by K E O'Connor
“My dear, I’m sure that’s not true.” Mannie stiffly patted my back. “Even if it was, Aurora has power. She can defend herself.”
“No, she can’t. Aurora’s not herself. She’s vulnerable. Jonah could have sensed that and targeted her.” My throat tightened, and panic flooded through me. “Jonah needs another witch to re-enact the next murder from Isadora’s book.”
Mannie’s face paled, and he tugged on his beard. “What’s the next method of murder?”
I swallowed. “Burning a witch at the stake. That witch could be my sister.”
“There’s no need to panic. You don’t know for certain that’s what’s going on.”
I shoved Mannie out of the store and slammed the door shut. “We can’t take that risk. Get help. Get the angels out looking for Jonah and Aurora. I don’t care who they find first, so long as they aren’t together.”
Mannie staggered backward. “Of course. We’ll find your sister. I’ll get the angels right on it. Where will you be looking?”
“The forest. It’s the perfect place to burn a witch.”
Mannie nodded before turning and dashing away.
I sucked in a deep breath as blood pounded in my head. This couldn’t be happening. I couldn’t have left Aurora alone with a killer. If I hadn’t been so wound up about her relationship with Toby, I would have spotted something was off with Jonah and stopped him. What if I was too late? What if he’d already killed her?
“Less thinking, more action,” Frank growled in my head. His energy spiraled up to my neck and prickled across my skin.
I didn’t even try to stop him from coming through. I needed everyone on my side if we were to hunt down Jonah and save Aurora.
“Let’s go, Wiggles.” I had to hope I could control Frank’s rage, and his desire to rescue Aurora from Jonah would beat down his own lust to see her life drain away.
Wiggles sped along beside me as we raced away from the store.
“We will gut this monster.” Frank’s words rumbled through my head.
I tried to clear my panicked thoughts and figure out where Jonah would go. The forest wasn’t big, but it would take too long to search without backup. Sweat ran down my back as Frank’s energy pounded through me. He lingered just below the surface, ready to burst through.
I had to keep a sliver of control over him as we hunted for Jonah and Aurora. If Frank was pulling the punches when we found them, I wouldn’t be able to protect Aurora.
We dashed through the trees, yelling Aurora’s name.
I heard the sound of someone groaning and changed direction. Leaping around a bush, my fist raised ready to strike, I stopped. It was Fallon. She lay on the ground, blood seeping from a head wound and her eyes glazed.
“He got me,” she whispered. “He was so fast.”
I caught hold of her arm. “Can you stand?”
Fallon nodded as she staggered to her feet and touched her head injury.
“Did you see Aurora?”
She rocked back and forth unsteadily and groaned. “I’m dying.”
“No, you’re not.” I steadied her, keeping my frustration in check but only just. “Think, have you seen Aurora in the forest?”
Fallon rested the back of her hand against her forehead. “There was a pretty blonde witch slung over this beast’s shoulder. I halted him and demanded to know what he was doing.”
“What did he do to you?”
“I’m not certain, but it hurt. I remember opening my eyes and finding myself on my back, having been knocked out cold. He must have dragged me behind the bush to conceal his evil deed.” Fallon sank to the ground. “No one has ever beaten me before. I’ve failed my forest. If I wasn’t dying, I would insist I get cast out for incompetence and forced to live in the bog lands of Tanith Mure.”
“You weren’t to know who you were dealing with. Jonah isn’t a stable guy.” I kept hold of Fallon’s arm. “Which way did they go?”
She raised a trembling arm. “So, that’s the monster’s name. He went through the trees in that direction.”
“Show us,” I said. “He’s got my sister.”
Fallon nodded and stumbled a couple of steps before falling to her knees. “I can’t walk. Leave me to perish. Save your sibling.”
“Let’s move,” Frank growled. “This creep has a head start on us.”
I glanced at Wiggles. “I know you’ll hate me for asking, but can Fallon ride on your back?”
Wiggles’ eyes flared red, and he bared his teeth. “I’m not a pony.”
