“Do you remember what it was like when you swam?”
Larissa bit her lip as she considered it. She didn’t remember when she learned how to swim; she just remembered swimming. She must have been young when she’d learned. In elementary school, she’d joined the swim team and continued through high school. They’d practiced a few times a week and had competitions on the weekends. She’d enjoyed it. Slicing through the water felt natural, more like recreation rather than exercise. She often felt more relaxed after it. Reason told her that it was endorphins from exercising, but her grandmother offered quite a different interpretation.
“Sure, it was great,” Larissa said.
“Do you miss it?”
“I haven’t thought about it. But, yes, I guess.”
“Perhaps you should return to the water, Larissa. It will provide many benefits for you. Not only as a workout and for stress relief—but it can aid in developing your magic, as well.”
“What?” Larissa crossed her arms. “I don’t see how that’s going to work.” Wait, she was acting defensive again. She was seeking a rational explanation for a situation that might require a different one. After all, earlier, she wouldn’t call a demon probing her freakin’ body rational. She lowered her hands to her sides. “No, I’m sorry. I’m listening. If I did go back swimming, how would it help me with magic?”
Her grandmother spread her fingers and placed her hand over her heart. “It will help you find your center and connect with the magic within you. Go near the water when you can. Even better, submerge yourself in it. And try to connect with the powerful magic that lives in you.”
Larissa drummed her fingers along her side. “I’m not sure I follow.”
“Hmm, how can I put this,” her grandmother said. “Let’s see. Some witches work with their magic by following rituals. Others find it comes to them in a more intuitive way.” She made a circling motion with her hand and then pointed at Larissa. “Part of the journey is discovering what works best for you.”
Okay, that sort of made more sense. She didn’t expect to come here and learn all about magic in one day. But—swimming?
“I’m used to swimming in pools, which are full of chlorine and other chemicals. It doesn’t seem like that would be helpful.”
“A natural body of water is preferable. Your mother was a water witch. She loved to spend time at the beach—a lake or ocean, it didn’t matter. She loved to immerse herself in the tides, but she also loved the natural beauty of Walden Pond. We used to go there often when you were younger, even after she died. I sensed Walden has provided comfort to many over the years, and it will with you, Larissa.”
“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Even if you just take a bath. A salt bath is purifying, and it helps cleanse negative energy. It will help you connect with your center. The next time you go to Janie, you’ll be more prepared.”
“Whoa,” Larissa put her arms up and stepped back. “You can’t seriously think I’m going to try that again. No way am I ever going to face that despair.”
“But, you must,” her grandmother implored. “You’ve gotten so far. I think you were close to helping reach her, and that’s why you were attacked by the dark magic.”
The unsettling sensation rose. “How can I face that again? It almost wrecked me.” Her voice came out at a higher pitch. She reached for her owl necklace. Shit, she hadn’t put it on. Why did she suddenly feel exposed?
“Where’s your amulet?”
“I forgot it.” Larissa shrugged. “Would it have helped?”
“Yes.” Her grandmother covered her heart. “I’m sorry I didn’t remind you yesterday. It was such an emotional day.” Her voice choked up. “Please wear the amulet during this difficult time in your life. It’s powerful. There’s magic in it to protect you, and help you see your way.”
Her grandmother had always said the amulet would protect her, but Larissa had figured she’d meant in a nurturing way. But, it had magic. Real magic. Not a placebo.
“All right. I’ll put it on when I go home.”
“And before you try with Janie again, make sure you head to the water to center yourself and clear your mind. It will be easier to work with your magic.”
Larissa nodded.
“It may help you connect with your center. Clutch the amulet and think of Janie. You have so much love for her.” Her grandmother spread her arms wide. “Love is magic. Love is light. And light always drives away the darkness.”
Chapter 12
Roman watched over Larissa and her grandmother all afternoon. He’d peeked into the living room window to make sure both were safe. Larissa didn’t appear to be a threat to her grandmother as they chatted. It was easier to monitor them after they stepped outside. The scent of the sage tickled his nostrils after her grandmother cleansed the air.
Ah, good. Larissa’s countenance appeared to soften. She didn’t seem as tense as she had been. Her grandmother had helped.
When Larissa left her grandmother’s house in the early evening, Roman flew back east. Although, he felt more comfortable that she wasn’t a threat to others, he had to ensure she wouldn’t return to Janie’s room. Not without him, even if she didn’t want him there. The demon’s magic was unpredictable. And if it had affected Larissa so strongly once, he wouldn’t let her face it alone again.
He followed her from the suburbs back over the lit-up sky above the city. She returned to her apartment in Jamaica Plain rather than the hospital, which was a good sign. He landed on the street outside the three-family house where she lived and leaned against an oak tree. She entered the house. When her bedroom light turned on, an ache grew. He should be in there, not on patrol outside. The day had turned into an epic disaster.
After forty-five minutes, she turned out her bedroom light. He waited another half hour until confident she was in for the night.
He circled her house. Just because she didn’t appear to be a danger to Janie or others at the moment didn’t mean she was safe. He sniffed for the scent of demon in the area. Nothing. Still, he wouldn’t let down his guard, especially not when it came to Larissa.
