by Amy Manemann
Still numb, I nodded. My body swayed against his, the adrenaline high that had been keeping me moving beginning to wind down. Braeden’s arms encircled my waist, holding me upright with my back against his chest. Any other time I might have sunk unto the warmth his body offered, but my head was still reeling from everything that had just happened.
“We need to get off the streets until we know the condition of the shields around town. Are you able to walk?” he asked, worry in his voice.
Fear slithered down my spine, and I turned in his embrace, my eyes colliding with his. “You mean there could be more Underworlders walking around Salem? But how?”
Braeden sighed, leaning forward to press his forehead against mine. “I don’t know, but I intend on finding out. If you’re able to go, there’s a safe house not far from here, friends who will take us in. Can you make it three blocks?”
My heart hammered wildly in my chest, and I couldn’t tell if it was from his proximity or the thought of meeting up with more big bad uglies before reaching the safe house.
“I can make it,” I whispered, leaning back to look up at him.
He smiled, reaching up to caress the back of my cheek with his knuckles. “That’s my girl.”
With Braeden keeping a secure arm around my waist, we hurried through the streets of Salem, keeping a wary eye out for any more lurking shadows. Thankfully, we reached the safe house without further incident, though I had my doubts when we arrived at our destination. A large man stood on the sidewalk in front of an antique store, his pale features and gaunt cheeks forcing me to release Braeden’s hand and step behind him in fear. The larger man didn’t look like Demetri and Armand’s gang of vampires, but I wasn’t about to take any chances.
“He’s a Sentry, Willa, one of the good guys,” Braeden softly assured me. Sensing my unease, he reached back to draw me closer to him as we approached.
“Sir Braeden, we were not expecting you past the witching hour. What brings you?” the Sentry spoke, the deepness of his voice startling me.
Braeden reached up with his free hand, clasping the giants forearm with his in greeting. The Sentry’s arm all but swallowed Braeden’s, making me gulp at the massive size of him. I’d thought Braeden was big, but the man before us stood an easy six inches taller over both of us.
Braeden released the Sentry’s hand to slip an arm protectively about my waist “We’ve just come from a run in with a gang of vampires. Has there been any word of the shields around Salem being weakened?”
The Sentry frowned, rubbing his jaw with a massive hand that looked bigger than my head.
“I have not, but if vampires are in Salem, then perhaps someone purposely weakened the shields. Please, come inside and get off the streets.” The Sentry gestured to the doorway behind him. “Allora will help you.”
Braeden nodded. “Thank you, my friend. Keep a wary eye out. The vampires we crossed were not your typical group. They had two elders with them.”
“That is most upsetting. Be sure to speak with Allora of this,” the Sentry said gruffly, already turning to keep a wary eye on the street.
“We intend to,” Braeden said grimly, tugging me behind him towards the doorway. Grasping the handle, Braeden pulled the door open, ushering me inside and shutting out the outside world.
Standing in the store's front, I crossed my hands over my arms, rubbing them up and down to ward off the chills still wracking my body.
“Allora will have a tea to take the rest of the chill from you,” Braeden assured me, moving further inside. The room held rows of antique furniture and collectibles from wall to wall, and I stared around the space, taking it all in.
“So this Allora runs an antique shop. Funny, I don’t recall ever being in here before,” I murmured, reaching out to touch a crystal dangling from an antique lamp shade.
“Probably not since this is a traveling store. To any passerby, the building appears as an ordinary empty building. Only magical beings can see the store as it truly is,” a soft voice spoke from above.
I whirled, watching as a beautiful woman descended a winding staircase from the loft above. Long, blonde hair cascaded about her shoulders, tumbling down her back in natural waves. She wore a multi-colored dress that shimmered as she walked, the material hugging and accentuating every curve on her small figure. Reaching the bottom of the staircase, she turned towards us, a soft smile touching her lips as her eyes lighted first on me, then on Braeden.