“Oh, yes!” Fallon waved a hand in the air. “That’s my dying wish, to ride your special furry pony.”
“We need Fallon to guide us safely through the forest,” I said to Wiggles. “Remember, she has dangerous pits, magic arrows, and exploding webbing set up. If we stumble into that, we’re goners. So is Aurora.”
“I guarantee my magic will kill you,” Fallon whispered.
“Wiggles! Please!”
Fallon held a hand out to Wiggles. “I’ll show you exactly where they went.”
Wiggles stalked over to Fallon and glowered at her. “You can ride me. But you have to say I’m not a pony.”
Fallon tilted her head. “Then what are you?”
“Come on! We don’t have time. Aurora’s life’s at risk.” I hurried ahead of them, hoping I was going in the right direction.
I heard grumbling behind me and turned to see Fallon clambering on Wiggles’ back and grabbing hold of his ears.
“Not the ears!” Wiggles flipped his head from side to side. “Wrap your arms around my neck if you have to hold on to anything.”
Fallon grinned, suddenly looking much better. “I’ll lead the way.” She pressed her heels into Wiggles’ sides. “Giddy-up, pony.”
Wiggles growled and shot me a glare as they raced past.
I’d make it up to him. But right now, we had to find Aurora.
“Yee haw!” Fallon yelled. “This is everything I dreamed of and more. Faster pony, faster.”
“Focus,” I snapped at her. “Which way did Jonah and Aurora go?”
“Through that clearing. Straight ahead, pony.”
Wiggles raced along, not seeming impeded by the extra weight on his back.
I kept up with them, drawing on Frank’s energy as I raced past the trees. I slowed and raised my head. My stomach tightened, and fear flooded through me. “I smell smoke.”
“So can I,” Wiggles said. “It’s stronger in this direction.” He ducked around an enormous oak tree and sped along the path in front of me.
I followed, my stomach churning. If Aurora was dead, I’d never forgive myself. We’d had a petty argument, and I’d left her with Jonah. I hadn’t paid enough attention to a suspect because he’d been polite and offered me cookies. I wouldn’t lose my sister to him.
“I’m also not prepared to lose Aurora,” Frank muttered. “We have unfinished business.”
“Don’t you dare talk about killing Aurora,” I said to him. “Not now. You know how much she means to me.”
“And you know how much she means to me.” Frank’s growl rumbled through me. “I’m in this for one reason. We’re not friends; we’ve never been friends. I help you from time to time when your life is at risk. If you die, I die without a host, and that’s not going to happen until I get what I want.”
“Enough,” I said. “We have to find Aurora.” I swept aside a branch and followed the smell of smoke.
“You don’t have to do this,” a female voice cried out.
“That’s Aurora!” I sped up, keeping up with Wiggles and Fallon as we raced along the path.
“Keep quiet, witch. Your death will be in the history books forever, just as it’s supposed to be. Re-enacting the past is a way of bringing it back to life.” That was Jonah.
“What are you talking about?” Aurora said, her voice sounding shaky.
“This is all she cared about, so this is what I’m doing. Bringing history to life.”
I
came to a stop as a clearing appeared, my throat tightening and my mouth going dry as I saw Jonah.
He prodded a flaming branch into a pyre. Tied above the pyre, standing on a wooden plank, her hands and feet bound behind her, was Aurora. Tears streaked down her face, and her eyes were wide with terror.
Lying on the ground next to the pyre was an open book. It looked like a copy of Isadora’s book.
“Jonah, you need help,” Aurora said. “Let me help you.”
He pointed the flaming branch at her. “One more word, witch, and I’ll end you.”
“Please, I can fix this. You don’t need to burn me.”
“History must be served.” Jonah jabbed the branch into the pyre.
“No, it doesn’t.” I raced out of the tree-line and slammed into Jonah, taking him to the ground in a bruising slam. I grabbed him around the waist and pinned him to the ground. “Keep away from my sister.”
Chapter 22
I flipped over on the ground, keeping a tight hold on Jonah as he writhed in my grip. “Put out the fire,” I shouted at Wiggles and Fallon.
