The Traitor's Crux (The Dark Powers Book 1)

by Jessica Prather

  Mark my words.

  ***

  BRYCE ARRIVES AT MY DOOR shortly after the meeting with Reed, his green eyes growing wild with confusion at the sight of me. “What’s the matter?”

  “R-Reed…” I manage to spit out.

  He says nothing more, but uses a gentle hand across my shoulder to lead me to the couch.

  It’s all I can do to apologize, again and again, as he quietly comforts me.

  “Ken, I know that you’re scared, but will you tell me what happened?” Bryce’s voice is calm and soft, bringing me slowly back into this world, momentarily forget my fears.

  I take a few shaky breaths, wiping at my eyes as I begin my explanation. “Reed, he...he called me. He has this device that does a video chat thing—he used it a few times before when, well, you know…”

  Bryce’s dark brows furrow. “Wait… you talked to him? Just today?”

  I bite my lip, saying nothing as I nod. I can feel his anger from here as he throws his arms into the air. “That’s just great, Ken! I thought you were done helping him!”

  “I am done, Bryce!” I hiss, “He called me! Not the other way around. I forgot it was even in my room!”

  Bryce opens his mouth, then clamps his jaw back shut. There’s a look of ferocity in his eyes that I’ve never seen before.

  I break the intense silence. “I swear to you that I’m not helping Reed. He’s destroyed everything, Bryce. All I want is to make him feel some of that pain.”

  He stares at me for a second before slowly nodding. “I believe you. Right now, he’s tearing us apart without even trying. If we’re all going to work together, we have to be able to trust each other. Tell me what he said.”

  I hug my knees to my chest, a vain attempt for comfort. “Bryce… I think we’re out of time. He made it sound like…”

  Realization dawns over his features. “Damn it!” Bryce rises to his feet, running his hands through his cropped brown hair.

  I don’t look at him. I stare at my feet, instead, a crazy idea filling my brain. My heart seems to race a bit faster as I climb to my feet. “Bryce… I know what we can do.”

  35 I ALWAYS HAD IT IN my head that I was somewhat immortal. My mother always told me to be careful and watch my actions. “Don’t get hurt!” she’d warn. I’d always ignore her, too lost in my own naivety, until I came home crying from a bike wreck or a skinned knee from doing something stupid. My mom blamed it on the childhood years, saying that kids always think that they’ll live forever. But they don’t.

  Bryce stares at me in horror as the idea spills from my lips. It takes him only a matter of seconds to shut it down completely. “Absolutely not! You cannot go back there! Are you insane?”

  “Just hear me out!” I plea.

  “No, it’s final! No one goes back there. It’s way too dangerous!”

  I scoff, “You don’t get to tell me what to do, Bryce. Besides, this is just an idea. Maybe it’ll give everyone enough time to flee!”

  He takes a deep breath, clearly trying to calm down. “Look, Ken, can you please just—just don’t! You don’t have to play hero. I can guarantee that Reed and his men are out there, right now, coming for us. We’re lucky that they can’t get in, but we all know that’s only a matter of time. It’s our job to get our people out of here. These walls are the only place where magic can be used freely without getting tracked. Let’s focus on evacuating the people that are depending on us for safety. Going out there to find Reed will only make matters worse. Please, listen to me when I say that this is the only way.”

  I chew on the inside of my cheek, hiding all the words I really want to say. I know that finding Reed right now is a crazy idea—but if it diverted their attention for even a second, it could save our people. We don’t know who sits outside the camp walls waiting for us. The second that Reed finds a way in is the second we’re handed our death sentences.

  Bryce and I sit in silence for a minute, unsure of what’s next. I turn my attention to the window, pretending to watch a scene down below. My backyard overlooks the mountains in the distance. I usually love the view, but today, it feels confining. What enemies lurk beyond our borders? I watch the small children below as they weave in and out of the snow banks, popping out at their mothers and fathers who carry large loads of bags.

  “What do you say?” Bryce finally asks, breaking the silence as he joins me at the window pane.

