by Raven Moon
“I love you too darlin’.”
“I don’t feel right.” My eyes rolled. My chest tightened with heaviness, I struggled to catch a breath. My hand dropped in the water.
“Mother of pearl!” I blared bringing a bloodied hand to the surface. I held my hand tight at the wrist cutting off the blood flow.
Samuel’s eyes sagged, “What happened darlin’.” He placed the oars in the holders and let the natural current move us upstream.
“Fuck a duck, something took a chunk from my hand!” I glanced at the crimson liquid running down my fingers before putting them in my mouth sucking my own life force replenishing the lost blood. I groaned, “Fucksticks! Note to self…Never put a hand or any body part in foreign water.”
His eyes grew wide as he stared at the dripping blood, “Let me see.” Before I could tell him No, he removed his shirt wrapping it tightly around my hand then brushed his lips gently on the cotton, the pain subsided instantly.
“Thank you,” I said. A broad smile grew across Samuel’s face.
“You’re welcome.”
“I want out of this water.” I expressed; my eyes searched for any movement.
“Now that is a plan, I can make happen darlin’.” Surveying the area, Samuel paddled to a jagged edge. He tied the canoe off to a large rock then helped me out.
“Is this the way out?” I questioned peering around Samuel’s shoulder. I took the satchel and then threw out that metaphysical line.
I stumbled backward as my energy found Sage in front of an altar. Figures wearing maroon cloaks circled her. I squinted to see their faces. Their faces held a void, a blackness I’ve never encountered. Like a line of smoke, I hovered in front of her. Her expression blank, her eyes full of fear. She fixed her stare into nothingness. I watched them turn black as coal. Her skin was more alabaster. Silver strands blended with her long black hair. Her once youthful look, fast forwarded thirty years older.
‘Sage, can you hear me? Sage?’ I studied her. She spoke silent words; her lips mimicked the cloaked ones. The tie severed landing me hard against Samuel, knocking us both to the wet ground. My energy weakened.
I took a deep breath coughing sludge from my lungs, “Someone broke my line.” My body convulsed with fury; my hands balled tightly. Leaping to my feet, I wiped the mud from my ass.
“Sage is in trouble. But if it is her subconsciousness, how can they harm her?” I paced in a circle, “Something broke the connection.”
“I think they are the ones stealing your powers. The diabolicalness I felt is not of this world.” Samuel explained, “I didn’t notice anything to identify who they were?” He uttered, “Rain, I think the only way of fighting them and getting Sage back safely, you need…”
“What Samuel? I need to what?” I glared, hands on my hips.
“Reed mentioned that you both held black magick. You need to summon that part. Sage is in a deep sleep. If Trevor tries to wake her now, it could kill her…” Samuel broke off with a distant gaze, “She mentioned dream demons were searching for her.” He added. A sullen look crossed his face, “But something much far dangerous found her.” His voice thundered.
“For fuck’s sake, black magick? You have to be kidding me.”
“No. I’m afraid I’m not. It’s the only chance we have. Reed dabbled in it for a few years. Before he died, he relinquished all his magick to you.”
“Did he tell you what it would cost? Where would I even begin?”
“Yes.” He raked his fingers around his tousled hair, “You can lose your soul.” His stare dropped.
My eyes widen in dismay, “Are you really suggesting I give up my soul for Sage’s?”
“No. That isn’t what I’m saying, but it is the only way. I have faith in you. Reed had believed in you; doesn’t that count for something? Your heritage comes from the purest of witches. Your grandmother was a powerful Seer. She saw you beating demons.” As I let his words sink in, I knew deep in my soul it was the only way to save Sage, save Samuel and protect myself. But, can I do it without losing my Soul?
“Dammit Samuel, I’m afraid of the repercussions if I seek that part of my magick. How can you ask that of me?”
“Rainelle it is the only way. I’ll anchor you to the light. I know you can do this.” He answered keeping his attention in the darkness.
“Shit, there is no turning back. If it goes badly, let my family know I loved them, and I’m sorry.” I exhaled a breath preparing to enter uncharted territory knowing I could lose my soul.
“You can do this Rainelle. Trust the light you hold.” Samuel replied. Suddenly my mouth dried up like sand swallowing me from the inside out.
