started buzzing. When he went to retrieve it from his pocket, Rush made his move. He grabbed the knife and lunged at Huntsden.

  * * *

  “Is there any way out?” Rae said, exasperated.

  “Well, if there is, I haven’t found it!”

  Then they heard the noise. “Listen! That noise again.” She pointed. “It’s coming from over there.”

  They walked over and looked down. Jack shined his flashlight onto the floor. They heard a cracking sound. “Look!” Rae exclaimed. “It’s that square thing. It’s rocking back and forth.”

  “It looks like a clear Rubik’s Cube.” Jack leaned down to pick it up, but Rae stopped him.

  “What if it’s not safe?”

  “I don’t see how it could hurt anything.” He picked it up and shined the light on it.

  Rae’s hands flew to her mouth. “There’s a person in it!”

  “No!”

  “Yes, there is. Look!”

  Jack looked in. “Whoa!” He threw down the cube. It broke in half when it hit the floor, and white smoke started pouring out. They jumped back, holding their hands up as a defense as Adele materialized in front of them.

  “Remind me not to do that again!” She looked at Jack and Rae, who looked like they might pass out any minute. “I thank you both for helping me get out of that wretched box!” She dusted off her clothes and pushed her glasses back up on her nose. “Well, don’t just sit there dawdling, we’ve got to help your friends!”

  * * *

  This time, Rush caught Huntsden off guard, causing him to stumble backwards, dropping the gun. As Edward jumped to retrieve it, Rush tackled Huntsden and jabbed the knife into his shoulder. Or at least he attempted to jab the knife into his shoulder. It happened the same way it had happened when he tried to stab Edward. The knife seemed to plunge, but Huntsden remained unscathed. Rush rocked back on his heels, stunned, looking at the knife.

  A murderous expression twisted over Huntsden’s face. “You’ll pay dearly for that!” He drew back his fist and slammed it into Rush’s jaw, but his fist never made contact with Rush. A look of surprise washed over Huntsden’s face as he got to his feet. “We did it!” he said, closing his eyes and letting out a sigh of relief. “We did it!”

  Edward leveled the gun at Huntsden. “Stop right there!”

  Huntsden started laughing. “Save your breath, cousin, you can’t hurt me now. I’ll finally get what I’m entitled to.”

  Rush got to his feet and went to Elle. He removed the gag from her mouth and began untying her. He put a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, her eyes wide.

  Edward used his free hand to retrieve his phone. “I’m calling the police.”

  “Well, time for me to go,” Huntsden said, flashing a triumphant smile. “I’ll be seeing you both around.”

  “Stop or I’ll shoot!” Edward warned.

  Huntsden smirked. “No, you won’t!” He darted out of the room.

  Edward let the gun fall to the floor. He had dialed 911, and was about to press send when Adele came into the room. Jack and Rae stumbled in behind her.

  Jack’s eyes flew open wide. “What the freakin’ heck happened here?”

  Adele looked at Edward, a note of authority in her voice. “Put down the phone, dear.”

  He shook his head like he’d not heard her correctly. “What?”

  “Put down the phone. There’ll be plenty of time to call the police.”

  Edward began shaking his head back and forth. “No, I’m calling them now!”

  She lifted her hand and lowered it. Edward let out a cry when his hand started lowering and placing the phone in his pocket. “I’m not doing this,” he said frantically. “She’s controlling me!”

  Adele looked at Elle, who was standing beside Rush, a dazed look in her eyes. “Oh dear, she’s in shock.”

  “What happened in here?” Rae said.

  “We were nearly killed by some maniac, that’s what happened!” Rush said.

  Rae spun on Adele, her eyes sparking “What kind of place is this?”

  Adele held up her hands. “I’m sure you have a lots of questions.”

  “You’d better believe we do,” Rae quipped.

  A kind smile spread across Adele’s face. “Okay, let’s go into the front room and have some hot chocolate and milk chocolate truffles. And then I’ll answer any questions that you might have.”

  Rae looked indignant. “What? The last thing I want to do right now is eat!”

  “Yeah,” Jack piped in. “What she said.”

  “No one refuses my chocolate,” Adele said, peering over her glasses at them.

  Rae crossed her arms over her chest. “Fine!”

  “I think Elle may need a doctor,” Rush said.

  They looked at Elle who was still standing in the same spot, a dazed look on her face.

  “Some hot chocolate will warm her up.” She gave them all a warning look. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

  * * *

  A few minutes later, they were all sitting in the front room, sipping hot chocolate. Adele brought out a platter of milk chocolate truffles and insisted that they all have one. When they had all eaten, she sat down in an overstuffed chair and crossed her legs.

&n
bsp; “All right, I promised to answer all of your questions. Fire away!”

  Rae was first. Her face went as red as her hair, and she glared at Adele accusingly. “What was that crazy voodoo about the cube and how you were so tiny? Why do you have pictures of us in that secret room?”

  “Strange … whacked-out pictures,” Jack added.

  “Why was I not able to stab Huntsden with the knife?” Rush pointed. “Or him?”

  “Why was Huntsden trying to kill us?” Edward wanted to know.

  Rush frowned. “And what was all of that talk of Huntsden finally getting what he wanted?”

  Adele held out her hand. “One at a time.” She looked at Rae. “Your question first.”

  Rae shook her head. “What?”

  “You asked me a question, dear.”

  “I did.” Rae looked confused. She turned to Jack. “What was I supposed to ask her?”

  Jack reached for another truffle. “Beats me.” Before he plopped it into his mouth, he held it up to the light. “I believe this is the most exquisite thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.”

  “Thank you,” Adele murmured, giving him an appreciative smile. “Elle, dear, how are you doing?”

  She spread her hands. “I’m fine. It’s not me you should be worried about.” She glared at Rush and Edward. “It’s those two. You should’ve seen them in the hall at school, making idiots of themselves.”

  Rush gave her a nasty look. “Well, you won’t have to worry about me causing you anymore trouble because we’re through.” He looked around the room, shaking his head. “What’re we all doing here anyway?” He scooted back his chair and stood. “Adele, thanks for the chocolate.”

  She nodded.

  Without another word, he turned and left, slamming the door shut behind him.

  Elle’s face went slack as Edward scooted his chair closer to her. “I’m sorry about what happened earlier,” he began.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  The Gold Key

  Huntsden relaxed into the sofa. He grabbed the TV remote and began flipping through channels. A sense of euphoria floated over him as he thought about all that had taken place the night before. For the first time, his dad seemed truly proud of him. He’d done it! He was now a legitimate candidate for the throne. There would still be other battles to fight before he won the prize, but it felt good to be victorious this once. And he’d done it without shedding any blood. He didn’t dare tell his dad that he was relieved that he’d not had to kill anyone. He’d succeeded in keeping the darkness at bay … for now.