“What the hell is that?” I whispered, my heart caught in my throat.
“Joseph.”
I gasped and spun to look at Henley. “WHAT? HOW?”
“Dark magic.” Her sapphire eyes hardened, her skin turned more pale. “He’s using dark magic to create this—”
“Wait, that’s Joseph inside there—
“No. Joseph is controlling it.” Henley cleared her throat and rubbed her palms together. “It’s called a —”
I frowned. I had no idea what she’d just said. “A what?”
Henley sighed. “Lilim.”
“Lilith’s children,” Deacon said under his breath.
Lilith. The mother of demons. A chill slithered down my spine and I shuddered.
“How do we defeat it?” Jackson asked softly.
“With everything we’ve got.”
The flame monster bellowed and swatted at the ground. Two glowing objects dove out of the way—
“Emersyn!” Deacon gasped then charged toward her and half of our Coven chased after him.
Our Empress stood at the monster’s feet, trying to control the flames. Tegan barreled magic into him without pause, just shot after shot. Tennessee flew around its horns, firing green and blue magic into its horns. The monster reached up and tried to grab him but Tenn was too fast.
My Coven-mates shot their magic into the belly of the beast as they ran, screaming and shouting. Bright orange flames flickered from the monster’s hands and then a long sword appeared in his grip. My eyes widened. I leapt forward and started to scream for them to watch out when the monster swung his arm and slammed his fiery blade into my Coven-mates. They crashed to the ground with a sickening thud.
The others shrieked and charged for the monster with their magic blasting and their weapons raised. Tennessee landed a few feet in front of me. He reached down and touched the golden bands on his left arm—and Michael’s sword appeared out of thin air.
I gasped. How the hell did he do that?
His golden wings fluttered behind his back and then he was flying straight for the monster. It swung its fiery blade at him but Tenn threw Michael’s sword up in the air and blocked the shot. The monster snarled and swung at him again. Then again. Each time, the monster’s sword hit Michael’s sword it sent sparks into the air.
Except it wasn’t good enough. Tenn couldn’t keep that up all night. Tegan was shooting at it but it kept moving away from — my eyes widened. It kept moving away from her. It’s moving around. It’s too mobile. We need to trap it!
No, I need to trap it.
Without another thought on it, I raced toward them then stopped just behind Tegan – so I stayed out of her way. I dropped to my knees and summoned my magic back into my hands. Then I thrust my arms forward and a wall of ice wrapped around the monster’s ankles.
It hissed and smacked and my confinement with its hands but it was no use. My magic was holding strong. It tried to walk and move but he was trapped. BY me. Tennessee slashed Michael’s sword through its arms and it screamed. I fired my magic at its hands.
Emersyn threw her hands into the air and shouted a spell.
The monster froze and looked down at Em. His two horns looked downright evil. Flames flickered and shot out of him at every angle. He growled then swung his arm down. His hand was frozen by ice, but that didn’t stop him from scooping Emersyn up off the ground and throwing her into the air.
The fire monster leaned forward, opened its mouth wide – and swallowed her whole.
“NOOOO!” Tegan cried and a wall of magic rushed out of her.
“EMERSYN!” Deacon bellowed. He spun around, dropped to his knees, then shot thick bolts of red lightning right into Tegan’s chest. His face was pale and his eyes full of terror.
Tegan screamed. Black smoke wrapped around her feet. Red lightning flashed through her. I blinked and tried to keep track of what I was seeing, but I had no words for it. Tegan’s entire body turned to flame. She screamed and her body grew huge. A river of water coiled around her legs and arms. Dirt rose up off the ground. Tegan was gone. In her place stood a creature made entirely of the elements. She stood as tall as the monster, screaming her magic into it.
She held her arms out and they were made entirely out of ocean water. A wall of magic rolled out of her like a tsunami. The monster tried to move and jump out of the way, but I’d turned his feet to ice. Tegan’s magic slammed into its chest and it hissed.
