by Ashley McLeo
“She was in an abusive relationship for years. Since moving to Terramar she hardly ever leaves, and when she does she makes sure everyone knows. She always returns calls.” Tears threatened to spill from Lily’s eyes as the soft pressure of hands rested on her shoulders. In her periphery, she could see Evelyn and Sara on either side of her, their touch supplying a sense of relief she vaguely recognized as a calming spell.
“We’ll find her, Lil. Aoife and Mary have already started compiling a list of places they think Empusa could be. It looked short,” Sara said, her voice even and reassuring.
“Very short. We’ve already narrowed it down to two cities,” Aoife said, rounding the hearth into the kitchen, her cell phone in hand.
Brigit raised her eyebrows. “That was fast.”
“A few quick calls to our sister covens living in Empusa’s favorite haunts. No one’s spotted her in New York, London, Paris, New Orleans, or Tokyo.”
“How can they be sure?” Evelyn asked, sounding skeptical. “They’re all pretty damn big cities.”
“We witches have our ways. You can bet your big blue eyes that if Empusa or Amon showed up in Dublin, we’d know. It helps that she and her brother aren’t much for laying low. They like to get out and have their fill, as it were.”
Lily felt her stomach clench before another calming wave rushed over her.
“We’re certain she’s one of two places. She recently purchased vacation homes in both but had her cronies set up house in only one. Empusa never goes far without her entourage.”
“Where?” Lily demanded.
“Alexandria,” Aoife said, a grim smile growing on her face. “Seems we weren’t the only ones doing research. She’s a nostalgic bitch, that Empusa.”
Alexandria
Lily’s head spun as she lowered herself onto a cream leather chair in the plane’s cabin. In the hours it took the Locksley’s private jet to fly from New York to Shannon, the witches cleared out the Samhain gathering, drove to Shannon Airport, and formulated a plan. They had decided that Lily, Brigit, Sara, Evelyn, and Aoife would travel ahead to Alexandria to investigate. The others would hedge their bets and wait for a morning flight to Venice, the other city Empusa had recently been spotted in.
“But we still don’t have the book from the prophecy. Or know where it is. Or if it’s even real. What are they going to do when we show up without it?” Lily tried to keep her voice level as the plane pushed back and their plan moved forward despite this glaring flaw.
“Like we discussed, Lil, there’s nothing we can do about that now. Mary’s spent two decades searching and come up empty handed. We’ll have to try reasoning with them,” Brigit said, the worry in her eyes betraying the confidence in her tone.
“We should have told the rest of the coven about the abduction. They could have had a better idea.”
“None in the coven except Morgane, Fiona, and Nora know what we suspect you three are. At this point, it’s better it stays that way,” Brigit explained for the fourth time.
“The fact is, there were at least a dozen people in attendance tonight we know little about. Any one of them could be spying for the other side,” Aoife said. “I know, I know, Brig, it’s poor form to speak of our people like such, but it’s the truth. Somehow the other side’s figured out that you three exist and what you are. Someone’s been talking. Maybe not on purpose. Maybe seemingly insignificant tidbits. Possibly they were forced to. The end result is the same: The countdown has begun.”
Lily felt as if she’d been stabbed in the gut. Until that moment she hadn’t realized how much she was counting on a cover of anonymity. She watched Evelyn’s lips turn white and her breath grow shallow. Probably Evelyn had been relying on it, too. They both lacked confidence with many defensive spells. Sara’s face was passive as she stared out the window and fingered her beaded necklace, but that didn’t surprise Lily. Knowing Sara, she had considered a scenario like this before anyone else.
“Do you think it was the calling of the ancestors?” Evelyn asked, shifting in her seat.
“Now don’t you feel guilty about that. No one has been able to pull that off in centuries,” Aoife said.
“Besides,” Brigit added, “Em left two days ago, and we know she never made it to the retreat. They could have taken her anytime in between, well before the calling of the ancestors circle.”
