by Liz Long
“Ally?”
Her head snapped up to me at my voice. “Huh?”
“There’s one more thing.” I hesitated at her wary look, then bit the bullet. “You need to be careful about Brady.”
Confusion flashed across her face. “Why do you say that?”
“He’s not who you think he is.”
“Care to enlighten me?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Her angry tone didn’t surprise me; this part wouldn’t be easy. My hesitation only annoyed her further; she tapped her foot on the ground, her way of counting how many seconds it took me to confess.
“He’s…,” I trailed off, unsure of how to break that news. Her chin quivered and I knew she was trying to hold it together. The idea of a witch (one working with demons especially) might send her over the edge.
“He’s not looking out for your best interests,” I finished weakly. “I’m sorry, I don’t want to say anymore. You’re already going through a lot.”
“You think?!” Ally shouted at me, her arms flying above her head and back down to her sides with a loud slap. I winced, prepared for the inevitable meltdown.
“We’ve been dating for months and then you come in after being dead for three years and tell me he’s bad news?” Ally seethed, keeping her voice low enough to avoid being overheard through thin walls. I opened my mouth to respond and she waved a hand at me to cut me off.
“No way,” she said, “there’s no way, it’s not possible! Brady is a great guy and just because you don’t like him doesn’t mean…you can’t just come in and boss me around…you’re supposed to be dead!”
She continued to babble like that, more to herself than me at that point. There’d be only one way to get her to shut up long enough to listen. I grimaced as I said my next words.
“Ally, he’s a witch.”
“Compared to you, that doesn’t sound so bad—”
I cut her off before she hurt my feelings, needing her to understand. “He’s working with demons.”
She stopped mid-sentence to gape at me, the words fading into silence. Tully was going to ream me out for this; I couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t threaten to reap my soul for spilling such information to a human, sister in danger or not.
“A d-demon?” Allison whispered, her eyes never leaving mine. I nodded at her; after a minute, she swallowed hard and regained her senses. “You’re not screwing with me, are you?”
“I wouldn’t even if I were alive,” I told her.
Her lips pursed as though considering her words. “I’m…a little overwhelmed.”
“I understand. I can leave, I’ll come back later-”
“No,” Allison interrupted quickly, “please don’t go. I just meant…it’s a lot to wrap my head around.”
The tension in my shoulders lessened at her soft voice, the plea of my little sister wanting me to stay. It was all I’d ever wanted for the last three years. I bit my lip and nodded, sitting down on her twin bed across from her.
“Please know I’d never tell you any of this if I didn’t think you could handle it,” I said, not entirely sure if I was lying.
A long silence sat between us, until she looked up at me. At the expression on my face, she came over and sat beside me. She reached across and put her hand over mine, tears welling up in her eyes.
“I’m not imagining this, am I? This is really happening. You’re real.”
I nodded, eyes still on our hands. Despite her touch, I could barely feel the contact. “As real as can be in this plane, anyway. Shouldn’t be, but here I am.”
“Demons,” Allison muttered, shaking her head.
“Kinda puts schoolwork in perspective for you, huh?” I joked halfheartedly.
She gave me the side eye. “Things must be really bad for you to be doing all of this.”
“I couldn’t sit back and let it happen,” I said, finally looking up at her. “Rules be damned, I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”
Her brow wrinkled. “Rules?”
A sigh escaped me. “Yeah, rules. Meant to be broken, right?”
“Are you going to be in trouble for this?” Allison asked, her concerned voice bringing me back to the present.
Not wanting to make her worry further, I tried to play it casual. “I wouldn’t say trouble necessarily, but I’ll definitely have some explaining to do. I can’t really hide something like this from Tu-them.”
“Them?”
I shook my head, eyes back down to my lap. “I don’t want to freak you out any more than I already have. Let’s just say I have friends.”
Her lips twisted into a frown as she considered her next words. She swallowed hard, her voice even and sure. “You can tell me, Grace. I think I can handle whatever you’re going to throw at me, considering you’re dead and I didn’t have an epic meltdown.”
I looked up at her; seeing her stubborn expression, I sighed. “Tully is my mentor, a Reaper who offered me a choice after I died.”
“You didn’t want to go to Heaven?”
“I didn’t want to go anywhere,” I said, memories flashing in my head faster than I could keep up. The flash of headlights as the driver hit me; my dead body splayed over the steering wheel; Tully’s concerned face as he explained my options.
Ally’s hand tightened on mine. “God, I thought we had it hard. You’re still walking around taking care of people even after death. I can’t imagine.”
“It’s not as bad as it sounds. I like helping people,” I said.
A thin smile grew on her face. “You always have.”
Turning my hand over so that it clasped hers, I rose my head to meet her gaze. “I’ve missed you so much, Ally. You and mom, dad and Simon and Sean. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you guys.”
Allison swallowed hard again, a single tear streaking down her cheek. “Same here.”
“I know that this is a lot to handle, but you’ll be fine. I promise you’ll be safe.”
She nodded. “Are mom and dad okay? The twins?”
