Dream Magic

by Michelle Mankin

  I released her and she scurried from me, glancing around at the others nervously. I had never seen her so skittish. My heart ached for her. Palms up, arms outstretched, Evercy moved carefully toward her speaking gentle soothing words, but Thyme shook her head vehemently and backed away.

  “What is going on with her?” I demanded of Laveau.

  “I’m not sure. She’s obviously frightened. Transformation is a very traumatic experience. We’ll have to wait until she starts talking to find out more.”

  “I can delay no longer,” I told Evercy. “I must go back for Cecilia.”

  “Of course you must.” The vamp nodded, her graceful features showing the evidence of strain just like everyone else. We had lost three in the tunnels to the elves, and if not for her prowess the count might have been greater. I was beginning to rethink my previous low opinion of her species.

  “Watch over the others until I return.” I would have to go back through the corridor between the two cities. The tunnel route was no longer an option. The metal supports on the La Ville Sombre side had failed, turning into sludge from the heat Phoebus had generated in our struggle. When he had realized that he couldn’t defeat me, he had melted the beams, causing a cave in, leaving me on one side and him out of my reach on the other.

  The coward.

  “Rest assured, Falcon,” Evercy offered. “Donar has a triage area set up inside Amelia’s Grove for the injured. I will take Thyme and the others there. The satyr is an advanced healer. It is possible that he possesses knowledge of transformation aftereffects that Laveau does not.”

  I nodded my agreement to her plan, turned my head and launched myself toward the entrance above, mentally calculating the time it would take me to traverse the corridor that led to Phoebus’ city.

  Too long it seemed.

  In my haste, I scraped my singed wings several times and nearly bumped my head on the frame as I shot through the open and strangely unguarded entrance into the City of Lights. As I neared the Soleil River, disturbing new burn marks and cuts appeared on my face and arms.

  Phoebus.

  I knew he had Cecilia, and like a wounded cornered animal he lashed out at her. His warped dream lay in ruins. He wouldn’t stay his hand, nor would she back down from him. Fear made my heart pound with dread. Murderous thoughts toward him made my eyes glow.

  So close. I was so close to the prison. I could see the tower and the torches of the mass of Dark Immortals and Sun Elves assembled across from it under the Cypress banner.

  “Morpheus!” I glanced down spotting Billy on the ground below me. The spirits were swirling around him as if receiving instructions, perhaps gathering for a final assault on Phoebus’ forces. How could the living stand against an opponent that was already dead?

  “We have recovered Thyme. She was being held in Phoebus’ prison.” I dropped to the ground beside my brother. An inelegant landing, but I wasn’t thinking about finesse. I was thinking about Cecilia and realizing that the task of retrieving her was going to require teamwork. I’d spied at least half a dozen archers on the roof of the tower and several more on the flat bridge that connected it to the rest of the prison.

  Billy’s expression revealed his relief as we clasped our forearms together. I couldn’t help but notice that he looked much restored to health.

  “The transformation has been reversed,” I assured him, though I was sure he felt it through their renewed connection. “I left her with Evercy at the triage area in the La Ville Sombre.”

  Many of the tight grooves of worry around Billy’s eyes smoothed, but he looked conflicted as he glanced in the direction of the Dark City. Obviously, he was torn. He wanted to go to her. I completely sympathized with his struggle. “You look like shit.” His eyes were glowing with emotion when he turned back to face me, but his fingers were determinedly tight around his harmonica and switchblade. He had made his decision. Phoebus was a threat to both our futures. He had to be eliminated. Billy would stay. He would fight. We would fight together. “I have never seen you land so clumsily before.”

  “I have more p…” I trailed off, my head snapping upward and growling with frustration as I felt her fear and saw the new slice appear on my arm. “Cecilia is in that tower. With him.” I swallowed and displayed the wound to explain. Blood welled from the deep laceration. “He cuts her.”

  “Creator’s breath,” Catonia joined us, obviously having overheard. The princess stood beside her dressed in the uniform of the Dark Immortals. Anxiety narrowed her eyes as she cast her gaze upward. She had heard, too and was frightened for her friend.

  “I saw you, saw both of you go in there.” Fiori pointed to the structure. “How did you get out?”

