Curses and Ash

by Tiffany Daune

  “Can you trust her?” Halen played along. She wasn’t leaving without him or Dax and she still had Ezra’s note to worry about.

  “Of course, she doesn’t know a thing about our lives.”

  Halen hid her smile behind her sleeve. Dax couldn’t argue with that. She sat beside Ezra and placed the back of her hand on his forehead. “We can’t leave him with your aunt. He’s coming with us.”

  Dax opened his mouth to speak, but Quinn cut him off. “I need to speak with you—alone.”

  Halen rubbed Ezra’s arm. “I’ll make sure he’s ready.” As soon as Quinn and Dax left, she shook Ezra. At first lightly, but when he didn’t wake she gave him a good hard shove.

  He moaned rolling his head to the side. “Where am I?” He squinted, his gaze finding Halen.

  “You’re safe. It’s okay.”

  He moaned. “No, it’s not.” He covered his eyes with his hands.

  “Ezra, where are Tage and my mom?” She didn’t ask after Daspar. She couldn’t care less what happened to that traitor. She couldn’t get the needle out of her mind. “Is my sister with them?”

  Rising, he battled the feather cushions as if he were wading through quicksand.

  Halen braced him under his arms and propped a stiff pillow behind his back. The blanket slipped to his waist and she flushed. “I had to take off your pants. You were freezing.” She grabbed a hot pink afghan from the settee and draped it around his shoulders. “I found your note.”

  She reached in the side of the couch and pulled it out. Unfolding the leather, the words lay between them.

  Surrender Otho’s soul.

  He buried his face in his hands, resting his elbows on his knees. “Tage…” His voice cracked.

  She touched his arm. “Are the Hunters coming here?”

  When he glanced up, his gaze flashed with a wild glint, like a captive animal set free. He drank in her face, and then his glance touched her collarbone, trailing down her arm, stopping where the silver bracelet lay. He clasped her hands. “I need the Hunter’s soul.”

  Halen shook her head. “That’s not possible. You know that.”

  “They’re going to kill her.” His grip tightened.

  “Who—Tage? Does my sister still have her—what about my mom?”

  “It all went so wrong.” His nose scrunched.

  He was taking forever to explain, and Halen wanted to shake him. She needed answers before Dax and Asair returned. “What went wrong?”

  “Tage had this plan to get out and of course she didn’t tell me.” His mouth downturned. “She cut her arm, bad. Damn, there was so much blood.” His eyes welled with tears. “The Hunters are keeping her alive, but the one Huntress, Aurelia, she went ballistic.” He whimpered.

  She touched his shoulder. “Tell me what happened.”

  “I cut Natalie and Emil took her away. But Aurelia came. She lost it. She grabbed the guard’s blade and was gone. I could hear them screaming…” He swiped the tears as if they were acid burning his cheeks. “I couldn’t… I couldn’t… Stop it.”

  “It’s okay.” Halen’s breath quickened. “Just tell me.”

  “Heads,” he whimpered.

  “Heads?” Her stomach dropped. “What are you talking about?”

  Ezra’s knees jiggled up and down; he shook furiously.

  Halen grabbed him by the shoulders. “Tell me what happened?”

  His body went still as stone, and Halen’s flesh filled with goose bumps. “Daspar and your mom are dead, Halen. I’m so sorry. It’s my fault. If I had just run like Tage asked. But I couldn’t leave her. I just couldn’t. Aurelia cut off their heads.”

  “You’re lying!” Halen stood. “My mom is strong and Daspar’s magick…”

  “Daspar lost his magick.” His voice was but a whisper.

  “What? How?” She paced the living room, though her head was swimming. Her sparks faltered, flickering and then dying out.

  “The Hunter killed Pura, the siren soul inside Daspar. Daspar didn’t even know who I was.”

  “And my mom?”

  “I don't know if she ever woke up after she hit her head in the hotel room.”

  It couldn’t be true. She shook her hands as the sparks pricked her fingers. Her mom wouldn’t… She couldn’t be… Halen had considered this outcome, but she had never given up hope. She always thought somehow her mom would find a way out.

