by Linsey Hall
“Let’s go look upstairs,” I said.
We climbed the stairs, slowly because of my exhaustion, but even this part of the house was different. It felt lighter and warmer. More like a house instead of the haunted mansion.
But it was the foyer that shocked the hell out of me. I gasped at the sight of the colorful room. No longer done in tones of black, gray, and white, the stone floor was a kaleidoscope of color. Orange, red, and yellow stone gleamed in the light of the chandeliers, which no longer dripped ice. The walls were actually paneled in blue silk, and the paintings were even brighter than they had been. Even the glass windows had mended themselves.
“Wow.” I spun in a circle, taking in the place. “This is amazing.”
“You really could turn it into a ski resort now.”
I laughed, remembering when I’d joked about that. I hadn’t been serious—obviously no one would come to this hell hole for vacation—but now it was actually nice.
“My mother was right.” I walked toward the main doors, Roarke at my side as Pond Flower led the way. “This place really was under a dark spell.”
“And her with it,” Roarke said.
“I guess so.” I remembered what Draka had said, about my mother and father being irredeemable. Either she’d been wrong—she wasn’t a god, after all—or perhaps they’d been slightly bad to begin with. Bad enough that they’d quickly fallen prey to this place’s dark magic.
Either way, my mother had seen the error of her ways, and I was going to hold on to that. She’d apologized and come to help me. I had no idea how long it would have taken me to figure out the key to my new portal magic—if I ever would have.
Outside, the courtyard was no longer covered in ice, and the stone was far less dingy. I had the feeling that in the summer, this place might even have ivy growing on the walls.
Roarke and I checked out the rest of the castle. The library was even more amazing than before, colorful and bright, while the kitchens didn’t look nearly as dingy and dark.
“Removing the dark magic was like the quickest cleaning spell ever,” I said.
“It made a world of difference.”
“Though I can’t say I’m keen to move in anytime soon.”
Roarke arched a brow and glanced at me. “Keen to move in anywhere else?”
I grinned. “Don’t be pushy.”
But my heart warmed at the idea that he wanted to live with me. That was a huge step—and an awesome one.
But it was a step I would have to think about another time. I didn’t exactly have the brain power right now to decide on future living arrangements.
Roarke and I left the castle through the Underpath that he’d created. Pond Flower followed, crossing the Underpath on her own. Another talent of a hellhound.
When we arrived back in Magic’s Bend, it was late afternoon. Pond Flower promptly watered a bush planted near the sidewalk. The sun was low in the sky and the air chilly. Fat gray clouds obscured the setting sun.
I tugged my jacket more tightly around me. “I think I need a coffee with a boost. I’m still dragging.”
“What you need is an eight-hour nap, after all the magic you used.”
“I don’t think I’m going to get one.”
We headed down the street toward P & P, Pond Flower at our heels.
Connor looked up as the bell on the door tinkled. He smiled, shoving his floppy dark hair out of his eyes. “Hey, guys!”
“Can Pond Flower come in?” I asked.
“Anytime.” Connor waved us in. “I’ll get her a bowl of water and a treat.”
“She doesn’t eat food.”
“Right. Hellhound. Well, I’ll scratch her ears, then.”
“That, she’ll like.” I glanced around at the empty space. Pre-dinner lull. “Could I get a coffee with about a thousand boosts of energy?”
“That’ll kill you.” Connor shook his head. “How about three boosts?”
“I’ll take it.” I picked one of the few stools at the bar.
“I’ll have the same, please.” Roarke sat beside me. Pond Flower stretched out on the floor.
“Coming right up!” Connor got to work on the fancy espresso machine behind the bar. “Along with a couple slices of quiche of the day, okay?”
I grinned. “Perfect.”
It didn’t take long for Connor to whip up our drinks and our plates, and it took even less time for me to chow down.
“Whoa, breathe!” Connor’s dark brows jumped up. “You’re going to choke.”
I swallowed. “Don’t need to breathe.”
