Blue Ruin (The Phoenix Series Book 1)

by Madison, Sophia

  His soft eyes held her gaze.

  “You don’t strike me as the typical Wilhelm.” She shot him a side-glance to catch his soundless chuckle. “You haven’t tried to kill me. Yet.”

  His eyes traced the contours of her cheeks, lingering on her exposed shoulder from the sweetheart neckline.

  “You certainly have the wandering eyes of a man, though.” With a knowing smile, she met his gaze at her waist.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  “So,” Maura smacked her lips together. “What brings me here? Adrian knows where I am. He must know I'm no longer a Collector.”

  “Yes, however, he does know you can access certain files.”

  She rolled her eyes. Of course, he wanted the Leroux file.

  Claus poured another drink. He wrapped his hands around her fingers while she held the glass out for him. “I lived with my father, unlike Adrian and Julian, who stayed with my mother until her death.”

  She raised an eyebrow at the abrupt change in topic.

  “Adrian contacted me months ago after decades apart,” he hissed from the drink. “He said it was time.”

  “Time for what?”

  His eyes turned dense and dark. The one link he had to his malicious brothers. “Time to tie up loose ends.” In one swig, he finished his drink and cocked his head toward the dance floor. “Dance with me.”

  That'll get Adrian’s attention.

  Maura took his hand. They walked down the narrow staircase, passing a guard. Claus stopped, took the clutch bag and gave it to the cloaked figure. “I find it’s easiest to dance when your hands are free.” He patted the guard on the shoulder. “My man, Bernard, will keep it safe for you. Won’t he?”

  The cloaked head gave a subtle nod.

  “I'd prefer to keep my bag,” Maura said as Claus spun her onto the dance floor.

  “Everything you need is here.” He traced the edges of Death’s Noose.

  She slapped his hand. He knows. She became nauseated.

  He chuckled and twirled her under his arm. “Unlike Adrian, I'm not here to kill you.”

  “What are you here for?”

  “The same reason you are – to entertain my brother.”

  Bright lights skipped in the cascading water.

  Her mind waltzed with the idea that Adrian watched from the shadows. His gaze crawled under her skin and chewed at thoughts.

  “You’re nervous.” Claus’ smooth voice pulled her from her thoughts. “Your heart is racing a mile a minute.” He flipped her wrists over, his fingers pressed on her pulse.

  She tried to rip from his hold.

  “Don’t be nervous. It’ll only feed my brother,” he whispered. “He doesn't know, Maura.”

  She thought her heart had stopped as he uttered her true name.

  The lights went off. The music died. Claus’ touch disappeared. Spotlights in the surrounding pools flickered on one by one with audible clicks. She spun with each one. They turned on and angled toward the chandeliers above. Light blacked out everything past the border of the dance floor and sent sparkling glimmers into the running water that pounded into the pools.

  The band started again, low and ominous from the distance. A sharp violin introduction made her nerves jump, followed by deep drums that reverberated off of her chest.

  A figure emerged from the curtain of black the lights had created. He stalked the rim of the dance floor, weaving in and out of the dark in his black tuxedo.

  Maura traced Death’s Noose.

  All of the instruments met on the same deep chord. The organ overpowered the others with its ominous note lingering in the air. The music matched the energy that emanated from her body, surrounding them like a tangible electrical current. It sparked along her skin and latched itself to her limbs. The energy tightened and pulled at her like the strings on a puppet.

  She matched Adrian’s movements, both dancing from yards away.

  He extended his hand and stood in the smoky white light.

  Adrian wore a black tuxedo, much the same as Liam’s. Where Liam wore a tie, Adrian wore nothing, his top buttons undone. A patch of silk skin peeked through the opening of his white shirt.

  Maura hardened the Illusion further. If Claus was right, and Adrian didn't know she was Maura Leroux, she had to play along.

  She marched forward.

  Adrian’s fingers interlocked with hers, like a bear trap on an animal’s leg. His hand went to the small of her back, and he twirled them in the center. “This will go one of two ways, Ms. Hart.”

