Decision made, Dominic ran back downstairs. He pulled on his work boots then headed for the front door only to find his path blocked by a cat. Those green eyes were unsettling and too similar to Evrain’s. Dominic stared at Shadow. The cat stared right back. It was Dominic who blinked first.
“You can’t stop me going out there,” Dominic muttered. “And why the heck am I talking to a cat?” He took a step forward. Shadow hissed then bared a fang. “Who knew a ball of fur could be so threatening?” Dominic chuckled, taking another step. Several points of fire ignited in his calf as Shadow sank a few claws into him.
“Hey! What was that for?” Dominic rubbed at his leg. “You don’t want me to go out there?” Shadow meowed in a way that Dominic translated as ‘of course not, dumb ass’. “Do you work for Gregory?” Another disdainful half-yowl followed that comment. “Fine.” Dominic accepted that he was never going to get past the cat without losing a limb. He took off his boots and that seemed to mollify the animal. He got purrs and a few head butts. Disheartened, he sat at the kitchen table. It would be several hours before either Gregory and Coryn, or Nathaniel arrived. He couldn’t just sit doing nothing.
Shadow jumped onto the table, brushing against him to get his attention. Dominic watched as the cat leapt from surface to surface, ending up at the bookcase where she sat, waiting.
“I can’t believe I’m letting myself be ordered around by a cat. I get enough of this from Evrain.” Dominic pushed his chair back then wandered across to the bookcase. “You want me to read something?” He touched each volume on the top shelf in turn. There were a mixture of Agatha’s books and few of his that he’d collected. The subjects were mainly plants and herbs, a few recipe books. He noted they needed a dust. Shadow tapped his finger with a paw, mercifully with talons sheathed. Dominic stopped then pulled it from the shelf. “Herb Lore & Magery. Don’t think I’ve ever read this one.” He blew dust from the spine. “Looks really old.” He took it across to one of the armchairs next to the fire. The fire wasn’t lit but even with the rain still hammering down outside, the room wasn’t chilled. He sat and Shadow immediately jumped into his lap, kneaded his thighs for a while then collapsed in a contented, purring heap. Dominic shook his head. He was worried. Scared. Reading and stroking the cat might help take his mind off it for a short while.
The day passed at a crawl. Dominic stayed away from the windows, remaining by the fire, which he had lit for something to do. Outside the rain had slowed to a drizzle then stopped. The sun managed to break through the remaining clouds but there was little warmth in it and the inside of the cottage, with its thick stone walls, became chilled. Dominic hoisted a complaining Shadow from his lap then banked the fire. The cat immediately found a spot on the rug to stretch out on, stomach bared to the flames.
“You’re going to be a roasted cat if you stay there,” Dominic felt obliged to warn Shadow. The gaze he got in response was one of utter contempt. “Fine. But don’t come running to me when you singe your fur.” He made a mug of hot chocolate but didn’t bother with food because he had no appetite. He settled back in his chair. The herb lore book was absorbing even if he didn’t know what use reading it would be. He sighed. It shouldn’t be too much longer before the cavalry got to him.
The first indication Dominic had that either Gregory or Nathaniel had arrived was the terrifying sound of a violent crack of lightning. It was all the more shocking because the weather was still fine and as far as Dominic knew there had been no sign of a storm gathering. He was usually sensitive to the building pressure of thunderclouds but he hadn’t noted any change.
He got up slowly before making his way to the front door. Shadow didn’t try to stop him, which he took as a positive sign. He unlatched the door, opening it just a crack, wincing at the creak the hinges made. He was rewarded with the sight of a spectacular light show. The sky, darkened to a bruised purple, was being split asunder by fork after fork of vivid silver lightning. The ground seemed to vibrate with the noise and Dominic hesitated before opening the door a little wider. Each time the sky lit up he could see silhouettes of figures moving in the lane. The scene played out in front of his startled eyes as if a strobe light were suspended above the combatants. He caught intermittent glimpses of the action but never enough to truly determine what was going on. Curiosity overruled common sense as he stared at the staccato picture in front of him and he took a step outside. He could well imagine Gregory berating him for not staying within the relative safety of the cottage, but it was actually Coryn that reached him first, bundling him roughly back through the door and shoving it closed behind them.
