Winter's Fall

by Alessandra Jay

  “What did you cast, love?” He asks nervously. As my head stops spinning and we make our way back to the group, I clear my throat in hesitance.

  “Well, if any of them try to escape or trick the guards, the cast will enter their minds, where it will appear and make them feel as if they are being buried alive. I thought Lenora might enjoy the irony of it.” I say, with a little more confidence, proud of my vengeful cast.

  “Damn, girl!” Chloe says with praise. I smile airily as Evan takes my hand, leading me to the estate to see Ava and my other Sisters.

  As we make our way through the rainbow-colored forest, Evan and I let the group walk ahead while we trail behind. Now that he isn't troubled by Julian's presence, his sweet demeanor has thankfully returned.

  “Really, Scar, you were incredible today and you did it all under a caffeine cast. It was just awe-inspiring. Julian is apprehended and now both he and Lenora are awaiting their fate. We are getting closer to defeating the Dark Coven. All because of you, my Anima Partem. I couldn't be prouder.” As he says this, I feel the warm lava melt down my spine.

  His words cause goosebumps to rise along my skin. I close my eyes and savor that exhilarating warmth that only Evan makes me feel. My emotions must be on overdrive, because it isn't until I hear Evan moan his pleasure that I realize I unintentionally casted the way I'm feeling into him. Temporarily embarrassed and speechless, I only lightly squeal when he lifts me off my feet, spinning me around.

  He sets me down and, with my cheeks bright red, I must look comical as I try to regain my balance. I hear chuckles and snickers, so I playfully push Evan, but I make sure to add some of my angel strength so the force is a little stronger. I can’t hold back the laughter as I watch him lose his step and trip over his feet.

  I'm thankful that the estate is coming into view because, with the look in Evan’s eyes, I'm sure he’s about to tackle me into a pile of fallen leaves. The beautiful iron gate blooms its rainbow-colored roses. As I touch them, I get a vivid picture of my first time here. I was so afraid and overwhelmed. Now, I still have some fear, but I can't let it control me.

  I think going to Demi's tomorrow is exactly what I need to feel grounded again. The entrance doors open automatically as my Sisters come out to greet us. Jade and Nova run forward to hug Hunter, then me. Ava awaits us with open arms that Hunter and I embrace for a warm hug.

  “How good it is to see you.” She says, rubbing our arms and leading us inside as she waves in the rest of the group.

  “Now, I know this is going to be a short visit, but I must say I am so proud of you all. I knew you would be unstoppable together. And that cast you just placed on the prisoners, Scarlet, bravo. For this, I have good news for you. You may start your semester in Syracuse whenever you are ready. But I am placing Hunter with you. She will be staying in the empty bedroom in your dorm townhouse, if that’s okay.” She tries to state it in a way that wouldn't hurt as much.

  The fact that Charlie's room is now vacant sent a pang of grief right to my stomach. I don't want Hunter to think I don't want her there, because I really do. It’s just that the circumstances that have led us to have room for her are so awful. Going to that room and having Hunter open the door instead of Charlie is going to be really hard to adjust to.

  “Of course I'm okay with that. Having Hunter around has been truly beneficial for me, the coven, and Mack.” I give her a smile and, as she returns it, I can see a new respect in her eyes. She knows how hard this is for me and I know she’s going to try to help Mack and I move on.

  “How’s Dimitri doing?” I ask, with a sudden thickness in my throat. If he would have woken up we would have received a call, so I know he’s still broken inside. It crushes my heart. But, as Ava shines her bright and positive smile at me, I know there is light in his progress.

  “He is still in his slumber, but he isn't closed off anymore. Your father and I have been communicating with him telepathically. He isn't quite sure if it's a trick from Lenora, so it’s more challenging a task than we anticipated. However every day we make greater progress.” She says gleefully.

  “Want me to try?” I suggest, now eager to get him out of this caster coma.

