“And you met Peter in the process,” I said. “I’d call that a win.”
Mia chewed her lip, still uncertain.
“If we’re not back in three days, then sound the alarm,” I said. “How’s that for a compromise?”
Mia scooped up Haggis. “I’ll take good care of her while you’re gone.”
I smiled. “I know you will.”
“Be sure to pack a toothbrush,” Bryn said. “Unless you plan to use bad breath as a secret weapon.”
“And use the bathroom before you go,” Mia added. “You don’t know where the nearest one will be in the djinn realm.”
“What about the professors?” Dani asked. “What do you want us to tell them?”
“That I’ve gone to see my family due to an emergency,” I said.
Mia exhaled. “Okay, if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. I need to stop a war from breaking out in the realm. Warriors are on the move as we speak and the king is too blind with grief to see he’s being manipulated.”
“Blind with grief,” Mia murmured. “You know a thing or two about that, don’t you?”
“Grief distorts our vision of the world,” I said. “We can’t see clearly. Even when we sense we’re on the wrong path, we take it anyway.”
Mia hugged me. “Take all your rune rocks. You can’t be too careful.”
“If she takes all of them, she won’t be able to walk,” Bryn said.
“I’ll take a select few,” I said. It always felt good to have them with me.
“And your wand,” Bryn said. “In case you want to manifest something important, like Gunak the Great.”
“Wand is packed,” I said, patting my pocket. “Gunak will stay here to keep watch over you.”
“I don’t think we’re the ones who need looking after,” Dani said.
I flipped my blond hair over my shoulder in my best impression of the fire witch. “I’m going to save a realm. Don’t wait up.”
Dani contemplated me. “You need about six more inches.”
I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed for the door.
“Have fun storming the castle!” Bryn called.
I had no idea what awaited me at the Shaitan castle, but one thing was certain—there’d be nothing fun about it.
Chapter Fifteen
Callan and I met at the portal in Terrene where’d we come through the last time. There was no line the way there would be between my world and Terrene. Visits to the djinn realm were rare, and there were very few operational portals anyway.
“I’ve completed the paperwork,” Callan said. “The League knows where we’re headed. They’ll send a team if necessary.”
“If we don’t come back in three days, my roommates will be ramming down the castle doors.”
“How do we want to handle this?” Callan asked. “We need a plan before we waltz through that portal because we have no clue what’s waiting on the other side.”
“You think the situation could have gotten that much worse since we left?”
Callan faced the portal entrance and gave his chest a good stretch. “The way things were headed, we need to be cautious.”
I laughed. “I think caution fell by the wayside back in Ghul territory, but I think our best bet is to march straight into the castle and request an audience. Make our presence known.”
“But keep our games faces on. Got it.” Callan offered a hand and I took it. It felt warm and comforting, exactly the way I needed to feel right now. “As usual, you’ve got the right idea, lemon drop. Smartest witch in the djinn realm.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Pretty sure I’m the only witch in the djinn realm.”
He gave a casual shrug. “You never know. There could be another one lurking in a cave somewhere. Got herself a stone cauldron and a lizard familiar. Hair that drags on the ground. Good thing I was bound to you instead of her. Maybe I’d be living in a cave about now. I can picture her little lizard on my shoulder. Nelson.”
I let go of his hand. “That’s quite a visual.”
He chuckled. “You know I like to tease.”
“You’re very good at it.” There was an edge to my voice that I hadn’t intended.
He squinted. “Something on your mind?”
I couldn’t tell him about my concerns about us now, not when we were about to enter life and death territory. “Nothing. It’s fine.”
“Fine? Uh oh. That’s the kiss of death in a relationship, when everything’s fine.”
I couldn’t resist a smile. Whether our feelings were real or not, Callan managed to brighten even the darkest of times.
“I’m worried about what’s going to happen next,” I said. “That’s all.”
He pulled me close and kissed me firmly on the lips. “Did that help?”
