“It’s the only way I can operate without the fear taking over.”
Her eyes blazed when they met mine. “Make no mistake. I will get my kid back. When it comes time to deal with those who took her, I won’t leave one of them standing.”
I swallowed hard. “I would never tell you what to do with your daughter.”
“You would prefer a measured approach until we know what’s going on,” Zoe countered. “I can’t allow that. It’s clearly time to send another message. I will die to protect her. More importantly, I’ll kill to ensure she has the life she was always meant to have.”
A chill ran down my spine. “We should see where this place is located so we can come back in the real world and take them.”
“Good idea.” Zoe paused once more by the gate. “Whatever they’re doing, it’s to appease what’s on the other side of this gate. Celeste has likely made a deal with whatever it is. She gets power and this creature gets ... whatever it is they’re giving it.
Zoe took on a far-off expression. “Years ago, when I met the god, he took me underground. He said he could take me to other even more fantastical places. He was talking about planes.”
“We can’t take down a god,” I said. “They’re too powerful.”
“I don’t think it’s a god.” Zoe smiled. “I saw Bob a few weeks ago. He would’ve said something cryptic about seeing me again when we parted if he knew we would be crossing paths again so soon.”
“Maybe he didn’t know.”
“Oh, he knew.” Zoe sounded sure of herself. “He definitely knew. That leads me to believe we’re not dealing with a god.”
“You have an idea.” I was anxious to hear it. “Lay it on me.”
“Demons. Bob once told me that mages were meant to keep the peace between good and evil. He said there were demons who threatened the balance and so they were banished. What if one of those demons found a way back?”
“Can we take on a demon?”
This time her grin was wide. “This demon is going to wish he’d never met me. That goes for Celeste, too. I’m taking back my daughter, and I’m doing it today. I won’t let them hurt her.”
“We won’t let them hurt her,” I promised. “Don’t forget, they have my best friend, too.”
“Oh, we’re getting them both back.” Zoe vowed. “Then they’ll face my wrath ... and wish they’d made better life choices.”
I was almost looking forward to the mayhem she was about to wreak. “You have an army for backup,” I reminded her. “You don’t have to do it all yourself.”
“There will be plenty of death to go around. I will kill that bitch for taking my daughter. There’s no way out for her.”
27
Twenty-Seven
The door to the room opened into the ground. Zoe and I had to mark trees in our memories. When we returned to the tent, mentally waking in our own bodies, Aric was on his knees next to his wife.
“Did you see her?” He looked so hopeful my heart broke for him.
Zoe shook her head. “No, but we’re pretty sure they’re not far. There’s another room, underground. It’s close to the river ... and it has a gate.”
Max’s forehead wrinkled. “What is it with the gates? What are they trying to do?”
I licked my lips as I exchanged a quick look with Zoe. She was more interested in consoling her husband than responding. “Zoe has a hunch.” I relayed our conversation about a potential demon. When I finished, Max looked intrigued.
“It makes sense,” he said. “A demon, no matter how restrained by the rules of moving through planes, would seem powerful to a human.”
“I wish we knew what sort of demon we were dealing with,” I admitted. “That would help us prepare.”
Zoe stirred. “We might have one shot at figuring that out. We need a laptop.”
I moved toward the flap. “I’ll get mine.”
“I have a call to place,” Zoe said. “When we’re done, it will be dusk. We’re moving regardless then.”
“Maybe we should wait until full darkness,” Max said. It was obvious he didn’t want to get in Zoe’s way. It was also obvious he thought waiting was the better option.
“If you want to wait, that’s your prerogative,” Zoe replied calmly. “They have my child. I will be leaving to get her as soon as I talk to my friend Paris.”
Max merely nodded. “You won’t be going alone. We’re all in this together.”
