I wandered closer, my interest piqued.
“Yes, it seems a safe assumption to try it first. Why perform other riskier spells, if this one will work? We know it’s effective, it’s simply a matter of reenacting it.”
Devlin nodded and began unbuttoning the cuffs of his crisp black shirt, rolling them up to his elbows. He reached for the athame Vivien had beside her Book of Shadows and I gasped in surprise when he placed it at his wrist.
“Wait!” I shouted, my mouth suddenly dry. Licking my lips, all I could do was shake my head.
“It’s okay, Darcy. It’s part of the ritual. The spell requires the blood of a relative and one who has taken an oath to protect you.” He sliced across his skin, a thick line of red breaking the surface, and held it over to drip into the prepared bowl. The sight made me nauseous—not because of what it was, but because it was needed.
“Do you require mine?” Mason asked, already moving so he could take the knife from Devlin. My eyes widened at how nonchalant he appeared, like this was something he did every day. “I may not be a blooded-relative, but she’s my mate and with that comes the promise I provide whatever keeps her safe. I will freely and willingly provide it.”
“I accept your offer, Mason, but it’s not necessary. The conditions of this particular spell are very specific. In order to restore the binding, we need to perform the ritual in exactly the same way we did centuries ago. Altering it, even by adding potent blood like yours, won’t raise the chances for success.” Vivien added a few drops of oil from a green vial to the mixture. Devlin stepped aside, his wound healing as he looked on.
I could tell Mason didn’t like the answer, but respected it and knew he was way out of his area of expertise. It wasn’t something he was used to, being an Alpha and leader among the supernatural community, but that confidence didn’t come with arrogance. He simply conceded to those with the knowledge and, instead, encircled his arms around me. In his mind, if he couldn’t personally fix what was wrong, he would at least contribute his strength.
Personally, that meant more than anything. It meant that I could always rely on him to be there—to be my rock when I wasn’t certain myself.
“Is that all that’s needed? Blood, herbs, and oil?” I peered a little closer at the bowl, surprised that I wasn’t crinkling my nose in disgust. It didn’t smell bad and the mixture didn’t have the telltale blood red coloring.
“I just need to add a little blessed wine and we’ll be ready to start.” Walking over to a different shelf, Vivien carried back a crystal decanter filled with dark liquid. She splashed some of it in with the other ingredients, waiting for it to seep into the leaves before adding a few more drops. “Okay, this should be enough. If you will all step to the side, please. I need Darcy to join me in the center of the room.”
Gesturing for me to go before her, I knew where she wanted me to stand—inside the pentagram that was etched into the wooden floor, a permanent fixture and focal point of her magic. I’d seen her use it before, but never from within the diagram. Fear surfaced as well as nerves. As much as it worried me, I was eager for this to work. A lot was riding on its success.
“Now, the last time we did this, you were a wee baby; but the concept is still the same. I need you to sit in the center with your legs crossed. Don’t allow any part of your body to go over the lines. That’s important, Darcy. You must remain completely within the boundaries.”
Obeying her, I was mindful to keep my legs closely tucked beneath me. Devlin helped Vivien by positioning the tall, white candles at each of the pentagram’s points. Beside each one, he placed a variety of different colored crystals; something she said helped amplify the energy being channeled. Next, he lit each wick and the flickering flames helped cast a soft light against the surrounding walls.
Mason and Daniel kept an observant vigil, leaning against the far wall in case something should back fire, but close enough that Mason could quickly scoop me up and get me to safety. He exchanged a look with Devlin who nodded in response. It must have been adequate because Mason relaxed somewhat.
I’m right here if you need me, sweetheart. Whatever happens next, remember . . . it worked before.
That made me realize something and I stretched out my hand to get Vivien’s attention. “If the spell works, does that mean everything goes back to the way it was?”
“It should. Your witch nature will be bound again and your powers suppressed.”
I closed my eyes. It confirmed my last minute revelation. “So that means my connection with Mason will return to being unpredictable.” I felt heartsick. To have it finally work without impediment was nothing short of a miracle. To finally experience the clarity and then lose it—I wasn’t ready for that. It hadn’t even been a day since our mental bond had been fixed, and already it was something I cherished.
“It’s only going to be until we deal with Julian. It won’t be forever, sweetheart,” Mason soothed. Judging from the look on his face, he hadn’t foreseen this as a side effect, either.
“I know. I just . . .” I let out a long sigh, not having to finish my sentence because he felt the same way. “What do you need me to do now, Vivien?” Committing myself to the ritual, I cleared my mind of all fear and doubt the best I could.
Whatever I couldn’t dismiss, I prayed the burning sage would cover.
Chapter 8
“How soon before we know if it worked?” Mason asked, his focus never leaving the spot where I was sitting.
“We should know pretty quickly. Okay, are you ready?” Vivien sat opposite me, outside the pentagram with her book in front of her. She briefly chewed on her bottom lip as her finger traced over the page, pausing when she found what she needed. My wolf was restless inside me, sensing that something was coming that required her to be on alert. I tried to soothe her, but my own nerves betrayed me. How could I convey calm when I didn’t even feel it myself?
