by Linda Wisdom
“No thanks. My frequent-flier miles don’t cover time travel.” She smiled. “Shall we get back to Anna?” Keep your mind on business, Mags. No thinking about that kiss in the dream realm. “Listen to reason. Anna needs to come to the compound. She needs help with her gift. Ravenna can do that for her.”
“She doesn’t need to do anything she doesn’t want to do. I’m in charge of Anna, and I will say what she does and doesn’t do.”
“Ooh, macho demon. Come on, Declan. You already admitted you don’t rule Anna, so you can’t spin that tale now. For once, be willing to do what’s right,” she insisted.
“And I am.”
“No, you’re not when I’m talking about one of those ‘Her words could save the world’ situations.” She nodded as he sat up at attention. “You got it, fireball. She knows something super-important, as in what I just said. Anna ‘Saw’ something important, and we need to make sense of it. I know someone who can help her do just that.”
“You’re only saying that to persuade me to send her with you.” Except he had a sinking feeling that Maggie wasn’t talking just for the sake of it. Anna’s nightmares continued, and he had no way to stop them. What if someone at the compound could help her?
“You know what, Maggie? You could stand there and strip naked, and I still wouldn’t go along with it. My people come first.”
“Terrific, fine, whatever. They come first, but there are so many others we both need to consider. No matter what animosity goes on between the realms, there are times we all need to work together. It looks like this is one of those times.”
Maggie shifted from one foot to the other, highlighting her agitation. “Don’t you really want to know what troubles are in the air? Just tea and a chat with Ravenna,” she assured him. “Would you be willing to go along with that?”
Declan knew that if he didn’t agree, Maggie would do her best to make life hell for him. No telling what she’d do to him, since he was positive she could use her determination to make life miserable for him both here and in the dream realm. “I want to be present the entire time.”
“That’s up to Ravenna, but knowing her, she’d agree as long as you didn’t try to interfere.” Maggie surveyed him. “I could be wrong, and that so very rarely happens, but now you sound as if you’re willing to go along with this. Wouldn’t it have been easier if you’d just agreed way back then?”
“I don’t know. We wouldn’t have had as much fun.” He leaned forward and tapped a hidden button on his desk. “Have Anna come in here.”
“Jeez, Declan, rude much? Where are your manners? You can’t say please? Or is that against the demon code?” Maggie plopped into one of the visitor chairs and propped her feet up on the top of the desk’s smooth black surface.
“Feet on the floor, if you don’t mind. Where were you raised? In a barn?” He leaned forward and brushed her feet to the floor.
“I grew up in the Witches’ Academy,” she said, “and believe me, they believe in discipline. So I understand the importance of feet belonging on the floor and not on the furniture, but that doesn’t mean I won’t tweak you when I can. Every witch has to have a hobby.” She looked over her shoulder when the door opened.
“You wish to see me, Declan?” The soft voice was hesitant as if afraid she would disturb something important.
“Come in, Anna.” His voice softened at the female demon’s entrance, meant to reassure her.
She started in and then almost bolted when she saw Maggie.
“It’s all right, Anna.” Declan stood up and walked over to her. He curved an arm around her shoulder in a protective manner and guided her inside while Maggie turned her chair around to face them.
“Hello, Anna.” She greeted the visitor with a warm smile.
The young demon shot a look filled with panic at Declan. “Is she here to take me back there? Did I do something wrong?”
“You’ve done nothing wrong, Anna.” Maggie kept her voice low and soothing. “Are you still seeing things? Perhaps having bad dreams?”
Anna sat on the very edge of the couch Declan guided her to but still looked as if she’d bolt if one wrong word were spoken.
“I still see things, but I also hear them.” She flinched as Maggie and Declan focused all their attention on her.
Declan slowly lowered his body into the chair next to the couch. “What do you hear?”
