by Nikki Landis
“I’m alright,” I assured him.
“No, my sweet. I can feel your pain. It torments me.”
“It’s nothing more than the loss of my parents.” I sat up and quickly rose to my feet, crossing the room to my aunt. “Aunt Sarah,” I choked as she reached out and enveloped me in her embrace. Tears streamed down my face as I caught her expression.
Fiercely loyal, loving, and full of regret, Sarah sniffled as she held me tighter. “I’m sorry, little one. I did my best. There was no way I could take you in. The danger was far too great. I intervened as much as I could. The Coven said we needed to hide you in the public system to keep you safe. I never should have listened.”
“I understand now. That’s all that matters.”
She tilted my chin until our eyes met. “No, you suffered greatly. I never wanted you to feel alone.”
“My experiences have made me who I am and I’m stronger for it,” I declared, “this is in the past.”
Sarah nodded, wiping her eyes. “We need to leave. This chamber isn’t safe. Baltus monitors all magical concentrations. This is the altar he used to bind you, Cora. You’re in great danger.”
“I take it Sarah is on our side?” Casey asked, mild annoyance in his voice.
“Yes, she’s my mother’s sister. My beloved aunt.”
“Who’s this Baltus?” Rex nearly growled the words.
“An evil Maleficum witch who bound our essence to one another when I was a child. What happens to him, happens to me. He killed my parents,” I faltered, my voice breaking.
All four of my friends rushed forward as we huddled in a lopsided hug.
“I’m sorry, Cora.” Rin sounded close to tears.
“I’ll get through this, but we need to leave. Sarah is right. This place is evil and it’s dangerous.”
“Unfortunately, this is exceptionally bad timing,” Rex interrupted. “We’re no longer alone.”
Chapter 15 – Colin
“Shit,” Casey cursed as he opened his hands wide and electricity began to hover over his skin.
Rex moved in front of Cora so quickly I didn’t understand what was happening until shadowy figures emerged from the walls and began to attack.
“Colin!” Corinne yelled and I spun in time to block the hit from a towering black form that consisted of nothing but thick billowy clouds of mist.
Red eyes glowed back while an inhuman growl launched from the creature’s throat.
“Demons!” Rex yelled and I bit back my sarcasm.
Cora was fighting off the shadows next to her aunt as they both fought off the demon’s attack. Violet flames circled within their irises and for a moment I was mesmerized by Cora’s energy and fierce beauty. Their bloodline was truly the most powerful I had ever witnessed.
My distraction proved a terrible mistake.
One of the shadows moved too close and punched its fist into my chest as I felt the cold hand surround my heart and begin to squeeze. My knees buckled while a loud ringing began pounding in my ears. It was as if my organs froze and ceased all function. My blood seemed to curdle in my veins. Acid burned through each vein as I cried out and tried to dislodge the demon’s hold.
“He’s dying!” Corinne screamed as I fell flat on my back and the demon chuckled.
I was certain my life was over until I felt the pressure suddenly release. Choking and sputtering, I coughed up blood and rolled on my side. My sister dropped to my side as tears streamed down her cheeks. She wailed my name, picking up my head and placing it in her lap as I groaned with the pain.
“Colin.”
Disoriented, I lost track of where everyone was in the room and how the fight was progressing. My heart kept missing beats as I chastised myself internally. What a rookie mistake. I wasn’t untested when it came to battle with malevolent forces. I’d fought Maleficum witches and demons before but something this time was different.
Maybe it was the knowledge that I had something – specifically, someone – to live for and my recklessness affected more than my own family. Casey roared next to my side and then I felt his hand on my chest. He cried out in rage and fright when he detected the erratic beating of my heart.
I wouldn’t last the night.
My life had been cut short, and with it my only opportunity to tell the girl I had fallen in love with how desperately I cared for and needed her. My Cora.
Thoughts of Emily dissipated, and I let her hold on my heart release with the knowledge that she would always be a part of me but that didn’t mean I couldn’t love Cora, too. How tragic that it took my death to realize what was important. Clarity at the absolute worst moment.
“Cora,” I called as my voice faltered.
“I’m here, Colin.”
Her soft fingertips brushed across my face and I sighed softly, my gaze lifting to peer into those eyes that expressed such a wide range of emotion. Sadness lingered with agony as she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my bloodied lips.
“You’re not leaving me, Colin.”
“I’m afraid . . . you can’t stop it.”
“I didn’t come to your family only to lose another person I love. You’re going to be fine, Colin. Close your eyes. Trust me.”
I wanted to fight her request. If I closed my eyes, I may never open them again. “Cora, my beloved.”
“Trust me, Colin,” she repeated, her fingers caressing the side on my face.
When my eyes closed, I felt her hand resting on my chest. The pressure was excruciating, and I groaned, my body fighting the urge to thrash against her touch. Intense heat began to penetrate through the layers of my skin, sinking lower, beyond the muscle and tendon and bone, and finding the surface of my heart. Waves of agony seared my flesh in response.
