With a smile, she continues, “Hunter, pack your bags. You will be residing in the Village to be a helping hand to Scarlet.” She finishes, with a knowing smirk. Hunter drops the macaron that was halfway to her mouth and surprises us all when she screams with joy. I give Evan a side look and we both laugh at her theatrics.
Instantly she closes her mouth and snaps her fingers, disappearing into thin air.
“That is the happiest and loudest I have ever seen her.” Jade says, causing everyone else to laugh.
Shaking her head in amusement, Ava turns back to me to say her goodbyes. She is returning to her wing to be by Dimitri's side, along with my dad and the rest of the Sisters. Evan takes my hand and leads me through the hallways back to my wing.
“So how are we going to sneak Mack in with Hunter there?” I ask Evan, suddenly feeling bittersweet about Hunter coming along.
“I think she would help us.” He says, shocking me. He notices my wide, questioning eyes, and chuckles.
“I do. Jade was right, I have never seen Hunter that happy before. And I’ve known her all my life. She feels a strong connection with you and she understands your relationship with Mack and everything you’ve been through together in such a short time. Even though Mack is a mortal, I don't think she would be against bringing her into the Village.” He says. But I’m still apprehensive about it since we would be clearly breaking a major rule and asking Hunter to help, or at least keep it a secret.
“How are you so certain?” I ask bluntly. Evan clears his throat and stops before opening the black doors to my wing.
“Hunter was the first person Mack saw after you were taken. Mack was scared out of her mind and skeptical of Hunter. I think Hunter would do anything to help Mack see that she’s one of the good guys.” He explains. My heart breaks again and I can’t fight the burning I'm feeling behind my eyes. I squeeze them shut and urge my tears to go back inside.
I'm angry that my innocent, mortal friend was placed in the middle of a terrible caster battle and I feel like it was all my fault. If I had done so many things differently, maybe they never would have been taken by the Dark Coven. Charlie would still be alive. Dimitri would have never met Lenora. And who knows where I would have been.
“Scar?” Evan asks from inside. I shake my head, trying to bring myself back to the present. As I walk in, Evan meets me halfway.
“Would you like to bring your chest to the Village, love?” He asks, getting right to packing.
“Yes.” I say, still numb. I don't have the energy to go upstairs and get everything ready, so I close my eyes and instantly find my power. It is as hesitant as I am, but still very ready to cast. Thinking of everything I need, I clap my hands and will everything to appear in front of us. Thankfully it works instantaneously.
Evan chuckles beside me and claps his own hands, casting the things he wants to bring himself. With a flick of his wrist for one more cast, our belongings disappear.
“It’s all at the portal, waiting for us.” Evan explains with a smile, as he sees the look of confusion on my face.
“Ready?” he asks, as he takes my hand. I nod my head and follow him out of the beautiful mansion that I am privileged to call my other home. I would be sad about leaving, but I know I’ll be back soon.
***
Hunter, Evan, and I slowly make our way through the rainbow forest of Eden. We told Hunter of our plan for Mack and, just as Evan anticipated, she is all for it. She is most excited about being part of a secret plan with us than anything. I’m guessing it’s been hundreds of years since any of the other Elders have tried to bend the rules. I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
I'm just as pleased that Ava assigned her to this mission with us. She will be really helpful, in more ways than one and she is the closest Sister to me in the council. I'm going to take her company as a blessing, even if it comes with baking for her all the time.
“That’s where Lenora is.” Hunter says clumsily. I don't think she realizes how completely terrified I currently am of the Dark Coven after they managed to harm so many of us.
My grip on Evan gets tighter as we pass the gloomy part of the forest, where the woman who tried to murder me is imprisoned. Evan clears his throat and tries to distract me, “You can cast the protection spell a little ways ahead, once we round this corner.” He says, pulling me in the other direction.
