by T. G. Ayer
He descended the stairs slowly and at the bottom came to a stop in front of a pair of wooden doors set into a carved archway. As I neared it, I felt a wave of dark energy batter my body. His lair was protected by a dark magic spell, so strong I could taste blood. I needn’t have been concerned though, as Nathaniel would allow us to enter, thus ensuring the spell didn’t shatter us to pieces.
He touched the door and it swung open silently. The scent of sulfur mixed strangely with incense, tickling my nose as we followed the necromancer inside.
Now this was more like it.
Whether the mansion above was built on a warren of subterranean tunnels, I did not know. All I knew was I was now in a cave, the walls of which glistened with a strange shimmering liquid.
Nathaniel waved us inside, heading toward a gigantic wooden desk piled with bottles and bowls filled with an array of strange liquids. A timely reminder that we were essentially dealing with an alchemist gone bad.
Nathaniel Hawker had originally begun his magical career as an alchemist, developing his talents in sorcery through the years. He’d had an illustrious career, been a powerful mage admired and respected by those who knew what he was capable of.
Unfortunately, he seemed to have lost the plot along the way, delving into the darkest of magics, bringing the dead back to life. Nobody doubted he was good at what he did. I didn’t doubt it either. I just preferred not to meet any of his zombie monsters.
Ever.
The room pulsed with energy, a magical power that had a sense of darkness to it that even I could feel. A glance over at Drake, and it was clear he sensed it too. But we’d come this far. And from the looks of it, we weren’t going anywhere until this transaction was completed.
“Can you come forward, Ms. Morgan?” Nathaniel’s voice boomed across the room, the sound echoing against the stone walls.
I blinked, startled at the power behind his voice. Looking over at him, I saw he’d donned a black robe that shrouded his face. All I could see were the shadowy angles of his jaw and the dark hollows of his eye sockets. I tamped down the urge to shudder and walked over to him.
No use chickening out now.
Chapter 15
Mel
As soon as I stood before him, he hissed, raising his hands as if to protect himself from me.
Then he laughed, the sound harsh against my ears. “I see you have secured magical protection.” He laughed again and the hairs on the back of my neck rose. “If we are to continue, I will request you remove the talisman and leave it outside this room.”
I frowned and glanced over at Drake, whose face had darkened with concern. This was unexpected, but it was understandable he would not welcome other magic into his private lair. I hesitated, then dragged the leather band over my neck, handing it to Drake, who took it outside for me. I wasn’t too worried, as the magic would last for a few hours even if I removed the charm.
And Nathaniel realized it as soon as I turned back to him. His face twisted with anger, but he seemed to come to some internal decision. He took a deep breath and said nothing. Just beckoned me to move closer.
When I got to the table’s edge, he held out a black stone bowl that resembled a mortar. He met my gaze, his green eyes blazing. “I need your blood.”
I glanced from the bowl, to his face, and back again. Then I reached for the knife at my side.
Nathaniel looked at the knife, then at me. I looked at him waiting for an okay. Let him think he had the upper hand by giving me permission. As soon as he nodded, I unsheathed the knife and placed the tip on the vein at my wrist. I pressed, hoping the blade wouldn’t fail and end up slicing into me.
But I need not have worried. As I placed pressure on the blade, a thin line of red appeared on my skin. I glanced up at the necromancer. He watched me closely, his hands touching the table’s edge as if it was all that stopped him from lunging at the bowl to get his hands on the blood. He met my eyes and raised his chin, giving me another nod. I wasn’t sure what that meant. Was he happy with the blood? Was he giving me permission to continue?
I turned my attention back to my wrist and continued the even pressure on my skin. The blood leaked, bright red and fresh, dripping into the bowl far too slowly for my liking. I wanted it all over and done with, but of course I had no choice but to wait until the show was over. Someone came to stand beside me and I glanced over, expecting to see Drake.
My heart thudded as I looked up into a pair of icy green eyes. Nathaniel. He’d moved so quietly I hadn’t realized until he was already there. I really should have been more aware of my surroundings.
