Enchantment's Trap (Vampire Magic Book 4)

by Sela Croft

  I stood in the middle of the room, with the floor rolling like it would on a ship at sea. I refused to cower on my bed as I had before. My tolerance for being locked up, taking orders from an enemy, and cowering in fear was reaching an end.

  I had to fight back but wasn’t certain how to do that. If Noah didn’t arrive soon, I’d have to figure something out. If I stayed where I was, Callie would come for me, sooner or later. And that would be disastrous. I might not live through the next few hours or days, but I had to make sure that my sister survived.

  My advantage was that the Fae princess Amalia wanted to get her claws into Callie. She wanted us together in her presence, and her wish was ill intended. When I stopped to think about it, I was reassured that the princess wouldn’t kill me until she had my sister in her grasp. That only made sense.

  The building shook and the floor was unsteady under my feet. I let my mind fill with images of Noah, as a distraction from fear. Then the quake stopped. And a voice I’d heard a few times before spoke to me. I recognized him.

  He was able to talk to me, even though the walls that separated us. And he could hear my replies. At first, the sound had been too low to decipher. But the more we practiced, the better we’d gotten. Only hours before, I’d been able to make out what he’d said.

  “I’m Bramwell Mayfair, your father.”

  The princess had given that much away. But I didn’t know where my father was being held. It had to be in the prison, but I didn’t know how close he was.

  In the stillness following the quake, I heard my father’s voice again. “I’m trapped just like you are.”

  I wanted to believe him, but there had been so much deception. I couldn’t rely on any information from the princess. “My father died in a car accident. How do I know who you really are?”

  “There are things that only I would know.” He proceeded to tell me things about myself, traits of my personality that no one could know. Then he shared a few details of the car accident when he’d died, along with my mother.

  I’d only been five years old then. But I remembered. The crash, the screams, and details that no one could know…unless they’d been there. “Okay, I believe that you’re my father.”

  “We are more powerful together than alone.” My father shared that he had magic powers of his own. “If we focus on a way to escape, it might work.”

  I hesitated to mention Noah’s impending arrival. He might not show up, after all. Escaping with my father might be the only option.

  “Since you’ve been in this prison, what have you learned about your capabilities?”

  I shared a few things, testing to see how my father would react. “I’ve learned how to use the mirrors to see into the outside. Each mirror is like a window to the larger world.” When my father didn’t respond, I told him more. “I can project myself as an illusion. I haven’t been able to physically escape my cell, but I can go outside in my illusory form.”

  My father’s voice was deep and gruff. “That is good, Rosamon. You are learning quickly.”

  A sense of pride boosted my spirits. My father understood what I’d achieved; he knew of abilities I’d been gifted. He understood, since he could perform magic too.

  “The mirrors can be used in other ways,” my father said. I listened raptly, while he talked about powers and educated me about the use of the mirrors. But then he went silent.

  “What is it, Father?” I had to know all that he did; that might be the only way to overcome my enemies.

  “You’re discovering your latent abilities. I encourage you to continue to do so.” My father paused. “But you must be careful. I feel it is my duty to warn you of the consequences of making mistakes.”

  I wanted him to explain that, uncertain what kind of mistakes he meant. I didn’t understand how I’d know, or what consequences could be worse than what I already suffered. I hoped he would tell me more.

  Chapter 4

  Logan

  Morrigan turned a corner and entered a luxuriously appointed room. The stone fireplace was massive. The carpets were rich deep colors. The walls and ceilings were painted with murals that appeared to be done by masters. The furniture was ornately carved from heavy wood and polished to a sheen.

  The sorceress didn’t lack for comfort, since magic could be used to satisfy her needs quite nicely. The castle interior had been renovated to the authenticity of the century it had been built. It looked brand new, yet each piece was of the era.

