The Transformation of Anna (Cornerstone Deep Book 1)

by Wilson, Charlene A.

  James set his hands at his waist. “This isn’t good.” He looked at Cole and leaned his head into a leer, dimpling his cheek as his lips tightened. “And don’t even think about tampering with her memory. Partial removal causes more harm than good.”

  Cole raised his brows. “Actually, I wasn’t considering partial memory removal.”

  “No.” James pointed his large finger, accentuating his charge. “You’re not wiping her memory. We will not cross that line.”

  “Then what do you propose? We’re at a loss here, James.”

  He shifted his stand, looking to the side. “I don’t know. We need to insist she stay as our guest. Buy some time so we can figure this all out.”

  Cole raked a hand over his hair. “She’ll try to talk to Anna. She recognized her. I believe they were friends.”

  “I’ll keep an eye on her.”

  “Look, James. I know you mean well but with what she knows she’s a true threat. It’s justifiable.”

  “No!”

  Cole threw his head to the side.

  “I’ll watch her.” James’ eyes flashed with his words. “You just concentrate on Anna. Get things in order so we can unbind her soul as soon as possible.”

  Cole nodded, taking an apprehensive breath. “I’m about there. But Kid will need to calm down before all this happens. I’ll have enough emotion to deal with coming from her without adding his temper to it.”

  “I’ll prepare something to help you cope.” James dropped his arms to his sides and headed for the parlor. “You just worry about getting the spells right.”

  A cool breeze washed across Cole’s face as he sat beneath the apricot tree in the front yard. Dim lights of the city cast a weak halo on the skyline, a sad contrast to the once-vivid spectacle of nightlife. Their metropolis looked old, withered. Bitterness gnawed at him. The curfew.

  Was the law just a step in Dressen’s plot to get what he wanted? How else could he ensure that they would consider an individual with a home and a job their next potential harvest subject?

  He drank a lengthy swig of liqueur from the bottle in his hand. The strong mix seared his throat, and heat pulsed through his chest. He growled the sensation away. Leaning against the tree trunk, he crossed his ankles and scowled. The ancient covenant gave the lawmakers the right to run their domain as they saw fit. But to abuse the power for personal gain breached the gods’ intent—how could he have allowed time to influence his view of the matter?

  The noblemen’s gradual pursuit of power over others echoed the actions of their fathers. And Sylis Shilo had ultimately paid the price for their greed.

  Cole slugged another take from his drink and sent a disgruntled gaze to the city.

  Mankind seemed doomed to repeat the same deeds. Short lives allowed unawareness. Warnings in history books turned into tales told at the bedsides of babes. They wouldn’t learn from their fathers’ mistakes.

  Light from the front door pierced the darkness, and James stepped onto the porch. Cole set his drink down at his side and coughed to catch his attention.

  “There you are.” James walked to the end of the porch and down the steps. “What are you doing out here? I figured you’d be in the lab.”

  “I needed some fresh air.” He glanced at his watch. Ten-thirty. “It’s nice out tonight.”

  His brother eased to the ground and set his arms on his knees. “I talked Linda into staying for a while, told her to pick out some new clothes from Bryman’s catalogue since Jarrett left her with nothing. A seamstress will come and tailor-fit them for her. She seemed happy with the idea. I assigned her a room near mine so I could keep tabs.”

  Cole nodded. “She’s not going to set this aside.”

  James looked out over the view.

  “You know what it’ll come down to, James.”

  “She’s not a subject, Cole. She has a home at her parents’ and she has children.”

  Cole sighed and took another drink. He grunted. “What about a partial spell? A mild bending of will. It wouldn’t have to be a full take. Just enough to get her to look at our side of the situation.”

  James leaned back onto his hands. “How would that make us any different from the Grand Marshals knowing what we know now? They abused their powers to get what they wanted. If we start bending wills to make people agree with us, we’re no better than they are.”

  “We’ve already done that. How many people have we subjected to their will since we learned what’s going on?”

  “They were needy and willing. The lords provide security for dedicated service.”

