by R. L. Perez
And to revel in Estrella’s pleasure too. Since she was my Donor, we shared a bond through which I could sense her heightened emotions. It made the experience so much more enjoyable for me.
I’d hit another dead end. Thanks to the Little Nightmare, I’d been unable to find any information in the Count’s study about spells or enchantments he might’ve used to seal the barrier to the city. We’d had a minor victory breaking through the defenses of the castle and catching the occupants off guard, but now we were at a loss how to proceed.
I needed to know the particulars of the Count’s spell. Otherwise I was simply guessing.
I ran a hand through my untidy hair and carefully tied it behind my neck. Estrella shifted in her sleep, her face still pink from exertion. I felt her blood thrumming through our connection, calling to me. Beckoning me back into her bed.
Not now. I only submitted to the call of her blood when I needed something to take my mind off my duties to the coven. Estrella knew that. It was something we agreed on when she acquiesced to become my Donor. I never forced myself on her, though. I always ensured she agreed before sharing her bed.
She hadn’t refused me yet.
I wasn’t sure if it was because of our connection or my insanely expert skills in bed. Perhaps both.
I slipped soundlessly out of her chambers. Well, rather, her cave. Centuries ago, my ancestors had carved out cavities within these caverns, forming the perfect hideout. And with the Count’s magic surrounding the city, we couldn’t form a home anywhere else, so we made the caves fit for living quarters. The walls had been smoothed and lined with lanterns, and each small cavern had been fully furnished.
Despite being cut off from the forest outside, it felt like home to me.
I weaved my way through the dark tunnels, my vampire vision allowing me to see the path perfectly. Then, I entered my library where Jorge sat in an armchair studying a book.
“Enjoy your dalliance?” he asked in a bored voice without looking up. Jorge didn’t approve of my arrangement with Estrella. He had several committed Donors, but they kept a very distant and professional relationship. Sometimes Jorge was so much like Ronaldo that it made me ache. Both so pious and formal. Both frustratingly rigid with rules—unless breaking a rule provided an opportunity to be a hero.
“Very much,” I said with a grin, sliding into the armchair across from him. “Have you found anything?”
Jorge slammed the book shut and ran a hand through his short, brown hair. “No.”
Of course not. Another dead end.
We couldn’t keep looking for answers that weren’t there. We had to make a move. Now.
The time for waiting was over. The solution to the Count’s spells wouldn’t present itself to us, then we’d seek it out through other means.
Jorge read the determination in my eyes. “Leo, what are you thinking?”
I rubbed at the facial hair along my jaw. “Prepare the coven at full force.”
Jorge straightened. “For what?” But the hardness in his face indicated he already knew.
“For battle. We strike the Castillo at dawn.”
17
Brielle
OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, I stewed over my realization that Leo Serrano had information I needed. I didn’t like it. If I found a way to talk to him, what would stop him from killing me? Or me from killing him?
But I should’ve thought of it earlier. The danger of being as narrow-minded as the Count was that you only saw things from one side: the side of light magic.
So, if a problem arose involving dark magic, you were screwed.
My hours of research in the Count’s library were worthless because it only contained historical texts about light magic.
At least—those were the only ones available to the public. If the Count did have any helpful information, it would be hidden.
Instead of even considering the idea of tracking down Leo Serrano, I focused on my plan with Riker to dig up any skeletons the Count had hidden in his closets.
A week after my conversation with Juan, I had just finished training with Ignacio when Riker waved me over to the other end of the ballroom, his expression eager. I hurried forward, trying to ignore the way my stomach flipped when his blue eyes fixed on me.
“What’s up?” I asked.
Riker took my elbow and guided me to a corner of the ballroom where we wouldn’t be overheard. Around us, the training groups scattered, some leaving and others lingering to chat like us.
“My valet told me this morning that the Count is taking a journey tomorrow,” Riker said breathlessly. “He’ll be visiting a village on the other side of the city to converse with his other mages.”
My eyes grew wide. “He has other mages?”
Riker nodded. “Apparently he stationed them around the city to monitor things and ensure nothing is different about the time loop. My valet said he plans to take his servants with him, since this journey will take longer. I think the demons breaking free of the time loop have made him anxious.”
I couldn’t blame him. My brows furrowed. “So . . .” My heart lurched as I realized what he was implying. “We can snoop around while he’s gone.”
Riker nodded, his eyes glinting. “Indeed we can, my fair lady.”
I grinned at him. “When should we do it?”
“Let’s give the Count a day, just in case he comes back claiming he forgot something.”
I nodded eagerly. “And what about the mages?”
“Just stick to our story. You didn’t know the rules and will apologize profusely. I’ll claim I was smitten by your charm.”
I rolled my eyes. “Riker—”
“No, really. That’s appropriate in this time. Let me say I was worried for your protection and wanted to keep you safe. I tried to stop you.” He raised an eyebrow as if asking my permission.
I sighed, my cheeks warming. “All right. That’s fine.”
Riker leaned closer to me and whispered, “What do you think we’ll find?”
My skin felt hot with his nearness. I swallowed, but my throat felt dry. “I, uh, I’m not sure. Maybe some sacred shrine?”