“Your plan is to kiss my worries away?”
He grinned at me. “Any excuse will do. Ready for action?”
My insides rattled. “Ready.”
We entered the portal and I made sure to regulate my breathing. The last thing I needed was a wave of nausea at an inopportune time. Thankfully, the only weirdness was a bit of pressure in my ears and above my eyes.
The portal delivered us to the royal portal on the outskirts of the castle grounds. Only one guard stood watch, most likely because the activity was taking place at the borders within the realm.
I gave the guard a bright smile. “We’ve come with news that we think will help the king,” I said, injecting enthusiasm into my voice. Upbeat Cerys had to give a convincing performance before we got our heads chopped off. I kept a grip on the wand in my pocket, just in case.
The guard glanced around awkwardly, probably hoping to pawn us off on someone else.
“It’s okay,” Callan said, clapping him on the arm. “No need to show us the way. We know you can’t leave your post.”
The guard bowed his head in acknowledgement and Callan and I sped off toward the gateway. Another group of guards patrolled the entrance.
“We have urgent news for the king,” I said forcefully. “He’s awaiting our return.”
The guards consulted each other. I had no doubt they recognized us.
One of the guards pointed his spear at Callan. “You got past me last time. It won’t happen again.”
Oops. I glanced at Callan, who mouthed the word “sorry.”
“Wait here,” the guard said. “Gaheem will check with the king.” The guard in the middle raced toward the castle. This could be a wrinkle in our plan.
Callan and I waited several anxious minutes until the guard reappeared with Zane Amon at his heels. There were dark circles under his eyes and his hair was unkempt.
“What could have prompted your return?” the legate asked. He gesticulated wildly, nearly smacking the guard beside him with the serpentine staff. “Have you no regard for your own safety? The king and queen were quite clear…”
“I know,” I interrupted. “It’s just that we think we’ve discovered something helpful. We’d like to see the queen.”
His brow lifted. “The queen? Not the king?”
I cut a quick glance at Callan. “We don’t want to distract the king during such a critical time. We can share our information with the queen.”
Zane pondered the request. “Is this about Lumin Nasaaf? Because I do not think he is a priority for the king at present.”
“No, it’s about portals,” I said. “We discovered information about ancient portals that might allow the king to launch a surprise attack on the Ghuls. It would minimize casualties but still allow the king to advance.”
“I see. That would be most advantageous.” Zane took a slow step backward. “Allow me to escort you to Her Majesty’s private study. She is there now, while the king is occupied in the armory.” He held out his free hand. “Allow me to carry your bag. It must be heavy after your journey.”
Inwardly, I sighed with relief. “Thank you, Zane.”
Callan and I followed the legate down a lo
ng corridor. The click of his staff on the white marble floor echoed as we went. This seemed like the ideal place for the queen’s private study. We passed no one else in this wing of the castle. Plenty of space for quiet contemplation.
Zane yanked open a large metal door and ushered us inside. The room was empty except for multiple sets of golden chains attached to the walls. The legate blocked the doorway and raised his staff. Before we could react, chains shot out from the walls and cuffs clamped around our wrists and ankles. Callan snarled and pulled.
“What are you doing?” I demanded, struggling to free myself. But I knew perfectly well what he was doing. I’d only hoped we could slip past him and get a message to the queen.
“The chains will prevent your wolf from shifting and prevent you from casting any spells.” A malevolent smile ripped across his face. “My plan is almost complete and I will not risk interference from anyone.”
“Why would you betray the king?” I asked. “You’ve been friends since childhood. He relies on you for good counsel.”
“The king is nothing to me,” Zane said vehemently and shook his staff. “He is a despicable Shaitan and I look forward to destroying everything he has built.”
“Let us go,” Callan said. His voice was low, deep, and more threatening than I’d ever heard.
“While I cannot bind you to any stones like a djinni, I can certainly attach you to a wall. The chains are also spelled to stop you from using magic.” He smiled again. “They do not, however, prevent me from using magic and I am rather gifted.”
