“Thank you.” I slid my hand from her grip. “You’ve made me feel so at home.” I forced the words from my lips, thinking I might get a medal for most lies in one day.
“What other questions do you have from your reading so far?”
I asked how long we could expect our lifespans to be and whether they really believed our souls went to hell when we died.
“It’s a sad state for witches. But we draw power from our departed coven members. At least we are not soulless like the vampires.”
“Soulless?” I swallowed hard.
“There is no after life for them. They are not spiritual creatures. They have no bond with God.”
“And we do?”
“God made the archangels who sired our ancestors, so we are part divine, even if we are damned for it.”
“So, what of halflings like us?” I asked.
“Once you’re initiated, you’re just like a full witch. If you don’t join a coven, then you lose your magic and are human.”
“And can you be a half vampire?”
“Yes, but because it is not a spiritual gift but a material gift, you would not have a human soul.”
“But all this is religious hearsay,” Jude commented. “What if you don’t believe in God at all?”
“How can you believe in magic and not God, spirits? What of sprites and fairies?” Miguel asked.
“They exist?”
“And many more beings of human fiction.”
“I may never have known about my heritage if it weren’t for finding your camp.” Jude set his napkin on the table.
“Your destiny brought you here.” Maria’s melodic voice sounded like carol bells.
After the meal, we were shown to a study room where two laptops sat on each of two desks. We’d used the same system at the camp location, so we started our coursework. Working, my mind wandered to thoughts of home, my friends, Mom, Tyler, and Dad. Swiping a tear from my eye, I refocused. I couldn’t undo what was done. There was no use feeling sorry for myself.
I could help you with your work, came Jude’s voice.
You’re finished?
Photographic memory.
We probably shouldn’t seem too friendly.
I guess.
We studied till eleven and were given an hour of free time in the gym.
Swim with me. I heard Jude’s voice in my head.
You think I want to swim after what happened in Iceland.
It will help with those fears.
Thanks, but I don’t think we should be together too much. I’ll swim tomorrow.
I ran five miles and then headed to the weight room. Carmen and Alex were lifting weights, and Carmen spotted me again. When my alarm sounded, I was drenched with sweat.
“Is it okay if I shower here before lunch? I’m going to freeze if I walk through the compound like this,” I said to Carmen.
“Sure. I will wait and escort you to lunch.”
It seemed odd we never saw anyone in the facility, but I figured they had jobs. The women’s locker room was too quiet, and I hummed to myself to keep my nerves at bay. I washed my hair and blew it dry using the appliances I found in the cabinets. I figured I should be thinking of this as an extended luxury vacation. The expansive building, gourmet food, and soft linens rivaled any five-star resort. Except for the part where you’re locked in, I thought.
My mind wandered. Why hadn’t they killed me? They were investing a lot of time into training me. Was Jude just a bonus? Was I bait? Did they figure they could lure Alena and Hunter here and then kill us all? No, they wanted me alive. At least for the time being.
I found Carmen waiting outside the locker room and followed him to the dining hall. As expected there wasn’t any news of my dad. After lunch, we were given an hour study time and then met Miguel in the weapon’s training room. I expected him to launch a sword at me, but his tone was civil as he illustrated how to use each instrument. He had us practice our magic with each tool and encouraged us to find novel attack strategies.
The sun had set when we’d finished working with barely a quarter of the room’s devices. My whole body ached, and my head throbbed from the mental and physical effort.
“You did well today,” Miguel complimented us. “You have an hour till dinner. I’ll meet you in the dining room.”
Carmen and Alex appeared in the doorway, and I wondered if both of them were really necessary. But we were witches, and even if they were stronger, perhaps we could overpower one of them.
“Tell me about vampires,” Jude said as we walked through the corridors. “Are they stronger than witches?”
“Physically,” Alex responded.
“Do they have other powers?”
“They can be very persuasive and are often physically attractive. They are smart, have photographic memories, and extra keen senses.” Alex pushed the button for the elevator.
“But witches have an advantage?”
“Yes, in most cases because we can control the elements, even those within a body.”
“So, like, make blood boil?’ Jude stood back and let me enter the elevator when it arrived.
“That would be one method. There are many for a powerful witch. But if we are outnumbered, then the odds are less favorable for witches. Our powers can be drained. The bigger the spells, the faster you run out of juice.”
“Are there often feuds between the species?” Jude asked as we neared our rooms.
“Yes, you will learn of these in your history texts. All supernaturals have an interest in remaining hidden and disagree as to how to do that often. Plus no one likes others to have more power, so witches are always a target.”
“I guess we have a lot to learn.”
“You will be tested thoroughly over the next four weeks.” Alex stopped at our doors.
“Thank you. I’m not sure you’re here for my benefit, but I appreciate the information.” Jude inserted the key into his door’s lock.
“You have guessed right, sir. We are here to protect Miss Camille. Anastasia believes her to be important.” Carmen took up his post beside my door.
“I can’t imagine anyone being able to get in here.” My eyes scanned the stone walls.