“Pretty sure you’re wrong on that.” Connor fiddled with the dials on the stereo in the corner and pumped up the music. If I had to guess, the band was the same as the one emblazoned across his T-shirt—Alien Panda Jury. He returned to us and crouched down to pet Pond Flower, who rolled onto her back, big feet straight up in the air.
I polished off my quiche and coffee without choking to death—victory!—then glanced at the clock behind the bar. “Almost time to meet the rest of the gang.”
Roarke took the last sip of his coffee and stood. “Let’s get a move on, then.”
I stood, feeling vastly better than I had when I’d entered P & P. We paid Connor and left, Pond Flower following along. She’d never stuck by my side quite like this before. It was unusual, but I liked it.
“Be safe!” Connor called. “Call if you need backup.”
“Will do!” I waved and walked out into the chill.
“I’m going to get my bag from my car,” Roarke said.
Given that it might take a while to get through the protections at Oriamor, we’d all been instructed to pack a change of clothes. Nix could always conjure things, but it was better to save her magic for the truly necessary.
“I’ll grab mine from my apartment. Meet you in Ancient Magic?”
He nodded and set off. Pond Flower stuck with me as I stopped by my apartment to grab the small overnight bag that I’d packed, along with a change of lucky charms. I still wore the bracelet that Roarke had given me, but I wanted to suit up with a more varied arsenal. This was the biggest fight of my life. I couldn’t afford to lose.
I met Roarke at Ancient Magic just as Nix was closing up the till, which was crowded between a giant vase and a statue of a dog. Other artifacts sat neatly on shelves, little pieces of history waiting to be taken home. Most people didn’t care that they were replicas—they were only interested in the magic they contained.
“Zoya should be here any minute,” I said as I swung my bag up onto the counter. Pond Flower thumped her butt onto the ground and smiled up at Nix, tongue lolling out of her mouth.
“Good. I’m already packed.” Nix pulled a backpack from behind the counter. “How did it go in Wales?”
Warmth filled my chest at the memory of the castle looking so inviting. “Really well. It was hard, but I managed to close the portal. With my mother’s help.”
Nix’s jaw dropped.
“You trying to catch flies?” I asked.
“How? That’s crazy.”
I told her about my mother coming out of the portal and her change of heart. It felt surreal just to think of it—the event had turned everything upside down in my head.
“How do you feel about all that?” Nix asked. Concern shadowed her green eyes.
“I honestly have no idea. Happy. Confused. Sad, for what might have been.”
“Yeah, it’s going to take time to process all that.” She glanced at Roarke, something lighting in her eyes. “Could you possibly visit her in the Underworld? You know, now that you’ve got an in with the boss man?”
Something fluttered around my heart. Hope? I looked at Roarke. “Is that possible?”
He rubbed his chin, thoughtful. “If we can find her, perhaps. But you’d have to have an idea about what afterworld she might have gone to.”
“Hmm…” I thought back to my youth—what I remembered, at least. Religion hadn’t been big in our household. At lea
st, not in my memories. Normally you went to whatever Underworld your religion believed in, but I wasn’t sure what my parents had believed. “Maybe we’ll find clues in my house. Or my dragon sense could help.”
Roarke reached for my hand and squeezed. “I’ll help however I can.”
“That’s another adventure for another time,” I said. But I couldn’t help but think about how much it meant that Roarke would help me find my mom. Why would I not want to live with this guy? He was amazing. Nix smiled at him, approval in her gaze.
Of course. She and Cass were the reason I didn’t want to move away from here. We had a really nice setup, and I’d never been particularly fond of change. And though Cass was around less these days, considering the time she spent with Aidan, she was still around a lot. I couldn’t think about it now.
Pond Flower jerked, spinning her head to face the door. Her ears perked up.
“What’s she looking at?” Nix asked.
I squinted out the big glass windows, but saw only the park on the other side of the line of cars parked on the street.
“No idea, but—”
Pond Flower jumped up and charged out the door, cutting me off.
“I’ll see what she’s up to.” I raced after her, shouting, “Watch out for cars!”
