by J. E. Cluney
“True. Well, I’m sure they’ll get it. Lucas is resourceful, and Ollie…well, from what I know of him and when he used to hang out with Lucas as kids, he’s a tough one and will see things through,” Cathy stated as she circled the main stainless steel counter. “What would you guys like?”
“I’d kill for a pizza,” I answered honestly.
“Well, there’s some frozen ones we can cook, but that’s about it,” Cathy mused as she opened the freezer.
“Done!” I stated as I strode over to assist.
She let me take over, only helping me when I glanced at the commercial grade oven uncertainly.
Allison and Marcus sat down at the barstools, and Cathy influenced the oven with magic so that our pizza would be ready in five minutes.
I expanded my hearing and caught Charlotte now on the phone with what sounded like the Council, barking at them in frustration and demanding they send more help before the entire town fell. She wanted the warding lifted immediately.
Camille was on the phone too, trying to calm the other founding families that were calling through.
At least Pam was still silent.
Good riddance.
“If I could turn myself over and knew it wouldn’t cost people their lives, I would end all this,” Allison murmured after a moment of silence.
“No, never,” Marcus said firmly, one arm wrapped around her waist, like he was scared she was going to vanish into thin air if he stopped touching her. At least he could take care of her amongst all of this, flit her to safety if needed.
I could do nothing really.
“A banshee in the hands of a crazed warlock? I imagine he could do a lot of bad with that,” Cathy clicked her tongue.
“I know,” Allison mumbled, and I gave her a despairing smile when those broken doe eyes met mine.
“Where do you suppose this warlock is even hiding out? My father and all his shifter trackers couldn’t sniff him out,” Cathy murmured as she tapped one polished nail on the counter thoughtfully.
“In plain sight probably. He’s powerful and clearly capable of masking himself,” I growled out.
“Why has he remained hidden? Why not show himself? If he’s so powerful, why’s he not handling things himself?” Allison asked, her brow furrowed.
She looked so cute, all confused like that, but I couldn’t admire it right now.
This was deadly serious.
“Who knows? Probably biding his time, waiting for the right moment,” Cathy said as she eyed the oven.
“I wish he’d just keel over and die from something,” I muttered. I knew it was awfully hopeful, but I didn’t care. Maybe he’d choke on a fly or trip over and smash his head open.
“Has my brother found the dagger yet?”
We all turned to spy Rebecca joining us, wearing a skintight grey dress with her hair up in a tight bun.
“Not that we’re aware of. Our bond is strained over this distance, and no texts or calls either,” Marcus answered.
“When Lucas called my father saying we had to get to the Brady mansion for safety, I’d never have thought the town had fallen into…” She let her words trail off as her jaw clenched. “My mother fought him about coming here, but when she got a call from a friend saying something about shadow monsters, she got in the car. She’s a damn stubborn woman,” she muttered.
“Well, I’m sure they’ll let us know as soon as they do find it,” I said.
She nodded, flinching as the oven timer went off.
I got the pizza out as Cathy found a cutter, and we served up slices on silver plates.
“Want any?” I asked Rebecca as she eyed the pizza.
“I’d honestly kill for some,” she said with a soft laugh.
I nodded as I served her two slices as well, and we all ate in silence.
Allison struggled to force herself to eat, even with Marcus reminding her she needed her strength right now, especially if she needed to use her powers again.
I just prayed Mr Brady would come through.
I’d only just finished the last bite of my third piece when Camille hurried in.
“The outer barrier on the walls has been taken down,” she informed us, the nerve in her neck jumping as she tried not to fret.
“But Dad’s magic…” Cathy murmured.
“We believe Joseph is feeding his magic into the possessed witches, powering them up even more. They’re coming for the house,” she said quickly.
“What do we do?” Rebecca asked softly. It was strange seeing her so reserved and quiet. Normally, she was so sure of herself and bitchy. I guessed a time of crisis did a number on people.
Camille didn’t get a chance to respond as all the lights went off.
“Well, fuck,” I breathed.
“Mum?” Cathy hissed.
I pulled out my phone, scowling at the sudden lack of signal.
“No signal on my phone, anyone else?” I asked.
Cathy and Rebecca checked theirs instantly, and their muttered curses were enough to verify that mobile service was down.
“We should group back together,” Camille said softly as some emergency lights came on along the flooring of the room. I’d not even seen the little floor lights before.
Marcus helped Allison off her stool as we all headed back, but I caught her hand, nodding at Marcus as I pulled her up in the hall. He gave me a soft smile and nodded before continuing on.
“What’s wrong?” she whispered in the darkness, and I could feel her unease chilling her to the bone.
“I just want you to know I’ll do anything for you, okay? I’ll protect you with everything I’ve got, no matter what,” I murmured as I pulled her close, gazing down into those dilated doe eyes. We had only minuscule lighting here, but it was enough for me to make out her delicate features.
“As will I,” she said softly as her hand rose to cup my cheek. “I love you beyond words.”
I smiled as I dipped down, claiming her mouth in a raw, passionate kiss.
For all I knew, I was running out of time to appreciate her. We had no idea how all of this would play out.