  There was more to the environment than the interior décor. Shelves along one wall were filled with bottles and carafes. I recognized Morrigan’s tools of the trade. The contents were powders and potions used for her magic. There were other tools hanging from hooks on the walls or stacked beside trunks that no doubt contained more implements.

  A metal cauldron was on the floor by the hearth. Morrigan had what she needed. Her liquids and powders could be used for healing, to create amnesia, to transform, or even to make one invulnerable. I didn’t know the ingredients, but I’d seen her use them quite effectively.

  The castle was set up like it had been in ages past. Her magic was probably more powerful than it had been centuries before. I watched Morrigan take a seat in a throne-like chair then rest her head against the plush velvet back.

  The sorceress and I had a history with each other, leaving me no doubt that I could handle her. Yet she could be quite manipulative, so I questioned the wisdom of bringing Callie with me.

  I sat beside Callie on a long sofa, across from the sorceress. I wanted to take Callie’s hand or reassure her, in some way. It was better to give a show of strength and leave her with the impression that I didn’t have to protect or defend my companion.

  Morrigan looked from me to Callie then stifled a smile. I knew her too well. She hadn’t missed that there was something special between Callie and me. That was a vulnerability to be used against me. I had to be ready for any tricks she had up her sleeves.

  For a while longer, my sorceress friend could wonder about Callie, her ability, and my bond with her. Yet I’m sure my apprehension was apparent. Morrigan didn’t miss much.

  It seemed Callie had noticed my reaction. “I can tell that you’ve been friends with Morrigan for a while,” she said, then glanced across at the sorceress. “I’d like to hear tales of the past. What have you shared? I feel like the outsider here, and I’m interested…”

  That course of conversation would lead to no good. At another time, I’d tell Callie more. But not while in the presence of the powerful sorceress. “It’s a long story. Let’s just say that our paths have crossed, more than a few times, over the centuries.”

  Morrigan laughed. “You’re being shy, my vampire friend. We’ve united against enemies in times past. And we’ve fought each other.” She stared at me. “What is it to be this time?”

  “That may not be up to me.” I met Morrigan’s gaze. “It depends on if you agree to be helpful or not.”

  “I don’t see how I can help you?”

  “Oh, now who is being shy?” I leaned forward. “Your knowledge of what transpires in the world, any world is well known. I had hoped to gain insight that will assist us with an important mission.”

  Callie was quiet, but she watched intently. I wished I could explain more about Morrigan. I probably should have said more about the sorceress, before coming to her castle. But it was too late now. I had to plead my case and hope that my age-old friend would accommodate my request.

  With Morrigan the direct approach was often the best. She could see right through any smokescreens, anyway. And she probably already knew what my interest in Callie was. With that in mind, I plunged boldly ahead. “How much do you know about what’s going on in Shadowland?”

  Morrigan stood and walked over to a stained-glass window. She looked out, as if peering into the other realm. But I knew she was just being dramatic.

  I stared at her back, while she gazed out the window. I had no idea how long she’d wait before answerin
g. But it wasn’t a wise move to rush her. Magic required time and space. And if I tried her patience, she might refuse to tell me what she knew.

  Morrigan turned back and looked down at us, as if in a trance. Her dark eyes were portals to the wider world. I held my breath, waiting for her to speak.

  “I can see into Shadowland and I can tell you…it’s not going well…for anyone.”

  I’d hoped for more, but Morrigan didn’t elaborate. She’d aroused my curiosity. She’d used the term anyone, so that must include the Fae.

  Dealing with the sorceress was like a chess game. Each move she made had to be countered. But as I’d told Callie, it was best not to take anything she said or did at face value. Deception was the name of the game.

  Morrigan had implied that the Fae weren’t doing any better than the vampires, but she hadn’t come right out and said so. It was meant to distract more than enlighten. I’d been around her too many times, and had too many experiences, not to realize that.

  I didn’t want to pursue that line of questioning. If Morrigan had been willing to be honest about the current situation, she would have. All she’d done was pique my interest in what she might know. I refused to take the bait.