  “You’re right. It’s probably a reckless plan,” I admit.

  And yet…

  As Bryce takes a spot at the window beside me, I wonder how reckless I’m willing to be.

  ***

  I TAKE A WALK, UNABLE to handle the thought of sitting inside.

  People everywhere are in full-swing evacuation mode. A large portal is open in the middle of downtown as people make their escapes to their new home—wherever it may be. The security team stands close by, hands clasped behind their backs. They’ve already taken extra precaution, casting the same barrier spell that keeps everyone else out of the portal. Still, they lurk close by, as if Reed himself were about to appear.

  I go for a coffee, sliding a tip in the jar as the barista gives me a dirty look. Unfortunately, everyone knows what I’ve done, which means friendly faces aren’t something I’ve been experiencing. I thank the barista anyway and step out into the cool winter air.

  I take careful sips, my boots crunching loudly over the crisp snow as I watch people bustle about with their boxes. I weave off the path and head up Harlow’s and my former running trail. It smells of minty spruce trees and smoked wood wafting through the chimneys. Tiny tracks in the snow reveal that a fox had been hunting a mouse.

  I reach inside my pocket and pry my gloves on my hands, not watching where I’m going until it’s too late. My boot lodges on the gnarled edge of a log as I go flailing to the ground.

  “Really Kenadee? Really,” I whisper to myself, furiously, looking at the remains of my coffee, now splattered down my shirt and all over the snow. I’m to my feet in a huff, reaching for my empty coffee cup when something catches my eye just beyond a particularly fat pine tree.

  Something red.

  I take a daring step closer to examine the scene.

  It’s a message, carved into the trunk of an old aspen tree with jagged, capital letters.

  You’re dead, you’re dead, and so are you.

  I scream.

  36 THEY FIND THE BODIES A few hours later, hanging lifeless in the trees above. They’d been hung, and I know exactly who’s responsible.

  Bryce and Harlow stand with Jay, Nadine, and Benson, discussing the scene in hushed tones. I interrupt the conversation with a low voice, “We need to talk. Now.”

  “Excuse us,” Bryce says urgently as they follow my lead out towards the trees.

  When I’m sure that no one else is listening, I talk. “Whoever this spy is, they aren’t laying low anymore. How are they doing this?”

  Bryce frowns, “There were guards all over. They shouldn’t have been able to do without being seen.”

  “That’s because they have powers like ours.” Harlow’s keen eyes land on mine, “See those drag marks in the snow? The victims were literally attacked by those ropes in the tree. If you ask me, the killer has a real sick sense of humor.”

  Bryce’s eyebrows raise, “Well, great… you’ve trained practically everyone in this camp. We have records. Why don’t we just find the ones with dark powers?”

  “It’s not that simple. Whoever this is, they’ve been smart enough to hide it since day one.”

  “So, what? We sit around and wait?” Bryce motions in the direction of the hanging bodies, “Watch more people die?”

  “I didn’t say that,” Harlow says with a sigh, “This asshole is helping Reed play with his food. The fact that he’s so cocky is what terrifies me—I think Reed knows something that we don’t.”

  “You think he’s stronger then he let on?” I ask, realization dawning over me.

  Bryce looks like he�
��s about to be sick as his mouth opens and clamps back shut. “But… it doesn’t make sense. Why doesn’t he come and attack?”

  “Because,” Harlow limps towards the nearest tree and leans against it, “Plot twist: miracles exist and Kenadee finally grew a brain.”

  “Ha-ha.” I roll my eyes as Harlow snickers to herself. To Bryce, I say, “Remember how I was needed to break down the barrier?”

  He nods, “It’s the one thing keeping Reed from us.”

  “Exactly. You guys did such a good job with the security that he couldn’t attack until it was down. He knew he couldn’t start the war until he had it figured out. These attacks… they never happened before I came?”

  They both shake their heads. Dread washes over me as I finally understand. “He’s declaring war because I’m going to break the barrier.”

