Raven and the Rose

by Knight, Charisma

  By the time Aunt Viola’s power is passed to me through The Heightening, I’ll be strong enough

  to deal with it.”

  “I think Rose was right to call upon Niall for assistance. At least we know what we’re

  dealing with,” Walter spoke candidly, as he floated a pen in the air. “If all hell breaks loose, we’ll need him on our side.”

  “I didn’t want to work with Niall, but Clara Rose did. Unfortunately, we don’t know what

  type of demon this is,” Rose responded, grateful for at least someone in her family having her

  back.

  Storm intervened. “I’ve made my rounds here in the woods surrounding Raven’s Falls, yet

  I’ve not seen, heard, or sensed anything. The spirits of nature have yet to reveal to me the thing lurking in the woods. Since it’s cloaking itself, I’d have to say it must be an old foe of the

  McQueen line.”

  Walter frowned. “Our family has dealt with many foes over the centuries, son.”

  Storm nodded. “I can tell you…whatever it is? It’s from the farthest depths of the

  Netherworld. I caught a glimpse into Niall’s eyes after he retrieved their memories. I saw this shadow being. It can be anything ranging from dark fae, demon, or even—.”

  Rose gasped when Storm stopped talking and looked deep into his alarm stricken eyes.

  Thanks to their bond, she immediately knew his thoughts. “Go on, Storm. Say what it is you’re

  thinking.” The entire room went silent and she tensed when a chill crept down her spine.

  “Fleshwalkers.” Storm’s face was emotionless, yet she knew he possessed a slight hint of fear. As well, as he should.

  The entire room seemed to be buzzing as the witches spoke amongst themselves. Rose

  witnessed several of her family members shake their heads in disagreement.

  “This is about more than vampires being used as scapegoats,” Storm warned them. “When

  the spirits of the forests in both worlds and the Book of Whispers cease their communications, it means someone has made a pact and allowed dark spirits to roam, hiding behind all the chaos that has occurred.”

  Rose stood up, staring at them all, looking into each pair of eyes. She hated what she was

  about to say and the thought struck terror in her heart. “Several years ago, I came into contact with a Fleshwalker while in Queensville.” She swallowed hard. “It’s written in the Book.” She

  paced the council room, her eyes laying claim to the family crest, The Raven perched upon a

  branch while holding a rose in its beak. “Fleshwalkers know Queensville harbors most of the

  citizens’ of Raven’s Falls, human family and ancestors. They’re dark spirits that were once

  human and had the ability to shift into whatever form they chose. After death, they seek to

  possess souls of the living. Darkness is automatically attracted to that town. I’ve seen it firsthand and I think I finally know what’s using the wolves and the Fleshwalkers as puppet masters.”

  “Baby-girl, it seems like we’re just grasping at straws. There’s too many scenarios,” Jesse

  noted .

  “At least hear her out,” Viola suggested. “What do you think is controlling these things?”

  “Obsidian.”

  There were more gasps and complaints until Viola picked up her gravel and pounded it

  several times. “Everyone shush and listen to her, please. Obsidian is the fleshwalker I couldn’t banish.”

  Rose studied Viola’s sympathetic look, before she answered this and guilt gripped her when

  she remembered almost being defeated by the demon. “Not banished, unfortunately. She was

  only contained. You all know when fleshwalkers are banished from this world and the next, their souls live on in the form of their hideous grotesque shadows. Their rage is fueled by their

  inability to inhabit what they cannot have, so they wreak havoc on the unsuspecting souls of the living. A few citizens here in Raven’s Falls are responsible for this. I told you, there are traitors in our midst. I placed her essence in an urn with the family seals on the outside and buried her in the cemetery near our ancestors. McQueen power and the glyphs on the urn had contained her

  essence. She was too dangerous to be buried in Queensville or anywhere else in the mortal world for that matter.”

  “Until someone performed a ritual and released her essence,” Jasmine added.