‘You can do this; I know you can. Be one with your magick. Have belief in the power that which you hold. The light is stronger than the darkness. Believe in yourself, my sweet child.’
I looked around to see where the disembodied voice came from, but only met darkness. Samuel mentioned someone head fucked me, but that voice came from the grave.
Samuel removed items from the satchel. He drew a deep circle filling it with salt. Then a five-pointed star encasing us in the middle. He placed a candle on each point.
“You need to sit in the middle Rainelle.” He revealed before lighting the wicks. I tied myself to that imaginary iron anchor pushing that invisible line to the earth’s core securing my connection. No way was I breaking free. My eyes clamped shut. Thoughts of Sage hung on the back of my eyelids. I traveled down a narrow hallway leading me to a large room where I found Sage surrounded by twelve figures in maroon cloaks, lacking faces, a void in the darkness. Gravelly voices crooned in a language I didn’t recognize mesmerizing me by the choir they sang.
From a distance, the voice called me back. A bright light outlined a figure, arms outstretched waiting on me. I deflect my attention to Sage. Suddenly a Seer with hollow eyes stood inches away. Its rancid breath brought bile to my mouth. Sage stepped forward with extended arms, her lips froze in a thin line. Malevolent forces trailed from Sage. My light glowed brightly.
‘You know what needs to done Rainelle. Do it.’
A soft voice whispered in my ear. I imagined the energy of the sun and the moon and summoned their power.
“Solar flare, Lunar mist, I call on thee this day, bring forth your light, strength, and power, So, cast the spell I may.”
Sliding my hands quickly back and forth, faster, and faster until the heated friction spread my palms apart and ignited into a ball of fires hell. I hurled the ball out into the chest of the Seer. He soared against the altar, his arms flailing uncontrollably. A shrill reverberated around the chamber like a banshee predicting one’s death. The sound of a thousand bones snapping recoiled all around. The robe fell to the floor in a heaping pile of dust.
“Shadows of darkness, spirits within harness the energy, let it begin.
Draw down the moon, bring me the shadows, I am ready to see
my other side. By my own blood I swear, Fire, Earth, Water, Air,
bind the powers to my need with this magick, I do bleed.”
Darkness filled my soul, snuffing out the light.
“In the darkness, the spell’s begun, with this skull, my will is done.
Pepper, wax, nettle, rue, may death come to you.
From me to you, comes back times two.”
Sage’s apparition collapsed hitting the hard floor slapping her head. I watched helplessly as her blood drained. The dry dirt absorbed it leaving no trace. The figures rushed to her side. They spoke a foreign language. I invoked the power of three hoping that would rid the environment of the evil.
“Hear now the words of the ancient witches their secrets hidden in the night, the oldest of Gods and Goddesses are invoked, The artistic work of magick is sought on this night, in this hour, I call upon the ancient power, Give your powers to me sisters and brothers three! I want power! Give me the power.”
My mind’s eye stared in disbelief as the sorceresses of my heritage stood before me filli
ng the void of nothingness. Magick radiated off the spirits. I’ve not felt that much power. My hands rotated in a circular motion, faster and faster until electricity buzzed in my veins. Shining lights penetrated the darkness. The fires flame consumed the ones in cloaks.
The brightness dimmed. When I looked down that metaphysical line, Sage remained motionless, but the room empty. The air shifted quickly. I followed that invisible line that held me back to the place I rested. My eyes flung open to find Samuel behind me.
“How in the fuck can a ghost bleed?” Samuel raised a brow. I jumped up. He mimicked me then blew out the candles counterclockwise. After we gave thanks, stepped out, he sealed the circle closed.
I took his hand, “Come on we need to get to Sage!”
“What do you mean? What happened?” Samuel asked in a raspy tone.
“I saw Sage. The warlock fucks have her, like in her physical form. How did they find her?” I sucked in a breath, “My God Samuel, what if they have my parents?”
