“I’m not going to end up like her.” I wasn’t sure who needed convincing most—him, or me.
He went on to ask, “So, what does this have to do with information about your father? Who was he?”
“Well, that’s where the story gets interesting.”
His eyebrows perked up.
“Once again, according to Alexa, that wasn’t my father who she pushed off the cliff.”
“Then who was he?”
“He was Alexa’s father. Seems Ma Jasmine had an affair.” It was painful to even think of her as my own flesh and blood anymore.
His shoulders slouched, and his eyes turned from fear to sympathy. He pulled me close again. “I’m so sorry.”
I let him hold me for a minute while I breathed in his familiar scent.
“I’ll help you find him if you want,” he said softly.
I nodded and patted his chest. “I’ll think about it.” I had not decided yet whether I was curious enough about him to track him down. After everything that had happened, then learning about the affair, I couldn’t imagine that what I found would be good.
On the other hand, if there was someone out there who shared my bloodline… nah. No sense in daydreaming of a father I never had. Knowing my mother, he was probably some loser witch who got dispelled from the coven because of petty crimes. No, trying to have a relationship with a man who could have an affair with a married woman wasn't my idea of a healthy father-daughter relationship.
“Alexa told me that I was destined to become a Healer thanks to my mother’s deceit.”
Spratlin nodded. “That’s part of it.”
Part? I was afraid to ask, but did so anyway. “What’s the other part?”
He didn’t answer right away, which scared me, and I didn’t scare easily. All sorts of wild things rushed through my mind. Maybe something bad happened to my mother during the pregnancy, or maybe a hex was put on me at birth.
My eyes were fierce when I looked up at him. “Tell me.”
“Who your father is has a lot to do with why some folks call it Death Cheating.”
Alexa referred to my Healer ability by that name, too. Had Ravencrest Coven hidden the real truth about what I am? I never did trust them, always wanting to use me for my death cheating ways. But if they lied about what it really means to be a Healer, I would make them pay.
“And now she may have it, too.” We still didn’t know how much of my ability Alexa had. Ever since she tried to steal my Healer ability using a dark magic ritual, she's been MIA. She probably thinks I'll kill her if I see her. Good. I hope the thought of me scares the shit out of her.
“Are you going after her?”
“I have a feeling that in order for me to truly destroy her, I need to learn more about my paternal lineage.”
“And you think this Malek guy is the key?”
I didn't have an answer for him. I didn't know. All I had to go on was the man’s tease that his job would lead me to information about my father. Who the hell knew what that meant.
Spratlin noticed the books on my bedside table. There were books on everything from the history of magic to how to perform practical and complex magic. There was even one about dark magic. “Little light reading before bed?”
I tried to hide my embarrassment. “I have no interest in dark magic other than understanding what it’s capable of.”
“No, it’s fine. You should study everything you can. I'm proud of you for tackling this head on.”
I shrugged. Those who are ignorant to history are doomed to repeat it. And all that jazz. I was now even more tired and ready to call it a night. I slipped under the covers and patted the bed beside me.
Spratlin crawled in bed, and I rolled over to lay my head on his chest. Sleep was beckoning, but there was one nagging question on my mind. I wouldn’t sleep until I knew.
“You said my death cheating ability has a lot to do with him. So, what is he? My father. Some level fifty Archmage?”
I didn't have to look up at him to know the seriousness in his reply. I could feel the fear as his body tensed.
“Something far more powerful.”
3
I wasn’t about to let Spratlin’s warning about my father scare me, so I spent a good chunk of the next day at the Council library researching magic and all that came with it. There were books on ranks and all the rules the Council had set forth and even copies of the textbooks used in Blackwood’s schools. The book on demons and otherworldly magical creatures was interesting and would provide many a nightmare-filled night, however, the book I really needed wasn’t there. No, that book wasn’t proudly displayed on public library shelves.
Assuming that the library didn’t have a basement full of dark magic spell books and books with all the magic world’s dirty secrets, I went to a source who had lived through the city’s darkest times.
Mrs. G survived the Blackwood Massacre and was instrumental enough in the outcome to be voted Honorary High Wizard. She was more like an advisor than a voting Council member, but she was also someone who knew the Council and Blackwood’s dirty secrets. She was also my next door neighbor and friend.
She greeted me with the usual glass of freshly made sweet iced tea and a warm hug. “So good to see you, dear! Please sit and tell me how things are going. You’ve been mighty busy.”
It was true. We hadn’t talked in several weeks. I’d love to tell her it was because the store was keeping me busy, but I didn’t want to lie to her. Besides, she’d see right through me if I tried.
“Things have been a little slow since school started. I’ve been keeping busy by taking odd jobs for people around town.”
“Well, that’s wonderful that you’re using your new status to your advantage.”
“Yeah, I just hope I’m not getting the reputation of the town’s rat exterminator.”
Mrs. G retrieved the warm sopapillas from the stove and set them on the table in front of me. Visiting Mrs. G’s house was like visiting grandma. She always had food, drink, and a welcoming smile. We sat in silence as we enjoyed our tasty treats. I used that time to decide just how much information I was willing to share with her before I asked my request.
