The Transformation of Anna (Cornerstone Deep Book 1)

by Wilson, Charlene A.

  “No, Kid! He’s protected by the covenant.” Cole dove for him as a second burst flew.

  The magical charges rebounded off the lord as if invisible armor sealed his body. Scattering in madcap disarray around the room, they struck the marble staircase. Balusters wheeled through the air with chunks of white and black rock. A fracture traveled up the length of the flight. Iron groaned as the inner pitch strained. Marble hammered to the floor, and as the second-floor landing shifted, the grand stained-glass window jarred.

  Time seemed to slow as the myriad of shapes and colors cascaded to the floor. Glass shattered in a continuous roar, and Cole squeezed his lids shut in an attempt to lessen the impact on his ears. Frigid air whisked debris around the upper scope of the room. Screams filtered through the din, and he peeked to the second level hallways. Servants peered around the walls and then darted back the way they came.

  Rage burned in Dressen’s eyes as his deep voice carried on the torrent. “You dare attack a Grand Marshal? Those you are here to serve?”

  James’ jaw flexed as he clenched it tight. His upper lip curled and with a single step, he widened his stance. Cole held to Vincent to brace himself. He could count on one hand the times he’d seen that look on this brother, and each time had resulted in cyclonic disaster.

  Drawing his thick arms in an all-encompassing circle, James’ biceps bulged. The wind obeyed his command. Chairs, tables, onyx pillars, and portraits swept from their stays and swirled into a twister.

  Dressen’s hair slapped at his brow. His clothes clapped against his body. Leaning into the current, he grasped the left balustrade and clung tight. The netted crystals from the wall whirled to life. Swooping around the lawmaker, they lifted him to the wall. The tiny gems dug deep into the side panels, pinning him eight feet above the floor.

  James marched to the trapped sire. “We serve none other than the gods of the realms! Our purpose here is to aid in keeping peace within the spectrum. If force is the only way to accomplish that, then so be it. We will not be used to satisfy the pleasures of noblemen. Set forth your trials. We will not be moved until Gryffin, Taravaughn, and Arylin deem it so. The covenants stand!”

  He lowered his voice to a stern warning. “Call your assemblies and bid all to pray for mercy. By condoning your actions, it is the Grand Marshalls who have broken the covenant as you have.”

  Dressen’s fingers flexed through the holes in the net. A low growl rode his sneer.

  Releasing Vincent, Cole stood tall. “We’re finished here.”

  Quick strides brought James to Linda, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. With a furl of their cloaks, they dispersed into the Smoke of Night. Intensifying their billowed essence to a thick ball of energy, Cole crashed through the doors.

  The mansion’s stained-glass face pulverized and as objects crashed to the receiving hall floor, pounding echoed through the estate grounds.

  Shilo City’s tall buildings passed in a blur as Cole’s speed fed off their joined anger. His fatigued mind whirled with adrenalin, determination, and purpose.

  Zipping over the east side commerce district, Shilo Park came to view. Movement caught his senses, and he spared it meager attention, but an electric charge shot through his essence as he realized the cause and froze. His brother’s elements stumbled into a sloppy halt around him.

  Massive wings arched skyward and then beat at the darkness. Treetops bent from the disturbance. A great eagle’s head stretched high, the hooked beak opened, and an ancient cry pierced the air. Birds took to flight and flocks of flutters blocked their view.

  Another shrieking roar echoed, and Cole shifted to keep his line of sight. Large talons bit chunks of rock from the north entrance arch. Gravel rained to the footpath. Hind claws dug into the stone arch, and the griffin vaulted to the pavement. The asphalt gave way beneath his weight.

  He gazed around the empty city and shook off the sediment of time. With a swish of his long tail, he turned. Dislodged rock crunched beneath his feet as he walked through the open gates. Leaping into the air, the eight-foot wings spread wide.

  Cole’s senses stung as he watched the night sky swallow the gargoyle. The only time Gryffin had taken the form of his likeness, eternal consequences had hung in the balance.

  Forcing his thoughts to his brothers, Cole darted for Shilo Manor. “The unbinding must take place tonight.”

