The Scarlet Dagger

by J. E. Cluney

  They’d run other standard tests, and everything came back normal.

  There was no medical reason for why she wasn’t waking.

  Allison rested her head on my shoulder, and I stroked her arm soothingly in an attempt to ease her stress.

  I’d mentally informed Ollie and Skip, who had already practiced another shift. This time, Ollie had remained as himself and had tested out breathing fire into the air.

  I wanted to be excited for him, to wonder about all the possible abilities he had, but my mind was preoccupied with Emma’s current state.

  I’d seen Allison’s dream, and all I could think about was if Joseph was somehow involved. Who else would Emma have meant when she said he’d found her?

  ‘She’s waking up,’ Lucas informed us, and Allison sighed as she immediately let the others know.

  “Thank God,” Teresa croaked out as she dried her tears and sniffled.

  Tony let out a relieved sigh and smiled at George, who looked like the greatest weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

  We waited patiently as the doctor and nurse checked her over and asked her questions. Lucas was standing back, listening to her responses.

  Some were worrying.

  She had absolutely no recollection of the past few days.

  Allison shot me a worried look as she shared her last memory. The morning after George left for work, she headed home, but something drew her to a back street, where she parked.

  Everything was blank after that.

  ‘Can’t be good,’ Lucas growled.

  We all agreed. But even Lucas’ magical attempts to draw memories forth were useless.

  They were completely gone.

  The doctor came and collected us once they deemed Emma okay, and we all headed into the room to see her.

  “Hey, sweetheart,” Teresa croaked out as she leaned over the side of the bed to hug her.

  “Hey, Mom,” Emma murmured as she frowned over her shoulder at the sight of all of us. “Can someone tell me what happened? They told me to wait for you guys,” Emma said as she shot the nurse a look. She was standing by the door, keeping an eye on Emma.

  “You weren’t yourself, and no one had seen you for a few days,” Teresa said as she pulled back and searched Emma’s soft grey eyes. “You really don’t remember anything? Not messaging any of us?”

  “No, sorry,” Emma mumbled, her brow furrowing in distress. It lightened though as George stepped forward, and Teresa moved aside as Emma was pulled into a tight hug.

  She smiled softly as George kissed her cheek.

  “I was so worried,” George admitted.

  “I’m fine now,” Emma assured him as they broke apart, and she gave him a gentle peck on the lips.

  George just smiled at her as he stroked her face.

  I couldn’t imagine what he’d felt. If it had been Allison… No. That would crush me, seeing her like that and not knowing what to do or how to help.

  ‘There’s no need to worry about that,’ Allison murmured into my mind as she slipped her hand into mine.

  I gave her a small smile before kissing her head, and she leaned into me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

  “Lucas did a tracking spell and found you in the cemetery,” Tony added as he stood by Teresa and stroked Emma’s hair gently. George was now holding her hand, as if he needed to be touching her. I’d be the same way after such a scare, unable to leave my mate alone.

  Then again, they weren’t true mates, not that it mattered. Emma was a witch, and quokkas were not one of the species known to get true mates.

  “Why was I there?” Emma murmured as she shot us all a confused look.

  “We have no idea,” Lucas admitted. “None of this makes any sense.”

  Emma bit her lip and stared down at the blanket over her legs in confusion as Teresa fussed over her and began combing her hair with her fingers to detangle it. At least they’d put a hospital gown on her.

  Allison sat on the edge of the bed, and Emma’s gaze moved to her.

  “I feel like…we spoke,” Emma said softly, as if she was struggling to recall a distant memory.

  “We texted,” Allison answered, but Emma shook her head.

  “No, something different. I can’t believe I remember nothing,” Emma said with a groan as she rubbed her temple.

  “Don’t try to force it. The doctor and Lucas tried to bring forth any memories, but if their magic can’t, then don’t try to force it. They may be completely wiped for now, or they may come back with time,” the nurse said gently.

  Emma just scrunched up her nose and sighed in frustration.

  “I’m just glad you’re okay,” George said as he brought her hand to his lips to kiss it.

  “I just want to know what happened,” Emma growled out in annoyance.

  “So do we. But you’re okay, and that’s the main thing,” Teresa said gratefully.

  Emma didn’t look convinced though as she shot Allison a look.

  “I had a nightmare with you in it. You were asking for help,” Allison said, and Emma reached up to play with her pendant.

  “Maybe that was it…” she murmured as she stared off to the side.

  “The spirits came to me, warning me that you needed help as well. The doctor said something is wrong with your spirit, but they can’t figure out what it is. They think your magic is protecting you,” Teresa said as she finished combing her hair.

  “My spirit?” Emma turned back to give her mom a strange look.

  “Maybe they were wrong. It could be something to do with what you are, your psychic abilities, anything,” Tony said, although he didn’t sound overly convinced.

  “Maybe,” Emma nodded. “I do feel…strange. Could we do some magical tests at home?” She turned to her mother. “Maybe my magic was protecting me because it didn’t trust them, or it was unfamiliar magic trying to check me?”