“They’re all fine,” I assured her. An idea struck me. “There might be a way you can help me.”
“Anything.”
“Tell me everything you know about Beta Alpha Delta.” I’d gotten a brief rundown from Matt, but since he couldn’t share everything as a member, maybe Allison would know more from campus rumors.
Her brow wrinkled. “Sure, but why?”
Oh, right. Secret society. “Brady’s a member.”
Her jaw dropped and she quickly caught herself. “Geez, what did I know about the guy?”
“Ally.”
“Right, sorry. Um, I don’t know, they’ve been around pretty much since the school’s inception. They’re all about leadership; they commend kids for their involvement on campus and the community.”
“I’ve seen old pictures and they seem a little creepy.”
Allison’s thin shoulders shrugged. “Way back in the day, members used to break into students’ rooms in the middle of the night to scare them.”
I nodded, but wasn’t about to give Matt up and betray his trust. “Heard about that one.”
“That stopped back in the fifties though; some kid died, if I remember correctly.”
“Died how? Twenty seems young for a heart attack, even when frightened like that.”
Allison’s shoulder went up.
“What do people say about them?”
Realization dawned on her. “There was a joke about the society being more like a cult, involved with witchcraft. That the kid who died was actually a sacrifice.”
Bingo. “What else? Where do they meet?”
“I have no idea; half of the campus has been renovated, so a lot of the tunnels are inaccessible. They probably use email now.”
I deflated at her answer. “I need to know where they used to hang out, then, way back in the day.”
Allison’s expression brightened. “You can try the tunnel we snuck into a few months ago.”
In an instant,
we were on our feet. I looked to the door and back to my sister. “Tell me where it is and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“What? No way!” Allison’s bottom lip popped out and I gave her a warning look.
“Don’t pull that act with me, Al. This is more serious than I could ever explain. You need to stay here where you’re safe.”
She scowled, arms crossing over her chest. “Fine, but I reserve the right to get a Ouija board if I need to call you back.”
I rolled my eyes. “So not how it works.”
She huffed. “Go to the garden by Carlton Hall. It’s the red door hidden behind the hedges. I assume you’ll be able to get around the lock.”
“Not a problem. See you soon.” I winked at her, disappearing before her eyes. When else would I ever get an exit cue like that?
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
I arrived in the Carlton Hall garden, surrounded by lush greenery and dozens of different flowers. Stamping down the urge to look at and smell each one, I walked to the hedges. Sure enough, there stood a red door. After a quick glimpse around to make sure I was alone, I stepped through.
Blinking to adjust my eyesight, I found myself in a dark room full of junk. Desks, bookcases, janitorial supplies, and more littered the place. I floated through, not wanting to bump into anything and make noise. I paused as I realized the tunnel was walled off. This room was just that - a room. No secret entrance to a tunnel waited to be found.
I stepped closer to the sealed off area; graffiti covered the rough stone. I ran my fingers across it; sure enough, it felt exactly like the walls Brady had dragged me through. This was the right spot. I took a step forward to go through but met a hard, invisible wall. My hand went up to meet the stone, tried to push through on the spiritual plane so I could find the right tunnel entrance back to Alistair. Still I went nowhere. Brady had magicked this place; I couldn’t get through.
I cursed and stepped back away from the wall. Maybe Tessa would know how to get around this so we could get back in.
“Welcome,” a voice said.
I gasped in surprise and whirled around to see Brady. He snorted at my displeased expression. “You had to know this place was cursed for Reapers.”
I stared at him, boggled. When I said nothing, he scoffed.
“God, you are brand new.”
That miffed me enough to snap out of it. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He rolled his eyes. “You obviously weren’t that bright when you were human, either.”
“You don’t have to be a jerk,” I said crossly. “Maybe we talk this out.”
He snorted, his purple witch eyes flashing at me. “I didn’t figure you for the kumbaya type.”
“You keep saying things about power and glory, but I know you aren’t happy about having to work with demons to get it,” I said.
He shifted his feet, growing uncomfortable for the first time. “Dark magic has a price.”
“But what if you could turn it around? Save the Reapers and Allison?”
“And then what?” he asked. “I go back to being the half-witch no one takes seriously?”
“At least you’d have a girlfriend,” I said, hoping Allison hadn’t texted him a breakup message yet.
“I’ve come too far, Reaper.”
“It’s not too late. I know you love Ally—“
“It’s not enough,” he said. “I’ve gone too far, done too many things to back out now. He’d never allow it. I’m dead if I don’t comply.”
Feeling sure “he” was Alistair, I tried another approach. “Surely you know you’re endangering your own soul by screwing around with black magic?”
Brady’s face reddened. “Don’t worry about my soul. Worry about the ones in Moloch’s lair.”
That looming threat nearly took my breath away; those souls cried out to me to be saved. I just barely stopped myself from pleading with him.
“Brady, please. We could go in there and take down Alistair together.”
“I’ve got a better idea,” Brady said, flexing his fingers. “Maybe you won’t go with me willingly. But I’d bet every spell I know that you’ll do what it takes to save her.”
