I'm glad I got to feel that sensation one last time. It was too late to find out where it was coming from, as the last bit of dirt fell over my face. I took the moment to thank the Gods and the Goddesses for the last moment of that euphoric feeling, before succumbing to the darkness.
Chapter 43
Anima Partem
Evan
We just got a lead on Julian when all three of our phones began to ring. “Evan? There’s an emergency. Scarlet left. We don't know where she is,” Chloe said quickly, with urgency in her voice. “What?” I stop dead in my tracks. “What do you mean she left?” I inquired, hoping for better clarification, because the anger and devastation is rising inside of my heart. “Well, I went back down to our suite, so I could get the breakfast that we had in our kitchen. Victoria said she had to use the bathroom. When she came back, Scarlet wasn't there. Her phone is here because we can hear it vibrating. But we can’t find it,” she says. I can hear her voice begin to tremble, as she realizes that our coven leader might be in danger.
“Find the —” I begin to tell her to find the phone immediately in case there is a clue as to where she went. But I was interrupted by Chloe. “Wait! Victoria found it. Hold on,” she says nervously. “Search through it. Now!” I feel my heart in my mouth as I stand in the middle of Italy, far from New York. “There’s something from Mackenzie. It’s a text message saying, “At cave. Come alone or one of your roommates dies.” Chloe sucks in a breath.
“You and Victoria get to the cave Now! We’ll meet you there. Go!” I tell her as fast as I can. I almost hang up when Chloe shouts through the phone. “Wait! Evan, where the hell is this cave?” She says, growing frustrated. “Damn it.” I scream. It wasn't towards Chloe. It was the situation. “Get to Scarlet’s sister’s house. Demi will take you there,” I say, more calmly. This time I do hang up. The anger and the heartbreak hit me all at once and I momentarily lose it, smashing my phone into the ground into hundreds of pieces.
I turn around and begin running as fast as I can to the closest portal around us. Owen and Oliver both already knew the situation because it was the Sisters who called them to inform them. Ava was on the phone with Victoria the same time Chloe was on the phone with me. Hunter is being sent to help us, and Ava is staying behind in case this is only a distraction to a much bigger attack. We get to the universal portal in less than ten minutes. It may have seemed fast to me. But if Scarlet is in danger, ten minutes to her can seem like a lifetime and can be brutally crucial. I cast the portal to take us to the portal inside of the park where Scarlet’s cave is. It places us only a mile away. As soon as the portal doors open, I'm already sprinting, tearing up the ground as fast as I can to Scarlet’s special place.
I get there and instantly feel the dark magic lingering in the air. My heart skips a beat as I come to terms with what is occurring. This whole scene reminds me of a familiar story. The story Scarlet spoke of in one of her visions. I see her cave and I skid to a stop. When Scarlet told us about this vision, she said a woman was dead and that she gets punched unconscious. I suddenly don't feel like I'm breathing because the closer we get to the cave, the more distinct the smell of blood is. The thick smell of a rusty metallic odor fills the entire perimeter of the cave. My heart slightly breaks as I realize I don't feel the effects of the Collegati. My spine isn't tingling and I don't have any goose bumps. I was about to step inside of the entrance to Scarlet’s sanctuary when Hunter steps out.
Both of us, on edge and startled, have taken on a defensive stance. But immediately we lower our weapons when we recognize the familiar faces. Hunter runs up to me and throws herself in my arms. She starts crying, but I feel too numb to react. My hands stay there, stuck at my sides. She peels herself off of me and wipes her eyes. With a shaky breath, Hunter tells me what chaos is on the other side of the glamour. “One dead. One barely alive. And one frightened out of her mind. She won’t come near me. She doesn't know if she can trust me. She is in such heartbreak. There were still two men from the Dark Coven when I got here, so I bound them to the ground until help arrived,” she finishes, with tears still running down her face.