Now, fear began to bubble within my veins as he remained there, silent as the dead he reanimated. The scent of his perfume tickled my nostrils. Something musky and sexy sweet and totally not suited to his dark arts.
He leaned over me, staring intently into the bowl, watching the rich red blood pooling in the base of the mortar. Then he sniffed at the bowl and a rush of terror spiked through me. He was smelling the blood.
That was not supposed to happen.
My heart thudded against my ribcage so hard I was certain he’d hear it. Could he smell the difference between human and bovine blood? He bent closer, his nose hovering above the bowl, and breathed in the scent of the blood—and I knew I was in deep shit.
He growled as he straightened and turned slowly to face me. A vein pulsed in his neck and his face hardened. “You would dare to cheat me?” His voice was low and dangerous and sent chills up and down my spine.
He reached for me, his fingers gnarled and twisted, wrapping his hands around my neck. And then he squeezed. His eyes bulged, and I could see the white of his sclerae gleaming. He lifted me off the ground, the weight putting more pressure on his grip.
I struggled for air but couldn’t take a breath. His fingers pressed deep into my throat and I blinked in terror. Stupid. At the time, using the fake knife had seemed like a good idea. Now, not so much.
An angry roar emanated from behind me and Drake slammed into Nathaniel, sending him crashing into the table. Dozens of bottles and books slid across the desk. Nathaniel flailed, his hands reaching out to grip the edge of the desk and avoid sliding across the surface.
As he moved, his fingers hit the bowl containing the blood, sending it flying off the table. It landed on the ground with a harsh crack and split in half, spilling cow’s blood all over the stone floor.
I coughed, bending over and clutching my throat. I struggled to take a breath.
“Mel!” Drake yelled. “Run.”
I stared at him. How could I leave without the spell? I had no other way of saving Samantha. That moment of hesitation was all Nathaniel needed. A dark blast of power flew at Drake, thick and solid, an opaque shadow that hit him square in the chest, lifting him off the ground.
He flew backward at least five feet before hitting the stone wall so hard I was sure I heard an ominous crack. He slid to the floor and groaned, then pushed himself back up.
He rubbed his head and held his hand up, then frowned at the streaks of blood marking his palm. His face darkened and he stood up, holding onto the wall.
I wanted to help him but with Nathaniel facing me, one hand outstretched in my direction, I knew he wouldn’t hesitate to deliver the same treatment to me if I moved. Not that I was afraid of him. But I needed to be awake and aware, not knocked off my feet and unconscious.
Nathaniel laughed, the sound echoing harshly around the room. Drake glowered but the sorcerer paid him little attention. “So, Ms. Morgan, I do believe it’s time you made a decision.”
I frowned. “What decision is that?” He had my curiosity piqued.
“You need to make a decision right now. No waiting, no time to consider.” He fell silent abruptly.
“What’s the decision?” I asked sharply, irritated he was dragging this out.
Nathaniel smiled, then glanced over at Drake. The necromancer flicked his hand in my friend’s direction and I gasped as Drake rose so suddenly up i
nto the air that if I blinked I would have missed it. He now lay horizontal and floated in the air, five feet off the ground. I glared at Nathaniel. “What the hell are you doing to him?”
“What anyone would do if they were duped by the likes of you. I am using my advantages.” He smiled smugly.
“What do you want?” I shouted at him, uncaring if I angered him or hurt his feelings. They were the least of my concerns right now.
“Your blood,” he said, his voice soft and cold as it slithered down my spine. He was going to force me to give my blood. I should have known.
I stared at him. He stared back.
“Don’t even try to think of a way out. It will cost you your friend’s life.”
I hesitated and he saw me, sensed it. Somehow, he knew. “Very well, perhaps you need a little more incentive.” Nathaniel waved his hand, and I expected Drake to go flying across the room again, but he didn’t move.
