“Someone’s trying to force her to dream walk. Scar, you have to let it happen. Let the pain take you to the vision.” His sweet but rough voice soothes me into submission and I simply lay there, as he says, and accept the pain into my body. Much easier said than done as I nearly faint from the severity of the pain in my head.
Suddenly the room turns cold, everything around me is black, and the pain turns to a loud ringing. I remember what Victoria does to silence her gift. I think of a tuner and I turn down the volume. Taking a deep breath, I stretch my back and await the vision Evan said is being shoved into my mind. But by who?
Finally a red leaf appears by my foot. It lifts off the ground and floats in the opposite direction. Instantly I stand to follow the red leaf as it flies through the air with a breeze that’s coming from nowhere. With my eyes down at my feet, following the leaf, I crash into a hard surface so abruptly that I fall back.
“What the.”
Rubbing my head, I try to decipher what it was that knocked me down. As I crane my neck all the way up, I notice it’s a colorful tree similar to those from the forest of Eden. I hear rustling of leaves from the other side of the enormous tree and try to silently look from behind it. Almost instantly I recognize where I am. The dungeon cave where Lenora and Julian are locked up with their lackeys. Only, they're not behind the bars like they should be.
Like an alley cat, Lenora arches her back in a relieving stretch as she maniacally cackles with freedom.
“They should have known we would find some way out of here. Idiots. Every last one of them. I can’t WAIT to crush their weak little hearts.
Especially that child who thinks she is more powerful than me. Julian, the moment we get to the safe house with Vincent, you work on getting back in that girl’s head. She has a soft spot for you. I just know it.”
The sneer that is plastered on Julian's face makes me want to immediately throw up.
“I will do that with pleasure. But first I want her so-called Anima Partem out of the picture.” He looks annoyed at the thought of Evan, and it brings a smile to my face knowing how bothered he makes him. Though, im afraid of what her answer will be.
“Deal. Remind me to thank that caster that helped us out of here. She has to stay hidden within their circle of trust. For now let’s just call her “ratto” for her own foolish protection.”
Snickering at her pet name for the traitor who is helping them, Julian slaps her shoulder.
“Ratto? Very clever.” As Lenora looks around to choose her next direction, she shrugs her shoulders with a veined look.
“Just ‘cause she’s our rat doesn't mean she isn't a rat. I'm glad for her help, but I will place no trust in her anytime soon. Her help in our escape helps her case, though.”
With a nod of her head, I watch her lead Julian and the other two goons to the nearest portal. She’s smart enough to know that at any moment Ava will know of their escape and she eagerly wants to get out and as far away from Eden as possible.
As I lose sight of them, I stealthily move around the tree to make sure that they are indeed leaving Eden. I feel my heart skip a beat knowing they were successful in their escape and it’s all because of a traitor on our side. The anger building inside of me makes me trip over a root on the ground. But since I'm in a vision, I don't worry about the loud thump I make. Except Julian turns completely around, stunned to see me there. Lenora turns to see what stopped him in his tracks, but she doesn't see me.
“J.J. what is it? You hear them coming?” I am prepared to hear him give me up and tell Lenora what is happening, but he doesn't. And now I'm not angry. I'm confused.
“Nothing. Let’s go.” As she turns around and starts walking again, Julian looks directly at me and winks at me, knowing he got under my skin. Before he turns to walk with the rest of them, he waves his hand and sends me back to the present.
Sitting up with so many emotions going through me all at once, all I can do is let out the loudest scream I have ever let loose. Charlie, Evan, and the rest of our coven just watch me in silence, waiting for me to come down from the roller coaster I'm on. But not right now. Right now I just want to explode with frustration.
Chapter 20
Visitation Rights
Evan
Panic lingers in my heart knowing there could be a chance Scarlet’s vision may actually come true. Even after we called Ava and she alerted the guards that are in charge of securing the perimeter where a portion of the Dark Coven are being held. Ava assured us that security reported back and the prisoners are still in their cells.