“Any sign of Scarlet?” I ask, eager to hear an optimistic answer. But Hunter only gravely shakes her head in answer. “I just got here. But I have to call Ava. I’ll be out here when you're done in there,” she says sadly. “Owen, Oliver, please stay here with me for a moment. I might need you,” she tells them. They both bow and remain vigilant. In a dazed manner, I step through the glamour and into the entrance of my other half's nightmare. Immediately I see a dead body on the ground. Her blood has pooled all around her, and I can tell this was recent because none of the blood has yet to congeal. The woman’s hair covers her face, so I have to use the end of my Katana to move her hair. It’s Charlie.
My heart breaks into millions of pieces. Charlie was my friend. My heart breaks more when I realize I'm going to have to tell Lucas. I hear a scream come from inside of the cave, so I pull myself together and run forward, weapons raised. I rush through to see Mackenzie kicking one of the bound casters in the face. Blood drips out of the side of his mouth as he taunts her with a smirk. In an angered frenzy, Mack lifts her foot and kicks his face again. This time teeth start flying out of his mouth as his head hits the ground. His taunting smirk replaced by blood.
“Mack,” I whisper. Her head comes up in recognition of my voice. She spins my way, as a loud and trenchant sob escapes her mouth. She runs towards me and crashes into my chest and bawls her eyes out until I have to let her go. “Stay right here. I have to check that person’s pulse,” I tell her, pointing to the hunched-over man against the wall, and a fresh sob leaves her mouth. I can see the stain of tears on her face running through the dirt that’s caked on it. I get to the injured man and lift his head. My breath hitches as I realize it’s Dimitri. I can still feel his life and his power, but it is fading. He needs to get to Eden as soon as possible. I close my eyes and quickly cast soothing and numbing relaxers into his body. I take a brief moment to organize my thoughts. I stand up quickly and walk back over to Mackenzie. “Have you seen what’s on the other side of this door?” I ask, in an attempt to prepare myself and her. She sadly nods her head and cries more. “Mack, I am so sorry.”
I apologize for everything that we, as casters, have put her through. She shakily takes my hand and waits for me to lead her out of the cave. We rapidly walk out, but I feel Mack’s grip get tighter as we pass Charlie's lifeless body. When I walk out, Chloe, Victoria, and Demi are just arriving. Hunter walks towards us and again I feel Mack tighten her hold. “They can be trusted. I promise.” I tell my frightened friend. She loosens her hold, but stays tightly behind me. When she sees Demi, she lets go of my hand and runs towards Scarlet’s confused and concerned sister. I get right into putting a plan in order. “Owen and Oliver, you two bring those dark casters to Eden for interrogations. They don't look hurt enough yet, though. So don’t be easy on them,” I tell them, with malice in my heart. They quickly get to it and run through to the inside of the cave. “Victoria and Chloe, bring the man on the ground to Ava as quickly as you can.” The women each nod once and walk through to retrieve Dimitri.
“Hunter, you come with Demi and me back to her house, so we can try and track Scarlet.” Hunter eagerly nods her head and steps towards Demi. “Mack, you come with us until Derek comes to bring you to my house by Syracuse. He’s to stay at your side at all times for protection. Is that okay?” I ask her. She rapidly nods her head, but doesn't let go of Demi's arm. I walk up to Demi, and I take her free hand. “Demi, Dimitri is in there. He’s still alive, but he’s going to need a lot of help. I know this is a lot to take in right now, but I need you to help me track your sister. On our way to your house you can call your dad to meet your uncle in Eden.”
A tear falls down Demi's usually cheerful face. “Let’s go,” she says, eager to find her sister. On our way to Demi's house, I called Lucas. It was the hardest phone call I have ever had to make, and I can’t imag
ine the pain he is going through. He’s going to the cave with his father to get Charlie’s body, and Derek is meeting us at Demi's to pick up Mack. When we get to Demi's house, Demi runs Mackenzie a bath and casts calming bath bubbles into it. Mack accepted, knowing we had to get started on our search. I don't think she has stopped crying since we found her. When Derek got there, he went straight up to the bathroom to comfort the woman he loves.
