Magical Acts: (Skeleton Key)

by Michele Bardsley

Natalie looked away.

  The waitress brought her a glass of water and the chai. She grabbed her bag and tugged out her tablet, scrolled through her books until she found Magical Acts. A year ago, she discovered the fantasy tale while searching for historical romance. In the last twelve months, she’d read it many times. In fact, she was obsessed with it—and with the handsome cursed mage hero. Auron Tarlett was her number one book boyfriend.

  Natalie clicked on the title and started to read…

  “You can’t go out, Gretta. It’s the night of the three moons.”

  Gretta Junot put on her cloak and pulled up the hood. “So?”

  “Auron Tarlett wanders the Barrows in search of innocent women to ruin.”

  “Oh, please. The myth of the cursed mage is told to keep wayward daughters in their homes.” Gretta looked around her sister’s tiny, cramped house. Hannah collected everything—books, paintings, shiny objects, and ex-lovers. Two were living with her at the moment, both down on their luck, one a musician and the other a painter. Neither of them was particularly good at their chosen crafts, but they were sincere and soulful.

  “Why do you insist working the night shift at the bakery?” asked Hannah, grimacing. “I can give you money. I have lots now.”

  “It’s your rightful inheritance.” Gretta picked her way through stacks of towering magazines and boxes filled with heaven-knew-what. “I don’t mind working for a living.”

  Hannah followed her to the door. “I can pay your tuition at the Academy of Healing Arts. You’re very good with poultices and teas.”

  She turned and kissed her sister’s cheek. In Hannah’s brown eyes, the eyes of their mother, Gretta saw genuine concern. “I’m content. I have no complaints.”

  Hannah grabbed her hand and clung to it. “I know we didn’t have the same father—and I’m sorry mine left me rich, and yours left you nothing. I love you. I don’t wish you to suffer.”

  “I know.” Gretta gently pulled away from her younger sister. “Please don’t worry. I’ll visit you next week.”

  Hannah sighed. “May the Goddess bless you.”

  “And you, too.” Gretta slipped out the door and shut it behind her. As she hurried down the sidewalk, the wind whipped against her. She shivered. Wrapping her cape closer, she quickened her pace. If she could find a taxi, she would gladly spend her meager funds for its safety and warmth. But since only the bravest souls ventured out during the three moon nights, she had little hope of finding transportation.

  She glanced up at the moons, which glittered like beautiful sapphires displayed against black velvet. Once a year, triple moons appeared in the sky. It was said that after Auron Tarlett was cursed, the moons turned blue and would remain so until he was freed. She had no idea how the myth of the cursed mage had become associated with three moons, other than mages believed in the power of three, whether it was spells, curses, or moons. All the same, it was all nonsense.

  Her mother, a strikingly beautiful woman, had called Gretta “sturdy.” It wasn’t that Mother meant to insult her. No, the dear heart hadn’t been capable of real malice. All the same, Gretta felt like a rhinestone among diamonds. Solid. Plain. Responsible. Gretta had spent her life becoming those adjectives.

  She had clear, pale skin and brown, almond-shaped eyes. But her cheeks were too round, her chin too small, her lips too full. Oh, she knew her flaws very well. She was taller than most women, and her body held more curves than most. Her mud-colored hair swung down her back in a long braid. Her simple blue dress was long enough to touch her sensible black ankle boots.

  “Well, well, well. What do we have here?”

  Gretta nearly stumbled into a brick wall. She bounced back and felt rough hands grab her forearms. She looked up—and up—into the unkind face of a grubby man with dirty skin, greasy hair, and foul body odor. She didn’t like the look in his eyes. And he hadn’t let her go. She gasped and stepped back, still caught in the paws of the stranger. “E-Excuse me, sir.”

  “Cap, look what I found.”

  Another man appeared next to his friend. He fingered the handle of the sword hanging off his hip. He was thinner than his friend and certainly smelled better, his stance and gaze was all predator.

