by R. L. Perez
I entered and backed up against the shelf to allow room for the other mages. To my surprise, only Ignacio entered. He closed the door behind him—and locked it.
That’s why I’ve never seen this room before, I thought. It must always be locked.
Being in a room alone with Ignacio made me feel more at ease. I knew I could take him down in a fight.
Then, my eyes flew to the door, and I realized why the other mages had followed us. They were standing guard right outside.
“Do you do this examination with the other guests too?” I asked, rubbing my arms.
“No.” Ignacio strode toward me with his hands outstretched. “Your hands please, Miss Gerrick.”
I placed my hands in his, and he gripped them tightly. His eyes closed as he muttered words in Latin I’d heard before but couldn’t translate. “Invenire sint. Invenire sint.”
What does that mean? I cursed myself for not searching the library for books in Latin that might help me.
A sharp pain sliced into my palms like my hands were splitting open. I winced, trying to withdraw my hands, but Ignacio held them tightly. Blood welled on my hands and dripped onto the floor, but still Ignacio didn’t move.
“Invenire sint,” Ignacio whispered again.
Something within me lurched and roared like a writhing, living thing. It stirred and growled until I threw my head back and screamed. Energy seeped from me, spiraling toward the ceiling in a burst of blue magic.
I clamped my mouth shut, stunned as I stared at my magic. It hovered above us like an orb. Then, spirals of black magic exploded within it like fireworks.
Horror settled in my stomach. Dark magic.
But I was a light witch. How was that possible?
Gradually, the magic dispersed, though the air around us still crackled with energy. Ignacio dropped my hands. I looked at my palms, but the blood was gone. It had even vanished from the floor.
“I—what—what was that?” I panted, gasping as if I’d just run a mile. The thing within me still stirred restlessly. It felt like Ignacio had unleashed something inside me, and now that it was awake, it wanted to be freed.
The thought chilled me to my bones.
“Interesting,” Ignacio whispered. His dark eyes bore into mine, and I resisted the urge to shrink under his scrutiny. I had to remind myself he couldn’t read my thoughts. “That is all, Miss Gerrick. Thank you for your cooperation.”
My mouth fell open. “That’s it?”
“Yes. You may go.”
I frowned, but he didn’t need to tell me twice. After he unlocked the door, I swung it open and hurtled past the other mages as fast as I could.
I found Izzy pacing in front of the hearth in the library. Her eyes widened when she saw me, and she strode toward me. “Brielle! What happened? You okay?”
I nodded, still out of breath. In a rush, I explained to her what had happened.
Her face drained of color. “You don’t think—”
“It’s Lilith’s beast,” I said in a hushed voice. “I’m sure of it. Izzy, what else could it be?”
Izzy shook her head. “Brielle, you’re a light witch. Why would Lilith possess you?”
“My magic turned black,” I told her. “I saw it.” Panic surged in my chest. “I have to leave. I have to get out of here or the Count will imprison me like those other demons.”
“No, Brielle, you can’t leave yet. Just—just wait until the Count gets back. Wait for Riker.”
My head reared back in surprise. “Riker? Why?”
“He’s in the Count’s good graces. He can vouch for you. He’s been reliable and obedient ever since he got here. The Count will listen to him.”
“But—”
“The mages won’t do anything without the Count,” Izzy said. “I’m sure of it. They aren’t in charge here. If they did find out something from this test, they’ll have to report the findings to him first.”
“Izzy—”
“Where will you go?” Izzy demanded. “To the Serrano coven? To the village that’ll be burned by the beast at the end of the year?”
I fell silent, knowing she was right. I had nowhere to go. I’d rather drop dead right here than seek out Leo and his coven for help.
“Let me do some digging,” Izzy said in a whisper. “Let me ask around and see what I can find out. I’ve been here a while. I know how to talk to people.”
I swallowed and nodded slowly. “All right.”
“Just keep your head down for the next few days, okay? It’ll be fine. I promise.”
I wanted to believe her. I really did.
THREE DAYS PASSED WITH extreme sluggishness. My brain ached from constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for the mages to grab me and throw me in the dungeon. My limbs throbbed from the tension of being on edge for so long.
And the nightmares returned. During the first night after Ignacio’s examination, I woke up on the floor of the dining hall in a cold sweat. Luckily, the room was empty, but I couldn’t risk that again. After waking up and rushing back upstairs, I’d knocked on Izzy’s door and asked to spend the night in her room. She agreed without objection.
“You’ve been talking in your sleep,” Izzy muttered to me at breakfast on the third day. “Something in Latin.”
I stilled and looked at her. “By any chance is it invenire sint?”
Izzy stiffened, her eyes wide. “Yeah. That’s it. Do you know what it means?”
I shook my head, but I knew it couldn’t be anything good. Especially if Ignacio had been chanting it to me.
He’d awakened the beast inside me. And there was nothing I could do to get rid of it.
After breakfast, Izzy pulled me aside in the hallway before our usual training with the mages. Her eyes were wide as she glanced around nervously.
“What is it?” I asked, my heart racing.