Tennessee flew up into the sky, his golden wings flapping. He pulled Michael’s sword back then swung it right through the monster’s throat. Flames and smoke billowed from around him. Light exploded like a million fireworks. The fire monster crumbled into a pile of ash.
We all just stood there. Staring. Waiting for Emersyn to appear.
“EM? Emersyn? EMERSYN?” Deacon stumbled forward in a panic. “Where is she? She should’ve come out. WHERE IS SHE? EMERSYN!”
I stared at the mound of ash and debris, willing her to appear. The rest of us stood frozen, crippled by fear and watching. Deacon dropped to his knees beside the pile and started to pull it apart while screaming her name over and over. Hunter and Cooper gripped each other’s arms like they were keeping each other standing. Devon rushed forward then a dozen of her surrounded the pile. Each pair of her eyes darted around, scanning the rubble for her daughter.
My breath caught in my throat. Emersyn. No. I threw my hand out, needing to hold on to something and my fingers brushed over a muscular, warm arm. I knew who it was without taking my eyes off that pile. I knew the feel of Jackson’s skin against mine. I held on to him, holding my breath. Come on, Em. Be alive.
Deacon jumped up and lunged for the pile. He yanked long wooden planks out from under the ash. Red bricks and chunks of cement fell all around him. “EMERSYN?!”
Tennessee hovered over the pile, his golden wings flapping. His face was scrunched up as he stared down at where Emersyn should have been. He shook his head. “She should be here. I felt her here.” The crystal glyph on his chest changed from emerald green to a bright, crimson red.
Tegan! I spun around to look for her but only found the elemental monster she’d turned herself into. Her glowing, pale green eyes widened. She balled her giant hands made of ocean waves and screamed. I cringed and covered my ears as the shriek shattered windows in the building next door. She lunged forward.
The ground shook with every one of her steps. She charged at the pile where her twin had fallen, leaving a trail of flames behind her. She bellowed and roared like a T-Rex. Deacon jumped to the side. When she got to the pile she slid to her giant-sized knees and punched the debris three times, screaming her head off. The world rattled around us.
Smoke billowed from within the remains of the dorm. Chunks of wood exploded out. The pile began to rumble and move, little vibrations made the ash slide away. Something glowed from the bottom and we all leaned forward, holding on to each other and praying.
Bright orange flames popped out then danced along the surface of the ash. The pile rattled and started to crumble. And then Emersyn emerged from within the rubble like a phoenix rising from the ash. She jumped up from under a pile of wooden debris then brushed her clothes off.
Tegan’s elemental monster croaked and trembled – and then it was Tegan again. She sank to the ground and pressed her forehead to the dirt.
Deacon made a strangled cry and dropped to his knees at Emersyn’s feet. He wrapped his arms around her legs and pressed his face on her thigh. She reached down and ran her fingers through his blond hair. Tegan rushed over and patted her twin down, like she was checking for injuries. Hunter, Devon, and Cooper ran over to them.
Bentley chuckled from right beside me. “Okay, you stretched that one out a bit, don’t ya think?”
Royce cursed and put his hands on his knees. “Damn it, woman.”
Emersyn looked up at us and frowned. “It was fire. It can’t hurt me. I was just a little dizzy for a second.”
Cooper ran his hands th
rough his hair. “You could’ve let us know that so we weren’t panicking out here!”
Easton exhaled and threw himself down on the ground. “My heart can’t take any more tonight. I’m cooked.”
“I second that.” I sighed and leaned into Jackson’s shoulder. “Please tell me it’s gone.”
Tennessee landed next to Tegan and pulled her into his chest, then rubbed circles on her back. “It’s gone. And nice work on the ice, B.”
My cheeks warmed. “Oh…thanks.”
“Shit. We can’t sit here much longer.” Kessler cleared his throat and looked around at the destruction. “Son? What do you want to do now? There are a lot of kids running around terrified.”
