Tempest Song: Unraveled World Book 2

by Alicia Fabel

  Please don’t tell him, Vera begged. I’ll do anything you want. Just don’t tell him.

  That's a tempting offer, but he’s going to figure it out the next time he opens the link between us and finds you here too.

  Then tell me how to make it stop.

  Why are you so afraid of Kale finding out?

  If I’m doing this with a cloak, he’ll never agree to let me go to Nibiru. If I can’t go to Nibiru, I won’t get control of my siphon.

  He already nixed the idea of you going to that place. Your most recent sparring attempt did not inspire much confidence.

  I have a plan. Vera replayed the snippet of conversation she’d overheard between the two of them moments before, the details of her plan formulating in her mind for Ferrox to see.

  Ferrox laughed. You’re going to seduce him?

  Vera blushed furiously. Pretend to seduce him—turn-around’s fair play. He said all I have to do is knock him off his feet. He didn’t say how I had to do it.

  His little experiment really pissed you off, didn’t it? Ferrox turned his head to study her closely. Why is that?

  Why? Vera asked with heat in her thoughts. Because it was a dick thing to do.

  If you glare at him like that, your plan may not go so well.

  Vera blinked, letting her face smooth over. Widening her eyes a fraction, she offered Ferrox a sweet smile, then glanced down bashfully. Ferrox howled through their link.

  I would’ve helped you turn that on Kale for the entertainment value alone, but since you offered to do whatever I want to keep this to myself, I’ll take that too. One problem, though. How do you plan to hide your deception? He’ll see it the second he looks at you.

  Vera’s heart dropped. She hadn’t thought of that.

  A suggestion? Don’t let him see you until you’re ready to enact your plan. And make sure it’s dark when you do.

  Good idea.

  He’s almost back. You’re sure about this?

  Yes. If my cloak is failing, I have to find someone who can help me soon. The only one who can, is a man in Nibiru.

  Find that mass of magic inside you. Feel around it. There will be a thread leading out toward me. Can you feel it?

  No…wait, yes. It’s so thin. And angry. And hungry.

  That’s it, then. A bit of demon magic.

  I didn’t even notice it before.

  You’ve got a lot of magic mixed up inside you that you’ve never taken the time to get familiar with. Why would you notice if it changed a little, added a little demon to the pile?

  Vera tugged at the line.

  Stop that, Ferrox scolded. I don’t want you pulling chunks of my mind back with you.

  Vera didn’t want that either. She didn’t move.

  You need to slice the line.

  That sounded easy enough. She pictured an ax crashing through the thread and nearly fell over when the line recoiled back inside her. Ferrox stumbled a little too.

  That was a little drastic, said Ferrox. I’m going to have a headache the rest of the night, thanks.

  It didn’t work? Vera’s chest tightened

  It worked. This is my doing now. But the red eyes. Ferrox bobbed his head. Those are still there.

  What do I do?

  I suggest you bury that scrap of demon magic deep enough that it can’t surface and keep your calm. My eyes flare when I’m upset.

  Vera reshaped the demon-magic like a mound of clay. Tucking the angry bit into the center of the world-thread, she asked, Are they normal again?

  For now.

  I’ll keep my cool tonight, just in case.

  I should mention that anger isn’t the only thing that makes my eyes burn. A curvy mare will do the trick too. So you may keep your eyes closed if you get caught up in your schemes tonight.

  That will not be a problem.

  Shame. Ferrox scented the air. Better get in there and hide beneath your blankets. Your mark is about to cross through a world-gate.

  Vera took off running. The link between her and Ferrox went quiet. She hoped that meant the horse was out of her head. Right now, she had to get inside her room and hope her ability to fake sleep was better than her ability to lie.

  You’ve been quiet, Kale said to Ferrox.

  Needed a nap. Someone kept me up all morning.

  Kale crossed into the meadow, looking for any sign of Vera, but the cabin was dark. He’d enjoyed his trip to Annwn more than he’d anticipated. Ferrox’s natural demon-damper on his emotions had been intoxicating. He’d planned to go out again tonight, before his unexpected visitor had shown up. Where’s Vera?