I just needed her to know I loved her more than life itself. She was my life, she gave it meaning, and drove me onwards. Her smile lit up my entire world, and there was nothing I wouldn’t do for her.
‘I love you to the ends of the earth, Allison Smoak,’ I stated mentally.
She deepened our kiss, pressing her body against mine.
‘I won’t let anything happen to any of us. I promise,’ she sent back.
I broke the kiss, moving to press my lips against her forehead gently.
“Isn’t that what we should be saying?” I chuckled lightly.
“I’m the one with a warlock inside me, and I’m a banshee,” she shot back, managing a small smile for a moment.
The heaviness of the situation weighed it down though, and we shared a solemn look as I took her hand and led her out into the lounge room.
I just prayed we made it through the night.
6
Everyone was silent except Pam, who muttered in frustration as she kept checking for a signal all over the room, refusing to accept it was pointless.
Charlotte and Camille were by the French doors, and Trish and Brad were perched on two armchairs near the corner as they sipped their whisky.
I headed over after giving Marcus a kiss on the cheek, leaving Skip with him.
“You okay?” I asked Trish as I joined them.
“Well, I’m living out an apocalypse, so I guess that’s something ticked off my bucket list,” she said with a heavy sigh before throwing back the last of her whisky.
“Any new news?” Brad asked softly as he reached over to place a comforting hand on Trish’s knee.
“Nothing. Just that the power is out, emergency lights seem to be on. Phone lines are all down,” I mumbled.
“Well, shit aye?” Trish sank back into her chair and pursed her lips. “Where’s our rescue?”
“No idea,” I murmured.
“Maybe we’ll have to rescue ourselves then, huh?” she said as those weary eyes met mine, the edges crinkling far beyond her years. She looked so tired all of a sudden, like she’d aged.
“Maybe,” I said softly as I glanced over at Camille and Charlotte.
They were peering out the windows, and I headed over to check in with them.
“How’s the protective magic holding?” I asked as I stepped up beside them.
“Sturdy. For now,” Camille whispered as she stared hard out the window.
I followed her gaze, my heart skipping as I saw the various witches standing in a line outside the home. They were staring at the French doors, not moving or anything, just frozen.
As if awaiting orders.
“They’ve been there all this time,” Charlotte muttered.
We hadn’t noticed them earlier, thanks to the light white curtains, but Camille and Charlotte stood before an opening in them, and I just clenched my jaw at the sight.
Until I spotted the familiar silver hair I knew all too well.
“Emma,” I gasped.
Marcus was by my side in an instant as Skip hurried over.
“Shit,” Skip muttered as he stared out at Emma, who was waiting in the formation.
She looked strange, her eyes glassy as she stared vacantly ahead, her face expressionless. I hated seeing her like this.
“What are they waiting for?” Marcus dared to ask as everyone else wandered over to get a peek outside as well.
Pam cursed, and Cathy and Rebecca were silent.
Trish just sucked in a breath of air and clicked her tongue, while Brad didn’t make a sound.
“Orders,” Charlotte stated, sending a terrifying quiver down my spine.
“We have to help her,” I whimpered.
“There’s nothing you can do just now,” Charlotte said firmly.
“What orders do you think they’re waiting on?” Cathy asked hesitantly, as if she feared the answer.
“Orders to attack,” Charlotte stated.
I leaned back against Marcus, taking comfort in his sturdy frame behind me.
I wanted to run out there and save Emma, to whisk her away.
I couldn’t even text George to let him know where she was, that she was…safe…sort of.
‘Allison, I need to speak with you, urgently,’ Walter said, his voice cutting through my mind sharply.
I sucked in a breath, delving straight into my void.
Had he seen what was going on out here?
“Allison, I’m glad you’re still holding out. Cheryl has passed all her knowledge on now, and your banshee has it all. She’s learning how to use some of Cheryl’s powers with them,” Walter explained.
“So I could theoretically summon a ghost army to help us fight?” I asked.
“Um, I mean, maybe, if your banshee learns quickly and is strong enough, but that might be pushing it,” he said with a frown.
“The house is surrounded, and they already took out the protective warding on the walls. I don’t doubt they can tear it down here too. We need a plan,” I said, sighing in frustration as I battled off the anxiousness that was setting in with fear.
“I know, I’m sorry. But there was something I needed to tell you. When Cheryl’s spirit was merging with your banshee, I glimpsed some memories. Most were nothing to worry about, but one was. When Joseph put his soul into that dagger, he used her magic. Mabel and I have been studying the memory, understanding the magic, and we believe that only banshee magic can undo his current state. So banshee magic combined with the scarlet dagger can kill him,” he said, those golden brown eyes pained at this revelation.
“I know, my banshee told me…” I murmured, still hating this.
I’d hoped so badly we could just hand the dagger over to Mr Brady, but that was a no-go.
“You have to wield it and allow your magic to flow through it,” Walter confirmed.
“Oh hell,” I muttered, the tightness in my chest growing.
“Allison, I’ll be here with you,” Walter promised as he stepped forward.
“As will I,” my banshee said, her echoing voice swimming around me, although she didn’t manifest before me.