“I need a favor, but you can’t ask too many questions.”
“Are you in some kind of trouble, dear?”
Mrs. G worried about me, but she also knew I was still going through a difficult time in my life since becoming a witch and there was much I still needed to learn.
“Not today.”
“You shouldn't joke about such things.”
Mrs. G didn’t appreciate my flair for the sarcastic.
“I’ve been offered a job finding a missing relic. Apparently it’s worth a lot of money.”
“Sounds dangerous.”
“You’d be proud of me. Before I take the job, I want to read up on more history, research any relics that may have changed hands over the years.”
She gave me that familiar look—glaring at me over the top rim of her glasses. “You want access to my private library.”
I held up my hands and smiled. “Bingo!”
“I had a feeling letting that slip would come back to haunt me.”
I wouldn’t stop grinning. I knew she couldn’t resist me. Hey, it was her fault for telling me about it. When Gaylin was researching the magic spell that Alexa used to steal part of my Healer ability, she went to Mrs. G for help. Turned out, Mrs. G didn't even need the scans of the necromancy book that Gaylin gave her. Mrs. G had her own full version of the book. She still hasn’t admitted how she got it.
“Fine. You can have access to my library,” then she pointed at me and continued, “but nothing leaves that room. Do you understand?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said trying to contain my excitement.
“Of course, you’ll have to clear it out. Last time I went down there it was filled with cellar rats.”
My expression fell from a childish giddy grin to that of a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me look
of defeat.
Mrs. G wasn’t kidding about the demon rats overtaking her cellar. Just like at Mrs. Hanley’s, packs of them rushed at me until I found the Hell Hole source. The fact that it had now happened twice in as many days did not escape me. Was it a coincidence, or was there a connection? Lucky for me, I didn’t believe in coincidence and filed that thought away for the time being.
Her cellar didn’t look like a cellar at all. The floor was stone, not dirt, and the walls were decorated with lighting fixtures throughout. It was obvious this was a place that Mrs. G used often. I had only really known her for a few months, but she had an uncanny ability to surprise me with some new information just when I needed it most.
Take for example, the existence of her secret library. I had been in her house a dozen times and never knew she even had a cellar, much less that it was a fully stocked library. It was only a few months ago, when I was battling my demented half-sister over the life of an innocent girl, that Mrs. G let slip that she had a copy of the same necromancy book that we were researching. I don’t know if she regretted the slip, but that was something I wasn’t gonna forget.
I browsed the aisles of book shelves. Her collection was even more extensive than the Council’s library. My stomach churned at the thought of information being withheld from interested students of magic. What else were they capable of hiding?
Finally, I settled on a book about magical symbols. I didn’t know what I was looking for, but I felt I should familiarize myself with as much knowledge on such things as I could. Unlike when I blast through new areas in a video game guns ‘a blazing, I didn’t want to go off half-cocked.
The symbols in the book shared a common trait—many of them had patterns that crisscrossed in angles, Greek letters, and crosses. Jeweled crosses made of bronze or gold in all shapes and sizes adorned the pages. As for the relics, they were anything from tarnished necklaces—again with cross designs—to rings, pocket watches, busts of an ancient mage, and even skulls. I said a silent prayer that I wouldn’t be looking for a skull.
I slammed another book shut. Nothing stood out to me after looking through three different books on symbols. I wasn’t sure why I was aggravated by that fact since I didn’t know what I was even looking for, but something about it was unsettling. Like I knew I’d eventually find something important.
The next book mentioned something about a wise old wizard who lived at the peak of the Black Ridge mountains. I rolled my eyes and shelved it. I grabbed another book from the shelves and plopped down in the chair again.
Page after page were photos of people I presumed to be mages from long ago. They appeared to be photos of the different coven founders. The name High Wizard Cyrus stood out from one of the photos. I immediately recognized the name from the story of the Blackwood Massacre. Cyrus looked at peace in the picture. It must have been taken before he lost his child in a senseless act of revenge.
I flipped through the book some more. None of the other names stood out to me, however when I turned another page, it wasn’t a familiar face that I recognized but a necklace. It was the same silver necklace with the black medallion that Athan Malek wore! The man, however, was not our mystery man. Under his photo was the name KELLEN and an inscription that read: IMMORTALITY - SEE LEGEND OF THE HELL HOLE.
“Hell Hole?” I said aloud. I sat down the book and scanned the spines of more books. I grabbed the one about wizardly legends and flipped to the section on Hell Holes.
Mrs. G called from upstairs. “I’ve got supper ready, dear. Would you like to join me?” The faint sound of her voice gave me an eerie feeling that reminded me of just how far into her cellar I was.
“Sounds great, Mrs. G! Be right there!”
I needed to read more about the Hell Hole legend but didn’t want to wear out my welcome. I studied the photo of Kellen and the necklace once more. Was it the same necklace or a twin? I knew she’d never let me take the books out of her library, so I pulled out my phone and snapped pictures of both pages. Whomever it was in the photo wearing the similar necklace could play a key role in the mysterious man’s request. I made note of where on the shelf both books were in case I ever needed to research them further.