  As soon as they entered Shilo Manor, James veered toward the parlor with Linda. Vincent shot up the stairs, while Cole headed for the study.

  Forming outside the laurel crowned threshold, he threw the door wide and marched to stand before the three crystal globes. His wrists flexed of their own accord, and he sucked in a long stream of air to steady his nerves. Placing his hands on the first, he spoke the spell he had hoped he would never need.

  “Triad of Power, parclainum.”

  The ball glowed bright, beams shooting through the space between his fingers. He repeated the process on the next. As he rested his hands on the third, his palms tingled. Cole caressed the smooth surface of his crystal, allowing the warmth from within it to fill him. Closing his eyes, he cast the spell to call on the gods’ power to join theirs.

  The light of his globe joined with the others and nearly blinded him. He turned his head slightly to control the urge to shield his eyes. They needed to be linked, to gain strength, before he used them to perform suck a feat.

  Rays gleamed from the shiny surfaces around the room as they reflected the intense illuminations. Magical items around the hearth sparkled, and Cole lifted his hand toward the copper memory box. It shot into his palm.

  Turning on his heal, he marched out the door. Globes lifted from their plinths and followed. His feet beat the hardwood floor as he sent a pressing message to Vincent’s mind. “You’ve spoken with Elaina about this?”

  “She knows,” he called from the third-floor landing.

  Holding the bejeweled box in his palm, Cole tilted the lid. Ginger essence trailed behind him as he bound up the stairs. He glanced over the balustrade toward the parlor door. “James. Now!”

  The command punched from his lungs and thoughts with such urgency, his determination doubled at the sound of it. He snatched at the ginger cloud with a full fist and forced it forward, fingers outstretched. Three balls of light dashed past him, illuminating the hall and washing out the portraits that lined the wall.

  Steps hammered overhead and through the foyer as the others rushed his way.

  Cole launched into a run.

  Anna’s door swung open, and the magical items dipped inside. Her gaze snapped to his as he entered. Disheveled hair covered half her face, and the gown tugged her shoulder straps at an odd angle. Though crystal balls floated beside her, and a ginger aura filled the air, she seemed to notice only him.

  Her voice cracked. “You. You chased me down the alley.”

  He slowly sat on the edge of her bed. “Yes.”

  Reverence mixed with confusion, and if he wasn’t letting his heart get in the way, love flowed from her emotions. “I was terrified. But you brought me peace.”

  “Anna...”

  Shoving the comforter from her legs, she kicked it aside and threw her arms around his shoulders. “You kissed me and gave me new life.”

  A heavy sigh issued from Cole’s lungs. “You remember very little. That never should have happened…” Unable to withhold his heart, he allowed his breath to finish his statement. “My love.”

  Vincent and Elaina darted into the room, and Anna flinched at the intrusion. As James crossed the threshold, Linda pushed pass him and dove for her friend.

  “Oh, Anna, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  James set his large hand on Linda’s shoulder. “She doesn’t remember everything yet. Your support will mean a great deal. But I ask that you allow us to perform what’s necessary to undo all the harm.”

  He turned to Cole and handed him a small vial. “Pu
t that on your tongue. It will help you cope without the added emotions of others.”

  The gesture couldn’t have come soon enough. Emotions swirled around the room in a torrent. Forget his worry about Kid’s anger flooding the moment. Compassion, angst and outright fear rolled off the women in force. He quickly swallowed the contents, ensuring he got every drop. As if bathed in paraffin, his mouth heated and then quickly cooled. The thin layer of comfort spread and reached deep into his throat and lungs. Anxiety disappeared.

  He inhaled deeply, looking back at his love. “Anna, I gave you these small memories to awaken your mind to what’s missing in your life. Greater moments before the kiss are hidden. Some of them are full of joy and some are filled with sorrow.” He took her hands in his. “Right now, you see me as a savior of peace. Your will views me as your Keeper, your guide. That’s not life. You must be able to make your own choices.”

  Anna blinked, question vivid in her gaze.