There were no cars to hit Pond Flower as she ran across the street. The evening sun was setting, casting long shadows across the pavement. Pond Flower raced into the park, to a cluster of bushes in the center.
I followed, unable to see what she was after. Maybe she just wanted to play. Who knew with hellhounds?
I slowed to a stop, about to turn back around and leave her to her games. A half second later, six demons popped out of the bushes. They were the size of children, but as they leapt from their hiding places, they grew into full-sized men.
“What the hell are you?” I demanded as I pulled my sword from the ether.
I’d never seen demons of their type before. They were as large as Roarke, each covered in rippling muscles and weapons of all sorts. Short horns protruded from their heads, and massive fangs hung down over their jaws. Magic had made them small enough to hide amongst the bushes.
Shame they hadn’t stayed that small.
As one, they drew their swords and surrounded me. I charged up an icicle and hurled it at the nearest demon. He deflected it, quick as a snake.
Damn it.
Cold magic flowed through me as I adopted my Phantom form. Pond Flower barked, her eyes blazing red as she surrounded herself in her protective black flame and crouched in front of me, ready to jump at the first demon who approached.
I didn’t wait. I lunged at the nearest one, turning corporeal long enough to stab my blade through his gut. Unfortunately, he was fast too. His steel sliced at my arm. Pain flared as I adopted my Phantom form again, just in time to save my arm from being severed.
The other demons closed in, but they’re weapons could hurt me in this form. I floated through the one in front of me, shuddering at the feeling of passing through another living being. As I turned to face my enemy again, I caught sight of Roarke shifting as he ran. The swirl of black smoke obscured him briefly before he burst forth, all rippling muscle and dark wings.
He was at my side a moment later, reaching for a demon while nimbly avoiding its blade. In a flash, he broke its neck.
Nix, racing behind Roarke, conjured her bow and fired at one of the huge demons closest to her. The arrow plunged into its eye socket, and the beast crashed to its back. I danced away from one who charged, not wanting to feel it pass through me, and became solid long enough to slice my blade across its throat.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t quick enough to return to my Phantom form, and blood sprayed across my face. I gagged, hating the wet warmth dripping down my cheek.
Four demons down, two to go. In the distance, Aidan and Cass’s Range Rover pulled up. They were too late to join the fun. Nix’s arrow sank into a demon’s throat just as he was about to grab her, and Roarke raced for the last demon standing.
“Wait!” I cried, shoving him aside.
He glanced at me as if I were crazy. The demon charged, blade held high. I shot a bolt of ice at the shining steal. It knocked the sword from the demon’s hand, and the thing flew end over end. The demon shifted to stare at it, shock on his face.
I picked up speed and adopted my human form just in time to tackle him to the ground. His surprise over losing his blade gave the slight advantage I needed. He went down like a lead weight.
Scrambling, I straddled him and pressed my blade to his throat. He reached for me with clawed hands. Before he could grab me, one of Nix’s arrows sliced through his wrist, pinning it to the ground. Roarke stepped on the other arm, restraining it.
The demon growled and spat at me. I saw it coming and dodged just in time. Demon blood was enough for me, thanks.
He stank of dark magic, the kind of rotten smell that came from doing the most evil deeds.
“Who sent you?” I demanded.
He growled again.
“It was the Shadows, wasn’t it? You came through the portal?”
He snarled.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” I pressed the blade hard against his throat. “How did you find me? And use your words this time, or I’ll take your soul and your power.”
Fear glinted in his eyes, making me feel a bit like shit. I knew he was the darkest of evils. I could smell it on him. But his fear of me—of what I could do to him—still made my stomach turn.
“Tell me and I’ll just kill you. You’ll wake up in your Underworld and have a second chance,” I said. No matter what, I’d do it. From the smell of him, I really didn’t want his magic. I was getting sick of taking from these lowlifes.
“I don’t know how they found you,” he rasped. “They’ve got some kind of connection to you. Something magic.”
