In Shadows of Magic

by Alison F. Prince

  "How does the legend end? Did they get back together?" Brianna dug her toes into the warm, wet sand.

  "No. He invited her, but she never came. He still waits for her, for his long-lost love. Some people say the man in the legend is Arthur, but no one knows."

  She nodded, remembering the icy eyes of the herculean man. "He did seem a bit tormented."

  "We should get you back before your parents never let me take you out again. There's a portal just a short distance ahead."

  "I'm sad to leave." Brianna was wistful as they approached the mass of floating glitter.

  "We will be back soon enough." Jared took her hand.

  "Farewell, magical fantasy land," Brianna whispered as she stepped into the sparkles. A moment later, they were back on Brent's yacht, which had been docked during their absence.

  "It's so late. My parents are going to kill me." Streaks of pink and orange already lightened the morning sky.

  "I hope you don't mind, but I called one of Brent's limos to bring you home. I'm beat," Jared said. A black stretch limo waited by the dock.

  "Of course I don't mind." Brianna walked over to the long sleek vehicle. "Thank you so much for an amazing night."

  "One more kiss," he said, holding open the limo door. Their lips touched.

  "Wait, wait. One more," Jared demanded, and Brianna pressed her lips against his.

  "Just one more," he requested. They kissed again.

  "One more." This time their tongues lingered, intertwining for several moments. "One more, please," he pleaded.

  Brianna laughed and pecked him. "That's it! I have to get home before my parents wake up, and I'm grounded for life!"

  "Okay, okay. I'll see you tonight. Red Rapture!"

  "I'm so excited!" she said as Jared leaned in to kiss her once more.

  "Stole one!" he said, leaving Brianna laughing as he disappeared down the dark city street.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Brianna opened her eyes at three p.m. Five more hours, she thought. I can't believe I'm going to meet Adam Payne tonight!

  She went downstairs and made a cup of coffee. Hearing voices and laughter out front, she peeked through the kitchen window. Squinting through a stream of bright sunlight, she saw Mandy and their mother seated on the white wicker couch. Coffee in hand, she opened the front door, stepped onto the porch, and sat on the wooden rocking chair adjacent to the couch.

  "Hello!" Mandy's lips curved when she saw her sister. "I hear you had a handsome date last night. How did it go?"

  "Absolutely phenomenal,” Brianna gushed.

  "I'm so glad you had a good time. He seemed like a nice boy," Sabrina said. "You're a lucky girl that I fell asleep early last night and slept through the night. I have a feeling that you were out past your curfew."

  "Well, maybe a little," Brianna admitted. "But it won't happen again." She turned to face her twin. "How was your night?"

  "Great! I went to Josh Goodwin's party with Logan. His parties are so much fun. Everyone was so nice. You've got to come next time. What are you up to tonight? I'm going to the fair with Kerri. Do you want to come?"

  "Wow. I'd love to, and thanks for asking me, but I'm going to the Red Rapture concert tonight."

  "Oh, that's sweet! Maybe you'll see Emily there."

  For dinner, Sabrina prepared corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. For the first time in years, the McKinney family ate together. After enjoying a delicious meal and pleasant conversation, Mandy offered to drive her sister to the train station. Since the concert was in New York City, Brianna had offered to meet Jared at the venue.

  "Thanks for the ride," Brianna said as they entered the parking lot of Montmorrow's train station.

  "You're welcome. Hey, Bri, I miss spending time with you. I'd like to hang out more, if you want to."

  "Yes, I'd like that a lot."

  Brianna was the first to outstretch her arms. But once she did, Mandy dove in. The twins squeezed each other for several long moments. When they separated, Brianna could see tears welling up in Mandy’s eyes.

  "Oh, stop! You're going to make me cry!" Brianna said.

  "Okay, get out of here, then! Have fun!" Mandy said.

  "Bye, sis. I love you!" Brianna stepped out of the car and ran to catch her train.

  "I love you too!"