  “But who the hell would do that? Who would even know?” Shawn asked, terror spreading

  over her face.

  “But you only suspect this is happening, right Rose?” Tobias asked pleadingly.

  She saw Storm’s eyes cloud of in anger. “They will pay for this,” he promised.

  Walter clenched his hands in anger. “That damned Niall! I will kill him myself.” He

  slammed a large fist down on the granite table.

  “As much as I hate to admit this, Niall’s not to blame.” Storm assured everyone.

  “Uncle Walter, why do you all suspect Niall when anything bad happens around here?”

  Dehlia challenged.

  “Because, he’s the only one who knows our family history,” Walter stated and pointed a

  finger to her. “We’ve been telling you to leave that damned vampire alone. He’s corrupting you, Dehlia!”

  “Everyone settle down,” Viola hissed. “We’re bickering amongst ourselves, just what the

  darkness wants us to do. The more we bicker, the more our magic dissipates,” she warned calmly.

  “Is that what you want?”

  “As much as I want to blame him, I don’t think Niall has anything to do with this,” Storm

  stated rationally. “I can honestly say, his family has always kept treaties and truths with ours.”

  “Thank you, Uncle Storm,” Dehlia said with a smug smile. “Niall is our ally.”

  “But, can he be trusted, Hon?” Shawn quirked a brow at the witch.

  Dehlia pushed out her chair and stood. “I’ve had enough of this,” she retorted, then stormed

  out of the hall.

  “You can’t leave. We haven’t dismissed,” Jesse called after her.

  Dehlia continued walking, the heels of her shoes sounding off out the door and down the

  hall.

  Rose sighed. “Let her go. She’s overly emotional when it comes to Niall. We all know that.”

  “Have you spoken to her, dear? It’s quite clear she’s in love with a vampire,” Viola stated

  the obvious.

  “Until I turn blue in the face. I don’t know what else to do, but for now, we need to perform

  a spell and find the ones dabbling in this type of magic. We’ll start from there.”

  “She’s going to get burned,” Jasmine warned. “Vampires only use a witches power to get

  what they want, and then they betray her.”

  “I’ll talk to her after we dismiss. Uncle Corey, I’ll need you to do a broadcast and enforce

  the curfew. Explain we’re on the cusp of containing the ones responsible for the break-ins. I’m going to do a blood search spell that will lead me in the direction of the pack.”

  “So, you really didn’t need Niall’s help after all?” Tobias asked.

  “On the contrary, at least we’re closer to knowing what we’re dealing with,” Rose told

  everyone.

  “But you’ve already given him power to walk the daylight,” Jasmine reminded her.

  Rose smiled. “Niall’s basically powerless, you shouldn’t worry about that. The potion I’ve

  given him will run its course and he’ll be unable to walk the daylight--”

  “But…” Shawn cut her sentence short.

  “Leave it alone, Shawn,” Viola gently prompted. “She’s got this.”

  Chapter Four

  Rose and Storm strolled the Manor grounds while holding hands as they
gazed up at the

  moon. The silvery color now owned a light dusky red. The color sent a chill spiraling over Rose’s flesh.

  “It will all be over soon,” Storm assured her while stopping in his tracks. He pulled her

  against his hardened body. “We’ve been so busy with everything else, we’ve scarcely had any

  time alone.”

  “I know.” She closed her eyes when he swept a kiss over her lips. She was witch first,

  woman last, and she’d neglected her needs and relationship for the sake of her family and

  Raven’s Falls, just the way Clara had generations earlier.

  “McQueen witches must make sacrifices,” she assured him.

  Shawn’s voice called as greeting from off to the right of them.

  The couple quickly sprang apart. “Mother, what are you doing out here? I thought you left

  for home.”

  “I’m staying the night,” Shawn walked over to where they were standing, her hands in the

  back pockets of her designer jeans. The woman was sixty-three years old, and with the exception of a little age, was a mirror image of Rose. “Storm, may I have a word with my daughter?”