Anna ducked her head, her hair flowing down to cover her face. “Chanting. Words in a language I don’t understand. An old tongue. Not preternatural,” she explained. “Human, yet not human. As if ancient magick is being used.”
“Used for what?” Maggie asked.
Anna took a deep breath and shook her head. “Blood. Beating hearts eaten.” She clasped her hands so tightly her knuckles turned white.
“Anna, would you be willing to talk to someone at the Guard compound?” Maggie said, then hurried on. “Not an interrogator. This is someone who can understand what you’re feeling right now.”
“No one can understand.” Her hands tightened even more.
“Ravenna can because she’s a Seer.” Maggie abandoned her chair and moved over to Anna, kneeling down in front of her. She placed her hands over Anna’s and squeezed lightly. “I spoke with her, and she knows you’ve seen horrible things. She can help you deal with it.”
“Why would a Guard’s Seer be willing to help a demon?” Anna’s lips twisted in an ugly smile that warred with her delicate features. “I know what you think of us. You look at Declan and see a handsome male, but you also think of what’s beneath the skin and you despise him.”
Maggie refused to back down. “I’m a witch who’s been judged for the last 700-odd years. Nothing fazes me now. I’m just asking you to meet with Ravenna.”
Anna looked up at Declan. “What do you think? Do you wish me to do this?”
“It’s up to you. You know I’ve always given you the freedom to make your own choices.”
“But you think I should.” Her dark eyes glimmered with moisture. She continued staring at Declan as if Maggie wasn’t there.
Declan exhaled a deep breath. “Yes, I do. For all we know, the horrors you’re dreaming could take over your mind and render you insane. And there may be bigger issues involved. Perhaps this Ravenna can help you.”
“You will go with me.” She looked at her demon lifeline.
“Of course.”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Could we do it now?” Her request likened to wanting to get dental surgery over with as fast as possible.
“I’m sure we could, and knowing Ravenna, she’s already readying the tea for your visit.” Maggie smiled.
Anna looked down at the skimpy silver skirt and strapless top that comprised her barmaid’s uniform. “Let me change first.” She left the office, closing the door behind her.
“So the visions have moved into nightmare territory?”
Declan nodded.
“I hope you let her catch up on her sleep,” Maggie remarked a bit too casually.
His expression was grim when he faced her. “Maggie… Anna is my half sister, although as far as I’m concerned, she’s full-blood to me. I brought her with me because our father wanted to mate her with someone who would pay a hefty price to own her. Someone Victorio considered appropriate. Namely anyone who could offer him enough power and money.”
He felt satisfaction at her startled look. It wasn’t easy to surprise the witch, and he could see his sudden revelation had thrown her off balance.
But Maggie merely stood up and said, “I’ll alert the front gate to let you through.”
Declan also rose to his feet. “You’re not following us to make sure Anna doesn’t change her mind?”
She shook her head. “I’d say from the look on her face she’s hoping Ravenna can help take the horrors from her.”
“Do you think a Seer can do that?” He had trouble believing someone could do what he feared might be impossible.
“If
any Seer can, Ravenna can. She’s incredible.”
“And you’re allowing two demons to get close to one of your Seers? Many Guards wouldn’t allow that.”
“If I were you, I’d worry more about Ravenna than me. She may seem like a pussycat, but she’s a real tiger underneath.” The moment her hand cupped the doorknob, Declan came up and covered her hand with his.
“I’m curious, Maggie,” he whispered against her temple. “What’s the name of the perfume you wear?”
She was quiet for so long that he didn’t think she’d answer him. “Euphoria,” she finally replied and then was out the door and down the hallway before he could blink.
“Euphoria. A very appropriate name for a woman who inspires strong feelings.” Declan closed the door.
***
Maggie left a scowling Anton with a cheery “Bye now!” and a wave of the hand and then crossed the parking lot to where her Viper waited. She hadn’t worried about her vehicle’s safety when she was inside the club. The bouncer might hate her, but he knew better than to allow a Guard’s car to be vandalized. Plus, the wards on the sports car meant some serious pain to anyone who approached it with threat and violence on their mind.