  Cole stood and wrapped his hands around his brilliant sphere. Willing it to lessen in intensity, the light softened to a glow. “We are going to return these rights to you. But this isn’t going to be easy. You will see things from your past, relive experiences that will be unpleasant.”

  Vincent motioned with his nod, and Elaina rushed around the bed. “But, we’ll be here to help however we can, okay?” Linda seemed determined to keep hold of Anna, so Elaina placed her hand on her arm as she sat at her side. “We’ll be right here. Whatever happens, you can count on us, okay?”

  Anna glanced at her. “I don’t understand.”

  James grasped his crystal. “Humanity wasn’t meant to be controlled by another. You should grow, learn, experience.”

  Linda placed her hand on Anna’s cheek, guiding her friend to face her. “Anna, you want to remember your parents, don’t you? And you used to be one of the most sought after artisans in the city. My father owes you much more than he pays you.”

  Elaina laughed, but it came out like a nervous squeak.

  Anna slowly nodded as she gazed into her friend’s eyes.

  Cole watched the compassionate conversation, glad he couldn’t pick up on Anna’s feelings. The potion, however, couldn’t silence the soft words she spoke as she looked back at him.

  “But...will I still love you?”

  The words hung in the air as the brothers looked away.

  “Anna,” Cole’s voice cracked. He’d assumed every reaction from her had been instinctive, an answer to his bid. Perhaps to this point it was. With the summon of short-term memories, could her heart truly have surmised that emotion for him?

  Setting aside his feelings, he motioned for Vincent to take hold of his globe. The youngest sentinel reached for the bright ball, and Cole sent him mental instruction on how to dim it. It followed Vincent’s command.

  Balancing his globe in his left hand, Cole lifted his right toward Anna. He spoke the words to allow her recollection, lighting memories to her mind and heart as gently as he could. “Visola compe. Amoria conecho threshjanan.”

  He paused as particles burst from his palm and rained on her like silver confetti.

  Anna’s eyes brightened. “I’m an artist. A stained-glass artist. I used to plaster colored paper on my wall and pretend they were grand windows of a cathedral.” A puff of laughter passed her lips. “Mr. Cantrell thought it was a lousy example of my work but he liked the style.”

  “Yes!” Linda’s face beamed. “And there are a lot more things to remember.” She looked at Cole, blonde brows raised and tear stained cheeks pressed tight with her smile.

  James looked at him with a stern gaze, and Cole grimaced. He knew he’d have to reveal deeper experiences but couldn’t bear to begin the whole revelation with loss. Heaving a sigh, he shifted his gaze back to Linda.

  “Linda, I want you to hold Anna tightly.” He softened his tone. “Please.”

  Linda’s smile faded, and she cuddled closer, wrapping her arms around Anna’s shoulders.

  Elaina held to her arm and grasped the headboard with her other hand. Her forehead tightened, pressing a deep crease over the bridge of her nose. The apprehension in her eyes was clear, and Cole couldn’t blame her one bit. He’d done this only a few times before, by request of the Lords whose clients didn’t comply to their taste. Then, there had been no emotional attachment. Strictly duty.

  How could he have been so devoid of compassion for them? For that matter, how could he have put them in that situation to begin with?

  Closing his eyes, Cole recited the incantation as memorized so long ago.

  Screams pierced the air, and his lids flew open. He held his hand steady as a dark mist issued from his palm and then swirled, forming into loose images. Distorted faces bulged, ebbed into brick patterns, morphed into tattered clothes. Linda inched away as they encased Anna’s legs and spread to entrap her body. Anna clung tighter, kicking at the phantoms. The comforter tumbled from the bed, but the demons remained, soaking into her skin.

  Elaina gasped and jumped to her feet, backing against the wall.

  As the apparitions soaked into Anna’s skin, she shoved Linda away and thrashed across the bed. She grasped at her stomach and rolled to her side. Her face turned crimson as she spewed black purge. Traces of diamond-like glitter sparkled in the sick. Immediately, disgorge took on life and encircled her again.

  Elaina threw both hands to her mouth and then buried her face in Vincent’s back.

  Linda’s shrill voice drowned Anna’s painful cries. “What’s happening?”

