Keeper

by Kim Chance

  The Scavenger looked confused. “My lord?”

  The Master sighed and then turned smiling to address the crowd. “Someone had been sampling too much wine, I think.” There was a murmur of polite laughter from the crowd. He looked back at the Scavenger, but there was no amusement in his features. “Do you not know your own kind?” His voice wasn’t loud, but it was full of venom and the Scavenger winced. “This girl isn’t one of us. She is human.”

  “Human?” The Scavenger looked taken aback. “I swear it’s her, my lord. Her scent. I . . . There must be some mistake.”

  “I do not make mistakes.” The Master waved his hand across Maggie’s face. Her features began to shimmer and distort as the glamour faded away. “Sage magic,” he said simply, eyeing Maggie curiously.

  The Scavenger dropped to his knees and began murmuring words of apology. His features blurred and his form flickered in and out—clearly a nervous habit.

  The Master looked almost bored. “And now, you’ve interrupted a perfectly good party.” He sighed and turned to the Guard nearest him. “Take this underling outside—I’ll deal with him later.”

  The Guard bowed and dragged the Scavenger to the nearest exit. The double doors slammed shut behind them.

  The Master swiveled on his heel and looked to Ty. “Your turn.” He held out a hand, waiting for Ty’s explanation.

  “Thank you, my lord,” Ty said. He nodded toward the door where the Scavenger had been taken. “That vagrant is nothing but a money-grubbing liar who would seek any opportunity to earn a coin or two. I know nothing of the witch he speaks of, but I do know that he planned to use her for his own purposes—to fool you and get revenge upon me.”

  The Master had settled back in his chair, but at the word “revenge,” he leaned forward, interested.

  “As he said,” Ty continued, “I killed his comrades. They were trying to harm my . . . my . . . I have a thing for humans, my lord.” He indicated Maggie. “That vile creature kidnapped her the minute my back was turned and planned to turn her over to you, disguising her with magic as a witch.” Ty paused to bow graciously. “I do apologize for the interruption; however, I am glad to have been able to foil his subterfuge.”

  I’d managed to shove my way through the crowd far enough that I was only a few feet away from where Ty was standing. I stared at him standing there with a posture and formal manner of speaking that were entirely foreign to me. It was as if he had stepped into another time and place entirely. I barely recognized him. Where was the boy with the half smile?

  Fear and suspicions rolled around in my stomach, but I forced the feelings aside. Everything will be fine. Ty will save Maggie, and we’ll all make it out alive. I had to believe it.

  “I heard him boasting of the reward he anticipated for his treachery,” Ty went on. “Everyone here knows that the clink of coin is the only language those dogs understand.”

  There was a murmur of agreement from the crowd, and even the Master nodded his head in accord. Pulses of fear and anxiety coursed through me with every rapid beat of my heart, and a thin sheen was forming on my skin. I forced myself to take a few deep breaths. I glanced at Maggie. She was on the floor near the Master’s chair, her eyes narrowed on Ty. I could tell from the look on her face that she was as confused as I. She doesn’t know either. Whatever Ty’s plan was, he was the only one in on it. I turned my attention back to Ty.

  The Master was regarding him. He wiped a hand across his brow. “I know you.” He leaned forward. “What’s your name, boy?”

  “Tyler Marek, my Lord.”

  “Marek.” The Master clapped his hands together. “Of course, now I remember. What was it? A year ago? Such a brooding, angry young man. Why, I hardly recognize you now. I see your training was effective.”

  Ty swallowed. “Most effective, my lord.”

  The words didn’t make sense. My head was screaming at me, but my heart refused to acknowledge, to even consider the thoughts roaring inside my mind. Still hidden in the shadows of the crowd, I took a deep breath. I have to trust him. I have to trust Ty.

  The crowd was growing restless. The murmur of voices grew louder.

  “Peace, friends.” The Master stood from his chair and held out his hand. “There’s no need for discord.” He turned to Ty. “Show them who you are.”