  Bryce blinks, staring at me with a hard expression. “Say that again?”

  “Of course…” Harlow says in a low voice, “That makes so much sense. This spy of his couldn’t do it, so he’s going to use you instead.”

  “Stop!” Bryce forces himself between us, “What are you talking about?”

  “The night of the fireworks, remember? I was new to magic, I was weak. He got inside and used me to do that spell.”

  “No…” he says, eyes widening with horror. “We won’t let it happen!”

  I gulp, my stomach twisting on its self. How do I stop something I don’t even know is happening? If Reed has access to the camp, he’ll slaughter everyone. “I-I have to do something,” I whisper.

  “It’s actually quite simple. We’ll lobotomize her,” Harlow suggests.

  “You’ll what?” I recoil, noting the wicked gleam in Harlow’s eyes.

  Bryce glares at Harlow, “It’s not really called a lobotomy spell—that’s just Har’s way of trying to be funny. The spell basically defends your mind, keeps it protected from any outside magic. The only thing is, it doesn’t last for long.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t scramble your brain,” the blonde mocks, “But you will have to stay under constant supervision so that we know you’re not off doing Reed’s dirty work.”

  If I didn’t feel unsettled before, I sure do now. I regret the words the moment they come from my lips, “Do what you have to do.”

  “Great, then it’s settled. Come by my room tonight and I’ll do the spell,” she says, “But now for the fun stuff. We need to talk war.”

  “We can’t risk it.” Bryce folds his arms, voice firm, “He has a growing army of dark powers, a regular army with guns and bombs, and—”

  “But, without me to take down the barrier, we’re at the advantage,” I remind him, “As long as you do that spell, then they can’t get in. Your security team alters the spell to block out his army, right?” Bryce nods. “Then it’s perfect! That means their weapons can’t get in either.”

  “You forget, Reed’s aware of this too. He has people like you running around under the radar.” Harlow rubs her tattooed hand absentmindedly. Her fingers are slightly crooked, like a broken hand that never healed properly. She sees me watching and drops her hands to her side, turning to Bryce, “Call a team meeting for everyone that was involved in the White House raid. I’ll work with the security time on creating a stronger barrier. Kenadee, come with me. It’ll require all the power we can get.”

  “And then what? Our people are still in danger.”

  She kicks off the tree she was leaning against and circles slowly around Bryce, “They’ll help, like it or not. This is their home too. They’re going to help us play his game right back.”

  “Play his game?” Bryce’s face contorts, “All he does is kill to get his way. Are you suggesting—?”

  “I’m hurt that you’d even say that. Believe it or not, I’m not a psychopath, Bryce,” She scoffs, clapping a hand over her chest to feign offense, “All I’m suggesting is that we take back our people.”

  “The magic army?” I ask. A gust of biting wind makes the leaves tremor above as I zip my coat to my chin.

  Harlow nods, eyes glimmering. “Exactly—knock them around a bit until they see they see what they’re missing.”

  “You’re enjoying this too much, you know.”

  She holds up her hands, walking backwards, “I’m dying, Bryce. Let me get back at Reed and have my fun while I still can.”

  Bryce looks to the sky in exasperation as Harlow heads back towards camp without another word, navy ski hat freckled with snow, “Lord help us. You know, I actually fear for Reed when Har gets her hands on him.”

  37 THE LIBRARIAN GIVES ME A wide-eyed look as I pile in through the door and stomp the snow from my boots onto the mat. I crane my neck to see her over the grimoires—my latest haul was my smallest yet, only nine. Ever since the leaders made it clear they don’t we me to attend security meetings, I’ve had a lot of time on my hands.

  I stick the pile on a small table and the books fly up the stairs toward their resting place. Dusting my hands on my jeans, I follow their lead to the grimoire section, the musty smell of their old spines filling my nostrils. My hand lands on one, a particularly shabby journal with yellowed pages that stick together as I try part them. I narrow my eyes, catching a title on page in bold letters that catches my interest. I flip until I find it, sticking my finger underneath the words.