  “Through the secret tunnel. Most of us escaped but Cecilia was separated from the main group. She insisted that I lead the others to safety before returning for her.”

  “Typical Cici,” Catonia muttered though her eyes flashed with glowing respect.

  I acknowledged her with a quick nod. But I didn’t have time to be angry with Cecilia for putting herself at risk or to be impressed by her bravery. Fear for my beloved dominated me and immediate action was required. I had to get in there before it was too late.

  “We’ll help you rescue the oracle.” As if he had sensed my need, Shane materialized from the shadows cast by a nearby tree. Turquoise blood coated his hands. His expression grim, his eyes briefly met those of the princess. Shane broke the connection but Fiori’s gaze lingered. She didn’t seem disturbed by the blood or put off by his disfigurement. She looked at him as if he were her knight in shining armor instead of the villain he believed himself to be.

  “Thank you,” I told him. In the past I would have considered it weak to admit that need, but no longer. I saw things differently now. I realized that I was not alone anymore. I had brothers willing to step into the gap with me.

  “Shane has good instincts,” Catonia said approvingly. “He saved the princess’ life.” Her gaze swept over Arla and Billy. “All of your comrades have been invaluable. It has been a difficult night.”

  “Thyme?” Shane asked. “Did you find her? Is she safe?”

  Two sets of eyes flashed to him, neither looking pleased by his inquiry. Fiori seemed hurt by Shane’s obvious feelings for our friend. Billy wasn’t as easy to read but his hands clenched subtly tighter around the talisman he held.

  “The transformation has been reversed. I left her with the healer and Evercy in the Dark City.”

  “Thank the Creator for that good news,” Bacchus appeared from the throng. “So tell us the rest. What have you learned? What is the situation inside those walls?”

  “Yes, what’s the plan?” Billy looked to me. “Are you going in with the princess or are you swooping in from above?”

  “How does Fiori expect to gain entrance?” I asked.

  “Under a white flag. I intend to negotiate terms for my father’s surrender,” Fiori said softly looking unsure.

  “It’ll be ok, fillette.” Little girl. Shane moved closer to the princess and took her hands. “You can handle him.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “You do know. You are his daughter. You know him better than anyone. You just need to be brave like you were when we were ambushed.”

  “That was easy.” Her eyes lifted melding to his. “You and the others were in danger. You could have been killed.”

  “Yes, but you stood up to them like you were ten feet tall and packing heat. You can do it again. Cecilia is in danger. She needs you. You just need to take the next step. That’s all bravery is, chérie. One step after another. Conquering your fear until it becomes courage.” His eyes took on a faraway glow. “You’re almost there. I only hope that what you think you want turns out to be all that you dreamed it would be in the end.”

  I dipped my wings as I heard the shouts. Spotted by the Sun Elves on the roof, a couple of obsidian bolts whizzed by too close to my wings.

  I banked hard thinking I would try to come at
the tower from a different angle when I noticed the large figure perched on one of the window ledges. The gargoyle. Then I heard a scream. Her scream.

  Cecilia.

  Heedless of the risk, I dove toward the closest window slamming my body full force into the glass. The impact rattled my teeth but the pane didn’t break. What I saw inside made the blood pumping through my veins turn to ice. Cecilia turned, her face pale, bleeding from numerous wounds, a weary plea in her gaze, her eyes clouded by the pain. Phoebus grinned at me and turned back to her digging the blade, Cecilia’s blade, deeper into her flesh. Pain and rage thawed my veins when I realized the cuts she wore mirrored the ones I had given him in our skirmish.

  Sadistic fiend.

  He must die.

  “Falcon!” the gargoyle called, his shout drawing my mind from the murderous fog of hate shrouding it.

  Soon, I promised myself. Very soon.

  “Stone can’t get in. Stone has tried. Phoebus has put up a force field.”

  Now that he pointed it out, I noted the shimmer of the barrier on the glass. Phoebus regarded us from within. His grin widened. He waved the bloodied blade in a mocking challenge.

  Anger fueling me, I ascended, rising higher and higher over the tower. I wanted…I needed lots of momentum. When I reached the top of the protective dome over the city, I tucked in my wings and aimed at the window. Diving full speed, I crashed into the glass a moment later, shoulder first, pain exploding as I found myself spinning end over end once again repelled by the barrier.

