Vengeful Hearts (Fate of the Witch Book 2)

by Raven Moon

  “Well, you should have thought long and hard before dragging me 300 feet underground. You made that promise. Nobody put a gun to your head. You can turn back; I can take care of myself.” Anger and nerves shook my voice.

  Chapter Two

  Rainelle

  We entered the inky darkness of a large cavity. Shadow figures lurked in the bleakness. Small creatures scurried along the walls and ceiling. The beautiful radiance of Samuels’ eyes had disappeared. A sudden blast of light exploded like fireworks.

  Voices shrieked like jagged metal scraping along with another piece of metal. My hands shot up to protect my abused ears. I prayed my eardrums wouldn’t burst; my eyes pooled in pain from the torment. I imagined the gates of hell opening to drag us under.

  In a rapid motion, the water swirled, “What the fuck was that?” I braced myself fighting my body against the need to freeze in fear as the canoe spun. The motion stopped just as quick as it had begun.

  Samuel broke in my thoughts, ‘Move beside me. My enchantments won’t hold them off for long. We are stronger together.’ I did as he said, ‘Now, move into my canoe’ He pushed in my mind. I threw my bag to him and crawled into the canoe. Fear choked me with the thought of flipping us in the water.

  We entered a smaller den. Torches lined the walls with fire. The flames shadow danced like lovers doing the tango on the formations. Peering back, all I could see was the empty canoe crashing against the rocks. Hope kicked in. We will get out of here, we will survive, I will survive.

  “This looks like a good place to stop and rest,” Samuel suggested jarring us against a small boulder. I let out a pent-up breath as I scanned the landing, probing for any life. Samuel climbed on the ragged edge then pulled me up. I walked up the embankment watching my footing. I did not want to fall into the water below even though the mirror glaze made it look shallow, I knew that underground rivers are deceiving.

  “Who added the iron torches along the wall?” I asked, surveying everything in eyesight. Huge mirrored stones, immense in their girth made me feel like a speck in a crowded arena. The shadows that preyed from the fire scones light only increased my discomfort. I glanced around one last time as if that might change the circumstances then focused on something simple…Samuel.

  “It looks dry and safe; I suppose this area will do,” I stated with a half shrug and started back down the steep cliff. My boots felt heavy, I noticed mud and rotted leaves clinging to the sole.

  I looked around frantically when a swift wind carried the sound of whimpers cried out under considerable strain. Then I felt the vibration of Samuel’s deep voice chanting the ancient magick of spells, his eyes illuminated. My ears picked up bits and pieces of the old language Samuel weaved. I turned to see what he protected us from. My heart raced as a fresh dose of adrenaline buzzed in my veins like a junkie shooting up his favorite drug. Thoughts of the beasts catching us had frozen my body in place. The water stirred under Samuels control, ready to punish the inevitable. Waves lifted forming a barricade. Samuel stood in front of me, his eyes narrowed, his once gentle smile now faded to hard edges.

  He cleared his throat, “They’re closer than I like, but the spell will ward them off for at least a day, maybe two if we’re lucky.” he stated rubbing his tousled hair.

  I steepled my long fingers tapping my chin, “So we can rest?”

  “Yes darlin’, for a few hours.” He responded with a wink. For a moment, his eyes hung on the path we walked, “There is an overwhelming diabolic power. This is something I’ve never felt.” He spoke, his pulse pounded in his neck, “We must be on guard at all time Rainelle.” As Samuel’s words sank in, my stomach churned.

  “I already knew the werewolves, and their offspring wanted me dead, but what else are we up against and why does it want to kill me?” His shoulders flinched a tight, nervous shrug.

  Samuel’s hands rested on the small of my back with a gentle, reassuring rub, “We will defeat them.” His body language was all wrong for the reassurance he gave. He stood protectively around me, almost crouching like a cougar waiting to pounce. His eyes continued to pierce the distant darkness.

  I sat on a rock and concentrated then pushed that metaphysical line out to the unknown, not sure if my magick would be strong enough, but I tried anyway. The cave dwellers let their presence known. I slowly wrapped that invisible cord back tightly in my soul.

