by Emma Dean
Indeed. There was a ‘we’ out there somewhere. A group of people who had been working with Patricia, or she was working for them, either way it didn’t matter. Their goal was to open the seal to hell for some reason.
What did that have to do with Malachi?
“Can you stick close to him while I work on…other things?” Mika asked, glancing over at the raven who was suddenly nowhere to be seen.
How had she missed that?
Audrey’s face paled when she noticed his absence as well, but she nodded. “I’ll ask Natalie to help me. Hopefully it’ll appease her insistence that I’m ‘withdrawn’.”
“It’s getting late, dove. You should get some sleep,” Corbin said quietly, suddenly appearing from the shadows behind Audrey.
They both jumped, spilling some of the tea. Mika cursed and mopped it up. Thank the Fates for the protection spells on the furniture.
Corbin smiled slightly, but it didn’t quite change the dead look in his eyes.
Mika certainly had her work cut out for her.
14
All week Corbin shadowed her – quieter than he’d ever been before. Mika wanted to ask him a thousand questions, but she also didn’t want to be the first one to break their weird silent standoff.
Had he listened in on her conversation with Matthew? It was difficult to know with the way he could fade in and out of shadows. Not everything in her life was interesting to him.
She flipped through the catalog of summer programs, enjoying the rainy Friday. Hunter had said at her grandmother’s funeral that he wouldn’t be around while the raven was here. They’d set up a tentative schedule for the summer while she was at home – easier considering they lived in the same city. There was nothing she could really take this summer anyway.
Mika sighed and wished she didn’t have to leave Morgana, but with the way things were back home it was probably a good idea to get all that settled so she could start her sophomore year with fewer distractions.
“You ready for the game?” Audrey asked, bringing out a tray with their breakfast on it.
“I should pay you for all your cooking,” Mika muttered, tossing the Morgana magazine aside. Eggs and fruit and toast with orange juice. It all looked amazing. “And yes, sleeping in this morning really helped.”
“Can’t work out or run every day,” Audrey agreed. “Where’s that raven of yours?”
Mika gritted her teeth and held her tongue. It didn’t matter how many times she told Audrey the raven wasn’t hers, it seemed like her dorm mate planned to insist that he was. “I don’t know and I don’t care. His whereabouts aren’t my concern. I was pretty sure it’s supposed to be the other way around. Just assume he’s always around and he can always hear us.”
It was easier that way. It was less likely for anyone to make mistakes and slip up if they simply assumed he could hear everything all the time, always.
“Does he even like dodgeball?” Audrey asked, biting into a piece of pineapple. “I couldn’t imagine how boring this must all be for him. How old is he anyway?”
“Twenty-three,” Mika admitted, sipping the orange juice. Audrey looked surprised. “I thought he was older too.”
“Weird.” They were silent for a few seconds as they ate. Then Audrey shrugged. “Sometimes I feel like I’m never going to understand the paranormal world. I’ve lived among humans for so long…sure I had TV and books and whatever, but there’s a lot of conflicting and just plain wrong information out there. Raven assassins who can turn their emotions on and off? Who fucking knew?”
Mika snorted. “It’s definitely complicated. I don’t think even paranormals know everything that’s out there. We’re all too secretive and closed off. It’s not like it used to be, per Hunter anyway.”
“Well, either way we need to kick ass for the rest of the season,” Audrey said, changing the subject. “I want us to be the top contenders.” Audrey nodded like she was reassuring herself and then started digging into the food.
Mika followed suit and considered the other witch. They’d grown closer than she’d ever thought possible when they’d first met. And now they were like sisters. Was there anything she wouldn’t do for Audrey?
The only reason Mika was on the dodgeball team at all was because of her. The other witch hadn’t allowed Mika to simply fade into the background like she had for the last three years and had instead insisted Mika show the university what she was capable of even with her handicap.
If she made the Morgana Marauders, Mika wouldn’t lie, she’d be stoked. But she didn’t think she wanted to play if Audrey didn’t make it. The chances that Audrey wouldn’t, and she would, were too slim to be truly possible though.
Her dorm mate was a thousand times more flexible than she was on the field. Mika couldn’t shield very well at all. She assumed the only reason Malachi hadn’t benched her was because of the raw power she could wield. Her energy blast could easily clear three or four opponents from the field if they were placed properly.
“Malachi has really turned the team into a strong contender,” Mika said, finishing up the last of her eggs. She started cleaning up the dishes as Audrey sat back, contented. “I assume if we had any other team leader we would be at the bottom, just like Yellow.”
Picking up the tray of dishes, Mika headed into the back of the house where the kitchen was. The least she could do was clean up, even if they did have a maid to wash the dishes and do the deep cleaning in all the Houses.
“Team Orange today,” Audrey said, following after Mika. “Then we have to fight Team Blue and Red again.”
“Top two teams fight off again for the last game,” Mika murmured, pausing before the sink with the tray, knowing Red would be one of the last two.
Nerves tickled her belly. She’d loved playing in high school and playing for Morgana was a dream she never thought she’d get to have again. But was she good enough?