  CONTROL IN DARK MAGIC.

  I plop to the floor excitedly. I know this grimoire—it was the same writer of the last dark magic grimoire I found. I thought it was here on accident, but now…

  I scan the nearly illegible scrawl hurriedly until I find what I’ve been looking for.

  Mind spells: most common method of obtaining control over ones’ victim. They’re simple, but only last as long as the user is in the victim’s head.

  Death Timer: tattoo placed upon victim’s skin. Causes both mental and physical effect on its wearer. Most people are unaware that the D.T. is considered the most powerful control spell because it weakens the victim’s bodies, making them easier prey for those seeking long-term, full-victim mind and body control.

  I read the last few lines again and again. Reed must not have known, or he would have had Harlow serving in his ranks. I draw my knees to my chest and prop up the book as I continue to read.

  Venenum: vocal spell, nicknamed “Poison spell”. Less common. Requires enchanted objected to get control over victim. They must use it often in order for the user to ensure that it works fully. Long-term as long as object stays enchanted, and victim continues to use it. Caster of spell can slip in and out of mind without victim knowing. Full mind and body control. Victim suffers memory loss.

  I slam the book shut, tucking it under my armpit. It all makes sense: the communicator. It had to have been. I used it daily—before they returned it to my doorstep, they must have charmed it.

  I land in my living room and reach into the junk drawer of the coffee table. I pick it up with my magic so that I’m not touching the device, and whisper the word. “Praemium.”

  The communicator explodes into a million pieces, spiraling to the carpet and flickering out like broken stars.

  38 I STEP FROM THE SHOWER, emerged in a cyclone of steam. Shaking my hair dry with a towel, I freeze. Somewhere in the house, a door slams shut.

  I throw on my clothes as fast as I can, feeling a strange panic overcome me.

  “Eli?” I call, heart skipping faster with each step down the quiet hall. “Eli, is that you?”

  Silence.

  After checking every corner in the house, I slip into the living room, my eyes instantly landing on the spot where my grimoire had been. Instead, a note sits in its place.

  Just because you destroyed the communicator doesn’t mean you’re free. Turn around.

  The hairs on the back of my neck rise as I turn slowly, not expecting what I might find. Directly in front of me, in the spot where it’d been destroyed, the communicator begins to buzz.

  I leap backward, falling over my couch as Reed and my mother appear
on the screen.

  “Kenadee,” Reed rocks back in his chair, “I hope they didn’t startle you too bad.”

  “Where’s the grimoire?” I hiss.

  Reed smiles faintly. “Oh, don’t you worry about that ole thing. It is being put to good use.”

  “What do you want from me?” I ask in a low voice. “I don’t work for you anymore.”

  “Au contraire. We know all too well what motivates you, dear girl. We have been studying you very closely. I’d hate for someone to die because you refused to help.”

  No. This can’t be happening again.

  Reed turns to my mother, and she pulls up one of those spells. I gasp as I realize what they’re watching. My friends stand outside, helping with the boxes and the chaos of the evacuations.

  “Right now, I have eyes on each and every one of them. There are so many that we could harm, just like that.” He snaps for effect. “Take your brother for example.” He pops up under the spell’s watchful eye, pointing at something in the distance as he talks with Benson. “Poor, poor Eli. Nine years of torture… he really could use a break from all the pain, don’t you think? Or there’s sweet little Tess, so full of optimism. Delia, the kind-hearted healer. She’s one of your only friends, isn’t she?”

  “Leave them alone.” I growl.

  He only continues, “I’m not even to good ones yet. There’s always Harlow.” He zooms in on the blonde as she tosses a box into the portal. “You know how much I love to see her in pain. Or Bryce. The boy you lost. What if you lost him for good?”

  “No,” I shake my head, “Please, don’t! I’ll-I’ll do it, just leave them alone!”

  My mother closes the spell as taps the tips of his fingers together wickedly. “You’re going to break the barrier, and turn yourself in to me. I want you in my army, Kenadee, and I won’t take no for an answer.”