I was so tired…
Suddenly I found one more lightning sword, small yet bright and packed with magic. I held onto it, but I was so tired, and my body hurt.
I dropped my entire body to a kneel. This was it. I could not find the will to get up again.
I waited for Lou to settle himself and give me my final blow. I could not go on any longer. But I would take him out with me. I just had to be sure this one and only sword of lightning would find purchase in his flesh.
I cried out to Jasper, I love you. It sounded like the sound of my soul dying.
I heard Lou’s footsteps squishing through the wet grass as he came closer. I let out a breath.
Please forgive me, my love. I couldn’t tell you before, but this is who I am now. I became the Lightning Witch. And this is my curse. You will all be safe. That is all that matters to me.
I could hear Lou mocking, me like he was relishing each moment before he took my life. I didn’t listen to his words.
He was just indulging in loss of life, relishing in a murder of another witch.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Suddenly I felt a firm hand on my shoulder.
I winced, waiting for the moment Lou and I would kill each other.
I could smell fresh wood and musk.
I felt the hand slide under the crook of my arm and lift me up to my feet. I rolled my head back on my shoulder to face him head-on.
It was Jasper.
I sank into his strong arms with relief. I smiled weakly at him, and a tear escaped my eye and fell on his shirt. Jasper, my love—no. You have to save yourself.
That is exactly what I am doing here, Nicole.
I looked down at what he was carrying in his free hand. It was the nickel-plated axe that Duke had made for him, beautifully etched with divine symbols and drawings of the language of God and the universe.
Worry and fear clouded me then as I began to struggle against him. There was no way this homemade tool could protect my Jasper against Lou! But he held me too tight; I could not release myself.
He smiled his Jasper smile at me. You didn’t think you would get to have all the fun, did you, Bubs?
My jaw dropped then, incredulous. I stared up at him, wide eyed. Did he think this was a game? Why was he joking around? Jasper, this is my sacrifice. It is the only way to end Lou and save everyone I love. It is my burden, I thought.
Just trust me, Nic. You have fought this battle alone long enough. It’s time I let him know to leave my wife the hell alone.
He opened my hand gently, peeling back my bleeding fingers, which held tightly to the last sword I had in me. He took it out and fixed its jagged, glowing edge to the business side of the axe. Then he closed my hand up and kissed it lightly. He moved away from me as his free hand puffed out a burning-hot flame. He bathed the axe with its flame until it caught.
He looked back at me with soft eyes.
No matter what happened, Nic, you’ve always been my girl, and you always will be. Never will I let you go without me to follow.
My throat caught, and tears streamed down my face, mixing in with the rain. I fell to my knees. I was panicking. I screamed at him to not go any further. This couldn’t be happening!
He peeled his gaze off of me and looked toward Lou while gently pushing me behind him with his free hand.
Lou was still brushing off his body and shaking off the assault. He was totally distracted in the activity while pawing at the bats that furiously cluttered the air around him.
I heard a giggle. Piper was hiding by the small pond. She had sent off a distraction spell, and it had worked! Lou didn’t even notice Jasper coming.
He thought he had all of the time in the world.
It was all the time Jasper needed.
Jasper came like a vengeance from hell. He leapt in the air with the axe high over his head and came down hard. The broad blade dug down into Lou’s neck at an angle and made its way far into his chest cavity, almost dividing him, before it lodged itself there permanently.
Lou stopped and stood looking down at himself. He blinked a few times, checking to see if the chopper was real. I froze. I was too scared that this moment may prove to be another false hope.
Lou staggered, and he tripped back, catching himself before he finally fell to his ass. His legs splayed out in front of him, black blood pouring in massive pints down his clothes onto the ground. Strange, weak sounds emitted from his throat. He could not speak. His eyes were wild and unseeing, his arms out as if asking for a hug as the lightning fired white light inside of him.
Jasper walked over to Lou casually. He kicked at Lou’s feet and then used a glowing hand to hold up his head. Lou’s eyes were in disbelief.