After we walk a while further we finally arrive at the location where the ceremonies are always held. When I step into the middle, Hunter snaps her fingers. A perfect circle of white powder appears around me. She shrugs her shoulders and explains, “Added safety, just in case.”
Thankful, I get right to the cast. I think of how pure Eden is. I think of how beautiful every inch of this realm is. I think of how powerful this world is. And I think of how it needs to stay that way. Forever. If any darkness enters, it will be tainted with its murkiness. I close my eyes and focus on the protection of this hidden paradise.
Just like Hunter’s cast, I think of white powder enclosing Eden in its entirety. I feel my power rising in strength as I will it to reach out to the cast. With one last push, my power explodes out of me and throws me back. That hasn't happened to me since I first received my power. As I slowly stand back up, I can feel it in the air. I can feel the protective essence of my power and the strength that it promises Eden.
“Wow.” Both Evan and Hunter whisper at the same time. I take a deep breath and relish in what I have just done. Pleased and proud of myself, I step out of the circle and take Evan’s hand again. It seems I don't want to let go, afraid I’ll be taken from him again. I can tell he notices, but doesn't mind giving me some reassurance.
He squeezes my hand and begins to lead the way to the portal so we can finally get to the Village. Just as we arrive, Hunter stops in her tracks, getting glassy-eyed for a moment.
“Ava says they can feel the effects of the protection cast. Thank you, Scarlet. You don't know how grateful we are.” She says, almost robotic, but still very genuine. With a smile and a nod, Evan changes the subject as he jumps to the plan.
“Hunter, you go straight to the Village. Pick a floor close to mine and take it. Let the Light Coven know we will be there soon, and go ahead and inform them of our plan for Mack.
The more eyes on our side the better prepared we can be. Scar and I are going to go get her. If we take her through the portal there’s the potential it could mess her up pretty badly. But I have a feeling with Scar’s power she’ll be just fine.
We’ll be there soon after you. Scar will mind speak to you when we’re outside so you can make a diversion away from the front desk. Got it?” He says bluntly.
Very excitedly, Hunter jumps in her place.
“Let’s do this.” With a twirl of her finger, she disappears through the portal into the bushes with all of our belongings behind her.
“Okay. Our portal is just a minute away from this one. Let’s go.” He says, walking quickly with me in tow. We get to the floating lake that brings us to Syracuse and I can’t help but feel the sinking in my stomach. This is where I saw my first demon. That same night is when we told Mack and Charlie about the Caster world.
So much has changed since then.
I hear Evan chant the cast that takes us through it and my body feels discombobulated for only a moment, and then I feel my feet touch the ground and I have to regain my balance. The difference of the purity from Eden to Earth is truly remarkable and heartbreaking at the same time.
Mortals deserve so much better than the toxic air they're breathing. Maybe one day, when everything gets somewhat back to normal, I’ll try to cast something to help them. Evan’s keys jingle and break me out of my trance. We get to the dorms in record time and, as I numbly walk up my steps, I can’t stop the tears from escaping my eyes.
Evan places his hand over mine that’s on the door knob and he gives it a gentle push. Inside it’s dark and muggy, I can barely see Mack jump out of her seat on the couch and into my arms. We
both fall to the ground, holding each other and sobbing loudly. Both Evan and Lucas join us on the ground and encase us in their own hug.
We stay that way long enough for Mack to get the hiccups from crying so hard. Pulling away, I get a better look at her and Luke and my breath hitches when I see how much this has affected them. Fresh tears escape my eyes as I pull my roommate and one of my best friends in for another impassioned and understanding embrace.
I can’t wait until we’re all together in the Village.
Chapter 4
Numb
Evan
Before I met Scarlet, the only heartbreak I went through was losing my parents. At the time, I told myself there would be nothing in the worlds that could make me feel so devastated and broken again. I was wrong. Losing Charlie and watching everyone that loved her suffer in agony is just as heartbreaking. But I know there is light that will dampen the darkness that’s engulfing their life at the moment because I went through a difficult period of darkness when I lost my parents.