In the bright light of day, the part of town surrounding the club looked full of despair and anger. To call it seedy was an understatement. The alleys between buildings were narrow and filthy, more storefronts were abandoned and boarded up than were open for business, and the beings that walked the sidewalks hadn’t known the meaning of the word “comfort” for years. Many who lingered near the street had the cold, dead eyes of humans with no soul.
Judging by the dark, empty eyes of the others, she’d bet that they were on the Hellion Guard’s Most Wanted List. An excellent reason to do a sweep late one night. It wouldn’t hurt to come down here during the day as well. She ignored one gnome who turned around and pulled down his pants to show a filthy, bony ass with springy hairs popping out of the leathery skin.
“Guard whore!” he shouted.
“Yeah, yeah, like I haven’t heard that one before,” Maggie muttered, settling into the Viper’s soft leather seats. “No one is original anymore.” She made the calls to the front gate and to the Seers’ Pavilion. Then she sat for a moment processing all she’d just learned.
She could hardly believe that Declan had diffused her anger so easily when she’d marched into his office. Or that he’d volunteered that Anna was his sister. And Anna was now willing to speak to their people, after previous exclamations that she never wanted to see them again. Although if Maggie were having the horrific nightmares and visions Anna was, she’d pretty much do whatever it took to make them go away.
While driving back to the compound, she thought of the dream and this visit with Declan. What was it about him that teased an inner part of her? That nurtured emotions she’d buried years ago?
Easy. All she had to do was think of Aleta, the sister she couldn’t save. Declan was able to shield his sister when she hadn’t been able to do the same for hers.
Then there was the fact he also appealed to her hormones in a big way.
He’s a demon, Mags.
Uh, duh! Tell me something I don’t know.
He can tear you apart with one thought.
And I can turn him inside out with a thought.
Then maybe the two of you are made for each other after all.
“I really hate it when that bitchy little voice has to chime in,” she muttered, driving through the magickal shield that protected the compound from the outer world and making her way toward the large garage that housed the vehicles. “What’s next?”
“You’re talking to yourself, darling.” Tita glided toward her. Oversize dark glasses protected her eyes from the sun while a long-sleeved catsuit protected the rest of her. “That’s never good.” She revealed her pearly fangs.
“Aren’t you up early?” Maggie smiled at her team member as the vampire draped an arm around her shoulders.
“I have two days off, and I’m spending them in Paris. I was lucky to get a last-minute flight, and it will be dark by the time I reach the airport. I’ve always loved French food.” Her eyes glowed red.
“Named Jean Paul or René?” Maggie teased.
“Why not both?” Tita smiled back. “I heard the demon is coming back to talk to Ravenna. How did you manage that?”
“My charm.”
“Yes, I’m sure Declan was thoroughly bemused.” Tita shot her a knowing smile. “See you in a few.” She waved her hand over her head as she headed for her sleek, black Aston Martin with its dark-tinted windows.
“Bring me a souvenir!” Maggie called after her.
“Blond or brunet?” The vampire laughed and roared off.
Maggie took the time to duck into her quarters and brush her hair, tucking it behind her ears, and add a swipe of lip gloss, blush, and mascara. Convinced she looked more presentable, she also changed into a cotton skirt in swirls of black, ivory, and hot pink, coupled with a pink tank top. She added a gold chain with chunks of pink coral and turquoise and matching earrings. Not once did she admit she was doing this because she’d be seeing Declan again soon.
Maggie was waiting at the entrance when Declan and Anna were escorted to the Seers’ Pavilion. After making the appropriate request to enter, she gestured for them to follow. She smothered her chuckle when the duo looked down at the dark-green hooded robes that covered their clothing the moment they’d stepped over the threshold.
“See, wearing color isn’t all that difficult, is it?”