  Storm smiled. “Of course, Shawn.”

  “Oh mother, can’t this wait until tomorrow?” Rose folded her arms, never taking her eyes

  from Storm.

  He gave her a wink while brushing a hand across her cheek. “I’ll be in the library and will

  join you in our chambers later.” He then walked toward the manor.

  “You had so much to say in the meeting. Why so standoffish now?” Shawn shook her head.

  “You know we need to talk.”

  “There’s not much I want to talk about right now,” Rose muttered as she continued walking

  down the cobblestone trail towards the waterfall.

  “Why don’t you admit it?”

  Rose released an annoyed sigh. “Admit what, mother?”

  Shawn grabbed her arm, forcing Rose to look at her. “Pay attention when I’m speaking with

  you. You’ve never gotten over the fact that I didn’t embrace the McQueen power when it came to

  me and it skipped over to you. I’m a witch, yes. But I can only cast the simplest of spells. Deep down, you wish I’d taken the responsibility so you could live your life the way you want.”

  It was irritating enough to have her mother treat her like this, but what Shawn spoke was the

  truth, Rose couldn’t deny it. Resentment and anger bubbled inside her. She was unable to speak.

  Her chest heaved as she stared at the woman who’d given her birth.

  “Go on,” Shawn put her hands on her hips, egging her on. “Tell me how angry you are,

  Rose. Tell me how you really feel.”

  “Dammit, Mother!” She’d had enough of this. “How could you? Yes, I am more than pissed.

  You were the one to inherit Viola’s power, but you ducked it by traipsing all over creation with whomever and whatever—”

  Shawn slapped Rose straight across the cheek. Tears misted her eyes. The sting of the slap

  radiated across her face. “You asked me for the truth. I spoke it, and you slap me for it? You’re such a damned hypocrite.” Rose turned to walk the path alone but Shawn followed.

  “Have you ever wondered why I dodged it?” her mother continued to follow her down the

  path were the cobblestone faded into the softer grass near the waterfall.

  Rose spun around. “I don’t want to hear it.”

  “I was afraid, Rose,” Shawn sputtered. “I was—so afraid and I didn’t have the—confidence

  or the faith that you do. That power is rightfully yours, and I don’t think I would have done our family any bit of good.”

  Shocked at her mother’s words, Rose faced the woman and for the first time, giving her the

  opportunity to say her peace. “Why would you think that?”

  “Because, I never finished anything in my life. You are my only child and I’m so proud of

  you. The power couldn’t have went to a better person.”

  “How can you say that? You’re a McQueen. I thought you to be stronger than that.”

  “No.” Shawn sighed. “I was an irresponsible coward. All I ever cared about in life was

  having a good time. Truth does hurt. I’m sorry for losing my temper.” She frowned before

  looking away.

  “What were you doing on the council tonight?” Rose asked.

  “I wanted to see how my baby girl was making out, that’s all. Viola called to tell me the

  blood moon was weakening you and I just needed to know you were okay. Just because I don’t

  possess all the powers the rest of you hold, doesn’t mean I can’t attend meetings.”

  “I know that,” Rose glanced away, trying to ignore the sudden urge to hug her mother. She

  actually felt ashamed of her behavior and never thought Shawn McQueen-Mack would ever

  admit to something like she’d admitted to tonight.

  “You don’t have to pretend you’re not afraid.” Her mother held out. “Rose, I can read you.

  After all, I am your mother.” Stubbornly, she lunged forward, embracing Rose in the tightest hug she could remember.

  Squeezing her eyes shut, she returned that hug all the more tighter. “Forgive me, mother.

  Please.”

  She relaxed as Shawn rubbed her back soothingly. “There’s nothing to forgive, baby. I’m

  only asking one thing of you.” She released her with a smile.

  “What’s that?”

  “Please, let me into your life.” Shawn’s hands grasped hers.