When you lose someone you enter into a state of despair and longing for that person. You begin to remember all the little things they did that brought a smile to your face, and it only makes the pain all that much more unbearable. You dream of things you took for granted and you wish you could have those moments back to show how boundless your appreciation is.
But, eventually, you begin to realize no amount of mourning will bring that person back. And you realize if they were standing in front of you, they would not want their loved ones being so miserable. They would tell you to embrace your life and live, strive for happiness, and make your life meaningful, because you will forever remember them in your heart.
The light in the darkness of death is a reminder that tomorrow is another day. You will wake up the next day and continue living. You carry the memories of the people you've loved and the people you've lost with you at all times. You also eventually learn to open up again and leave room for new people to come into your life.
What I do know is telling that to Scar, Mack, or Luke would be of no help. I know that in most cases it’s easier said than done. And in this case, where there is so much suffering involved, it’s best to let them see the glimpses of light in their own time, on their own terms. My job is to be as supportive and helpful as I can. I'm grateful there are casts in our world which can help people move on with their grief, or at least help ease some of the pain. And being at the Village can be very therapeutic.
Mack will be the first mortal to enter through the doors of any Village. We must ensure her identity and presence is kept secret. It’s exciting and sad at the same time because of the circumstances why this is taking place. If others find out we allowed one mortal in, there’s going to be a lot of strong reactions - some would be angry that Mack is allowed but their friends aren’t. Others may feel that we are violating the safety and trust within the Village. And that would cause an uprising.
The Villages are places casters can go without worrying about hiding their power and casting. I wouldn't want to ruin that freedom for anyone. Especially since I’ve only just exchanged positions with the director of Salem Village from my post as the director in New Orleans. The Casters in Salem don’t know me well enough yet to understand that my intentions are always honorable.
I can see the eagerness in Scarlet’s eyes to give Mack the news and I can’t help but smile at her innocence. Mack sees us glance at each other and slowly sits back on the couch.
“What is goin’ on, y’all?” She sounds depressed and tired.
The Village is exactly what she needs. Scar clears her throat and takes her friend’s hands in hers.
“Well, we were wondering if you would like to come to the Village and stay with us until we start to feel somewhat like our old selves again. What do you think?”
Scarlet sounds like she’s also missing her old life from the tone in her voice, but I can hear a small lilt of hopefulness. Mack's eyes grow wide and, for the first time in a long time, I see her bright smile spread across her face. It’s contagious, as the rest of us share in the moment.
“What about the rule about mortals?” She asks, slightly skeptical.
“Well, being that I'm the director of the Village, I can grant you permission to enter. But it’ll be best if we kept it a secret.” I tell her, hoping to sound convincing enough.
“If what you're sayin’ is that we’re goin’ on a secret mission, I am so in.” She still sounds sad, but I can hear a bit of her spirit making its way back into her voice.
As Scarlet helps her up from the couch, the front door swings open and I can’t help but notice Mack flinch in fright. Derek jolts in with his baseball bat full of black muck.
“So. Many. Demons.” He’s out of breath as he throws himself onto the love seat.
“We have got to get out of here.” He says, without realizing that’s exactly what we’re trying to do.
“We’re actually preparing to pack to go to the Village. Mackenzie will be joining us.” I say the last bit quickly so we can get a move on and I know this subject would take time to discuss.
Derek stands quickly with a look of shock plastered on his face.
“What? Why? Are you insane? Do you really think she needs to be tangled up in the Caster world even more than she already is?” He begins blabbering until I open my mouth to speak, but it’s Mack’s voice that sounds throughout the room.
“You can’t go decidin’ what I'm gettin’ tangled up in. I am a woman. I can choose for myself. And I wanna go.” With that, she shut him up. With a shaking head he gives me the evil eye and transports himself out of the room.
“Why don’t you two gather your things while Luke and I go check on Derek. When you're done, come to our dorm and we’ll head out.” The girls quickly agree and make their way to the back of the townhouse.
