by A. J. Macey
Bernadette was robust with warm olive skin and black hair tied back into a thick braid. She wore a simple dress that shifted slightly as she moved, the sleeves pushed up over her elbows. The style was simplistic and different from the jeans and sneakers typically seen in Aether and Ignis, but I knew a lot of witches preferred more traditional-style clothing, instead of things imported from the other worlds. The others talked quietly with her, but I couldn’t make out what was being said over the running water.
“Alright, Miss Calisto—”
“Aris, please,” I cut in, hating being reminded I was a part of a family who would so easily slander my name. “I don’t really associate with my parents.”
“That’s reasonable,” he assured with a soft smile. “Well, Aris, this is probably going to hurt. Do you want something to bite down on?”
“Didn’t have anything when I yanked the cuffs off, so I think I’ll be okay,” I reassured him. His brow cocked at my answer, but he didn’t say anything other than ‘alright’ as he shifted my hands under the warm water.
My body tensed, my jaw clenching at the pain that radiated through my hands and up my arms. Every pass of the cloth he used felt like sandpaper, my eyes watering with the urge to cry. Breathe. I took a shuddering breath, trying to stay as still as I could as he started to apply the cooling ointment.
“Holy hellsticks,” I exclaimed as he finished. “Ow.”
“You’re quite the tough little witch. I’ve seen grown men scream bloody murder with a papercut,” he told me with an appraising look. “Make sure to keep it covered and clean and apply this before rewrapping. It’ll probably take a week or so to heal, even with the spelled ointment, but it should help speed it up and lessen the pain after each application.”
Taking the small tub of lavender-colored cream, I gave him a grateful smile.
“Thank you. I don’t want to have to deal with excruciating pain for however long,” I explained, stepping over to the table.
“So, question,” Josephina started as Edmund worked on cleaning her wound, which seemed to be healing nicely. Holding out the tub, I offered it to them. Xan’s dad eyed it warily before finally putting some on her injury. “Why exactly did you help us? It’s pretty clear you know we’re wanted by the council.”
“You have a lot of followers from that Witches Bitch Vlog, Aris,” Bernadette told me with a smile. “It’s also no secret the council tends to stay locked away within its stone walls and are out of touch with reality.” The shopkeeper didn’t back down from Edmund’s half-glare, her brow rising in challenge. When he didn’t say anything, she continued, “Do you guys have a plan? You’re more than welcome to stay here for the night, but with the market and shops opening, it would be easiest to leave the city before sunrise.”
“In the midst of our spontaneous escape, we didn’t exactly get far in the actual plan,” Edmund murmured, his gaze cutting to me as if it was my fault we didn’t have a place to go.
“Actually, I do have a plan,” I countered with a hint of authority lacing my words. “We’re not going to try to escape without somewhere to go, definitely not in the middle of this weather. Hence the ‘bring your blankets’ statement back in the dungeons.”
“Well, then, why don’t you enlighten us?” he ground out, his attention shifting back to bandaging his wife’s stomach. I bristled at the brushoff, knowing this was going to be a long, long trip if we didn’t find some kind of middle ground. Lyra, Gabriel, and Josephina patiently waited for me to outline what I had in mind, which I appreciated.
“Your son actually came up with the place,” I sassed, glancing at Edmund. “There’s an abandoned museum in Ignis, in the Volcanic forest, because the council voted to reallocate the funds to the academies if I remember correctly. That forest is typically seen as uninhabitable, but the museum will provide shelter and more than likely have generators. We can stay there, at least until we have a more solid plan, but as of right now, we need whatever shelter we can find.”
“That’s not too far in Ignis.” Josephina hummed in contemplation. “About a day and a half, possibly two-day walk, depending on how fast we move. I think it’s the best option.”
“Agreed. We can’t go back to any of our houses or to family without putting them at risk,” Gabriel stated logically before glancing at our hosts. “Do you have a Witches Glass, so we can check the actual route?”