Conversation dropped into silence as each settled into the hours with their thoughts. Lily watched Sara assume a cross-legged position and close her eyes. Within seconds her chest began rising and falling in even counts. Evelyn, too, sat with her eyes closed, though the tension in her neck and jaw screamed inner turmoil. Brigit and Aoife were attempting to lose themselves in books, though not any book Lily cared for at the moment. The only book that would satisfy her had been lost for millennia.
Dammit, Hypatia, couldn’t you have made it easier? Why couldn’t Seraphina’s tome have landed in Mary’s outstretched prophetic arms the day we were born? Shit, right now I wish it would have landed on me! It probably didn’t weigh enough to crush a baby. How do Empusa and Amon even know about the book? Why do they want it? What do they think was in it? Aoife believed it was the story of Lilith, Eve, and Seraphina’s time on Earth and the history of witches, passed down by word of mouth until someone devised to write it down. Lily wasn’t so sure that was all the book was. There must be something more to it if vampires are searching for it, Lily thought. No one searches for centuries just to hear a good story.
She closed her eyes and sniffed, swallowing down the tears that threatened to fill her eyes. Her ears popped.
“We’re descending,” Evelyn said, breaking the pristine silence. “The pilot never announces it. Daddy forbade it. It breaks his concentration.”
Lily opened the shade and saw the outline of a city rising up from the Mediterranean. The harbor was gleaming blue against the city’s tall, white buildings. Small dots of yellow and red littered the water: fishermen out for their daily catch, blissfully unaware of the dangerous mythical creatures that prowled their city. The sun was already high in the sky, a not-so-subtle reminder that Lily hadn’t slept in over a day.
“Do we know where we’re going first?” Sara asked, opening her eyes. She looked rejuvenated, calm, and collected after her meditation.
“First stop is the Alexandrian coven safe house. Their coven is one of the longest running in history. Hypatia was a member, and it was in their archive that Mary first learned of her existence. It’s possible they have new information about the book. At the very least we can get the lay of the city and devise a plan of attack,” Brigit said.
Plan of attack, Lily thought, her stomach sinking. She realized how naive her vision of walking peacefully into Empusa’s home was. Yet she still couldn’t help but cling to the thread of hope that if they just explained they didn’t have the book, that they’d never even seen it, Empusa and Amon would simply let Em go.
“Do they know where Empusa lives?” Lily asked.
“Aye, it’s one of their members who saw her strolling the streets of a well-to-do neighborhood this week and followed her home. Vamps don’t generally garner a witch’s attention, but Empusa and Amon are different. They’re vicious and always have been. Most witches consider it their duty to safeguard loved ones and neighbors from the pair. Others, too, if they can help it,” Aoife said, unable to hide her disgust.
“Why can’t the covens put their foot down and deny access to their city?” Evelyn asked.
“I hate to say it, but vampires have to eat, too, though not as often as popular tales would have you believe. Once a month is the average, much more when they’re in their first two years of being a vampire. A newly reborn vampire is the most dangerous creature on Earth. They’re unreasonable and answer only to their sire and blood. Their blood lust is so unquenchable they’d drain entire cities without a second thought. It takes about two years for newborns to stop acting like savages. I should mention that vampires have had to become more sele
ctive with their prey in recent years. Technology makes it harder to get away with draining a person and not getting caught. Some claim the choice is due to increased compassion rather than technology. I say it depends on the vamp. Either way, many modern vamps go for easy targets, the lowest of the low or those already in great pain.” Aoife frowned. “But Empusa, Amon, and their cronies adhere to no such a code. The happier a person is, the more other people love them, the more likely Empusa and Amon are to stalk them.”
Lily thought of Em’s hearty laugh and wide, dimpled smile. Her heart sank.
“That’s horrific,” Sara said and resumed staring out the window.
Minutes later the jolt of wheels upon tarmac announced their arrival onto Egyptian soil. The plane idled into a hanger and Lily glanced at her phone. They had arrived forty minutes ahead of schedule. Their stop at customs was laughably quick. A plump man performed a cursory glance at Evelyn’s passport, beamed, and pointed them in the direction of a limo arranged by Mr. Locksley’s assistant.
“Is this how you always travel?” Lily asked Evelyn, who was helping herself to one of the sparkling waters stocked in the minibar.
