by Cassia Briar
I moved to stand, but one of the healers halted me.
“I need to fix your leg,” he said. I nodded. He settled me against the wall and went to work. His companion focused on aiding my mates.
I tried not to fidget while they healed my numerous wounds. My thigh proved challenging as the spear had been magically imbued silver. Healing it resulted in another unsightly scar, thick and angry across my leg. I sighed, wondering what percentage of my skin was now scar tissue. Apparently, I suffered from vanity. One of my many faults.
When I was released from the healers’ care, my mates lifted me to my feet. The fighting was over, but I still had some loose ends to tie up before I’d allow myself a proper rest.
“Where’s the Codex?” I asked.
“Here.” Angel, wearing drawstring pants he’d gotten from somewhere, pointed to the lone table. The thick book rested innocently in the center of the smooth wooden surface.
“Clear the room,” I ordered. “I don’t want anyone getting hurt.” Sebastian was dead, but I doubted the Codex’s protective spells had died with him. I fingered the ruby necklace.
Everyone left the room expect for my mates.
“I need to do this alone,” I said, turning to them. “Dragon fire, remember? Marsilia told us this would work.”
Montrell said, “We’re not leaving you.”
My glance flitted to each of their handsome, determined faces. Montrell and Angel had no magic of their own, Liam certainly was in no shape to be straining himself, so that left Jaxon.
I poked his chest. “You put up a shield so that if my fire somehow rebounds it won’t kill you all. I’ll reinforce it with my own magic.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He waved his carnelian wand and a blue bubble encompassed the four of them where they stood behind me.
Taking my half dragon form, I breathed magic over his construction. Hopefully, this would protect them—from both me and the evil book.
That done, I turned and gazed down at the Codex. Dragon flame rose from the back of my throat. It burned past my lips and I directed the column at the leather bound tome. The Ex Codice Tromara glowed blue, similar to Jaxon’s shield spell, for a moment before the bubble burst. A green light encased it next. Again it was no match for my fire. The emerald color shimmered and tore away, to be replaced by inky black.
The black mass solidified into the shape of a hand. It reached for me, abandoning the Codex. Simultaneously, the book burst into flame, turning quickly to ashes, and the hand slammed against my chest. I tumbled backward, landing hard on the stone floor. White light crowded my vision. A cracking, splintering noise filled my ears.
Then the light and sound vanished. I lay staring up at the ceiling, a dull ache in the back of my skull. Four concerned faces appeared.
“Ow,” I said, sitting up. “What happened?”
“The Codex is ash,” Jaxon said.
Liam touched my chest. “A curse struck you. Are you all right?”
I drew the ruby out from under the robe. The white light had to have come from it as it dissolved the curse. I swiped my thumb over the surface and it broke apart. Crumbled in my hand. Holy crap!
“You’re lucky to be alive,” Montrell said. Fear jolted through our link. He was right. I was lucky. The ruby had stopped the curse, but had been destroyed in the process.
I got to my feet. At least this nightmare was over. Almost.
We made our way outside. For the next several hours, I assisted the healers in bringing back those who hovered too near death. The work was exhausting. I’d needed to be recharged with witch magic several times to get through everyone. Many were beyond even my dragon magic. As soon as they crossed over, I could no longer reach them.
I stumbled upon Lana and Brody at one point. They stood, embracing, in a semicircle along with Olivia, Payton, Nuri, and Xavier. My gut twisted at the sight of them. As I drew near, I spotted Gavin’s pale, peaceful form on the grass. A profound feeling of loss overwhelmed me and my vision blurred with tears.
Lana and Olivia made room for me between them. I looped my arm over their shoulders. No one spoke.
Gavin had been so much more to me than a friend. He’d been a mentor. A voice that challenged me and what I stood for, in the beginning. He’d pushed me to use my position within the community to bring change. His determination and courage fueled my convictions. He eventually became my conscience. Gavin was the one who set this rebellion in motion, and I’d make sure everyone knew that—remembered that. Forever.
