Concealed Influence (The Magic Sanctuary Trilogy Book 3)

by V. M. Marsh

  That and enhanced speed. No one normal could move as quickly as he had been.

  I knew he was yelling at me, but I could no longer make out the words. I laughed humorously to myself because he was losing me. It seemed to royally piss him off, and that made me happy. Therefore, I was winning. Well, winning in the make him mad category.

  Unfortunately, I was losing in every other way. Lars was most likely dead. I would most likely die here. Bradley would kill Scarlet and Cade for good this time once he found them at the Sanctuary. He would take so many powers from Wildwood and the Sanctuary that he would go on to take over the magical world.

  All would be lost. Starting now.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  I lay in my own filth and stench, bloodied and broken with a whole new appreciation for Scarlet. This monster had put her through this more times than I knew of. From what I understood, she’d gone through worse for longer. No wonder she was so full of mistrust and had difficulty letting people in. I would be too if I’d gone through years of this torture.

  I’d been trapped in the Power Thief’s dungeon of horrors for at least a week now, maybe more with no hope of escape. Every day, he came in to beat and interrogate me. My writing hand was the only part of me left untouched since he expected me write answers to the questions he asked. Mostly, my notebook consisted of, “Screw you.”

  Of course, he’d threatened my family, friends, and everything I cared about. Too bad for him, I would do everything in my power to keep his hands off the loved ones I had left. I would take my answers to the grave before giving any of them up.

  Something furry scurried across my foot, but I didn’t have the energy to do anything about it or care. I was even beyond hunger at this point. Agony filled my every waking moment. Most of my bones were broken, and I’d lost quite a bit of blood. With no rescue in sight, I only hoped I died soon. Torture sucked.

  I longed for my mother and her healing touch. I missed her so much. Lars too. And all the people I’d left behind at the Sanctuary. I wished I’d had a chance to say good-bye.

  Closing my eyes, I hoped this would be the time I didn’t wake. Before I managed to fall asleep, the door creaked open. Damn it. I was so close to being free.

  Bradley walked in to me nudge me with his toe. “I can see you breathing. Good, I’m not too late.”

  His footsteps echoed on the concrete as he strolled back to the door. Two sets of feet now approached me. It appeared he’d brought a playmate with him this time. I would have grimaced if was able to.

  “I have a present for you.” He told me while a pair of soft cool hands methodically examined me. “I’d rather you not die before I’ve gotten the answers I want, so I’ve brought you a healer.”

  He chuckled. “It also helped your case that you’ve proven to be most amusing in your pathetic attempts to fight back. No, I’m not willing to let you leave me yet.”

  Every jostle and gentle touch made me want to black out from agony as the healer learned the extent of my injuries. I waited for some spark of outrage from the healer that never came. He was clearly one of Bradley’s new minions, as Scarlet called them.

  “Her injuries are too extensive for me to heal in one or even two sessions. I’ll need at least a week, and she needs food and water.”

  Bradley snorted. “I’ll give her nourishment to speed this along, but you only get two days before I want to start in on her again. Do whatever you can in that time.”

  “Certainly,” the healer responded before laying his hands on my cracked ribs. Warm healing energy flowed into me, but it hurt beyond measure as my bones reset and the natural healing process was sped up.

  He healed my ankles and legs next, but was unable to fully fix them. Personally, I thought my jaw was more pressing since I couldn’t eat anything with it broken. Or even my arm so I could drag myself across the floor to my bucket better.

  “I’m sorry. I can do no more today.” He told me breathlessly. “I’ll be back in the morning to heal whatever else I’m able to.”

  I couldn’t see from my swollen eyes, so I listened for both footsteps to retreat and the clang of the metal door closing behind them.

  I wanted to cry, and if I hadn’t been so dehydrated, I probably would have. Prolonged torture was the last thing I had expected. If he continued to heal me from the brink of death, I’m not sure how many times I could endure being beaten almost to death.

