Unwanted Magic (The Ancient Magic Series Book 3)

by Stephany Wallace

  “No, mama! No!”

  I screamed, running to her and rested my head on her chest. Her heart was no longer beating. The image of the High Priest blurred with my tears as he stood in front of us unmoving. There was nothing he could do. She was gone. Heart-wrenching sobs shook my body as I wrapped my arms around her. The High Priest took my arm, trying to pull me away from her.

  “No! Leave us. You did not heal her. Leave!”

  I sobbed, seeing the tears spill from his eyes too. I gripped my mother’s arms and placed them around me, clinging to her as she held me like she had so many times. My eyes followed the High Priest as he sat beside us on the bed, and placed his hand on her heart.

  “A athnuachan agus beo ar— Be renewed and live on.”

  * * *

  I shook my head, shutting my eyes as the light from his hand transferred and her body shimmered, releasing her soul.

  “No, mama. Please. Do not leave me. I need you.”

  Her skin became cold under my cheek shortly after. Perhaps it had been longer than I was able to gather, time had become still when I lost her. Nels gently removed my mother’s arms from around me, pulled me onto his lap, and held me fiercely. I clung to him, as my pain renewed. I hid my face in his neck and cried.

  I cried until I thought there were no tears left in me, and I made two vows that night.

  I would never cry again, and I would never be an Ovate, like my mother before me.

  That horrible curse had taken her from me.

  * * *

  My cheek rested on the grass while my body slowly calmed once more. The tears still spilled from my eyes, silently breaking my first vow. The sound of the water, rushing through the rocks and down the river was soothing. I took a deep breath as another image filled my mind. Art kissing me, holding me to him with an overwhelming need, a love that my visions had shown me I would share one day. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that the fears Asrhia had spoken of, included him. My emotional breakdown was a testament of that. Being with Art that way, allowing him to kiss me had opened up a dam of emotions I had repressed inside me long ago. The possibility of him, of that love I had witnessed was breaking through my walls and I was not certain I could let it.

  I had survived by being strong.

  It needed to remain that way.

  I pushed myself off the ground and sat down, looking around me. My eyes found Asrhia sitting a few steps from me. I had not realized she was there. She held my gaze, and I noticed her eyes were reddened and a tad swollen. She had been crying with me.

  “Why are you here?”

  She offered me a small smile and cleared her throat. "I did not wish for you to be alone."

  I stared at her confused. “Why do you care so much?”

  She slowly raised her shoulders then let them drop. "Because you are all heroes where I come from. I know the things you will have to go through, and you don't have to go through them alone. I want to help."

  I shook my head. “How?”

  She smiled again. “I shall tell you, just not yet.”

  I nodded and wiped my cheeks. “You said you came to help Briana as well.”

  “Yes.”

  I looked into her eyes, and I could see the truth in her words. She was being honest with me. "Does Briana know that you are here? Have you begun helping her?"

  She shook her head and looked down at a small flower on the grass. She gently caressed the petals with her fingertip, not offering more details. “Why have you not helped her?”

  Her gaze found mine again. “It is not time.”

  My eyes roamed her face. There was something familiar about her. “Have we met before?”

  She gave me a small smile as though my question amused her. "No."

  I looked at her once more, her eyes, her hair, her smile. A memory stirred at the back of my mind, yet it was so far away I could not grasp it. I nodded and stood. Submerging my hands in the river, I brought the cold water to my face, washing it. I lifted my shirt, drying the droplets from my skin and once I turned Asrhia was already gone. She had promised she would be as honest with me as she could, without hindering her mission. She would answer all my questions as the need arrived for me to learn each truth. My instincts told me I should trust her and a Warrior never doubted his instincts. She had revealed I was the only one that would learn about her and her reasons for being here, but I must give her time.

  I had no problem with that.

  I took a deep breath and turned in the direction of the village. Taking a breath, I began my run back. The Warriors awaited for our training to commence.