Mika shrugged to herself and placed the tray in the sink. She supposed it didn’t really matter. If she didn’t make it, she could always try again next year.
“Let’s get ready, Malachi will freak out if we aren’t early,” Audrey said.
Round one ended with a clang and Mika rested her hands on her knees, breathing hard. Orange was a better opponent than she’d given them credit for. She’d even say they were about the same level.
“Bring it in!” Malachi yelled, ushering them all to their side of the field where Joe waited with the water.
Mika took off her helmet at the same time Audrey did. Sweat dripped down her face, down her back, and soaked her hair. Not getting knocked off the field wasn’t easy.
She took two waters and handed one to Audrey, wiping the sweat from her forehead. Hopefully Malachi had a plan that would give them that edge they needed so desperately. Round one was a stalemate.
“You all did excellent,” Malachi said, getting down on one knee. His ability to connect with each individual player never ceased to amaze Mika. “We only had one knockout last round, as did they. But we need something dramatic to get us noticed.”
Mika frowned at that. “Aren’t you the captain of the Marauders? So, you would pick who plays next fall?”
Malachi didn’t avoid or ignore her this time. At least confronting him had done that much. “I am on the voting committee as captain, yes. But it’s not just me. It’s the entire Marauder alumni who chooses the players on the team each fall.” He pointed up into the stands, and for the first time Mika saw them.
She’d had no idea they were there every game, but she supposed it made sense.
A large group of older witches in varying outfits with their school colors on. What set them apart from the rest of the fans though were the shiny silver pins they wore. The skull and crossbones with the sword down the middle was the team’s symbol, but Mika noticed they’d put tiny rubies in the hilts of the swords.
Interesting.
Too bad everyone in her family was dead except Claire – who’d never been interested in b
attle magic dodgeball. Mika would like to get a closer look at one of those.
Mika shared a look with Audrey. They’d been practicing a few things together. “What about a full knockout?” Mika asked. “If the Orange players were corralled, I think Audrey and I could manage it.”
Malachi glanced between the two of them, and then studied the other players, the wheels in his head obviously turning as he considered all the options. “What do the rest of you say? Anyone got any other ideas?”
“I don’t have anything that can beat a full knockout in round two,” Mick said with a shrug. “That is, if you two can actually manage it.”
“Oh, we can,” Audrey smirked. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about that.”
Mick rolled his eyes, but Malachi had to cough to cover up his laugh. “All right, we’ll try that. Everyone else push Orange into the center. But Mika,” Malachi warned as he got to his feet. “We haven’t been able to push them back into their territory and I’m not sure we can. So, if your plan depends on that at all…”
“It doesn’t,” Mika assured him, smiling slightly. “As Audrey said, don’t worry about it. We’ll make it work.”
“Yeah we will. Pound it!” Audrey bumped Mika’s fist and gave Malachi a wink. “Us girls will take care of it.”
The bell rang signaling the end of the break and Mika could hear Finnick’s obnoxious voice screaming her and Audrey’s names. She glanced up into the stands as they walked back to their positions on the field and spotted Finnick and Ash. It was hard to miss that fiery red hair.
Mika waved and then scanned the stands for any signs of that dark bird that lurked in broad daylight and still somehow managed to go unseen.
“I can’t believe Finnick and Ash actually showed,” Audrey said, waving obnoxiously before slamming her mask back on.
“Of course they did,” Mika murmured, spotting Corbin perched on top of one of the highest spires of the colosseum. She gave him a little wave and then slipped on her own mask. “Now, are you ready?”
For weeks they’d been practicing not just battle magic, but the extents of their affinity as well. Neither Mika nor Audrey thought that bit of information would matter to the Council.
“Yes,” Audrey said, getting behind Mika. They were behind everyone else. Audrey signaled to Malachi that they would need at least three minutes. Then Audrey’s fingers settled on the back of Mika’s neck. “They better not suck at their shields or this isn’t going to work.”
It was an all or nothing spell. Audrey couldn’t shield for shit while she spooled power to Mika. They could do it quick and fast – something they’d been practicing in case they ran into another hellhound.
But the more time they had the more power that could build up.
The bell rang and magic exploded across the battle field. Mika held her hands a few inches apart and concentrated. Magic started to build up, a crackling ball of energy and light that would do whatever she wished when the time was right.
Her thoughts whispered the spell over and over and Mika let the ball build and build, expanding her hands to hold it. It was now as strong and powerful as the ball she had cast during tryouts.
But she hadn’t had access to Audrey’s magic then.
The cool fingers at the base of her neck suddenly warmed as Audrey’s magic seeped into her body, there for Mika to use if she wished. Audrey’s magic always reminded Mika of autumn – the warm sun on orange leaves, the crisp smell of apples, and the brisk wind that hinted of the bite that was to come.
The white ball of energy took on a slightly different color. It didn’t grow larger, but denser as Mika wove Audrey’s magic into her own. It made her sweat and shake to use something so unfamiliar, but she wasn’t taking it.
Not like the way Kenzie could take magic. This was given to her freely and Mika was a conduit—a vessel. She wasn’t trying to make it her own, but rather use it along with hers. Audrey’s enchantments were twice as powerful when Mika was the one to share her power.