  “Darlin’ you ready to eat?” Samuel handed me a sandwich bringing me back to reality.

  “Thank you,” I plastered on a smile, “The sandwich tastes good.” I clarified, but right now mud would taste great.

  His face divided into a nervous grin, “Your welcome,” I took another bite wishing I was home having a hot meal. But I’ll thank Lisa for the food.

  The silence became daunting, “How long is the cave system?”

  “It runs the length of the Appalachian Trail. It’ll take a few days.” Samuel glanced at his sandwich taking another bite.

  “I didn’t know the cave was that extensive.” I will never make it out alive! I hugged myself unsure how I felt about possibly facing my demise. A weight seemed to press on my chest, robbing my breath. I watched the flicker of the flames slow dance to clear my mind.

  “You need to be optimistic and not pessimistic,” His words left a sour taste in my mouth.

  “Did the oxygen leave your brain? Stay out of my head!” I jumped up.

  “I’m sorry, I should have chosen my words better. Can you trust you will make it out alive?” Samuel said as I walked away.

  I needed to run, but my body turned like a petrified stone. I felt the same when I learned I could interact with spirits.

  I took long strides down a small passage. The chill pricked at my flesh. I called on the element of fire, letting my internal flame warm me. The atmosphere turned stagnant. The stench of rotting foliage from centuries of corrosion falling from the ceiling and tree roots protruding the dirt barrier above. I glanced up. My heart rate kicked up a notch. Hundreds of Bats hung upside down waiting to take flight into the night. Cautiously I tried not to touch the rocks or walls and prayed the Bats wouldn’t attack, but if they did, I hoped they weren’t diseased.

  I retraced my steps back to Samuel, the awareness of dusk rushed over me. My body ached from deprivation of sleep. I came upon a quick-flowing stream. A tendril of panic seized my chest when flashes of the rushing floodwaters trapping us invaded my thoughts. A pent-up breath exploded from my mouth.

  I searched for a spot high on the rocks that laid flat. After checking it out, I dashed to Samuel. Once we scaled the steep rock cliff, I peered over the side and had an ah-a moment. I sat the bags I had beside the large backpack and retrieved the sleeping bags. For more comfort, I stacked one on top of the other than started a fire.

  The frigid temperatures slashed at my exposed skin. We sat close together for the extra body heat. The sleeping bags could handle temperatures below negative twenty-five degrees, but I charmed the fire not only to keep us warm but to keep the creepy crawlers away. A thousand ants seemed to crawl over my skin.

  Samuel laughed hysterically, “What?”

  “I’ll protect you from the creepy crawly creatures that lurk.” He snickered. I shifted my weight between feet and rocked side to side, like a boxer keeping his muscles warm before the bell.

  “That isn’t funny.” I huffed jabbing his ribs. Samuel wrapped his arms around me. Suddenly the rustling of dirt and rocks startled me. I pushed away and listened in the direction of the movement. Samuel surveyed the dark for signs of life. An uneasiness descended over me. I rubbed the feeling of tiny bugs away from my arms.

  Samuel tucked a piece of hair behind my ear then lifted my chin to meet his stare, “I will keep you safe darlin’.” He kissed the tip of my nose, “I’ll be right back.” He disappeared in the shadows. I laid on the hard ground, wishing for a bed. Samuel crawled in spooning me.

  Chapter Three

  Rainelle

  “Eeekkk!” I sprang to my fe
et from a deep sleep. My body lit up like a flare. I flung something hairy off my arm. My mind screamed in agony, but then I realized that the flames felt delicious on my skin. I spun in circles, arms stretched out, mouth gaped. The flames snuggled my soul.

  Samuel sprung to his feet, “WHAT!” He bellowed; his voice echoed; the glow of his blue eyes peered at me. I took a deep breath slowly letting it out. Fear withdrew dissipating the flames.

  “The sensation of eight tiny hairy feet scratched along my bare arm. Damn sure it was a spider, A HUGE ASS MOTHER FUCKING SPIDER, OF ALL SPIDERS!” My body did the hokey pokey jumping and bellowing all around, “Spiders, I hate fucking spiders!”