“You young idiot! Are you trying to get yourself killed? One stray bolt and you would be fried like an overdone sausage, then Gregory and I would be equally roasted when Evrain got hold of us. I don’t think he would appreciate coming home to a charred boyfriend.” Coryn softened his words with a firm hug.
“Sorry,” Dominic felt obliged to apologize. “But you have to admit it was a spectacular show. It was hard to look away. What exactly is going on out there?”
“The two witches parked outside your gate proved to be a little stubborn. Gregory decided that some fireworks might persuade them to move, but they seem to be under some kind of compulsion spell to remain and he has had to resort to more persuasive tactics. Nathaniel is assisting.”
“What exactly do you mean by more persuasive?”
Coryn grinned in a way that reminded Dominic of wolves he’d seen on television documentaries. It wasn’t a pleasant smile and it made him shiver inside. “Gregory is very happy when he gets to employ brute force once in a while. He is usually restricted to work that requires more finesse. He says these brutal jobs keep his warlock muscles toned.”
“Is he channeling right now?” Dominic asked.
“Oh, yes,” Coryn replied.
“You don’t seem to experience much discomfort.”
“After all our years together, I barely notice anymore.”
“I think I’m jealous.” Dominic shivered. “I can only imagine what that kind of force involves. What is he up to?”
“He’s doing something to turn the compulsion in our favor. In layman’s terms it’s like stretching an elastic band too far. The spell will snap back into their minds and have a reverse effect so they will want to be anywhere but here.”
The sounds of a furious wind whipped around the cottage like a banshee in full voice, so loud that Dominic had to cover his ears. Then, just as suddenly as it had started, the wind ceased. The silence that followed was eerie and Dominic found that he was holding his breath, until the door opened and Gregory appeared around it with a grin. Nathaniel followed close on his heels. He had a similar expression on his face.
“That was fun.” Gregory’s eyes sparkled with mischief and Coryn shook his head in resignation.
“You two look like a pair of misbehaving schoolboys,” said Coryn.
Dominic wouldn’t have dared say such a thing. He hid his smile.
“You know you aren’t here to enjoy yourselves, don’t you?” Coryn scolded. “We are supposed to be working out how we can help Evrain.”
“I know, I know,” Gregory admitted. “But every now and again it feels good to flex the magical muscles.”
“It sure does,” Nathaniel agreed.
Dominic switched his gaze from one warlock to the other. “Thank you all for coming… I think. The more I see of warlocks in action, the more I realize just how out of my depth I am in this world of yours.”
Gregory smiled, more gently this time. “Sorry, lad, I got a bit carried away. Nathaniel and I don’t get the chance to work together very often. I haven’t forgotten why we’re here, I promise.”
Shadow wandered across the room, sat at Gregory’s feet then yowled at him. “It seems someone else is keen to remind me of my duty.” Gregory leaned down then scooped up the cat. “Wow, you’re…well fed.” Shadow tapped him with a paw, claws sheathed, then settled into his arms, purring with more
decibels than could possibly be natural.
“She likes you,” Dominic said, somewhat surprised. “She’s been acting like my prison guard all day. Wouldn’t let me out the door.”
“Quite right too. I told you to listen to her, didn’t I?”
Dominic gave him a quizzical look. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing.” Gregory affected innocence. Both Nathaniel and Coryn gave snorts of disbelief. Dominic decided to leave it. He had other things on his mind, or rather another person.
“Evrain. He’s in trouble, isn’t he? I gave up listening to his voicemail.”
There was a metallic clatter as Nathaniel threw something onto the table. “We found his phone at the end of the lane along with his keys. His car is still there, untouched as far as I can see. Felix would be better able to tell if it has been tampered with.”