Riker snorted. “A shrine to himself.”
A loud laugh burst from my lips, and I covered my mouth. A few of the lingering guests looked in our direction.
Riker winked at me, and I slapped his arm. He stuck out his elbow, and I laced my arm through his as we marched regally to lunch. All the while, my heart fluttered in anticipation. Perhaps I’d finally be able to discover what exactly the Count was hiding.
THE NEXT DAY, MY ENTIRE body seemed to thrum with anticipation. I was up before dawn and dressed myself, making my way to the library to rearrange books and keep my restless hands busy.
At breakfast, Riker and I sat next to each other, casting excited glances back and forth. Izzy, ever alert, eyed us with suspicion. She caught my arm after breakfast, holding me back while everyone else exited the hall.
“What’s going on with you two?” she asked, jerking her chin toward Riker’s retreating form.
I blushed. “Nothing.”
Izzy raised her eyebrows. Her eyes were stern as they drilled into me. “You can’t lie to me, Brielle. You two are flirting constantly.”
My mouth opened in indignation. “We are not!”
“Are too.”
I sputtered incoherently. “I—we—I don’t even know how to flirt.”
Izzy crossed her arms. “You certainly do. Whatever you do around Riker, that’s called flirting.”
I swallowed. “I—do you think he knows it’s flirting?”
Izzy leaned forward conspiratorially. “I’m pretty sure he knows. And he likes it too.”
My tongue turned to sandpaper, but I couldn’t stop the goofy smile from spreading across my face.
Izzy laughed. “Crikey, you are so green, Brielle. Have you never had a chap before?”
My blush deepened. “No,” I muttered. “I’ve never even kissed a guy.”
Izzy’s eyes grew wide, and I wanted to smack her. “Fair dinkum?” she said loudly, gaping at me.
I shushed her, waving my hands to keep her quiet. “I don’t know what that means.”
“It means, ‘Are you telling the truth?’”
I shoved her shoulder, and she laughed again.
“No worries, Brielle. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about your first pash.” She patted my shoulder and offered a condescending smile.
I gave her my most withering stare. “You talk funny.”
Izzy laughed, and I couldn’t help but join in as she steered me out of the dining hall.
We participated in our training as normal. I kept stealing glances across the room at Riker. Oftentimes I found him with his jaw rigid and a determined fire in his eyes that made my stomach churn. Other times, he caught my eye and winked or grinned at me, which also sent my insides spinning.
I hated myself for being so twitterpated. For losing focus during my training and not even feeling remotely sorry when nothing happened during Ignacio’s exercises.
Get a grip, Brie! I told myself. This is why you’re here.
But I was also here because I was suspected of being cursed by Lilith. And if the Count had any information hidden about it, I had to find it.
Then why was my heart racing and a ridiculous smile spreading across my face?
You’re such an idiot, I thought.
Training ended, and the mages excused us. Riker immediately bounded toward me, his face alight and his eyes dancing. “How did training go?”
I rolled my eyes. “I couldn’t focus.”
“Me neither,” he said breathlessly.
We grinned at each other, our eyes locking for a moment longer than necessary.
Then, he cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. “I, uh, figured the best time would be during lunch when the others are preoccupied.”
I nodded. “Good. Yes. I agree.” Stop talking, Brie. Just shut up.
Riker chuckled nervously. “I’ll meet you on the staircase at noon, okay?”
“Okay.”
We both smiled again. Neither of us moved. He inched closer, his smile fading. “Are you sure about this, Brielle?”
I swallowed. “Yes. I need answers.”
He stared at me for a moment. “About what?”
I hesitated. “About the Count and what he wants hidden. And if it might possibly have anything to do with me and my ailment.”
Riker frowned. “Brielle, why would he hide that?”
I opened my mouth to speak but then thought better of it. I still wasn’t ready to open up to him about my fears or my secrets. Instead, I chose something else. “You already know my father’s a demon. I thought maybe . . . something about me having demon blood might be affecting my magical issue. I can’t exactly go to the Count or mages about it because—”
“Because they hate demons.” He grimaced and nodded. “Right.”
“And the Count seems like the type of person to keep anything demon-related hidden away to keep up appearances.” I shrugged. “I figured it was worth a shot.”
Riker’s expression warmed. “I don’t think any less of you, you know. For having a father who’s a demon.”
I blinked. “I didn’t think you would.”
We stood there staring at each other for another long moment. Slowly, the warmth within me faded. I cleared my throat and muttered something about changing my clothes before I dashed off.
Though I did change into a lighter tunic, I really wanted to slip into the armory and load up on weapons just in case. I didn’t expect any trouble, but one could never be too careful, and I felt more comfortable fully armed. I swiped a few athames and stakes and then hunted for holsters. When I found a few that fit, I pocketed the sheathed weapons and made sure they were secure in my trousers.
For the next hour, I busied myself in the library, rearranging books to keep my mind at ease. At long last, the clock chimed, jolting me from my therapeutic organization. My heart racing, I darted back up the stairs and tried to stand as casually as possible while waiting for Riker.