  * * *

  As I passed the mountain near the river, my feet suddenly slowed its pace. My eyes roamed the vines that covered the secret entrance to the cave. Felix's body was inside, dormant while he healed from the battle at the lake. For some reason, I could not keep myself from walking towards it. Looking over my shoulder, I inspected my surroundings to confirm that I was in fact alone. My hand settled on the vines, and they shimmered, recognizing my essence thanks to the enchantment Cyn had placed upon them. They moved, slithering out of place in a manner that resembled snakes and opened the path for me to enter. The cave would have been dark if it were not for the enchanted torches on the walls. I walked inside, immediately feeling the air shift as the vines settled into place once more, concealing us. I walked slowly through the hallway until I reached the cave. It was the first time I came here since I had refused Cyn's appeal to watch over Felix when he first arrived. Ronan requested the task instead. I had never denied Cyn anything in my life. Personally, he was like my brother, and as a Warrior, he was my Àrd-shagart. I had always respected him and honored his every request. Yet, being here, with Felix… that was something I could not do.

  I walked inside the smaller cave, and my eyes instantly settled on his glowing form. I had never seen magic this powerful before. Cyn mentioned it was used in the village where that terrible plague hit us, but we were young children, and my mother along with the High Priest kept us all confined to our hut to protect us from the illness. Nels had placed a spell on the hut to ensure we would be safe. I stepped closer as my eyes wandered around the cave. It had been fitted as one of our rooms back in the village. It housed a bed, a small table and a couple of chairs. Felix's body rested on the bed, shielded in the hazy white cocoon created by the profound healing magic Cyn had used. The film resembled a gelatin-like substance that glowed dimly adding extra light to the room. The veins that branched through it just underneath the surface, shimmered every few seconds, and I could hear the beating of Felix's heart as though the sound was being projected through the shell like film. I walked closer, compelled by the image. My fingers reached for him caressing the surface. It was soft and lightly humid. The place where my fingertips rested glowed brightly and became warm under my touch. Felix's body gently stirred inside it, and I gasped stepping back. He became still once more, and my eyes roamed his body. I stepped closer. Against my better judgment, I placed my hand on it. My fingers briefly traveled over the place where his hand was, and he stirred again then settled. Intrigued, I placed my palm above his chest and just as it had done before, the surface glowed, and it became warm under my touch. His body stirred yet again, but I did not move. My gaze followed the light under my palm, and my eyes widened when I realized it was moving downwards, towards his body. Was my energy transferring to him? I pulled my hand back, and cradled it against my stomach, unsettled by the realization. The light disappeared, and the veins shimmered once more along the cocoon.

  I stepped backwards, frazzled by what I had just witnessed and turned around, leaving the cave.

  ART

  * * *

  “I like being this way, a chara.”

  I opened my eyes and lifted my head from Seima's chest. She smiled. "I know," I answered looking into her eyes.

  “It gives me comfort.”

  She added with an underlined longing that matched my own. It wasn’t a physical one but one born deep
inside of us. I knew exactly what she meant. The image of the kiss Eisha and I had shared this morning came to me, tugging at my heart and filling me with misery. I pushed it out of my head and sought the comfort that Seima could give me. Leaning in, I brushed my lips on hers softly while my hand reached for her neck. I tilted my head and kissed her deeply as I had done countless times before. My lips moved on hers tenderly, while I pulled her to me. Shifting my body, I laid on top of her feeling her legs wrap around me. My hips tilted, instantly becoming part of her.

  "Tell me how to love you," I whispered against her lips.

  “Slow.”

  A slight smile curved my lips right before I kissed her again. My body began moving on her gently, and I felt her body immediately relax under me. My lips left hers, and I lifted my head admiring her. Her head was laid back, and her lips were slightly parted. Her eyes remained closed while I slid effortlessly in and out of her. Seima's moans became elongated whispers, while I loved her. She was the epitome of ecstasy and beauty at this moment. I knew how to love her. I knew what she liked and how to please her with my body, but I could never stop myself from asking her. I secretly wanted her to tell me to give her everything I had, every single inch of me, even if it hurt. To love her hard and fast with every ounce of passion I had repressed. I kissed her neck, making her moan again, and I jerked inside her at the thought. I'd love to give her everything I had, but Seima was delicate, like a flower. Her body was sensitive, and I was large for her. For most. I had always needed to be mindful of that when I was intimate with a woman, even in the moments where all I wanted to do was lose myself in them I had to be careful.

