I washed up the best I could in the bathroom, giving my face a scrub. I couldn’t wash my hair so I settled for running my fingers through it and tying it back in a knot with a band I found in my pocket. Looking in the mirror, I wasn’t very pleased with the results, but I wasn’t here to impress; and frankly, the less appealing I could look, the better in my opinion. I changed out of my dirty clothes and ran a flannel doused in warm water and soap over my body, drying quickly on the hand towel.
The dress fit well, skimming over my hips to end just at my ankles, but the shoes were a little tight. So long as it was only for one night, I would put up with it. After all, my only mission was to stay alive until I could get Annalise and me out of here.
Pete knocked the second time before he entered. He didn’t say anything about my dress, which was good, and didn’t hold onto me either, which was even better. Instead, I walked alongside him as we made our way downstairs. I followed him through the foyer and the guards, past the library and along a corridor before he stopped and opened a door, indicating that I was to go through.
The dining room was decorated in sombre greens and a long table ran almost the length of the extensive room. Only one end was set for dinner and that’s where Auberon sat, at the head. Daniel sat to his left, his back to the windows. The curtains were still open and even though the light had dimmed significantly, I could just make out the lawn beyond.
“Good evening, Stella. Your mother’s dress fits, I see.” Auberon didn’t stand as he appraised me, and Daniel gave me a quick smile before dropping his eyes to examine the tablecloth.
I tried not to focus on the idea of wearing my mother’s dress, even if the thought warmed me for a moment, like Isadore was with me, protecting me. Then I felt cold as the thought flitted through my mind that dressing me in my mother’s things was all part of some grander plan. No matter how much I wished my parents were still alive and that I had a family, Auberon was a poor substitute. I couldn’t, wouldn’t, let him cloud my judgment by offering me things, token connections to what I’d lost, as if he were the only one who could do that; as if I needed him.
Pete pulled out the chair opposite Daniel and waited for me to sit, pushing it back in politely. He left without uttering a single word.
“My son, Daniel,” Auberon nodded to Daniel. “Your cousin. Isn’t it nice to have two young people in the house?”
We exchanged flat “hellos” as if we hadn’t met, and didn’t really want to while ignoring Auberon’s question.
“Daniel suffers from your affliction, but he bears his shame well,” Auberon told me. “He is a great asset to our cause. We do not have many young folks here, so it is a pleasure to have you both.”
Daniel didn’t look like he felt he was an asset to anything. He coloured slightly and Auberon smiled fondly, seeming to take that as chagrin, or pride. I wondered what skewed reality Auberon lived in to find anything pleasant about this situation, but I wisely kept my mouth shut.
A suited man served the first course, tomato soup with warm bread rolls. I looked at it for a moment then dared to flick a look at Daniel. After a quick glance, at Auberon who was already lifting his spoon to mouth, Daniel just nodded. Seeing as no warning appeared in my soup, I could only hope it was safe to eat. My stomach certainly wished it were. If I were lucky, Auberon already believed my magic was neutralised by the poisoned tea.
“Very nice indeed.” Auberon patted his mouth with a napkin, then continued to eat, talking between mouthfuls. “Isadore and I used to attend dinners in this very room. Our parents were very fond of parties and Isadore loved dressing up for them. We had all kinds of people, so it was always very interesting, especially to a young boy.” He smiled into the distance. “We do not use this room nearly enough now, do we, Daniel?”
“No, Father.”
The same man returned to clear our bowls, leaving swiftly again. It occurred to me that I’d yet to see a woman in the house. Perhaps it was hard to sign women up to such a cruel cause? Maybe they just had better things to do.
Auberon kept up a steady patter of conversation throughout the main course and into dessert. He didn’t seem in any hurry, but I stayed tense while I waited for him to say something again about joining the Brotherhood, or at least to threaten me. Daniel studiously avoided meeting my eyes. Some of the time, I stared out of the windows while Auberon kept up his patter, reminiscing about the old days and my mother. I spent a lot of time staring out the window. We were at the front of the house and all I could see was a long swathe of grass, stretching far away to the gates. I was hoping I would see some sign, some clue that my people weren’t far away, but there was nothing. I tried not to let my heart sink. I told myself to be realistic, that no one would linger near the house while there was still some light.
“Let’s talk business,” Auberon said once coffee was set before us. I knew Daniel tensed the same moment I did.
“Business?” I asked.
“You’ve had some time to think over my offer.” It wasn’t a question.
Daniel caught my eye, and gave a single shake of his head, sipping his coffee. “I’ve been asleep,” I told Auberon. “I guess I must have been tired.”
“Of course.” Auberon seemed to accept that. “I must ask that you continue to think of your options, Stella. My men are uneasy with a witch in the house, and they are hard to placate. We must come to an agreement soon.”
“About whether I live or die?”
“It’s not a hard decision, really, is it, Stella? Think of everything you have lost through witchcraft: your parents, your life, your job, your country. You live under constant threat, you have no family. You have nothing!”
Like all good lies, his were partly true, but I thought of all the things I had gained. Friends, a home, a job I enjoyed rather than tolerated, magic at my fingertips, a man who loved me. All that went a good way towards outweighing anything negative, but somehow, I didn’t think Auberon would understand that. He didn’t want to.
