by M Guida
Louise shook her head. “No. A spell keeps people from seeing inside, and I like the sun. I don’t like being locked up.”
A strange comment, but I didn’t ask and changed the subject. “So, you have some information for me?”
“Actually, I do.” She picked up one of the purple candles and placed it on the table. “People are usually nervous when they come for a reading. Lavender helps with calmness and wellness. It reduces stress, anxiety, and pain.” She studied me. “You’ve experienced a great loss recently.”
I refused to move a muscle or give her an indication that she was on the right track. Body language could give too much away, but Julie wasn’t playing the same game and nodded. I rolled my eyes. Maybe I should have come in here alone.
Louise held my gaze and didn’t seem to even notice Julie. “I keep feeling you’re not what you seem. Dragon, yes. But there’s something more to you. You’re not exactly pure, are you?”
I cocked my eyebrow.
“Demon keeps popping into my mind.”
Julie gasped, and I closed my eyes. I wanted to shoot her.
Louise laughed. “Don’t get mad at Julie, Raven. She’s just excited.”
My eyes flew open, and I stilled. “I didn’t tell you my name.”
Louise pointed to her temple. “Told you psychic.”
I folded my arms. “And?”
Her smile faded. “And I told you, you’re in danger.”
Julie sat on the edge of her chair and clasped my shaking hand. “How is she in danger?”
Louise looked at me. “You’ve been put on one of the Angel Azrael’s paths, and if you’re not careful, you’ll be meeting him soon.”
Shitshitshitshitshit
My jaw dropped, and my throat collapsed. I couldn’t talk and couldn’t breathe. Louise’s words cut into my heart and I put my hand over my chest, trying to make sure I still had a heartbeat.
Dying wasn’t how I wanted to meet the Angel Azrael, and why had Anton done this to me?
Chapter 2
The psychic’s yellow room closed in on me like hundreds of daisies attacking me at once, smothering me. Adrenaline pumped through my veins, and I stared at the door, ready to burst out screaming, but my feet were frozen to the floor.
“Raven.” Julie grabbed my tingling hand that was slowly turning numb. “Are you all right?”
I shook my head wordlessly.
“Louise, why would you say such a thing?” Julie glared at her.
Louise hadn’t moved and stared at me as if she were putting some kind of curse on me. Did she work for Ryker?
“That’s just the problem,” Louise said. “People don’t want to hear the truth.” She leaned forward. “And by the way, I don’t work for Ryker.”
An alarm went off in my head and in a strange, gargled voice, I asked. “You know him?”
She returned to her casual stance in her chair. “Yeah, I know about him, and not because of his abilities.”
“Care to explain?” Julie’s cheerful voice was gone, replaced with the condescending tone reserved especially for mean girls.
“Sure. Everyone at Goody Magic Academy knows about him. He was legendary, even when I was in school.”
Julie and I glanced at each other.
“There’s an academy for witches?” My voice sounded like a strangled bullfrog’s.
“Of course, every supernatural has an academy.” Her eyebrow shot up, and she smirked, “You didn’t think Legacy was exclusive, did you?”
“No.” I finally found my normal voice. “I know about the other academies, but I never heard of witches.”
“Figures. The other supernaturals avoid us, because we’re more human than supernatural.”
That made sense, since when I first started Legacy, I learned humans were way down on the pecking order.
I slowly released Julie’s hand and took a deep breath. “How did you know about Ryker?”
“He was several years older than I was, but I remember him coming to Goody, trying to get our mistress to join forces to ensure that the other supernaturals remained pure bloods.”
“Why?” Julie asked. “Why is he so obsessed over this?”
“Because of Raven.”
My eyes widened, and I put my hand on my chest. “Me? Why?”
“Because you are living proof that by mixing bloodlines you have become more powerful than a dark demon and threaten Ryker’s power. That’s why you terrify him and he’s determined to destroy you. With you gone, he can continue his reign of terror over the other supernatural kingdoms.”
The blood drained from my face, and fear pooled in my gut.
“Oh, shit, Raven,” Julie whispered.
“If the supernaturals mixed their bloodlines, the Dark Demons would not be able to control them with fear and their power would become obsolete.”
“I can’t believe this,” I murmured.
She smiled, but the tips of her mouth didn’t reach her eyes. “I see some of your schooling is amiss.”
Or kept from us.
“You do know that originally there were no Golden or Dark Demons. Just demons, right?”
I nodded. “Yes, I knew this.”
“Besides the angels, the demons were the most powerful creatures. However, they were abusing their powers. Some of the angels like Michael wanted them to be destroyed, but the Archangel Chamuel had other ideas. He gave some of the demons his blood and the bloodline changed. The demons lost their evilness and a new line of demons were born.”
“Golden Demons,” I said.
“Yes. Ryker and his father, King Victor, vowed to force the other supernaturals to keep the bloodlines pure. They were afraid if new supernaturals were born, then their powers would slip through their fingers. They want to control the other supernaturals, not be equals.”
I scowled. “How did he do this?”
“He convinced the other kings that they would fall victim to losing their power too if they mated with any other race besides their own. I suspect even now he’s trying to convince them that you are not a hero, you’re actually an anti-hero threatening their power as well.”