I felt a pang of jealousy when her eyes lingered on Braeden. He seemed not to mind as he stepped forward to greet her, pulling her into his arms for a hug. It was obvious they knew each other, and I tried not to dwell too much on how. Braeden was my Guardian, not my boyfriend. I didn’t have any rights to him.
“Braeden, what brings you here at this hour?” she breathed, her sultry voice pleasing even to my jealous ears.
Braeden drew back, drawing me protectively into his side. “We had a run in with vampires, and black magic has frozen Willa's powers. I was hoping you could reverse the damage done.”
Allora smiled, the light touching a pair of dazzling violet colored eyes. “Ah, Braeden, you have not changed. Still bringing me rescues.”
I stiffened, not liking her reference in the least.
“She isn’t a rescue, Allora.” Smiling, Braeden squeezed my arm gently. “Willa is a Lightkeeper. She is Arianna’s daughter.”
Allora’s eyes widened in surprise and she moved nearer to give me a closer inspection.
“Oh my, yes, I see the resemblance. Come with me, Willa. We shall get you fixed right up.” Capturing my hand, she pulled me behind her, and I worriedly glanced at Braeden over my shoulder.
He fell into step behind us, not in the least bit concerned about where she was taking us.
“All will be well, Willa.”
Chapter 11
Allora led us past the winding staircase to the back of the store, leading us through a curtained wall into what appeared to be a living quarters.
“Please, sit.” She pushed me towards an antique couch that looked as if it’d come from the Elizabethan era. I tentatively sat on the cushion, surprised when I sank comfortably into the soft material. Sadie would love something like this, I thought, smoothing a hand across the soft surface.
“Aunt Sadie!” I blurted in horror, instantly struggling to my feet and searching my pockets for my phone. "We need to call her, let her know what's going on."
Braeden cursed. “I’m sorry, I should have thought of that. I was too worried about keeping you safe. Give me your phone. I’ll call her.”
Digging my phone from my back pocket, I handed it over, watching while he stepped out of the room to make the call.
“Sit down, Willa. You need to conserve your strength,” Allora softly reminded me, drawing my gaze to hers.
Satisfied Braeden was filling in Aunt Sadie, I timidly retook my seat, casting a glance around the small room. A small kitchenette had been built into the back of the room, taking up most of the space but leaving room for a small counter with bar stools and the couch I sat upon. Though the room was small, it had a comfortable, homelike feel to it.
“How do you know Braeden?” I asked, the words slipping from my tongue before I could stop them.
Allora stood in the kitchen, preparing ingredients in a teakettle on the stove. She paused in her administrations, her lips curving upward in amusement.
“Braeden and I have known one another for more years than I can remember. At one time, I was one of his rescues,” she laughed softly, smiling fondly at the memory.
I bristled, not liking the idea of Braeden rescuing anyone else but me, selfish as that sounded. “So, that’s what he does? Goes around rescuing damsels in distress? Sounds like Braeden.”
Finished with her ingredients, Allora set the teakettle on the stove to boil before joining me in the sitting room. Taking the seat next to mine, it surprised me when she took my hand, laying her other on top of it to cocoon it between hers.
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br /> “Braeden is a good man with a good heart, Willa.” She peered closely at me, eyes curious. “His only downfall is that he cares too much.”
I squirmed at her scrutiny, lowering my gaze.
“And I can see in your eyes you care too much as well,” Allora continued, a touch of a smile in her voice.
My gaze jerked back up to hers, my cheeks heating with embarrassment.
“I don’t…I mean...we hardly know each other,” I stammered, mortified that she’d read my expression so easily.
Allora smiled, her eyes sparkling with laughter. “Fear not, Willa. Your secret is safe with me. As for Braeden, I can tell you his interest is the same as yours. I’ve never seen him so protective of someone before, though I can see why he would be. You are a treasure, Willa Devries. Your mother would be proud of the woman you are becoming.”