  Sleeping? Ferrox guessed.

  The sun’s not even down yet.

  Maybe the broken foot wore her out. Or maybe she’s still pissed and wants you to think she’s asleep, so she doesn’t have to talk to you.

  Kale acknowledged that either of those was likely the case. Vera’s bag was propped against the wall beside his sword. He moved down the hall and knocked lightly on her door. There was no answer, but she was there. He twisted the knob and peeked in at her. She was curled up with her back to the door.

  “Vera?” he called quietly.

  She didn’t move. Her side rose and fell steadily, too quick for her to be asleep, though. Ferrox was right. The girl was avoiding him. Infernals be damned. He pulled the door closed and wandered back down the hall. Dropping onto the couch with a heavy sigh, he let his head fall back to rest on the cushion.

  Meeting with the new High Mother go well? asked Ferrox.

  More talk about what to do with the world-threads once they’re reborn. We rode out to the Monroe farm. That’s why it took me so long to get back. What were you up to all afternoon? I thought you’d come back here and crash.

  Something you would not have appreciated me doing while you were with me last night.

  So, you tracked down that mare.

  She had friends. Ferrox flooded their connection with satisfaction.

  If you know I wouldn’t have wanted to be there, then you can bet I don’t want it playing in my head now.

  Prude, Ferrox taunted.

  Hardly.

  Then, why don’t you go get your girl hot and bothered again? Only this time don’t stop once you get her hair burning.

  That was a mistake. Kale ran a hand through his hair. One she may never forgive me for.

  Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure. Ferrox chuckled darkly. I have a feeling that you two will work it out. I’ll even go so far as to bet that she’ll be crawling into your lap before you know it.

  All right, demon, out of my head. Kale was too tired for another conversation about that with the horse.

  Am I making you uncomfortable? More importantly, is it uncomfortable in a good way or a bad way?

  Out. I need sleep.

  The link went quiet. Kale rubbed the heel of his hand against one eye. He should probably eat something, but the cupboard was too far away. Maybe he’d close his eyes for a few minutes and then get food. That sounded good. He closed his eyes.

  A scuffle woke him. Kale scanned the room, fully alert. It was dark. Duat. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep. Silently, he stood and worked his way down the hall, frowning at the figure standing outside his bedroom door.

  “Vera?” The girl jumped. “Do you need something?”

  She spun around, eyes scanning the hall, but not finding him. Kale flipped on the light. Vera gasped, eyes clenched closed. Instead of shielding her face with her arms, she tucked them behind her back. Who does she think she’s fooling?

  Kale leaned his shoulder against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. “What’s up?”

  “Just checking to see if you’re here.”

  Kale had to give her credit. She barely flinched at the lie. He’d have missed it if he hadn’t known her so well. “I’m here.”

  “Yup. Okay.” Vera turned to escape into her room, sideways so her hands remained hidden.

  “Hey, another birthday gift came for you.” Kale p
ointed at a small dome-shaped terrarium, which was part basket, part glass, and filled with butterflies. It was waiting on the counter at the end of the hall. He’d planned to give them to her tomorrow when she came for spring break, but what the heck. “They’re from Marianna.”

  “Messengers?”

  “Yep.”

  “That’s nice.” Vera let out the fakest yawn he’d ever seen. “Can you show me how to use them in the morning?”

  “Sure. Why don’t I check your toe while you’re awake and make sure it’s healing properly?”

  Vera stepped back into the shadow of her room. “You don’t have to. It's healing fine.”

  “That’s good to hear. Are you hungry?”

  “Just tired.”

  “I bet. Since you were faking earlier when I checked on you.”

  “I was not.” Vera’s left eye twitched.

  “Uh oh. That lie was not as good as the one about checking to see if I was home. How far up your arms do you think your deception marks go?”

  Vera flipped him off, giving him a clear view of the lines creeping up her forearms.

  “Someone’s been naughty.” Kale clicked his tongue. “Planning to stab me in my sleep?”