Tenn cursed and tapped the golden bands on his arms. Michael’s sword vanished and so did Tenn’s wings. He shook his head. “Get everyone in Great Hall for the night.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Jackson
It was just after midnight, and the chaos and fear of the night had finally subsided. I stood near the entrance of the Great Hall, watching for any more trouble. That, and I couldn’t sit still. Not after what had just happened.
The Swords and Wands dormitories were completely destroyed along with the eastern edges of two classroom buildings. There were no casualties, at least none that were immediate. Dozens of students were rushed to the infirmary to get help. And then an hour ago, Tegan transported the entire infirmary into the Great Hall. Which was where everyone else was put. We wanted everyone in one spot so we could keep them as safe as possible.
So, we bunkered down together. Lennox and Harlan were running around setting up tents and cots for people to sleep in. Marcia, the Cups Major, made a potion to satisfy their hunger until morning. Hunter was keeping everyone’s emotions at bay. We were all doing anything we could to keep everyone calm. Joseph had won tonight, at least to a certain degree. Tegan and Deacon had… Well, I had no idea what the hell they did, but it was going to haunt my sleep for years. That aside, it got rid of him for now.
For now. I sighed and glanced around the hall. Most of the students were asleep, with only a handful or so awake. The front section of the room was designated for everyone from the infirmary. Genevieve and Trey sat next to Erin’s bed, holding her hands. Katherine was bouncing around from person to person checking on them.
Movement in my peripheral made me turn…but it was just Mona walking over to Kessler, who was sitting on a bench watching the students. She kissed his forehead then pressed medicated cloths on the burns covering his shoulders. I frowned. I hadn’t realized he’d gotten injured.
Was anyone else hurt? I looked for each of my Coven-mates. I spotted Bentley first, meditating in the corner. Henley was reading tarot cards next to him. Chutney was sitting up by the window talking to some birds, and Willow sat beside her.
Nearby, Easton was sprawled out on a pile of blankets like a starfish, with Lily using him as a giant pillow. Braison and Paulina were spooning on a cot, and they were totally adorable. Constance and Daniel were sleeping sitting up, leaning against each other. The six of them were sleeping now so they could stand guard in a few hours.
Emersyn and Deacon sat on the floor at the other end of the massive room. They clung to each other in silence. Deacon’s eyes flickered red, and smoke billowed from Em’s wrists. Hunter sat a few feet over from them, which I suspected wasn’t a coincidence. His golden eyes scanned the room from left to right, then back again. Devon stood right behind him, with her arms wrapped around his neck.
I stepped back and peeked out the front doors. Sure enough, there was a line of Devons standing guard out front. I smiled. It was such a cool gift. Two of her projections stepped aside, and then Royce walked through.
He paused beside me and sighed, his eyes bloodshot. “I’ve got quite a fortress set up out there. If someone tries to get in this building tonight, I’ll feel it.”
I nodded. “Good, good. Why don’t you get some rest?”
“Yeah, I think I’ll try. Tell Tenn to wake me for any reason, okay?”
“You got it.” I smiled even though we both knew it was forced.
He walked through the sleeping crowd all the way to the back. He dropped to the floor next to Henley and passed right out.
A light flashed from my right. I spun just as Warner walked out of the restroom.
He nodded to me. “You okay?”
“All things considered, yeah. You?”
He shrugged. “You need anything? Food? Drink? Tea?”
“Bloody hell, I could go for a spot of tea right now.” I laughed and shook my head.
He grinned. “So damn British. I’ll see what I can do.”
He slapped my shoulder lightly then rejoined the rest of the school. It was tight quarters with everyone in here, but it was necessary for now. I was just about to look away when he sat down next to Bettina. My heart flipped and fluttered. She looked up and gave him a big warm smile. My stomach turned. It wasn’t fair. All of these other couples and soulmates were here clinging to each other, and I had to watch the girl I wanted smile at another guy.