  “No, no, honey. I think it may be too soon for him to have any other visitors. He’s just so emotionally damaged. We want to take things slow and steady for now. Soon enough he’ll be back to the Dimitri we all know and love. And besides, Hunter says she has something fun planned for the night. You all should go home and get ready to toast a remarkably triumphant mission.” I am feeling mixed about Dimitri's situation, knowing he is troubled, unsure, and in so much pain.

  When I was in the similar coma state, I remember how difficult it was to face reality with the fears blocking me from seeing any light. There must be so many obstacles stopping him from seeing the truth. Although, there is a bright side. He is showing signs that his health is improving.

  It’s going slow, but he’s steadily getting stronger. Dimitri opening his mind to let anyone from the outside in is a big step. It shouldn't be long now. Giving Ava a smile and a nod, she pulls me in tighter to her side.

  “Go on now. You all have fun tonight. It is very well deserved.”

  ***

  Back at the Village, standing in front of the mirror in Mack's room, slightly uncomfortable in the tight dress she picked for me, I can’t help but realize I'm just not one of those girls who likes to dress up. I’d feel much more in my element if we were wearing jeans and bringing our skateboards along. But the moment I saw the tiny garment on the hanger, I knew we were going out dancing.

  Mack seems to have mostly gotten back to her old self, but there is still a slight reserve. Which is understandable, considering she has dark caster blood running through her veins and the recent trauma she has been through. I'm guessing this is the closest to the old Mack I'm going to get.

  “I cannot wait to go to this floor. I have heard so many amazin’ stories about it. Scar, they say there is a cast placed on the entire floor that brings the real party animal out of you. Could you just imagine what sexy beast is going to come out of me when I'm already such a party pro? Woo! I am so psyched!” Her excitement must be contagious because the more she talks about it, the more it rubs off on me, and it’s making me anxious to witness what all the hype is about.

  Suddenly, my spine begins to tingle and it moves down my back all the way to my toes. The shiver feels intensified as I watch the goosebumps rise along my skin. My breath hitches as I try to get my head straight.

  “We’re here, love.” Evan’s deep and raspy voice sings his arrival.

  “Oh, I know.” I respond truthfully. Now eager to see my fiancé so we can be together and dance the night away, I quickly cast my shoes on before Mack can try to talk me out of wearing them.

  “The guys are here, I say hastily. But my plan doesn't work. Stopping me in my tracks, Mackenzie grabs my hand and spins me around. Looking at me from my high ponytail all the way down to my shoes, she raises her eyebrows and crosses her arms. It’s taking a lot of willpower not to laugh at her dramatics.

  “Um, what do you think you’re doin’ castin’ a pair of combats on your feet at the last minute? Thinkin’ you could just run out without discussin’ them?”

  Turning to look at myself one more time in the mirror, I think I actually look cute. Considering the tight black dress Mack insisted I wear is not something I would have picked for myself, and the shoes instantly remind me of Charlie. So that's what I tell her.

  “Thought I’d throw a little Charlie into it.” With a shrug of my shoulders, I know it was the perfect answer.

  “I like that. I’m wearin’ mine, too.” She says, surprising me.

  She puts her boots on in record time and hooks her arm into mine. As we walk out of her room, I can’t hold back the proud smile I have plastered on my face. We reach the kitchen to find our crowd of casters looking ravishingly snazzy and flashy. Victoria whistles catcalls in our direction when she sees us walk in.
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  “Well, aren't you two quite a sight.” Oliver says. My cheeks warm up instantly as my eyes find Evan’s. He has that hungry, intense look in them. Like he wants to transport us to privacy. Just for a moment, I think he might.

  “Wow, Scar. You look ...alluring.” I think my cheeks can't get any more red, but I’m proved wrong when the group begins chuckling.

  “Do we even want to know what he just said to you?” Derek says, embarrassing me even more.

  “No, no, you don't.” Victoria replies comically. I roll my eyes and laugh as Evan pulls me out of Mack's hold. He swoops me down and kisses me for a moment too long. Just long enough to make me feel like the world around us begins to disappear.

  “I can’t wait to get you back home tonight.” Evan whispers, digging our hole even deeper. Victoria slides off of the counter and claps her hands, casting a shot glass into each of our hands.