“Hold him!” Corinne yelled.
I felt multiple hands securing my writhing frame in place as the heat began to restore the chilled and frozen arteries and chambers of my heart. What began as pain so fierce I bit my own tongue gradually receded as they were replaced by waves of healing energy. My body stopped fighting and began to relax. Calm and reassuring ripples of strength, endurance, and magical vibrations hovered over every inch of my body.
“Cora,” I whispered, “you did it.”
“Not just Cora, you idiot. Sarah and Cora combined their magic.” Rex’s voice mildly irritated me as I was sure he intended. The fact that he was messing with me was proof I wasn’t going to die.
My eyes opened as I lifted a hand and reached for Cora. She gripped it back and squeezed. Tears glistened in her eyes as my hand cupped her cheek. “Thank you.” I glanced at Sarah as she nodded.
“Well, that was entirely too eventful. How about we get the hell out of this place?” Casey wasn’t wrong.
Several nervous chuckles filled the air. This chamber was nothing but trouble.
Cora
COLIN WAS HEALED. RELIEF flashed through my body with liquid heat. We almost lost him to those demons. How could this have happened? Was Baltus responsible?
Rex shouted a few seconds later and I barely had the time to register the fact that we were under attack again. Colin was surrounded by both of his siblings as I rose to my feet and turned to confront the newest threat. There was no group of demons this time. I wasn’t sure what these creatures were with their blackened skin and long sharp claws, glimmering eyes so similar to Rex’s, and fangs that descended over their bottom lips.
Dawning realization led my thoughts back to the lake where Rex revealed his true identity. Only one creature had fangs that sharp and a gaze that immediately stole my attention. Like a garbled message that wasn’t quite strong enough to reach my ears, I heard Rex’s warning.
“Vampires!”
The chamber was soon saturated with dozens as they rushed forward to attack. Rex barreled into the first few that were bold enough to reach me in his presence. His feral roar echoed throughout the room as he began to fight like a crazed beast. Bloodlust filled his eyes a fearsome red as his face transformed a
nd the handsome biker I knew receded while the creature of night took over.
I became separated from the others during the fight as one massive vampire kept pushing me farther and farther away with his hits. Our magic collided again and again as he tried to slice, stab, and rip into any body part he could grasp. I used my shields to block his advances, but it was exhausting. I’d already given Colin a considerable percentage to heal. My body weakened under the steady assault.
“Rex!” I cried out, stumbling as the vampire pushed me up against the wall.
His cry of outrage filled every inch of space as I felt the link of our bond waver.
“You’re mine now, little witch.”
The vampire’s claw encircled my throat as I screamed and then choked off painfully. His gaze locked on mine as I tried to fight the thrall of his compulsion. He must have been old and powerful. The spells I uttered and tried to sputter only amused him. He laughed as our faces remained only inches apart.
“You will answer to me only. I demand your allegiance.”
“Never,” I spat, digging into his wrists with my nails.
“Submit, witch. I am your master now.”
“I’ll die first.”
Another chuckle filled the air as he tightened his hold. “I can make sure that you do.”
My eyes closed as I continued to fight off his strong presence. The lack of air was taking a toll. Dizzy and lightheaded, I lost most of my vision. My eyes closed as I was suddenly transported beyond the hidden chamber under Xavier Academy until I stood in the center of a gothic but beautiful castle sitting high upon a distant hill. The room was a bedchamber with a four-poster bed that was carved from mahogany. Candles lit up the wide space and flickered as I moved closer. Crisp white sheets and fluffy pillows immediately drew my attention as I spotted a single red rose draped with a black ribbon.
My fingers itched to pick up the flower until I lifted my eyes and found a name carved into the headboard, I knew was my own. My dhampir. He left it for me. The second my eyes landed on his name my eyes filled with tears.
“Oh, Rex,” I blubbered and sighed with relief.
He was confirming our connection. The bond was intact. This was proof.
I began drawing on the power and energy I felt in the room and used it to my advantage, letting the ripples and waves build beneath my skin. My eyes opened and I returned to reality as the vampire sneered in my face. Rex was shouting as he fought harder to reach me.
Instead of fighting my attacker, I lowered my hands and relaxed, drawing on the bond and every bit of the powerful energy that continued to collide and churn within. A wicked smile twisted my lips as he snarled and increased the pressure around my neck. He was too late.
“Incendiare,” I chanted aloud as the power released from my body in an explosive burst that collided with every vampire in the room. They immediately ignited as their skin burned with violet flames. Bodies collided as the vampires fought the magic but couldn’t undo my spell. Blackened ash began to fall from their towering frames as they fell to their knees. Many tried to escape but I blocked any attempt at retreat. After only a few minutes, the vampires were destroyed.
Magic swirled in violet waves around my body as I walked to the center of the room, lifted my hand, and ignited the altar, the podium, the bones, and every trace of Maleficum from the room.
With a sweeping gesture, I pointed at the door as Sarah and my friends left the room. I followed behind and spun at the last minute, lifting the destroyed, heavy iron doors and replacing them. Violet flames sealed the door shut as I flicked my wrist and forever prevented the room from being used again.