  He peeked through his mop of red and black hair. “Tage is under some spell. Aurelia won’t release her unless I come back with his soul.” He paused and Halen was sure she didn’t hear his next words correctly. “Aurelia wants me to consume Otho’s soul.”

  Halen rushed toward him. She braced her hands on his shaking knees. “You can’t have it.”

  “Halen, please! You have to give Otho to me. Tage will die!”

  She shook her head, standing back. Tears streamed her cheeks and she wiped them on her sleeve. She couldn’t speak with grief’s hands around her throat. What Ezra was asking was impossible. She needed an immortal soul to bind the curse. They would have to find another way to save Tage. “I’m sorry, Ezra.”

  “She’s your friend—she would do it for you!”

  “No, she wouldn’t. Not if Tage knew the consequences.” She would never give Ezra Otho’s soul. “Listen to me. You can’t tell Dax what you’ve come here for.” She checked the doorway where Dax and Quinn’s murmurs lingered from the hall. “Don’t speak a word of this to them.”

  “I have twenty-four hours. If I don’t walk out of this flat as Otho, then Tage dies.”

  “His soul is immortal. If you give him your body, you will never die!”

  “Don’t you think I know this already?”

  “We’ll find another way to help her. I’m working on something, but you have to trust me.”

  “Damn it, Halen, I hope you know what you’re doing. If anything happens to Tage, I’m holding you responsible. They promised to release the Hunter’s mark on Dax; he’ll never have to worry about them controlling him.”

  Dax and Quinn’s voices neared.

  “You want the fires to stop—right?” She didn’t know what side he was on. Ezra could be Tari, but he had also been a friend. Either way, he would want the fires to stop; this was the safest question she could pose without raising more doubt.

  He nodded.

  “Then trust me.” She shoved the note back under the cushions.

  As soon as Dax entered the living room, she broke into a heavy sob, thrusting her head against Ezra’s shoulder.

  “What’s wrong?” Dax walked to her side.

  “Our parents…” Halen muffled her cry. Already, the news of her mother’s death was settling in her bones, aching for one last hug, one more smile—a goodbye. Perhaps Halen had known in the hotel that was their goodbye. Maybe her mother had known then as well, for she’d hugged her so tightly that day. She sucked back her sobs as grief shredded her insides. Her tears now flowed like a river after a hard rain.

  “They didn’t make it,” Ezra said. “Aurelia killed them.” He repeated the story to Dax and Quinn while Halen guarded him with her teary gaze. One word about Otho’s soul and she would strike him with magick.

  When he spoke of the beheading, Dax held up his hand, stopping him.

  “I’m sorry,” Ezra said. “There was nothing I could have done.”

  “And you—why did they let you go?” Dax asked.

  Ezra flicked his fingernails together in a nervous tapping.

  Don’t you dare cave. Halen shot him a warning glance.

  “I ran.” Ezra bowed his head. “Tage told me to run and I did. I shouldn’t have left her.”

  Ezra was a horrible liar, but Dax was too stricken with grief to notice. Still, it wouldn’t take Dax long to realize Ezra would never leave Tage. Plus, Ezra wasn’t a fighter. His scrawny butt, outrun the Hunters? Not likely. His story had just as many holes as Quinn’s mouth spray assault.

  “This is your fault.” With a shaking hand, Dax
pointed at Halen.

  “Mine?” Why did he blame her for everything? “How is this fault? My mother is dead!”

  “If Natalie hadn’t been looking for you, she would have stayed here.”

  “And Etlis would still be in flames! If you want to blame someone, blame the Tari for misleading us. They sent us on a suicide mission—to kill a demon that didn’t need to die in the first place.”

  “My father believed his death would break the spell.”

  “He was wrong.” She knew better than to push him, but her anger flared.

  “We’ve all made mistakes. But one thing I know for sure, is your power is dangerous. Everyone would still be alive if you and Natalie were never born.”

  “Dax.” Quinn grasped his shoulder.

  Dax shoved him off. “You now it’s true. Sirens are cursed.” He stormed from the room.

  Rage fueled Halen’s sparks. Her temper flared. How dare he blame this all on her. “Get back here.”

  Quinn grabbed her arm. “Let him go. He needs time. And so do you.”

