by D. J. Dalton
While walking over, he held out his hand. “I’m sorry. I thought someone was attacking me. Are you alright?”
That woman nodded, sliding back over to the shifter. “I’m OK. Let’s get what we came for and get out.”
Quinlin nodded, then turned, leading them down the hall toward the lab. While clenching his teeth, he fought down anger bubbling in his gut. That woman would never again desecrate his father’s Book of Shadows.
His eyes darted from side to side, trying to spot the black mouse. Ordell wandering around on his own could be problematic. While he had no vexation with the fae, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill the puca should he get in the way.
As he walked down the hall, he jiggled the knobs of each door he passed. They were all locked, as he expected. After stopping outside the lab door, he waited for the women to catch up to him.
“We’ll check in here.”
“Why that room?” Nadria whispered.
Quinlin turned the knob, cracking the door open. “Because it’s unlocked.” He pushed it all the way open and stepped inside.
Frigid cold air washed over his body. A faint, fruity smell lingered in the air, and darkness swallowed them as they walked into the room.
“Is there a light switch?” Nadria’s voice quivered.
The door gave a puny squeak as Quinlin closed it behind them.
“Keep the door open for light.” The voice sounded desperate. He didn’t know and didn’t care which woman gave the unheeded command.
While feeling along the wall, Quinlin found the fire extinguisher. He carefully removed it, trying to remain quiet. The women’s panting made it easy to pinpoint their location. He stepped close, holding the fire extinguisher to his shoulder.
“Lights!” he bellowed.
Bright overhead lights illuminated the room. Nadria’s contorted and confused face became visible a few feet away. A pounding resonated in his ears as adrenaline rushed through his body. He took a giant step forward, flaring his nostrils.
“Surprise,” he said, ramming the butt of the fire extinguisher into Nadria’s forehead. Blood spurted in all directions from the impact. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she crashed to the floor. That woman screamed, her trembling hands covering her mouth. Her wide, dilated eyes glanced to Nadria’s body, then back to his eyes.
“It’s you!” she gasped. “You attacked me and stole the book.”
Heat crawled up Quinlin’s face as he gnashed his teeth. How dare she pretend to be the rightful owner of his father’s Book of Shadows?
“You’re the thief, and a murderer.” Spittle flew from his mouth as he spoke. After tossing the fire extinguisher to the side, Quinlin grabbed at her, missing as she staggered back.
While letting out a guttural roar, she jumped toward him, swiping clawed fingers at his eyes. After blocking the attack with his forearm, he continued moving his arm in a circular motion, forcing her arms down. While grabbing her wrist with the blocking hand, he thrust his other hand at her throat, squeezing the soft tissue until her tongue lolled out as she gagged for air. Although her other hand pounded on him, it had little effect on his tensed muscles. That woman’s face filled his vision. Everything else blurred around him. As he bared his teeth in a snarl, he watched the life seep out of her.
Then he heard a voice in the back of his mind. This wasn’t the plan. The snarl faded from his face. You need her to gain control over Keren. That woman’s arms dangled at her sides as her eyelids fluttered. He wanted to kill her. No, his soul demanded he kill her. Then visions of Keren and her magnificent creatures flashed in his mind. His body trembled as he cried out in frustration. With a scowl, he tossed her aside, relinquishing to his desire to have Keren as his own.
His heavy breaths pushed streams of white vapor in the air. Warm droplets of blood dripped from his arm where that woman had scratched him. The pounding in his head dulled as he reined in his emotions. His lieutenant’s voice cut through the silence.
“Mr. Turner?”
Quinlin turned to face him.
The man stood straight and tall with his shoulders pulled back and down. He placed his feet shoulder-width apart and his arms hung naturally down the sides of his body. Slicked back auburn hair emphasized his prominent forehead. His pinstriped suit looked tailor-made for his slender frame. Two arcanum stood behind him.
Quinlin ran his fingers through his hair, adjusting his posture to match the lieutenant’s.
“Yes.” He spoke in a calm voice. “Did you bring the arcanum?”
A smile spread across the lieutenant’s face. “Of course, as you requested. And may I say, it’s nice to have you back.”