  “Okay. Vamanos before these two rip their clothes off right in front of us.” She taps the glass on the counter once and drinks the neon-green liquid in one gulp, shouting, “To the baddest casters in all the realms.”

  Everyone repeats her toast and follows suit. As the green drink goes down my throat, I brace myself for an unpleasant and intense taste, but it actually tastes delicious, although it has a little kick to it.

  Piling out of the suite and into the elevator, the excitement rises in everyone. Hunter is literally jumping in her zeal and Mack looks like she can’t stay still. The moment the doors open to reveal the floor, Hunter sprints out.

  “Which room should we go to first? I want something loud and insane.” She says eagerly. Owen straightens his back and takes her hand in his.

  “I know the perfect one.” He says, leading the group at a fast pace. I bet Mack is glad we opted for boots and not heels because I know I wouldn't have been able to keep up. We zoom past what looks like a directory that I only catch a quick glance of. I saw there was a rap room, a classical ballroom, and a metal room.

  There has to be at least a hundred others. This is most likely going to be the best night of Mack's life and she doesn't even know it yet. We get to a hallway that has strings of white lights hanging on the walls that lead to a single door. When we get there, Owen looks back expectantly and hurriedly at Evan.

  “Evan, you check us in, that way we get VIP access.” He fervently says.

  With a chuckle, Evan and I make our way to the front of the group; Evan places his hand on the doorknob and neon blue lights trace Evan’s fingerprints, confirming the identity of the guest. A number key appears above the knob and Evan enters the number of guests that are entering with him.

  The moment he presses enter, shiny gold wristbands appear on all of our wrists. I hear Mack gasp and shout out in excitement and it makes me want to enter even more. The door opens automatically and we instantly hear the blaring music inviting us in. It feels like the music is literally pulling me into its rhythm. An upbeat song I’ve never heard before makes me want to dance, and I haven't even walked through the door yet.

  “Oh, my Ava, they're playing ‘Emergency!’ Let’s go!!” Hunter squeals, as she pushes past us and disappears into the room. Mack follows just as quickly and grabs my hand along the way.

  We bump into the back of Chloe as we all take in the enormous and outlandish room, designed to look like we stepped through time. The catchy song roars its melody and I feel my body completely give in to the beat; it’s me that drags Mack onto the dance floor. Evan smiles and leads the group to a sectioned-off area, where drinks await.

  Hunter, Victoria, and Chloe join Mack and I as we jump and sway to the modern swing beat. I feel the cast Mack spoke about take over my entire body and I embrace it completely as I sing along to a song I only just heard for the first time. I feel euphoric in here. As if every negative thought that tries to enter my mind gets pushed out song after song after song.

  I don't know how much time has passed before I can stand no longer. I haven't even had a single drink aside from the shot in our room. What was in that drink? The dance floor and the music had my heart tonight as I went along with whatever direction we took. Jumping from room to room and dancing to different styles of music was something I didn't think was possible or that I would ever enjoy. I was wrong.

  It was quite the celebratory extravaganza. If only I could have kept my eyes open as I felt Evan carry me to bed. The events of the day crash into me as I instantly fall asleep with a smile on my face. Knowing Julian is imprisoned inside a cave in Eden is more than enough of a reason for a night like tonight.

  Chapter 10

  Kudu

  Evan

  The alarm rings its loud and obnoxious clangor, giving us the wakeup call we need. Especially after last night. We didn't get to bed until four a.m. and the alarm is set for eight. Today I am definitely going to make coffee with the enchanted beans Demi gave Scar.

  With my eyes still closed, I flick my wrist to stop the loud bell. Taking a deep breath, I stretch in place and sluggishly open my eyes, blinking a few times to get them used to the dim room. When they focus, a wide grin grows across my face as I see Scarlet laying towards me with an animated smile showing her excitement for the day.

  Instantly my mood goes from sleepy to alert and ready to take the day on. I focus on our minds connecting to tell her we should head to the shower, but she springs up to stand.

  “Race ya to the shower.”

