by A C Warneke
He mirrored her expression, the smile turning his ordinary face into something beautiful. They stood up at the same time and met in the middle of her room, hugging and dancing and laughing like the oldest of friends. With shining eyes, she went over to the bed and scooped the dragon into her arms and kissed him on his golden snout, “We have a wizard’s card, Fray.”
“Hmmph,” the young dragon grunted, a small smile turning the corners of his wide mouth upwards as he scrambled out of her hands and sat on her shoulders, curling his body around her neck. Tomorrow the three of them would drive to Chicago and hope that the old wizard was still in business.
Chapter 10
Forming a New Plan
God, the drive across Wisconsin was always so mind-numbingly long but Ferris didn’t want to speed because it would be a very bad idea to get pulled over having an imp and a dragon as passengers. Even though the veil between the two worlds was long gone humans remained rightfully weary of imps, who gleefully continued with their pranks, earning their bad reputation.
Finding a parking garage close to where the card said the shop would be, she parked the car and looked at Ajreis, his gray-green skin, wide, muddy-green eyes, and large mouth full of too many pointy teeth, she sighed, “How is this going to work?”
He looked at her as if she was an idiot, “Ferris, imps are still invisible to most humans.”
Her brows drew together as she mentally slapped herself. The imps had been a part of her life for so long and the veil was now lifted she had just assumed everyone could see them. Hell, she should have sped through Wisconsin and risked a ticket. Lightly butting her head against Fray’s, she softened her voice, “What about you, little one? Do you want to go in and meet a wizard?”
It is unwise but I would not miss it for all of the treasure in the world, he growled, the words broadcast telepathically in her head.
Taking a calming breath, she got out of the car and made her way to the street level, her gaze drifting to Ajreis every few feet for reassurance. She wanted to reach out and take his hand, to have the physical connection, but she knew holding onto nothing would gather too many strange looks. It was just after two in the afternoon and she realized she hadn’t made a hotel reservation. It had taken nearly seven hours to get there and she was not looking forward to another seven hour drive.
Oh, well, Chicago was a large city; she was certain she’d be able to find lodging for the night.
On the street, she passed several bars that catered to those humans interested in the supernatural. She was fairly certain that a few of the patrons loitering outside were not human. They looked at her with hunger until they noticed the dragon draped around her neck and the imp at her side. Then they looked like they weren’t quite sure what to think. The new order of things between humans and Others was still so new that most of the world didn’t know how to react to a human so comfortable in the supernatural world.
Her eyes were so busy taking in the colorful beings that she almost missed the discreet door with the address that was listed on the card. Coming to an abrupt stop, she peered into the window that had the word Magyck painted on it. The display was filled with all things magical, from crystal balls and tarot cards spread out in a reading, to the skull with symbols carved into it, to the glass containers filled with various plants and herbs and if she wasn’t mistaken a jar full of eyes of newts.
Taking one last glance at Ajreis, she pushed the door open and stepped inside, crying out in alarm as it slammed shut behind her, leaving Ajreis on the other side. Fray’s talons dug into her shoulder, piercing the skin and drawing blood. Ignoring the pain, she pounded on the door and tried to turn the knob but it was locked. “Aj!”
“I’m alright, Ferris,” his scratchy voice assured her from the other side of the door. “The wizard put up a spell to keep imps out.”
“Damn it!” Ferris swore, turning around and resting her back against the door, her eyes widening in her head as she saw the rest of the store. Every surface, every nook and cranny, every available inch of wall space, was filled with… stuff. It was a treasure trove ripe with hidden secrets and she itched to explore. Distractedly, she asked, “Are you going to be okay, Aj?”
He chuckled, “Of course, Fer. I’ll simply pop off to one of the supernatural bars and grab something to drink. Are you going to be okay?”
“Uh huh,” she muttered, looking from the dragon statues to the crystals to the incense, seeing and missing a million other things. Slowly, she pushed off the door and walked forward, running her fingers over the lush material of a robe or a dress, examining the intricacies of an exquisite figure of a fairy, breathing in the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg.