I can tell everyone is on edge knowing there is a caster somewhere who’s betraying us. We are positive no one within our close-knit group would ever compromise our mission and would not be a suspect in helping the Dark Coven escape. We do know for a fact that the caster is a woman, but we don't know who she is. We must find out her identity quickly.
This feels similar to when we started the search for the chosen one when the prophecy was revealed. Only now we are searching for someone who is betraying us instead of saving us. The immense amount of anger and turmoil is causing adrenaline to rush through me; I feel like I'm going to explode at any moment as I think about someone I may know helping the Dark Coven.
The fact that we’re on our way to see Julian and Lenora face to face is not helping. Scarlet looks worse than I feel. Her cheeks are red from anger and her mouth is pinched, which can only mean she needs to blow off as much steam as I do. Now we just have to figure out if we’re going to take it out on them or if we’re going to summon some fake demons on our own to fight so we can let go of some of this negative energy.
Now that Scar knows how to control her angel gift, I haven't let her hand go. But because of her anger and angel strength, it feels like she’s using my hand as a stress ball. If I wasn't so worked up myself, I would try to calm her down. By the looks of it, the rest of the Light Coven is just as ready to release some pent-up energy.
I am more than confident that if we were ambushed right at this moment, we would annihilate any group of demons in an instant. As we make it to the portal located by the gym, I look up at the nearest building to give Charlie a wave goodbye. She’s making sure we are not walking into a trap on our way to Eden. Luke and Derek decide to stay back with Charlie and help Mack get attuned with her abilities.
They’re staying at my house by the college. Since they’re not on the Dark Coven’s radar, they should be safe. When we return, we will meet back at the safe house in the gym. I just hope we return with information that will lead us to the traitor who’s trying to betray us.
We all eagerly make it through the portal safely. When our feet touch the sacred ground of Eden, Scarlet inhales a deep breath as she relishes in the pure and powerful air.
“I have a plan. Let’s go.” As she says this, I notice she is trying to avoid looking at me in the eyes. We all walk towards the prisoner caves, I connect minds with her.
“This plan is a surprise then, Love?” Clearing her throat, trying to disregard my question, she takes another deep breath.
“Just remember that I am safe and I know what I'm doing.” Catching me by surprise now, I instinctively reach for her arm to stop her.
“I have never given you any reason to think I don't trust you, your instinct, or that you can protect yourself.” I can see I turned the tables on her, but I remind myself not to let my temper get the better of me and get her even more worked up.
“Whatever you do or decide to do, I will always be by your side. Always.”
I try to make up for my brief hurt feelings, and I'm glad when she simply nods her head. When we catch up to the group, I can see the clearing where the prisoners are being held. But Scarlet runs ahead and stops everyone from continuing forward.
“I don't want any of you freaking out. Just know that I have a plan, okay?”
She looks at each one of us in the eyes as she says this, then spins around, leading us into the fire. Ava and the remaining
Elders are already there waiting for us, along with Rick. I can tell he is mind speaking with his daughter because the calm look on his face quickly turns to concern.
“Oh, she’ll be fine, Rick. Remember she is an Elder. The decisions she makes are in the best interest of the caster realm, especially when it comes to anything that has to do with the upcoming war.” Ava says this to remind us all that Scarlet isn't as fragile as we sometimes believe.
Making my way over to greet my future father-in-law, I see a hint of a smile grow on Scarlet’s beautiful and calculating face. I give her an encouraging nod and she sends one back before straightening her shoulders and smoothing down her hair. We walk silently through the dark and murky cave enclosure that is only subtly lit by enchanted fire on torches here and there.
I can hear the low hum of someone’s voice and I immediately know it’s Julian. Seeing Scarlet first, he gets to his feet and saunters over to the enchanted metal bars keeping him from freedom.
“Well, well, well, if it isn't my very own muse. Did you miss me? Came to get another look at what you should have?” My blood is boiling beneath my skin and Rick can sense this.