“There has to be an explanation. There is no way in hell they have her. Trevor would not have let that happened.” I regarded him. My hand clenched tight, “We can argue if it is or isn’t and how or why and what for, none of that isn’t saving Sage. Come on.” He stood in place, I faced him, “I watched the warlock’s burn by the witch’s spirits, we won this battle, for now.” I said breathlessly, “But Sage is in grave danger.” I said with an unknowing look, “All we can do is pray the dark magick didn’t kill her.” Samuel kept pace as I sprinted to the cavern. I entered the chamber that looked like the one in my vision and searched for Sage, but she wasn’t there.
“Where did she go? I clearly saw her figure in this spot.” I expressed scanning the room with uncertainty. Did my magick fail me?
“Samuel? Answer me, Samuel.” I tugged on his forearm. His body went rigid and cold, “Shit!” It was as if he was in a trance, but how? I grabbed his arm invoking our magick. I stared at the back of my eyelids, our powers danced gracefully weaving in and out like a partner making love to one’s Paramour. My magick seeped in his soul replenishing his energy giving what he needed. My eyes fluttered open; my knees buckled crashing me into Samuel’s arms.
He looked into my eyes, “Thank you.”
“Yep. You scared me, are you feeling alright?”
“Yes.” His brow raised.
“What the hell just happened?”
“I don’t know.” He replied. Lines creased his forehead, “Sage’s energy is strong in here.” He added.
“What if I vanished her like the clan?” Cold sweat filmed my body, “Was my magick too much?” I questioned chewing the skin on my cuticle. My nostrils flared when jasmine, lilac, and honeysuckle with a hint of sweet rose swirled in the air. The scents tantalized my senses, awakening my soul. I stood pursuing the aroma letting it lure me into the sunken cave.
“Rainelle, Stop!” Samuel shouted to no avail. The need to chase after the scent seduced me. The desire, the power, was too strong to deny.
“This way.” I motioned. Heavy footsteps stomped the wet ground behind me. Samuel grabbed my arm jerking me around. Something lurked behind his eyes trying to claw its way out. The blue radiance he once held now dulled. I pulled away breaking the contact from his haunted glare.
“I’m sorry darlin’?” He growled then grabbed my upper arms and pulled me into his tight embrace.
“What the hell!” I lurched out of his grip, “Can’t say so much for the bruise on my arm. What possessed you to do that? Don’t answer because I don’t give a flying fuck.” My blood boiled at the sight of him, “Your eyes, your fucking eyes are olive, like in, fucking olive green.” I seethed.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Samuel challenged. His questions went unanswered. Something else needed me, demanding me to enter the darkness.
Chapter Nine
Rainelle
The dark tunnel beckoned. Sweet voices invited me in the distance. My light deep in my soul faded. I should have been scared shitless, but I wasn’t; instead, I embraced the darkness bubbling in my core. Samuel called my name; I came to a halt then quickly took off.
Candle wax dripped from holders placed along the walls, giving light to a blackened room. I took in a wooden altar centered in the room stained with blood. The dark gave up the shadows hiding, watching, waiting for me. I calmly rotated around viewing blank faces hidden by dark robes.
I felt something drip on my shoulder. I glanced just as a droplet splattered my cheek. I jerk my head forward wiping the gooey substance with my shirt only to smear it across my face. More secretions fell in large droplets splashing my hand. When I lifted them toward the light, blood ran off my fingers. As each droplet splattered on my bare skin, I absorbed its energy. The power was raw, leaving me wanting to bathe in the crimson as I whirled in a circle.
I abruptly halted at the sight of a figure moving toward me. I marveled in the static charge caressing my skin drinking it down like an alcoholic throwing a shot back. Voices sang in the old language. A presence nuzzled me. I should have backed away, but the vibrations tickled my very being.
“What are you doing to me?” I murmured; my eyes downcast. I discover myself in a pentagram. My eyes sweep upward watching five masses hold hands closing the circle at each point of the star.
“Rainelle, so nice to see you. I’ve been waiting for you my dear.” a squeaky voice rumbled. I twisted around to bodiless gowns.
“Who are you?” I charged, “What the fuck do you want from me?” I waited for a reply, but silence filled in around me, “Are you going to answer me asshole?” I interrogated.
“My dear. So many questions, so many thoughts, so little time.”
“Ok jackass, stop mind fucking me.”
“I am the oldest of old. I dwell in the pits of darkness.”
