Bitter Magic

by Raven Steele

  Liam whirled on her. “Why didn’t you tell me this? I would never have involved you.”

  “It’s my choice,” Tessa said quietly.

  I put my arm around her as did May.

  “Everything will be okay,” I said, but when my eyes met Liam’s and I saw his worried expression, I wondered if I’d just lied.

  Chapter 30

  I wasn’t sure what time it was when my cell phone started vibrating, waking me up, but when I opened my eyes and saw the gray beginnings of morning’s light shine through my window, I guessed it was around 6:00 a.m. I turned and looked at the clock. Close. 6:30. I’d been asleep for nearly two hours.

  After I’d parted ways with the group, who all looked exhausted except for Liam, I didn’t go to bed like everyone else. Instead, I ran on the track for almost an hour, trying to burn off some energy. I had attempted to use Light, like Liam suggested, but I just couldn’t get it to come. My body demanded something more. Maybe if I could’ve calmed my mind . . .

  I finally picked up the phone. “Hello?”

  “Is Tessa safe?” Liam’s frantic voice had me sitting up.

  “I think so, but I just woke up. Why?”

  “Are you sure she made it back last night?”

  “Yes. What’s this about?”

  He exhaled a tight breath. “After you guys left, we took Jackson to my cabin to question him, but he wouldn’t say anything. I had the twins take him to the Deific because they have better ways of getting someone to talk than I do, but on the way there, they were attacked. Their car was totaled and Jackson was taken.”

  I swallowed hard. “How long ago was this?”

  “The accident happened about three hours ago, but I just got the call.”

  “Why weren’t you told sooner, especially since Jackson threatened Tessa?”

  “The Deific didn’t know about the threat yet,” Liam said, his voice full of regret. “I was going to tell them this morning when they questioned Jackson.”

  “Where are the twins now?”

  “They’re looking for him. I’m going to help too, but I wanted to check on Tessa first.”

  While he was talking, I was already getting dressed. “I’ll go check and get back to you.” I slipped my bare feet into shoes. “Are the twins okay?”

  “They’ll be fine. Call me soon.”

  I hung up the phone and rushed out the door, going straight for the dining room where I hoped I’d find Tessa in the kitchen.

  The dining room was mostly empty. A few girls had come early and were sitting quietly reading books while a couple of Lizens set the tables. I pushed the kitchen door open and froze. Huddled in the corner stood several Lizen women. When they saw me, they stepped back until I had a clear view of Lilly, Tessa’s mother. Her eyes were red and swollen and tears stained her cheeks.

  “Tessa’s missing,” she said, her bottom lip trembling.

  It took me a second to find my voice. “For how long?”

  She wiped at her nose. “A couple of hours maybe. Her bed was empty when I went to wake her this morning.”

  I moved forward and gave her a hug, wondering how much her mother knew about Tessa’s activities.. “Have you told Sophie?”

  She nodded.

  “Good. I’ll start asking around too. We’ll find her, I promise.”

  As I walked away, a plan formulated in my mind. It was time to talk to the Big Bad.

  Alone in my room, I pulled out the cell phone and called Liam. He answered on the first ring. Before I could say anything, he said, “Please tell me she’s okay.”

  “She’s missing.”

  There was a long pause before he said, “For how long?”

  “Not sure. She was gone when her mother woke up.”

  He was silent, not even breathing.

  “Liam?” I asked.

  He inhaled a long breath. “No leads on Jackson yet, but I still have a few more contacts to see. You do what you can there. Ask around. Talk to the teachers.”

  “Actually,” I hesitated, my pulse quickening, “I’m going to see Cyrus.”

  He paused again. “You’ll be doing it alone.”

  “I know.”

  “It could be dangerous.”

  “I know.”

  “You have one advantage.”

  “What’s that?”

  “He doesn’t know that you know about the pills. You have to keep pretending that he’s not a Vyken.”

  “Right.”

  “Don’t be scared.”

  “Not me.”

  “Keep my phone with you.”