Her words made tears prick the back of my eyes, and I swallowed. Having never known my mother, her words humbled me, even as they piqued my curiosity. Seeing the question in my eyes Allora smiled, holding up a finger. “One moment.”
She rose just as the teakettle squealed, causing me to jump in my seat.
“How did you…?” I asked, watching while she turned off the stove. Lifting the teakettle, she poured the concoction into a glazed mug before setting the kettle onto a cold burner and returning to me.
"A sixth sense." She slid the mug into my icy hands and I tentatively gave it a sniff. There was cinnamon and honey for sure, along with a few other pleasant smelling ingredients that I couldn't identify.
“It will cure the dark freeze binding your powers. Drink, you will feel warmer in a moment,” Allora assured me.
Lifting the mug, I took a sip, swallowing the sweet tea. The warm liquid traveled down my throat, and I gasped, amazed to feel the warmth of the brew as it traveled into my cold blood stream and began to unthaw my body.
Allora laughed at my surprise, pushing the mug up to my lips again. “Keep drinking. It works fast so you’ll be unfrozen in no time.”
Taking her advice, I took another larger sip, already feeling the effects of the magical brew. “This is amazing. You should really bottle this stuff.”
“An old family recipe. This concoction comes from my great-great-great aunt, who was a healer for the Light Council. I come from a long line of white witches,” Allora supplied, standing from the couch and moving into the kitchen. Cupping the steaming mug between my hands, I quietly watched as she tidied up the kitchen.
“Did you know my mother?” I asked curiously. Taking another long drink of my tea, I finished the brew, setting the empty mug on the small table next to the couch.
Allora paused, a shadow crossing her beautiful features. “Yes, I did, many years ago. She and my mother were very close friends. It broke our hearts when she…passed.”
I frowned, not missing her hesitation. “I never knew her, or know what happened. Can you tell me how she died?”
Allora bit her lower lip, the sadness on her face sending a rush of fear through my slowly warming veins.
Braeden ducked back into the room, and the serious look on his face had me scrambling to my feet. “Nobody knows how, but the Underworlders have breached the shields around town. Sadie is already with the Coven heads, and they’ve reset temporary shields to ward off the Underworlders trying to make their way into the city, but it’s only a matter of time before they find their way in. Willa can’t stay here. They’ve already sensed your power and are coming for you.”
“You can use my portal. You must get Willa out of Salem and to the Light Council. It’s your only chance of getting her to safety.” Allora reached my side, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.
“What about Aunt Sadie? I’m not just leaving her here,” I choked out, thankful for Allora’s soothing presence.
Braeden stepped forward and touched my cheek, concern shimmering in his eyes. “Sadie will be fine. This isn’t her first battle; she knows how to handle herself. It’s you she’s concerned about. You haven’t learned how to harness your powers, and your birthday is nearly here. You will be powerless to stop the dark forces waiting to swarm the city when they breach the temporary shields the Covens have set. If we stay, we won’t stand a chance. And neither will anyone else here.”
My heart sank at his words, and the hope I’d held on to about staying in Salem completely faded away.
“You knew this might happen, especially with the prophecy. Yet you let us stay,” I said in a bare whisper.
"I knew it was a long shot, but it was important to you."
“Wait, what prophecy?" Allora asked Braeden, who had the grace to look chagrined. "What is she talking about, Braeden?”
“The prophecy of three. Willa is one of the three.”
One second she was staring at him in shock, mouth hanging halfway open. The next she reached up and slapped him in the back of the head.
“Um…ow!” Braeden winced, rubbing the back of his head.
“You’re lucky that’s all you get, you idiot.” If looks could kill, Allora’s glare would have done just that. “You didn’t think to get her out of Salem when you found out? Honestly, Braeden, what in the Goddess's name were you thinking?”
“It wasn’t his fault, he was only doing what I asked him to,” I offered weakly, the image of her smacking Braeden on the back of his head burned into my brain.