  Vera shrugged. “Sounded like fun.”

  Kale gritted his teeth as the marks expanded. “Nope, that’s not it. Now I’m really curious. If you weren’t planning to stab me and you weren’t checking to see if I was home, what were you doing?”

  “My toe is all better. I’m ready to go home.”

  “Unfortunately, your satyr chauffeur won’t be here for several more hours. Plenty of time to clear some things up.” Kale looked pointedly at the stained arms hanging by her sides.

  “Take me home.” Vera put her hands on her hips.

  “As soon as you tell me what you were up to just now.”

  “I don’t have to tell you anything.”

  “And I don’t have to take you home in the middle of the night.”

  “Fine, I’ll ask Ferrox to take me home.”

  Kale frowned. “Funny enough, that demon took off like a rarog out of Vyraj about two minutes ago.”

  “I have no idea what that means.”

  “Rarogs are winged demons that carry witch souls back from their version of hell for reincarnation. It means Ferrox is gone.”

  Vera stomped a foot. “Take me home, Kalesius.”

  “You know my terms for a midnight trip to Earth. Start talking or wait until the morning. In the meantime, I’m headed to bed.”

  Vera turned and slammed the door in his face.

  “Sweet dreams, little liar,” Kale called to her.

  Vera was torn between being mortified and pissed. As soon as Kale had caught her, all her planning and nerve had flown out the window. She still couldn’t sleep. She was going to be a mess for her hike in the morning. Stupid Kale. The more she thought about him sleeping peacefully next door, the angrier she got. None of this would’ve happened if he’d let me go to Nibiru. Maybe if she explained that her cloak was glitching… But Vera knew better. He’d be more overbearing than ever. So while he slept soundly, she sat there wondering who her next victim would be. Would it be someone like Margory with only a dab of magic? Her mind flashed to the image of Carrie sitting on that bench.

  Vera couldn’t stay in the meadow. The magic exposure would only make things worse. Then she had an idea. Wonder how many times I can cross the boundary and wake him up before he gives in and takes me home? She crawled out of bed and pulled on her clothes. Her toe barely twinged when she tugged on her shoes. As quietly as she could, Vera tiptoed to the window and lowered herself out. Much better than her first botched attempt, although things would get problematic once the lilacs grew bigger. With a defiant smile, she took off for the tree line. She would make his life miserable until he started being reasonable.

  Vera laughed when she crossed the barrier, picturing Kale flying out of bed. The meadow would reroute her right back, but it was fun nonetheless. She looked over her shoulder. The cabin was invisible on the other side of the barrier. Too bad. She would’ve enjoyed seeing him scramble. She jumped over a log and fell. Not a little fall onto leaves and dirt, this fall lasted too long. When she landed, it was with a splash into a deep pool of salt water. She kicked her arms and legs, frantically trying to surface but wasn’t sure which way was up.

  5

  Kale bolted from bed. Blast me. Did she find out? Of course she’s found out. Why else would she run, unless she found the meadow wouldn’t stop her? Stars, that’s what she’d been hiding. The scent of sea brine, spicy tiare blooms, and decay assaulted him. She’d stumbled through a gate. Of all the gates, why that one?

  Kale burst through the barrier and took a deep breath as he dove through the gate. He splashed into the warm sea, eyes searching through the darkness for a glimpse of Vera. When he spotted her, the light of the half-moon reflected off the silvery fins of the adaro circling her. Their crablike claws stretched out to prod her. With each nudge, Vera spun around, and the adaro’s mouths opened wide with amusement. They liked to play with their food before tearing into it.

  Pulling himself through the water with practiced strokes, he angled for the adaro with the largest horns—the alpha. One of the sea creatures got a little too rough, and its claw sliced through Vera’s arm. Her hair crackled. A wisp of blood floated in the water. The adaro’s amused grins turned ravenous just as Kale collided with the nearest beast. He punched the creature in the snout and grabbed Vera, pulling her out of range. She screamed and kicked out until she realized it was him.