As I passed the far wall of the cellar, cool air ran up my arm like small icy prickles. I ran my hand along the stone wall where I felt a draft. Between the stones was a line of broken mortar, separated from the stones next to it. I traced my fingers up along the mortar line where it finally turned right at a ninety degree angle and went a few more feet.
A doorway.
I was sure of it. A secret passage, to where, I did not know, and, unfortunately, I did not have time to explore it at that moment. Like the Hell Holes in the two cellars, I filed it away for later. Mrs. G was full of surprises, and I was most curious about what other secrets her cellar held.
4
There was a knock at the door. “Hey, Zee. Sorry to bother you, but can you take a look at this?”
Jeremy handed me an invoice and a purchase order for a supply of games. The new game, Spirit Alliance, was coming out in a month. The buzz on the street was that it would be a big seller, so we definitely needed to get a healthy supply. However, the invoice was now due for the last batch of games we ordered, and it had to be paid before we could order anything else.
On top of that, the damn electric bill was due, and thanks to extreme heat we’ve had lately, the bill was nearly double what it was last month.
I hoped the store could generate its own money to stay afloat even in the slow months so that I wouldn't have to put my own money into it. Or, rather, I wouldn't have to cut my paycheck. Our grand opening was a huge success, and I felt confident that as time went on, especially with our monthly tournaments, we'd be fine. Getting to that point was always a slog.
The five grand at home in my safe was calling to me. It would certainly help get us through the slump.
“Pay the bills and order the stock.”
“But-.”
“We need the games, right?”
“Yeah,” he said softly.
I didn't want him worrying about paying bills or if he'd get a pay cut. “Do it, please. We'll be fine.” I smiled doing my best to put his fears to rest.
Jeremy nodded. He seemed to be okay, like I'd put any fears he may have had to rest, and he went back into his usual chipper gamer mode. “Hey, I'm debuting my new fighting stick tomorrow night. Can't wait for you to see it.”
“Shit.”
“What's wrong, boss? Scared already?” he teased.
I had forgotten all about our first official store game night. We'd been advertising it for weeks. Thirty-some odd people had already confirmed, and we expected even more to show up. There was no way I could miss it. Not only would it look bad if I wasn't there, but Jeremy and Creep would have my head.
“Oh, nothing. You just reminded me I need to give Tony’s a heads up.” I covered best I could by using ordering pizza as my excuse, and then Jeremy went back to work.
I spent all day at the store taking care of various things. When I looked at my watch, it was almost forty-eight hours exactly from when I had first met with our mystery man. Malek would show up soon. I sent Jeremy upstairs early so he wouldn't be there when Mystery Man showed up.
When Spratlin arrived at the store, he gave me a kiss. “Hey, babe.”
“What did ya find out?”
Earlier, I sent a text to Spratlin with a copy of the photo of the man and the necklace asking if he had ever heard of him. He said he had not, but that he would ask around. I told him to keep it on the down low. I was curious what our mystery man had to say about it.
“Nothing. No one wanted to talk.”
“Shit. Well, that tells me enough. Either they’re telling the truth or he’s too dangerous to discuss.” I assumed the latter. “What about our mystery man?”
“No one’s ever heard of him before.”
“Do you think they’re hiding something?” I asked.
“I got
the feeling they were telling the truth.”
“An alias?”
He nodded. “Possibly.”
Before we could discuss it further, Mystery Man walked in. “Speak of the devil,” I said loud enough for only Spratlin to hear—I hoped. I checked my watch. “Very prompt, Mr. Malek.”
“Always. Ms. Adams, I expect you have an answer for me.”
I stared at him for a moment, gazing into his ice blue eyes before I answered. “What if I said I wasn’t interested?”
His laugh sent fiery chills up my spine. “Do forgive my directness, but you’d be lying, Ms. Adams. I think you are very interested.”
“Interested, or not, what if I said no?”
“You’re curious by nature; I can see that. That curiosity gives you purpose. It also burns your insides, keeps you up at night wondering what this life will bring you.”
My brow furrowed, I couldn’t hide my interest. His words pulled me in close. They had a way of making time stand still as I could do nothing but listen.
“While that is a great quality, Ms. Adams, I must warn you… You do know what they say about curiosity.”
Finally, I broke my stare. Either that, or he dropped his hypnotic hold on me. “Eh, I’m more of a dog person. If something smells bad, I just kick some dirt on that shit and leave.”
“So quick to jump to the negative. You would make a great Dark Mage.”
“And you’re quick to make accusations.”
He held up his hands. “Look, we can go round and round all night, but we both know you would only be stalling.”
“I want to ask you something, and depending on how you answer will depend on whether or not I throw you out of my store.”
“Mackenzie,” Spratlin spat. He didn’t have to say anything else. I knew what he was thinking—my mouth had a tendency to get me in trouble.
“I apologize for my directness.” See, I could do it, too. He was right, though. I could do this all night. In honor of getting to bed at a decent hour, I decided it best to go ahead with my question. I showed the mystery man the photo I found and asked, “Who is Kellen and why is he wearing your necklace?”
Rogue Witch (Daughter of Darkness Book 2) Page 2