  I had been warned he was evil and cursed myself for thinking everyone had exaggerated. In reality, I’d had no idea of the full extent some people would go. Oh, I heard the stories, but it was completely different experiencing the vileness of humanities’ worst yourself.

  The healer returned alone the next day. I wanted to weep and beg him for mercy-beg him to leave me be so I might perish. I didn’t want to be tortured any longer.

  However, I couldn’t utter a sound. He finished healing my legs and then worked on my arm.

  “I know your face needs healing, but I think freedom of movement is most important right now.” He said. “I’ll do what I can for your eyes with what little energy I have left.”

  When he was through, my eyes were still swollen, but at least I could see again. Turning to the healer, I reared back in shock.

  “Shhh. Quiet now. Don’t give any indication you know me.” Jace said. “It took me far too long to convince him I was on his side so I could get to you.”

  He caressed my arm. I wanted to throw my arms around him, but I was still too weak. He lifted me into a sitting position between his legs so my back rested against his chest.

  “I sneaked in a replenishment and energy elixir. It won’t fix you up completely, but it will help. I’ll have to pour it down your throat since your jaw is still broken.”

  I greedily drank the magic drink and immediately felt its effects. However, part of me still wished he’d let me go and not put himself in danger like this. Also, I had no idea why I would want more energy. Maybe he thought I would be able to defend myself against the beatings better so they wouldn’t be so bad next time.

  “Listen closely,” he whispered in my ear. “Help is coming for you soon. Be ready to fight and escape as soon as it does. You’ll know it when you see it.”

  Gently placing me back on the floor, he strode to the door. After taking one last glace at me and cringing at my condition, he left me behind on the cold cement.

  I wanted to scream for him to take me with him. I wanted to curse him for leaving me with this monster. Most of all, I didn’t want to hope and believe his words of rescue were true. Because if that was false hope he’d given me in some misguided idea of mercy, it would be more torturous than anything Bradley had done to me so far.

  Conserving my strength and without anywhere to go anyway, I remained on the floor. No one came that day, so I gratefully accepted the reprieve as I fell asleep for the night.

  I hadn’t slept for long when the door to my cell creaked open. Damn it. The Power Thief had said I could have this day to heal. Surely he wouldn’t consider just after midnight long enough.

  “Oh, shit. Emma.” The silhouette of man whispered in the dark. “What has he done to you?”

  I wanted to tell whoever it was they should have seen me a couple of days before when it was really bad. Part of me wanted to throttle him for putting himself in danger like this and the other wanted to wrap my arms around him to thank him for rescuing me. If we made it out of here, that is.

  “Can you walk?”

  I nodded and stood on shaky legs. Maybe I should have practiced walking since I hadn’t done so for who knows how long. The man wrapped an arm around my back and under my arms. “Lean on me. I’ll help you.”

  When we reached the end of the hall, a blue glow came from his other arm. “It glows when danger is near.”

  My eyes shot to him. He had my dagger. My heart picked up. It couldn’t be him. Could it? I thought he was dead.

  I peered more closely at the man, but it was still too dark to make out
details. The height seemed about right. I wished my nose was working so I could smell him. Or talk so I could ask. Something to tell me if what my heart hoped with every beat was true.

  We bumped into stairs, and I would have fallen onto my knees if the man hadn’t caught me. “Careful. We’ll go up and try to sneak out when the planned distraction occurs.”

  We were almost at the top when loud bangs and pops, like fireworks, sounded outside. “That’s our cue. Hold onto me and hurry as much as you can.”

  Pushing open the door, he cautiously stuck his head out of the entrance. When it was clear, he motioned me to follow him. My heart leaped with hope. It was still too dark to tell for sure, but enough moonlight came through nearby windows to show me shoulder length hair and a set of strong shoulders I fell in love with years ago.

  Staying close to the wall and shadows, we hurried across the kitchen. I could taste freedom as we neared the door, and nothing had been sweeter.

  The harsh fluorescent light overhead flicked on, blinding us. No! Not when we were so close.