  For a few minutes they stood, looking at each other.

  “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do, don’t we?” Rose asked as a tear crept down her face.

  “I’m only two hours away, hon. Promise not to be a stranger? Your father and I miss you so

  much.”

  “He’s pissed at me.”

  “Your stepfather is a mortal. He feels cheated,” Shawn explained with a smile. “No, I’m just

  kidding. We both were free spirits back in the day. But, I think he feels like he’s failed you as well, especially since your biological father left us before he entered our lives. Neither of us have been able to give you the support needed to face all of this.”

  “Free spirit, really Mother? You named me Gypsy Rose, what the hell was that, anyway?”

  Shawn laughed as she put an arm around Rose and they continued walking the grounds.

  “That was the evening when your father proposed to me at Woodstock. I thought it was the most

  magical moment I could have ever experienced in life. However, the night you were born

  surpassed it all.”

  For the first time, Rose let her guard down. “I love you, mother.”

  “And I love you too.”

  “You and father haven’t failed me. It’s just that I’ve had to adjust to everything accordingly.

  Everyone is depending on me and all I’ve done is let them down.”

  “Don’t say things like that. It’s the blood moon. It will pass.”

  “Stop making excuses for me,” Rose pleaded. “Why, out of all the McQueen witches, am I

  having problems?”

  Shawn dropped her gaze to the ground and shook her head. “I don’t know.” She looked Rose

  dead in the eye. “Hang in there. If you need anything, please let me know.”

  “Thought I’d find you two down here,” Wes strolled up. “Shawn, it’s getting late. Are you

  coming to bed?”

  “Hello, father.” It puzzled her when he simply nodded, barely looking at her. His eyes

  fixated intently on Shawn. “Father, is everything okay?”

  “All is well.” The look he gave her made her feel uneasy. “Shawn, I’m ready for bed. Are

  you coming?”


  “I’ll be there as soon as I’ve finished talking with Rose,” Shawn stated in a serious tone.

  “Don’t you have anything to say to her?”

  Wes ran his fingers through his medium length salt and pepper hair before shaking his head.

  “I’m fine.” With that, he turned on his heel, retreating back to the manor.

  “What was that all about?” Rose asked, baffled, yet hurt.

  “Don’t pay him any attention,” her mother told her. “He’s got his ways, you know that.”

  “I’m aware of his ways, but he seems so distant lately,” Rose admitted. “But, I guess you

  know him better than any of us.”

  Chapter Five

  Later in the evening, Storm and Rose strode through the main entryway into the manor.

  While they walked, she’d become quiet, as if gathering her thoughts.

  Curious, he placed a hand on the small of her back.

  She tensed.

  He hated the way she nudged him out of her life whenever McQueen duty called.

  They made their way through the large hall, through the setting room and to the stairs.

  “Storm, I’m heading off to bed,” she told him.

  Not surprised, he downplayed his disappointment, because he was so looking forward to

  making love to her out in the woods, in their bed, hell anywhere. Since his return, he constantly longed for her touch and her closeness. “Okay, I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

  She put her arms around him. “Are you okay?”

  Returning the affection, he squeezed her tightly and rubbed her back. “I’m fine, sweet Rose.

  I’ll be up in a few. But, don’t wait up for me.” He bent down to place a kiss upon her lips that he hoped would send her into overdrive. As usual, she had her mind on witch affairs.

  “I love you, Storm,” she whispered. When he released her, she turned and walked up the

  large stairwell.

  “I love you too,” he called after her. Turning, he headed toward the kitchen for a quick meal.

  With the exception of Walter and Corey’s voices coming in from the parlor, the house seemed

  quiet. Storm entered the kitchen. There, he found Rose’s Uncle Jesse standing next to the fridge, holding a heavy crystal glass. Clutching the glass in his left hand, he shoved his right hand in his black slacks and stared out of the large picture window into the night…The man seemed to be