He let it fall.
Jasper took a knee in front of him and looked him over. “Well, well.” He shook his head. “Guess you didn’t see that one coming, hey, Lou?”
Lou just gurgled.
Jasper stood and began to glow red, like the scorching embers at the base of a strong fire. An orange haze or aura sparked the edges of his person. I had never seen Jasper in this state before, or his power physically taking over him to this extent. It was beautiful—the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.
Lou twisted and tried to reach for him. Even in his decrepit state, he longed to own Jasper’s power.
Insatiable.
“My only regret here, Lou, is that I didn’t do this sooner.” Jasper stood and brushed his hands. “Don’t you ever come near my wife or family again, you sick son of a bitch.”
Jasper flicked his wrist so fast at him that I almost missed the spark that flew from his fingers to Lou’s center. The flames grew scorching and hungrily swept over Lou’s pathetic limbs in no time at all. The smoke was black and unearthly. Shrill screams rose from the fire that burned orange and white. I began backing away, feeling the heat was too much—not to mention the horrid smell that I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to get out of my nose.
A fire was born and grew between us. We fostered it and carried it to its path. We nurtured the small flames as the fire spoke, struggling not to die. The flames tardily crept along the wood and all its incantations that were called out like a thousand childless mothers crying to the heavens.
A portal opened from the cluster of sparks, like fireflies becoming visible in the fog, blending back in so deeply that the two were indistinguishable.
Lou let out a horrible, roaring screech that went on until his breath finally ran out in his ravaged body. He tossed and turned in the tortuous flames that hungrily ate away all he was. The fire was violent and hot as it reached the sweet center it was looking for and feasted on the evil inside.
Lou and all of his malevolent vitality had been reduced to a stinking, smouldering ash that was sucked away into the portal before it closed its mouth and disappeared.
Chapter Forty
That was it!
It was over!
Jasper had stopped the curse, and I didn’t have to give my life after all!
I was in shock. I was having a hard time believing this was happening.
When we knew it was safe, I sat up just in time to feel Jasper’s arms wrapping around me ever so tightly. His skin was still warm with the afterglow of his element. He leaned his cheek against my head, my cheek on his chest, hearing that familiar and steady ba-bump of his heart. We breathed hard from the exertion and relief as the adrenaline slowly receded in our bodies. How close we had come to losing that battle was frightening. We needed a moment to collect ourselves and absorb everything. A chance to feel the freedom, to say that it was all okay.
“Nic?” Jasper whispered.
“Yes, Bubs?” I answered.
“Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help, okay? I’ve got you.”
Yes. Yes, you do.
Lou was gone, and with him had gone the strong, toxic connection we’d had. It had been evil, but he still somehow had tied himself to me to suck my life out and call it his own.
J
asper was quiet and contemplative now. I knew use of one’s elements was taxing work, but now I could see why he had kept this talent to himself. I could still feel the embers of it glowing in my heart; forever and always it would be on the ready. I prayed we would never have such a reason to use these talents again. What a feat to hush them day in and day out. It must have scared him to his core, the capabilities of it and the danger that came along with it. He had saved all of us by releasing its contents and becoming what he feared. But in the end, when needed most, he had been able to control it, to harness its power, to enslave it for good use. I was beyond proud of him.
Thank God for you.
It was the strength of my element and his joining on that blade made by Duke and Theo, fighting off an evil together, being stronger together.
I sat next to him and looked lovingly at him. He looked up at me between the fringes of blond hair and gave a sheepish smile. I tucked the loose strands behind his ear and gave him a peck. He playfully flicked our heartstring, which was glowing bright and free. It may have feathered, and may even have been hurt, but in the end, the heartstring tethered between Jasper and I had proven unbreakable.
We assessed the surroundings. Our gardens were badly damaged once again but would make for a good project. The trees were bent in lethargy to what they had witnessed earlier that evening. Some sculptures and fountains lay as nothing more than crushed stone and rubble on the ground.