The next several weeks involved creating order from chaos. A witch owned island off the coast of Alaska was turned into a maximum security prison. I may have let my anger get the best of me, but I couldn’t let the Tromara off with a simple death. None of them could claim innocence. Instead, I sentenced them to eternity in prison. However many unnatural years they had left, they’d spend wasting away in a cell.
While many of their supporters I let off with probation, some choice ones were also sent to the new facility. Mia Chang was one of them. Regina had decided on that straight away. Another was Ms. Duinn. Our former school teacher had been found in the chamber with May—performing the Tromara ritual to take her soul and powers. I’d not hesitated to condemn her to life in prison.
Even though the shifters from Montrell’s territory had shown up to fight with us, and certainly bettered our odds, we’d had many casualties on the battlefield at Academy Obscura—too many. Itzel had been sacrificed before we’d arrived. I hadn’t known her well, but my heart ached at the loss of her and how her life had ended.
Olin had perished in battle. He’d fought bravely, leading the vampire troops. As much as he’d been an argumentative, snarky pain in my ass, I was going to miss him. He’d taught me how to stand up for myself and lead the Council. I’d forever be grateful to him. I also hoped he’d found peace after his long life, so much of it spent in captivity.
A massive funeral had been held near campus, along with the creation of a memorial cemetery dedicated to all those who died that night. In the center of it all we’d erected a monument to Gavin that told of his part in gaining our freedom.
Formal elections were held shortly after, and the American Supernatural Council led the way into a Tromara free country.
Dean Wright, who’d survived being held captive by the Tromara, kept her post at Academy Obscura. After much debate, we’d decided to keep it open. She directed the rebuilding of the campus. The next school year was delayed, but would begin at the start of winter term. I’d toyed with the idea of going back for my second year as I still had a lot to learn, but my job as queen proved too demanding. So, I hired tutors.
The car rolled up the one lane street on the outskirts of Estacada. I peered out the back passenger side window at Isabella’s old Victorian house. It now belonged to me, along with the rest of her estate. Which was sizable.
“Thanks, guys,” I said to the two wolves in the front seats. My mates insisted I had a guard and a chauffeur whenever I went into town. The guard was nice enough to carry my groceries into the house. Or maybe he was sweeping the place.
I closed the door behind him and was alone. Jaxon, Liam, Angel, and Montrell were all as busy as I was in their own territories. They’d been gone all week. Jaxon, having his house next door, often showed up late at night after a long day of work. I missed them all terribly. I was starting to suspect dragons didn’t do well separated from their mates for a long period of time.
I busied myself with putting away the groceries. The old house creaked and groaned with the autumn winds, sending a shiver through me. Being alone here was not as relaxing as I thought it would be. The place felt…haunted. I mean, there was a crypt in the basement, so that probably had something do with it.
I hoped the ghost of Marsilia Sorrentino had found peace. We’d accomplished the mission she’d set out to do decades ago—destroy the Codex.
But mostly, it was haunted with memories of the time I’d stayed here with Isabella. The month last
summer we’d spent getting to know each other often surfaced in my mind. I’d been so happy to learn I had living family. A grandma. What I’d wanted most in the world had been given to me.
I closed the refrigerator with a long exhale. I’d been so naive.
Jaxon told me how Elena had been the one to kill my grandmother. By doing so, she’d probably saved Jaxon’s life. I didn’t hold a grudge about her death. Nor was I completely at peace with it. How could I be? I shook off the thought. Elena was supposed to be here any minute.
I grabbed the mail on my way to the living room. Plopping down on the couch, I sorted through it. Lots of junk mail. One thick, beautifully addressed envelope caught my eye. I broke the wax seal and pulled out the single sheet of luxurious paper.