  Gretta’s heart nearly pounded right out of her chest. The looks they aimed at her made alarm bells ring in her mind. They wanted to her. Pure terror skittered up her spine. Still, she managed to square her shoulders. Her throat knotted as she clutched the edges of her cape. She nodded toward the gap between the two men. “I will be late for work. Please let me pass.”

  Cap chuckled. “Brey, since you found her, you get first dibs.”

  The mountain called Brey licked his lips. “Just you wait, sweet one. We’ll show you a good time.” Lust glittered in his black eyes. Fear chilled her in a way the blowing wind never could. Tears of the Goddess! They were going to hurt her. “No, please … don’t!”

  “Hello, darling.” A big, male hand settled on her shoulder. She looked up and almost swallowed her tongue. The man wore black pants, black boots and a dark blue tunic that matched the color of his eyes.

  Her heart skipped a beat. His hair was blond, cut in jagged lengths that framed his handsome face. Each of his earlobes showcased a silver hoop, and his eyes—a mesmerizing, beautiful blue. That color belonged to the sea, to precious jewels … and to him. She stared at him, wide-eyed.

  “Who the hell are you?” asked Brey. The other, Cap, remained silent. But Gretta could tell he was sizing up her unknown rescuer.

  The man didn’t respond. Instead, he flicked a finger and a stream of glittery blue surrounded their legs. To Gretta’s amused surprise, the villains turned around and marched away like puppets jerked along by their strings.

  Blue magic belonged to the Tarletts, a mage family who’d once existed but hadn’t been seen in 100 years. She imagined that all the nonsense about Auron Tarlett prowling Barrows Flat on the annual three-moon night started there.

  Still. Blue magic.

  The mage looked at her, obviously pleased by his magical dispatch of the criminals. “Impressed?”

  “Would you like me to be?” she asked.

  “Of course.” His full lips hinted at a smile. “Where to?”

  For a moment, she considered lying. She didn’t think it wise to continue in the company of this man. Had she traded one bad situation for another far worse?

  “Forgive me.” His expression turned to worry. “I should’ve asked if you’re all right.” He studied her face. “Are you?”

  “Yes. Thanks to you.” She straightened the front of her dress, nervous now that she was alone with the mysterious and handsome man. “I think I’ll be fine now.”

  “Worry not, dear lady. I wish only to deliver you safely to your destination,” he said in a deep voice that made every part of her tingle. Her nipples responded to that magnificent voice, becoming achingly stiff. She looked away, embarrassed at her body’s unexpected sensual response.

  “How can I trust the promise of a stranger?” Gretta blurted, shifting out of his embrace. She immediately wished she could call back the words. What was wrong with her? Challenging him might well lead to folly. “I-I’m sorry.”

  “For speaking the truth?” The half-smile fully bloomed and her heart trilled.

  Admittedly, he was the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. Swallowing the knot lodged in her throat, Gretta managed a curtsey. She whispered, “My name is Gretta Junot.”

  “Gretta. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

  Silky promise edged his words. Her stomach clenched. She pressed a palm against it, trying to still the vicious fluttering. “You need not flatter me. I’m already in your debt.”

  “Hmm.” His eyes gleamed in the colored moonlight. “How do you propose to repay your…debt?”

  Slack-jawed, Gretta stared at the man. Having already insulted him once, she dared not offer another cheeky comment.

  He met her gaze, eyes twinkling, and laughed. “Do not worry, m
’lady. I will not whisk you away to ravage you.” His blond brows rose as if to say: Unless you want me to?

  How she wished she could be bold, impetuous. I’ll give myself to you, she would say with a saucy tilt of her head, if you think you can handle me. She blushed furiously and dropped her gaze. What was wrong with her? Even if she had the audacity to take a man to her bed, she still wouldn’t be brave enough to seduce someone she’d just met.

  He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Despite rumors to the contrary, I do not take what isn’t offered.”

  “Rumors?”

  “Yes. Have you not heard of a cursed mage who wanders the Barrows on the three-moon night seeking out women to ravage?”

  Gretta gaped at him. Blue magic or not, surely he didn’t think himself to be the mage in the myth? Was he insane? “Do you claim to be Auron Tarlett?”