Damn, he’d feel better if she stayed at the compound, but she hadn’t agreed to that. And after how she’d broken things off between them earlier, she wasn’t likely to be receptive to the idea of being in the same vicinity as him.
After confirming there were no signs of dark magic near her house, he patrolled her street. Still, nothing. He expanded his search to a broader perimeter. Only when he’d covered several streets did his taut muscles relax.
Maybe after a rest, she’d feel more like herself again. Too bad he wasn’t with her to help soothe her. Ah, well, no point in dwelling on that.
Roman, Arto said, opening a communication link.
What is it?
We’ve detected recent activity.
A bristling sensation ran up the back of Roman’s neck. With all the surveying and waiting over the past few days, a sign that confirmed what they feared was somehow better than the endless speculation.
Unfortunately, we keep losing its scent, Arto added.
Shit. Was it teleporting? Where did you sense them?
In two locations. One is in the Common again, close to the portal.
That didn’t surprise Roman. If a demon was still out there, it made sense for it to seek the portal. Where else would it go? He searched the streets. Trying to get to Larissa?
His heart tightened. Where else?
Here, where I’m stationed in Longwood, and…
When Arto paused, Roman prodded, And what?
I fear what this means.
Roman’s heart hammered in agreement. Not only were there new signs of a demon presence, but it approached where Janie recuperated. Its intention reeked of malice.
Are you still watching over her?
Yes, Arto replied. I’m cloaked. I slipped into her room. Diego is outside.
Good. Does she appear to be all right?
Y
es. I think so. I didn’t catch their scent within the hospital. I’ve checked every floor. Arto’s voice sounded troubled–and a bit wistful.
It didn’t sound like him. Arto was level-headed and loyal. He had a good sense of humor, even in precarious situations.
Is something wrong? Roman asked.
No. After a moment, Arto added, well, not in the physical sense. This troubles me. She seems so young, and too innocent. I heard the nurses discuss what happened to her leg. Apparently, she’d been injured during the bombings at the Marathon, and then had undergone months of physical rehabilitation. She still has shrapnel in her leg. It doesn’t seem right for someone to be threatened again while still recovering from a previous attack.
Roman had never heard Arto speak in such a way, as if Janie was more than a human he’d been assigned to guard. But, that was insane. Janie was unconscious, and they’d never spoken. It was likely just an effect of the helplessness of the situation, not knowing what the demon or demons had planned. Perhaps, it was a gargoyle’s protective instinct amped up under stress.
You’re right, Arto. Janie seems to have endured more than most. And Larissa has long felt a connection to her, like she is a guardian. On Saturday night, they’d gone out dancing for the first time since the bombings. And then, you know what happened.
Yes. A fucking incubus got to her. Arto seethed. Seduced her and tried to take her soul.
Arto communicated with such rage, more than Roman had ever heard from his deputy. What could he say to calm him?
Arto, do you need a break from that location? I can send another to take your place, so you can get outdoors again.
No, Roman. I’d like to stay on guard here. It might sound crazy, but my instincts are stronger than usual. I feel compelled to make sure she’s safe.
Roman nodded although Arto couldn’t see him. If there’s one thing Roman could understand, it was that compulsion.
All right, Arto. Larissa is home, and she seems to be in for the night. I’m going to check on you and the others before I return to her.
What happened to her?
Roman’s throat tightened. The gulf between them exacerbated the ache of separation from his mate. He tried to keep his emotion from his voice. He was a commander, and he’d damned well make the demons pay for what they’d done to her—and had taken from him.
The dark magic got to her. He summarized how it had affected her earlier, leaving out the exact phrases she’d spat at him, which still burned. Hell, they were etched into his soul like she’d carved them with a jagged knife.
We must find a way to save them both, Arto declared with absolute conviction.
Roman clenched his fists as the rage stirred. The bloodlust rose, waking the beast within that demanded he hunt the demons and seek vengeance. His nostrils flared, and his heart pumped with fury.
He forced himself to take slower, longer breaths to calm the volcanic eruption. Rash decisions could only lead to failure. He needed to take to the sky to calm the rage. For now, he channeled it into icy resolve.
We will, Arto. Upon my life, I swear it.
When Larissa woke up on Thursday morning, regret returned, smothering her.
Roman had protected her, he’d been patient with her, he’d tried to help Janie as she’d requested, and he’d even gone to her grandmothers with her. But what had she done? Larissa replayed those awful things she’d spewed. She cringed and rolled onto her belly before covering her head with the pillow.
What a nightmare. They were supposed to be fighting the darkness together and helping Janie, but she’d pushed him away. No, not just pushed, she’d shoved him out of her life with such callous, biting words. Unforgivable.
Fuck! Words could slice wounds deeper than weapons, causing permanent destruction.
Would she be able to undo the damage?
Time to stop dwelling on her mistakes of yesterday, and work on making shit right today.
First, she’d head back to her grandmother’s. They had to figure out how to help Janie. If Larissa had experienced just a fraction of demon magic and only for a short time, God only knew how Janie suffered. Hopefully, she was shut off from it and in some dreamless rest—and not trapped in a vivid nightmare full of monsters that she couldn’t escape.