To search for Scarlet, we only need some of her blood. And Demi shares half of that blood with her. It won’t be as strong, but it’s the only starting point we have. We have to be successful, for Scarlet’s sake. Demi quickly takes the blade to slice the palm of her hand, as she lets it fall over the globe that is inside of Silas’ den. Hunter, Demi, and I join hands and we focus on Scarlet. With our combined power, the cast worked quickly. But it was unsuccessful. Someone powerful was hiding her, very well. Demi's blood moved on its own all around the globe. When we thought it would stop on a location for us to go to, it would start to move again. Growing frustrated with each second that went by and Scarlet was still out there in need of help, we took turns pacing the room and watching the globe. “I don’t feel her,” I sadly declare. Demi comes to stand by my side and she pulls me in for a hug. “Don't lose hope, Evan. We are going to find her.” She attempts to reassure me.
Only, nothing happens for hours. I can feel the exhaustion that our powers are taking, but we continue to push. Derek left with Mack an hour ago, and we still have not had any luck. I feel like we have tried every cast. The sun is setting, and I'm beginning to panic. Just when I thought I was about to get hysterical, the doorbell rang. In walks the members of the Light Coven. They must have completed their mission with the other Elders. “Any luck?” Victoria asks immediately as I sadly shake my head.
“What if we all try?” Oliver suggests. I’ll try anything right now to know where Scarlet is. “Let’s do it,” I say rapidly. We all join hands and repeat the chant to track a caster. Demi’s blood repeats the same confused pattern as it has been for the entire day. This is not good. Too much time has passed.
“Wait a minute. Didn't Scarlet tell us about her very first vision? Wasn't it of her getting buried or something?” Chloe says, surprising us all. She snaps her fingers, and a notebook appears in her hand. She turns the loose-leaf pages until she finds the one she was looking for. “Yes. She said a woman had her by a cliff in a forest and she was being buried alive,” she confirms. I sit up and look at Hunter. “That could be helpful, right?” I say, anxious for any type of help.
“It could be. Let’s try again,” she says. This time when we cast the tracking spell, we focus on cliffs. When nothing happens, Demi curses under her breath and puts her head in her hands. “I thought you two had some kind of connection. Can’t you do something, Anima Partem?” Owen says, beginning to grow frustrated himself. “Okay. We need to take a deep breath and calm ourselves. Anger will get us nowhere,” Hunter says, getting us back on track on what really matters. Finding Scarlet. “He’s right, Hunter. Isn't there some spell that we could do to find her through me?” I agree with Owen, even if I don't want to.
Hunter stands up quickly, and she smacks the side of her head. “Yes! Why didn't I think of this already? Stupid, Hunter!” She speaks to herself. “Evan, come. Hurry.” She motions towards the blade and waits for me to cut my palm. We mix it with Demi's blood, and we quickly repeat the cast. This time it does work. We all cheer and stand to prepare to retrieve our leader. At that exact moment my mind got fuzzy.“Evan, I love you with all of my heart. Thank you. For everything. My love.”
Scarlet’s beautiful voice sounds in my head. My heart crushes as I realize what type of message it is. I fall to my knees, and Hunter runs to my side. “Evan, what happened?” She asks, full of concern. I relay the message, and Hunter wastes no time. She runs to Demi and grabs her hands. They chant loudly until we hear a loud pop sound in the room. Both Hunter’s and Demi’s nose begin to bleed as a portal appears in the center of the room. Hunter looks me straight in the eyes.
“Go get our girl,” she whispers, before fainting. Demi’s body falls alongside Hunter’s. Although they knew how dangerous the cast was, they didn't hesitate, not for a second. They did it because of their love for Scarlet. I quickly mind speak to Silas for him to come and help his wife and our Elder. And the second I finish the message, I run through the portal. I feel faint tingles down my spine and run faster, looking back with pride to see the members of our coven right behind me, ready to fight, ready to get our leader back.
THE END
Epilogue
An Angel’s Warning
Charlie
My hand flies to the spot in my chest where I was struck with a blade and killed. It feels sore. But there is no puncture wound, loss of blood, or even a bruise to show the horrific proof that my life has ended. I sit up as fresh tears escape my eyes as I think of all the people I'm leaving behind, all of the plans I had for my future, the growing love that Lucas and I were developing, and the terrible fact that my best friends may also be dead.