“Okay,” I murmured. Well, I guessed everything was now resting on my shoulders. I now knew exactly how Ollie felt.
“You can’t let him get to you until you have that dagger,” Walter stated firmly. “You are the only one that can kill him.”
“Got it,” I said as I fisted my hands.
Fuck my life.
“So you’re the only one who can wield the dagger?” Charlotte stared hard at me, and I fought the urge to shift under her scrutiny.
“That’s what Walter said,” I said, forcing my voice to remain strong.
“Right, the spirit of Joseph’s son inside you. Still wrapping my head around that one,” she said with a hint of a smile. “You up for the task?”
“I kinda have to be, don’t I?” I said earnestly, and she gave me a soft smile.
The house rumbled, and I stumbled back against Marcus as Charlotte cursed.
“They’re attacking the magic on the house,” Camille said, her voice hitching as she touched the wall, her hand glowing faintly.
“What now?” Trish growled as she glared at the witches outside.
“We can’t fight them, we’re outnumbered,” Charlotte said through gritted teeth.
“There’s an emergency tunnel in the basement,” Camille said quickly as her eyes glowed softly.
“Well, we should make a run for it then, right?” Skip asked as he looked between everyone.
“No. If he gets his hands on Allison, we’re all doomed. They know she’s here. We can try to maintain the warding as long as we can by siphoning the magic from the true shifters and using it to maintain it as well. Then we can hold them at bay while you escape,” Charlotte said as she looked over to Ollie’s family.
“You expect us to just let you steal our magic?” Pam barked, no longer willing to hold her tongue.
“You’re a founding family of this town. It’s your duty to protect it,” Charlotte snapped.
“I don’t think I can siphon magic. Only from other witches,” Camille admitted softly.
“That’s fine. I can siphon from them, and then you can siphon from me. It’ll work. Allison, you and the boys get out of here, along with your grandmother and her friend. You need whatever protection you can get. Cathy, Rebecca, you should go too and help them. We’ve got enough true shifters here to hold us for now,” Charlotte ordered.
“My daughter is not going without me,” Pam growled out.
“Pam, please. I know we’ve never seen eye to eye and I know you’ve never loved me, but the lives of both our children, the entire town, they’re all on the line. If you don’t help us now, they could perish,” Craig said, trying to reason with her.
“All your friends who come over for your parties would be dead. And even if they do survive, how will they feel about their renowned true shifter founder running away?” Rebecca added as she stepped in front of her mom.
Pam scowled at her, but her expression was dropping. Rebecca took her hands sweetly.
“I know I’ve asked for a lot over the years. Probably been a spoiled little brat too. But right now, I’m begging you to give us a chance. Please,” she murmured.
Pam’s face softened at this, and she flicked her gaze around at everyone.
“I don’t want to die,” she admitted after a moment.
“None of us do. We’re all just as scared as you are, Mom. But you’ve got two powerful witches here in a house warded by a warlock. If he can bring that warding down, I can guarantee this is the first place he’ll come to. He’ll rescue everyone here,” Rebecca said, her voice pleading.
Pam nodded after a short moment as the house groaned once more.
“Start siphoning, ma’am. We need to keep them out for as long as we can,” Bob said, stepping up to Charlotte a
s he offered his hand.
She took it, and her eyes glowed with a fiery light as she touched the wall.
The groaning ceased, and Pam let out a breath.
“I suppose it would do no good for my reputation if I didn’t stand and fight. Get them to safety, Becca,” she murmured.
Rebecca’s eyes widened, and I wondered if her mother called her that often. From what I’d learned from Ollie, she’d been a harsh mother, controlling and demanding.
But perhaps there was an underlying reason for all that.
Not that I’d learn that right now.
We were running out of time.
“Cathy, take them to the tunnel,” Camille urged her daughter.
Cathy hesitated before throwing her arms around her mother.
“Don’t you dare leave me, got it? I love you so much, Mom,” Cathy choked out, and my chest tightened as she sobbed softly.
“It’ll be okay. Your dad will come, and everything will be fine, I promise,” Camille said softly as she stroked her hair, but her eyes were glittering as her lip quivered.
Rebecca smiled softly at her mom, who gave a soft, broken laugh before hugging her.
“You’ve grown into a fine woman. Even if you keep standing against me,” she said, her voice light and slightly joking.
I certainly hadn’t expected the sudden change from her, but then again, this could be their final goodbyes.
I hung my head as they said their desperate goodbyes, and Rebecca hugged both her father and grandfather tight.
Bob said farewell to us with Craig, and I hugged them both, promising I’d tell Ollie how much they both loved him.
“Allison,” Pam said, turning to me, and I held my head high as she stepped forward.
“Tell Ollie…” She hesitated before sighing and straightening herself. “Tell him I may be a cruel mother, but I do love him, in my own way. I was raised in an old, traditional family, where we were hard on our children so that they’d grow up strong. Maybe I let things get to my head, but he’s going to save this town. I know it,” she said.
I just stared at her, nodding slowly. Even Skip was flabbergasted in my mind as he snorted in shock.
Cathy wiped her tears as she ushered us to follow her, and Trish and Brad hurried after us as we left the others in the lounge room.