“We’re on it,” Wiggles yelled.
Jonah swung a punch at my head, and I ducked, a deep laugh rumbling out of me.
He blinked at me, madness shimmering in his eyes. “What’s gotten into you?”
“A demon.” I growled in his face as I let Frank come through. “Jonah, meet Frank. Frank, meet the guy who tried to take Aurora from us.”
Frank roared in my head, and I lost control as his energy poured over me. My eyes filtered the world through a red glow as my hands latched around Jonah’s neck, and I squeezed.
Jonah wheezed and gasped. He grabbed the burning branch he’d dropped and swung it toward me.
I rolled away and felt the swish of flame pass my cheek.
Jonah jumped to his feet and clubbed me with the butt of the burning branch.
I felt the impact, but Frank didn’t care about my bruises as I leaped to my feet and crouched.
Jonah rubbed his neck as he held the burning branch out in front of him.
I glanced over my shoulder to see Wiggles and Fallon pulling burning piles of wood away from Aurora as she choked on the smoke.
Jonah slammed into me, and we hit the ground again.
The roar that came out of my mouth wasn’t human as Frank’s rage flooded into my fists, and I fired bolts of black energy into Jonah’s chest.
He yelped and flew backward, slamming into a tree.
I leaped to my feet and raced toward him. He rolled out of the way as another blast of Frank’s energy spun from my fingers.
“What kind of monster are you?” he wheezed out.
“The kind you should never anger.” I shoved hard against Frank’s energy. I needed to maintain a fragment of control. Aurora was a few meters away, and she’d be a huge temptation for Frank, especially in her weakened state.
“We’re here!” Mannie, Lotus, Cleo, and Seth emerged from the trees.
My mouth fell open. He was supposed to bring the angels, not Jonah’s work buddies. “Where’s the backup?”
Mannie’s startled gaze took in the scene before it returned to me. “The office was closed. The angels weren’t there. I wasn’t sure who else to bring until I went past the museum and saw Isadora’s team coming out. I grabbed them and asked for help.”
“Jonah?” Seth stepped forward, a bemused look on his face. “What are you doing?”
Jonah snarled and raced toward Seth, head-butting him in the stomach as they made contact.
Seth gasped as they hit the ground and rolled around in the dirt, slapping at each other and grunting. For a half-vampire, he had a disappointing set of fighting skills.
While Seth distracted Jonah, I hurried to the burning pyre. Wiggles and Fallon had done an excellent job of stopping the flames from spreading, but the smoke was dense and choking.
I felt around for Frank’s energy and paused. He was close, I didn’t have him under control, but I couldn’t risk waiting any longer.
I leaped onto the smoking piece of wood Aurora stood on and untied her hands and feet. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, but her jaw wobbled. “I don’t understand why he’s doing this. One second, he was being sweet and saying how helpful I was. The next, he had me in a headlock. Jonah moved so fast. He knocked me out.”
My fingers went to her throat, and I stroked the soft skin, Frank urging me to continue.
“Tempest?” Aurora’s eyes widened. “Or, is it Frank in charge?”
I bit my lip hard, and the pain helped me to keep control. “I’m still here. Tell me everything once we’re safe.” I helped her off the plank and away from the burning wood.
“Fallon, Wiggles, keep Aurora safe and away from me for now.” I backed away from her and shook my head. Frank confused my thoughts and sent me disturbing images of how delightful it would be to choke Aurora.
“Tempest. You’ve got this. You can control Frank,” Aurora said.
“I know. Just stay where you are.” I held up a hand as she took a wobbly step toward me.
She nodded, a tear trickling down her cheek. She looked so small and lost.
I wished I could hug her and tell her everything would be okay, but it felt far from okay. My insides burned as Frank battled for control.
Turning away, I saw Seth still taking a beating from Jonah. This warlock had power.
Lotus, Cleo, and Mannie all stood watching, shock on their faces.
I gritted my teeth and growled. They were supposed to be helping, not getting a free warlock and half-vampire smack down battle to ogle. “Don’t just stand there. Help me take Jonah down.”