“And when you grow older, Stella, what happens then?” Auberon continued. “Will you subject your children to the pain you have suffered? Will you risk them growing up with magic, a danger to humans? Or would you rather your children live a normal life, doing normal things, and grow old safely?”
I held my coffee cup and stared at it, stunned momentarily. It wasn’t what he said, it was the reminder that children could be in my future, a very near future given the exciting night of birthday sex Evan gave me... as well as the next night. The realisation I had, days ago now, in Wilding, had gone clean out of my mind with everything that happened since then. It wasn’t something I could address now. I worked hard to keep my face emotionless.
“Your home is here at Hawkscroft, with your family, if only you’ll join us, if only you would help us rid this world of witches. Keeping this world safe is our calling, it is what we were born to do.”
Some calling.
“Where is my friend?” I asked abruptly.
“Ah, your friend. She’s still with us. She won’t be a problem much longer. Do put her out of your head.”
Daniel was watching us with interest.
“She’s hurt. She needs to see a doctor.”
“She needs to see something far more than a doctor, Stella. She’s an unnatural beast, little more than a filthy animal.”
“She’s my friend. Please don’t hurt her.” I looked up at Auberon, but there was nothing in the cold eyes he turned on me.
“I can assure you that abomination is of no interest to us. She was merely the means of getting to you, and I had stern words with my men about bringing her. I can’t say immigration would be too happy.”
It struck me as so absurdly odd that Auberon would be concerned about border controls that I almost burst out laughing. Then something he said made me ask, “What do you mean she won’t be a problem much longer?”
Auberon placed his hand over mine and it was everything I could do not to fling it back. “She’ll be put down
, dear Stella. It’s a kindness, I assure you.”
I struggled to maintain my composure, magic fizzling though my veins in a desperate rush to flatten Auberon. I breathed in and out through my nose, my calm demeanour threatening to flee any moment. While I clutched the edges of my chair, Auberon stood and crossed to the long windows, sipping his coffee as he looked out into the dark.
“When?” I asked, after I was sure my voice would be even, devoid of emotion.
“Tomorrow,” replied Auberon. His reflection showed a small smile. “My men are most eager. Many of us have not seen a werewolf before. It will be a quick, clean kill.”
“You’re going to burn her?”
“Of course not. That’s just for witches. The fire negates their magic as they leave this world. We’ve never captured a werewolf before; but all the old texts suggest silver bullets are the most efficient.” Auberon turned back to us. “I am sure you will see things in a clearer light when you are no longer affected by ties to our other... guest.”
I glanced at Daniel who was studiously staring at his cup, trying his best to look like he wasn’t even there. So far, he’d said very little. I wondered if that was always the way between them, or if Daniel were being cautious not to give away that he had secretly made contact with me. Later, I decided, I would ask what he knew about Annalise’s planned execution. It seemed imperative to me, now, that we escape. Annalise could die tomorrow if we didn’t and I couldn’t let that happen. If we were to have a chance, it would have to be some time through the night. Darkness might give us some cover of escaping unnoticed, but I would need my magic returned to give us a fighting chance. I wasn’t weak, aside from the head injury and the twinges of pain in my ankle. I’d never been fitter, but I was no match for twenty or more men, especially when each one of them believed emphatically I should die.
“Please don’t kill her,” I said in a weak voice, thinking quickly for something that would save Annalise. “Maybe she’ll be useful. Maybe she’ll...”
“Enough!” Auberon dropped his cup on the table, where it rattled in the saucer, whirling for a moment until, tipped in mid-air, it stopped, held its position then settled flatly. Really, it should have fallen on its side; the liquid spilling across the table. I tried to catch Daniel’s eye but his were fixed on the table. Auberon sucked in a breath, his cheeks pinched, but when he spoke next, his voice was soft again. “Let us talk some more of you joining our little family. Your homecoming would be so welcome. We should celebrate it.”
I imagined being served cake while dozens of eyes stared at me in hate. A celebratory tea party with the Brotherhood was not on the cards.
“You will live with us in the house, of course; it is the family home. You can move around the house as you please, once we are certain of your loyalty. I’m sure you will find it to your liking. Daniel will enjoy your company and he will learn with you. Two strong witches will propel our cause significantly.”
“Is that what Daniel wants?” That got Daniel’s attention and he frowned at me.
“Of course it is,” answered Auberon. “Isn’t it, Daniel?”
“Yes, Father,” muttered Daniel, lurching forward when Auberon clapped him on the back.
“Life has been hard for you, Stella. It needn’t be. Look around you; look at what you could have. Money, power, significance, a cause to direct you, a family who will guide you to the light, away from the terrible darkness that surrounds you.”
Death, fear, destruction... Yeah, Auberon really had it going on.
He seemed to be getting into his stride, his eyes taking on a faraway look. “We have saved so many who have fallen away from the light. We embrace them, give them purpose. We take them away from their sad, aimless lives and help them towards improving the world. We are the soldiers of humanity!” Auberon nodded sagely to himself.