“I heard Chris and Sam talking,” she whispered. “They know the mages performed some weird test on you.” She paused. “They said it’s the first time that’s happened. Most of the blood tests have been small, like the pricking of a finger. And it’s always done in public. Nothing like what you went through.”
I swallowed as fear numbed my bones. That’s not good news.
“Does anyone know what it means?” I hissed.
Izzy shook her head, her eyes filled with concern.
My blood ran cold. If I was the only one the mages had administered this test to, then that meant they’d found something unique. Perhaps something they’d been looking for for years.
Lilith’s cursed witch.
Panic solidified inside me, hardening to resolve and determination. If I don’t find out anything by the time the Count returns, I’ll beg for Riker’s help.
And then I’ll flee this place forever.
22
Brielle
TWO DAYS LATER, THE Count and his Demonhunting party returned to the castle. Izzy and I hurried to the entrance to greet them. My stomach churned with anxiety as my eyes flitted from each person, searching for Riker.
There. His face was covered in soot, but he seemed otherwise unharmed. Exhaustion tugged at his expression, but his eyes brightened when he saw me.
“I need to talk to you,” I muttered, stepping close to him and trying to ignore the sharp vinegar stench emanating from him.
Riker’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh, nice to see you too, Brielle. So glad you’re safe and all that.”
I rolled my eyes. “Why else would I be standing here if I weren’t worried about you?”
Riker leaned closer and dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “It wouldn’t hurt to say nice things to me every now and then.” He winked, and a blush bloomed across my face.
I heaved a sigh. “Riker Wilkinson, I was so worried about you and I’m so relieved you’ve returned safely so you can joke and tease me some more. Is that better?”
Riker chuckled. “Much.”
I glanced over his shoulder as Abe and the Count strode through t
he doors. I tugged on Riker’s arm and pulled him closer to the staircase.
“I need your help.”
Riker stared at me, his brows knitting together. “Of course. What’s wrong?”
“The mages conducted some weird blood test on me, and I’m—I’m really scared.” Just saying the words made my chest shudder with revulsion. I couldn’t look at his expression, not after I’d just admitted how weak I was. “Can you . . . can you talk to the Count? Izzy says you’re on his good side.”
Riker was silent for a long moment. I finally peered up at him and found his eyes guarded and his lips pressed together.
Dread pooled into my stomach. “Riker—”
“I can’t, Brielle.”
My chest caved inward, practically suffocating me. “Why not?”
“Because the Count told me he knows about your father. He’s already suspicious of you. Even I can’t convince him not to be.”
“What?”
“I’m sorry, Brielle.”
Panic raced through me. “No, Riker, this can’t be happening! Do you—”
“Miss Gerrick,” said a cool voice.
I froze and slowly turned to face the interruption. The Count stood in the hallway next to the alcove wearing a gold waistcoat and matching gloves that looked untouched from the mission, despite the bedraggled appearances of the other guests who’d arrived.
“Your Excellency.” I curtsied.
“Might I have a word with you?”
My blood chilled. Not a chance in hell. I cleared my throat. “I’m afraid I’m not feeling well today. I think something I ate—”
“It will only take a moment,” the Count insisted, offering his arm to me. His cold gaze told me there would be no negotiating.
I glanced around and found the mages just behind him as well as several servants and guards.
Merciful Lilith. I’d never make it out of here.
I exchanged a worried glance with Riker before I said quietly, “Certainly.”
I took the Count’s arm and followed him into the hallway. Glancing over my shoulder, I widened my eyes at Riker and mouthed, “Help me!”
He simply stared back at me, stunned.
“My mages have reported some interesting findings,” the Count said, drawing my attention back to him.
“Oh?” I rubbed my nose with my free hand.
The Count guided me toward the same small office where Ignacio had conducted his weird test. “Yes. They tell me something has awoken inside of you, Miss Gerrick.” His keen, dark eyes appraised me. “Can you enlighten me?”
I tried to arrange my face into something innocent, but I knew I was failing. “I . . . I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Ignacio tested your blood.” The Count smirked, and all warmth fled from my body. “Do you know what we discovered?”
My mouth felt so dry I couldn’t answer. I simply shook my head.
The Count’s eyes glinted. “Dark magic.”
“But . . . but my magic is blue.”
“Indeed.” He looked like he was thoroughly enjoying this. “But upon further inspection, we not only discovered the presence of dark magic—but also the presence of another soul residing with yours.”
My heart lurched in my throat, and I was so surprised I came to a full stop. “What?” I said too loudly.
Irritation flickered in the Count’s expression. He glanced around the hallway. “Do keep your voice down, Miss Gerrick.”
“How can another soul be living inside me?” I hissed through clenched teeth.
“I was hoping you could provide the answer to that question.” The Count leveled a hard stare at me, his eyes so calculating I felt stripped naked standing in front of him. I felt like he could see everything.
I shook my head numbly. “I don’t—”
“Before you try to lie to me about this, Miss Gerrick, let me make something clear. It is in your best interest to be forthcoming about your abilities and your magical ailment because as of this moment, your future at the Castillo de Coca is looking quite grim indeed.”