“We’ve never had a breach. Don’t worry, madam,” Carmen reassured me.
“How do you keep magic from reaching inside the castle?” Jude asked.
“Walls lined with steel. You know the second wall you passed coming in?”
“Yes.”
“Magic force field. No magic in or out.”
“How does that work?” Jude pressed on.
“Above our pay grade.” Carmen pointed between him and Alex.
Entering my room, I wondered if anyone had ever escaped the compound. I opened my window and called to Jude. Nice try on getting more info.
Thanks. They really didn’t give anything away.
They did. They believe my visions are real. I’m not sure Miguel ever admitted that.
He said Anastasia thinks you are important. That doesn’t confirm anything about your visions.
I guess so.
I soaked in the bath half an hour thinking my hopes of communication with Alena and Hunter were slim to none. There wasn’t a wall between us and the ocean, but I guessed the magic barrier to be invisible. At least I knew I didn’t need to sleep with my window open. Thinking it gave me a direct line to Jude, I decided open equaled some security. Dressing, I phoned home. They still hadn’t heard from Dad, and I wondered if I should put more pressure on Miguel. I doubted it would change anything.
Thinking of ways to see more of the compound, I wondered what would happen if I got sick or was hungry in the middle of the night. Would Carmen or Alex fetch a nurse? Would one of them leave to get me something to eat? After the way they’d answered Jude’s question, I guessed they would call for a doctor or someone to bring me a snack. Just because I hadn’t seen them use phones or radios didn’t meant they didn’t have them. But, I figured it was worth a sh
ot. Perhaps Carmen would escort me to the kitchen for a midnight snack, and I’d get to see more of the building.
At dinner, I picked at my food, pretending to be too exhausted to eat.
“A good night’s rest will do you wonders.” Maria stroked her hand down my hair.
“I’m sorry. Do you mind if I retire early?” I set my napkin on the table.
“Not at all, dear.” Maria squeezed my hand.
“I’ll call Carmen and Alex.” Miguel stood and made his way towards the exit, pulling a phone from his pocket.
When Maria’s eyes followed him, Jude cut his eyes to me. Are you okay.
Yes. Just testing to see if needing a midnight snack will get me into another part of the building.
Crafty.
Thanks, we’ll talk later. I pushed the thought to Jude as I stood.
Carmen and Alex escorted me to my chamber, and I snuggled up near the fire with a blanket and my study texts. When I heard Jude in the hall, I waited patiently for his voice.
Well thanks for leaving me with Dr. and Mrs. Strange.
They’re not that bad.
Oh, you haven’t heard about the old days yet.
Sorry.
What time are you planning your outing?
Around midnight. Wish me luck. I need to study now.
Yeah, me too. Goodnight.
Goodnight.
I stayed up studying as long as I could. My stomach grumbled around ten, but I figured it was too early for all the staff to be off duty. Drifting in and out of a light sleep, I made it to twelve thirty before my stomach demanded food. Slipping on a sweatshirt and slippers from my closet, I stepped into the hall.
Carmen turned from his position against the wall, his arms folded across his chest. “What are you doing up this late?”
“Do you ever sleep?” I looked from him to another guard I hadn’t seen before.
“Alex and I trade off nights. I nap during the day. What do you need?”
“I’m hungry, and I can’t sleep. I was hoping to get some warm milk.”
“Warm milk? The kitchen staff has long retired.”
“Please.” I used the puppy dog eyes that always worked on Mom. “I don’t mind making it myself. It always helps me doze off at home.”
“You should’ve finished your dinner.”
“I’m sorry. I was exhausted before.”
“Okay, well, I’ll take you to the kitchen.” Carmen motioned for me to walk in front of him.
“Would you like me to come too?” The guard leaning against the other wall asked.
“No, we’ll be fine.”
We took two turns to the elevator. When the doors shut, he spoke again. “It’s best you don’t share this outing with Miguel. I’m not sure he would approve of me escorting you around the compound at such a late hour.”
“Thank you. My lips are sealed.” I pretended to lock them and throw the key over my shoulder.
“Teenagers are such trouble.”
“Do you have a family?” I asked.
“I’m a soldier. Soldiers do not have families in Michael’s coven.”
“Do you enjoy it?”
“Most of the time.”
“Except when you’re on whiny teen duty?”
His eyes cut to me. “You’re not that bad.”
On the main level, we wound around to the opposite side of the castle.
“This elevator is only for staff, but it’s the fastest way to get to the kitchen.” Carmen put his finger on the screen for a print scan and stood before a camera for a retina scan.
Inside the elevator, I noted the cameras mounted on the ceiling. The control panel held more buttons than the elevator we normally took. There were three additional basement levels. Carmen pushed the button for B3, the level below the gyms we worked out in.
When the doors opened, we stepped into a dark hall. Carmen’s heavy steps echoed on the hard floor as we passed many closed doors without signage.
“What are these rooms?”
“Storage, I think.” Carmen noted.
After a few turns, he opened a set of double doors to a large kitchen.