ONCE SHE HAD THE LAPTOP, ZOE CALLED her friend Paris. The woman served as an assistant in the gate room in Detroit. I didn’t know much about her, but I did know that Izzy Sage was in charge of the gate room, and I trusted that she would hire someone truly competent to work with her. I’d met her when we’d been in Detroit months ago, found her to be strong and witty. I smiled when I realized she was on the call with Paris.
“Small world, huh?” Izzy flashed me a smile, but she looked concerned when her attention landed on Zoe. “I’m so sorry about Sami.”
Zoe didn’t return the smile but nodded. “We’re going to get her right now. I sent Paris photos of the runes we’ve seen. If you can tell us what to expect on the other side of that gate, that would be great.”
“I’ve researched them, Zoe, and I do have something,” Paris said. She looked as if she’d been crying. I had a feeling it was because of Sami. I knew from some offhand comments Zoe had made that Paris was Sami’s godmother and they were extremely close. “I was getting nowhere until Izzy recognized them.”
Zoe straightened. “You know what we’re up against?”
“I recognize the runes,” Izzy corrected carefully. “I’ve seen them before ... in New Orleans.”
I frowned. “Wait ... are we wrong? Are we not dealing with a demon?”
“Oh, you’re dealing with a demon.” Izzy was grave. “It’s a leviathan.”
I ran the name through my memory. “Biblical demon,” I said finally. “Something to do with the sea.”
“Yes and no. Leviathans were around during biblical times, but their existence is not tied to angels or religion. They’re basically sea monsters with extra powers.”
Zoe rubbed her cheek. “How do we kill it?”
“There’s likely to be more than one,” Izzy cautioned. “They disappeared a long time ago, but if you listen to people hanging in the wrong circles you might start to wonder if the Loch Ness Monster is a leviathan. It’s not.”
“It’s real, though, right?” Zoe asked. “I totally want to see it.”
“Oh, here we go,” Aric muttered. “Zoe, we need to focus. I’ll take you to Scotland to ride the Loch Ness Monster one day. I promised, didn’t I?”
“Yes, but you’ve yet to come through.”
“That’s because we have a kid. As soon as she’s out of the house I’ll take you.”
“Fine.” Zoe blew out a sigh. “How many were there?”
“Thousands,” Izzy replied. “They don’t necessarily look like you imagine a sea monster looks like. They don’t resemble the Creature from the Black Lagoon or anything.”
“That’s a bummer,” Zoe lamented. “Do we think all of them will be at this gate?” I could see her doing the math in her head.
“I don’t know, but you need to take down the gate regardless,” Izzy instructed. “You know how to do it. You were with me for the last one.”
“I remember.” Zoe didn’t look thrilled at the prospect. “But I don’t have your magic to call on.”
“You have our magic,” I reminded her. “We have real power. Naida can control water ... and Cole has fire at his disposal. I can help too.”
“And me,” Kade said from behind me. “I can help ... although you have to tell me what to do.”
Zoe’s expression was thoughtful. “You’re right. I do have a lot of power to call on.”
“You need to direct it toward the gate,” Izzy insisted. “I’m assuming this cult will stand sentries. Ignore them and take out the gate as soon as possible. They’re a lesser threat
than whatever is on the other side.”
“I’m guessing they want Sami to open the gate for them,” Zoe mused. “Is it possible that humans can cross the gate and leviathans can’t?”
“I think that’s exactly what’s going on,” Izzy confirmed. “I just don’t know if you’re dealing with a sanctioned gate. Reapers aren’t allowed in Savannah because of some old crossroads demon thing.”
I’d been wondering about that. “So, it’s possible this is a reaper gate that was abandoned,” I interjected.
“That would be my guess,” Izzy said. “Things are crazy here with the gates. For all we know, people could be erecting gates everywhere as part of some plan we’re not aware of.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Zoe said. “We need to focus on this gate. Tell me how to kill the leviathan.”
“They’re like anything else,” Izzy replied. “Swords can take them out. Behead them, though. That’s the best way to make sure they don’t resurrect. Also, be forewarned, if you hack off an arm it can become another creature. Not another leviathan per se, but a smaller beast to attack.”