  He guided her to the armchair, his touch cooling the burning anger beneath her flesh. She slumped down, bringing her legs up to her chest. “Everything is falling apart.”

  “We stick to the plan.” Even though she heard Quinn’s husky voice, Asair guided the words.

  “The Hunters are coming for the soul.” Her throat was raw with tears.

  “Who is this guy?” Ezra asked.

  “He’s Dax’s friend, Quinn.” She couldn’t risk telling the truth to Ezra. “The Hunters sent Ezra for Otho. They want him as the host. What are we going to do?”

  “Do you want anyone else to die?” Ezra’s chest heaved.

  Halen stood at once. “How dare you? You haven’t lost anyone. Tage is still alive, but my mom is dead.”

  As she said it out loud, the reality hit her head on. Her mom’s face flashed through her mind. She clutched her chest as Ezra’s words played, I’m sorry, Halen, she’s dead. With the thought of her mother’s hair in Aurelia’s fist, with a blade at her throat, sparks charged under her skin.

  “Damn you, Ezra!” Even though she pinched her eyes shut, she couldn’t shake the image of her mother’s severed head from her thoughts. A vase exploded next to Quinn and he jumped away from the jagged debris. The floorboards creaked, moaning as they lifted from the hall. The mirror over the mantel split with a long crack. When she met her fractured gaze, she didn’t recognize the untamed girl before her. With another wave of her hand, her image shattered. The mirrored pieces burst into the air.

  Ezra screamed, ducking and covering his head. “Halen, chill!” He leaped onto the couch. “Get Dax.”

  Quinn touched her arm, but she heard only Asair. “Calm down.”

  “Get away from me!” She shoved him so forcefully, he flew back against the side table. He cracked his elbow on the marble, but steadied himself at once.

  “You need to settle down.” Asair’s palms were flat to the ground; a low hum emanated from his fingertips. His lips were moving, words touching the air, but her attention drifted to the basal tone. The sound was like the ringing made by a singing bowl. The vibration reverberated in her ears, down through to her core. Though the boy she knew as Quinn stepped toward her, she felt only the presence of Asair. The hum grew louder, more encompassing. Her knees buckled. She was in Asair’s arms before she hit the floor.

  He whispered at her ear, “Sleep, darling.” His voice was a summer breeze laced with sunshine and pastel petals. Her limbs flopped to her sides; Ezra’s cool hands guided them to her chest. The hum died and her head rolled to Asair’s shoulder.

  “I’ve got her.” Halen heard only Asair. He whispered words of magick as he carried her down the hall. Each word dragged her farther under, though she tried to fight her way back. “Don’t worry. I will share your sorrow. Your mother didn’t die so you can fail. You must rest. There is much work to be done.”

  “Mom…” She didn’t want to rest, but the weight of loss was heavy in her limbs like snow on nimble branches.

  Ever so gently, as if she were made of spun sugar, he set her on the bed and rolled the duvet over her. In what was like a dream itself, he parted her lips with his own. He lingered over her, whispering against her lips, “Somnio.”

  Air rushed from her lungs as her head pressed back against the pillow. As Asair inhaled her breath, her shoulders rounded back on the bed, every muscle unclenching as her body drifted into the pillowed mattress. Asair gently kissed both her eyelids shut. His spell quelled the cutting pain. Yet, though he shared her sorrow, he could not remove the bitter stain spreading through her heart.

  A SILHOUETTE HOVERED in the dim light. At once Halen struck up, her blow blocked by a forceful grip. She blinked. “Jae?” Halen lowered her hand. She rubbed her eyes.

  “You can call me Auntie June.” She turned on the lamp. “A pretty wholesome glamour, I must say—perfect for babysitting a six-year-old.” She primped her full curls and then flattened the front of her teal sweater.

  “Is Maddie okay?” Halen propped up on her elbows. “Did Quinn give her the tears?”

  She approached the bed again, sitting on the edge. “You mean Asair—Quinn is no longer with us.” Tears flecked her eyes.

  “I’m sorry about Quinn.”

  “He was a good young man. I’m glad his skills won’t be wasted with Asair.” She smiled. “And yes, Maddie tasted the tears, though it will take several days for them to take effect. I’ll be here for her, and I’m here for you too. Your mother was a dear friend. I’m sorry to hear what happened.”