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Jared was already waiting at the train station when his date arrived. "Hey, baby." He whisked her into his arms for a big hug and sweet kiss.

  They walked down the city blocks toward Hammerstein Ballroom. Inside the concert hall, an opening act droned in the background, but only a few people were paying attention. In the front, people crowded around the bar, shouting drink orders over the loud music. Groups wandered the large, square room, chatting and sipping from soda bottles. Amidst the crowd, Brianna spotted a short girl with silky, long black hair.

  "Emily, over here!" Brianna shouted. Emily turned and waved. She made her way through the crowd and toward Brianna, a redhead by her side.

  “Hey, Bri, what’s up? This is my friend Alise.” Emily said, and greeted Brianna with a hug.

  “Hi, Alise. I remember we were in English class together last year. Your poetry is amazing.”

  “Thank you!”

  Brianna introduced the girls to her date, and the four teens pried their way through the crowd until they stood an arm's length from the stage.

  "This is so awesome!" Brianna said. The three girls and the reborn bounced to the hard rock rhythm of the last opening act. As the band left the stage, an announcer revved up the crowd. "What's up, New York? How're you guys doing tonight? Are y'all ready for this? Yell if you're ready for Red Rapture!"

  Brianna screamed until her throat hurt. When Red Rapture bounded onto the stage, she was silenced by the first notes of her favorite song. Adam Payne stood thirty feet away. Wisps of his sandy blond hair were blown about by a fan facing the stage. His deep brown eyes looked tortured as he sang about heartbreak in his haunting tone. The way he played his guitar with such fluency gave her goose bumps. As Brianna danced, she sang along with every word, her tone accentuating each nuance.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Licinia didn't have a ticket for the concert. She didn't even like Red Rapture.

  "Where's your ticket?" A six-foot-six muscular bouncer stopped her at the door.

  Licinia lightly placed her hand on his shoulder and lifted her head to meet his light brown eyes. Hers were black as ashes. The bouncer began to speak, but was silenced as her long, red fingernails traced his lips.

  Don't say another word, she thought, her soot-black eyes burning into his, or I will bite you. As she projected the image into the bouncer’s brain, Licinia was able to see the scene as he perceived it and experience what he was feeling. At first, there was only blackness, and then an image appeared. He lay unmoving on a grassy patch of earth illuminated by moonlight. A disturbingly beautiful woman dressed in a white gown and red heels approached him. She bent over to kiss his cheek, ear, and jaw line, then suckled his neck, her long platinum-blonde curls tickling his face.

  At first the image excited and intrigued him. Then he realized there was something wrong. Terribly wrong. Blood spilled from a gaping wound in his neck. The blonde drank in large gulps, red dripping from her dark lips. The body fluid spilled down her neck and splashed onto her chest, staining her white garment.

  Licinia had to stop herself. She was getting a bit carried away, and her fantasy was oh so tempting. But she didn't have time to indulge right now. There was work to do before playtime. It wasn't easy being so disciplined, but there was no way some young witch was going to steal her man.

  "I don't have one," Licinia said in a throaty voice. She moved her fingernails to his neck, tracing little circles on the throbbing pulse point. "Is that a problem?"

  The gigantic man cowered in front of her. His face was fear-stricken as he shook his head frantically. "Go ahead."

  Licinia strutted into the crowded venue. Conce
rt-goers stepped aside to let her pass as she made her way to the stage. There they were. Jared stared at the smiling black-haired girl, clear admiration in his eyes. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Brianna kissed him back on the lips.

  Jealousy coursed through Licinia's veins. What did he see in her? She was nobody. Licinia eyed the mosh pit that was developing next to Brianna. She needed to talk some sense into Jared. But first, she wanted to have a little fun.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Brianna was too entranced by the music to notice the mosh pit until she was pushed and jostled by rough hands. A skinny boy with blond dreads dug his sharp elbow into her ribs.

  "Ow!" Brianna flashed her assailant a dirty look. Then, the raucous mosher punched her in the center of her gut. "Ouch!" She doubled over in pain.