  “What do we have here?” The Power Thief drawled. “I’m quite disappointed. I expected you to come for her much sooner, and I hate to be kept waiting. Don’t worry, though, I made sure she paid for your delay.”

  Lars pushed the dagger hilt into my hand before turning to face the monster while keeping me hidden behind him. The brightly glowing blade writhed and flowed like a strong current of water while snapping viciously at the point.

  “You son of a bitch!” Lars roared before charging. “You will never touch her again.”

  Fireballs blasted from his hand before he disappeared. I slinked towards the door in case he had made me invisible as well. I couldn’t leave Lars behind, but I didn’t want to remain in the last place the monster had seen me.

  The Power Thief redirected the balls with wind, which sent the kitchen curtains up in flames. He shrugged. “This place is compromised, so it’s time to move on anyway.”

  His head snapped back like he’d been punched or kicked. Reaching out, Bradley grabbed at thin air. That’s what it looked like to me, anyway, until Lars appeared.

  “Let him go,” I wanted to scream as Lars convulsed. I didn’t know if he was being electrocuted or having his magic stolen, but either option was bad.

  Ignoring me, the Power Thief grinned maniacally. My chest heaved and it was difficult to breathe as fear for Lars threatened to freeze me. Fighting against the fear, I tested the weight of the dagger in my hand and threw it.

  The monster was so focused on whatever he was doing to Lars, he didn’t realize what I’d done until the blade sunk into his stomach to the hilt. Shock spread across his face as he dropped Lars unconscious on the floor.

  Running to them with adrenaline pumping in my veins, I kicked the monster in the gut just as he pulled the dagger from his stomach. It clattered to the floor while he doubled over. Taking advantage of his position, I kneed him in the face and broke his nose. Payback had never felt so sweet.

  A roundhouse to the head took him to the floor. One more kick to his head, like it was a ball, was all it took to make him pass out. While he was incapacitated and bleeding out on the floor, I stumbled to Lars.

  Cradling his head in my lap, I smoothed his hair back from his face. I wanted to tell him to wake, but I couldn’t, of course. Gently placing him back on the floor, I hurried to the sink for a glass of water.

  When I turned back, the monster was gone. Only Lars remained.

  Shit. I’d lost him. I really thought we’d had him this time, I stomped across the floor to Lars, fuming. Tossing the water at his face, I realized too late I hadn’t been at all gentle due to my frustration about the Power Thief.

  Sputtering, he opened his eyes. I fell to the ground and cradled him in my arms until Circle members poured through the door to take us to safety.

  My jaw still ached, but was considerably better than it had been a few days before when I was rescued. After the Brownies scrubbed me down, they had put me to bed and not let me out since. They waited on me hand and foot. If I didn’t tell them my craving and every heart’s desire for the day, they asked every one they could locate what my favorite things were or what they thought I might want that day. It was overwhelming, but very sweet.

  Jace had come by every day to heal me as much as he could. I felt bad for draining all his magic each time, but he insisted. I just hoped no one else got hurt badly enough to need his magic services.

  Cade had to go back to Virginia Beach since his leave was over. However, Scarlet refused to leave me. They’d fought about her staying here without him while Bradley was still at large, but she’d managed to win that argument. I’d have to ask for the details later.

  She insisted on staying until Bradley was caught or no longer a threat, which ever came first. I worried for my friend and part of me wished she’d gone home with Cade for her safety. The other part of me was grateful and happy to have her with me longer.

  The Brownies said she was too cranky and would hinder my healing, so they only let her spend thirty minutes with me each day. It was hilarious seeing these small magic creatures boss her around.

  Little did they know she was boosting herself up with an air cushion and sneaking in through my window to hang out with me and Lars. I loved having her back, even if she didn’t say much.

  Through it all, Lars stayed by my side. Having learned of his heroic rescue, the Brownies gave him better treatment than they did me. He got massages and beer. They even brought a TV into my room when he mentioned he was bored once.