“You betcha,” Bernadette exclaimed before walking behind the counter and digging around. “Here we are.”
“Do you know what it’s called?” Lyra asked me as she took the shiny gadget.
“Uh, no, I don’t think we got that far when we initially talked about it. Do you know?” I directed my question to Edmund, whose lips pursed.
What’s his problem now?
“I mean, unless you have a better option,” I challenged with a wave of my hand. I was exhausted, in pain, and worried about my men—no part of me was willing to tiptoe around and be diplomatic. If I had gotten a bit of rest, I might’ve at least tried, but right now was not that time.
“I certainly don’t know. I’ve never been a fugitive before,” he snapped.
“Edmund,” Lyra hissed at her husband. “That is enough.”
The ticking in his jaw told me how he felt about being reprimanded in front of everyone, but he took the glass and quickly typed until there was a red route from our current location to the museum. Thankfully, it was a straight shot, so we didn’t have to cut through the capital or walk all the way around.
“Sounds like a solid plan,” Seamus added, looking over at the map with a nod. “You should take some time to rest. We have clothes and food to spare, and I’m sure we can whip up some disguises.”
“Why are you helping us?” I blurted, my brows drawing down. I knew the answer already, but I couldn’t seem to fully comprehend help after it having only been the guys and me for so long. It wasn’t something I had initially planned on saying out loud, but nothing I can do now. Nice, Aris, good job on those people skills. “Sorry, I know why, but I guess I’m a little jaded. Hard to believe people want to help after a lifetime of being told I wasn’t important or worth anything.”
The silence in the room was overwhelming, the looks in everyone’s gazes made me shift uncomfortably. I didn’t want their pity, nor did I ask the question to get any kind of sympathy, but as much as I would love to believe people were helping out of the goodness of their hearts, it was hard to know who to trust.
Hey, being on the run and facing down a collection of powerful witches can do that to a person.
“There are five main types of witches, and if you aren’t one of the five, you’re lumped together. Hellsticks, even some of the variations of the Big Five are looked down on,” Bernadette explained quietly. “Technomages, herbalists, healers, all the witches who make the world work, all of us are seen as one measly group, instead of people understanding we’re all intricate pieces of society. We’re tired of being belittled and shamed for what we can or can’t do. We stand with you, Aris, but we can’t if you’re caught by the council again.” Her chuckle at the end was soft, and my face split into a matching smile. “Come now, you guys eat up, then we can head back to the house side of the shop. There are spare rooms where you can get some rest.”
Everyone, including me, converged on the bowl of food for another round of pastries, bread, and other delicious treats, but as they talked, I couldn’t pay attention. Bernadette’s words whirled through me over and over, a record forever spinning on the turntable. Well, if what I read about Conduits is true, anyway. I knew I wasn’t the only Mixta who had gone through what I did, but it was so different to hear someone speak so passionately about challenging how things were done. A renewed sense of hope and determination filled me as we finished eating and packed up a couple small rucksacks with supplies. When I finally laid down to rest, I knew there was no going back from what we were doing.
This was just the beginning.
December 1st
> Sunday Evening
Caspian
The moment we stepped out of the cover of the forest, we could tell we were in Ignis. The wave of heat was a welcome change to the cool of the dense forest, the trees having offered shade the Ignis territory seemed to lack. Thankfully, our destination was just across the border, so before moving farther in, we stopped for a brief second and glanced around. As far as we could see were mainly barren, dry lands, though it had its own charm. The plants that were able to survive here added greenery, and this close to the edge of Aether, there was still enough temperate climate for a lake to survive in the distance, though I doubted there was else much farther in.
The walk had been brutal, especially when everyone was so on edge, but we made it. My arms ached from holding on to Coral, but she wasn’t cut out for the long walk, none of the familiars were.