  She controlled the shudder at the use of her new name. Fucking Heidi.

  “I think we are on a first name basis at this point in our relationship.”

  A smile sprung to his face. “How very right you are, Vera.”

  The spotlights made the back of her neck hot. Warm pressure crawled up her legs, like hands gliding up her calves.

  “I must say, what a lovely dress you are wearing.”

  Adrian twirled her out, keeping her at his fingertips. Heat rolled down her shoulders. The pressure on her thighs worked to caress her waist. She spun into Adrian’s chest. The two forces collided. “Your money bought this dress,” Maura moaned. “I thought you had a proposition.”

  The Void purred in delight when against him. His aura spilled over her body. She lost focus and let her head drop back. The column of her neck now exposed, Adrian skimmed her pulsating artery, beating to the rhythm of the drums.

  Adrian placed a light kiss on her skin. “Delectable, Ms. Hart,” he cooed. “Honey. Just like my Heidi.”

  Maura tried to look into the distance, past the depthless black that surrounded them, to concentrate on a face other than Adrian’s. She needed a focal point, someplace where she could harness her energy, reestablish a Shield around The Void, and make it out alive.

  She attempted to reform the block Adrian had shattered with a mere touch. The Void grew angry at her resistance. It screamed out from within her chest. Her limbs shook from the strain, her eyes squeezing tight to capture the sound of the band over Adrian’s tangible aura. It tickled her skin, spoke words like whispering children, and implored her to release the chains binding The Void.

  Adrian tightened his hold, pressing their waists together. “You must do something for me, Vera.”

  She raised her head from his shoulder.

  He placed his fingers under her chin. Blue vortexes looked back, chaotic and unreadable. They pulled her into submission, bringing a breathless word to her lips, “Anything.”

  He smiled.

  Lights flickered on. Maura shielded her eyes to find they were on stage beside the now quiet band. Adrian pushed her to her knees to face the developing crowd. He held her firmly by the back of the neck.

  Maura caught Liam’s face in the sea of people crowding the bar. He moved through the chattering Mystics to the railing. His flushed face, wide eyes, and pursed lips spoke volumes. Fuck.

  Adrian snapped her neck straight with a hard pinch. “Sing for me, Siren.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two: Siren's Song

  Maura tensed as Heidi strutted to where Liam stood at the bar. Her lips turned into a devilish smile. Her tight red, glittery dress hugged her envious curves. The sharp V-neck collar left little to the imagination. She flicked her platinum blonde hair over her shoulder with her perfectly manicured red nails. Heidi arched an eyebrow as if daring not to comply with Adrian's demands. The tips of her fangs grazed her plump, red lips. Her smile widened, raising a hand to Liam's shoulder.

  Fucking bitch.

  Maura closed her eyes and began humming a single note. Her lips parted. The Void stirred at the harmonious sound and screamed within its restraints.

  Adrian's Shield tickled Maura’s bare legs, releasing the pungent scent of electricity.

  She sang a progression of high chords. Power rushed through her veins, and The Void expanded. Somewhere, deep within, The Void sang. It swayed with the rhythmic hum of the wordless song, added a layer of softness to her
voice, and lulled her into an almost hypnotic state.

  Maura opened her eyes to find the crowd had neared closer. People once on the balconies trickled onto the dance floor. The bar spilled onto the staircases at either end, leaving Heidi alone on the level above.

  Everyone's faces blurred together.

  Another power competed with her song. It tugged on the notes of the melody and traced them back to her vocal chords. The stinging heat strangled her song with a quick pinch. It tightened enough to let her know it was there, but not enough to halt the flow of her magic. She knew Adrian's efforts were willfully weak. He wanted to test her strength. She sang until the sting turned to fire.

  Adrian's magic strengthened. She started a choking fit and could almost hear his chuckle over the abrupt murmurs from people resurfacing from the spell.

  Maura fell to all fours and choked down unneeded air, feigning a struggle to recompose.

  Adrian yanked her by the hair. “You are going to assist me.”

  “Oh, really?” she mumbled.