“Relax, he’s a joke.” Knowing he’s right, I still can’t help but get upset over the way he thinks he can talk to her. I await the malicious response Scar usually gives him. Only, I'm taken aback as I listen to how she replies.
“Actually, Julian, yes. I had to come to make sure the feelings I am having are wrong. But now that I'm here…I’m not so sure they are.” She walks slowly, closer to the bars where he is.
Behind me, I feel someone touch my shoulder and instantly I feel much calmer about the situation. I turn slightly to see Ava give me a wink, then return to the act that’s unfolding in front of us, as if we are watching a soap opera occurring right before our eyes. Julian clears his throat and straightens his back, falling for her spell so easily. Lenora, who is incarcerated one cell over from Julian’s, emerges from the darkness.
“J.J. don't listen to her. She’s…” Then silence.
Scarlet snaps her fingers, stealing Lenora's voice. Snapping them once more, she takes away her hearing. Lenora falls to the floor clutching her ears, as she experiences total and complete silence.
“Is she right, mi amor? Are you here to play with my heart?” He gives her puppy dog eyes as she leans her head against the bars next to his hand.
“I had a dream about you last night. It was…exhilarating.” Scarlet bats her eyelashes and gives him a short giggle.
“Oh? Come over here and tell me the details.” Julian takes the bait. With one more look at me, I can see the sorrow in her eyes instantly.
Great, now what is she going to do.
In the blink of an eye, Scarlet’s image flashes once then appears on the other side of the cell, with Julian. I instinctively step forward to demand the cell be opened, but Rick catches my arm and holds me back. Giving him an incredulous look, he gently shakes his head back and forth.
“Trust her, Evan.” Even then, with my adrenaline going haywire, I know he’s right and we need to get some answers.
Steadying my breathing, I begrudgingly continue to watch as Scarlet implements her crazy plan that only she fully knows and was unwilling to share with us. Julian looks her up and down and walks towards her, but Scarlet nervously walks backwards. They do this dance until she’s up against the wall and he’s hovering over her.
“What happened with the demon hunter over there?” Nodding his head towards me, he speaks to her in a whisper, making it slightly harder to hear what he’s saying. But Ava is one step ahead. She enhances the sound in the cell so we can hear what is being said. Scarlet looks over at us and snaps her fingers once more. I watch everyone on this side going invisible. She’s tricking him by making him think she transported us out.
“There, now he’s gone. They all are. I told you, I’ve been thinking about you. I can’t be with him if I can’t stop dreaming about you. But he is in my coven, so…he is obliged to be here.” She shrugs her shoulders, then looks up into his eyes.
“Don't you want to hear about my dream, J.J.?” It looks like Julian is mesmerized and drool is coming out of his mouth. Rolling my eyes, I subconsciously will Scarlet to hurry up with her plan. I don't know how much more of this my heart can take.
“But first, can I ask you something?” With a single nod, Julian agrees.
“Has a caster been in contact with you to help you escape?” I can sense that her voice has gotten lower to get him just a little closer.
“Oh, you sly fox. Now, how would you know about our little turncoat?” Julian plants his hands on the wall above Scarlet’s head, enclosing them in their own little space.
“Just a hunch.” He comes so close to touching her that I hold my breath and make a move towards the cell. Julian takes a step back and slowly walks to the other side of the room, where a chair is set in a corner by a wall.
“You're going to have to do a lot more than this little tease to get answers like that from me.” Now he turns and makes sure he locks eyes with me, thinking he has the upper hand.
“Fine. What do you want?” Surprising the hell out of us all, Scarlet confidently walks across the room to stand in between his legs.
“What I want is not something you can give me at the moment, since im shackled in a cell. But for now, I’ll settle for a taste of those sweet lips.”
Scarlet bends down so she’s eye to eye with him and, for a moment, I think I am going to lose it and charge at the cell. Julian raises his hand to softly slide his finger down the side of her face. When his skin touches hers, I can tell the moment he felt the swift shift within himself and confusion set in.