“Oh, that’s just wrong,” Kade groused.
“That is awesome,” Nellie enthused. “I’ll get my ax.” He hurried toward the tent flap. “Don’t you dare leave without me. I want to fight some demons.”
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at the morose look on Kade’s face. This was not the sort of fight he would normally want to be a part of. He had no choice this time.
“Fire works too,” Izzy said.
“That would be me,” Cole said as he moved to stand next to me. “Is there some trick to it?”
Izzy shrugged. “I don’t know. I suggest ramping up whatever you’ve got. Burning them should work.”
“So, basically the normal stuff,” Zoe surmised. “Well, except for that thing where they can spawn an entirely new creature if you hack off a limb. That really is disgusting.”
“Be careful,” Izzy intoned. “Leviathan blood can be deadly.”
Zoe held up her hands. “I can heal people.”
“But if you can’t get to everyone in time you could lose someone.”
Zoe set her jaw. “Anything else?”
“Just that they might present as humans — I’m sure that’s how they managed to convince this cult to do their bidding — but they can shift to look like monsters. The drawings I’ve seen depict them as black creatures with scales, the sort you see in nightmares. They have razor-sharp teeth that can rip flesh from bone.”
“Lovely.” Zoe wrinkled her nose. “That’s a visual I really didn’t need seeing as they’ve got my kid.”
“Sami can take care of herself,” Izzy said. “She’s likely torturing them right now.”
“They took her for a reason,” Zoe argued. “My guess is they want to use her to fully open the gate.”
“Sami doesn’t strike me as the sort of kid who does something just because someone demands it.”
“No,” Zoe agreed. “They took one of the circus workers too. They’ll use him to force her to do their bidding. She won’t be able to stand him being tortured.”
Horrified realization washed over Izzy’s face. “Oh, no. Who did they take?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Luke. He was with her when they came.”
“Luke is strong.” Izzy shot me a reassuring smile. “He can hold on until you get to him.”
“We’re going now.” Zoe was determined as she stood. “Is that everything you can give us?”
“Pretty much,” Izzy confirmed. “I wish I was there to help you. I know these people, Zoe. They’re strong ... and stalwart ... and they can provide you the magic you need to do whatever needs to be done.”
“I know.” Zoe managed a weak smile. “I’m going to get my kid now. We’ll be in touch when we have her back.”
“Good luck.” Paris shot Zoe a thumbs-up. “Try not to burn the world down when you’re getting her.”
“No promises.”
WE LEFT KADE’S security detail behind to guard the others. Our group was committed to fight to the last breath to reclaim Luke and Sami. That was the only thing that mattered.
Zoe led the way, her hands in constant movement at her sides. She continuously stretched her fingers and then clenched them into fists over and over. Beside her, Aric was silent. He looked lost in thought and I couldn’t help but wonder if he was more worried about his child or what his wife would do to get her back.
“She’ll be fine,” Max noted as he fell into step with me. “She’s fought many battles. Her exploits are famous. She’ll get Sami back.”
“And Luke,” I added.
“And Luke.” He smiled at me. “Zoe Lake-Winters is a force to be reckoned with.”
That both soothed and frazzled me if I thought too hard about it. “She’ll slaughter them all.”
“She will.” He was calm, his tone even. “Do you think she shouldn’t?”
“No. These people are dangerous. I just don’t usually encourage this sort of thing. We mostly try to take a more measured approach.” I cast him a sidelong look. “You only go into battle with us if you think we’re facing insurmountable odds.”
“That’s not true.” He shook his head and made a tsking sound with his tongue. “I know that you’re more than capable in battle.”
“But?” I prodded.
“But ... there is a child at stake, and that child is important to the magical community. Whatever Zoe has done, I look for Sami to do more. She’s a bridge between multiple worlds.”
“She charmed you,” I said.