  “Anna wasn’t needy,” Cole spat, unable to withhold his venom. Pangs of regret curdled his stomach as her frightened image shown bright in his memory. “Or willing,” he added with a deep frown. “This whole curfew law was set to lead up to her capture.”

  James frowned. “I thought of that. And you’re right. Dressen led the way in getting the bill passed. But we can’t resort to their way of thinking. We’ve done enough of that. We’ve worked a Cornerstone post longer than any other sentinel. We can’t let character traits influence us further.”

  “We’ve worked this post longer than any other.” Resentment boiled in Cole’s stomach, and he scoffed. “As if we had a choice.” His father’s fate passed through his mind, grazing the painful vision of the locked portal.

  He looked at his brother. He could hardly make out his profile as he sat five feet from him. It was so dark under this realm’s night cover. Nostalgia tugged at his heart. Meridian’s five moons ensured a constant glow of light indigo as they reflected blue sunrays over their home. Even at night, it was bright enough to see without aid.

  James leaned forward, setting his arms on his knees again. “When they deem it time, there’ll be another portal.” His voice was low, and Cole knew he intended it as comfort. But he couldn’t help feel forgotten by the gods. He looked away sickened by the thought.

  A rattle came from the door, and they turned their attention to the porch. Linda quickly hopped outside and scampered down the steps. She rushed across the wide lawn to the iron gates at the end of the drive, slipped through them, and then headed toward town.

  Cole cocked a grin, and downed the rest of his drink. “Well, what do you know, the next harvest subject.” He stood and strode to the front door as he glanced over his shoulder. “Get Kid and meet me on the porch in thirty minutes. I need to brief you on what’s about to happen.”

  Pausing his stride, he glanced at the dull city lights. No doubt, she’d use the park as a shortcut. He stretched out his hand, holding it there a moment then snapped his fingers into a fist, closing Gryffin’s city gateway. It would serve them well again.

  The potpourri of spring blossoms met Cole as he billowed his essence to reform in the shadows of Shilo Park. His brothers took their places at his side, and he gazed through the dark city green.

  Linda looked up at the granite god, sitting on the meridian cap. “Gryffin?” The innocence in her voice sounded foreign compared to the earlier discourse. A hush fell over his face. She grasped the iron bars forming the gates. “God of Conformance, I need your help.”

  Cole waited in light of the entreaty. It would be blatant disrespect to interrupt such a moment.

  “I’ve always given you reverence. I’ve prayed to you even in the best of times. I never asked for…” She paused and stared up at the gargoyle that sat motionless on the heavy arch.

  Cole followed her gaze to the large likeness. The great creature was at least five feet tall, lounging on his forelegs. His feline backside hunched into a crouch, his broad rump rounding from the meticulously carved feathers that cloaked his back. Wings tucked to his side and laid flat against his torso, arching from his shoulders in a steep heart. His tail curled around his hindquarters and rested beside long talons that gripped the edge of the structure on the other side. Thick brows dipped severely into his round eyes, revealing the predatory personality of such a beast. The tip of his hooked beak rested just ab
ove his fledged chest as if angling down to watch as she pleaded.

  Cole knew the appearance well. Though intimidating in rock form, it didn’t come close to the awe-striking appearance when he took life.

  Linda caught her breath and rushed to the side of the walkway. Gathering a handful of lilies, she returned and held them up as in offering. “Gryffin,” she cried. “Protector! I beg you find favor with your child.”

  Silence filled the air as her beseeching gaze traced the idol of her world. Cole felt the hush emanate from his brothers as they watched a child of Terra plead with her god.

  James leaned to Cole’s ear. “Don’t give her time to lose faith Cole. You know as well as I do Gryffin won’t open those gates for her. She’s a strong-willed woman who is willing to fight for the ones she loves. She doesn’t deserve this moment.”

  Linda lowered her hands. Turning, she slid along the bars to the ground.

  “Linda, stand tall.”

  Surprise and hope covered her face as she scrambled to a stand and gazed up at the great stone griffin.