  "What are you thinking, man?" Jared shoved her assaulter, knocking the boy to the ground. The attacker brushed his dreads out of his face. His light eyes were vacant and zombie-like.

  "Snap out of it!" Jared's fists clenched at his sides, ready to fight to protect his girl. Brianna could sense that he was using magic.

  All of a sudden, the boy seemed confused. He gaze wandered from the floor up to Jared, then down at the ground again. It seemed as if he was trying to piece together what had just transpired. "I'm— um— sorry man," the boy stammered as he stood and staggered away.

  "That was weird," Brianna said. Jared’s mouth lowered into a firm frown, his jaw tense. "Come on, babe. We're having a great night. Don't let some drugged-up jerk ruin it."

  Jared wrapped his arm around her waist, stared into her eyes, and said, "I have been having such an awesome weekend with you. I'm not going to let anyone ruin it."

  Brianna kissed him hard on the lips. "Me either!"

  When Red Rapture took their first break, Brianna and the girls rushed to the ladies' room. While waiting in line, she yelled over the crowd, "This concert is incredible!"

  Emily was quiet. Worry clouded her eyes.

  "Is everything okay?" Brianna asked.

  "I think so. I hope so," Emily answered.

  "What does that mean? Do you want to talk about it?"

  Emily paused for a moment. "It's Mandy."

  "What about her?" Brianna's heartbeat quickened. "Is she okay?"

  "Yes, well…maybe not."

  "You're not making any sense. Tell me what's going on."

  "I can't, because you'll think it's crazy."

  "No, I won't. Please tell me." If it had to do with her twin, Brianna had to know. She summoned her powers and used her influence to lower Emily's inhibitions.

  "I had a dream last night. I think Mandy is in a danger."

  "A dream?"

  "I told you that you’d think I'm insane. Sometimes my dreams come true. Not all of them, though, so it's hard for me to tell which are prophetic. But I've had this one twice already, and it feels so real. I'm worried for her. But I don't know what I can do."

  Brianna nodded. "Thank you for telling me. I don't think you're crazy at all. I'll look out for her."

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  As soon as Brianna was out of sight, Jared stalked toward the back corner of the concert hall. When he found his quarry, his body burned with anger.

  "What are you doing here?" he asked.

  "You're not happy to see me?" Licinia pouted.

  "No! I want you to leave me alone!"

  "You don't mean that," she said, stepping closer. Licinia reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you, and you love me, too. We should be together."

  Jared grasped her arms and pushed them down. "I don't want to be with you! Quit following me around everywhere I go. It's creeping me out. I know you were at the carnival, spying on us. And I know you used mind control tonight to make that boy attack Bri. You're a psycho!"

  Her eyes were like an endless abyss of deadly darkness. "Is it so crazy that I love you?"

  "Yes! Because I've made it clear that it's over! All I want is for you to move on and stop stalking me!"

  "Why don't you want me anymore? It's her, isn't it? Do you have feelings for her?"

  "It was over between us long before I met her."

  "You didn't answer my question. Do you have feelings for her?"

  "Yes, I do, but my life is none of your business!"

  "What are you thinking? You could have me, but you want that? She's nothing. She's an inexperienced, silly witch. I could offer you so much more. I can give you anything you ever wanted."

  Jared shook his head. "What I want is her."

  "I'll kill her. I'll rip her apart and drain her dry."

  "You'll have to get through me first. Brent and I have enough friends to pit a small army against you."

  "I'll take my chances." Licinia bared her teeth before she disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  "Hey, gorgeous." Brianna's eyes shined up at Jared. She wrapped her arms around his waist and admired her handsome date. His eyes flashed with anger, like lightning striking a storm cloud.

  "What's the matter?” Brianna asked.

  "There's something I have to tell you. Licinia was here. She's been stalking me."

  "What?" Brianna spun around, scanning the room.

  "She's gone now, but I don't think for long. I'm so sorry to put you in this situation. She's unstable, and I'm worried about your safety. I'm not letting you out of my sight until I'm confident that she's not going to bother you."