I wanted to punch him. Instead, I tried appealing to Auberon’s sense of family. “Why not just let me go? Isadore wouldn’t have wanted you to hurt me.”
“Isadore was a simple soul, given to flights of fancy. It is fitting that you should be returned to your family so that you can be cared for, so we can relieve you of this deviance. Our cure is the only answer for you, niece.”
The door opened then, preventing either of us from continuing what was becoming a cyclical conversation. A man, not Pete, but dressed in similar clothing – black jeans, t-shirt straining across muscles – entered and crossed to whisper in Auberon’s ear. “There’s a phone call, sir. A miss...”
“Not now.” Auberon waved the man away impatiently. “I’ll return the call later.”
Another man burst into the room, just as the messenger was exiting. “There’s been a security breach, sir,” he told Auberon, ignoring Daniel and me. Pete stepped into the room and waited by the door.
“Where?” asked Auberon calmly.
“Front entrance. We’re sending patrols out across the perimeter. Shall I initiate...”
“No, no.” Auberon’s jaw set in a stern line as he looked around, seeming to notice Pete and beckoning him forwards. “Take our guest to her quarters.”
I looked over at Pete approaching, but he stopped halfway and signalled to me with his fingers. I knew it would be useless to argue, so, with a quick glance to Daniel, I got up and walked towards him.
“Stella?” Auberon followed me across the room and when I turned to him, he placed cold hands on each of my arms, looking down at me for a moment. “I shall expect your decision tomorrow.”
“If I say yes, will you let Annalise go?” I knew the answer already, but it was worth asking all the same.
“My men are expecting an execution. I cannot disappoint them. You know as well as I that we cannot let such a thing return to the population. It’s too dangerous. Remember, you are with family now. Do not let the lure of the evil in your life influence your decision. We will protect you.”
The only thing I needed protection from was Auberon but he had already turned his back on me, ushering quiet instructions to his man. Pete extended a hand towards the door and I followed him out along the corridor.
The foyer was a hive of activity. Several groups of five or six men stood waiting. They were dressed in uniforms of black; combat trousers with pockets on the legs, or jeans, thick fleece tops and knit hats. They seemed to be of different ages, different builds; some of them weren’t speaking in English, but each one of them was armed with a pistol or rifle. I spotted hunting knives, little canisters and other weapons slung on belts around their waists. They were armed and ready for action. As we crossed the foyer, each man turned to me, their voices dying away until the air was heavy with silence. I listened for other sounds instead: voices and footsteps from elsewhere in the house.
Witch, witch, witch. The words followed me up the stairs. I tried not to show my fear. I could run, take the stairs two at a time, but that might encourage them and I didn’t want someone taking a pot-shot at me when I couldn’t defend myself. Despite Pete’s instructions to safely deliver me to my room, I sincerely doubted he would step in if one of these men decided taking me out were a good idea. Auberon would be briefly pissed, but even that might not be enough to defend me against the hoard of witch hunters below. I increased my pace slightly, forcing myself not to look back. When we passed a window that looked out over the driveway and front lawns, I counted a bunch of cars parked in an orderly fashion and two minibuses. I wondered if more men had been bussed in during the night, ready for tomorrow’s spectacle.
As I watched, two patrols fanned out across the drive, moving towards the open lawns, weapons drawn, but Pete nudged me on before I could see what they were looking for. I hoped it was Anders, luring the men from the house to count them and determine what the opposition was, how many there were, how well-armed they were, how fast they responded, which was what we should have done. Even with the little I’d seen, it seemed apparent that patrols were ready to move quickly.
When I heard a burst of gunfire, I froze for a moment. Pete t
ook me by the arm, driving me forwards so I had to jog to keep up with him as he took the turns to my room. Earlier this evening, I’d counted the turns on the way out, so I could just anticipate how many paces, and which way we’d go. It gave me some small satisfaction that I might be able to exit this way without getting lost.
“Inside,” Pete grunted and pushed me into the room, apparently all done with niceties. Crossing to the window, I strained to see if I could see anything at all but, aside from patrols crossing the lawns and sweeps of flashlights, nothing was happening this side and it was too dark to see. The lights, however, gave me an idea.
Crossing to the door I’d entered by, I scrabbled in the dark for the light switch. When I found it, I flicked it on and off, counting to twenty. Sure, if any of the patrols looked back at the house, they’d see it, but I had to hope that any flickering could be blamed on faulty wiring; after all, Hawkscroft was an old house. More importantly, if anyone were watching from the woods beyond, they might take it as a signal of my location, that I was alive. I just wished I learned Morse code. What I really needed to do was send a message, and for that, I needed Daniel.
I left the light on when I finished flicking. Someone had come into the room while I’d been at dinner and left towels and wash things on the bed, but no clean clothes. After a quick look in the bathroom, I saw that my dirty clothes had disappeared; leaving me with only the velvet dress and flat shoes to wear.
I stayed at the window watching until the patrols were just dots moving about. I couldn’t see anything aside from them but I had to hope someone was there in the woods and that my signal had been enough.
Devious Magic (#3 Stella Mayweather Paranormal Series) Page 19