Then he grunted, as if in deep pain. He called my name and my stomach twisted as I saw what Nathaniel had done to him. Drake’s skin began to darken in color, changing from his normal dark gray skin tone to a lifeless shade of gray.
The color of stone.
Drake tried to speak but he couldn’t move his lips. He just watched me, eyes wide. I knew what he was saying. Don’t give him your blood. I glanced at the necromancer, who turned to smile at me, his teeth gleaming white and making him look like a grinning puppet.
“Still have doubts, Ms. Morgan?” He knew he had me right where he wanted.
I stared at Drake, who was now solid stone. What had I allowed to happen? But Drake had insisted on coming, he’d been certain he would help protect me. And look what it had gotten him. Fury rose within me and my fingers curled into tight fists at my side.
“Come now. The blood, if you please.” Nathaniel’s voice penetrated my thoughts.
I didn’t want to. My chest tightened with fear. Natasha’s and Drake’s dire warnings rang in my ears. The sorcerer clicked his tongue and Drake began to drop straight to the stone floor. Terror flooded my veins.
“Stop!” I screamed, my hand reaching out as if I could halt Drake’s fall. If he hit the ground, he would shatter into too many pieces. He’d be dead for sure.
I glared at Nathaniel, my eyes filled with tears as frustration, anger, and fear entwined into an almost tangible fury.
Nathaniel smiled. “I am tired of these games, Ms. Morgan.” He glanced over at Drake. “So, my dear, do you want me to convince you more?” Nathaniel raked me with his cold eyes.
“Fine,” I said, my voice shaking. “Fine. I’ll do what you want. Just don’t harm him.”
Nathaniel nodded, his expression pleasant and friendly. “Very good. I hate playing these games.” Then he smiled, his teeth gleaming in the dull light of the room. “You know, this was not necessary at all.”
I said nothing. Just stared at him coldly, wondering again why I had ever thought this was a good idea. Drake had warned me. And now his life was in danger.
Anger rippled through me, spurring me to move toward the table. I just wanted to get it over and done with and get Drake home. I prayed whatever Nathaniel had done to him was reversible.
The necromancer moved toward the table as I bent over and released the knife strapped to my ankle. I hesitated, looking around for a clean receptacle. He placed a clear glass bowl on the table in front of me. He was also eager to get this over and done with.
Nathaniel placed a hand on my arm as I moved to press the knife onto my wrist. He grabbed my hand, picking the knife out of my palm and bringing it close to his eyes, turning it over and inspecting it. Then, without a word, he returned it to me and took one step back.
I glanced at him, sure he could see the hatred in my eyes. But it didn’t seem to have any effect on him. Considering his occupation, he probably had a large contingent of haters.
Moving my attention back to the bowl, I placed the knife on my wrist, bracing for the pain. I pressed the blade and watched as the tip sliced into my skin, as red blood welled from the incision.
I held my hand over the bowl, allowing the blood to drip slowly into it. The bowl filled far too slowly for my liking, but I had no choice. I was not about to cut myself deeper—or anywhere else—just to satisfy Nathaniel. Slow would have to do.
At last, when it seemed there was enough blood in the bowl for the necromancer, I turned my hand over and placed a finger on the cut to stall the bleeding. I glanced up at Nathaniel and he nodded.
And I was glad that about half a cup of my blood was enough for him. I had no idea what I would’ve done had he wanted more.
“Now can you release Drake?” I asked, my tone cold and hard. I wasn’t in the mood for niceties.
Nathaniel laughed, the sound high pitched and irritating to my inner ear. “Of course, I can’t, my dear.”
“What the hell do you mean?” I asked, my voice vibrating with anger. “You said if I gave you my blood, you would release him.”
“I never promised any such thing,” said the sorcerer, eyes gleaming, a smile curling his lip. “The blood is, of course, the payment for the spell. Nothing more.”
Fear rippled up and down my spine as I stared at the sorcerer. “What do you want?”
“Ah, that is such a loaded question, my dear. What is it that I want? I want so many things. But far too many of those things I will never get.”