  Seeing stars, I was shaken, but undeterred. I rose again determined to repeat the maneuver. I met the same result this time, a crossbolt suddenly nicked my left wing taking a few of my feathers with it as it arced to the ground.

  A wave of lightheadedness swept over me, a product of the potent obsidian, both from the projectile and the wounds that were appearing on me as Phoebus attacked Cecilia. I listed to the side falling several feet before I righted myself.

  “Stop. It is pointless.” The gargoyle motioned me over to where he remained crouched on his ledge. “Did you not hear Stone cautioning you?” he hissed in reproach. “Your pain is hers.” He pointed inside. “You must stop. We must think. We need another way.”

  Cecilia’s eyes met mine through the glass briefly before returning to her adversary. I could sense what she was thinking. Go away. She stumbled as she attempted to maintain her distance from him and the blade. Phoebus could have dispatched her easily within moments, even in his weakened state without the sun to regenerate his strength. Instead, he stalked her confidently. He was toying with her, prolonging her agony. We shared several new slashes on our faces. She had her arms tucked behind her back, trying to hide new burns from me as if I couldn’t feel them already. She panted but straightened her spine.

  So proud. So brave. So selfless.

  “I’m not going anywhere!” I shouted.

  Where would I go when my heart was inside that room?

  Suddenly, Phoebus’ head snapped toward the door as Fiori sailed into the room, her head held high and her golden hair streaming behind her, clad in a tunic with a Cypress tree emblem over her track suit now. Eyes red and glowing, Catonia accompanied her, spear held in her hand at the ready. Both cringed when they saw the condition of their friend.

  The concept of a negotiated surrender was noble, but vain. Phoebus would never hold to any terms of any bargain, being entirely devoid of honor himself.

  The fine hairs on the back of my neck suddenly prickled. I shifted to see an entire host of spirits materializing in the sky all around me. They held various projectiles in their transparent hands.

  Thank you, Billy. I thought, wondering what had taken him so long to send them.

  “Shades, to the roof.” I inclined my head toward our cross bow carrying adversaries. “Follow my lead.”

  Spear at the ready, Catonia glanced at me, her lips forming a worried frown. I could only imagine how I looked. Numerous cuts and singes burned like fire but the worry inside my chest blazed even hotter. Cat and Fi now inside the evil monarch’s den. Morpheus outside vulnerable to the crossbows. My gaze darted to the window again, only to find it empty. Where had he gone?

  Was he already at the bottom of the tower, bolts piercing his flesh like Papá?

  My chest cinched so tight I could barely breathe. Stop, Cici. Get a grip. Through the panic I reminded myself that I would know if he were hurt. I would feel it.

  “Daughter.” Phoebus casually tossed aside the dagger red and sticky with my blood. “What brings you to visit me on this…lovely day?”

  “You know very well why she is here, you sadistic motherfucker…” Catonia trailed off when Fiori touched her arm cautioning her to contain her rage. Catonia stiffened, suppressing years of animosity.

  “It is over, Father,” Fiori said softly but determinedly. “Why do you have to hurt Cecilia when you know you’ve already lost?”

  “Because she is one of them!” He spit out, vilely reaching for her as if he wanted to shake some sense into her.

  “That’s close enough, Phoebus,” Catonia imposed her spear in front of the princess blocking him. “We are under the white flag of truce. Don’t dishonor yourself.”

  “Cecilia is an immortal, just like you and me.” Fiori gestured toward the window where the flickering torches lit up the night. “Just like all those others gathered outside. Your reign is at an end. If you surrender now no more blood needs to be shed and I will allow you to leave unharmed.”

  “No, Fiori,” Catonia protested, and the princess’ gaze slid to the vampire. “He doesn’t deserve to be spared. If you let him walk away tonight you will create a rift between both sides that will forever separate those you strive to unite.”

  Phoebus took advantage of the distraction lunging for the abandoned knife. I yanked Catonia’s spear from her grip swinging wildly at it. I got lucky. Metal clanged dully against wood and the Sun King cursed as the blade skittered away. The vamp and princess turned toward him their mouths agape. The blade slid to a stop at Fiori’s feet. She bent over and quickly retrieved it holding it defensively the way we had practiced in her dance studio.