Then we heard the strangest sound.
We saw faint rustles in the bushes.
Jasper and I immediately assumed our ready positions as we waited for whatever it was to come out and make itself known.
Duke and Theo were groaning like animals, slowly coming to from where they rested in the tangles of trees and vines that Lou had thrown Theo into. Theo fell out of the tree and conveniently landed right next to Duke. They were half conscious, slapping at each other and mumbling vulgarities to each other. Jasper and I looked at each other with a grimace, and then with a laugh, decided to let them hang out awhile.
It felt good to laugh with him again.
Jasper tried to slow his heart rate from the surprise with a hand over his heart. “I need a drink,” he said breathlessly.
Totally agreed.
Chapter Forty-One
We stumbled into the house, incredulous with victory. Jasper called out, “The demon has left the building!”
No answer.
He called out again. “Hayden! Duke and Theo are out in the garden but are okay. Could use a thorough examination. If you have forklift, that is.”
Hayden was running from room to room and then stopped when she saw me. She motioned to me to see if I was okay, and I waved her off. My injuries were superficial, to my knowledge, and could wait. The eyeball I got in return told me she would inspect Jasper and me later—no questions.
But that could all wait for now.
We followed her into the kitchen. She did a quick and painless check of Joel’s neck, and with a look of pride in her work, she slowly drifted away to attend her other patients.
Hayden had earlier suspended Joel lengthwise above the table filled with a variety of herbs and ointments. Gold and silver strands wound themselves around him, repairing what was broken and soothing whatever ached. Tracey sat on a stool with her head in her hands, mouthing soundless words of what I guessed was a prayer.
I put my hand on her shoulder, and she stood up to hug me, relieved the horror story was over. The wound on her cheek from Lou’s sharp nail was sewn expertly with a spell and thread. It glittered as it worked away to heal the broken skin.
“You should have let me help you, Nic.” She chastised me.
“I know, Trace, but I couldn’t risk you getting hurt too.” I held her closer before we separated.
“Is he truly dead?” Tracey asked with dread in her eyes.
“Obliterated; I promise, Trace,” Jasper answered, pulling her in for a hug. “How’s the man?” We all looked at Joel, who looked to be resting peacefully.
“He’s alive.” Tracey nodded with her lips pressed firmly together. “That’s what is important. Hayden said she can fix him. It will take some time, and he may recover fully, but there is always a chance he may not—” Her words broke in her mouth.
Jasper and I looked at each other. We knew what Hayden had told Tracey as I watched Joel’s floating body. Joel would live, but he may not walk again. Only time, along with the inner strength of his being, would tell if he would stand and walk again.
I hugged Tracey again and let her cry. Jasper rubbed her back and went over to sit at the chair next to where Joel floated. He touched his hand and began muttering some words under his breath. I sprinkled some of my seeds into the swirling vines that surrounded him to give hope and strength to build his body whole again. I saw the corner of Joel’s mouth rise in an attempt at a grimace so slightly that I almost missed it. Tracey smiled with gratitude.
“Listen, Trace: whatever happens, we will take care of him. We will never let you two do this on your own. We are a family,” I said reassuringly. “He fought well. He was brave and strong then, and he will be brave and strong now. He will be up to his old tricks in no time.”
Tracey nodded, absently brushing a fallen tear from her good cheek, and got back to assisting his recovery.
I walked over to Hayden, who was busy with Hunter. I sat beside him and wrapped my fingers around his enormous paw. He whimpered at my touch, letting me know he knew I was there.
“It’s okay, buddy. I’m here now. We won! You did such a good job. I love you so much.”
He licked my hand lazily, then laid back and closed his eyes tightly. His side rose and fell sluggishly with his strained breathing. He was in so much pain, coughing and sputtering. I tried to don my brave face, but I could not.