“When I break free, I’m coming for you first,” Callan said. His muscles bulged as he attempted to rip the chains off the wall.
Zane seemed unconcerned. “You cannot break chains that you do not remember are there.” He held the staff in front of us and blue mist poured from the serpent’s mouth. I coughed as the air grew thick and filled my lungs. I dropped to my knees as I struggled to breathe. Although I felt Callan’s presence beside me, I could no longer see him. He was too far to reach, not that my hands could move. Despite my best efforts to stay alert, I slowly succumbed to the mist.
“Open your eyes, my lovely.”
That voice. I recognized that hideous voice.
No, it couldn’t be. He was dead. Abraxas was killed in the underworld. I remembered that pivotal moment in time like it was yesterday.
“You’re not here.” I dared to open my eyes and was confronted by his demonic face.
“Of course, I’m here,” he replied. “Your place is with me. I have no desire to be away from my beautiful bride.”
I squeezed my eyes closed. “No.”
His fingernail gently scraped the skin under my chin. “You have been dreaming much of late. Anxious for the start of your new life, I expect. It is all so new to you.”
I forced myself to open my eyes again and look at him. Tall and muscular with a dark grey body and unsettling ice-blue eyes. I recognized the ice-blue sword in his hand and a shiver ran down my spine. He’d threatened me with that blade more times than I cared to remember.
“I don’t have a life with you,” I ground out. “Because you don’t have a life. You’re long dead.”
Abraxas leaned closer and examined me. “Your dreams have seemed real, haven’t they? Tell me. Did you dream of your old life? The academy? That’s where I discovered you. Mercer Lake. Do you still remember it?”
“Discovered me?” I shot back. “That’s where you kidnapped me.” I took a moment to survey the room. The bare essentials were present, same as before. I glanced down at myself to see a white shift dress and bare feet.
“You seem uncomfortable, my darling,” Abraxas cooed. His version of a soothing voice made my knees tremble. He was frightening at the best of times. “Perhaps I let you dream too long.”
I frowned. Was it possible that I was still imprisoned in the underworld? That I’d only dreamed of my escape and the life lived afterward?
“Why am I not chained?” I asked. I remembered chains, yet my hands and feet were free.
Abraxas clucked his tongue. “My sweet bride. You do not recall? We reached an agreement and, thus, your chains were removed.”
“Where’s Beth?”
Abraxas rose to his full height and gazed at me. “You don’t remember?”
Oh gods. “No. Tell me.”
He gave me a reproachful look. “Tell me, please.”
I gulped. “Tell me, please.”
He flicked his fingers in a dismissive gesture. “She died during an escape attempt. You truly don’t recall? You were most despondent over it.” He returned to me and pressed his hand against my forehead. “You feel warm. I will send for a healer. I can’t losing another bride so soon.”
Nausea washed over me as the room began to spin. “What escape attempt?”
He cocked his head. “Your so-called friends. They tried to rescue you. From what, I’ve no idea. You made it clear that you were happy to stay.” He lowered his lids. “Beth didn’t make the same choice.” He contemplated me. “I shouldn’t have given you so much of the sleep potion. I believe it may have done more harm than good if your memory is missing such critical pieces.”
A squat dwarf appeared in the doorway. “I warned you, sire. Too much can cause extended sleep and hallucinations.”
The demon whirled around on him, towering over the dwarf. “Do not speak to me in such a manner.” His forceful tone made my legs quake and it wasn’t even directed at me.
The dwarf’s chin jerked downward. “Apologies, sire.”
“Ease my bride’s discomfort,” Abraxas ordered. “I will return shortly.” He brushed past the dwarf and left us alone.
“I don’t understand what’s happening,” I said. “How am I here?”
The dwarf wobbled forward. “Are you truly forgetful or is this another one of your ruses? I don’t think my master will tolerate any more of those. He made it very clear the last time.”