  “I don’t know how I’ll go on without her.”

  “You’ll go on because of her.” She stood. “You need to get ready to leave. I’ll let the others know you’re awake.” She walked away, shutting the door behind her.

  Halen rested her head on the pillow. At least Maddie would be safe with Jae—one thing was going their way. Her mom’s death drifted through her mind, but instantly the thought vanished before the pain touched her. She stared at the ceiling, feeling oddly serene. Her fingertips lingered on her lips. Asair. What had he done? Not grieving for her mom felt like cheating. Her mom deserved oceans of tears. She gathered the sheets in her fists. Her mom also deserved vengeance.

  With this thought guiding her, she got out of bed and changed. She went to the bathroom, splashed water over her face, and then ran her damp fingers through her hair.

  “You ready to go?”

  Sparks stung her skin at the sound of Dax’s voice.

  When she turned to face him, her guard dropped. His eyes were puffy, his skin ruddy and patched red from tears.

  “Dax.” She reached for his shoulder and he flinched back.

  “I’ll be waiting with the others.” His tone was clipped. “They’re ready when you are.” He turned away from her.

  “Dax.” His back stiffened. “You honestly can’t blame all of this one me. I didn’t even know what I was until I met you.”

  He turned. “I need some time away from you right now.” He held up his matching bracelet. “But that’s not possible.” His expression transformed to the angered boy Jae had sketched, sending her off-balance.

  She gripped the counter. “We didn’t ask for this life.” She would gladly release him if she could, but she needed his marrow and damn it, she needed Otho’s soul. “I know you’re mad, but there’s nothing I could have done. But we can still open Etlis.”

  At this suggestion, he met her gaze. “Do you believe you can open Etlis?”

  His hopeful expression unnerved her. “I do. If that’s what you really want.”

  “It’s what we all want.” His tone grew bitter.

  Again, she wasn’t going to get the decisive answer she needed from him; the one that would allow her to love him or hate him. She felt like a creep playing him while he grieved, but she couldn’t have him dragging her into the darkness with him. “We can do this—together.” When she touched his arm, he didn’t back away this t
ime, and his energy charged through her, intertwining with her sparks.

  “I know you’ll do what’s right.” He smiled his crooked grin, and her sparks danced, lingering even when he withdrew and walked away.

  She clutched the silver band against her chest. She wasn’t playing him at all; with Asair no longer blocking the Guardian bond, Dax had more power over her than she cared to admit.

  *

  a

  THE BACK ALLEY reeked of dank mold, garbage and some other unidentifiable rotting stench. Halen dug her nose into her sleeve while Dax crouched over a metal manhole. Ezra and Asair walked both sides of the alley, checking behind dumpsters and then an abandoned car to be sure they were alone.

  “We’re good.” Asair gave Dax the thumbs-ups.

  Dax wedged a crowbar under the rim. Halen grabbed the edge, tilting it up and then rolling it to the side. She gagged, turning away. “We’re going in a sewer?”

  “It’s not what you think,” Asair said. “You want to do the spell.” He looked to Dax.

  “You do the honors.” Dax nodded.

  Halen’s heart raced with panic. What if Asair didn’t know how to perform the spell? What if he didn’t learn this from Quinn?

  She was about to stop him, when Asair climbed down the ladder. “I’ve got this,” he said to Dax, but she knew he was speaking to her.

  “What’s he doing?” Ezra asked.

  Dax peered down the hole. “He has to perform the spell. There’s a glamour to make the tunnels look like the sewer.”

  “Smells like one too.” Ezra buried his nose in his sleeve.

  “No, that’s the dead carcasses in the tunnels,” Dax said. “Another measure to keep intruders away.”

  “Great,” Halen said.

  “All clear,” Asair called up.

  Dax nudged her forward. “Go on. It stinks, but it’s safe.”

  “You go.” She nodded to Ezra. She fought to bring Ezra along, but now she reconsidered her plea. His skittish desperate gaze darted to Dax’s necklace; Halen feared he would snatch Otho’s soul and run, but Ezra obeyed and descended the ladder.