  I arched my back, bringing my lips to her wonderful breasts as she began to tighten around me. I could feel her body slightly trembling under mine, around me, and sucking me in. I sucked her nipple, massaging her breast as she got closer and closer to the edge. Maybe she was just sensitive when it came to me. Perhaps I stroked her differently, deeper than anyone else had. It never took long for her to burst with pleasure while I was inside her. Then I stopped, to let her rest before I could go again. She was very sensitive. I usually let myself go with her so she could feel satisfied that she had pleased me to. I didn't mind doing that with her. I could wait and love her all over again once she was ready. I was used to it.

  She closed up around me so tightly I knew she was a second away from falling over the edge. I reached down and stroked the part of me that was not in her, tightening my hold to match her grip on me. Our labored breaths came in pants and our moans mixed when my lips returned to hers. We fell together. My body jerked on hers, in her with my release as she spasmed in my arms with hers. I slid out and turned our bodies, so she was lying on me. Holding her close, I kissed her while we came down from the high.

  "Will you stay a bit longer?" She asked looking into my eyes with need, and I nodded, kissing her again.

  "I can stay for another half hour, but then I must leave. Lia will be home soon, and I have to make dinner for her."

  Seima raised an eyebrow. “She can’t prepare a meal for herself?”

  I grinned. "I have no idea. I've cooked every day since she's been here."

  “You coddle her too much.”

  "I coddle everyone I care about."

  She chuckled. “That is true.”

  "Can I play with your breasts now?" She laughed, and I chuckled. "It's a valid question."

  She laughed again. “Yes.”

  I turned our bodies, so I laid on hers once more and settled between her legs. My fingers caressed her breast, and I placed small kisses along the curve. My fingertips stroke her nipple and sucked it. She moaned, but her legs tightened around me as she tensed. It was too soon. Licking her nipple once more I moved to her other breast letting my fingers stroke the tip gently.

  “What is your obsession with my breasts?” She asked amused.

  I lifted my gaze to hers. "They are big, soft and I love the feel of them under my tongue." My lips brushed her nipple as I answered. She shuddered. I licked it and sucked it even more gently than I had before. My fingers reached between her legs, but she tensed under my touch. She was still sensitive. I pulled myself up and kissed her lips instead, releasing all my need into the kiss.

  "Is that all?" Seima asked, breathless once my lips left her.

  "Well, they remind me of my mother's too."

  “What? That is terrible!” She complained, pushing me away and I laughed.

  “Too honest?”

  "You are a sick, sick man." I laughed, while she pushed me out of bed.

  “I thought you wanted to me to stay a bit longer?”

  “I changed my mind.” She said, laughing.

  "Ok, ok. I know when I'm not welcomed." I stood and reached for my pants, putting them on. She chuckled, getting up and walking towards me.

  “I’m considering not letting you come back after that comment.”

  I grinned. “Then you’ll be sad and cry for me. You’ll miss me inside you and come begging me to come back.”

  “Presumptuous of you, do you not agree?” She said punching my stomach.

  I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. “Maybe, but I have to hope.”

  Her arms wrapped around my neck and brought me closer. Her breasts pressed against my chest making me harden for her once again. I pulled my hips back. I needed to leave.

  "I would miss you." She answered, and I smiled. Kissing her one last time I pulled the shirt over my head and zipped up my jeans.

  “I’ll try to come back soon.” I stole another kiss and opened the portal to my hut.

  The hut was empty once I entered. I walked to the door and looked outside, but Lia was nowhere to be found.

  Then I heard her.

  “Fuck.” My heart constricted when I realized she had ben here all along. I walked to the partition and stood just on the other side while she cried. “Are you ok?”

  “No.” she whispered tearing my heart even more.

  “Are you dressed? Can I step in?”

  “No… Yes.”