Julie sighed. “But they won’t believe him, will they?”
“I don’t know. I can’t see to that. Some things are blocked from my psychic abilities. Or perhaps the Archangel Azrael has become involved again.”
Goosebumps broke out all over me. “Meaning?”
“The Archangel Azrael is not just the angel of death but of change. Changing something means something else has died. Ryker wants to keep things the same. He’s desperate–making him extremely dangerous.” She gestured to me. “You are contrary to his plan and his greatest fear. The Archangel Azrael’s Path of the Burning Flame is supposed to unite all supernaturals, but there are obstacles in bringing all the supernaturals together. A sacrifice must be made.”
I glared. “We already had sacrifices.” I held up a peace sign. “Two, in fact.”
“I’m sorry,” she said. “But I believe more sacrifices will need to be made before the Path is completed.”
I clenched my fists. “You mean more of us will die?” I refused to let one more friend die to protect me. I had to keep them safe.
“Maybe. Maybe not. Sacrifices do not always mean death. But it could.” Louise clasped my hand. “Listen to me, Raven. You cannot escape your destiny. If you try, then Ryker will rule and darkness will return again. His father was a cruel king, and I believe Ryker will be twice as bad. You must stop him and to do that you need your friends. This is not a battle that can be one by a single person. Even a person with three bloodlines.”
“What?” Julie and I both blurted at once.
Louise studied both of us with a surprised look on her face. “You do know you possess three bloodlines within you.”
“She has dragon and Golden Demon,” Julie said before I could stop her.
I gave her the shut up look, but she ignored me.
“What’s the third one?” Julie’s voice jolted with
excitement.
Louise closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. I couldn’t believe this. I really was a super freak. No wonder Ryker wanted me out of the picture. I wiggled my hands to get free, but Louise tightened her grip.
Her eyes flew open and she let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m sorry. I can’t see the third one. But I know who may have the answers.”
I leaned back in my chair. “Anton.”
“Yes. He’s a wily fox and carries the secrets of centuries.”
“And he’s as chatty as a clam,” I grumbled.
Louise laughed. “True.” She turned to her bookshelf and pulled out a black book with strange symbols on it. “I want you to have this.”
I took the book from her. “What is it?”
“A book written about the Archangel Azrael and the Archangel Chamuel. The information you are searching for will be in this book. The others ones you were looking at are just for the public. This book was actually written by a woman who actually knew them.”
“A witch?”
“Yes, she was one of the original founders of Goody Magic Academy.”
I opened the book. “What language is this?”
“Latin,” Louise said.
I shut the book. “I don’t read Latin.”
“You don’t, but Anton does.” She tapped her chin. “In fact, he may have been alive when the language was in use, but I’m not sure. He’s one of the oldest vampires alive.”
Julie frowned. “I have a question.”
“Go ahead, ask,” Louise said. “I have nothing to hide.”
I wasn’t sure I bought that. Most people said that when they were hiding secrets.
Julie continued, “I thought the word Goody was a title for married women during Salem times like Mrs. is now.”
I glanced at Julie. “How did you know that?”
She shrugged. “I learned about goody when my parents took a vacation to Boston and we went to Salem.”
“It is, but for us, it means sisterhood or brotherhood.” Louise spread her arms and bowed slightly. “We are the sisters and brothers of magic.”
I gave her a puzzled look. “Brotherhood? I thought only women were witches.”
“Common misconception.” Louise moved her red cross back and forth on the silver chain around her neck. “People assume only women are witches.”
“But I thought men were warlocks.”
Her eyes clouded, and she crossed her arms. “Warlocks practice dark magic. None of the witches at Goody Magic Academy are associated with the dark arts.” Her voice had turned razor sharp.
I put my hands on the book. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any disrespect.”
Her gaze softened. “I didn’t mean to get touchy, but your statement just opened up some old wounds. Nothing that concerns you.” She glanced at her watch. “Not that I haven’t enjoyed talking with you both, but I have a client who will be here soon.”
Julie and I both stood.
I shook her warm hand. “Thank you for all your help and for the book.”
She got up and walked me to the door. “Your welcome. I wish you good luck on your journey. If you need any help, you know where I am.” She tilted her head. “Don’t worry about the other books. I’ll put them back.”
“Thanks again,” I murmured.
We quickly left and headed out of the shop. My head was still in a whirl on what we’d just learned.
Julie chatted about our next plans, but I couldn’t keep up. I was too stunned about what had just happened. What other bloodline flowed through me?
That night, I couldn’t sleep thinking about what Louise had said. We’d unearthed more secrets, and I couldn’t wonder how many were still hidden. The only person who had answers was Anton.
I finally fell asleep into the wee hours of the morning…
Wind rushed over me, howling in my ears. Clouds covered the top of the mountain like a thick, misty fog. My clothes stuck to my skin, and I shivered.
Footsteps scrunched on the rocks. “Lucien, is that you?”
“Hardly.”
The clouds dissipated, and Bo stood in front of me. He was handsome as ever, with his thick red hair and his black leather jacket and black jeans stuck to him like a glove.