Mannie took a step back. “I don’t have my weapons, and I’ve never been one to use my fists. Weak wrists, you see.”
“Then strangle him with your beard!”
Mannie grabbed his beard, a look of horror on his face.
My gaze cut to Lotus and Cleo. “It’s down to us, ladies. Are you willing to fight?”
Lotus’ mouth twisted to the side. “I’m sort of enjoying watching Seth get a beating. I’ve dreamt about doing it myself on numerous occasions.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Really? Now you want to get your revenge?”
She pursed her lips, and sparkles of magic glittered on her fingers. “I’m enjoying myself, but I didn’t say I wouldn’t help.”
Cleo nodded, and magic swirled around her in a dusty cloud. “I’m ready when you are.”
Jonah slammed Seth’s head into the ground. His focus was on inflicting maximum damage to the half-vampire. It was the perfect time to strike.
“Now!” I yelled.
We launched our magic at Jonah’s back. Cleo twisted her fingers as she directed her dusty blast at him. Lotus spread her arms, and a shower of vicious looking glitter appeared. My magic was a gray mix of my own powers and Frank’s muddy energy. With our magic combined, Jonah was about to be in a world of hurt.
His back arched as our magic struck. His hands flew up and his head tipped back as our energy poured into him and held him in place.
Jonah writhed and bucked as Seth scrambled out from under him, his face bruised and battered and his suit torn. He staggered away before collapsing on the ground.
“Hold him,” I said to Cleo and Lotus. “Don’t let Jonah go.” My magic felt too dark, and Frank added more heat to my power as Jonah struggled and bucked, breaking spells and inching toward us, a look of murderous hatred in his crazed eyes.
He snarled and snapped his teeth. “You can’t take me.”
“Yes, we can.” I dropped a barrier and let more of Frank through. Sweat dripped off my chin as my magic united with Frank’s demon energy.
Jonah roared as his hand reached for me.
Cleo and Lotus moved forward, flanking me either side. Magic flowed from both of them, their faces contorted with effort as Jonah’s magic fought back.
“Stars! What is he?” Lotus gasped.
“Damaged,” Cleo whispere
d. “I feel his anger. So much pain. He’s broken inside.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” I said. “Jonah will kill us if we let him loose.”
Another tortured roar flew from Jonah’s lips as he sagged forward.
I felt Jonah’s dark essence drain away as he wobbled on his feet. He dropped to his knees, and his head slumped to his chest.
“That’s it. We’ve almost got him.” I pumped more energy into the magic that held him. Whatever power Jonah used felt dark and dangerous, and he didn’t have complete control of it.
Only when Jonah was slumped on the ground did I pull back my magic.
Cleo and Lotus did the same, both gasping in relief as they drew in their powers.
Jonah lay on his side, his eyes fluttering and his breath panting out of him.
“Why was he burning that witch?” Cleo whispered.
“That witch is my sister,” I muttered. “And Jonah is who we’ve been looking for. He killed Gretel and Isadora.”
Jonah groaned and rolled onto his back, blinking slowly as he stared at the trees. “You’ve ruined everything.”
I moved closer to Jonah, my fingers outstretched, a warning glimmer of magic lacing across my palms. “Why do this?”
He shifted his gaze to me, and his eyes narrowed. “I have to leave a legacy. I have to make sure my name is remembered in the history books.”
Lotus stepped forward. “I don’t understand. You were devoted to Isadora.”
“Devoted!” Jonah snorted. “That cold-hearted witch wouldn’t know the meaning of the word. I gave her everything, and what did she do for me?”
Lotus shook her head. “Paid you a decent salary?”
Jonah closed his eyes. “She was a monster.”
I looked at the group and saw the confusion on their faces. “Isadora was Jonah’s mother.”
Cleo and Lotus gasped and grabbed for each other.
Jonah snarled at me as he pushed himself into a seated position.
I flicked magic at his feet. “No sudden moves, or we’ll put you down for good.”