With great pleasure
May Kavanagh and Josh Graves
Invite you to join them at the celebration of their marriage
October, 13th at 10 o’clock PM
Kavanagh Estate, Estacada, Oregon
Dinner and reception to follow
I smiled and let out a whoop! This news made me so happy. There was no doubt this was going to be a huge event. The supernatural community could really use something fun to come together over after all the devastation, loss, and heartache. The wedding of two rebellion leaders was just the thing.
The crunch of tire wheels out front caught my attention. I peered out the window as Elena emerged from the cab, suitcase in hand. As she climbed up to the front porched, I opened the door and roped her into a hug.
“Thanks for coming,” I said, realizing just how hungry I was for company.
“Duh. I haven’t seen you in forever.” She grinned and pulled her suitcase into the foyer. “Wow, this place is big and creepy.”
“Come on, I’ll show you your room upstairs.” We walked up the creaking staircase. I quickly glanced at the door to Isabella’s room. It was the one room I hadn’t been in since coming to live here. I’d settled in the green and white decorated guest room where I’d stayed last summer. Across the hall, I let Elena into the new guest accommodations.
She took in the blue and cream space with a low whistle. “Nice. Makes my old dorm room look like a shack.” Elena ditched her luggage by the dresser. “Let’s eat ice cream and tell each other all our secrets.”
“Yeah, because you’ve been holding out on me.” I wrinkled my nose. “Ice cream in the fall? It’s not warm enough.”
“I’m pretty sure I spotted a fireplace in the living room. Let’s light it.” She bounded out the door and back downstairs.
I rolled my eyes, but followed. We ended up doing exactly what she suggested: Bowls of ice cream, blazing fireplace, and nestled warmly on the couch facing one another.
“You go first,” she said, spooning up the strawberry vanilla dessert.
“I don’t think so. You’re the one keeping secrets this time.” I narrowed my eyes. “Two in particular. Let’s start with how on earth you and Kyle Aimes became friends.”
She swallowed a mouthful of ice cream. “Oh that. Well… Don’t hate me, but Kyle is really sorry for everything he did to you and other people. I gave him a really hard time when we first started working together. He took it like he was my bitch and,” she shrugged, “we gradually became friends. But only because you didn’t seem to hate him as much.”
I grunted. “I don’t hate him as much. I’ll never forgive him, but I’m not hung up on it anymore either. It’s a kind of truce, I guess.”
“And that’s cool. I mean, you shouldn’t forgive him unless you really want to. It’s just, the Kyle I met was not the one who bullied you.” She spoke around a full mouth. “I’ll go back to hating him for you if you want. Just say the word.”
“No.” I shook my head, setting the bowl in my lap. “No, but thanks for giving him hell.”
Elena smiled. “No problem. Actually, it was my pleasure. So…what is my other secret?”
I guffawed. “You used a curse to kill Isabella. Jaxon has been on and on about it. I’m surprised he hasn’t detained you and demanded to know where you learned that kind of magic from.”
“Oh.” Elena’s tan face blanched. “I kinda feel like I should be sorry for killing your grandma.”
“No, not at all.” I sighed. “She was evil, and from what I heard, you saved Jaxon’s ass.”
“There’s that.” She rested the spoon in her bowl. “So May was teaching me all kinds of spells at the Academy and at HQ. Then she was caught by the Tromara and that really pissed me off. I think you agree with me about fighting fire with fire, so to speak.”
I nodded, when she didn’t immediately continue. She was totally dancing around answering the question.
“Great. So, the bad guys use curses, why shouldn’t I? That was my thought at the time. Again, don’t hate me,” she cringed, “Kyle taught me.”
“Kyle knows the forbidden curses?” I actually wasn’t all that surprised.
“A couple. Okay, maybe a few.” She avoided my gaze. “Are you going to punish him? And me?”
“What? No!” I wasn’t a monster. “If anything I owe you both a debt of gratitude. Just, don’t teach anyone else forbidden magic. I’ll have a word with Kyle about it too. And good thinking on the whole fighting fire with fire. I would have done the same thing if I were a witch.”