  Cole stepped into his stride; James and Vincent flanked him. Their steps echoed through the empty park. She whipped around and peered into the heavy shadows that filled the path. Her face drew shock, and she backed away, only to be blocked by the locked gates of the north entrance.

  “Gryffin?” Her whispered prayer fell weak. She wavered and slid to the ground again.

  As they neared, Cole stepped forward while Vincent and James held their stand a step behind.

  Linda’s eyes grew wide. “C-Cole? W-what’s going on?”

  “You’re out after curfew.”

  “Y-you enforce the curfew?” Her hands trembled with her voice. “I…I thought…it was just…” She released a quick breath.

  “There are things you don’t understand.” He looked into her blue eyes and slowly lifted his hand. A pale pink mist filled the air. “But you will.”

  Her mouth fell slack, and she blinked away tears as the enchantment flowed past her lips. She stood, resignation replacing fear. Contentment flowed from her.

  Cole slid his arm around her waist and glanced at his watch. “Lord Dressen is expecting you.”

  Lifting his hand, he dispersed them into the Smoke of Night. Her senses flew alongside his, mollified, subjective.

  He headed north to the prestigious neighborhood of Grand Marshals.

  The stained-glass windows around Lord Dressen’s arched doors glowed bright. Without hesitation, Cole guided them through the keyhole of the grand door, a condensed black mass snaking into the foyer.

  Dressen appraised their arrival like a king from his throne, seated in a high-back chair at the center of the room. He tapped his forefinger on the armrest.

  Cole grasped their accumulated essences and forced them to form a giant billow, rising beyond the second-floor level. Confusion flashed from his brothers’ emotions as they lost control of their elements. As expected, James swelled in protest, and Vincent emitted a spangle of quick strobes through their bulging cloud.

  Cole snapped their forms together just beyond the threshold. The instant scowls hidden by their disembodiment took form, relaying the message he wanted to aim at the pompous fiend.

  They. Were. Not. Happy.

  A heavy scent of licorice accompanied a flash of ebony in the lord’s eyes, and Cole couldn’t hold back a second glance. Images from his dream littered his mind. He pushed the thoughts aside and tightened his hold on Linda’s waist. She leaned into him beneath his cloak.

  “You requested a harvesting to be delivered by midnight.”

  Lord Dressen stood. “I did.”

  Cole looked into his eyes as he listed the original requirements of the bid. “A curfew breaker from the city’s east side. Approximate age, twenty-five. Approximate height, five feet five inches. Complexion, light. Will bent to total compliance. Position to be filled, upstairs—maid.” He emphasized the final word and pulled aside his cape to reveal Linda standing wide-eyed before him.

  A growl rumbled in Dressen’s chest as he clenched his fists. “What is this?”

  “A refilling of your harvest order.”

  “That isn’t Anna!”

  Cole tilted his head. “The order didn’t specify the subject’s name to be Anna.”

  Dressen’s face flushed red. “I wanted Anna then and I want her now!”

  “Are you telling me you had a certain person in mind when you placed this order?”

  Tension poured from his brothers. James’ anger pulsed beneath a tight band of composure, and Vincent’s rage boiled. Heat coursed under Cole’s skin as he held fast to indignation.

  Silence hung in the air.

  James’ hand eased into Cole’s periphery and took Linda by the arm. Her stunned gaze didn’t veer from Dressen as she followed his lead to stand behind him.

  Dressen lifted his brow, and he closed the gap between them with meandering steps.

  “Are you telling me that an ancient, all-powerful wizard such as Cole Shilo hadn’t come to that conclusion upon receipt of such an order?” He cocked a grinned. “I was sure you instilled her with that little extra prize precisely for that reason.”

  Cole frowned. The binding? Surely, he didn’t speak of that. He filtered through his mind to connect any oddity other than innocence, lack of depth, or indecision—all traits that could fall under the bid of total compliance.