  Brianna tried to make light of the situation. "There's no need to be sorry. Spending more time with you doesn't sound too terrible to me."

  His smile was weak. "Could you come back to my apartment after the concert? I'll feel better knowing you'll be there when I wake up. Also, the security in Brent's building is tight. I'll let them know that Licinia is a threat, and to notify me immediately if she's seen around the building."

  Brianna nodded. "Okay, I'll call my mom and tell her I'm going to sleep over at Emily's tonight."

  "I'm going to text Renee and Gavin. We have to tell them what's going on with Valerie and Licinia. I don't want to bother Brent while he's on vacation. Renee will have some ideas. Maybe a spell of protection for you."

  "And for my sister, too." She explained Emily's psychic dreams.

  "I'll make sure you and Mandy are safe," Jared said.

  "Maybe we should all go to Supertopia," Brianna said. "Licinia can't get in there."

  "Mandy can't get in either. She's not a supernatural."

  "But she was…"

  He shook his head. "There are no exceptions."

  Her shoulders began to knot with tension. "Should we wait until tomorrow? Maybe we should meet Renee and Gavin tonight."

  "That's up to you. I thought you would want to go to the after party with the band."

  "After party?"

  "Adam called me last night to invite us."

  Brianna jumped up and down, not caring that she was in public. "For real?"

  "Yes.” He laughed. "It should be a good time. I don't think Licinia is going to try anything tonight. Call your sister and tell her to stay in the house and lock the doors. Vampires can't come inside uninvited."

  Jared walked his date to the lobby of the concert hall, keeping his hand on the small of her back. Brianna dialed her twin's number. "Hi, Mandy. There's a dangerous vampire witch out there. Her name is Licinia, and she hates me. I'm scared that she might try to hurt you. Your best protection is to stay inside at night. Don't let anyone in. Please. Tomorrow I'll be there with some friends and we'll sort this whole thing out."

  "A vampire witch?" Mandy's voice revealed her incredulity. "Are you for real?"

  "I'm completely serious. I know this all sounds crazy, but it's true. Just please please do as I say. Okay?"

  "Have you lost your mind?"

  "No! You have to believe me. Your safety is at stake!" Brianna's voice broke. "Please, promise me."

  "I promise. I will not leave the house unless the sun is bright and shi
ning."

  "Thank you. I'm so sorry, Mandy. I'll make all this up to you. Please tell Mom that I'm sleeping over Emily's tonight."

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Licinia was livid when she walked out of the concert hall. Murderous thoughts inhabited her mind. Brianna deserved whatever she got, that hussy. Although the wampire could kill her quickly, she would rather make it slow and painful. She wanted to make Brianna beg for mercy. The idea brought a vindictive smile to her dark red lips.

  Now the problem was getting past Jared and Brent. An accomplice might prove invaluable in this mission. Licinia picked up the phone and dialed.

  "Hey, Val. I know it's late. Sorry to bother you…"

  "Hey, Licinia! It's great to hear from you. No bother at all." Valerie's voice was sweet as sugar.

  "I'm calling because I need a little help."

  "Oh, of course! What do you need?"

  "It's that little witch, Brianna. She just won't stay away from my boyfriend! I don't know about you, but I think it's so wrong when women can't respect those boundaries."

  "Oh, I agree. If a man isn't single, he's off limits for sure. Girl code."

  "Right. So I want to teach her a lesson. Could you help me out?"

  "What do I need to do?"

  "I want you to take her somewhere during the day. Then just keep her there until night falls. That's all you need to do. Jared isn't going to let her out of his sight, so you need to come up with a scheme to get her away from him."

  Valerie was quiet for a moment. "Brianna and I had a little falling out the other day. She's not going to go anywhere with me."

  "Well, not willingly."

  "So you want me to kidnap her?"

  "If that's what you want to call it. I would be so grateful. After we take care of this, we can talk more about me transforming you into a vampire. If you still want that."