He laughed. “She is a delightful little thing. She’s mouthy, determined, and even bratty under the right circumstances. Her parents have raised an absolutely marvelous young woman. I look forward to seeing what she does in the future ... and there will be a future.”
He sounded so sure of himself it dulled the edge of my growing fear. “This is going to be an absolute massacre.”
“Without a doubt. But I have faith we will come out on the winning side. You must have faith too.”
It didn’t take long to reach our destination. Zoe and I had marked the location in our minds thanks to a huge willow tree at the water’s edge.
“You,” Zoe said, jabbing her finger at Naida. “You can control the weather.”
Naida nodded. “That’s me. What do you have in mind?”
“I want a big storm.”
Naida looked up to the clear skies.
“That could affect Cole’s fire magic,” I noted.
“Not once we’re inside their little bunker,” Zoe replied. “I can’t feel Sami. It’s as if she’s right at the edge of my mind, but we’re not able to connect like we normally can. They’ve warded the bunker. We can’t open the door. We need them to do it.”
My brow furrowed. “And you think Naida can make that happen?”
Zoe’s mouth formed into a tight, grim line. “She’s going to bring down the lightning.”
My eyes widened. “Won’t that hurt Sami and Luke?”
“We don’t have a choice. We can’t spend the entire night out here trying to get through that door. That will alert them to our presence and allow them to use Sami and Luke against us.”
What she said made sense on the surface. “Okay. What do you want us to do?”
“Back up.” Zoe raised her hands and then created a huge magic circle to surround the location of the door, invisible from our vantage point. “I want everyone outside the line.” She gave Aric a little shove. “That includes you.”
He hesitated. “Zoe, I want to be with you.”
“You are with me.” She tapped the spot above her heart. “I need you not to get electrocuted. The second we hit that door I’m going down. I know you’ll be behind me. I want my face to be the first one Sami sees.”
He nodded, reluctant. “I love you.” He leaned forward and gave her a kiss. “Try not to let the book take control.”
She nodd
ed. “I’ve got this.”
He moved behind the line, positioning himself next to Kade and me. “This will be loud,” he said as Naida stood shoulder to shoulder with Zoe. “My wife doesn’t do anything quietly. She always goes for the big bang.”
That made me smile. “It’s warranted this time.”
Naida met Zoe’s gaze and then threw her fingers into the air. Her magic was met almost immediately with a terrific clap of thunder. I watched the clouds roll in, the rain pouring down within seconds.
Lightning flashed in the sky as Naida concentrated. Something unsaid seemed to be occurring between her and Zoe. I braced myself as the lightning started building. Zoe’s fingers exploded with fire as she directed a bolt of lightning toward the spot where we knew the door to be.
The boom that accompanied was instantaneous, the jolt close enough that my hair started lifting thanks to the static electricity. When the lightning made contact with the door, there was a tremendous spark.
For a moment, I was convinced it hadn’t worked, that the wards somehow held off the combined magic of the world’s most terrifying mage and our taciturn pixie. Then there was a groan of metal, the sound almost female in the shrill shriek that filled the air.
Zoe used her magic to lift the door from the ground and throw it into the trees. Her eyes were on fire as she glanced toward us. “Let’s do this.” She bounded down the stairs, disappearing from view in an instant.
Nellie issued our war cry. “Let’s kick some ass!”
We descended. Luke and Sami were waiting. There was no stopping us from rescuing them.
28
Twenty-Eight
It was a struggle to keep up with Zoe. The prospect of rescuing her daughter made her downright terrifying.
“Where is she?” Zoe had her hand around one of the cult member’s throats when I reached the basement. Nellie, brandishing the hatchet, had two more trapped in a corner. He was waiting for Zoe to give him the go-ahead.
The man facing off with Zoe sputtered in response. He made an unsuccessful attempt to dislodge her hand from his throat.
Mystic Caravan 11 - Freaky Mage Page 26