I didn’t have time to listen to his crap. I was furious. “So you just take what you want?”
“But of course, my dear; how else would you suppose I get it?” Nathaniel’s face was serious as he looked at me. I blinked. I didn’t particularly care about what the necromancer wanted that he never got. I wasn’t in the mood to get to know him any better. Never would be in the mood.
“Quit the games, Nathaniel,” I said coldly. “Tell me what you want in exchange for Drake’s life.” I glanced over at Drake, who still hung in the air. He’d been totally transformed into stone, his eyes no longer urging me to go.
“I want you to steal a portal key.” His eyes challenged me.
Chapter 16
Mel
“You what?”
“Come now, Ms. Morgan. Don’t pretend with me. I know quite a bit about you.” Nathaniel leaned forward and picked up the glass bowl. As he walked around the table, the blood sloshed back and forward.
I swallowed, suddenly afraid of what he was about to ask me, just as afraid as I was about what he was going to do with my blood. When he reached the opposite side of the table, he set the bowl down and met my eyes again. “You don’t have to pretend here. I know you can teleport.”
I raised my eyebrows, shock filtering through me. How the hell did he know that? “What?” The smartest thing I could do right now was to feign ignorance.
Nathaniel laughed. “Oh, my dear. You may not exactly be famous, but in certain circles your name is very well-known. Which is probably one of the reasons why I’m not going to kill you for trying to cheat me.”
He paused and leaned to the side, opening one of his desk drawers. He took something out and held it toward me. I silenced a gasp as he opened his palm and revealed a portal key.
“I’m sure you’ve seen one of these before. Although perhaps you wouldn’t really need it, considering. This particular one doesn’t work for me, of course. And a certain High Priestess has refused to fashion one for me. So now, I have to resort to you.”
“Now where the hell am I supposed to find something like that?” I asked, although I knew very well where I could get one. “Why would you need one? Aren’t all your magic and spells enough to part the Veil whenever you want?”
“You are right, my dear. My magic and spells are strong enough for me to part the Veil wherever and whenever I want. But you see, it takes a lot of energy out of me and I am not getting any younger. A few keys will make my life much easier.”
I squeezed my fist, anger filtering through me. I winced as the cut burned at my wrist. Blood welled to the surface and
I placed a thumb on the incision, pressing firmly.
“So where is it you want me to get the key from?” I asked, determined not to make things too easy for him. My back was turned to him, but I’d bet Drake still hovered in the air behind me. I also knew I wouldn’t let Nathaniel get away with what he had done to Drake.
“Don’t play games with me. You know exactly where to get the keys from. Get them for me. Bring them back to me and your friend will be returned to you alive.”
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow at me. He knew I really didn’t have a choice, and he seemed to enjoy the fact. But I really couldn’t blame him. I’d tried to cheat him. He saw an opportunity. Now he had me by the cojones. And I couldn’t do anything about it. Drake’s life hung in the balance. And I really couldn’t trust Nathaniel.
I glanced back over my shoulder and stared at Drake. So many things to do, so little time. Samantha waited for me. Who knew how long she had? Or what the demons had in store for her. Could I afford to wait any longer to retrieve her? At that moment, I made a decision that I prayed Drake would forgive me for. I turned back to Nathaniel.
“Is he still alive?” My eyes narrowed at Nathaniel. “Is he okay? Will he be okay once he is normal again?”
Nathaniel nodded. “Your friend is perfectly fine. He is alive. Stone is part of his nature, so believe me, he has no problem being in this form. The only problem he has is, unlike his normal transformations, he is unable to turn back to human form unless I allow it.”
“Can he hear me?”
“Yes. He is fully aware of what is going on around him.”
I turned again to face Drake, heart thudding against my ribs. I hoped he would understand my choice. “I will fetch the portal keys for you.” Behind me, Nathaniel laughed gleefully. “But I will only do it once I’m finished with my mission. And that spell of yours had better work.”
“What did you say?” His voice was harsh, the sound clattering against the walls.
