by Sela Croft
Thankfully, my father had left me alone, as he had an important matter to deal with. He was certain that I couldn’t escape. Likely, he was confident that I didn’t want to, anymore. I was in a room with a few mirrors, once of his preferred tools of magic.
In the mirrors, I saw flashes of my current existence, of what was happening to the Fae. The images were nightmares, only I was very much awake. The sights pleased my power-hungry side, and I realized that I was unable to resist acquiring more abilities under my father’s tutelage.
Yet I wasn’t ready to give up the life I’d had, not long before. My sister Rosamon was dear to me, so I focused on her. She was one of the joys of my life, and I treasured what we’d shared. Childhood pleasures came to mind and memories of how close we’d been.
The connection I had with my twin could not be severed. That made me feel worse about what I was involved in. The guilt and agony of what I couldn’t escape. The shame that it was what I wanted.
I’d grown up with Rosamon in the human realm, and had enjoyed the warmth of that outside world, long before my dealings with magic had begun—long before the horror I endured now.
Could I really have changed that much? Was I truly not myself anymore?
I had to look; I had to know. The mirror would tell me. I turned to gaze into the glass, timid about what I might see. There looking back at me was my own reflection. It was an actual reflection, as it didn’t move or talk back. It only mirrored what I looked like.
It seemed that I didn’t look so different. My raven hair was shiny, and my violet eyes stared back at me. The clothing was a bit off, as I’d had to borrow some. All my father had the servants provide were outfits reminiscent of ancient Egypt. I supposed he wanted me to look like him.
When I moved my hands, the reflection moved. From what I could see, there hadn’t been that much change. But then mirrors couldn’t see inside a person, could they?
Since I hadn’t fallen into my father’s disfavor, he hadn’t distorted my image into a repulsive creature. I shuddered at what he’d done to others. It was some advantage that I still looked the same, even though I’d become a degenerate under my father’s guidance.
While staring at the mirror, it became blurry. I squinted to see clearer, but my image had vanished. Then a new vision appeared to replace my reflection. And I was overjoyed.
Had my imaginings brought my memories to life? Then I realized that what I saw was real. As if by some miracle, I received a communication in my mind from Logan. And then from Morrigan. My heart soared; there might be hope.
I prayed it wasn’t a delusion, but then I was certain it wasn’t. Logan continued to speak to me. When I lifted my hand, he smiled. I was suddenly lightheaded. Logan could see me!
Chapter 32
Callie
Logan looked just as I’d remembered him, as if I’d conjured him up from memory. A tear rolled down my cheek. “Are you really there?”
“Yes, my love,” Logan said. “I am here, and Morrigan is with me. We will figure out a way to help you.”
Sheets of relief rolled off me. I’d been buried and nearly lost. Until Logan arrived, then truth began to emerge. My other side tried to distract me and pull me away. But I would have none of it.
Overjoyed that Logan had come for me, my true self emerged, and I was glad to be back. I mustered the strength to push my other self to the background, where it belonged. My desire to be free of the evil emerged with renewed gusto.
By whatever means possible, I had to escape before…
I didn’t even want to think of what would happen if I didn’t get out of this realm, and away from my father’s influence. I meant Seth’s influence. An evil sorcerer didn’t deserve to be called father.
“I’ve been so afraid,” I said. “I didn’t know what to do.” My heart filled with emotion. “I love you, Logan…so much.”
“I love you, too, more than I can say.” Logan gazed through the mirror, and I saw the emotion in his eyes.
“I was able to use one of Seth’s mirrors,” Morrigan said. “It serves as a conduit between us, so we can talk.”
“You don’t know how happy I am to see you,” I said. “I’m losing my mind.”
Morrigan’s kind smile made me feel understood. “I can only imagine.”
“Have you been harmed?” Logan said.
“Not physically, but mentally…emotionally…” I couldn’t begin to tell him what I’d been through. “I’m not sure about the damage Seth has done to me. I just need to get out, before he does any more.”