Dominic fought back nausea. “He’s not here?”
“No. We separated at the airport. He and Damon have another task to take care of.”
“So Evrain was taken before he even made it to the car?”
“Yes, it seems so,” Coryn replied. “There are signs that he ran from something. He headed north into the woods. Drawing whatever it was away from Hornbeam. Away from you.”
Dominic’s eyes burned. “So what can we do? It must have been Symeon that took him, working with the Octis Coven, I assume. But you don’t know where they’ve taken him?”
“Oh, I think we have a pretty good idea,” Gregory reassured him. “Between us, Nathaniel and I have significant resources. We have traced all the buildings that Octis members either own or have an interest in. Felix and Damon are checking out a few addresses in Portland. We don’t think they’ll have gone any further than that. Portland is their stronghold.”
“Gregory, put that cat down. I’ll brew some coffee. We have plans to make.” Coryn winked at Dominic.
“Yes, my love.” Gregory rolled his eyes but took a seat at the table. He did keep Shadow on his lap. “We need to get our heads together and come up with some kind of a plan. Now that Nathaniel and I have removed your little witch problem we can start thinking logically about the bigger one.”
“Will they come back? The witches, I mean.” Dominic shivered.
“Almost definitely. In fact we’re relying on it.”
Dominic tried not to come across as bewildered as he felt.
“Stop talking in riddles, love,” Coryn said. “Dominic has enough on his mind without you getting all mysterious.”
Nathaniel chuckled. Gregory scowled at Coryn, but his eyes were soft with affection. “Yes, dear.” Shadow heaved herself up, turned in a few circles then thumped down into Gregory’s lap again. “Coryn and I were discussing the possible options for what we could do on the journey here and we’ve come up with an idea. Nathaniel agrees as well. It’s not just a case of finding a way to rescue Evrain now. We need to work out a longer-term solution. Just getting him back isn’t enough—the Coven bitches will keep coming after him while his blood is of value to them. We have to find a way to take the temptation away from them.”
Dominic couldn’t imagine how that was ever going to happen. He just wanted Evrain back in one piece.
Coryn brought a tray laden with mugs across to the table. He distributed coffee then produced a package of cookies. “I brought these from home.”
Dominic’s stomach growled. He hadn’t eaten since breakfast so he took one of the cookies. He forced himself to eat even though it tasted like ashes in his mouth.
“What the Octis Coven values is Evrain’s blood, which is a potent ingredient in many spells used by those who have little genuine power,” Gregory explained. “We need to contaminate his blood in such a way that it does not harm him but becomes useless for their magical purposes.”
“Sounds logical,” Dominic said, “but how on earth do you contaminate someone’s blood? It must be dangerous.”
“Dominic.” Nathaniel drummed his fingers on the table. “What can you tell me about the herb agrimony?”
Dominic had no idea what that had to do with anything but Nathaniel’s expression was so intense he answered anyway. “I’ve been reading about it recently.” He eyed Shadow with suspicion. “It’s a deep green plant covered with soft hair and has a slightly aromatic scent a little like apricots. It’s quite common and can be found in most parts of the U.S.—I know there’s plenty of it in the fields around here because Agatha kept a supply. It can be crushed for its oil or brewed as a tea and it has a reputation for…purifying the blood. Oh.”
Smiling, Nathaniel nodded. “Ironically, witches often used agrimony in their spells and to ward off hexes. When placed in a sachet and hung in the home, it’s said to provide protection against goblins, evil spirits and poisoning.”
“And we can use this herb somehow, to help Evrain?” Dominic grabbed the small seed of hope with both hands.
“We believe that agrimony, whilst causing no harm to Evrain, will affect his blood in such a way that if the Coven attempts to use it, their spells will be corrupted and no longer work. If he then drinks it regularly, after a few months his blood will be tainted so much that he will not be worth the chase and they will switch their attention elsewhere.”