“Can I help you?” a craggy voice came from behind her making her jump and spin around to face the man she hadn’t even known was there. Twinkling hazel eyes in a face lined with age and laughter met her gaze and she pressed a hand against her chest to slow the pounding of her heart.
“My goodness you scared me,” she said, her lips automatically curving into a smile at his presence. His hair was extraordinarily long, as white as virgin snow and incredibly beautiful. He exuded light and warmth and she felt good just standing in his presence.
“My apologies,” he grinned, pressing his palms together and bowing his head slightly. His smile faded as he looked at her more closely, a frown wrinkling his forehead even more. Reaching up with a trembling hand, he traced the shape of her face without touching her, whispering in a voice filled with something akin to awe, “You’re just as I remember.”
That was a weird thing to say and it took her aback for a moment. Of course, he was ancient. He probably thought she was her Aunt Melanie, with whom she shared a strong likeness. Holding out her hand, she grinned, “I’m actually looking for a man, er, a wizard, named Omari.”
He shook the cobwebs away and chuckled, ignoring her hand and looping his arm through hers, pulling her further into the store, “You don’t know how long I have waited for you, my dear. It seems like many lifetimes have passed.”
“I think it’s only been fifteen years,” she gently corrected. “But that wasn’t me, that was my aunt. She gave me the necklace that you gave her and that’s why I’m here.”
His other hand reached up and he fingered the pendant that rested between her breasts. “She promised me sanctuary in exchange for this necklace.” He paused and she looked at him, his ancient and powerful gaze borrowing into her soul, “And now that promise falls to you.”
Startled, Ferris looked away from him and felt the hope fading away. If she already owed him so much how was she ever going to afford a potion that would slow down her aging process? Taking a deep, fortifying breath, she forced her eyes to meet his. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”
He smiled slightly before his expression turned mournful even though his eyes still sparkled with laughter. “Alas, I am an old man and no longer require sanctuary but I have a young, er, apprentice, who will take my place. I think you will be most pleased with Marick.”
Lost, she quickly nodded her head, “Of course! I will try to fulfill my aunt’s bargain.”
He laughed, the sound surprisingly full and youthful-sounding for such a frail looking, old man. “Oh, Ferris! I remember how generous you are, even more so than your beautiful aunt. Now come, we will discuss arrangements.”
Ferris’s brows drew together in a frown because she didn’t remember telling him her name. She also had the oddest feeling that he was toying with her but she didn’t understand why. She was a stranger to him and yet it seemed as if he knew her and not her aunt. Stumbling after the surprisingly spry old man, she put a hand on Fray to keep him steady even though his talons were still buried in her skin. “Are you Omari?”
Without slowing down, he looked over his shoulder and laughed, “Of course I am. Who else would I be?”
“I really don’t know,” she muttered, following him into a backroom that was like something out of an Arabian dream, with filmy mate
rial draped from the ceilings and pillows strewn about the floor, all in bold, jeweled colors. Amazingly, Omari just sort of flowed to the floor, situating himself comfortably on the floor and motioning for Ferris to join him. Awkwardly, her hand still on Fray, she stumbled down, falling on her butt with her legs flailing out in front of her. If Omari hadn’t put an arm on her shoulder to steady her she would have fallen over backwards.
“You must be careful, darling,” he crooned, running his hand down her arm and then back up before touching the tip of his finger to Fray’s snout. The little talons withdrew and the pain hit in a fresh wave, making her wince. Omari moved his fingers over the marks and warmth nudged out the pain. “Oh, my poor dear! You’re going to have blood stains on your shirt. You should have a little faith, Fray. I’m not one to eat little dragons.”
Fray relaxed slightly until Omari ruined it by saying, “I only eat dragons when they’re fully grown.”
The talons dug back into her shoulder and Omari laughed heartily, running a soothing finger down Fray’s back, “I am teasing you, little dragon. I don’t eat dragons at all. Too crunchy.”