  “I will. And will you tell Christian, I mean, about Tessa?” There was no way I was going to tell Christian I was about to see Cyrus. He’d freak out, especially after I told him and the others about the Shadow, and my suspicions of Cyrus last night.

  “He won’t be happy.”

  “I’ll text you his number.”

  “Call me when it’s over,” he ordered. “I want to know you’re okay.”

  “Will do. Later.”

  I hung up, but before I pocketed my phone, I texted him Christian’s number. Bells chimed. No way was I going to class today. I had to find a way into Cyrus’s office, and I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be easy.

  I left my room, nerves shaking and a lump in my throat the size of an apple. Instead of going straight to Cyrus’s office, I went to the dining room to tell May and Kiera what was going on. I found them at a table by themselves. May was in the middle of telling Kiera all about the night before. Kiera’s mouth had fallen open, and her face was pale. No smiles this time.

  “Hey, guys,” I said and sat down.

  May sort of smiled, but Kiera didn’t acknowledge me.

  “I had no idea,” she said, her gaze fixated on a plate of French toast in front of her.

  “About what?” I asked.

  “I mean, I know you guys have been talking about Vykens taking our blood, and them basically drugging us, but I guess I didn’t realize how serious it was until May told me. Fifteen Vykens?”

  “At least.” I swept my gaze around the room before I lowered my voice and said, “Something bad has happened, guys. This morning—”

  Kiera took hold of my arm, startling me. “You’ve got to teach me. About fighting, about how to use Light, about everything.”

  I shook my head, although I should have been happy. I’d been waiting forever for an Aura to say that, but the timing was all wrong. “Fine. I will, but first I have to tell you—”

  “Good,” Kiera interrupted again. “Because I don’t want to be a sitting duck.”

  “Would you let her finish already!” May blurted.

  “Right,” she said. “Sorry. I’m listening.”

  I sucked in a deep breath. “Last night the twins were attacked while taking Jackson to the Deific. He escaped and now Tessa’s missing.”

  May brought her hand to her mouth.

  “I’ve got to go talk to . . .” I hesitated, unsure how they’d feel about me talking to Cyrus alone, especially after telling them about Cyrus and the Shadow. “Some people about Tessa,” I finished. It was just a conversation. Nothing was going to happen.

  “What can we do?” May asked.

  “Ask around. Talk to the students and teachers. See if anyone’s seen her.”

  “You can count on us,” Kiera assured.

  I nodded and hurried off to Cyrus’s office. Instead of taking the stairs, I took the elevator to make sure I wouldn’t chicken out. When the doors opened, I just stood there, staring at the long hallway.

  Ms. Crawford appeared when she walked out from one of the offices. “Llona? What are you doing here?”

  I forced myself forward, my eyes reading over the name plaques on the wall. “I’m just looking for Ms. Smitty. She said to meet her here.”

  “She’s probably at breakfast still.”

  I looked all around, trying not to panic. Think, Llona!

  “Are you okay? You look upset?”

&nb
sp; A sudden thought occurred to me. I met her concerned gaze, my eyes big, and I hoped glossy-looking. “Some of the girls were giving me a hard time. About my mother. Ms. Smitty wanted to talk to me about it before class.”

  Ms. Crawford pulled me into a hug. “Don’t you worry about those girls. Your mother was a special woman. If only we all could’ve been as brave as her.”

  I pulled away, startled. “You mean that?”

  “Of course. I always admired your mother. You come from a long line of independent women. It’s just unfortunate that others don’t appreciate it as much as myself.” She patted me on the arm. “You go wait in her office. I’m sure she’ll be along soon.”

  I nodded and walked past her. Ms. Smitty’s office door was open so I flipped on the light and sat down. The walls were a pale green color. Nature photos, some of forests and others of mountains, hung at eye level, but I couldn’t get near them because the room was also filled with plants. They were everywhere, making me feel like I was in a jungle.

  Several minutes passed before I dared to leave. Other than Ms. Crawford, I hadn’t seen anyone else.