  Samuel cackled like a hyena. He embraced me then eased us down in the sleeping bag. I zipped it closed tucking it tightly under my body to keep the creepy crawlers out, only my head peeped out.

  As I started to doze off in a sweet slumber, the smell of rose entwined with lilac, jasmine, and honeysuckle tickled my nose keeping sleep at bay. A gentle touch rocked my body. I sat up but saw nothing, but then heard a female voice, “Rainelle,” she called, her tone soft. I know that voice, but it can’t be, how is it possible, she is dead. Instantly, a calmness dissipated my fears. I snuggled against Samuel. With mixed emotions, thoughts take me back to that familiar smell, and tone. Knots formed in my gut. The sweet scent lingered in the air. The feel of soft lips brushed against my cheek. I jolted up, “Wake up Samuel!” I pushed him over.

  He raised at my touch, “I heard you.” A languid glance at me told me he wasn’t awake, “What’s wrong?” He yawned.

  “Don’t you smell that?” I asked kneeling, “I felt a kiss on my cheek. A soft kiss.” I placed my face in my hands, “I think I am losing my mind. Please, can we go! I want to go home!” Samuel held me tight, I sobbed against his bare chest.

  “You’re not going crazy darlin’. It is the cave playing mind tricks.”

  Samuel leaned back, slipping his boots on. I cradled my knees watching him. He stood and walked away leaving me alone. I dried the tears from my eyes and slipped my boots on before packing the gear. Suddenly Samuel ran over and grabbed the bags then rushed us from the cliff.

  “What the fuck Samuel?” I hissed. The shortness of my legs tried to keep pace while I prayed that I didn’t face plant the hard ground, “What is the problem?” I barked sliding down the muddy cliff on my ass landing on my feet, “We didn’t get all the gear. Why the rush?” I spat. He grabbed my hand causing me to fall forward.

  “Sorry darlin’. No time to waste.” In a flurry, he ran down a narrow passage to an adjoining chamber, “No time to explain. Something broke the spell.” He shouted with bated breath. He combed the dark for something I couldn’t see. I reached for my pistol only to notice it wasn’t there. The canoe rocked side to side as I frantically searched for my gun.

  “Samuel I’ve lost my pistol.”

  “Check your shoulder holster. It’s not like it will help us against unseen forces.”

  I let out a pent-up breath at the feel of the handle, “Found it.” Samuel placed one foot in the canoe as he tossed the bags before he pushed off the side with his other foot. His face paled, his eyes glowed.

  “I don’t know what is here, but it is evil.” He claimed. With every inch of my fiber, I felt the Evil surround us. A cold sweat trickled down my spine leaving tiny bumps along my flesh.

  “What the hell is that?” a sizeable inky mass hovered along the walls. With each stroke we made, the black mass gained ground along the dark stream. We approached several tunnels, Samuel slowed slightly letting the motion of the current shift us toward the last shaft. Whatever presence followed had dissipated. Samuel mouthed something. I leaned forward; he grabbed my hand.

  “Samuel, what are you doing!” I squealed. His deep voice spoke the old language.

  He paused, “Rain, I need you to repeat what I say, word for word. Whatever you do, Do Not let go of my hand!” I nodded; my grip tightened. He chanted. My eyes shut as the magick deep in my soul came hurling to the surface as I summoned the witch within me, channeling her energy.

  “Solar flare, lunar mist, I call on thee this day, bring forth your light, strength, and power, so, cast this spell I may.

  I call upon the earthly powers, connect us now and in these hours, I draw my energy from this moving water of the river and connected we shall forever be!”

  Our voices grew louder and stronger as we spoke in unison calling upon the power and summoning the strength of the ancients.

  “Fire, fire, fire by the power of three. Give fire control.

  Fire show the light, don’t let me see the night, let me use the burning light. Hear now the words of the witches. The secrets are hidden in the night, the oldest of Gods invoked here, the brilliant work of magick sought on this night and hour. We call upon the ancient power, give your energies to us sisters and brothers three! We want power! Give us the power!”