  His blonde brows rose. “I claim it only because I am.”

  Chapter 2

  “Would you like anything else, miss?”

  Natalie blinked. Dragged out of the story by the waitress’s question, it took her a second to re-focus. “Oh … uh, no, thank you.”

  “What are you reading?”

  “Magical Acts,” she answered. “It’s a fantasy romance. Have you heard of it?”

  “No,” said the waitress. “Is it like Game of Thrones? My boyfriend loves that show.”

  “More love, less death,” said Natalie with a smile.

  The waitress chuckled as she scooped up Natalie’s dishes. “Just the check then?”

  “Yes. Thanks.”

  Natalie returned to the words that she knew so well, and couldn’t wait to read again.

  Gretta frowned. “What do you play at, sir?”

  “I’m telling you the truth. What proof do you require?”

  Gretta licked her dry lips, her heart threatening to beat right out of her chest. “It is said the Tarlett mages were able to fly. I know of no other mage who can perform such a feat.”

  “Very well.” He held out his arm, and she placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. The streets were empty, silent. Only their shoes clicking on the sidewalk interrupted the unbearable quiet.

  He seemed content with walking for now, and why not? He couldn’t fly! But maybe she could test him with elements of the myth.

  “So, Auron … did another mage steal your heart?”

  “No. I gave it to her. And that’s why she was able to curse me.”

  “You are truly a statue all other days of the year?”

  “Yes. Except this is the last year of my curse. A hundred years have passed. If I cannot find the woman destined to free me, then I will die.”

  Gretta was shocked that she was beginning to believe him. He didn’t appear to be soft in the head. And she’d seen the blue magic with her own eyes. He had an easy grace and a patient manner. How had she grown so comfortable in his presence? Flirting had never been her strength. She was too prone to speak her mind, and she thought it rather silly to bat eyelashes and giggle like a twit. Hmph. The few chaperoned outings she had with potential suitors made her feel awkward and lacking. Yet, here she was walking and chatting with a mage as if she did it every day. Had he somehow used magic on her? The very idea frightened her out of her wits.

  “Are you unhappy, Gretta?”

  “No,” she said, wondering if that was a true statement. “If you are Auron, does that mean the rest of the myth is true? A woman you loved cursed you?”

  “I loved what turned out to be a façade. The woman I so eagerly offered my heart did not exist.” He stopped and clasped her hand resting on his arm. “And I paid the price for my naiveté. As did my parents.”

  “If you’re truly more than a century old, then is the mage who cursed you dead?”

  He grimaced. “Unfortunately not. But she must be satisfied with her revenge. Otherwise, she would track me every three-moon night to inflict more pain.” The unusual color of his eyes enraptured her. “If you could find a different path, Gretta, would you take it?”

  She shrugged, unable to answer such an impractical question. She glanced down the street. A couple of blocks away sat the squat two-story building that housed the bakery. For a moment, Gretta wished she could live on Janele’s generosity. How lovely it would be to pursue a career in the healing arts. No more night shifts. No more dough sticking to her skin and clothes. No more purposeless life.

  “Such longing,” whispered Auron. “What are you thinking?”

  Honestly, why was he bothering so much with her? She was a plain girl from a small town—surely not worth his notice. She couldn’t fathom why he wanted to know her thoughts. She didn’t intend on burdening this stranger with her greatest desire, yet she found herself blurting, “I would train to be a healer.”

  “That is a noble profession. I think you would be an excellent healer.”

  She blushed at the compliment. “Thank you.”

  The closer they got to the bakery, the harder Gretta’s heart thudded. The more time they spent time together, the less she wanted to leave his side.

  “Do you believe curses can be broken?”

  “Yes. But Auron, it doesn’t matter what people believe,” said Gretta. “It matters how they act.”

  “Such wise words.” He studied her, his eyes blazing with an emotion Gretta dared not name. “You are a fascinating woman.”

  “Oh yes,” she said drolly. “I’m so fascinating and so beautiful I turn away mages and their charming lies day and night.”