I looked up at Hayden, who was wiping sweat from her brow as she threaded stitches expertly with her enchanted needles, for some kind of reassurance or guidance. Her face was a knot of worry and grief. Blood had stained her apron—a lot of blood. Hunter’s blood. She slowed down and then put her hands to her side. She looked at me then.
She shook her head.
She had done everything she could.
The battle had taken more out of him than he had to give.
The sacrifice.
My heart leapt and fell to the bottom of my body at this. I stood and leaned over Hunter, pushing his mane back so I could see his eyes, one hand grasped around his paw. His eyes were the same cloudy blue but now seemed further away. Panic consumed me.
No. No. This could not be! Not Hunter! Not my Hunter!
“Hunter! Hunter, no! Don’t you go anywhere, okay, buddy?” I pleaded as the tears took over. I could feel hands on my arms and back, pulling me gently. But no—I couldn’t leave him. I pushed them away. I put my face on his, his nose in my eye, our breaths mixing until a gentle puff settled on my face—and then no more. His body was unmoving as I pulled on his fur. I hollered at him, praying he would hear my voice wherever he had gone and would return. I grasped him with all of my might, unyielding to the people who thought it was best for me to just let go. I could never let him go.
I wasn’t ready to say good-bye to anyone yet—especially him.
I would not let him be the sacrifice. Hunter was innocent here. Hunter did not deserve to die for my sins, for my curse.
All those wonderful times we’d had, growing up together and sleeping side by side every night. Running along the banks of the river, camping under the stars.
When I got sick, you were there; when you got sick, I took care of you. When I was being attacked by a demon, you saved me. I could not fathom that Lou, even in death, had taken another piece of me away. Hunter’s fur was drenched with my tears as I buried my face there, and my heart broke in pieces. I didn’t want this sick feeling that was drowning everything out. It swallowed the room, and nothing made any sense. I didn’t want any of this. I didn’t want to be the damn Lightning Witch. I just wanted Hunter
back. I had never wanted anything as much as I wanted him to come back, right now, at this moment.
You followed me everywhere, always tracing your paws around the steps I took.
I took hold of his collar in that moment. I held it tightly, trying to take in the imprint of his name on something other than my heart. Hunter.
The loss was so profound, cutting me so deeply and embedding a world of pain with it, that I couldn’t breathe through it. The sobs roared out of me, breaking the atmosphere with my sorrow.
Jasper was holding me now. I won’t let go. I’m here. Let it come.
Oh, Jasper. Our sweet boy.
You took my heart and ran with it; take it forever, my boy. I will need it no longer if you are gone. My mind ran as fast as Hunter ever had, trying to capture these fading memories that were threatening to go with him and were now all I had. I needed them too. I remembered his soft puffy head, how he would howl for me when I was only within feet, scratching my legs, begging for me when I was so close but so far in my sickness.
Fuck you, Lou.
My sorrow screamed out in a hollow sound that carried through the mountain range and would echo for eternity. Had anyone ever felt this kind of grief?
I began to sob uncontrollably as panic wrapped its cold arms around me. I screamed from the pit of myself, from what deep, deep roots sorrow sprouted from.
Any girl in this world who swore by dolls or dresses, by diamonds or tea parties—any woman who lived for lipstick and rings, even yachts or rich handsome men—they could have it. But what I swore by was the love of an animal in my life. None of those females would have sworn by any of their bullshit ever again if they had shared their life with a dog.
When I was a child, you were my best friend. This life has been too short, all of a sudden, and now we have grown old and our time has come to an end. You are the other part of me that I never knew I was losing until you were gone. Now I am not sure if I can go on.
Everyone finally let me alone, having fought them off, and I sat there crying inconsolably on his body, all alone. I sat there holding him, his collar tight in the fist of my hand, and I built a bridge over his body with mine, his paw against my palm, his fur brushing my face. The sun began to rise slowly above the mountains and sent streams of light into the greenhouse to bring a blasted new day that I could not have cared less about if I couldn’t share it with Hunter.
The Lightning Witch Page 18