“Just tell me what to do,” I answered, accepting the bowl she’d prepared and placed it before me. Looking down at it, I hoped she wasn’t expecting me to drink it.
“I’m going to recite the spell and when the time’s right, I’ll show you where I want you to smear the potion on your body.”
“Do I need to get undressed first?” Nudity wasn’t an issue, but knowing Devlin was my uncle now made things a little more awkward. I wanted to snort over the thought of a modest werewolf.
“Hmm, you might need to take your shirt off, so you have access to the skin over your heart. For the most part, everywhere is already exposed.”
I pulled my t-shirt over my head and tossed it to Mason, who caught it before it hit the ground. Sitting there, now in my bra and jeans, I took in a deep breath to center myself.
“Good girl, focus on keeping your breathing steady and that will help.” Vivien glanced around at the others and nodded. “I need you guys to be quiet. This shouldn’t take but a few minutes.” Clearing her throat, she studied the book one more time and began.
Blessed Goddess, hear my plea
Grant your powers unto me.
Aid this spell, my magic lend.
So my intent may see an end.
She pointed to the bowl, gesturing for me to scoop some up with my finger. Dipping in my index, the potion was cool to the touch and I waited for her next instructions.
With purest hearts and open mind
This witch’s gifts I wish to bind.
Not forever but a span of time.
Until she’s free from evil’s crime.
Gently, she brushed her own fingers in a straight line over her forehead and I followed her action. Next, Vivien drew a circle over her heart, nodding when I did the same. There was a slight tingling over my skin, a whispering of energy that surprised me. It wasn’t as potent as what I’d felt; the subtly showing me this was what I’d enjoy when I later learned how to control it. It tickled.
Keep her powers hidden deep
And in your beloved protection keep.
This child
whose magic honors you
Keep her safe, her purpose true.
Cradle her in your kind hands
Embrace her fate within strong bands.
Her powers I beseech you suppress
To do no harm, to only bless.
I took turns dipping my fingers into the bowl again, this time drawing a pentagram on the back of my hands. The second I completed the image, my skin began to heat—not to the point where it burned, but enough that it bordered on being uncomfortable.
Until across her lips you hear
A pledge of devotion to one so dear.
Bind her, Goddess, bind her now
Into your good graces, I so humbly bow.
Vivien then brushed her hand over her mouth and I tried not to flinch as I repeated the motion on myself. It was beyond tempting to lick my lips and remove the thickening mixture; but the last thing I wanted was to break the spell she was masterfully evoking. My mouth tingled sharply, causing me to softly gasp.
So I beseech you,
Mote it be.
Blessed Goddess,
Grant this petition unto me.
The air was still, yet the candle flames instantly flickered before completely extinguishing. Tendrils of smoke rose from the cooling wicks, adding to the strange ambience now filling the room. No one spoke, as if holding their breath to see what might happen next. I could sense Mason inside my head, testing my body’s reaction to the spell, hoping that it worked. I searched too, looking for any indication that it had failed.
Just when I was about to let out a sigh of relief, there was a brief stirring before heat blasted out from me, the rippling effect toppling the candles and scattering the crystals. Vivien fell backward, her book pushed across the floor, coming to a stop when it hit the wall. Jars and bottles arranged on the shelves rattled—some even shattering and smashing down onto the ground. A pungent odor churned in my stomach as elixirs, liquid, oils and what-not’s, blended together, creating a potent scent, forcing bile up into my throat. In all honesty, I wasn’t sure if the toxic cocktail was the cause or if it was because my body was in extreme turmoil.
Nevertheless, the spell hadn’t worked, my magic screeching out in open rebellion at our attempts to restrain it. Violence swarmed within my chest, accompanied by blinding fury that we would try such trickery. My limbs contorted painfully and my wolf instantly responded, forcing me to shift so she could protect us better. The moment I felt her come forward, the agony gradually subsided, leaving me heavily panting on my side.
My powers didn’t want to be bound. There was no doubt that to suppress them would require much more than the original incantation.
I whimpered softly, my heart racing beneath my chocolate brown fur, and I made no effort to move. I couldn’t. The consequences to Vivien’s ritual had wiped me out, my shift fully depleting any energy I had in reserves.
“Darcy!” Mason yelled, crossing the room in a few long strides and dropping to his knees, cradling my head in his lap. My wolf didn’t respond, but recognized the scent of our mate and Alpha, and welcomed his soothing authority. He brushed his fingers through my fur with slow, methodical strokes, designed to calm and ease. Just the slightest touch reduced the turbulence grating on my nerves and when he caressed the side of my jaw, I tenderly licked at his fingers. He was showing my wolf it was safe to release me; and, after a few minutes, I could feel the shift process reversing. Balance had been restored and the threat minimized.
I began shivering, my body still in shock. Handing Mason a blanket Vivien kept for late night study sessions, Devlin swore softly under his breath. “I thought it would work. Damn, if I knew it was going to be like that, I would’ve prepared you better. I’m so sorry, Darcy.”