Larissa lifted the pillow from her head and climbed out of bed. She showered, focusing on washing away the negativity, and dressed in a pair of black shorts and an olive-green tank top. It would reach the 90s that day, and would feel much worse with the humidity.
She added the owl amulet. The last time she’d put it on was when Janie had suggested she wear it the night of the eclipse. Maybe it had protected Larissa. It certainly hadn’t helped Janie. Could it help her now?
She couldn’t let Janie suffer any longer. Although every molecule in Larissa’s body recoiled at the idea of returning to the hospital and trying again, her grandmother was right. Larissa had to do whatever she could to help her friend.
After a quick breakfast of eggs, toast, and coffee to fortify herself, Larissa headed out to brave the day.
While she drove west, she thought about Roman. She pictured his quiet strength, his stillness, and the hint of amusement in his eyes. He was a calming presence in her chaotic mind. After she tried again with Janie, she’d apologize. Until then, she had to stay away. She couldn’t be anywhere near him if the dark magic infected her again, triggering her to lash out.
An unsettling shiver at the back of her neck made her tighten up. She hunched her shoulders and dropped her head back to ease the tension.
It didn’t help. Instead, it intensified.
Oh no, not now.
She tilted her head from side-to-side, trying to ease the tension. When she’d got these sensations, something bad followed. She gripped the steering wheel fiercely. Where the hell was it coming from? What did it mean?
Please, not Nana. Please.
That’s what it was about—her grandmother. Oh no, she couldn’t be in danger.
Larissa accelerated as she headed west on Route 2, trying to find a reasonable middle ground between going over the speed limit and being pulled over. That wouldn’t help things. No way could she stop to explain how she was a police officer rushing to her grandmother’s because she had a strange feeling.
She tried to inhale through the sudden tightness.
Take a deep breath in, and let it out. That’s all you need to do.
Despite trying to follow her practical instruction, her chest constricted further, leaving her gasping for air. Her lungs burned as if she’d been underwater for too long. That suffocating fear matched. If she couldn’t breathe, she would die.
She had to pull over before she lost control of the car and caused an accident. Once she safely drove into the breakdown lane, her racing heartbeat slowed, and she was able to breathe at a normal rate again.
I’m probably overreacting. Nana’s fine. I’m just stressed out over everything going on, especially after the breakup with Roman. The slightest provocation that something is wrong is setting me off.
A sudden whoosh of something she couldn’t identify swept into her chest cavity. It was so intense that she gasped. The tightness that had clamped her rib cage was gone. She leaned her head back on the headrest, and her mouth fell open. Oxygen flowed into her lungs without impediment again.
A strange lightness entered her body. What the hell was that? It wasn’t just the sense of weightlessness, but an actual luminescence as well. The mysterious light brightened and grew. It wrapped around her like a sun-kissed embrace. She could no longer see the highway before her as this peculiar light had filled her mind. Yet, she wasn’t terrified.
Why not?
Larissa tried to get a better read on this unfamiliar sensation. It was like someone had illuminated hundreds of tiny fairy lights deep within her soul. It was energy and magic and love. Somehow, they all combined in this light.
“Nana?” Why she called for her grandmother, she didn’t know. Perhaps, because she wa
s on the way there? Yes, that had to be it. Her brain was trying to piece together what was going on, and the next step was heading there.
The brightness began to fade. As it did, it revealed the highway again.
And the lights of a state police cruiser behind her.
Shit.
A patrol officer stepped up to the open window. “Are you all right, ma’am?”
She smiled. “I am. I had a sudden cramp that was so painful, I had to pull over.”
It wasn’t a lie. What had happened in her head was both sudden and painful.
“Do you need help? There’s a hospital a few miles ahead.”
“No, I’m fine now. Thank you.”
After assuring him that she was all right to drive, she waited until she found a spot to ease back into the traffic going west. Could she get to her grandmother’s without any more oddities?
Several minutes later, she exited via the off-ramp and drove past Emerson Hospital and sighed. She’d narrowly avoided a visit there. The pain could incapacitate her. That sense of lightness had saved her, wherever it had come from. She continued on to Concord and into the small town where her grandmother lived.
When she parked in the driveway without any further incidents, she exhaled and leaned against the steering wheel. Shit, that drive had sucked worse than a rush hour gridlock.
At the front door, she rang the bell. After thirty seconds, her grandmother didn’t answer, so she rang again.
“Nana, it’s me, Larissa.”
Still nothing.
Had she gone out? Hmm, but her car was in the driveway, and the lights were on in the living room. Larissa fished through her purse to find her spare key and let herself in.
“Oh my God!” She covered her mouth. “Oh my God! Oh my God!” She leaned forward, holding her knees.
Her grandmother lay next to the couch, eyes wide open as if she stared at the ceiling. Red gashes marred her yellow dress like a colorful Rorschach test.
Who would do this to her? And why?
Larissa closed her eyes. An idea shaped in her mind. What else had caused carnage over the city in recent days?
Enticed by the Gargoyle: Stone Sentries 2 (Boston) Page 10