  Scar cuts me off and, with a flick of her wrist, the shower turns on. I hear her giggling as she disappears.

  I know I’m not going to beat her, so I take my time, knowing it'll annoy her. As I round the corner to see my captivating Anima Partem with pouting lips and her arms crossed, I can't help but snicker at her cute theatrics. Squinting her eyes, she snaps her wet fingers and my clothes disappear. But I don't get a chance to react because she pulls me into the blazing hot shower without giving me a chance to prepare myself for the burning temperature.

  How can she enjoy taking a shower this hot?

  Even though my back feels like it’s on fire, the moment her lips touch mine, my whole body goes numb. I can feel her lips turn up into a smile and I have to pull away to see the beautiful sight. I could look at her like this all day; dripping wet, still groggy from just waking up but awake with excitement for the day. It brightens my soul instantly.

  Without a second's hesitation, I pull her in for a deep and intimate embrace. I feel her melt into my arms. I get so hypnotized by the emotion that I don't realize how much time passes before we unravel ourselves from each other.

  “I would love to stay in here all day with you, but I can’t wait to see my nieces.” She says it like she doesn't want to hurt my feelings, and at first it doesn't. But then I begin to wonder if she thinks I'm the selfish type who wants to keep her to myself. Then again, is it so wrong that I kind of do? At least just have her to myself for a couple of uninterrupted days.

  “I know, love. I'm excited to see them, too. Let’s go.”

  We speed through getting ready and race to the kitchen, both of us eager for caffeine. Scarlet and I get into a perfectly synchronized dance as we move around each other to get coffee and breakfast ready. The moment she flicks her wrist to cast a variety of croissants, our group of casters walk in.

  I can smell the coffee as it brews, and the smile on Scarlet’s face has me in some kind of a happy daze. Instantly, it drops into a heartbreaking frown. My eyes lock on the melancholy soul that is my cousin, Lucas. Instantly, I promise myself to help him in his healing today.

  Connecting my mind with Scarlet’s, I simply say my cousin’s name. The moment she notices, a single nod of her head shows her understanding. Before I can begin to think of possible ways to help mend him, the coffee maker dings its completion. With a snap of my fingers, a display of sugars and syrups appear on the counter.

  As we all prepare our coffee to go, I stay back to walk with my cousins. Derek slings his arm around mine, almost causing me to spill my very-much-needed cup. I reg
ain my balance and give him the most evil look I can, but it only makes him snicker louder.

  Without another movement, I feel for my power and cast his drink to become a few degrees hotter. As he smugly brings his cup to his lips to take a sip, he retracts it with a loud curse escaping his red and already swollen lips. Now it’s my turn to laugh at him. I hear a chuckle come from Luke. It takes me by such surprise that I almost run into the closing door.

  Lucas swiftly catches it before it does and saves me from bumping my head on it. With a comical shake of his head, I can only stare in awe at the slight flash of normalcy coming from him. It’s enough to inspire me to try whatever I can to bring the old Luke back. Now I have the ride to Demi's to figure out exactly how to do that.

  ***

  It amazes me how much I’ve come to see Scarlet’s family as my own. To say I'm lucky would be an understatement. Getting to know them as much as I have has been an honor that I cherish immensely. The moment we see the park where the cave is, my stomach sinks and I know we’re getting close. I’m feeling anxious with anticipation to see them all.

  I notice Scar’s feet are doing their own eager tap dance and I place my hand on her knee as a sign of support and understanding. She gives me a small smile and continues with her restlessness. I haven't been able to think of a single idea that might help Luke and it’s irritating me. Thankfully, as we pull up to Demi's street, Scar grabs my hand and squeezes it.

  For a second, I thought she was going to jump out of the moving car and run there herself. We all know she can get there faster, anyway. Finally, as the car comes to a stop, Scar is the first to exit. Demi’s front door swings open before all of us can get out and a bouncy-haired girl bolts out.

  “Auntie Scar!!!!” Shouts Layla. It feels like it’s been so long since we’ve seen the girls. As Scarlet lets go of Layla, I watch her run to me and fly into my open arms.