“What the hell?” And with a grimace on her face, Scarlet takes a step to the side, out of his reach.
Flicking her wrist, Scarlet returns the two senses she took from Lenora who is still on the ground clutching her head. Immediately the dark caster screams with a psychopathic fervor that causes us all to take a step back, away from her craze. But Scarlet stands tall and brave as she stares the lunatic in her deranged eyes. Julian only looks on in such confusion that he can’t speak.
Humming to test out her new ability, Scar smoothly goes into song. She sounds like an angel as she sings the words to a song I’ve only heard once before. Love is a losing game by Amy Winehouse can go so many ways, but I don’t think she’s being literal. At least I hope not.
Looking like deer caught in headlights, they stumble as they try to rise to their feet. In a stupor, Julian says: “My gift, you stole my gift. But I thought….you loved me.”
Scarlet continues her song, putting them into a deep slumber. Their bodies fall to the floor with a loud thump. Only when I start to feel drowsy myself, I call out to my Anima Partem.
“Scarlet, please stop.” Everyone is swaying, and she finally stops her hypnotizing melody. Clearing her throat, she looks down at the two sleeping casters.
“Wow.” She whispers. But everyone can still hear her. Then, without wasting another second, she snaps her fingers and transports herself directly above Lenora's body. Now Rick moves towards the cell.
“Scarlet, I know it might seem easy right now, but don't do anything crazy. Please.” I can hear the desperation in his voice. I suddenly realize we’re worried about two different things.
Rick thinks she’s going to hurt Lenora, but I can already see she has a completely different idea. Ignoring her father, Scar slowly bends down and leans towards Lenora, bringing her fingertips down to touch her face.
“I wonder what would happen if I had her gift, too.” Scarlet whispers to herself.
Now she appears to be in a trance and I can feel the panic begin to rise in my stomach. Everyone here is focused and just watching to see what happens next. I can’t stop my feet from running to stand next to Rick. We watch her touch the limp body of the woman who almost killed her and her uncle. The moment her finger touches her face, we see a sinister smile rise on Scarlet’s innocent-looking face.
Again she teleports into Julian's cell and extends her arm towards his face, making sure not to make any contact or his gift will return to him. She closes her eyes and small white lines begin escaping her open palm. The lines find their way into Julian's skull and Scarlet’s head snaps back so she is looking up.
It feels like an eternity as we watch this scene, but it is really less than a minute. So immersed in watching her, we don't have enough time to react to help if she needs it. She disappears again and kneels down next to Lenora and repeats the same cast to her.
This takes longer than it did with Julian and now I wonder if she is doing something more lethal to Lenora. Finally finished, Scarlet touches Lenora to return her mind-melding gift, then does it to Julian. But they remain asleep on the floor.
Returning to our side, Scarlet dusts off her hands, as if she just ate a meal.
“So, I couldn't find out who the caster is who’s betraying us, but I was able to alter their perception of time. Whatever plan of escape they masterminded is now set a week ahead of schedule. So their escape plan should be thwarted because they won’t meet up with the traitor at the designated meeting location. And Lenora better hope she never sees Dimitri's face again. That, she’ll really regret.” Scarlet says with a smile.
As we walk out of the cave and into the forest, she now has a lightness to her. When she was certain they would escape from their cells, she was filled with doubt and anger. Now that she manipulated their minds and knows they can’t escape any longer, she’s back to her old self. She used her angel gift beneficially and I can tell she’s proud of herself for doing so. Although I am, too, the whole scene with her teasing Julian will be etched in my mind for a long time.
“I'm sorry, Evan. I know it might seem like I went too far. But not one thing I said to him was true.” Her sweet voice sounds in my mind and instantly improves my mood.
“You were on fire in there, Scar. I'm proud of your bravery.” I tell her this with complete honesty, but kept out the fact that my heart was palpitating like a drum the entire time she was in the cell by herself with Julian. Even Rick looks like he’s struggling with his emotions. He looks as pale as a ghost, but has pride in his eyes. As does everyone else.
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