It didn’t take him long. He spotted me from the opposite side of the guest rooms and strode toward me. Something in my chest squirmed, seeing his gaze fixed on me as he walked toward me with such purpose and vigor.
“Shall we?” he whispered, glancing around. His cheeks were pink, and his eyes glinted.
I nodded, my throat too dry to say anything.
I took his arm out of habit, and we descended the stairs. When a babble of voices erupted nearby, he tugged me off to the side in a dark corner where we hovered, waiting for the group of guests to pass. My breath caught in my throat. Riker’s chest pressed against mine. He smelled of mint and soap, and it made my head spin.
“We’re clear,” he whispered, his breath brushing against my forehead.
I grunted something incoherent, my throat closing off in the process. Luckily, Riker didn’t seem to notice.
He steered me toward a lower staircase I hadn’t noticed before. It was tucked between two large pillars flanked by ostentatious paintings. The stairs were cast in shadow from the pillars, obscuring it from view—unless you were looking for it.
We descended the stairs, and a chill swept over me. At the bottom was a door. Riker jiggled the handle and swore. “Locked.”
“Here.” I dropped his arm and lifted my hands, closing my eyes before I uttered the spell.
“Magic above and spirits herein,
Release this lock and let us in.”
My hands glowed blue, and the energy crackled through me. With a soft click, the door swung open.
Riker looked at me, his face full of awe. “That was bloody incredible.”
I bit back a smile. “Thanks. Come on.” I took his arm again, and we strode through the open door.
A long, narrow tunnel stood in front of us. Darkness wrapped around me, pressing in toward my bones. I suppressed a shiver as the cool air swarmed around me, numbing my body. We crept forward slowly and carefully, afraid of making a single sound. The hallway was lit by torches, which cast eerie orange glows on the wall like flames threatening to engulf us.
Echoes whispered past us. Muffled shouts and moans. Sobs.
“Do you hear that?” I breathed. I couldn’t be sure if it was in my head or not. Perhaps it was just the wind.
“Yes.” Riker’s arm shook in my grip. “It’s spooky. You think this place is haunted?”
I knew he was trying to lighten the mood for my benefit. I shoved his arm, but a sense of foreboding gripped me like a vise.
The tunnel stretched on and on, and we inched forward a few steps at a time. My limbs ached from quivering so much, and goosebumps erupted on my arms.
Focus, Brie, I told myself. You’ve fought demons before. You can do this.
Finally, the hallway opened up to another staircase that plunged into a black abyss below. Riker and I stopped and shared an uncertain glance. Part of me feared that if I stepped forward, I would fall to my death.
I sucked in a breath. “We’ve made it this far.”
“My thoughts exactly.” But Riker’s voice cracked, betraying his uncertainty. He adjusted his arm so his fingers laced through mine, squeezing some warmth back into my body.
I closed my eyes and took another breath. We moved forward. Our feet met a solid step. Then, another. Soon darkness completely swallowed us up. I couldn’t even see Riker next to me.
This is madness.
I froze. “Hold on,” I muttered. “I’m an idiot.” I closed my eyes—though it made no difference—and uttered another spell.
“Surrounding magic and powers that be,
Provide us light with which to see.”
My hands glowed blue again, and this time the glow intensified and held like a lantern. It illuminated a vast cavern at least a hundred feet below us. The stone steps wound downward in a spiral. I squinted, trying to make out what was at the bottom. All I could
see was giant metal bars, like a cage.
A howl of agony split through the air, and my heart lurched in my chest. The sound echoed, blaring against my ears—much closer than before.
They weren’t ghosts. Someone—something—was down there.
Riker’s breath hitched. “Are you sure about this? Brielle, if there’s a creature down there, I don’t know if—”
“We’ll be fine,” I whispered. “I’m armed.”
He shot me an unreadable look but said nothing.
What could the Count possibly be hiding down there? I was expecting a locked library or study, perhaps a few scandalous letters, but not this.
Too late to turn back. Curiosity melted my fear, and I surged forward, dragging Riker with me. Using my hands to light the way, we crept downstairs, stepping carefully to avoid slipping. The chill only worsened the deeper we got, and the moans and noises intensified. But something within me resonated with the creepiness of it all. My brain suddenly switched modes, and now this was a mystery to be solved instead of a horror to be feared.
Riker’s hand trembled in my grasp, and this time I squeezed his fingers for comfort.
“Almost there,” I muttered.
When we descended the last few steps, my eyes widened at the scene before me.
It wasn’t a cage—it was a prison. An array of crisscrossing metal bars stood in front of us, each cell holding a small cot and a table with jars and tools. The air reeked of demons, stinging my nose and filling me with dread.
Dropping Riker’s hand, I hurried toward the first prison cell and peered inside. A low voice sobbed from the other side.
“Hello?” I called. “Who’s there?”
The sobbing stopped for a moment, but whoever it was said nothing. I squinted, holding up my hands to see better, but all I could make out was a massive shape crouched on the ground, facing away from me.
“Brielle, over here.”
I followed the sound of Riker’s voice to another prison cell. When I lifted my hands to provide light, Riker and I both gasped.