  James’ soft tone answered her. “She’s refusing her past. Until she accepts it, the process will continue.”

  A heavy ache throbbed in Cole’s heart as he held his ground. The thickness in his throat refused to shrink. Time seemed senseless. Uncontrollable, uncaring. Impatience puffed a scoffed past his lips. He should be holding her, comforting her. Instead he was locked in his stand of authority, causing his love to relive every loss, pain, moment of fear. He inwardly thanked James for his offering of emotional silence. This was unbearable to watch.

  Anna released another sparkling heave of bile. Demons from her past attacked her once again.

  A soft prayer punctuated the din as Linda cried to her god. “Have mercy. Taravaughn, God of Life, have mercy on your child.”

  Anna rolled onto her back and threw her hands to her face, bitter sobs punching from her lungs. “I…don’t…understand.”

  Recognizing the final steps of acceptance, Cole freed a heavy breath. “Anna.” Their gazes met, and his heart sank. Oh, that he could go to her. He cleared his throat to gain control of his senses. “This was your life. Every joy and disappointment. It’s what has made you who you are.”

  “My Keeper, please help me. Tell me what to do.”

  He shook his head. “That’s not how it should be, Anna.”

  With trembling hands, she reached for him as if beseeching his returned adoration. “But I love you. I want you.”

  A chill traveled down Cole’s torso. “What?”

  She leaned her head to her shoulder, causing her tears to trail into her messed hair. “I want you. Don’t you want me, too?”

  She wants? How could that be? At this point, a bound soul should have no such depth. He looked at James who mirrored his surprise.

  “Anna.” His voice rasped as his mouth dried. Licking his lips, he dropped his gaze to the foot of the bed to regain composure. “At this point, your will is bent. When you were selected to serve under a lord’s care, you inhaled a spell that would ensure compliance to his wishes.” He glanced at her as she lowered her arms. “Removing this spell will enable you to think clearly. I may not be your...choice.”

  Pain shadowed her blue eyes, and a small sob caused her nostrils to flare.

  Averting his gaze, he solemnly spoke the incantation that would remove her from his keep. A fine mist erupted from his palm. White powder lighted on her and then disappeared as her skin drank it in.

  Cole watched from his periphery, expe
cting her to jump from the bed, attempt to escape, when she realized she’d been held against her will.

  Anna’s gaze stayed riveted on him. He flushed. “Anna?”

  “You’re not my keeper.”

  “No.”

  “I don’t need a keeper.”

  “No.”

  “I have my own will and my wants aren’t influenced by anyone.”

  “Yes.”

  “Then why do I still want you? Our kiss was the one right thing in my life. And you want to pretend it never happened.”

  Cole’s brow furrowed. It couldn’t be possible. All rules of ancient magic pointed to the fact that a kiss following the administration of a spell sealed it. In cases that affected the will, it also merged the soul with the body, binding them together in death. As a result, basic instincts take over to protect when the soul fails to provide guidance. When the keeper isn’t present, fears overwhelm, just as she’d reacted the nights she was alone at Dressen’s.

  Anna shook her head, looking every bit that she’d lost love.

  Lowering his hand, he peered back into her teary eyes. There it was again. The call, a beckoning, and he wanted more than ever to set aside every thought and go to her.

  “Cole.”

  James’ voice called him from his trance, and he pulled his gaze away to look at him. Repeatedly, James had been the voice of logic, offering better advice than his own heart-following head. Damn potion. What were his brother’s feelings on the matter? If she could ascertain the thoughts and feelings of want and voice her own concerns…

  “The process must be completed.”

  Cole threw his confusion to James’ mind. “What if her soul wasn’t bound, James? She’s not acting like it was bound. I removed the bending of will. I’m not her anchor anymore. She should be filled with fear right now.”

  Stepping to his side, James placed his hand on Cole’s chest. As Cole stepped back, James eased into his place and set his hands at his waist. His cloak blocked Cole from Anna’s view.

  A gasp sounded and the headboard banged against the wall. “You,” cried Anna. “You chased me down the alley! How could you... What did you do to me?”