I gaped at the dwarf. I didn’t remember him at all. “Where’s Callan?” I asked.
The dwarf snorted. “Is that what you named one of the hellhounds? It’s different. I like it.”
“No.” I shook my head. “He’s a werewolf. He works for the League. He’s my…” I cut myself off. My what? The literal man of my dreams?
The dwarf prepared a cool cloth for my forehead. “You haven’t mentioned anyone by the name of Callan before, miss.” He appeared thoughtful. “There’s Dani, Mia, Bryn, Gray. Beth, of course, gods rest her weary soul.”
“But he and I…We saved people.” My head ached. I was so confused.
The dwarf pursed his lips. “The potion we administered was too strong. I know my master claims otherwise, but it can induce hallucinations.”
Memories came flooding back to me. The clearing at Allegheny with eleven dead humans. Callan’s rope around me. Our blood bond. Fighting mannequins. Weapons class with my roommates. The trip to the caverns where I found Lumin’s opal. Each moment seemed so real, but if not…Was Callan a mere figment of my imagination? Someone my subconscious created to care for me and protect me while I was trapped in this awful place?
“I feel ill,” I mumbled.
“I know, miss,” the dwarf replied. “That’s why I’m trying to help you. Perhaps another potion.”
I waved my hands. “No more potions.”
The dwarf chuckled. “I understand, miss. Nasty taste. Don’t blame you a bit.”
There was a question I had to ask. “My friends…When they came to rescue me, what happened?”
The dwarf’s expression clouded over. “Another bit of memory gone, eh? Probably for the best, miss.” He placed the damp cloth on my forehead. “I’ve applied a tonic to it that should help. Wear it for at least half an hour.”
I held the cloth in place. It felt real. The moisture on my forehead felt real.
And yet it couldn’t be. None of this could be.
“I don’t remember you,” I said.
The dwarf scratched behind his
ear. “My name or me?”
“Neither.”
He made a noise at the back of his throat.
“I think I’m making you up now,” I said.
He squinted. “What a strange thing to say, miss. If I weren’t made of stern stock, I’d be insulted. We’ve spent plenty of time together.”
“No, we haven’t.” I pinned him with a hard stare. “Callan is real. You’re not.”
He laughed awkwardly. “Callan again, miss? If he’s so real, then where is he now?” He spread his chubby arms wide and looked around the sparse room. “Why has he never come to save you?”
“I don’t have to see him now to know he’s real,” I argued. “I feel it.” I thumped my hand on my chest. “In here.”
“I would say that’s sweet if it weren’t so delusional. You should stop, miss, before you upset your master.”
“He’s not my master,” I yelled. I threw the cloth at the dwarf’s face and bolted for the door. The dwarf didn’t try to stop me.
I ran down a stretch of hallway toward a door that seemed to lead outside. If I could get outside, my magic would be stronger. I could figure out what was going on. My mind was a blur. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen Callan. Or my roommates. Why wasn’t I at the academy? Or maybe I was and I was dreaming.
My heart pounded as I reached the door and pushed it open. Blue oak trees greeted me in the backyard. They were oddly familiar, but I didn’t associate them with the underworld.
“Cerys?”
I looked up at the tallest tree. A figure sat on a thick branch, his legs dangling. “I don’t understand,” I whispered.
“I won’t fall,” my brother said. “Promise.”
“You will,” I said. Tears pricked the back of my eyes. “You did.”
He hopped to his feet as though he were an acrobat and balanced on the branch. “I’m very good at climbing. I love heights.”
I didn’t. I liked both feet on solid ground. I’d always claimed it was the earth witch in me, but part of me knew it was more than that.
It was because of Folant.
“What’s wrong?” my brother asked. He shimmied to the trunk and pressed a palm flat against it.
Outlaw: Spellslingers Academy of Magic (Enforcer of the East Book 2) Page 15