  Adrian led her down a long corridor, lit with candles that flickered in the cold draft. He opened a wooden door and pushed her inside.

  Maura sat in a dome-shaped room. High arches created a boxed center within the circle. Curtains hung from the archways, red and thick. Bottles of wine sat on wood coffee tables between two velvet couches that faced each other. The guard handed over her purse, and she retrieved a cigarette and lit it.

  Adrian brought two wine glasses over, sat on the opposite couch, and poured red wine for each of them. “I thought we could discuss my proposition over drinks.” He handed over a glass. “I will refrain from using Allure. However, remember who is in control here.”

  “The anticipation is killing me,” Maura said dryly before taking a sip.

  “It is not the only thing that will kill you, Ms. Hart.”

  She set the glass down. “En–”

  “Enlighten you?” Adrian smirked. “Yes, very well.” He leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees, his glass loose in his grasp. “After conducting the investigation regarding Henry Bach, The Keep will charge you with his murder. This lessens my fun.” He sat back, an amused smile lighting his eyes. “I will not have the pleasure of killing you if you do not comply with my request.”

  “You have my sympathy.” She took a long puff.

  Adrian adjusted in his seat, holding the side of his head in wonder.

  Maura chugged the drink, hissing, and looked into the empty glass. “That vodka your brother gave me tasted much better.”

  “Bernard, fetch Ms. Hart her choice drink.”

  A cold draft snuck in when the door opened and brought an eerie stillness with it. The room went quiet at the sound of the door shutting. Neither Adrian nor Maura moved an inch. Bernard's heavy footsteps fell into the distance. Their eyes remained locked.

  Maura tasted the tension with each deep breath in. It sparked on her skin, wet with cold perspiration that she quickly burned away with a warming charm. She examined every crevice of the room, noted each object that could become a potential weapon, and rerouted an escape countless times.

  “I want this to be a civil conversation, Vera. Do not make me have to hurt you.” The tension exploded with a tangible shock wave.

  “Cut to the chase.” She stretched her arms along the back of the couch and flicked the cigarette butt to the stone floor. “Tell me about how you framed me, how The Keep will sentence me to death, and how you play a role in not having that happen.” She waited for Adrian's response. “Let's have this civil conversation.”

  Adrian poured himself another drink. “You will infiltrate The Keep. In return, your criminal record will be erased.”

  “Spiffy plan, Adrian. One problem,” she hiccuped. “You're asking for help from a ghost.”

  “I am well aware,” he grinned. “Though, I am not asking you to swipe your voided identification card. I am asking you to use your gift as a Siren to bypass the levels of security so I can get in. You will grant me access to restricted files.”

  She took a long sip of wine. “What's wrong with Heidi? She doesn't want to break a nail?”

  “Heidi hasn't been granted access to such files. And while she can easily charm her way into the records department, I cannot risk having her caught.”

  Maura exhaled, blowing smoke rings across the table. “Your money can't buy the file?”

  Adrian smirked. “Aegis guards the restricted files. They aren't as easily paid off.”

  “So, your plan is for us to walk into The Keep, I'll charm the guards to get us in, enter the code into the records department, and then you'll get the files.” She coughed. “Is asking me to get the Leroux file too much?”

  “You want me to believe you will provide me with the true record?” His sly smile became skewed behind the glass at his lips. “She's killed my brother. I cannot allow her to slip through the cracks because of you.”

  She shrugged. “If I knew my life hung in the balance, maybe I wouldn't be an asshole and give you a fake file and disappear.”

  Adrian sighed and fixed his collar. “You haven't asked me anything.”

  “What am I supposed to ask?”

  He swirled the wine in his glass. “Any other being would question my intentions for wanting the Leroux file.”

  “Not everyone has been hunting you for a decade.” Maura drank a large swig of wine, the burn trickling into her chest. “I was the lead investigator on your case. I know everything.”

  “Yes, I suppose you do.” He set his glass on the table. “Unfortunately, I know little about you, Ms. Vera Hart.” He rose from his couch and sat beside her.