“No,” I half-whispered, “you wouldn’t, you love her.”
Brady snarled. “Check your facts - Alistair’s promised me everything I’ve ever wanted.”
“But at what cost?” I nearly shouted.
“You’re doing this to her, involving her soul.” Brady’s face hardened. “One you could avoid if you’d just go with me. He’s targeted her now because of you. I don’t like it either, but Alistair knows you won’t come with me willingly. ”
“That’s one thing you can be damn sure of.”
“Don’t make me involve her.” It was almost a plea.
“I can’t let you endanger souls and Fate,” I said.
His breath came out ragged. “Know that you did this to her. This is the only way you’ll cooperate.”
Before I could respond, he gave me a little wave and disappeared. Horrified, I pictured Allison’s dorm room, appearing in a whirlwind. I arrived just in time to see Allison’s terrified face, Brady clutching her. She let out a yelp of fear before Brady clamped a hand over her mouth.
“Don’t hurt her,” I warned him. Regret shone in his eyes.
“It’s too late. You forced my hand.” Before I could question him, he blinked out of sight with my sister.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
I moved so fast to Tessa’s that I stumbled when I arrived. Thankfully I managed to catch myself on the armchair instead of the television. Tessa and Tully appeared to be deep in conversation, their faces surprised at my sudden arrival.
“Problem,” I said, wide-eyed and panicked. “Huge problem, we’ve got one.”
I explained everything, wincing at Tully’s terrible, disappointed expression. His lips thinned when I revealed Allison knew the truth. I hoped he didn’t hold it against me too much; we were under a pretty tight schedule and needed to act fast.
“We have to hurry,” I finished.
Tully and Tessa traded looks. Tessa got up and went into the back, presumably to get a few vital spells. She returned, gathering her materials.
“I might be able to get around Brady’s spell, but then we’ve got to make our way through that underground maze,” Tessa said. I noticed she’d changed into rubber galoshes to traipse through the damp tunnels.
“Then we get there however you and Tully showed up last time,” I said.
Tully gave me a puzzled glance. “Child, you know how I found you. Through our connection.”
The one time he’d tried to explain “our connection” I’d snorted so loud Tully refused to explain any further. I’d thought he was giving me grief for asking too many questions. “That’s a real thing?”
His eyes closed briefly, as though regaining composure, before answering me. “I am your maker; part of my soul is with you. I can tell when you are in danger.”
“Reapers must be special that way, huh?”
“It’s rare, but when they have a relationship as close as you and I do, yes.” He saw my questioning glance. “That type of relationship I had with Alistair…I promised myself if I ever took on a Made, I would never let them experience it the way I had. I didn’t want you to stumble along the path as I had to.”
My face softened. “You were forced.”
“I suppose it helps that you are special.”
“Aw, you’re just saying that ‘cause some Oracle from Jersey thinks I’m the Chosen One.”
A bark of laughter left him and I froze, unable to believe my ears. Tully had never laughed at my jokes. He stiffened, but it was too late as I grinned at him. Sure, a demon wanted to kick my ass and I would probably get my soul reaped by an elder gone mad, but I sure was glad to have Tully with me.
His posture straightened as he got a hold of himself. “Regardless, a stronger connection with a Made and their maker will help in situations like this one.”
/> I snapped back into action. “Well, then let’s go to wherever my fear was and save her!”
He paused and I couldn’t understand why he was being so hesitant. Dread pooled in my stomach; I swallowed hard, worried. I couldn’t be told to stop now, not here, when my sister’s soul hung in the balance. Alistair could reap me for all I cared, so long as Allison lived a long, happy life. I tried one last time.
“We have to follow them! Let’s go!” I yanked at Tully’s thin white shirt, tugged him along a few steps before he stopped me.
“Child, when I felt your fear, we found you because Tessa performed a spell to put us where you were; we did not know your location.”
“And Brady had a designated breach for our landing spot,” Tessa added.
My heart sank. “And we escaped because you had an exit potion ready.”
They nodded and I stared at the wall, tried to remember everything I could about Alistair’s creepy underground lair.
“Oh god, is he going to take her back there?” I didn’t even realize I’d spoken.
“Demons have an appetite for human hearts,” Tully said. When I shot him a dirty look, he grimaced. “In any case, the witch cast extensive magic on the place.”
“Magic against Reapers,” Tessa reminded him. “Brady’s clever, keeping me and anyone else from discovering his magic.”
“He’s smart. I don’t think we should be surprised if they reinforced their walls against witchcraft after our escape,” I said.
Tessa gnawed on her bottom lip. “Even if we got into the tunnels, we’d have to find the right path. It’s like a maze down there.”
I froze, her words playing over in my ears. “Tunnels.”
The witch raised a brow. “What about them?”
My eyes raised to meet hers. “No, tunnels.”
“Just because you emphasize it doesn’t mean I understand any more than before,” she replied. She crossed her slender arms over her chest.
“The entrance that we need is where he found me, in the room behind the red door. That’s our starting point.”
Realization dawned on Tessa. “They’re under the campus. I can work with that.”