“Thank you, lieutenant.” Quinlin’s pulse had returned to normal. He admired this man’s professionalism. “How many are on the premises?”
“Thirty-two. I brought them over in groups from the hotel as to not draw attention. The first group crossed International Drive directly in front of the museum. They noticed shifter activity, most likely the warrior pack you mentioned.”
Quinlin frowned. “Any problems?”
“No. They lurked in the peripheral shadows but didn’t attempt an attack.”
“They must have been scouts for the strike.”
“Agreed. I split the others into two groups. One went north before crossing International Drive and one went south. Neither of these groups reported shifter activity.”
Quinlin nodded. “Good.” He pulled Officer Jordon’s phone from his pocket, flipping through the messages. He saw one from Briggs, sent twenty minutes ago.
“How are things going?”
After rolling his eyes, Quinlin typed a response. “Tough at first, but OK now. We’re watching a comedy that seemed to have lightened the mood.” Then he pressed send.
With that out of the way, he continued searching in vain for anything related to the strike. While pursing his lips, he shook his head, stuffing the phone back into his pocket. Maybe they weren’t including the officer in their communications.
After hearing a groan behind him, he turned. That woman had struggled to her hands and knees. While clenching his fists, he fought the urge to strike her down and instead addressed his lieutenant.
“Take this woman into custody.” Then he glanced at Nadria splayed motionless on the floor. “…and lock this shifter in the siphoning cage.”
When the lieutenant tipped his head toward the women, the two arcanum scrambled to take them away.
“Mr. Turner.”
“Yes, lieutenant.”
“We’ve created one cursed crab, two cursed bears, and three cursed wolves, including the one used in the demonstration on Princeton Street. Unfortunately, some shifters were already dead when we pulled them from the cage.”
“Are all the cursed creatures here?”
“Yes.”
Quinlin tapped his chin, wondering how he would lure Keren into the museum before the inquisitors breached his defenses. A sly smile slid across his face as a plan formed in his mind.
“Send the cursed crab and a cursed wolf along with eighteen arcanum to the central courtyard in front of The Wheel. We’ll manage frontal attacks from there. Then put six arcanum and two cursed wolves as our rear coverage.”
Quinlin put his hands behind his back while he paced the floor. “Stage the wax museum’s transport trucks on Universal Boulevard behind the museum. We’ll be loading up the cursed creatures after I’ve obtained an important package.”
“Consider it done,” said the lieutenant.
“And, Lieutenant, this is critical. Let everyone know a woman with long brown hair and silver eyes is with the inquisitors. Under no circumstances is she to be harmed.”
“Understood. I’ll spread the word. Mr. Turner, may I ask where the transports are going?”
“We’re going to destroy the Magic Underground at Church Street Station.”
Chapter Forty
Keren
Keren let her hand linger on Briggs’ chest. The steady poundin
g of his heart settled her rattled nerves. At the Magic Underground, she had felt invincible. Now, her trepidation had her questioning whether she would be a help or a hindrance to this strike.
She knew next to nothing about her creatures’ magical powers. As she looked at the snake-skin tattoo on the back of her hand, she thought about how reckless she had been to use an artifact designed for elves. Yes, she gained power from using its potion, but at what cost? What if the potion drove her mad, and she turned on the people looking to her as their savior?
Briggs took her hand from his chest, turning it palm up.
“Take this.” He dropped an earpiece into her hand. “You’ll be able to communicate with me, Tabitha, and Faraday.”
She put the device in her ear, then watched Briggs move several paces away. While his back was to her, he spoke into the device.
“Keren, can you hear me?”
“Yes,” she answered. “Is everyone hearing this conversation?”
“We sure are.” Tabitha’s voice flowed from the device. “How are you holding up?”
Despite the humid air, a chill ran down Keren’s spine. In a fake-confident voice, she responded, “I’m ready to do my part.”
“That’s my girl,” Tabitha said in a calm, unwavering tone. “Remember, you’re not alone. Call us if you need help.”
Keren smiled, remembering the nervous wreck Tabitha had been at her wedding. Since Keren had been both the maid of honor and bridal escort, she had to practically drag Tabitha down the aisle because she had been so paralyzed with fear.