  Maura tensed and then relaxed with a quick inhale. “I'd prefer to keep it that way.”

  Adrian flashed a pearly white smile. “Seeing as we will be working together, I'd like to get to know you,” he said, his breath rolling down her chest. His Allure washed over her. He inched closer, his fingers grazing her arm, his knee touching hers.

  “We aren't working together,” she growled.

  “I'm confident you will comply.” Adrian brushed loose hair from her eyes and smiled wide. His fingers explored the bend of her cheek, trailed the column of her neck, and circled to rest beneath her chin. His touch tingled. A pleasurable shudder slithered down her spine. Adrian’s Allure had her head over heels without effort. A mere touch brought a swell of lost emotions.

  “Where are you originally from?” he asked.

  Maura shuddered at the aura of his power. It tumbled off of him in waves, threatening to pull her under. His heat warmed her blood, and she breathed him in deep. Pine needle whirled in her head. The once slumbering Void expanded. It rippled under her skin, bringing goosebumps to the surface.

  “Here.” Her fingers crawled to the crook of his elbow, hesitant to go much further. Her heart palpated, and she grew nervous. She couldn’t breathe through the swarm of butterflies. Words dissipated on her tongue like a cube of sugar, leaving behind sweet silence.

  Their gazes locked, and he inched forward.

  The darkness rumbled, another shudder coursing through her.

  His smile widened. “You cannot lie to me, Vera.”

  Her skin flushed red-hot.

  “Your Signet isn't exposed like these newer beings,” he said, his fingers crawling to her waist. “That leaves only one other place.”

  Maura swallowed the acid building in her throat with a grunt and put a hand on his chest. “Adrian,” she leaned away from his touch.

  His hands came to the sides of her neck.

  Her body gave away her desire. She slid her hands along his arms, moving to his chest.

  “I lived in Abysm for a short time,” she stammered.

  His lips hovered centimeters away. Their shadow against hers was a presence of its own. She tasted his metallic kiss on her lips. She felt the ghostly pressure of his mouth on hers, and the way her body caved into his. She moaned, knotting her fingers with his collar.

  H
is chuckle floated between their parted lips.

  Kiss me.

  “Wouldn't you like to see it once again?” he cooed.

  Maura, Liam’s voice barreled through her mind, tearing into the effects of Adrian’s Allure. Focus, he said to her.

  She shoved Adrian back.

  In a blur, he lunged, knocking over glasses with a shattering crash. They rolled over the back of the couch.

  Maura propelled a Shield.

  Adrian plunged his hands through the Shield and pinned her wrists. He squeezed her knees together with his legs. Audible cracks silenced the fight. Lightning bolts shot up her legs. Her toes tingled with painful numbness. She bit back a scream. Blood filled her mouth from clamping down on her tongue.

  “Are we clear on who is in control?” Adrian tightened his hold. Pointed fangs dripped venom along the bend of her collarbone and sizzled. “Or must I clarify further?”

  She spat the blood at his face.

  Adrian growled and lunged at her neck. He bit down, repelled by a three thousand volt electricity spell. Adrian stilled. His bite stiffened. 0Maura flung him off and dragged herself to the door. Each ripple in the stone aggravated her shattered legs.

  The door swung open, and Bernard stood with the bottle of vodka.

  Adrian spoke from behind, grunting with each syllable. “An Elixir, Bernard, retrieve one for me.”

  Bernard turned to leave. Maura caught the loose fabric of his cloak and pulled. “Leave the bottle.”

  He stared for a long moment, then handed it over with hesitation.

  “Good man,” she said, and sat against the wall.

  Adrian wiped the blood from his face with a black handkerchief, muttering something with the bottle of wine in his lap.

  Maura winced with each movement. She could heal her legs, but figured it best if she kept the extent of her abilities a secret from Adrian. The last thing she needed was for him to question how a Siren, a creature with the power to only seduce, came to have an Elixir's magic. Everyone could learn defense spells. Not everyone could mend broken bones, press minds, and raise the dead.