“This way.” He pointed to a wall lined with stainless steel doors.
Opening one after the other, we found milk in the farthest refrigerated chest. Setting the glass container on a counter, he opened cabinets until he found a small saucepan.
“No microwaves.”
“Ghastly things.” Carmen’s face shriveled up.
I fought jumping up on the counter while the milk heated. “What do you think I’ll get to do in the coven?”
“Can’t say. What do you want to do?”
“Well, I wanted to be a veterinarian.”
“A healer? Hmm.” Carmen rubbed his fingers across his stubbly chin.
“I guess.” I paced to the other side of the room and back. “You know about me, right? That Miguel thinks people may be after me?”
“I know you are wanted by a coven that seeks to steal our hold on the tribunal.”
“The tribunal?”
“The ruling body of the witches. There is a representative from each line. But the high priest is always of Michael’s line.”
“Because those in Michael’s line are rulers?” I gave in to my desire to sit atop the counter.
“Yes, and we have the biggest coven.”
“I don’t really understand why I’m special.”
“If our connection with our ancestors is lost, we will lose all our power.”
“All the witches in your line will lose their powers?”
“That is the common belief. I don’t think any of us want it tested.” Carmen lifted the pan from the burner.
“And the other coven is willing to give up their magic?”
“To set us free.”
“So our souls can find peace?”
“And we’re not required to be gypsies.” He poured the milk into a mug.
“I’m not sure what I would choose.”
“I believe by the time you’re done with your training, you’ll choose to keep your powers. If your healing force is strong, why not use it for good? Over a millennia how many lives will you save? Witches were born to serve humanity, keep evil from the world, and we have a sworn oath to fulfill that role. Those that seek otherwise are greedy heathens that wish to misuse their power.”
When he put it that way, it kind of made sense. I wondered if he were right, if all witches would lose their powers. “Do you know how I can be used to achieve what they want?”
His eyes locked on mine for a second, and then he held the mug out to me. “I shouldn’t be conversing with you in this manner. This is information reserved for coven members. Once you’re initiated, I’m sure Miguel will brief you. In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you kept this chat private.”
Feeling a little victorious, I took a sip of the milk. “Of course. I’m sorry. I just wasn’t sure if you knew about me.”
“Alex and I have been briefed on your situation. That is why one of us will always be with you.”
“Thank you.” I lifted the mug to my mouth and took another gulp. “Would you mind checking in on the search for my dad?”
“I’m sure Miguel is keeping tabs on it.”
“You did say he was really busy.”
“Madam, if they haven’t found him yet—”
“Stop, I’m tired.” I strode from the kitchen, horrified to think about what his next words were. I wouldn’t entertain that thought. I couldn’t. I wasn’t giving up on Dad.
I couldn’t wait to share the line of Michael’s view on the repercussions of using the sword with Jude, but it would have to wait till morning. To distract myself from thinking about Dad, I pieced together all the information I’d gathered. It was hard to guess who might be telling the truth, but my instincts kept leading me down the same path. I trusted that Alena and Hunter were on the side of justice. If the sword would strip all witches of their powers, why wouldn’t Miguel just t
ell me that? Instead, he’d lured me to the compound under suspicious pretenses.
“You look like hell,” Jude told me as I joined them in the hall before breakfast.
“Thanks.” I glared at him.
“That’s no way to talk to a lady,” Alex said as we followed him and a second guard down the hall.
“Well, where I come from it’s perfectly acceptable.” Jude shrugged.
I didn’t dare try to converse with Jude until Miguel left us to practice our magic in a workout room later that afternoon.
I agree with you, he said once I’d told him all the information Carmen revealed. Where is Carmen by the way?
He was up all night, so I’m guessing he’s sleeping.
That’s never happened before. Odd.
I hope that doesn’t mean something bad.
Like they found out what he told you. Seems like Miguel would try to rearrange the information in your mind.
Or convince me I was dreaming again.
There was still no Carmen by dinnertime, and I asked Miguel about his absence.
“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “They change guard duties all the time. How are you two feeling about your studies?”
“Good,” we said in unison.
“Perhaps we should meet one on one. I’ll arrange some time in the schedule tomorrow so we can check in.”
Sitting in Miguel’s office waiting for him, I crossed and uncrossed my legs, tapped on the arm of my chair, and twirled my hair in my fingers. If Carmen had been reassigned because he’d gotten too close to me and said some things he shouldn’t, Miguel had played his part perfectly. He’d asked to meet privately under the guise of checking in with us but hadn’t made it seem like an emergency. Should I fake dreaming or sleepwalking? Were there cameras in the kitchen? I didn’t remember seeing any.
Of course, there were cameras everywhere else, so more than likely Miguel would know Carmen and I had walked to the kitchen together but maybe they had no idea about our conversation. Based on Carmen’s admission, I believed he overshared. I could pretend there was no exchange until I had proof Miguel knew something.
Kingdom of Darkness (Kingdom Journals Book 2) Page 20