“Usually Daddy sends a Bentley. Seeing as there are so many of us, I suppose he thought this was a better option,” Evelyn said, sipping her water.
“Could you let your father know next time that I’d prefer the stretch Bentley?” Sara said in imitation of Evelyn’s airy tone.
“I didn’t know they made those,” Evelyn replied, eyebrows knitting together.
Laughter flew from Lily’s mouth. It was strange to hear such a wild, free sound after so many hours of unwavering fear.
“Thanks, Evelyn, we’d appreciate it,” Lily said.
“We’re here, girls,” Brigit said, as the limo pulled to a stop a half hour later.
It was the type of home no one would expect a high priestess of one of the world’s most ancient covens to live in. Stark white, edgy, and modern, the building looked more like a haunt for a rich, twenty-something Los Angeleno. They were pulling the last bag out of the trunk when the apartment door opened.
And the surprises keep coming, Lily thought as a striking woman approached Brigit. The high priestess was young and gorgeous with dark, smooth skin and light green eyes.
Brigit’s face broke into a smile. “Bahiti, it’s good to see you.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Brigit. Please come in, all of you.”
Bahiti decorated her home much as the exterior would suggest. The furniture was minimal, though it appeared to be custom made and the same high quality as the avant garde art hung on the walls.
“Please take a seat. I have cushions for those with younger legs,” Bahiti said pointing to a small stack of large, bright pillows.
Only once everyone was comfortable, with a cup of mint tea in hand, did Bahiti deem it time to get down to business.
“I hear you seek Empusa, but I’ve heard of no stalkings or murders in the area. Tell me, what has she done that you would know of before I?” Bahiti said lowering herself onto the loveseat beside Brigit.
“Empusa has taken a hostage in return for Hypatia’s book.”
Bahiti’s spine straightened.
“Which, of course, we do not have,” Brigit added.
“Of course,” Bahiti said, reclining once more with a small frown. “Why does she think this is possible? Very few know you’ve been searching. Even fewer know the reasons why,” Bahiti tore her gaze from Brigit to look at the triplets, her eyes roving over each in the witchy manner Lily had become used to.
“Your daughters. I know them, but only through legend, of course.”
“I’m sorry I forgot to make introductions.”
“No matter. I already know. Anyone who knows the story would have to be blind not to guess, but then I say that with the benefit of already knowing. Seraphina, Eve, and Lilith,” Bahiti said pointing to Sara, Evelyn, and Lily in turn. “I am Bahiti Basara, high priestess of the Daughters of Isis and a very old friend of your mother’s family, your family. I am honored to meet you.” She inclined her head, looking every bit a queen.
“Yes, you’re quite right about the namesakes. The prophecy helped settle that, though the names we chose were a bit more modern. This is Lily, Evelyn, and Sara. It’s one of Lily’s relatives Empusa kidnapped,” Brigit said.
Bahiti nodded. “So, Empusa has taken someone dear to Lily. I must say this comes as a surprise. I have had people stationed outside Empusa’s grounds since we received word of her occupation. Aside from the day one of my sisters reported her strolling the neighborhood, I’ve heard no mention of Empusa’s comings or goings. She seems to be content to stay at home, which as you know, is most unlike her.”
“Has anyone else arrived? Amon, or any other followers we’d recognize?”
“I told my people to call the moment anyone of importance stepped foot on her property. I can only assume no one has as I’ve received no word.”
Lily’s stomach dropped. Have we traveled all this way for nothing? Is Em somewhere else? A vampire as old as Empusa could have at least a dozen homes all over the world.
“Have you phoned your patrols?” Aoife asked bluntly.
Bahiti’s stunning features arranged themselves into one of puzzlement. “No, why would I? Their orders are to call me if something is out of place.”
Aoife sighed, her face red, and tone impatient. “Oh I don’t know, maybe because we’re talking about Empusa here. She hasn’t stepped a toe outside her own walls after a witch caught sight of her and reported her strolling about the neighborhood. That doesn’t sound suspicious at all? You haven’t bothered to check on your scouts? What if Empusa decided she needed a little snack before dealing with Emily?” Aoife clapped her hands over her mouth. “I’m sorry, Lil. I didn’t mean . . .”