  “Hang on to me.” Kale looped her arm around his neck. He kicked out with both feet to deter the adaro, which came at them from directly below. One more punched snout and the adaro backed off, circling them, looking for an opening. “Hold your other arm out of the water. Your blood is sending them into a frenzy.”

  “Behind!” Vera shouted.

  Kale swung around, his fists hammering down on the advancing adaro. The creature cried out with a whistling scream and swam away, one horn hanging limply.

  “Are they leaving?” Vera asked as the creatures slid into the water, out of sight.

  “We have to get to the shore,” Kale said urgently, scanning the area. “Swim!”

  Vera only made it a couple of strokes before the water in front of her bubbled and surged away from the yellow arch of a massive sea creature as it breached the surface.

  “What is that?”

  “It’s the Marakihau.” Kale tugged her to his chest, his feet treading water below them. “Vera, look at me.”

  Vera’s head craned around looking for the Marakihau, which had submerged again. Kale used a hand to angle her face toward him.

  “Everything will be okay,” he said calmly. “Wrap your legs around me.”

  The water around and beneath them began to glow. The same yellow as the Marakihau. It was coming for them. Vera looked at him with wide eyes, her heart pounding against his chest. She did as he instructed, though, wrapping herself around him. Kale flexed his hands.

  “Take a breath and whatever you do, don’t let go,” he instructed.

  Vera sucked in a breath as the Marakihau’s mouth rose up around them, large enough to swallow a ship whole. Kale grabbed a tooth with both hands, stopping their descent into the creature’s stomach. His and Vera’s weight pulled down toward the gullet that swirled with water and flotsam. The sharp edges of the tooth sliced through his palms. Kale gritted his teeth and finally cried out. Vera’s grip loosened.

  “Don’t you dare let go, Vera.”

  She tightened her grip. Once the Marakihau reached the top of its surge from the water, its mouth snapped shut. Then it began to fall back toward the water.

  “Hold on,” he yelled.

  Everything inside the belly of the beast remained suspended for a moment. The fluid and remains of the Marakihau’s meals rushed over them from below. There was a slight burning as the acids washed over them along with the seawater.
Diluted as it was at the moment, they’d be fine, but Kale felt Vera’s arms tense around him as she likely felt the sting too. The creature finally slid into the depths, turning itself horizontal. The water and bile flowed away, leaving Kale and Vera gasping on a somewhat-dry strip of yellow flesh. Vera coughed. Kale released the tooth to rub her back. Noticing his hands were a mess of bone, blood, and mangled skin, he curled them into fists before she saw.

  “You good?” he asked.

  “I think so,” Vera said. “You?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Can I let go yet?” She still clung to him.

  “Yes.”

  A few heartbeats passed and Vera admitted, “I don’t think I can.”

  The corners of Kale’s lips twitched up. “Want to talk about those deception marks yet?”

  Vera couldn’t untangle herself fast enough. Is she blushing? It was hard to tell in the yellow glow of the cavern of fish bones and flesh.

  “I can’t believe we’re inside a fish.” Vera looked behind them at the row of closed teeth, then beyond their perch, into the sloshing water. “Are we sitting on its tongue?”

  “Yep.”

  Vera clambered to her feet. The flesh below wobbled.

  Kale steadied her before she fell off. “Careful. Better sitting on a tongue than floating down there.”

  Vera looked down at the bile and floating remains. “Oh, Lady.” She whirled around, gagging. “There are bodies down there. Human bodies.”

  “Not human, but yes, there are undoubtedly a few bodies.”

  “Why do I feel like you’ve done this before?”

  “Probably because I have. In Lemuria, this lovely water realm we’re in right now, the dead are put to rest at sea. This guy,” Kale patted the tongue, “swims around collecting those bodies before taking them to the gate of the underworld.”

  “It’s going to swim us into the underworld?”

  “It’ll drop us off at the gates.”

  “Oh. That’s not so bad,” she said with relief.

  Kale made a face.

  “What?”

  “It’s not a normal gate.”

  “Just tell me,” she said. “Before I imagine something worse than it is.”