  “You cannot trust him, Fiori. Cat’s right.” I was breathing hard from the adrenaline rush and holding onto the spear in a fatalistic grip. Fiori’s eyes were wide with shock while Phoebus watched us, hatred for me blazing from his eyes. “I know he is your father but you can never turn your back on him.”

  “Now, now my dear.” Phoebus placated inching toward her as if he hadn’t just tried to kill her. “Don’t listen to Cecilia. She doesn’t…”

  “Stop, right there.” Fiori brandished the knife to make her point. “Don’t come any closer.” Her voice wavered. He stopped, but there was a calculating vengeful glow in his eyes that made me terrified for her. I wasn’t confident that a mere blade would stop him. I slowly edged closer to her side.

  “Don’t Cici. Keep back. I don’t need you to protect me. I can stand up for myself. This is my fight, not yours.”

  I opened my mouth to argue but shut it as she slowly shook her head. She looked so much older and sounded so much wiser than I ever remembered her being. When had she grown up? I had somehow missed it.

  “Cici, when will you see what we all see? How good you are. You don’t need to atone for anything. If Millie were here she would tell you that. Your parents, too. Stop trying to die for all of us and live instead. That’s the way you honor Millie and fulfill her dying wish for you.”

  Suddenly, I jerked forward as Phoebus seized me. His glowing hand covered my own with a searing hot brand that turned the wooden staff instantly to ash. Tightening his arm around me, he threw a warning glare at Catonia.

  “Stay, vamp. Or I will end her right here and now.”

  “No, Daddy. No.” The princess drew his attention to her with her passionate plea. “Don’t hurt Cici anymore.” Her desert eyes alight, not garish orange like his but soft like the sky at sunrise, Fiori moved toward her father and bo
re the sizzling brunt of the unmeasured UV blast he directed her way. Her body convulsed as if she had been electrocuted. The knife slipped from her lax grip. Every visible inch of her skin turned bright red. The acrid stench of burnt flesh filled the air. Fiori’s face blanked as if in disbelief.

  “This Dark lover is no child of mine!” Phoebus snarled, letting go of me as he retrieved the blade, his hatred his excuse for every evil act.

  “Fiori look out! Your tunic! It’s on fire!” I threw my arms around her using my body to smother the flames.

  “Watch out!” Cat warned. I saw it then, too late, my own death reflected in Fiori’s eyes, the knife plunging toward my back. Fiori spun me out of the way and grabbed for the knife wrapping her hands around her father’s. Sandwiched between them, I grabbed his forearms and pushed trying to help hold him back. His target was her now, the blade poised over her chest. Even weakened, the Progeny’s strength made us slide backward across the floor. His face a mask of insane rage, his fingers glowed red fire against his daughter’s nurturing green from her Century spirit.

  Suddenly, a cacophony of noise filled the air. Spirits surged through all the windows, the panes shattering as an assortment of projectiles crashed into the room amid a rain of hissing glass. Apparently, Phoebus had been too distracted by us to hold up the force field barrier any longer.

  “I’ll kill you, bitch,” he growled at me harshly redoubling his effort, pressing the blade closer, a vein over his right eye pulsing with the strain. “Right after I abort this mistake,” he hissed like a serpent. My heart hammered with fear as I watched the sharp knife descend to within an inch of Fiori’s heart.

  I had an epiphany in that moment, a startling moment of clarity with Fiori’s life in imminent danger. I was as guilty of letting my hatred blind me as Phoebus was. Because of it I had missed seeing what was right there in front of my eyes all along. Fiori healing me, remaining steadfast by my side through the endless days it had taken me to physically recover from the loss of my wings, and supporting me through the even greater struggle to try to find a reason to go on without my twin. Stone’s companionship and constant protection. Catonia and Evercy’s patience and persistence teaching me to defend myself. My bitterness and anger had bound me and made me more a captive than Phoebus ever could have. The secret to being free was as easy as letting go of my hatred and opening my heart to receive love instead. Love wasn’t vulnerability. It was the truest strength. Millie had been right all along.