They didn’t have the same specialties, but they could enhance what they already had in a way that was incredibly rare. Most witches never trusted each other enough to even try to see if they were compatible.
Magic was power and no one liked sharing power in Mika’s world.
“Now!” Audrey screamed as Mika’s hands shook to contain the power building between them.
It wasn’t larger, but once it made impact the blast would leave ripples and anyone caught in its radius would be affected.
Their teammates parted before them, jumping out of the way as Mika ran forward, Audrey’s fingers leaving her skin. The other witch wouldn’t collapse this time. They’d been very careful to learn each other’s limits after the first few times.
One, two, three running steps and then Mika planted her feet, thrusting the energy toward the players in the center of the field. Malachi and the others had done a good job herding them close together.
The blast was catastrophic. It hit the first opponent and flung them backwards so hard he fell right off the back of the field into the water. And the others…the others were tossed about like feathers in a tornado.
Two remained on the field but Malachi and the others took care of them, advancing into the now cleared squares. Mika fell to her knees, gasping at the sensation of all that magic suddenly leaving her. Another unfortunate side effect, but the spell was worth it as a last ditch effort.
Silence practically echoed in the stadium as everyone processed what had just happened. Then cheers erupted so loud and hard the stone vibrated and the field shook from the stomping feet and screams.
Malachi was laughing as he turned around, looking for her and Audrey. The bell clanged along with the cheers, ending the game and recognizing a victory. Suddenly Malachi was there and helping her stand, pulling off her helmet, and hugging them both.
“Holy shit you guys! I had no idea you could do that!”
Audrey chattered and laughed and Mika felt buffeted by noise on all sides. The ringing in her ears made her feel numb to it all, but she couldn’t help looking up into the stands where Finnick and Ash were sitting, and Ethan and Lucien beside them.
Ethan grinned and gave her a thumb’s up while Lucien whistled hard and loud – nearly a catcall.
Mika grinned. She’d always been powerful, but with Audrey they were unstoppable.
Teammates swarmed them. She and Audrey were lifted up on shoulders. Mika found the alumni in the stands, so obvious now that she knew what to look for. None of them smiled as they looked down at her and Audrey, but they clapped just like all the others.
A chill ran down her spine as Mika wondered what exactly it was they saw in her.
Did they think she would be an asset to the Marauders? Or did they think she was too volatile – too dangerous to work with others?
She turned back to Audrey and smiled. It didn’t matter really. This moment was worth it.
15
There was a knock on the door. Mika wrapped her towel around herself as quickly as she could. It better not be Corbin. After training with him for an hour she was exhausted. She was not ready to fight with him again, even if it was verbally.
Cranky ass raven.
Mika yanked open her door with a glare, mouth already open to yell at Corbin, but she froze when she saw Ethan. “Hey, what are you doing here?”
His slow smile made her skin flush. “Audrey was nice enough to let me know she was going to be staying with Natalie tonight.”
Why did he look like he was ready to cause some trouble?
Mika held her towel closed as tight as she could and cleared her throat awkwardly. “Corbin is in the next room and can hear everything.”
Ethan shrugged one shoulder, that lazy smile spreading. “I’m just here to spend some time with you, Mika. I didn’t realize your mind was so dirty.”
She blushed. Honestly it had been too long since the last time she’d seen him without his shirt off. Mika wanted more time to explore hi
m. Once had just left her wanting more. But there was no time, no opportunity with everything that had happened before spring break.
Finding the killer had solved one problem and presented ten more thanks to the Council.
“Can I come in?” Ethan asked, raising one eyebrow at her.
Mika was flustered which was stupid. This was Ethan, but something about having Corbin in the other room made her feel like they were right back at the beginning of their relationship.
Stepping aside, she let Ethan pass, wondering what exactly he had planned.
“It feels like the only time I really get to spend with you anymore is during class,” Ethan told her, holding out one hand for hers.
Mika took it, still holding onto her towel with a death grip. “I know, I’m sorry.”
Ethan shrugged and pulled her toward him slowly. “Don’t be. I understand the situation.”
Before she could end up flush against him, Mika pulled her hand out of his and took a step back. “Let me get some clothes on.”
Ethan chuckled and slipped both his hands into his pockets as he inspected her room. “Who drew this?” he asked, looking at the flower sketch on her desk.
Mika rolled her eyes and grabbed sweats and a T-shirt from her armoire. “Some idiot with a crush on me.”
The sound of his laugh made her giddy, but Mika made him turn around anyway. Having him watch her get dressed was only going to make this harder. When Ethan’s back was facing her, Mika hurried to get her clothes on, wondering why he was really here.
“I’m surprised you kept it, considering how much you hated me at first,” Ethan admitted. “And I was the idiot who couldn’t stop staring at you.”
“Okay you can turn around now.” Mika smoothed her wet hair nervously. Ethan must still have the plants watching for her to be able to guess when she’d be done with her shower. She might have been annoyed if it didn’t make so much sense given the circumstances.