  I peeked into the hallway toward Cyrus’s office. Coast was clear. I walked toward the heavy wooden door; it seemed to grow larger the closer I came. I stopped in front of it and reached up to knock, but as I did so the door opened. My legs almost gave out, and my head spun as if I’d just stepped off a merry-go-round.

  In front of me, staring at me with a stern expression behind black-rimmed glasses, was Cyrus’s assistant, Jameson. A Vyken. Jameson was the Vyken, not Cyrus. This sudden information rocked my frame, but I forced myself to stay upright.

  “I need to see Cyrus,” I said, trying hard to sound forceful.

  “He can’t be bothered right now,” Jameson said, with an edge to his voice. He attempted a smile but it only exposed his rotten teeth.

  I fought against the shiver threatening to erupt across my skin. “I just have to ask him some questions. It’s important.”

  “Then come back between four and five. He visits with students during that time.”

  He moved to close the door, but I put my foot into the door jam. “It can’t wait.”

  “Let her in,” I heard Cyrus say from beyond the door.

  Reluctantly, Jameson opened the door wide. I moved into the room and away from Jameson, hoping the nausea would leave me, but it didn’t go away. It only grew stronger.

  I glanced behind me at Jameson and then back at Cyrus, realizing the predicament I’d just put myself in. I was now alone in a room with not one, but two Vykens.

  Chapter 31

  I reached, as casually as possible, to the nearest chair to steady myself before my legs gave out. “Thank you for seeing me, Cyrus.”

  It was difficult to keep my voice even with the way my vision was beginning to blur. I drew in a slow breath through my nose and focused on clearing my head. I had to call upon my Light to help me do it.

  From behind his desk, Cyrus grinned, slow and deliberate. An angel’s smile on the devil’s face. I could see why everyone trusted him so much.

  “Llona. It’s good to see you again. I trust everything has been resolved since our last conversation?”

  Other than his lips, he didn’t move. No shifting, no ticks, or movement of his hands. I didn’t think he was even breathing.

  “Um, yes, sorry about that. I was confused. You know, from everything I’ve been through.” I looked down, away from his gaze that felt like it could see right through me.

  “It’s quite understandable. Have a seat.”

  I eagerly accepted. One second longer and I might’ve fainted.

  Cyrus examined me for a minute before he said, “I knew your grandmother and your great-grandmother. Did you know that?”

  I gulped down the bile trying to come up my throat and said, “I assume they attended Lucent Academy?”

  “They did. Rebels they were. Like your mother.” The fog in my head cleared real quick.

  When I didn’t say anything, he asked, “Now, what seems to be the problem?”

  I was vaguely aware that Jameson had positioned himself behind me. My muscles tensed. “I’m worried about a friend of mine.”

  “And who’s your friend?”

  “Her name’s Tessa.”

  He moved. A fraction of an inch. “I don’t think I’ve heard the name.”

  “She’s a Lizen,” I explained.

  His eyebrows rose. “Auras are making friends with Lizens now?”

  This comment, on the tail of what he’d just said about my mother, sent a surge of anger, black as night, pulsing through my veins. I curled my fingers into my palms, my nails digging into my skin. “Yes, we’re friends.

  “Strange,” he said, “but I guess that’s to be expected from you. So what’s wrong with your friend, the Lizen?”

  “Tessa,” I clarified. “Her name’s Tessa, and she’s missing.”

  The dark poison inside me burned hot, and I wanted nothing more than to jump across the table and strangle Cyrus.

  Just then a beeping sound filled the room. I glanced behind me. Jameson removed a cell phone from his pocket and stared down at a message on the screen.

  Cyrus looked from Jameson and then to me. “Missing? For how long?”

  “A few hours.”

  He laughed, but when he saw my serious expression, he coughed over it. “I’m sure it’s nothing. A rebellious Lizen teenager, no doubt, but I’ll promise you this, if no one hears from her by tonight, we’ll look into it.”

  I was about to argue when Jameson interrupted, “I need to speak with you, sir.”

  “I’m visiting with a student, Jameson. Whatever it is can wait until we’re finished.”