The summer home was the only thing out here, the closest building miles away and barely visible through the hills. The seclusion made it a perfect spot, though I didn’t doubt it was being watched as well—unless they thought Aris was helpless and only relied on us. They were dead wrong if that was the case. She was just as capable as we were, even if she was new to more powerful magic. She’d had to grow up faster than any of us, thanks to her shitty family and Mixta status.
“It looks quiet,” Torryn mumbled, studying the mansion with a deep frown. For the first time since we were kids, his trademark confidence was replaced by vulnerability.
“We still need to be careful. You got that lantern?” Kye asked, his eyes fixed on the sky. We hadn’t seen the crystal spy birds in a long time, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there, waiting to detect movement and record our location for the council.
“I do,” Tor said, already setting Ruby to the side and digging into his bag. Drayce and Xan stayed quiet, waiting for someone else to take the lead. We were all exhausted at this point and stuck in our own heads. Seeing Drayce so subdued and stoic broke my heart. Reaching for his hand, I gave it a squeeze before linking our fingers together. He looked surprised but not at all upset, bringing our hands to his lips for a quick kiss before turning back to Torryn.
This journey had been tough for us all, and if the guys needed me, I could step up this time. We worked because we took turns being strong, and it was my turn. Everyone who knew about conduits and tethers talked about how rare our group was, but if they were hunted like this, I had a feeling they were either caught quickly or stayed hidden for a reason.
“Here it is,” Torryn announced quietly, holding up the lantern before slinging his pack over his shoulder again and standing. We all linked hands automatically, not needing instruction again on how to use the lamp.
We stayed quiet as we walked to the mansion, the large structure tall and looming over the crystal blue lake. The mansion itself was made of dark stone, the roof and accents a bright white material that gave it a classy look. The perfectly designed landscape was filled with plants that could only grow with the help of magic, thanks to the harsh environment in Ignis. It looked every bit as pompous and fake as Aris’ parents. My hate for them grew even higher after seeing them spew their lies on the holoscreens.
When we reached the house, Torryn led us around the building, stopping in front of a fountain. I couldn’t see what he was doing, but a few moments later, I saw a stone shift and a key glint in the sun. He moved it back in place as if he’d never disturbed it.
“Aris told me about this hiding place once when I asked how we’d get in and whether her parents had wards set up,” Torryn whispered in explanation, though nobody asked.
Torryn unlocked the door with the key, the door easily swinging open. I half expected more danger inside.
By the time we were all safely inside with the door closed behind us, I was an anxious mess. Torryn shut off the lamp, and we all let go of each other’s hands, watching as he tucked it in his bag. The house was silent and from the layer of dust in the entryway, completely undisturbed. The familiars were as uneasy as we were, meaning they didn’t feel Aris around either. Though they shared a look of dejection, the slump in Mr. Stripes’ little body broke my heart.
“She’s not here,” Kye growled, studying all the signs that it had sat closed up since summer or longer.
“Why would we think my parents and Kye’s would even listen to her? She’s smart and sassy, but they think of her as a Mixta. At least my parents did,” Xan bit out.
“Fuck, where would she go?” Torryn asked, more to himself as he tightened his fingers in his hair in frustration. Xan paced while Drayce held on to me like a lifeline.
“The museum!” They all turned to me, stunned. Rolling my eyes to hide my annoyance, I continued, “That was the other safe zone we talked about, and we already decided once that it would be risky to use any property owned by our families. So, why wouldn’t she go there?”
“Dammit, that’s another day’s walk,” Torryn groaned, slumping against the wall and sliding down until he was sitting, his elbows resting on his knees as he mumbled unintelligibly.
“Then we stay here tonight. She’s not alone, and if she’s going there, she’s safe,” Drayce said firmly, though the waver in his voice told me he was trying to convey strength but not entirely succeeding. We were all so full of stress, it was a wonder we managed to keep going.
“Let’s see what this house has to offer in the way of food,” I said, pulling Drayce with me since our hands were still locked. “Tor, can you handle the familiars’ food? I doubt this place has anything fresh.”