“I know, thanks.”
Briggs glanced at his watch. “Tabitha, it’s time for the warriors to move out. In two minutes, I’m sending out the squad then letting you take the reins.”
“10-4. Warrior Pack Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie move out. See you on the other side Briggs.”
Briggs monitored his watch. “One minute.”
A hush fell over the squad. They looked like caged animals waiting to break free. Just as Briggs turned to signal to his squad it was time, an explosion erupted near The Wheel. On impulse, Keren ducked, covering her head. The crackle of energy blasts filled the air. When she heard the trampling of boots rush by, she looked up, seeing the squad sprinting toward The Wheel.
“Arcanum have ambushed Warrior Pack Alpha on the left.” Tabitha’s voice shouted through the earpiece. “We’re backtracking to the front of the fountain to rendezvous with warrior pack beta.”
Someone gripped Keren’s arm, pulling her upright. She turned, seeing Briggs’ stern face.
“We have to go,” he said, urging her forward.
Her heart pounded in her chest as they ran after the inquisitor squad. When they drew nearer to the fighting, the explosions grew louder, and she felt the fireballs’ heat as they whizzed by.
When she and Briggs caught up, Keren saw the arcanum had pushed Tabitha’s warriors around the front of the fountain, blocking Faraday’s group from advancing. The buildings on either side kept the warrior pack pressed together while the arcanum had spread out in a concave in four groups of four.
One arcanum in each group cast a shield while the others rapid-fired energy blasts into the trapped warrior pack. As the fox shifters’ water jets contacted the energy blasts, they diverted them away. Then Tabitha’s voice boomed in her ear.
“Warrior Pack Charlie what’s your position? We need assistance breaking a blockade.”
Keren knew they had assigned Warrior Pack Charlie to The Wheel side of the courtyard. They were to position themselves on the top of ICON Park’s main building as snipers. Without them, the arcanum concave corralled the Alpha and Bravo Packs, giving them no space to set up a solid defense.
“Four arcanum have us pinned in position. We’re trying to break free.”
“Affirmative, get here as quickly as you can.”
Then one energy blast slipped through the water jets’ defenses. It crashed into a fox shifter. The explosion caused pieces of the shifter’s body to shoot in multiple directions. Blood, bones, and flesh spewed out over the area surrounding the blast. Two other shifters lay unmoving on the ground. It hurled others standing close by into the shifters behind them.
As bits of flesh landed on her clothing, Keren put a shaky hand over her mouth, fighting the bile rising in her throat. Her chest clenched as she fought to draw in breath. As she blinked tears from her eyes, she felt an arm wrap around her.
“Keren.”
She barely heard the voice over the ringing in her ears.
“Keren, come with me.”
The arm pulled her back behind a line of inquisitors. When she looked up and saw Briggs, she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his neck. He squeezed her against him until she stopped trembling. Then Tabitha’s voice came over the earpiece.
“Front line, to your knees. All wolf shifters open fire on left group of asssailants.”
Briggs took Keren’s arms, gently pushing her away to look into her eyes. “Can you go on?”
She wiped her face with the back of her hand. While giving a curt nod, she set her jaw. She had to hold it together. Then she looked back out over the battlefield.
Ten warriors at the front had dropped to their knees, allowing more of the shifters in the rear to have better vision. Over a dozen fireballs flew at the four arcanum at the far-left. All four had cast shields to block the attack.
“Bears and half the foxes, you’re with me. We’ll circle back and left, then come up behind the concave. Wolf shifters and half the foxes, you stay with Faraday, keeping pressure on that left side.”
Briggs took Keren’s hand, motioning with his head for them to follow Tabitha’s group.
In a crouch, they ran behind two restaurants, then came out on a wider pedestrian walkway. While pressed against the buildings, they made a wide circle behind the fountain, which sat at the entrance to ICON Park’s courtyard. The concave of arcanum stood at their front left, focused on fighting the wolf shifters, and hadn’t noticed this group’s approach. Tabitha barked orders to the strike team.