“That’s what I want, badly,” Logan said. “If I could step through this mirror, I would. But it only serves as a communication medium, not a portal.”
My morale sank. “That means I can’t step through it and leave with you?”
“I wish you could,” Logan said. “My greatest desire is to hold you in my arms, to see you safe.”
“That reminds me. These mirrors are unpredictable,” I said. “That’s how I ended up here.”
“What happened?” Logan said. “I saw you step through the mirror with the others, then you vanished.”
I shook my head. “No, that’s not what happened. It was scary. One second, I was standing in that room at the cottage. You went to tell Noah something. And when your back was turned, I was pulled through the mirror.”
The look of devastation on Logan’s face wrenched my heart. “But I saw you standing with the others, and you all disappeared at once.”
“That wasn’t me,” I said. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” I took a breath, then poured out the story. “The Callie you saw was fake, an abomination created by Seth. She’d been on this side of the mirror, and when you turned your back she traded places with me.”
Logan appeared stunned.
“I know it sounds outrageous,” I said. “But I watched from this side, right after. You came back to the mirror, and you thought you were talking to me. Only you were talking to an imposter.” The horror grabbed me anew. “It was such a shock. There I was, stuck on this side of the mirror and unable to get back.”
“And I believed that I was talking to you,” Logan said. “Although, I did notice you didn’t seem to be yourself, like you’d been unduly influenced by Seth through the mirror.”
“I didn’t seem like myself, because I wasn’t myself.”
“What happened then?” Logan said.
“The view in the mirror went blank, and the portal closed up. I couldn’t get back. I was trapped.” It was so good to share the trauma with Logan, to tell him what had really happened.
“I’m with you, my love,” Logan said. “I won’t let you go, and I’ll get to you somehow. I’ll move heaven and earth to get to you.”
“This is all very touching,” Morrigan said. “What happened is just more evidence of Seth’s tricks.”
The sorceress appeared very serious and I could see why. I’d been kidnapped, and Seth planned to do his worst.
“What’s gone on since Seth took you?” Morrigan said.
“Seth is gradually transforming me,” I said. “As part of his great plan, he intends to turn me into the image of him, someone just as powerful and evil.”
“I feared something like that,” Morrigan said.
“And what he’s doing to the Fae is horrible,” I said. “I just want it to stop.”
“Tell me what he is doing to the Fae, and to you,” Morrigan said.
So much had happened, it was difficult to distill it down into a few words. I touched on the highlights, telling her about how he’d disfigured so many of the Fae and turned them into slaves. Then I tried to describe what he’d been doing to me. But I was sure I sounded crazy.
“Seth must be gaining power,” Morrigan said. “How powerful is he? And what part do you play in his scheme?” She was intent on getting answers, and I was willing to share all I could, if it would save us all.
“Honestly, I’ve been trying to avoid all of that,” I said. “It’s terr
ifying, and I’m having trouble resisting him.” I placed my palms on the mirror. “Please…get me out of here. I beg you to save me from this nightmare, in any way you can.”
But Morrigan didn’t relent in her questioning, or, assure me of rescue. “What is he after, Callie? What is he doing to you and why?”
I dug my hands in my hair and whined, “I don’t know. I don’t understand what’s happening.”
“You do, Callie, so please try to think,” Morrigan said. “It’s important. “What part do you play in all of this, and why did he pull you into his palace then take you under his wing?” She stared at me. “Seth is calculating; he doesn’t do anything by accident. He must need you, but for what?”
Morrigan continued to press, and I forced myself to think. She was right. Seth was a madman, but he was smart. He’d figured something out, and then he’d drawn me into his realm. I had a role in his takeover. What was it?
“I think I see what you’re getting at,” I said. “Based on how Seth talks to me, he values me and wants me to join him.” I let out a long breath. “I’m sure it has to do with the power I have, from the combination of vampire and sorceress ability in my blood.”