“You can cook?” Drayce asked, sounding amused as I stopped in front of the fridge and flung it open. Not wanting to let him know how out of my element I was, I sorted through the meager contents, gagging as I found a bag of something that used to be green and was now fuzzier than a cat.
“So, the fridge is out,” I said weakly, pushing away the bag and my nausea. Turning to the pantry, I tried again, ignoring Drayce’s chuckles. Now, I was determined to find anything that was still edible. The pantry was pretty bare, but I found a jar marked marinara with an expiration date a few months away. Near the back, behind bags of flour, I found a few boxes of spellghetti. It was foolproof. All you had to do was put it in a dish, say the spell out loud, add the sauce, and cover the dish. Following the instructions, I managed to have a half-edible dish ready twenty minutes later. The steam rising made it look more appealing than I’d expected. Drayce had even found some slightly freezer-burned rolls that we stuck in the oven.
“I thought I’d have to pretend to eat something completely inedible, but it smells pretty good,” Torryn teased as he walked in. Usually, I would have bristled, but thanks to our conduit, we were different. I wouldn’t tell him to his face, but I kind of liked having him around again. I never really had a chance to thank him for pulling me out of my panic attack back in Aureus. It was funny how quickly we’d settled back into our old roles. He had been a calming force for me at one time, and I was glad we were falling back into that. “The familiars made their own nest on the couch, food and blankets surrounding them. It’s their kind of vacation.”
“Thanks,” I said, appreciating he was so good to all of our familiars. It made it easier for us to focus on other tasks, and the familiars always ended up banding together, anyway. They gained comfort from each other, huddling together in their own little unit, the same way we did.
“Do you think Aris is driving our parents crazy?” Kye asked as he sat down and filled his plate with pasta. He gave Xan a wry grin that had us all cracking up.
“You mean mine. Your parents loved her. Mine are strait-laced and stuck up. Her optimism and ability to cheerfully call you on your shit probably is going over super well,” Xan deadpanned, all of us cracking up, though the laughter sounded stunted. We were trying our best, but being away from her was so fucking hard.
“No, Mr. Eideann, we’re going to the museum. They’ll find me there, and I don’t care if you want to go somewhere more comfortable. If you don’t like it, go
back to the prison,” Torryn mimicked Aris in a high-pitched voice, putting all of his sass into it and sending us into another round of laughter that felt more genuine.
“That’s definitely something she’d say. She’s stubborn as hell,” Drayce agreed around a bite of spellghetti.
“You think she’ll convince my dad to get the stick out of his ass by the time we get there?” Xan mused, though I could hear the tension in his voice.
“Doubtful, but then again, prison changes a man. At least you know your dad has morals the rest of the council lack,” Torryn said, seriously. He locked his eyes onto Xan’s, and I had to admit, he had a way of exuding reassurance with only a look.
“You’re right,” he admitted quietly, all of us falling silent. “Man, our lives have gone crazy lately, huh?”
“Understatement,” Drayce added with a snort. “She’s flipped it upside down, but I wouldn’t change it for a thing.
“Agreed,” we all chorused.
“She’s amazing, and when all this is over, we’re going to build an amazing life together,” I said firmly.
“Wow, that was downright wholesome, Cas,” Kye teased, but I could see how happy the thought made him. “Already picturing her barefoot and pregnant?”
“I wasn’t, but now I am,” I laughed, knowing she would look beautiful. For a second, I wondered if I would care who the father was, but it only took two seconds to realize it would still be mine. We were one unit now, and even if I didn’t feel the same way about the others as I did about Aris and Drayce, they were still family.
“Where would we live?” Xan asked, a small smile on his lips and his cheeks tinting pink at whatever he was imagining. I hid a smirk as I turned away, not wanting to embarrass him.
“Somewhere like this would be amazing, but I have a feeling we’ll end up closer to Aether. Aris wants nothing to do with Ignis,” Drayce reminded us. We hadn’t really talked about jobs in a while, but there weren’t many that would fit us here.