“I know.” She grinned and shoved melting dessert in her mouth.
I chuckled at her sass and licked at my chocolate ice cream. “Oh! Did you hear that May and Josh are getting married?”
“Uh-huh. I’m so freaking excited!” She bounced in her seat.
We spent the rest of the afternoon chatting about all aspects of our lives. When Academy Obscura opened in the winter Elena was going to transfer. Tyler had decided to attend graduate school in Portland instead of Baltimore. Which meant both of them would be nearby for the next couple of years.
Having my best friend back in my life felt amazing. On occasion my stomach would twist in guilt at having cut her out for so many months.
34
Caprice
Kavanagh Estate was palatial. Set up high on a hillside, the mansion overlooked part of Estacada and the Clackamas river. May and Liam now owned the place since their traitorous parents had been shipped off to our new prison. May had taken over the estate since Liam spent most of his time in Georgia, like he was supposed to as the fae royal.
The ceremony was held on the sprawling lawn where huge, heated tents sheltered us from the elements. My seat was in the front row, along with three of my mates, and the extended Kavanagh family. They’d spared no expense on this wedding and half the supernaturals across the country had to be in attendance.
Levitating candles lit the autumn-themed space. Flowers and ribbons in white, gold, and copper decorated the ends of each row of chairs. Small iridescent, glittery flakes were scattered in the aisle. All of it belonged in a fairy tale. The good kind, with the happily ever after ending.
May had chosen Elena, Lana, and Flora as her bridesmaids. They stood on the large riser across from Brody, Heller, and Kyle. Though she and Josh would have loved to have chosen us royals for the honor, apparently it wasn’t done. The Council Queen was never a bridesmaid.
Josh glanced up as the music began. We rose to our feet and May walked down the aisle on the arm of her brother. She was stunning in cream satin and lace. Gold and copper toned foliage wove through her strawberry hair, catching the light. When she reached Josh, everyone sat down.
Liam took the empty spot on our row. He flashed me a quick smile and I felt his pride and happiness through our bond. He was honored to walk his sister down the aisle.
The ceremony and exchange of vows was short and sweet.
Jaxon spoke in my ear. “We could always have a second wedding. One that doesn’t involve public sex in an open field.”
“What would be the fun in that?” I smirked.
Angel murmured. “That’s my girl.”
Both of them received sharp shut-up glances from Li
am. Montrell remained focused on the wedding party the entire time, though I knew he was listening to our every word.
We hooted and clapped as Josh and May kissed. They broke apart with a grin, then led the way inside to the reception area. The grand ballroom came alive with music as people milled about to find their table.
“Jaxon, good to see you.” A man about his age, shook my mate’s hand. He was joined by a young blond woman. The three of them shared a strong resemblance.
“Henry. Judith.” Jaxon introduced them. “Please meet my wife Caprice.”
They bowed low. “Council Queen.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said, trying to hide my confusion. Last time I’d heard, Jaxon’s cousins hated him.
“Glad to hear you’re finally renovating that old house,” Henry said in a chipper tone.
Jaxon shot him an easy smile. “It is time, isn’t it. It’s been stuck in the past for far too long.”
“Sure has. Well, if you need help, you have my number.” Henry bowed to me again before shuffling off with his sister.
Angel glowered after them. “What the hell was that?”
“I met with them recently,” Jaxon said, halting a passing server and snatching five glasses of champagne. “We had a chat about how Isabella confessed to murdering my aunt Gladys—their mother. And also about my dear aunt trying to assassinate me. It was a good chat.”
“I’d love to have been a fly on the wall for that one.” I turned to find Destiny weaving through the crowd toward us. “Incoming she-bitch,” I said.
“I heard that.” She huffed.
I laughed. “What couldn’t wait until our next pummeling date? I’m off duty tonight.”
Destiny rolled her eyes. “For your information, you’re never off duty. Besides, weddings are hugely political. Anyway, I came over here to tell you that Ximena has accepted me into her pack!”