  “Of course! I’ll call my sister too, see if she can come over. You know her psychic abilities differ from mine,” Teresa said, nodding. “We’ll figure this out.”

  Emma sighed, and we all fell quiet as the doctor returned.

  He wanted Emma to be watched over for the next forty-eight hours, and should they notice anything out of the ordinary, they were to bring her straight back.

  He’d wanted to call in Mr Brady, but he was still away with the Council, which was disconcerting.

  Lucas had done all he could, but he was still learning his own abilities, and when it came to the medical side of things, his father was more skilled and knowledgeable.

  “Well, let’s get you home. I’ll make you a nice cold drink and you can relax,” Teresa said as the doctor finished telling them his instructions.

  “We can watch a movie or something. I can take tomorrow off too, and we can just relax,” George said sweetly, and Emma smiled lovingly at him.

  “I’d like that,” she murmured as her father helped her climb out of the bed. “Sorry for worrying everyone.”

  “Don’t apologize. I’m just glad you seem okay. Hopefully, your mom and aunt can figure this out,” Allison said, and Emma moved past her dad to hug her.

  Allison hugged her back, but her expression changed as a strange sensation flowed through me from her banshee side.

  Emma pulled back before turning and nestling into George’s arms.

  Allison watched her with an odd look, trying to sort out just why her banshee had flared strangely.

  “Guys,” Lucas hissed as he pulled out his phone. “Charlotte is calling. Claire has probably woken up.”

  “You guys go, I’ll be fine. You need to figure out this Joseph thing,” Emma said as she turned in George’s arms to usher us off.

  “You sure?” Allison asked, but Emma gave her a positive smile.

  “I’ll be fine. I’ve got these three watching over me.”

  Ally nodded, and Lucas opened up the portal instantly.

  This day just got crazier and crazier.

  17

&nb
sp; “Why didn’t they move her to the medical center?” I asked as we stepped into the lobby of the police station through the portal.

  “They just got someone in to care for her here,” Lucas answered as he strode past the various officers at their desks.

  Marcus and I hurried after him, although my banshee was still stirring within me.

  I wanted to check what had set her off, but this took precedent.

  “I’m glad you could make it,” Charlotte greeted us as she stepped out of a room at the end of the hall.

  She was a slim yet broad-shouldered woman with a sharp face, reminding me a little of the true witches out of shows that resembled crows.

  But her brown eyes were bright and relieved to see us as she clasped her hands.

  “How is she?” Lucas asked as Charlotte opened the door for us.

  “Lucid. I haven’t asked her any questions just yet,” she answered as we filed into the room. “Her parents are in there.”

  We stepped inside, and Mr and Mrs Ryan were sobbing as they hugged Claire.

  They pulled back as they noticed our arrival, and Mrs Ryan hurried over to hug Lucas.

  “Thank you. Thank you for bringing her back to us, for saving her,” she sobbed.

  “There’s no need to thank me,” Lucas said softly as he patted her back.

  “We owe you everything,” Mr Ryan said as he turned back to stare at Claire with utter relief and joy.

  “Is Skip with you?” Claire asked instantly, and I bit my lip at her pained expression as Mrs Ryan stepped away from Lucas.

  “No, sorry,” Lucas said, and her face fell.

  “I wanted to tell him I was sorry. And you too, Allison. I never meant to try to hurt anyone,” she blurted out as she fisted her hands in the blanket over her legs. Her lower lip was trembling, and her ocean green eyes were glistening as her father stepped closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

  She gritted her teeth as she tried to fight back the tears that threatened to spill.

  “It’s okay. No one was hurt. We know it wasn’t your doing. You were under the influence of magic,” Lucas assured her as we moved closer to her bed.

  I could feel Skip slipping into my mind, desperate to check on Claire. His guilt and pain for her made me quiver, but I tried to push my loving feelings onto him.

  “Skip knows you’re sorry,” I said softly as I gave her a small smile. “And I forgive you. We both do. We know it wasn’t really you.”

  Claire choked as the tears trickled down her cheeks, and she swallowed down a sob as she nodded. Her mother was back beside her, and she took her hand comfortingly.

  “Thank you. I was still upset with Skip, but not because of what happened, not really. The morning they left for that trip, Selena and I had a small fight. Skip decided it’d be best to let us both breathe, so he took her on that hike. I wish I could’ve said I was sorry. I can’t even remember what it was about. But the last memory I have of her is fighting. I just wanted the chance to apologize, but I never got it,” Claire said as she sobbed.

  Skip’s devastation washed over me, and my throat tightened as the sadness and pain overcame me from him.

  “Trust me, she would’ve known. She loved you,” Lucas said.

  “He’s right. Selena always loved you. You were her baby sister. Siblings fight, it’s just the way it is. But she knew you loved her more than anything,” Mrs Ryan said sweetly as she kissed her forehead.

  Claire nodded softly, unable to speak as she drew in a few shaky breaths.

  “Claire, do you remember anything out of the ordinary? Do you remember who did this to you?” Charlotte stepped in, her voice rather soft and careful, like she was dealing with a fragile child.