I swallowed. Fear crept up my throat, and I couldn’t breathe. I rubbed my chest and whispered faintly, “Your Excellency, I have done nothing wrong. I have broken no rules, and I—”
The Count raised a narrow hand to stop me, his cold eyes drilling into me. “Listen to me carefully. This beast continues to destroy the city without fail every year. Innocent lives are taken. Families are destroyed. The victims of this city are innocent. I long since abandoned any hope I had for rescuing whatever poor, dark soul is responsible for bringing such terror to my city. I have come to accept that the life of one innocent is worth the price of thousands.”
“Please—” I rasped.
The Count’s grip on my arm tightened, and his fingernails dug into my skin. “Hell is waiting for you, Miss Gerrick. You may not deserve it, but it is the unfortunate truth. The Dark Lady you’ve succumbed yourself to will be destroyed, and you along with her.”
Something sparked within me at his words, thawing the shock that had frozen my body. Flames roared within me. I gritted my teeth. “Don’t you dare threaten me.”
The Count’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.
I tried wrenching my arm free, but he held fast. Rage boiled my blood, bringing my senses back to life. Adrenaline pulsed through me, and I felt the familiar thrill of Demonhunting coursing in my veins.
I swung my head back and smashed my forehead into the Count’s face with a satisfying crack.
The Count stumbled backward, clutching his nose and moaning.
I didn’t pause to see how he would react. I turned and bolted down the hallway, grateful he hadn’t taken his guards or mages on the little stroll along with us.
A small pop tickled my ears, and the Count appeared in front of me. Blood flowed from his nose, and his eyes were blazing.
My mouth fell open. “You’re a Jumper?” I backed away from him, but with another pop, he appeared behind me. He wrapped one arm around my neck, cutting off my air supply. The other arm he wrapped around my waist, pinning me in place.
“I think you’ve caused us enough trouble, Miss Gerrick,” he hissed, his voice thick with blood.
I struggled against his grip, but then my stomach dropped as something tugged within my chest, yanking me forward. The walls spun around me, and nausea swirled in my gut. I closed my eyes, and with another pop, I found myself in the dungeon. The barred cells housing the other demons surrounded me, and darkness engulfed me completely.
A chill of horror swept through me. I whirled around, but the Count was gone.
“No,” I whispered, rushing forward. As my eyes adjusted, I barely made out the staircase Riker and I had crept down.
It was on the other side of the cage I was in.
I gripped the iron bars surrounding me and shook them. They wouldn’t budge.
“No!” I screamed. I sucked in a deep breath and stepped back, trying to clear my head. Then I lifted my hands and uttered a spell.
“Magic above and powers that be,
Unlock this prison and set me free!”
My hands glowed blue, but the light flickered and then died like an overused light bulb. I stared blankly at my hands and shook them as if I could wake my magic back up.
This can’t be happening. Energy drained from me, and the smell of magic tickled the air, but it wasn’t my magic. It was something else.
Sniffing, I followed the scent until my nose touched the metal bars.
Magic emanated from my prison cell. The bars were enchanted. Somehow, they’d sucked my magic from me.
I was trapped.
“Hello?” I shouted. My voice echoed in the damp dungeon. “Is anyone there? Can you hear me?”
The only response was a low moan from a few cells over. I edged to the other side of my cell, peering through the darkness. “Who’s there? Are you hurt?”
No response. Somewhere in the dungeon, a demon coughed—a foul, wheezing soun
d.
“How long have you been here?” I tried again.
Still no answer. Either the demons were ignoring me, or they were too unwell to respond. I dropped my hands in resignation.
I tried not to dwell on what the Count had in store for me. If he wanted me dead right away, he would’ve just snapped my neck or had his mages do the deed.
He wanted something from me. To torture me perhaps. The thought made my skin crawl, and I pushed it from my mind.
For hours I paced the length of my grimy cell, which was about as big as a bathroom. Every few minutes, I approached the bars and tried uttering another spell, but nothing worked. Each attempt left me a bit more drained than before, and after a while I gave up, knowing that if I kept trying, I’d pass out from exertion.
Fear crept into my skin, crawling up my spine like a giant spider. It clawed at my chest and stomach until the itch to move and do something was so strong it was almost painful. I envisioned the library upstairs and closed my eyes, mentally traveling there and organizing books by color. I remembered the exact shades of navy, robin’s-egg blue, sky blue, and baby blue. In my mind, I set these books aside, arranging them from light to dark. Then, I thought of the purple and green books I’d found the other day. Forest green, hunter green, kelly green. Then lavender, indigo, plum, and violet.
It helped, but not by much. The panic still swirled within me.
Footsteps jarred me from my imagination. I jumped, racing toward the bars and squinting to see who had arrived. I clutched the rusted bars with trembling hands.
Soft, hurried steps echoed in the dungeon. Gradually, a tall figure came into view as it scurried down the steps. The motions were frantic—like they didn’t want to be spotted.
I swallowed, trying to quell the fear in my bones.
When the figure drew nearer, I gasped in recognition. Riker.
“Thank Lilith,” I whispered, exhaling.
“Brielle!” Riker hurried to me, clutching the bars that separated us. His wide, blue eyes were terrified as he looked me over. “Are you hurt?”