  With a slight inclination of his head, Ty yanked off his tie and unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt, which he pulled down to reveal a dark tattoo across his chest.

  I knew that mark, had seen it before in my visions of Josephine.

  “No,” I whispered, shaking my head. No.

  Two interlocking triangles that formed a capital M. It was the mark that denoted the Master’s most loyal followers. The mark of the Guard.

  “My name is Tyler Marek.” He bowed his head in reverence. “I am one of yours, my lord.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  I cried out, a strangling sort of sound, and stared at the tattoo on Ty’s chest. “No,” I breathed. Ty? Part of the Guard? I didn’t want to believe it, but the proof was there, inked across his skin. Flashes of heat flushed my skin, and I tore my gaze away as hot tears burned my eyes. He’s been working for the Master all this time.

  Pain ripped through the walls of my chest and ricocheted throughout my entire body. Ty betrayed me. Those three little words sliced right through me, and I glanced down expecting to see blood—the physical evidence of my internal agony. I choked down a sob.

  “My apologies again, my lord, for the interruption to your party,” Ty said with another bow. He moved toward Maggie. “Allow me to take the human to a more secure location until you are ready to deal with her.” He took a step forward, straightening his shoulders. “I will personally see to it that she is . . . looked after.” He grinned, a wild look in his eye. My stomach rolled, and I was sure I was going to vomit.

  The Master seemed to consider this for a moment before rising to his feet. “There’s something about you,” he said to Ty. “You’re far more civilized than most of the men in my Guard. I like that. Civility is all but lost these days.”

  A strange look flashed across Ty’s face, but then it was gone behind his congenial smile once more. “My father was a gentleman, my lord. He taught me well.”

  The Master nodded, impressed. “I see.”

  Ty bowed his head again. “Thank you, my lord.” He bent down and yanked Maggie to her feet. My hands, my blade, and my life. His words echoed in my thoughts, twisting my heart. Every word a lie.

  “Where might I secure her, my lord?”

  “Oh, that won’t be necessary,” the Master said, settling back into his seat. “After all, what’s a party without a little . . . entertainment?”

  “My lord?” Ty stared at him, not understanding.

  The Master held up a hand, waving him off, and fixed his stare on Maggie. He cocked his head a little, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Come here, girl.”

  Maggie jerked her arm out of Ty’s grasp and walked toward the Master, trying to keep her shoulders back and head held high. She was shaking all over, but it was obvious she was trying not to let her fear show.

  “Such a pretty face,” the Master mused, running a finger across her cheek. “Yet the face you wore as a disguise . . . that is the face that interests me the most.” He turned to the crowd, scanning the faces of the guests. “For you see, it belongs to someone I’m dying to know better.”

  Oh my God. My stomach turned inside out. He knows who I am. He knows I’m here. All of the planning, the details, everything we’d prepared for tonight was all for naught. Our plan was always going to fail.

  I glared at Ty through angry tears. His face was void of all emotion, and he was standing at attention next to the Master. I directed all the malice and hatred I felt burning through me toward him. I hate you. I hate you, Tyler Marek. I will never forgive you for this.r />
  It might have been wishful thinking, but I swore I saw him wince.

  “You can come out now, love,” the Master projected, his voice filling every inch of the ballroom. “There’s no point in hiding from me.”

  What do I do? My feet were frozen to the floor and my head was spinning. What do I do?

  “Oh, come now, there’s no need to be shy.” The Master took a step forward, his arms open. “No? Well, perhaps then you need a little motivation.” He walked back to where Maggie was standing and reached for her hand. “I have no use for the human girl,” he said, his features twisting into a vile grin. “But it is a party. Perhaps some of my men would appreciate a little company.”

  Several in the crowd murmured appreciatively as the Master flicked his wrist. One of the Guards moved to Maggie, pushing her toward the crowd.

  “Stop!” I yelled, pushing my way through the crowd. “Leave her alone!”

  The Master’s face was positively gleeful. “Ah, yes. Come, my dear. I’ve been expecting you.”