Probably a result of the mind magic they’d put on me last time I’d seen them. Great.
“Are the Shadows out of hell?”
He grinned and nodded, revealing even more fangs. These ones were tiny and hidden behind his lips, but I wouldn’t want them tearing into my flesh.
“Where are—”
Cunning glinted in his eyes as he lunged up and pierced his neck on my blade. He used the last of his strength to thrash, tearing through all the arteries in his neck. Before I could even consider taking his soul in retribution—which to be honest, I wouldn’t have—he had bled out onto the ground beneath me.
“Well, that was quick thinking on his part,” Nix said.
“And quick action.” Roarke removed his foot from the demon’s arm.
“If he’d answered too many questions, the Shadows might not have taken him into their employ. As it is, if he’s quick, he can regenerate in hell and make it to the portal in time to get through to Oriamor.”
“We’ll just have to beat him to the portal, then,” Roarke said. “Close it before the bastard can get out.”
“I like that plan,” Nix said as I patted own the pockets of the demon, looking for a transportation charm. I found none, unfortunately.
“Did we miss all the fun?”
I glanced up to see Cass grinning at me from about ten yards away. She and Aidan strolled across the park, hand in hand. The carnage around us was beginning to disappear as the demon bodies returned to the Underworld.
I was damned glad this had happened in Magic’s Bend and not a human city.
I stood and dusted the grass off my knees. “Thanks for coming.”
“Anytime,” Cass said. “Is it about time to go?”
“Yeah. Though we should be on the lookout for more demons. They could pop up at any time.”
Cass grinned. “So it’ll be a challenge.”
“Probably.” The five of us walked back to Ancient Magic.
A woman leaned against a light pole, watching us. As I neared, I realized it was Zoya. Her gaze was shadowed and worried, her hair a mess from a long day of travel. There was
a backpack slung over her shoulder, and her jacket was of the sporty, waterproof variety.
She raised a brow and nodded at the space where the demon bodies were disappearing. “So the fun’s already started?”
“It never ends,” I said.
Chapter Five
Since Zoya refused to travel by Underpath or transport charm, we planned on taking Aidan’s private jet. It was night and we all needed to sleep, so it would kill two birds with one stone.
We piled into Roarke’s Tesla and Aidan’s Range Rover and headed to the airport. We pulled away from the curb, and I gazed out the window at my motorcycle, wishing I could take that and feel the wind in my hair. But as much as I loved Scooter, he wasn’t really a people mover. And with demons on my tail, it was safer to stick together.
Also, Pond Flower hadn’t left my side. I’d seen little dogs in the baskets tied to bike handles before, but Pond Flower sure wouldn’t fit. She squeezed into the cargo trunk of Aidan’s SUV just fine though, her head resting on the seatback near my face and her stinky breath wafting past my nose.
City traffic was quiet as we drove to the airport. It took a while to remember that it was a Sunday—I was losing all track of days.
“Swanky,” Zoya murmured as we pulled up onto the tarmac beside Aidan’s jet. It was sleek and shiny white, but looked like any old plane to me. I loved the convenience of avoiding airport lines, but cars and planes and the like had never been my thing.
We climbed out of the vehicles. The sun had set fully, but bright stadium lights illuminated the tarmac. Roarke’s assistant, a dark-haired man I’d seen a few times before, took the car keys and led us onto the plane. Pond Flower charged up the narrow metal stairs, no doubt remembering her first ride in this plane.
“Your dog likes flying,” Zoya said.
“Yeah, she’s a fan.” After we’d rescued her from a castle in Transylvania, we’d made our getaway in this thing.
The plane was done in soft cream leather and lit with low light. Big, comfy seats filled the first half with a couple of couches in the back. There was a bedroom at the back of the plane. It wasn’t the worst way to travel.
I preferred the speed of Roarke’s Underpaths, but if I had to be on a plane, I wanted it to be this one. We sat in the plush seats, me next to Roarke on one side and my friends scattered around. Pond Flower stretched out in the back in the wide aisle between the two couches.