  Dressen pursed his lips. “I was delighted with the results. But do tell me. What does Unsigh mean? The experience is phenomenal.” He waved a dismissing hand. “Short lived after she says Colhart, but…” He chuckled, and then a sudden accusatory flare crossed his face. He stepped directly in front of Cole.

  “Colhart.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Tell me Sir Cole. You’re not native to Terra. What is your given name?” There was no quizzical tone in his question. Total knowledge filled every word as he pronounced each syllable.

  Cole squared his shoulders. “Colhart Nixtoro Krylu Shilomacj.”

  A grin lit Dressen’s lips. “Colhart. Nixtoro. Krylu. Shilomacj.” He turned and paced a small distance then looked back at the three and nodded. “It seems the Wizards of Shilo Manor have taken on their own rules for the services they perform to the Lords of Terra.”

  Vincent flared red. “We’ve done no such thing!”

  Sparks danced around his tight fists, and he marched a step beside Cole. James followed suit, creating an undeniable stand of support beside him.

  “Adding to an order to dispel complete satisfaction?” Dressen stepped back to them and grabbed Cole’s wrist. “You wanted her? How about a vision of what you’re missing?”

  As he forces Cole’s palm to envelope the pearl, images overtook his inner eye: Anna’s hooded gaze, dark hair askew on the pillow. The scent of rose soap swam in the air. He buried his face in the soft locks at her neck and grazed her skin with his teeth. His touch glided down the curve of her hip as her thigh pressed hard against his side.

  Heat swirled through Cole’s biceps, charged down his torso and rammed at his groin. Legs weakening, he wavered as the enhanced experience overtook him. James grasped his shoulders, bracing his stand.

  Edged rapture burned in Cole’s core as the vision continued. Anna’s hands flew to his back. Her fingers and thumbs pressed together, forming the triad. With a cry in her breath, she uttered the words intended only for him. The command echoed in his mind and resonated in his heart. Her passion flew through him, fire blazed, and waves of ecstasy forced instinct to take his body. Gasping, he doubled over.

  A growl punched from Cole’s lungs, and he whipped his hand from Dressen’s grip. “Enough!”

  The lord’s anger boomed through the room. “You want her! You wanted her and in your haste to get her back you made one fatal mistake.”

  Cole clenched his teeth to gain control of his state. He glanced at the lawman’s glare and then shifted his gaze to the lavender pearl pressed tightly between his fingers. Spells, potions, the attenti
on he poured into the creation of the gift filed through his mind. He’d followed each precise detail of his father’s records. Where could he have failed?

  “I suspected your involvement from the onset. I suspected, but couldn’t prove. Not until I realized I held the answer in my pocket.”

  Dressen snatched the pearl into his fist. “Every memory relived in stark detail. You expected me to revel in the simple enhanced memories of my life.” He jabbed his fist toward Cole, and the magical gift glowed, illuminating his fingers. “You underestimated me, Colhart Nixtoro Krylu Shilomacj! What made you think I wouldn’t recall every experience touching my senses as I relived the moment I first explored the gift?”

  He threw his hand in the direction of the terrace. “I felt the change in atmosphere as you sent her the spell, smelled the ginger in the very potion you used. I heard Anna gasp, run, and I heard you turn straightway and leave when the deed was done.”

  Cole’s mind whirled. No Terran should have detected such detail beyond the intended recollection of moments. Nor should they have the ability to share the intricate detail of the memory called upon. Worse yet, none should have experienced the intimate nature of the spell he’d created for Mianna. The memory Dressen shared was indeed the full extent of the gift. He struggled to harness the effects it had on him.

  Dressen shoved the pearl into his pocket. “You stole my subject after payment was received.” With a swift turn, he grabbed an onyx pillar and heaved it cross the room. It rammed into the velveteen chair, and both skidded to the far side of the room.

  “You crossed the wrong Grand Marshal! The counsel has viewed the evidence. I showed them every bit of the memory. All agree to your guilt and proceedings are underway. You will pay, Cole Shilo!”

  Vincent snarled and lightening charged from his fingertips.