  There was a more pressing question, the real reason I’d dragged Callie to this out-of-the-way ancient castle. It was what I really wanted to know, and I suspected that Morrigan had a clue.

  “There is a reason I’ve brought Callie to you.”

  Morrigan raised her brows and drummed the tips of her long, pointy fingernails on her chin. “I’m anxious to hear your reason. I have my assumptions, but I’d like to hear what you have to say.”

  That was a crucial moment. Once I broached the subject, Morrigan would be privy to what mattered most to me. I’d come this far. It wasn’t a time to get cold feet. I’d deal with whatever came. It was vital that I find out what my friend knew.

  And I suspected that Morrigan knew a great deal. I hesitated, wondering if she would answer my question—whether it was worth trusting her, even a little bit.

  Yet gaining the sorceresses insight was my only hope. She was the one who could see beyond the façade and get to the truth. And she might tell me what she knew—as opposed to my sister who tended to hide her visions from me.

  “I have a purpose in bringing Callie to meet you.” I looked deep in Morrigan’s black eyes. “I need for you to give me answers…about who she is.”

  Chapter 5

  Logan

  Morrigan studied Callie, then turned back to me. Yet she didn’t answer my question. Instead she returned to her chair, then looked directly at me. “What do you think makes Callie different?”

  That was the big question. I glanced at Callie, who sat straight with her hands clasped together. I took a breath. “Her blood is special. I’m sure that she’s magical—maybe a witch.”

  Callie’s eyes widened but she didn’t speak. Of course, she was caught off guard by my guess, since we hadn’t discussed it. That was the first she’d heard of my theory.

  Morrigan gave me a sharp look. Then she laughed. “Callie is far more powerful than that.” She had my attention.

  Callie stared at Morrigan, who elaborated on her statement. “Callie has sorceress blood in her. It comes from a very powerful source…not one I’ve seen in a long time.”

  That shed light on the matter. “That means that Rosamon has sorceress blood, too, since magic of that type in the blood is genetic. Since the twins had the same parents, it makes sense.”

  “How can you tell all of this?” Callie said.

  “It’s not difficult for me.” Morrigan’s expression showed admiration. “You stand out, Callie. And I’m guessing your sister does too. Haven’t you noticed the extra interest that the vampires have in you?”

  “I didn’t know why.” Callie rolled her shoulder. “It was kind of scary.”

  “Yes, well, I can see that. It would be extremely difficult for any vampire to resist drinking your blood. It would be quite an elixir.”

  Callie glanced at me. “What did you mean that my blood comes from a very powerful source?”

  Morrigan’s eyes lit up. “I can’t tell you precisely what the lineage is. Although, I may be able to later. But I can say that at least one of your parents is quite impressive with their magic.”

  It was wise to give Morrigan more details of our situation. “Rosamon appeared in Shadowland first, then Callie followed. Since her arrival, Amalia has shown a keen interest in getting the twins together. But only at her palace.”

  Morrigan listened intently.

  “I’m curious what interest the Fae have in two girls with sorceress blood,” I said. “I don’t think the Fae have any ability to manipulate sorceress beings.”

  “That would be something new,” Morrigan said. “Fae don’t have the power to manipulate sorcery. I’d say that there is more going on than either of us know.”

  I stood and paced. This situation was worse than I’d thought. “It would be an advantage to know Callie’s bloodline. That way we’d have a better idea of what we’re dealing with.”

  Morrigan shook her head. “I’m not sure about the bloodline. I can tell you that very few sorcerers are alive. And fewer still are free.”

  “Do you mean that sorcerers are imprisoned?” Callie said.

  “Yes, the power they wield must be controlled—or so some think,” Morrigan said.

  Callie’s look of distress pulled at my heart strings. “My father is in the prison controlled by the Fae princess. That’s where my sister is too.” She paused. “Do you think it’s my father who is the sorcerer?”