“That must be it,” Morrigan said, then tapped her fingertip against her temple.
“What does that mean?” Logan said to Morrigan. Thankfully, he didn’t expect me to know. I wasn’t sure I knew any more than I’d already shared, so hoped the sorceress would figure all of this out. I certainly hadn’t been able to.
Chapter 33
Callie
Before Morrigan could answer and tell Logan the significance of Seth’s need for me, I had a realization. “It seems to me that Seth thinks there is a way to use my abilities to make him impossibly powerful.”
“You could be right,” Logan said.
“Yet that doesn’t totally make sense,” I said, “because Seth seems as powerful as he can possibly be.” But I didn’t have a chance to explain further.
My power-hungry side had become aware that I was straying from my larger purpose. She had perceived that my true nature had taken over, and she couldn’t allow that.
I gazed into the mirror, prepared to tell Logan more. But the mirror had become merely glass, so I saw my own reflection.
Only, it wasn’t me. I stared at the person in the mirror, realizing that my power-hungry side had come to life again. She was an amalgamation of what I was becoming, personifying my lust for power with an edge of cruelty.
Then my reflection spoke telepathically. “I must remind you, Callie, that everyone is merely a means to an end. You must not fight what you are becoming. Seth has a mission that will change the world. You shouldn’t get in the way of that.”
Appalled, I turned away from the mirror. I’d been born human with sorceress blood in my veins. Then at Seth’s urging, I’d become a vampire from drinking Logan’s blood. That triple combination made me immensely powerful.
Seth wanted to harness my ability for his despicable purposes. He was aware of the power I held. Then a wave of terror washed though me. In a flash, I saw my potential, what I could become. And I didn’t want Seth to have an inkling of what that was.
My fear that he would find out could be useful, a tool that would allow me to take more control. I latched onto the idea like my life depended on it. Knowing the power that I held in the palm of my hand, I could use that knowledge to manipulate Seth.
And if I did it well, he wouldn’t know.
It just might work and enable me to gain leverage. All I needed was a start, an advantage that could be developed. Then I’d stand a chance against him.
My other self was furious at that idea, so shouted at me from the mirror. “I demand that you accept your ascendance! You cannot deny your destiny!”
My independence wasn’t easily subdued. I argued with my double, who glared at me from the mirror, and shouted at her. I refused to comply.
Yet, in the end, I feared the power-hungry woman, a side of me that I couldn’t deny. Ultimately, I was no match for her, for who I was becoming.
Desperate, I looked away then covered my face with my hands. Once again, I was all alone, facing the worst in myself. It challenged my strength of conviction, my very belief in myself and all that was good.
Then an image of Logan filled my mind. I loved him so much; my heart ached. He’d been so close, yet I’d been unable to reach him. I couldn’t let him go; I wouldn’t.
Rage at the apparition in the mirror surged through my body, causing me to tremble. I had to find a way to stop her…before it was too late. Yet I was on the verge of being completely swallowed up. Only my love for Logan gave me hope, so I held on a little longer.
Chapter 34
Logan
Callie had been within arm’s reach, when the mirror rattled. As I’d watched, a wide crack had formed down its length. Then tiny fissures had appeared like a spider’s web. I’d lost my connection with her. The magic was gone.
My love had been right in front of me, close enough to touch. I’d seen the distress in her lovely violet eyes, yet I’d been unable to rescue her. Fury rose within me.
The taunting mirrors had seen fit to take Callie away, and prohibited me from going to her. The things had a mind of their own, or more likely were controlled by her evil father.
Staring at the shiny glass, I saw only my reflection in the cracked glass. I dug my hands in my hair and yanked, then growled, loud and long. I would rip this world apart to find Callie. I would not allow her to be ushered into Seth’s morbid scheme.
I spun around to face the sorceress. Overwhelmed with fear and frustration, I bit out a command to her. “Fix. This. Now!”
Morrigan shook her head, without any visible reaction to my anger.