“Well, that doesn’t tell me much since we are in the dark, asshat.”
“I’m your master.” I listened carefully to the male voice. Oldest of old, my master. Who the hell does this person think they are?
“Seriously, stop the damn riddle me this, riddle me that. Who the actual fuck are you?” I demanded. I opened my sight to understand the challenge before me. That psychic line shot from my soul, straight away something tugged the end, something dreadfully dark and unsavory. I traced the jagged edges of the room when darkness invaded. I prowled slowly to the altar calling upon the gift of night vision.
“With a Tiger’s-eye, flickering with brown and gold, lend me vision
beyond sight as cats see through dark of night. Where once there was darkness, now there is light, through the curtain of night. Give me the sight of the night so I can fight.”
The candles flickered; shadows moved about. Out of the corner of my eye, I spied him. A smirk rose across my lips.
I allowed my witchery to stroke the scruffiness of his masculine face, sizing him up. He stood a few feet taller than Samuel and Trevor, giving him a rough height of six foot five. I etched his stature with my magick, moving firmly over him as I marked every single inch of his hard body. His short, sleek hair didn’t hide his square jaw or almond-shaped eyes or even his broad nose. I continued to his long neck trailing down to his biceps. DAMN! I moved to his chest, stalking down to defined lines wrinkling his stomach. This dude is fucking ripped. No way in hell am I able to defend myself against him unless he is all show and no action, but something told me not to tempt my fate. “Shit, double shit!”
I tried to leave, to go back to where I lost Samuel, but I stood admiring the shadow reflecting off him by the firelight. A need to go to him, to give in, was too much to bear, “What the fuck is happening?” My soul craved the aura of darkness buzzing off him.
I finished tracing his upper body. I continued downward; my breath hitched. I licked my parched lips and sucked in my bottom lip; I beheld his face for any recognition of my magickal touch. He turned; his chestnut brown eyes shined. As my touch got harder, his brows raised. He acknowledged I found him, and he liked play
ing the game.
“Do you like what you’re touching, my little Faelen?” He expressed his voice a deep growl leaving my body in a spasm. Faelen, the only person ever to call me that was Lucian.
“How do you know that name?” I was growing tired and annoyed with his games. He tossed his head back and laughed inwardly, “I know many things Rainelle.” The deepness of his voice reverberated the length of my body.
“Who the hell are you? What the fuck do you want?” I hissed, annoyance rode off my tongue, but my body ached for his touch. As he moved closer, his eyes raked over my body. I chewed the inside of my jaw. Dammit, Rainelle, this is a dream, it is not real. Wake up! Think, dammit, think!
He bellowed, “Oh my little wolf this isn’t a dream that you can escape, even if you wanted, there is no way out. If you try, your precious Samuel will die.” He howled.
“Why Samuel? Why not me?”
“Because I can. Gaze upon your lover’s lifeless body being drained.” He guffawed; his eyes bored into my soul. Hesitantly I bent my neck; my eyes lifted to the ceiling above.
“Fuckity, fuck, fuck!” Samuel hung lifeless. Thick metal shackles carved with the distinct marking of Chaos bound his feet. His wrists secured by another pair of the same restraints hung inches above the ground. Blood trickled down his wrists, as though he’d washed within a crimson stain. An iron crown bit into his flesh. His naked body showed wide open gashes and new scars formed from the torture he had undergone. Only the Gods knew how long he’s been holed up in there; darkness plunged the room.
“What do you want from me!” I shouted, our captor cackled like a howler monkey alerting other of danger, “Answer me dammit!” I ordered. The echo of his laugh traveled the room. He inched closer.
“I want you Rainelle, only you.” He said roughly; his jaw tightened as he closed the space between us. I wanted to run, wanted to get away, but I had to free Samuel. I stood paralyzed against my will by rage. The figure reached out touching my shoulder, my body reacted. He pulled me in close wrapping his arms around my waist. My body melded against his hot skin. He yanked my hair, twisting it in his grasp. A whimper escaped my throat as he forced my hands behind my back pulling me tight against him. He towered over me as if I was a dwarf and he was the giant. He slammed his mouth down on mine. I turned my head, but his strength overpowered.