“It’s—it’s fine,” Lily stammered, slithering off her cushion to lie flat on the floor.
“Could you check on your scouts Bahiti?” Brigit asked, dropping to the floor to grasp Lily’s hand. “We will find her, Lil. I promise. Remember your lessons and how prepared you are to help. Emily needs you to be strong.”
Lily nodded but was unable to meet Brigit’s gaze, instead choosing to focus on Bahiti rushing out of the room to find the phone.
“We’ve got this, Lily. Sara will throw some crazy firepower at them and I’ll get into their heads while you find Emily. Thank God you’re a healer, she’ll need you.” Evelyn’s words, though meant to be reassuring, did little to ease her mind.
Lily was saved from responding by Bahiti’s breathless reappearance.
“No one answered. I stationed four of my best scouts and they’ve all gone dark.” Her green eyes were wide with terror as they bounced between Brigit and Aoife.
“We think Empusa wants this book quite as much as we do, Bahiti. And we all know how bad it can get if Empusa becomes desperate,” Aoife said, her voice tight.
“I see that now. I never thought she’d dare attack my people. The coven has a standing arrangement for the safety of its members during her time here . . .”
“My guess is she’s been searching for this book far longer than we have. Now that she believes we’re connected with it, and you with us, it’s safe to say prior arrangements have gone out the window.”
Bahiti nodded and pressed her full lips together.
Brigit turned to Evelyn. “Will Locksley Enterprises need their jet anytime soon? We need to call for reinforcements.”
By the time Mary, Gwenn, Fiona, and Morgane touched down on Egyptian soil, a plan was in motion. It was clear Empusa was angling to meet Lily, though Brigit and Aoife thought it possible the identities of Sara and Evelyn might still be unknown. Therefore, only Lily was to accompany them to Empusa’s lair.
“She has to know we exist if she believes the tales!” Evelyn protested.
“But not what you look like, perhaps not even your names. Thanks to the wards on Fern Cottage, she’s never gotten close to the place. It’s obvious
she knows who Lily is, where she grew up, and whom she’d risk her life for, but there may be a chance that’s all she knows. Lily has no choice but to go. You, on the other hand, can and will remain hidden for as long as possible. I will not endanger you needlessly,” Brigit said sounding, for the first time, very much like a mother setting boundaries for her child.
Evelyn scowled but remained quiet, unable to argue with Brigit’s logic.
Lily, Brigit, Aoife, and Gwenn were to venture into Empusa’s home while Bahiti, Mary, and Morgane remained hidden on the grounds under the cover of nightfall, awaiting a distress signal. Lily hoped it wouldn’t get to that point. Their signal was neither subtle nor cunning, both qualities Brigit stressed they embody when dealing with Empusa and Amon. Only Aoife seemed to relish the idea of shooting fireballs through Empusa’s walls over a peaceful mission.
“She deserves far more than that for all the stunts she’s pulled over the years. You’ve no idea what antics our kind has had to cover up,” Aoife said stoutly.
Brigit nodded, but Lily could tell that she, too, would rather not upset the vampires.
Sara and Evelyn were to wait, safe and sound in Bahiti’s home, which Brigit and Aoife had placed under countless protective charms during the hours spent waiting for reinforcements to arrive.
“You can bet we’ll put a sealing spell on the door when we leave, too,” Aoife said, her eyes shifting to Evelyn when Lily commented on the bevy of spells used.
Sara, while disappointed to be left behind, was trying to make the best of their situation.
“Think of what we can learn from Bahiti’s sisters! Egyptian magic has been world renowned for centuries.” She’d been saying some version of the words since Bahiti’s mention that two witches from her coven would arrive to teach Sara and Evelyn traditional Egyptian spells and a bit of lore to keep their minds preoccupied.
“Our babysitters, you mean,” Evelyn huffed in response each time Sara brought this up. Evelyn simmered until the moment they were set to leave. Lily was performing one last check of her healer’s kit—a small, and she liked to think fashionable, leather fanny pack filled with herbs and vials of potions—when Evelyn approached her.