Once more the warmth pushed out the pain as he healed the tiny wounds. He met her eyes, laughter still shining so brightly she couldn’t help but smile again, “This little one must trust you. Has he been with you long?”
Absently, she reached up and stroked Fray’s cheek, smiling as he butted his head against her chin. "I’ve only had him for a month.”
"Extraordinary," he murmured.
"He was a parting gift from the man I love," Ferris said, feeling the need to explain. "A gargoyle actually. I was sort of hoping you would be able to help me."
He arched a white eyebrow and she colored in mortification because she hated asking for anything, especially from a stranger. Swallowing her pride, she continued, "His name is Armand."
The man's eyes lit with interest and his smile grew a little shrewd but still he didn't speak. Clearing her throat, she dove right in, "I was just wondering if you had a vial of Medusa's blood lying around so I could… retard my aging?"
After a moment of silence, the brilliant smile lit his face once more and he leaned back on his pillows, “I might have what you need. Do you accept my terms?"
"Sanctuary?" she asked, just to clarify.
He nodded, excitement rolling off him and hurtling into her. "Young Marick will appear on your doorstep two weeks after you return home. I would suggest finding your own apartment because Marick can be quite persuasive but he also enjoys his privacy, especially during intimate moments.”
“Um, I’m not looking for a roommate,” she interrupted. Raising her eyes to his, the heat burning through her cheeks, “Or a, um, lover.”
“Perhaps not immediately,” he conceded, looking at her with a measure of sympathy as he patted her hand. “But eventually….”
“I just want to know if there is a way I can stop aging so I can be there when Armand wakes up,” she blurted. “I’ll give the man a place to live and if he needs my protection, or whatever, I’ll do what I can, but I simply want Armand.”
He stilled, the energy around him coalesced and she realized she was in the presence of a very powerful being. Softly, his words barely more than a breath, he asked, “Do you know how long I’ve waited for you?”
“Fifteen years,” she said automatically, clapping a hand over her mouth to stop the intrusion of sound into his fury.
He shook his head, “I know what is going to happen, Ferris. Accept it and I will give you what you seek.”
Her eyes widened in her head and a fear she had never known before swept through her. This man, this wizard, could destroy her in an instant if he so desired. She was a fool to believe she could do business with such a being and come out on the other side unscathed. Scrambling to her feet, she stumbled backwards away from him, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here.”
“The deal has been made, my darling Ferris,” he said, slowly coming to his feet, his movement graceful and strangely beautiful. He moved towards her, seemingly without movement, his hazel eyes glowing with power as he smiled, his teeth very white, “You will come to love Marick. Oh, not as much as you love Armand, but Armand is going to be frozen for years. Are you just going to wait for him?”
“Yes,” she answered softly, almost certain of her answer.
He smiled, reaching out his long finger and touching her cheek. His eyes closed in ecstasy as he sucked in a ragged breath and Ferris’s skin prickled with unease at the burning sensation. Opening his eyes, he grinned and the energy swirling around him ebbed away and he was simply Omari, an old wizard once more. “Come, Ferris, let’s find you a room and then I will show you the Chicago few humans have ever seen.”
“I have a friend with me,” she said delicately, not wanting to anger the mad man again.
“Ah, yes, the ever loyal Ajreis,” he said with a mild grimace. “I fear the imp will have to find his own entertainments tonight. Imps and, er, wizards don’t get along.”
Ferris nodded her head in understanding, “Imps don’t get along with most people. But Ajreis is different. He’s my best friend.”
Omari smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling once more, “No exceptions, I fear. Ajreis will just have to enjoy the nightlife with his fellow imps tonight. In fact, he has already discovered his brethren and is at the moment losing himself in Naughty.”
“Pardon?” she asked, pretty sure he left a word off there at the end.
“He’s losing himself in Naughty,” Omari repeated. “It’s a magical realm in one of the bars that offers anything the mind can conjure up. Perhaps you’d enjoy a brief taste?”