Luke has never been so quiet before and it’s making me uneasy. As we walk outside to catch up with Derek, we see him in our driveway entangled in a fight with a demon. Luke and I summon our weapons and race to help Derek, but by the time we get to him the demon is already annihilated.
“I think they can sense Scarlet. They’re getting closer and closer to the girls’ townhouse.” Derek informs me.
“You might be right. We have to get this under control.” I tell him, just as I see a group of Gaur demons round the corner. They are running on all fours and look like they can smell their target. And their focus is on us.
Without waiting, I charge towards the demon in the front with my katanas raised high above my head. At the last minute I jump high enough for the demon to raise its head. Right at the perfect moment, on my downward motion, I crisscross my swords to form an X. As I near its throat, I straighten my arms, slicing its head off.
The guys and I are left with two demons when we hear a loud scream coming from behind us. Mack is standing beside Scarlet, watching us in battle. I see her begin to shake as tears roll down her cheeks. In this moment I'm glad my cousins are here because I am so distracted I can't even help them defeat the last demons.
Finally, when Luke completes his kill, the three of us stand there watching Mack tremble as if we are in freezing temperatures. Scarlet has been trying to help her since the moment the scream left her mouth.
“Mack? What happened? What’s wrong?” She asks her.
We slowly begin to make our way closer to them, when Mack begins to shakily speak, “Why did I just see those demons? I thought mortals can’t see them when they're so far away from the portals?” Confused, all we can do is stare. She’s right. She shouldn't have been able to see them.
“Evan, please tell me you know what’s happening to Mack.” Scarlet’s panicked voice sounds in my mind. But all I can do is respond with a shake of my head and a shrug of my shoulders.
“I might have to call Ava for this one. I have a feeling it’s lingering effects from the Dark Coven.” I tell her, as I formulate a quick exit plan to get us back to the Village. I am just about to voice
the next strategy when a loud screech sounds through the air. We all turn to look towards the noise and see the fastest Gaur demon I’ve ever seen coming right for us.
Scarlet grunts her anger and I watch as her cheeks turn bright red. She lets go of her trembling friend and, with one step, she is next to the demon faster than our eyes can follow. I watch in awe as she expertly thrusts the dagger I gifted her directly into the center of the demon’s skull, right between its massive horns. She steps back as it begins to melt into the pavement and looks back at me with her piercing silver eyes.
“Stay back.” She tells me.
Unsure as to what Scarlet has in mind, I do exactly as she says. I watch her raise her hands high above her head. For a second I felt a wave of her power blow right through me, knocking the air out of me.
I notice my cousins and Mack gasping for air themselves. Then we hear a thump behind us. Derek, still catching his breath, runs to Mack as she faints and falls to the ground. As he lifts her to his car, Scarlet returns just as fast and causes us all to suck in a breath. Getting used to Scarlet’s angel abilities will surely take time.
“That should keep them out of Syracuse for now.” She simply says.
It takes me a moment to get my bearings and, as I do, I quickly go right into the plan.
“You guys drive Mack to the Village and Scar and I will take the portal to get things ready to sneak her in. I’ll call Ava on the way to see if she can give us any information on why Mack is now able to see the demons. Mind speak to me when you're around the corner and we’ll come and get you.”
They all agree and step into action quickly. Now that we don't have to kill anymore demons here, thanks to Scarlet’s protection cast, it should be easier to get around. My cousins pull away and I look over to see Scarlet looking completely forlorn.
“What is it, love?” I pull her into my arms and brush away the stray curls that cover her Mark.
“Is it weird that killing is beginning to be my new norm?” She replies quietly.
What she said stings me in my heart because I never wanted her to feel that way. When I began training to hunt demons, I chose to accept that killing would be a daily occurrence. Scarlet didn't choose this. She was led to believe she wouldn't be a part of this world, and now it’s crashing down on her way too fast and way too hard.
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