Dominic frowned. “That’s all very well, but how the hell are we going to get agrimony into him at all? We don’t even know where he is and if what you say about the Coven is true he will be well hidden and guarded. They are hardly going to allow us close enough to let him swallow something.”
Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. “There is one thing they need which may allow us to get close enough.” He looked worried. “It’s a huge risk and Evrain won’t thank us for it, but we really can’t see another way.”
Dominic looked anxiously from Nathaniel to Gregory then to Coryn. “One of you needs to tell me, for goodness sake. I’m not made of glass. I’m not going to break.” Thoughts swirled in his head, then it dawned on him. “Oh. Fuck.”
Gregory sighed. “The thing they most need in addition to Evrain himself is you, Dominic. His blood is only of use to them if they can extract it while he’s channeling and for that they need you.”
Dominic thought he might throw up the cookie he’d just eaten. As if sensing his emotions, Shadow jumped onto the table then padded across to him. Automatically he stroked her soft, midnight fur. “Could this day get any worse?”
“I’m afraid so.” Gregory frowned. “They need you to be close to him and they have to give him a reason to use his power. Evrain knows that the last thing he must do for them is channel—however, if you are being threatened or hurt there is little that anyone would be able to do to stop him. He certainly wouldn’t be able to stop himself. His instincts would take over.”
“But surely Octis will realize that we’re planning something if I just fall conveniently into their hands?” Dominic didn’t like the idea of being anywhere close to a bunch of witches but he would do anything to get Evrain back.
“Indeed, and that is why we must make it as difficult as we can for them to capture you, but not impossible.” Gregory steepled his fingers, looking thoughtful.
Dominic kept stroking Shadow, who seemed to know that her function as a stress reliever was required.
“It’s to our advantage that the Coven is making use of Symeon Malus because he’s driven by his need for the potion they must be supplying him with. Symeon is less likely to suspect that anything is wrong. He’d grab the opportunity to take you without even thinking about it. We just need to make it seem as if we have made a mistake and left you vulnerable.”
Gregory leaned forward. He pulled the star-shaped pendant from beneath Dominic’s shirt. He closed his eyes, running his fingers across the stone. When he opened his eyes again they glowed briefly.
“Evrain certainly didn’t mess around when he imbued the star with protective properties. He’s added significantly to what I could do and he put a lot of love into it. It’s an extremely powerful defense against witchcraft. If
you were without it, Symeon would be able to sense the void left by its absence.” Gregory smiled. “I think I know how we can make this work. Symeon will expect us to move you somewhere where we can protect you better. We can make it seem as if we are doing just that, but when we leave, once we are a good way down the lane, you can make out that you have forgotten something important. He will be watching, that I can guarantee. I can ensure that your pendant becomes undone and falls to the ground before you reach the protection of the cottage wards. It will only give him a fraction of an instant to act but I think he will take his chance.”
“I’ll do what I have to,” Dominic said. “Of course I will, but it all sounds risky. How can you be sure Symeon will do what you think he will?”
“I know him, Dominic. He’s driven by his own lust for power.”
Dominic shrugged. He didn’t know enough to disagree. Nathaniel and Gregory had decades of experience in dealing with Symeon.
“When he takes you, you will have to fight him as much as you’re able. Shout and struggle as if you are in a panic, afraid. It’s a slim chance but I think that his addiction to power will override logical analysis of the situation.”
“I don’t think seeming afraid will be much of a problem,” Dominic stated, his tone wry. “The whole idea of this is terrifying. You know what Symeon did to me the last time he had me. He hates Evrain and he knows that the easiest way to hurt him is through me. I’m Evrain’s biggest vulnerability.”
“The Coven has too much control over Symeon for him to be able to do anything stupid. Octis will want you in one piece. It will be in his interest to get you to them undamaged.”
“And what about Damon?” Dominic asked.
“What about him?”
Dominic thought Nathaniel sounded a shade defensive. “I just mean… Well, won’t Symeon want him back? They were together a while. He might believe that Damon still loves him enough that he could channel through him.”
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