“Uh, no,” she said quickly, shaking her head no. "What about Fray?"
“Bring him with us,” he grinned. "He'll be a hit with the nightingales."
Living at the Castle, Ferris had thought she had seen most of what the supernatural world had to offer but nothing could have prepared her for the decadence of Others in their natural environment, unfettered by human rules and gargoyle guardians. The creatures here reveled in carnality, watching her with hungry eyes as they openly partook of willing human flesh and blood. Keeping close to Omari's side, she refused any and every drink that was offered to her for fear of what might happen if she drank something laced with the blood of an incubus or the magic of a faerie.
Satyrs, incubi, vampires, warlocks, weres, all were accounted for in the magic nightclubs of Chicago. Scarily enough, she was fairly certain Omari was the most powerful creature there, holding the monsters at bay as he led her through the darkness. With every step she took she realized how sheltered she had been living at the Castle under the protection of the gargoyles. The creatures there respected the boundaries that had been put in place between the human world and the mythical realm whereas the creatures of Chicago looked as if they had no knowledge of such boundaries ever existing.
With wide eyes, she watched as a girl lost herself in ecstasy as a vampire drained her of her blood. The girl's eyes suddenly open and as she looked at Omari, her lips parted. Pulling away from the still feeding vampire, she stumbled closer to the old wizard. "Look at the light that surrounds you… it's beautiful. You're beautiful."
She clutched her stomach and winced in pain the closer she got but she didn't stop. Ferris looked at Omari to gauge his reaction but the old wizard was ignoring the girl. She nudged him and when he looked at her, she shook her head, "Aren't you concerned?"
He smiled, the lines deepening around his eyes and making him look even more ancient than he had just five minutes before. "She's suffering from too much blood loss, my dear. Her master is taking care of her now. Look."
Ferris's mouth fell open as the handsome vampire gathered the pale girl up in his arms and carried her through the crowds. He kissed the girl's lips and her attention was once again upon the vampire and not Omari. Pleasure swamped her features and Ferris couldn't help but be intrigued by such behavior. "Fascinating."
"There are creat
ures here who could give you the most exquisite pleasure, Ferris," Omari said, his voice a hypnotic rumble in her ear. "Any number of them can help you forget a foolish gargoyle."
Ferris smiled at that, "I doubt that. Armand is quite unforgettable."
"All of them would do anything to taste your sweetness, including an old god that desperately wants a human," he said softly, his words warping her thoughts. "Haven't you ever wondered about what it would be like to have sex with an incubus? Or a vampire?"
Laughing, she shook her head no, "Never. There's only ever been Armand."
"Perhaps my young protégé will change your mind," he muttered, sipping at his drink that appeared out of nowhere.
"It's unlikely," she said with a soft smile, surprised when a drink suddenly appeared in her hand. Looking at Omari, she frowned, "I don't want this."
"You look thirsty. Drink," he grinned. Nodding towards the colorful concoction, he added, "It's safe, Ferris. I have no interest in hurting you."
Holding his hazel eyes, she took a cautious sip. Tropical flavor burst over her tongue, bathing her insides in a warm glow. She then spent the rest of the night mesmerized by the shadier side of supernatural life, chuckling at the little anecdotes Omari whispered in her ear.
Chapter 11
The Price to Be Paid
At some point in the years since Armand became frozen in stone, Ferris figured out how to live again with only the occasional plummet into despair at the thought that she would never see Armand again. She was able to laugh and pretend she had a life because she had discovered a true friend in Marick. He was the perfect man and if her heart hadn't been irretrievably tied to Armand's she might have fallen in love with him.
Just as Omari had promised, two weeks after she returned from her visit with the old wizard Marick showed up on her doorstep, looking like something out of an erotic western. He had a long duster on over a pair of leather pants with cowboy boots and a Stetson, his dusty blond hair hanging to his broad, broad shoulders and his six pack abs begging to be licked.