I blame myself. I’ve read hundreds and hundreds of books that had similar situations. I should have seen it coming and should have been prepared. If I would have left the moment, I had the chance maybe I could have gotten a hold of Lucas or Evan, someone, anyone. The optimistic part of me finds the silver lining, which is the fact that I'm an orphan. At least my parents don't have to go through finding out their daughter is dead, not that they care. Why would they? They left me.
Slamming my hands on the ground beneath me in an act of frustration did nothing to help. I take a deep breath and count to ten. That’s something my therapist instructed me to do in situations where I let my anger get the better of me. It’s a directive that all foster kids have to go to therapy. Most don't stick with it but I did. I liked having someone to speak with and share my thoughts, that is until I went to Syracuse. When I met my roommates, especially Scarlet, I felt I didn't need the therapy sessions any longer.
The sound of a bell in the distance echoes through the gigantic stone spiral staircase in front of me. Where am I? I get to my feet still rubbing the spot in my chest where that evil caster pierced my life away with his sword. Walking slowly up the stairs following the sound of the bell and as I get closer, I notice the light getting brighter. Only there are no windows or lanterns. As I walk up the stairs at a brisker pace, looking down at my feet, I didn't see the person standing still at the top of the staircase. I run directly into the back of a small and frail woman almost causing us both to fall.
“I'm so sorry.” I apologize to the dear old woman. She nods and returns to her position. I look up to see a line formed in front of her of about twenty or so people made up of all races and ages. A man held a baby a few spots ahead and next to him was a toddler holding his hand. A tear falls down my face as I think of what tragedy could have happened to this poor man and his family. Just as I was about to ask the old woman for information, someone or something appeared to be approaching the group from afar.
Everyone was focused on its approach as it kept getting closer and closer. An incredibly handsome man dressed in Roman-like attire landed in front of our group, and I stare in awe at the enormous wings that grace his back. They are pure white with flecks of gold throughout its flawless feathers. He bows his head with a lovely smile on his perfect face. “Welcome to Paradise, follow me for further knowledge of your path.” He gracefully turns around and begins to lightly walk forward. I quickly fall in step with the other people in the group and take the moment to view my surroundings.
As I look around in curiosity, the first place I look is up, high above us is a sky, almost identical to the one on earth. But this one looks pristine, clear of earth’s toxic fumes and ever warming climate change. The ground we’re walking on is stone gray with patches of soft and bright green grass here and there. I look around and see a vast array of trees and ponds of various sizes placed sporadically around the surrounding areas. As we walk further
in, more people appear around us. Only they were not people. They were angels. They all walked around with their wings out on display. And most of them looked like they were busy with important errands or responsibilities to accomplish. There was no grimace or hostility to be seen. It was all peaceful and calm.
Except, there were two angels who seemed to be having a heated discussion. One of them was a woman who looked to be in her thirties with bright red hair. It fell in beautiful curls down her back, and her wings were a light gray color with the gold dust in the feathers. It made them look even more enchanting. The man she was frowning at was even more handsome than the angel leading my group. He looks closer to my age than the woman did. He was tall with a perfectly sculpted body. His thick straight blond hair was up in a natural comb over that was more raised in the front than it was in the back. I can see his full lips from where I stand and his wings were pure white, but they had a neon-like blue hue to them making them look like lightening.
Again, I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking. So when the group stopped walking and I didn't, I ran into the old woman, once more. She smiled at me again and returned facing forward. But I guess I made a ruckus because when I looked up to look at the angels who appeared to be having the disagreement, they were staring right at me. “Charlie?” The woman says breathless.
I don't know how I heard her so clearly when she was across the cobblestone field. And I don't know how she knew my name, but both her and the gorgeous man race to my side. The woman grabs me out of the group and pulls me towards a more private area behind a tree. The moment we are out of everyone’s sight, the female pulled me in for a tight hug. “Oh, Charlie. What happened?” she asked with much concern in her tone. Too confused to answer her, I reply with my own question. “How, how do you know my name?’ I stutter with nervousness.
Winter's Awakening (Light Coven Chronicles Book 1) Page 44