“Hello, Beautiful.” He glared at me with hate in his blue eyes. “It’s your fault I’m dead.”
Tears stung my eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to die.”
“You weren’t strong enough.” He laughed. “Because of you, more of us will die.”
I dropped to my knees. “Please, forgive me.”
“Never. I detest you.” He grabbed my hair and forced my head back. “I’ll never forgive you.”
I woke thrashing back and forth on my bed, dripping in sweat. It took me a minute to realize I wasn’t back on Mt. Elbert. Julie’s bed was neatly made. She was such an early bird. I laid perfectly still trying to catch my breath, staring at her teddy bear on her bed. Tears slide down my cheeks, staining my nightgown. The nightmare was always the same. Bo hated me and said he would never forgive me. It was a burden I’d have to live with all of my life.
Because the truth was, I believed it.
After taking several deep breaths, I forced myself to get up. I had a plan and lying around moping all day wasn’t one of them.
Within minutes, I had showered and dressed, ready to face my demons.
Literally.
The smell of frying bacon and coffee made my mouth water.
Julie turned over some bacon. “I thought that the smell of bacon would drag you out of bed.”
“And coffee.” I poured myself a big cup and added cream.
“So after yesterday, have you come up with a plan?”
I glanced at her over the rim of my cup. “I have. Go to Legacy.”
Julie’s brows crinkled. “But it’s closed.”
I grabbed a plate out of the cupboard. “I know.”
“Won’t Anton have wards around it?”
“Probably, but it’s the only place that has answers.” I dished up some scrambled eggs.
“How are we supposed to get there?” She put up her hand. “And don’t even think about leaving me behind.”
“Fly.” I shrugged. “What else?”
“Fly?” Her eyes widened. “Shit, you want me to ride on your back.”
I took a bite of the buttery scrambled eggs. “Well, we’re not going to get there by plane.”
“But… but… Will I fall off?” Fear shook Julie’s voice, and she shifted uneasily in her chair.
“Nervous?” I ate a strip of bacon.
“Well… Yeah.” She twirled her glass around. “It’s not like I’ve ever ridden a dragon.”
“I won’t let you fall.” I crossed my heart. “Promise.”
“When do we leave?”
I finished up my third piece of bacon. “No time like the present.”
“So, what, you’re going to step out the front door and strip? That will give my neighbors something to talk about.”
I washed my plate and put it in the sink. “I think you should take me to the train station.”
Julie came up alongside me and put her empty glass in the dishwasher. “Why?”
“I don’t know. I just have a gut feeling I need to go there.”
“Do you think your dad and his crew are still guarding us?”
“Maybe.” I refilled my coffee cup and added more cream. “I don’t know.”
“Won’t they try to interfere?”
“Probably. But I have to try. That’s why we will drive to the train station. Hopefully, whoever is watching us will think we’re going shopping or swimming.” I almost spit out my coffee as an idea popped into my head. “I know. We’ll pack a bag as if we’re going to the pool.”
Julie laughed. “Calm down before you wash the floor with your coffee.”
I smiled, but my mind raced with my idea and I hoped it worked.
Chapter 3
For the next
hour, Julie and I packed our oversized beach bags as if we were going to her parents’ country club, Emerald Hills. Over the years, Julie and I used to spend our summers at the country club pool, swimming, flirting with guys, and getting tan. I missed those times. Julie’s parents lived in the Emerald Hills subdivision so both the occult shop and the country club had the same name. There was an Emerald Hills bakery, a daycare center, a toy store, and even a mechanic shop. Sometimes I believed if a business had a different name, they’d go down the tubes.
I stashed Anton’s letter, the Magic Orb, my crossbow and arrows, the Silver Dragon Spell book, Mystificus, and now, the angel book Louise had given me into a beach bag, but I had to use an overnight bag for my clothes. I left my uniforms behind, because what was the point? Legacy was closed. I just hoped the lugs watching us thought we were just college girls bringing everything but the kitchen sink to the pool.
“Ready?” Julie pulled her blonde hair into a ponytail. She looked so tan and healthy in her pretty pink crop pants and matching midriff top. Not me. With my pale skin and dark circles under my eyes, I looked like a zombie refugee in my jeans and Legacy T-shirt. What if Lucien was there? How could I face him?
“Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s just go.”
The hair on the back of my neck quivered, and chills slid down my spine. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had to get to the train station fast.
Something was coming. I felt like I was being pulled to go there but had no idea why.
We came out of the house with our beach bags and overnight bags and piled into her red Mustang.
Julie flipped on the radio and blared AC/DC’s Highway to Hell. “Are you sure this will work?”
Hopefully, the song wasn’t a premonition. I shrugged. “I don’t know. We’ll see. Head toward Emerald Hills.”
“Sure.” Julie drove toward the country club.
I checked my phone for the thousandth time for messages, but like always, no one had texted me––not even my dad. Disappointment lodged in my heart, but I kept it to myself. I cleared my throat. “Is anyone following us?”
“If you mean a car, no, but who knows what supernatural beings can do.”
I glanced in the side view mirror and only saw a guy pedaling hard on his bicycle. “Just drive naturally.”