“It makes no difference. He knew better. No wonder the Underworlders are tearing to get into the town. If they can harness even one of the three they will control the worlds light and keep us in darkness permanently. Then all hell will break loose,” Allora grumbled, still shooting daggers at Braeden. "We need to move, now."
Letting go of my hand, she lifted her skirts and tore out of the room, not bothering to look back to see if we were following. Braeden grabbed my hand and chased after her, following her up the winding staircase to the second level. A crash from the front of the antique store halted us halfway up, and the sentry stumbled through the front door, a jagged gash cutting the side of his face. He slammed the door shut behind him, leaning heavily against the door.
“They are coming,” he said matter-of-factly, as though being thrown into a life or death situation were an everyday occurrence.
Allora threw her hands up, sparks flying from her delicate fingertips as she called out, “Protetor!”
A blue glow instantly surrounded the building, secluding us from the Underworlders on the other side. The shield did little to dissuade their pursuit, and sparks began to fly as they continued to hit the shield in waves.
“That shield should hold them for a bit, but not long. Galen, get upstairs to the portal. We will not fight today,” Allora said, turning to glance back at us. “Move it, you two, we have little time.”
Ahead of me I heard Braeden growl something under his breath, but I couldn’t focus, fear holding me captive. Now that my body was unfrozen, I could feel the fear as it radiated through me, stealing all rational thought. At least Braeden didn’t seem fazed by the danger we were in. This was probably an everyday occurrence for him.
We reached the upper level, and I faltered as I stared at the vast library we were standing in. Wow, what I wouldn’t give to spend a few hours here.
“This way,” Allora threw over her shoulder, jerking me from my daydreaming.
I could hear Galen lumbering up the metal staircase behind us as we hurried to the back of the library, drawing to an abrupt stop in front of a large bookcase. I looked frantically for some kind of door or escape room that would lead us out of there, only to find nothing. What was Allora thinking by leading us up here? We were trapped!
As if she were oblivious to my rising panic, Allora calmly raised her hands, staring intently at the bookcase in front of us. “Aberto.”
The bookcase shimmered at her words then disappeared completely, revealing an open, white wall. Holy Moses, did that just happen?
“When we go through the wall, do not let go of my hand,” Braeden said, emphasiz
ing his words by holding up our entwined hands. “A portal will take you to the place you desire to go most, but only those trained can use them properly. Without training, you could end up where you least wish to be. Got it?”
I swallowed, nodding my head. “Don’t let go. Yep, I got it.”
Galen came to a lumbering stop behind us, and Allora smiled.
“Glad you could join us, old friend.” She winced as a large crashing sound came from downstairs. The shield had fallen. “That's our cue. Move it people. We’ve run out of time.”
Braeden squeezed my hand before he stepped into the portal, pulling me through behind him.
Coming through a portal feels more like you're coming up from being under water. Only oddly enough, instead of being soaking wet when we arrived at our destination, a glance at my clothes showed them to be bone dry. Unlike my dazed self, Braeden, appeared unfazed about having just come through another dimension. He must do this sort of thing a lot.
“Kind of weird, huh?” he said, a smile tipping the corner of his mouth.
“I’ll close the portal from this side so no one can follow us,” Allora spoke from behind us, a reminder that we weren’t alone. Braeden and I stepped to the side as Allora raised her hands, her voice commanding, “Cerrar.”
The shimmering white wall turned to stone, sealing the portal shut.
Smiling smugly, she brushed her hands together as if wiping off dust. “There, that ought to take care of that.”
“Wait, where’s Galen?” I asked in alarm, noting the hulking sentry wasn’t with us.
Allora smiled. “Sentries are not allowed in the Light Council, so Galen has gone on to his homeland. Don’t worry. He’ll be fine.”
Her confidence put me at ease, and my eyes wandered at my surroundings. The room we were standing in had solid marble from the walls to the floor. Beautiful marbled columns stretched upwards towards the ceiling, the beautiful intricate designs carved into them reminding me of something from Grecian times.