  The Guard was still towing Maggie toward a group of men who were waiting, their expressions hungry.

  Overhead, the lights flickered as a surge of magic rushed through me. “I said, leave her alone.” I was surprised how strong my voice sounded as it carried through the room.

  The Master grinned. “See? Was that so hard? I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist. You witches and your code of goodness. A pity, really. You miss out on so much fun.” He leaned in and smelled Maggie’s hair. “Lovely. Yes, I can think of quite a few of my guests who would love a little . . . taste of this delectable flower, hmmm?”

  My heart was pounding, and every nerve cell in my body was crackling with energy. “Leave her alone.” The lights flickered again with another wave of power.

  The Master leaned forward, his grin so wicked that my heart plummeted to my feet. “But what would the fun be in that?”

  He motioned to the Guard who had seized Maggie by the shoulder, and he pushed her forward, the hands of the eager men waiting.

  They pulled at her, an audible snap of jaws and competing snarls filling the air. As the men’s faces began changing into something more feral, Maggie’s cry erupted in my ears, catapulting me into action.

  “Stop it!” I screamed, throwing my hands out in front of me. A pulse of energy shot through my fingertips. It expanded, the hazy wave rippling forward and engulfing the men who held Maggie. With a whoosh of air and the crack of lightning, the men flew backward, landing unconscious on the ground. Maggie was left standing, and though her dress was torn and she was visibly trembling, she was otherwise unharmed—save for the wound on her arm that still dripped blood.

  I sagged, exhausted from the magic still effervescing underneath my skin.

  The sound of laughter and applause brought my attention back to the Master. His face was full of joy, and he was applauding me along with the stunned crowd. “Yes, that’s more like it. But now, I’m being awfully rude. Come here, love, and tell my guests here who you are.” He held an arm open as if to embrace me warmly.

  When I hesitated, the Master snapped his fingers. “Marek. If you will, please.”

  Strong hands gripped my shoulders. I tore my gaze away from the Master and focused on the cold blue eyes staring into mine. Gone was the boy I had kissed in the rain, the one who had challenged me to a corndog-eating contest, who had danced with me like we were the only ones in the room. I didn’t recognize this person at all.

  I yanked myself out of his grip. “Don’t touch me!” I sneered.

  “Just do what he says, Lainey,” Ty replied, his voice cold, void of any emotion. For a brief second, something flashed in his eyes, but as quickly as it had come, it was gone, replaced with nothing by empty promises and lies.

  I hate you, Tyler Marek.

  He reached for me again, his hand on my arm. I yanked it away, reared back, and spat in his face. “You can burn in hell,” I said. My voice was strong, but my heart throbbed as I watched him merely reach up and wipe the spittle from his cheek.

  The Master laughed. “My, aren’t you a spirited one?” He leaned forward. “Come now, love. I haven’t got all night.”

  Seeing as I had no choice in the matter, I walked toward him and allowed him to wrap his arm around me and pull me close. I swallowed the bile that rose in my throat.

  “Lainey Sty—” I said, staring out into the crowd. “Lainey DuCarmont.” Warmth bloomed inside me. It was the first time I’d claimed the name as my own. I smiled a little. That one’s for you, Jo.

  The crowd began to murmur, their whispers rising to an audible murmur of concern and confusion. The word “DuCarmont” began to spread; like the call of a minor bird, its echo floated through the air.

  “That’s right, darling.” The Master kissed the top of my head. “Lainey DuCarmont,” he said with a flourish, his voice loud and carrying. “The last remaining DuCarmont witch.” He motioned to one of the Guards, who nodded his head and left the room. Then he turned back to me. “I’ve been expecting you.”

  I swallowed. “But how?” My heart ached with the answer I already knew, but I wanted to hear the Master say it out loud.

  “Ah, ah, ah,” The master waved a finger at me. “Let us not get ahead of ourselves. You’ll spoil the surprise.” He winked at me then, tapping playfully at my nose. I fought the urge to bite his hand.