  “It’s important.”

  Cyrus stared at Jameson. By the look of Jameson’s paler-than-normal complexion, I would’ve guessed he was about to tell Cyrus his house had burned down.

  Finally, Cyrus took a breath. His chest rose and fell. Once. He came to his feet. “I’ll be just a moment.”

  He followed Jameson out of the room and closed the door behind him.

  I inhaled deeply. The tension in my muscles relaxed, as I no longer had to control the nauseating effect the Vykens had on me.

  After focusing my hearing, I tried to listen in on their conversation, but I couldn’t hear a thing. They must’ve gone into the stairwell.

  Several minutes passed. I was too afraid to get up and explore the room, not that I thought I’d find anything. But what I was interested in looking at was a thick row of leather-bound books on a shelf nearby. I hoped I’d find information about the Lizen’s history to give Tessa.

  The sound of an old clock, hanging high on the wall behind Cyrus’s desk, ticked and tocked. Its steady beat reminded me of how tired I was. Tick. Tock. I closed my eyes. Tick. Tock. And then . . .

  My eyes snapped open. What was that? A sound beyond the clock’s mesmerizing tone. Very faint, but definitely there. I stood and moved behind Cyrus’s desk.

  Tick tock.

  I pressed my ear to the wall. Muffled voices too faint to make out, but someone was clearly beyond the wall. As far as I could tell, the placement of Cyrus’s office was in the corner, which meant he should have two windows, one on the north side and another on the east like all the other corner rooms in the school, but Cyrus’s office only had one window.

  I knocked on the wall softly. Hollow.

  Behind me, the sound of the doorknob turning had me bolting back to my chair.

  “Have him call me tonight,” I heard Cyrus say just outside the door.

  I dropped into the seat just as the door swung open. I tried to slow my breathing, but Cyrus still narrowed his eyes at me as if he could tell something was wrong.

  “Everything okay?” I asked, hoping my face wasn’t flushed.

  “Always. This is Lucent Academy. What could possibly go wrong?” He moved behind his desk and scanned the items as if checking to see if anything was missing.

  I
stood. “So, you’ll look into Tessa’s disappearance?”

  He looked up. “Who’s?”

  “Tessa. The missing Lizen.”

  “Of course. I will do all that I can.”

  I turned to leave, but he stopped me. “Miss Reese, you come from a long line of strong Auran women, but they had a habit of getting themselves into trouble. I hope that won’t be you.”

  Placing my hand on the door, I glanced back. “I abhor trouble, sir. Have a good day.”

  I smiled and closed the door, reeling over what I’d just discovered. I was about to start down the hallway when I heard the elevator door open. I dove into the nearest empty office next to Cyrus’s. The lights were off, and, as I crawled beneath a desk, I wondered if I was making a mistake. I hadn’t really thought of a plan, but I had to see what was beyond that wall. If there was even the slightest chance that Tessa was back there, I had to take it.

  Whoever came out of the elevator, probably a teacher, went into an office across the hall. They were there for about ten minutes, shuffling papers and typing on a keyboard, before they finally left. I glanced at my watch. In a few more hours teachers would most likely come to this hall for their lunch break. I couldn’t stay here forever.

  One hour, I decided. I would wait one hour to see if Cyrus and Jameson left the room. If they didn’t, then I’d have to return at night, which I really didn’t want to do.

  I kept my ears tuned for sounds in Cyrus’s office. Twenty minutes passed and I hadn’t heard a word, not a rustling of papers, or even a chair leg sliding against wooden floors. This struck me as odd. What if no one was in there? What if they had escaped through the wall while I was listening to whoever had gone into the office across the hall?

  I waited another ten minutes, listening to nothing but the slow, steady hum of an air conditioner somewhere in the building. I crawled out of my hiding spot and glanced down the hall. No one.

  Very slowly, I turned the doorknob to Cyrus’s office. I froze when the latch clicked, but no one said anything or rushed to the door. I cracked it open and peeked inside. I opened the door farther. The office was empty.