I didn’t blame him and I certainly wasn’t mad at him. I wouldn’t begrudge him the chance at an amazing girl. I just wished it were me. I wanted to be the one consoling her after a terrifying night. I wanted to be the one making her smile like that. I wanted to hold her. Forty-eight hours ago, it was me, even if it was only for that night. I’d known it was a bad idea, that I’d hurt for her so much more afterward, but I just wasn’t strong enough to say no. I’d wanted it too much myself.
Maybe it would be easier if she was dating someone else? Maybe we’d both be forced to get over each other.
The thought of getting over her sent sharp pain through my chest. I groaned and peeled my eyes off of her. When I turned, I found Cooper standing beside me. I jumped and my heart leapt up my throat.
He grimaced. “Sorry. I said your name, but I guess you didn’t hear me.”
I cursed and shook my head. “I didn’t. It’s okay… Was just…zoned out for a second.”
He nodded. His gaze went over to Bettina then came back to me. “I’m sorry, by the way.”
“For what?”
His cheeks flushed and he shrugged. “I didn’t realize what was happening between you and Bettina.”
My heart did a weird little flip thing. “Nothing is happening. I have a soulmate.”
“I know…but it’s not her.” He nodded toward her. “And I realized belatedly how much you wanted it to be, and vice versa.”
“Did she tell you that?” I heard myself ask.
He smiled. “I know how she feels about you, and I can see that it’s reciprocated. And I can’t imagine how much that’s tearing both of you up.”
I groaned and scrubbed my face with my hands. “Cooper, weren’t you two—”
“Nah, listen, man, I was trying something. She’s an amazing woman, so I figured I’d be foolish not to at least see. However, I wouldn’t have if I had known…” He shrugged. “We don’t gotta talk about it. I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I probably made things more difficult on our quest this week because of that.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” I sighed and leaned against the wall. “I’m just trying to give her some space to…you know…heal.”
He nodded. “Just don’t forget to forgive yourself while you’re at it.” He smiled then disappeared behind me.
Well…shit.
Now I have to go back to liking him.
It was a shame he and Bettina didn’t have a strong connection. He was a good guy, would’ve been good for her…and it would’ve made things easier.
The air pulsed around me, tightening my muscles and sending goose bumps across my skin. I frowned and pushed off the wall just as a wave of intense electric energy slammed into me. I reached for my sword hanging from my hip just as the front doors flew open. Cold air rushed inside.
Tennessee and Tegan stormed in, looking like two jungle cats out for a night’s hunt.
“Everyone okay in here?” Tenn’s voice was so low it was mostly a growl.
I nodded. “Well, no change from when you were last here, at least. How are things out there?”
Tegan sighed. “I set up a new barrier. He shouldn’t have been able to get through the last one, though, so I’m not sure how long it’ll hold up. But he took a hit tonight, so we have to pray that gives us some time to figure out what the hell they are.”
I frowned. “What they are?”
Her pale green eyes met mine. The power in them sent shivers down my spine. It was a damn good thing she was so goofy all the time, or otherwise she’d be too intense to handle.
“They’re not bound to human form. That makes them hard to keep out.” She glanced around. “If I know what they are, I can take them down.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Bettina
Morale wasn’t any better come breakfast.
Then again, it was hard to feel relaxed when the entire school was practically piled on top of each other. The students were stressed and scared. The school faculty was about to snap. All of the teachers wore brave faces and encouraging smiles, but I felt their energy now. I knew they were just as nervous.
I was, too.
Nearly half the school was destroyed. Joseph wasn’t playing around anymore. Until now, he’d just breeched the Old Lands and attacked us in a battle. But this… This was a sneak attack. It was deliberate. Intended to hurt people. If Tennessee, Tegan, and I hadn’t been right there when it happened, people might’ve been killed.
“BETTINA!”
I jumped and turned to my right just as a familiar pair of faces came bouncing toward me. Fred and George.
I grinned. In the craziness that had become my life, I hadn’t gotten to see them. “Well, hey there, my favorite informative troublemakers!”
They sat on either side of me and smiled.
The Frozen Witch (The Coven: Academy Magic Book 4) Page 12