  “My friends.” The Master’s voice boomed across the room. “Welcome. Tonight, as promised, will be truly magical, as you’re here to witness history in the making.” He laughed again, the maniacal sound loud in my ear.

  The double doors to the ballroom opened, and the Guard had returned, carrying an ornate black wooden box in his hand, which he handed to the Master.

  “My lord,” he said with a bow.

  The Master released me and took the box from the Guard’s hand. He laughed again and opened the box before flipping it around for all to see.

  My knees buckled, and I nearly collapsed.

  Sitting inside the box on a cushion of blood-red crushed velvet was a sparkling emerald amulet. The Grimoire. I felt myself sinking to the floor, but the Guard grabbed me and held me upright, before yanking me over to the Master and whirling me around to face the crowd.

  The Master’s face had lost some of its glee. He was staring at me with such intensity that I felt shards of ice slice through my veins.

  His gaze never leaving mine, he removed the necklace from its place and, tossing the box behind him, walked behind me to fasten the amulet around my neck.

  It was heavier than I had expected, and the energy emanating from it set my heart racing. At the same time, the magic was strange. It was like putting on someone else’s shoes. It made me slightly uncomfortable. The metal was hot against my skin, almost too hot, but I welcomed the pain. I needed to keep my mind clear.

  The Master was facing me now, his features solemn again and harsh. “A long time ago,” he began, his voice eerily calm as though he were speaking to children, “a foolish warlock took something from me, and now I want it back.”

  His words were laced with venom, and I flinched.

  “You, Lainey DuCarmont, will undo what your family has done. Do so, and you walk away with your life. Deny me, and the consequences will be beyond your reckoning.”

  I shook my head, fighting back tears. “I can’t.”

  Behind me, Maggie whimpered.

  “I’m sorry,” I whispered. The amulet felt like a fifty-

  pound weight around my neck. “I can’t do that.”

  The Master sneered at me, his eyes flashing.

  “My lord,” a voice called out. “Perhaps I may be of some service.”

  The Guard who had retrieved the Grimoire stepped forward.

  “Yes.” The Master’s face relaxed back into a grin. “Oh, yes,” he crooned, “I think you shall.” He waved
his arm forward. “Proceed, sir.”

  The Guard walked forward and bowed mockingly at the waist to me. “My lady,” he said, something oddly familiar in his tone. “The Master is a benevolent man, and you try his patience.”

  “Benevolent, my ass.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. A tiny spark of amusement bubbled under my skin as the crowd gasped and murmured.

  The Guard laughed out loud, but it was a cold laugh. “Give the Master what he seeks and no harm will come to you.” He stepped closer and said so only I could hear, “Unlock the Grimoire, you stupid girl.”

  Everything within me was screaming in warning, but I stood my ground, refusing to say a word.

  The Guard chuckled again and then looked to the Master, who nodded. His eyes were full of light, and he looked very much like a child who has received a present. I tasted bile again.

  “Very well.” The Guard moved closer to me and slowly removed the mask he wore from his face.

  Gareth.

  I cried out, clamping a hand over my mouth to stop the sound.

  The look in his eyes told me the answer, confirmed what I already knew in my heart to be true. My Gareth, the man who had raised me, the man who had always made me feel safe and loved, was not the same man that stood in front of me. This man’s face was severe, his features hard, his eyes dead and unfeeling.

  “Gareth?” I finally whispered, not wanting to believe what was in front of me. “What happened to you?”

  Gareth smiled, a cruel smile, and bowed again. “Compliments of the Master, my lady.” The words were a knife to my heart.

  Lainey.

  Josephine appeared, standing a few feet away, tears streaming down her face. As our eyes met, it hit me: those exact words, the look in Gareth’s eyes. I’d seen it all before. Henry.

  I bit down hard on my lip to keep from screaming.

  “Are you . . .” Every ounce of courage left in me evaporated, and I began to shake, a torrent of emotions rushing over me. “Are you dead?” My voice cracked on the last word and swallowed hard, nearly choking on the panic and tears that were forming.