  In a way, she was.

  Claire frowned as she sniffled, shaking her head as she tried to remember.

  “I remember…driving into town. There was a man flagging me down, the bonnet of his car up. I pulled over…” Claire bit her lip.

  “It’s okay. Just try to remember what you can, darling,” her mother murmured.

  “What did this man look like?” Charlotte asked.

  Claire squinted as she cocked her head, as if she was replaying it.

  “I…don’t know. I can’t remember. I do remember offering to call help for him. His hand glowed red, and then I was driving again, to Maple Grove. I wanted to meet Skip’s new girlfriend. I can’t remember much after that, but I remember seeing the man again up here. He was telling me what to do, how he wanted me to spy on them all and report to him. I did that. And then he gave me a gun, one of my father’s. I thought that was weird, but I didn’t question it either. He asked me what I wanted to do, and then I felt this rage and anger, so horribly bad and powerful. He told me where to find them and to do what needed to be done,” Claire explained slowly, dismay and utter terror washing over her features.

  “It’s okay, Claire. You’re safe here, and no one got hurt,” Charlotte said soothingly as Claire began to draw in ragged breaths.

  A portal opened up, and Skip stepped through.

  “Claire,” he murmured, and she burst into tears at the sight of him.

  He was beside her in an instant, his arms wrapped around her as she clung to him.

  “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed out.

  “It’s okay, Claire. It’s all okay,” Skip said as he nodded at her parents, who had stepped back to allow her a moment with him.

  Claire cried softly as she held onto him, and he just spoke soothing words until she calmed down a bit.

  “Claire, I know this is tough and you probably want to go home, but that man is dangerous, and we need to know anything you can tell us about him,” Charlotte said once Skip had stepped away. Mrs Ryan took his place, holding Claire’s hand once more.

  Claire nodded as she closed her eyes, like she was digging through her own memories.

  “Would you like me to try bringing forth some memories?” Lucas offered.

  Claire looked to her parents, and Mrs Ryan was shaking her head firmly.

  “She’s been through enough,” she stated.

  “Mom, it’s okay. It could help save lives. Besides, I owe them that after what I nearly did,” Claire said.

  “Please don’t ever think that was your fault. You were not in control of your actions,” Skip reminded her sternly.

  Claire managed a small smile and nod before focusing back on Lucas.

  He stepped forward, holding his hand over his forehead.

  “I won’t dig if it’s too much. We’ll just see if there’s anything lurking beneath the surface that can come forward,” he said gently.

  Claire let out a breath as Mr and Mrs Ryan watched on anxiously.

  As soon as Lucas’ hand lit up, Claire cried out, completely distraught.

  Mrs Ryan shot forward in a panic, smacking Lucas’ hand away like it was a deadly weapon.

  “What happened?!” Skip barked as he moved to check on her as well.

  “No, he didn’t do anything wrong,” Claire blurted, her expression utterly terrified as she grabbed her mom’s arm, her eyes wide. “I saw his plans.”

  I shuddered at the complete fear in her eyes as she looked at us all, her face pale.

  “Joseph Murphy wants to take the power of the whole town, all the magic there is here. He wants to feed off all the special supes here,” she said, then her eyes fell on me. “And he wants you.”

  “Me?” I gasped out, dread and fear ripping through me.

  “He wants your power, and he wants to use the bond between you and your mates,” she said, sobbing.

  “Why?” Charlotte demanded, but Claire just shook her head.

  “I don’t know. That’s all I know, and I don’t even know how,” she cried out.

  “His magical connection to control her, it must’ve linked them somehow,” Lucas growled out.

  “All I know is that you and your mates are smack bang in the middle of his plans,” Claire said between shaky breaths. “He wants this to
wn to fall.”

  I turned to Lucas, sharing a horrified look with him.

  “I need to call my dad,” he hissed as he turned and vanished out of the room.

  Marcus was beside me in an instant, one arm around my waist protectively, but even he was freaked out by this revelation.

  We were what Joseph wanted—us and our power.

  “We need to find that dagger,” Marcus muttered as his grip on me tightened.

  I just swallowed as I stared down at the blue skull on my palm.

  What would he even do with my power?

  A chill swept through me as a dark thought arose.

  Could a warlock magnify my touch of death ability?

  The thought was terrifying, and I closed my hand, gritting my teeth as I leaned into Marcus.

  I wouldn’t let him get it.

  I’d die first.

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  Glossary

  Arvo - afternoon

  Big W - store like walmart

  Bogan - is Australian and New Zealand slang for a person whose speech, clothing, attitude and behaviour are considered unrefined or unsophisticated.

  Bottle-o - Liquor store

  Chippy - Carpenter

  Esky - hard-cased cooler for drinks

  IGA - Grocery store

  Fortnight - two weeks

  Grog - Alcohol/booze

  Grog bog - alcohol induced defecation day after

  Grouched- get pretend cranky with

  Lounge - couch/sofa

  Nappy - diaper