  He still looked tired and drained, but refused to discuss it. From what I gathered, Bradley had taken more of his magic. I knew full magic removal also took part of your soul and spirit. However, I didn’t know if partial removal was the same or if he could recover. No one else seemed to know either, so it was wait and see at this point.

  “It’s time. Get up and dressed.” I told Lars as I rolled out of bed and headed for the shower.

  “What is it time for?” He put his hands behind his head. “I’m not sure I want to go anywhere. I’m not used to being treated like a king.”

  I threw my nightie at his head. “I’m calling the Circle, and you’re coming with me.”

  Sliding my pajamas off his face, he grimaced. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

  “I am.” I called from the shower. “We’ve been to Hell and back. It’s time I took control of my life, and you’re the best part of it.”

  Fresh from the shower, I quickly dried my hair and dressed before rubbing the tattoo on my wrist and pouring magic into it until it glowed like white fire across my skin.

  “Let’s go. I want to get this over with.” I grabbed his arm and pulled him along behind me down the hall, down the stairs, and out the door. I pulled him through the ridiculous trail free brush and batted tree limbs out of my way until we reached the sacred meadow clearing.

  The Elders were already there and exchanged startled looks when they saw who I’d brought with me. “He’s not supposed to be here.”

  I glared at them. “We’ll see.” Then I pulled Lars to my position in the Circle so he could stand beside me.

  “This is out of line, Emma.” Shifter Elder growled.

  “I don’t care.”

  Gasps of shock and outrage greeted us with each member’s arrival. Angry chatter echoed across the clearing as we waited for the rest of the members.

  It seemed to take forever, but finally, everyone had arrived. Before any of the Elders could begin, I spoke. “Thank you all for heeding my call. As you know, Lars was instrumental in my rescue as was Jace. They have my utmost gratitude.”

  I looked each member in the eyes before I continued. “Lars influenced you all to take part in my rescue without any of you having a clue he knew all about the Circle before then. He has proven to be strong, loyal, capable, and a force to be reckoned with that deserves a spot in the Circle and by my side. I officially request he hereby be admitted to
the Circle.”

  Murmurs of disapproval rose until Mage Elder held up his hand for silence. “That’s not how this works, Emma, and you know it. Request denied.”

  I opened my mouth to argue, but Dad interjected before I could. “Emma’s mom sacrificed her life for the Sanctuary. Emma almost did too, and she is the last of her line. It’s only thanks to Jace and Lars that the Circle still has a Seer. We owe it to all three of them to let Emma and Jace out of a betrothal they don’t want and for Emma and Lars to be together.”

  “We can’t let just anyone into the Circle.” Brownie Elder protested.

  “He’s not just anyone.” Jace chimed in. “Emma is right. He has proven himself worthy and capable of carrying out the Circle’s missions. He deserves a place by Emma’s side.”

  The Elders shook their heads. Scowling with my heart thundering in my chest, I got ready to give them my ultimatum.

  “If you do not allow him entry, I walk. You will lose your Seer. I would rather we both lose our memories than live a life of regret apart. At least without memories, we won’t know what we’re missing. Besides,” I glanced at Lars. “I believe our love is strong enough to transcend memory loss, and we would find each other once again.”

  “I have already lost my wife. I will not lose my daughter too.” Dad lectured. “If Emma leaves, so do I. And you will have one hell of a fight on your hands if you try to take all I have left of my wife. Because that’s all I have left of her now, memories.”

  Shock spread around the Circle. “That goes for me too. Emma and I deserve to make our own choices about who to marry. I want my best friend to have the love she never should have had to give up. Besides, I want to find love of my own someday. I refuse to participate in this archaic practice any longer.”

  Nodding thanks to Dad and Jace for their support, I was ready to make my closing argument. “You already have one Circle opening from the early loss of my mom. You are about to lose three more, including the Seer you claim to hold so dear. Choose wisely for this is not a choice you can undo.”