Mason lay the covering over me and I gratefully snuggled into its warmth. “You didn’t know. We had to try,” I answered, my teeth chattering. Ignoring the pentagram now, Mason enveloped me in his arms, and like a cocoon, lifted me into his lap.
Devlin shook his head. “I was worried that because the spell had already been broken, it wouldn’t reconstitute. It was a good try, though; but it proves my suspicion that we needed something new. Based on her magic’s response, we’ll need more power, as well. This will require the support of the entire coven.”
Vivien nodded, standing so she could retrieve her Book of Shadows. “Your abilities are a lot more potent that we ever believed.” Placing the volume back on the desk, she joined the others in picking up the disturbed items, scattered and broken on the floor.
“Something struck me while you were saying the spell,” Mason chimed in. “You mentioned until she made a pledge of devotion. I’m assuming that had to do with the mating ritual? I think that might be something else that made the recantation null and void. She’s already completed it.” Mason observed.
“I wondered too. We had to try, though.” Vivien brushed the back of her hand across her cheek, tired.
“So what happens, now?”
Straightening up, her features took on a revitalized glow of determination. “Simple. We try again.”
****
A few hours later, I was re-dressed and we were reconvened in her study with me back within the pentagram. There was no quieting the anxiety ricocheting inside me. I was too tired to endure another power blast.
“What are the chances of this working?” Mason asked, wanting a practical idea of what to expect. We usually tried to have a positive outlook on every challenge we faced, but it would be foolish to blindly ignore the danger we’d experienced. The stronger the magic, the more risk there was of it backfiring, especially if my magic was already acting temperamental. It made me wonder if it responded the same way as my wolf did when it suspected a threat. Would it defend itself and me? It was an interesting concept.
“With our coven members joining us this time and the potency of the new spell, I’m confident this will work. I’ve seen it used before and it’s never failed,” Vivien replied, completing the circle that surrounded me and forming a barricade. For this ritual, everyone donned their ceremonial robes, their hoods hanging low enough to mask their identities. It didn’t matter anyway; I knew each and every one of them. It meant so much that they’d come and were willing to lend their gifts to the binding. There were twelve members standing around me, solemnly waiting for their revered leader to begin.
Her instructions had been simple. She would invoke the Goddess and ask that the request of the coven be granted. As she recited sentences of power, everyone would repeat the words, focusing all their intent on achieving success. I was to stand this time, my hands down by my side with my palms facing outward. Vivien explained the importance of appearing submissive—for both of my wild natures—hoping it would placate them enough to allow the energy to flow naturally from the circle and into my body. Without the fear of threat, there wouldn’t be the need to resist.
After the last attempt, I was open to anything.
The preparation was a little different this time. Vivien held a silver chalice in her hand, causing the candlelight to catch the intricate etchings of symbols and scrolls, creating interesting patterns. Devlin and Mason had set up candles, not just at each point of the pentacle, but also on as many surfaces as there were wax cylinders. The entire room was filled with an incredibly soft and mystical glow. By adding the burning incense, it was hard not to be lulled into a relaxed trance.
The ambience was exactly what I needed to take the edge off what I was about to do.
In this ritual I would also be required to drink the potion rather than just smear it on my body. The thought made me gag. But, because Vivien believed my magic would try to deflect the incantation’s hold, she didn’t want to take any chances. I might not have grown up a witch, but I’d heard it discussed enough to know blood was by far the most potent ingredient to use when invoking magic.
Knowing my aversion to ingesting it, I excused myself when the time came to prepare it. Not only would Devlin be donating, but also Mason got his wish granted.
Both him and Devlin took the athame to their wrists, dripping their life force into the sweet wine Vivien was using as a base. I knew they did it willing, their sole purpose to help me, but it still made me feel uneasy.
I couldn’t avoid it and took the chalice as it was handed to me. My hands shook and I tried not to think about the contents. My throat threatened to close and I scolded myself for being a coward. This wouldn’t be the worst thing I’d ever have to face; and, if I chickened out, what Julian would do to me would overshadow this fear by leaps and bounds. Compared to the horror of him, this was nothing.
I glanced at Mason and he smiled, reassuringly. He could feel my apprehension and he pushed his love and support through our mental pathway. Daniel stood beside him, his hands behind his back, every inch the second-in-command. His blood was also in the ceremonial cup—his own pledge to serve and protect.
“Give me a second, Vivien,” Devlin interrupted, pushing through the circle and crossing over the pentagram’s engraved lines. Taking the chalice from me, he passed it to Vivien before facing me. “This might make it a little easier to stomach.” Lightly cupping both sides of my cheeks, he bent a little so he could look deeply into my eyes. His red-colored eyes had always fascinated me– a wealth of emotions always swirling just below the surface. At any given time, he could let you know what he was feeling or shut you out completely. It was a talent that helped him in his Enforcer duties, making him hard to read sometimes.
Locked together, I could see the unconditional love burning brightly from his expression, the tenderness I always saw when he looked at me. There was a fleeting flash of something else before I started to feel dizzy. His eyes were now almost hypnotic, the sensation of floating above my own body replacing my agitation.
Forever Changed (The Mystic Wolves) Page 7