Desperation filled my heart. “You must figure out how to reunite us. By whatever means you can, bring Callie to me.”
“You don’t understand, Logan. I’ve done what I could,” Morrigan said. “I rerouted the magic, did a patch job, so to speak. But it was a temporary fix, as you saw. I can’t repeat it.”
“Try one of the other mirrors.”
With clenched fists, I watched Morrigan try one mirror after the other. Her concentration was intense. But the wave of her hands and the incantations didn’t do a thing. Yet she didn’t give up, right away. Repeatedly, she attempted to activate the mirrors by altering her movements or approaching from a different angle.
“I’m sorry, Logan. I cannot bring you to Callie with any of the other mirrors, either. I’ve tried everything I can think of.” Morrigan hesitated, making my heart spark with hope. “But…”
“Yes, anything…say it.”
“I sense other magic.” Morrigan glanced at my pocket. “What do you have there?”
For a moment, I didn’t know what she was referring to. Then I reached a hand into my pocket and remembered. “Oh, the hand mirror.”
Morrigan stuck out her hand. “Let me see it.”
I handed it over, reluctantly. It had been my only connection to Callie. Then I recalled that it had been an imposter, not really my love.
“Where did you get this?” Morrigan said.
“At the cottage, just before the others disappeared,” I said. “I’d been talking to who I thought was Callie.”
“Yes, but that woman was a fake.”
“At the time, I believed it was her.” I sighed. “She took a small mirror and gave one to me, as a means of staying in communication.”
“Hmm, that’s interesting.”
“But it wasn’t really Callie, so how does that help?” I was willing to do just about anything, so held my breath hoping my sorceress friend had an idea.
Morrigan lifted the mirror to gaze into it. “I can sense the magic. It’s one of Seth’s toys, and yet…”
“What? Tell me. Don’t leave me in suspense.”
“This mirror is the only link we might have to the others.” Morrigan took a moment to think that over. “The Callie substitute went through on
e of the mirrors with the others, including Rosamon.”
“Yes…so?” I was growing impatient. “And Natasha is there too, with Noah and Amalia. How is that relevant?”
“I’m not sure. But if I’m careful, there should be a way to use this mirror to contact Rosamon via the other hand mirror. Possibly, we can get in touch with the others to learn what’s been happening on the other side of Seth’s wall. They might have learned something that will assist us.”
“Yes, it’s worth a try, if it will help us figure out a way to rescue my love.”
“It’s the best I can do,” Morrigan said. “I’ll try to avoid alerting the false Callie who was foisted upon us, take measures to avoid making her suspicious.”
Morrigan appeared to be in reverie. Her eyes went blank and she didn’t speak.
I anxiously watched, hoping that her method would work—something had to. There was no way to tell what was happening. Seconds ticked by with the hand mirror looking unchanged. But I dared not move or speak, lest I interrupt her magic.
My heart ached for Callie, yet I was helpless. I clung to a shred of hope that Morrigan would come through and solve the problem. If I could just get into Fae territory, I was certain I could rescue Callie and the others.
Then Morrigan stirred. Her eyes were wide as she gazed into the mirror. She muttered some words in an ancient language, then made controlled hand motions in the air. I wished I knew sorcery, so I’d understand what was happening, and whether it was positive or not.
I refused to believe there was no way into Seth’s territory. He was a sorcerer not a god, so he was fallible. He didn’t need to be human to have vulnerabilities. Once I got my hands on him…
Morrigan lifted the mirror a little higher, then moved it toward me so I could see into it too. A voice spoke, through the mirror. It was Rosamon and the image cleared, making her visible. “Morrigan? Logan?”
“Rosamon,” I said. “I’m so happy to see you.”
Morrigan looked wary. “Is Callie nearby?”
“Not right now,” Rosamon said, holding up a small hand mirror. “and I have something to tell you. But first, let me call the others over. They will want to hear too. And everyone will be overjoyed that you are in contact with us.”