  I frowned, confused by her answer and tentatively looked over the partition. She had taken a bath and was resting against the brick wall. Her body was wrapped in one of my large towels, the water dripped from her long hair onto her arms and the floor. She was barefoot. Walking around, I pulled her to me and held her close. Her tears and wet hair drenched my shirt, but I didn't care.

  “It’s ok. I’m here. You are ok. I’m not letting anyone hurt you ever again.”

  I whispered over and over, kissing her temple and caressing her back until she calmed down a bit. “I’m going to take you to the bed, ok?”

  She nodded, and I bent down taking her into my arms and walking to the bed. Silent sobs still escaped her lips. I sat her down and opened one of my drawers taking out another t-shirt. I grabbed her scissors, which were still on my dresser and cut it up exactly like she had done this morning.

  “Lift your arms,” I instructed. I slipped the shirt over her head to cover her body, and carefully pulled the towel from underneath.

  “Bòidheach”—Beautiful. I said, and she actually smiled at me in between the tears, it tugged at my heart. I kissed her cheek, carried her again, and I laid her down on the bed. “I’m going to make you tea. Do you want something to eat?” She shook her head clinging to my pillow. “Yeah, I’m not hungry either.”

  I covered her with the blanket and walked to the kitchen pulling my wet shirt off. I set the tea on the night table next to her and helped her drink it. I caressed her hair while I waited for the tea to take effect.

  "I'm going to change quickly, and I'll lay down with you to hold you. Do you want me to?"

  She nodded, looking at me so vulnerably that it broke my heart. “Always.” I chuckled and kissed her forehead.

  I pulled the pajama pants from the drawer and hurried to the partition, dipping a hand towel in the warm soapy water of the tub I cleaned myself, then slipped my pants on and walked out. Lia clung to me the mom
ent I settled beside her. Her cheek rested on my chest, and her fingertips began to play with the little hairs between my pectoral muscles. I kissed the top of her head and held her tightly as she fell asleep, wishing I could find a way to stop those memories from torturing her.

  Those bastards would pay for what they had done.

  CHAPTER 3. DEATH

  EISHA

  * * *

  If I had only known what today would reveal…

  I focused on controlling my breaths as I enforced my morning routine. Running along the Riverbend. The beating of my heart was fast but stable. My feet hit the ground guiding my rhythmic breaths. I followed the curve of the river, crossing over to the other side of the mountain. My eyes instantly went to the hidden entrance of the cave, my steps briefly slowed and the urge to go in enveloped me, but I forced myself to continue. Picking up speed, I resumed my pace and continued on.

  An hour later I stopped at the far end of the river where the creek was. I held my knees, taking deep breaths as my heartbeat slowed and returned to normal. Standing up, I brought my arms above my head, stretching my muscles, one arm at a time behind my head and then switch legs making sure to ease the tension from my thighs. My eyes settled on the rushing water down the stream, and as it did every day, it called to me. I dreamed of a day all to myself, where I could throw cares aside and do something that made me feel restored. I carefully stepped onto the stones until I got to the center of the stream and submerged my hands in the water; bringing them to my mouth I took a long refreshing drink. I stared at the water as my need grew. I only had enough time to go back, bathe and join the Warriors for our diurnal training, yet all I desired at that moment was to immerse my body in the chilly water and feel it rushing over my skin. Making up my mind, I crossed to the other side and walked to the closer tree. This part of the river was never reached by anyone except me, yet I looked all around me to assure I was alone. Taking off my clothes, I hung them from the branch and stepped into the water. I squealed as the cold reached me, yet it was exhilarating. I took a couple of steps to the small space between the rocks that I had noticed many times before, and sat in it. The water rushed over them, onto my shoulders and down my body concealing me whole. I gripped the rocks on my sides to secure myself to the spot, and smiled feeling a joy I had not felt in a long time. The river's energy began to recharge every cell in my body. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes resting my head back on the rock. It was as though nature had built a special seat just for me in the middle of this amazing river, and for the first time, I was allowing myself to enjoy it. The world outside this moment disappeared while my body and mind relaxed. There were no sounds, no duties, no fears. Nothing could reach me here. It was just I, and the soothing melody of the rushing water as it cleansed me.