  “I do not lie, Gretta.” Auron lifted a finger to her face. “I am glad you have not turned me away.” She gasped as fear and longing jumbled together in the pit of her stomach. She had feelings now and again for suitors, but not this kind of yearning. It was an ache in her heart, her soul.

  “Thank you for escorting me. The bakery I work at is at the end of the street.”

  “Do you go in the front door?”

  “No. There are stairs on the far side. I must go to the top floor.” She smiled. “I’m truly fine to continue on my own.”

  “What kind of rescuer would I be if I didn’t deliver you as promised?” asked Auron. To Gretta’s thrilled shock, he scooped her into his arms and took a running jump.

  They lifted high into the air.

  And flew across the sky.

  Natalie reluctantly stopped reading and digitally bookmarked the page. She sighed in pleasure. No matter how many times she read the story, Auron never failed to stir her romantic soul. How lucky you are, Gretta.

  She turned off her tablet and slipped it into her bag.

  “Hello.”

  Natalie looked up and met the gaze of a man standing near her table. His eyes were the most amazing dark blue. Her attention was caught by an unusual silver ring, at least one-inch wide and shaped like a bone with a skull in its middle—its eyes sapphires—gleamed on his right hand. Was that a wedding ring? Wrong hand, idiot. Her face went hot. Why did she care? This guy was just being nice.

  “Hi.” She couldn’t stop staring at his eyes. She swore they were the same color as the skull’s sapphires.

  He smiled—the kind of smile she’d seen Elaina get a hundred times from flirting men. Oh, God. Was he flirting? She rose on shaky legs. She was unprepared for his interest and rather shocked that he’d noticed her at all.

  “I’m sorry, I have to go.”

  “Do you?” He tilted his head. His blonde hair was worn longer than was currently fashionable, but he pulled off the look. His clothes were casual but expensive. He obviously liked True Religion because he was wearing their straight-edged jeans and a black T-shirt with a white devil pointing his pitchfork at a red heart. She recognized the clothing brand because one of Elaina’s former boyfriends only wore True Religion. The guy was also wearing a pair of Prada loafers, which probably cost at least a grand. Jeez. Why was she surprised? Most people who ventured into this area were wealthy. You had to have serious moola to afford most of the shops on this street.

  S
he realized then that she’d been gawking at him. And he seemed to enjoy her interest. He stepped in front of her. His lips quirked into a half-smile. “Do you like my ring?”

  She blinked at him. “What?”

  “I saw you looking it at. My mother tells me it has magic.”

  “Magic.” She cocked an eyebrow at him. “Do you believe you’re wearing a magical ring?”

  “I don’t argue with my mother,” he said. “But I admit, I believe in magic.” His unusual gaze snagged hers. “Do you?”

  “No.”

  “What about fate?”

  Something inside Natalie snapped. He was pulling her chain, right? Messing with her. “You should really cancel your subscription to Pick-Up Lines for the Lame and Desperate.”

  She strode around him.

  He followed her.

  She whirled around, caught between flattered and annoyed, and asked, “What’s your name? I need to know what to put on the restraining order.”

  He laughed. “Ah. I do not wish to be restrained … not from you.”

  Natalie felt a little dip in her belly. He was flirting with her. He leaned down and whispered, “Shall I guess your name?”

  Natalie stared at him. She automatically moved her fingers up to her scar, but his gaze never wavered from hers. She saw the sincerity in his gorgeous gaze. Good-looking, but one taco short of a combo platter. And so was she, damn it, because she found herself uttering, “Sure. Go ahead.”

  His gaze softened, and for a moment, he looked so familiar, she was sure they’d met before. Yet, she was sure that she would’ve remembered him. “Natalie,” he whispered.

  “How could you know that?”

  “I believe in fate,” he said mysteriously. “I believe that I will see you again.”

  Honestly, his interest made her uncomfortable. No man had taken that much notice of her, much less pursued her in … well, ever.

  The man made an odd little bow. “Until destiny brings us together, Sweet Natalie.”

  She watched him turn, and within the blink of an eye, he was gone.