  Morrigan picked up a glass globe and held it in her hands. She rolled it around, gazing into it. I couldn’t see anything. It appeared to be clear. But she studied it for a while, lost in thought.

  Then she stood, still holding the globe in her hands. She looked at Callie. “It’s a bad idea to continue your quest. I must warn you against an attempt to rescue your sister or your father.”

  Callie stood up and waved a hand at Morrigan. “That’s impossible. I refuse to abandon my sister. And if need be, I’ll rescue my father—whether he is a sorcerer or not.”

  Chapter 6

  Valter

  Shadowland hadn’t settled down; war raged on. In Logan’s absence, the situation had only worsened. Along the fringes of vampire territory, more troops were amassed to fend off the Fae intruders. The line had been held, until skirmish in one of the villages threatened the tentative safety of all.

  A report of the battle came in then I went into action. My dragon squadron got in formation and we took off, in the direction of the battle at the village. Screams filled the air, long before the bloody encounter came into view.

  My dragon swooped down through the trees, so I had a clear view of the mayhem. The rest of the fleet whipped through the air in attack mode. My fire-breathing platoon went after the enemy with a show of strength.

  Although not well organized, the Fae were deadly. The beasts were everywhere, with more appearing to replace any that were taken out of action. It seemed like a thankless task.

  The incursion of Fae was particularly bad. Huge catlike beasts leaped from rocky perches, then made quick work of any villagers foolish enough to engage. Massive animals ripped apart and devoured any conquest.

  But my dragons wouldn’t be forced into retreat. Fire burst from their mouths, scorching any enemy within range. The more the Fae attacked, the fiercer my fleet fought back. There was no fear or hesitation, only a ruthless offensive toward those creatures who dared harm innocents.

  For a bit, it was a standoff. Eventually, no more Fae beasts appeared, so my dragons took charge of the melee. The few creatures that escaped injury turned and ran, with my dragons beating the air in pursuit. It was a rewarding sight, boosting my pride for my dragon squadron.

  Smoke filled the air and children crying accosted my ears. But the screams had died out; the fighting was over. The humans had taken the worst beating. T
he stronger males had defended their families, as well as they could.

  Some had worn armor and wielded weapons. But most of it was inadequate when faced with Fae attacking in force. Vampires fared better but were battered. The young had been shuffled behind boulders or a sturdy barrier. Once the Fae had smelled the human blood, no hiding place had been safe.

  My dragon hovered on the outskirts of the battle area. She had lead the fleet of fighting dragons into battle and I was proud. As a vampire of the royal family, I deserved respect. And after the rescue I’d achieved with my fire-breathing squadron, the humans should have been down on their knees.

  I strolled through the debris, watching the healthy tend to the injured. Eyes followed my movements, but no nods or smiles of acknowledgment were forthcoming. I walked with confidence among the humans, slaves to the vampire culture.

  We treated them well and I’d just performed a saving act deserving of gratitude. Yet I saw no such emotion. Those who looked at me did so with resentment. That was an annoying turn of events. I’d risked my vampire troops, my dragon fleet, and my own safety to turn back the Fae beasts.

  Yet not even a thank you was on anyone’s lips.

  The vampire army was organizing for departure. When I walked by, there were a few nods. I had the respect of my troops and had guided them into battle successfully before.

  But the humans viewed the vampires, and even the dragons, with disgust. It was as though the war was our fault, and that their lives were torn apart because the royal family hadn’t protected them. This was all unfair since the Fae acted of their own accord.

  I could not be held responsible for the Fae’s aggressive nature. But I should be commended for interceding and saving as many lives as I had. If I hadn’t brought my dragons to the scene, there might not have been survivors.

  I’d had enough disrespect. I vowed to handle the war differently. My dragon bent low, so I could slide onto her back. Then I flew back to Crystal City with the dragon fleet in formation.