She kept an eye on Anna, noticing her hesitation and the way she surveyed their environment. Maggie didn’t blame her. Considering the seriousness of the Guard’s work, it was always surprising to walk into the light and airy Pavilion. It looked more like the site of a lovefest than a building filled with Seers intent on discovering trouble in the realms before it happened.
“You’re very lovely,” an apprentice wearing a flower garland in her hair told Anna, giving her a hug and moving on.
“What is this?” Declan demanded in a low voice.
“They believe in their happy place,” Maggie said.
“No kidding.” He sneezed.
“Patchouli.”
Declan and Anna gasped when they entered Ravenna’s receiving room, and Declan started to step back as if he’d been seared.
“I apologize, but you must understand there are protocols,” Ravenna said from her spot at the other end of the moonlit room. “We are considered very precious and must be protected at all costs. All you felt was a spell ensuring you and your sister could do me and mine no harm.” Her smile warmed the room.
“Yes, I understand,” he said in a low voice. “I am not like many of my kind. I prefer to save from harm rather than destroy.”
“Can you really do it?” Anna blurted out. “Can you take the darkness away?”
Ravenna glided toward her and took hold of Anna’s hands. “I can soften it for you, and together we will find the answers. Only then will the darkness be taken from you. But you must understand that you are a demon. Your race holds shadows within themselves the way we hold the light. But you can learn to push the shade away.”
Maggie urged Declan to a corner that held two cushioned stools while Ravenna led Anna to the center of the room where two large pillows were arranged near a small brazier from which the scent of water lily and wild tuberose wafted in the air.
“What will she do?” Declan whispered.
“Only Ravenna knows.”
“I require silence. Thank you.”
Maggie mouthed an apology and made herself comfortable. She was just as curious as Declan about what would happen.
Ravenna and Anna sat on the pillows facing each other, their hands clasped.
The witch couldn’t understand the words that left the Seer’s lips, but the power that filled the room was potent. Declan shifted uneasily on the stool. On impulse, she reached over and grasped his hand.
“Th
e time of darkness is near,” Ravenna intoned. “A portal to evil is ready to open when blood falls on the sacred stone in the land of old beliefs where gods of the sun and moon are worshipped, but this time the sun will look down upon the sacrifice. Blood spilled to the gods.
“They require one with true blood to give up her heart to the god of destruction. She is near. The priests have not found her yet, but they will. Their only task is to find her and bring her to the temple for the sunrise that will reveal blood and fire. Once the Destroyer is returned to his rightful place, he will rule—and blood will flow like water.”
“The true one,” Anna whispered, her eyes closed.
“Who is the true one?” Maggie asked softly, forgetting she was to be silent, but no one chastised her.
Ravenna threw back her head and sang something that caused the power in the air to turn into a heavy mist. It lifted toward the ceiling and slowly evolved into a dark background for the colorful figure that dominated it. The faint sound of drums echoed throughout the room, the resonance seeming to bleed through the walls.
Maggie nearly had to pick her jaw up off the floor as she stared at the image of a teenage girl in ratty jeans and a Green Day T-shirt, her dark hair streaked with white blonde flowing past her waist.
“Wait a minute! Are you saying the one with the right blood is a teenage girl and the whole thing hinges on her?” She pointed toward the image. “Oh, we are so screwed!”
Chapter 7
“This is nuts!” Maggie blurted out, forgetting she was breaking the major rule in the Seers’ Pavilion. Thou shalt not interrupt a Seer during her vision. She pointed to the image that still floated near the ceiling. “What is she, fifteen, sixteen at the most? She’s barely out of her training bra. How could someone like her be that important to basically saving the world?”
Ravenna turned her head toward the witch. There was no anger in her voice at the witch’s rude behavior, merely amusement.
“We See what is given to us. This young girl obviously carries the blood that is necessary for the ritual that is revealed to us.”