  The water churned, whirling with each word. The evil fled in fear. I repeated after Samuel, banishing the unseen. Our powers entwined, strengthening us. The air stilled calming the water. Our ancestors stood along the river’s edge summoning me. The breeze turned to sweet jasmine infused with honeysuckle and a hint of periwinkle. A bright golden glow beckoned me to approach.

  The energy line to the unknown trapped me in a trance, leaving me unafraid. The touch of peace and love compelled me to obey. As we drifted closer, the canoe hit the sandy edge, a ghostly figure coaxed me to follow. The phantom woman glided down a narrow corridor, she turned to lure me with her steely stare. Samuel’s deep voice called out my name in the distance, my pace slowed, but the familiarity of the figure commanded me closer. As I traveled in the depths, darkness engulfed me. The need to follow compelled me.

  Chapter Four

  Rainelle

  Samuel spun me to face him, the pain from his touch landed me on the hard ground; my ass slapped against the mud. I fell against a sharp rock ripping my forearm open like a zipper. I wailed out in pain as electrical surges shot throughout my veins. Crimson liquid pooled next to my hand.

  “Motherfuckerhellfireandbrimstone!” An earsplitting shrill escaped my throat echoing for miles. I wondered if I gave our location away. I didn’t care either way I only wanted the pain to leave. Samuel kneeled beside me placing his warm hands on the torn skin.

  “Bright light, shining light, Heal her cut, with all thy might.

  Bright light, shining light, Heal her cut, with all thy might.

  Bright light, shining light, Heal her cut, with all thy might.”

  The pain subsided. The cut sealed like nothing ever happened. Samuel stood, then helped me to my feet.

  “I’m sorry. I should have never brought you to the caverns.” He whispered in my ear, “This cave is too dangerous.” He sighed. I stepped back taking his face in my hands.

  “Samuel. You have no reason to be sorry. You’re protecting me like you promised.” I said softly, “My family put you in this chaos, I’m the one that should be apologizing. But I can’t do this without you.” My heart pounded in my chest, “I love you so much; I will never forgive my family or myself if anything happens to you.” A damp breath mingled with my words.

  Samuel peered down in my eyes, “I love you too. I know this is the only way to protect you. But I hate you keep getting hurt. The werewolves need to pay for all the torment.” His arms wrapped around my waist bringing me in close. My body melted against his hardness. His chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. The beat of our hearts synced. My core ached for his touch.

  Temptation grasped at my center when a familiar voice called out raising the hair on the nape of my neck.

  ‘Rainelle, come to us.’

  The voice sang like an Angel. The desire to follow pulled me away. A voice cried out. I searched Samuel’s face for clues he heard the calling. He blocked his thoughts; his mind closed tight, he shielded, but why?

  ‘You now have safe passage within the cave.’

  He pulled my arm,
“Where are you going.” He probed. I tugged his arm and forced him to follow.

  I glanced over my shoulder, “We’re fine Samuel.” I divulged, “Trust me, please.” He relentlessly followed. We ended up in a large well lit cavern. Fire sconces lined the walls every few feet. Centuries of erosion faded the once vivid cave paintings on the karst rock. I wondered what each picture implemented.

  We walked further down the passage coming to a wooden door. As we approached, memories flashed behind my eyes of the rose engraved door. Could we be under Mount LeConte? The familiar voices rang louder.

  ‘Rainelle, come to us.’

  I approached the door slowly, the need to know what was behind those oversized iron hinges grew stronger. I wasn’t sure what to expect engraved on the door if anything, but I anticipated a Rose, a triad symbol or a Crest. I stood back admiring the large wooden door. Nothing of this time compares. It resembled the medieval era or close to it. The massive size flabbergasted me. I inspected the wood.

  “Does this look like Sequoia to you?” Samuel moved in for a closer look.

  “From what I can remember from school, I would say yes, but I can’t be certain.” He responded as he touched wood.

  “If it is, where in the hell did it come from?” I questioned. Samuel gave a mysterious look.

  I stepped back to look at the Serpentine rock that made the frame when loud voices thundered from behind the door.

  “Hello!” I pushed hard, but the door didn’t budge an inch, “Who’s there?” I shouted. Silence fell.