“We’re almost in position. On my mark, wolf shifters spread your attack across the two left most groups of arcanum. My group splits; seven fox shifters and four bears are with me attacking through the main entrance. Four fox shifters and three bears cover us from a concealed position at the entrance side of the fountain. I’m heading to high ground.”
Keren held her breath. It looked like the strike team out-numbered the arcanum. If Tabitha’s group could break the concave, releasing the wolf shifters from their pinned position, they would have a clear path into the wax museum. She heard Briggs’ voice through the earpiece.
“Keren, we’ll advance with Tabitha’s team, but stay in the rear and stay low.”
“Got it,” said Keren. Her skin tingled as her senses sharpened in anticipation of Tabitha’s attack plan. Then her voice rang in Keren’s ear.
“Mark!”
Tabitha and her group of shifters ran forward. Fox shifters shot jets of water into the arcanum line while the bears summoned earth magic, using roots and branches to crack the arcanum shield defense. The second group hunkered down near the fountain, providing cover for the advancing shifters.
When Keren tried to follow, she tripped, causing her to skid forward on her stomach. As she lifted her head, she saw Tabitha, in two giant leaps, throw herself onto the balcony of a restaurant behind the arcanum concave. She used the balcony plants as an aerial attack on the arcanum. Briggs stopped, running back once he saw Keren had fallen.
She scrambled to her feet as she heard a deep, dire growl from the right. Flames shot across the courtyard entrance, incinerating the shifters between the fountain and Tabitha.
Briggs sprung in front of her, spreading his arms and pushing her back to protect her from the flames. Although she could barely see over his shoulder, she caught a glimpse of the cursed wolf and its handlers. The beast stood twice the height of the one she encountered at the motel. Two arcanum held their pal
ms toward the cursed wolf while the other held a protective shield around the trio. They must have been hiding, waiting for an opportunity to flank the strike team.
Time stood still, a throbbing pulse sprung to life in her solar plexus then shot up her neck and eyes. Light burst from her body then Three appeared as time resumed its normal pace.
With two steps, Three moved close enough to the cursed wolf to kick it under its already disjointed jaw. The crack of its neck as the head flung back sent chills down Keren’s spine. With another crack, the cursed wolf pulled its chin back down then, with another low growl, turned its gaze to Three.
“Protect yourself,” Keren shouted.
Three crouched as a wall of thick branches grew from its arm, creating a shield. The cursed wolf’s attack sent a stream of fire into Three’s shield. As the flames burned through the shield’s branches, new ones grew instantaneously to replace them.
When the flame blast ended, Three swung the shield at the cursed wolf’s head. The wolf ducked, letting the shield swing over its head. Quickly taking advantage of Three’s exposed shoulder, the wolf locked its jaws down, causing Three release and excruciating roar.
While letting its body roll backward, Three flipped the wolf onto its back but the wolf’s jaw maintained its savage grip on Three’s shoulder. After the wolf twisted back up to its feet, it shook its head, tearing deeper into Three’s shoulder. Three roared again, punching at the wolf’s head.
While watching the two creatures wrestle on the ground, she realized the cursed wolf’s strength had exponentially increased with its doubled size. She couldn’t leave Three out there alone, so she summoned Two, its flaming horns lowered. It charged at the cursed wolf, ramming into its side. The impact lifted the wolf into the air, but it kept its grip on Three’s shoulder. Flames from the cursed wolf enveloped Two. Keren gasped. But as the flames died down, Two stood tall, uninjured by the attack. Two leaped on the cursed wolf’s back, tearing at its head with its teeth.
Sweat poured down her face as she forced herself to stand steady on wobbly legs.
Then Keren heard a splash and a high-pitched squeal. After turning toward the sound, her mouth fell open. A colossal crab had risen from the fountain. It struggled to balance itself on ten crooked legs bent in unnatural directions. Two widely spaced eye stalks protruded at different lengths from its head, turning the eyes in opposite directions. The arcanum must have hidden it under the water before the battle began. One giant pincer opened as it swooped down toward the shifter group in the back of the fountain. Keren screamed as the pincer snapped shut, severing the shifters’ bodies in half.