Facing my loved ones, I smiled coyly and shrugged. “I don’t think we’ll have a problem anymore.”
Chapter 16 – Cora
A week later
“Are you used to it yet?” Rin asked, sinking next to me on the bed.
My hand lifted as I picked up the stray gray curl and frowned. “Sort of. I’m not sure I like it yet.”
“You will,” she assured me, winking. “To be honest, I think it’s cool.”
Reaching my arm out to give her a hug, I laughed. “I miss the crimson.”
“Well, this is certainly more unique,” Rex offered, climbing in through my open bedroom window. He sauntered over and pressed a lingering kiss against my lips. “I thought you said you had plans. All I see is trouble and probably a lot more sweets.”
“True,” Rin giggled, picking up a bag of chocolate candies and popping a few in her mouth.
“What can I say?” I joked. “We’re addicted.”
“I’m addicted to you,” he murmured, nuzzling my nose with his own.
“The feeling is mutual,” I gushed, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
“Hey, why do we always miss out on the fun?” Casey complained, shoving the door a little too hard as he entered, and it smacked into the wall. Colin was right behind him.
“Who said that you are?” Rin answered, unwrapping a package of Smarties.
“I thought this was a strategical planning meeting. All I see is money flying out of my wallet as I buy more sweets.” Colin tried to appear annoyed, but he wasn’t.
“Oh, I have a plan,” I argued, laughing lightly. “I need to confront the six-fingered witch Baltus and exact my revenge, right after I find my uncle and the family grimoire.”
“Sounds easy.” Casey moved forward and slipped his arm around my waist, drawing us closer together. “Never a dull moment with you around.”
Making a frustrated sound in my throat, I turned his way and pinched his side as he yelped. “Very funny. I seem to remember a certain male witch who thought it was hilarious to torture me my first night in this house and scare me to the point that I almost wet my pants.”
Rin began giggling and couldn’t stop as I shook my head. “I would have paid money to see that.”
“You’re awful,” I teased. “I would have made Casey clean it up.”
Laughter followed my comments as I walked to my window and glanced up at the starry sky.
“Don’t worry about your hair,” Colin teased. “It makes you seem more mature.”
Turning, I caught my reflection in the full-length mirror situated close by the closet. My raven hair no longer held the crimson highlights from before. The toll on my body after the fight with the demons and vampires left my body weakened and fatigued to the point that I needed almost a full week to recuperate. When I was recovered, I discovered that my hair had returned to its all-natural ebony waves, but streaks of gray were now interwoven throughout the heavy locks. A different look but one I was becoming fond of already.
“I think it’s growing on me,” I admitted, sinking into his embrace.
“You’re always beautiful to me,” he replied, placing a kiss on my forehead.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen once we track down my uncle and the grimoire, much less Baltus.”
“No worries,” Colin whispered, “we’ll find out all your family secrets at the soonest opportunity.”
“Starting tomorrow,” Sarah interjected as I startled and turned around, smiling widely as she leaned against the doorframe. “I think we better get this strategical planning party started. I brought a few pizzas to encourage participation.”
The guys darted forward to grab the boxes so fast I had to wonder if there would be any left once they were done.
Rin rolled her eyes dramatically. “Pigs.”
Sarah laughed as she sank into an empty chair. “The Shaman wants to bless the Circle tomorrow and cleanse the Coven. I think it’s an excellent idea.”
“As long as we plan on leaving for our trip right after,” I clarified.
“Of course, dear,” she winked. “After all, we have more than a little magic to spread around.”
“And a certain nasty witch to expose.”
“And five realms to explore,” Rin added with excitement.
“Five realms?”
“Yes,” my aunt cl
arified. “Five distinct realms – the Ether, the Fade, the Echo, the ‘normal’ where we live, and Heaven/Hell. The final two are classified together since they’re only the polar opposites of one another.”
“Uh, okay?”
“Don’t worry, Cora,” she replied with a bright smile. “I have plenty of time to teach you along the way.”
Thank you for reading!
If you enjoyed Cora’s story please leave a review to help others decide on the book.
The series will continue with Wicked Secrets, Five Realms Academy #2.
Anticipated Release: Summer 2020.
The Order:
Sage Marcus Conwell – Highest Elder
Charles & Cynthia Bradford – Elders
Gerard Blackbyrne – Elder – missing
Sarah Blackbyrne – Elder – Syre
Rick & Melanie Blackbyrne – Elders – deceased
Sydney Henshaw – Elder
Ingrid & Arthur Blake – Elders
Henry Westfall – Elder
Rick Soto – Elder
Regina Soto – Elder
Cora Blackbyrne – Syre, “spirit”
Colin Bradford – Light Caster, 1st Guardian
Casey Bradford – Dark Caster, 2nd Guardian
Rex Henshaw – Dhampir, Telepath, 3rd Guardian
Landon Conwell – Elemental Caster, Crow Shifter, 4th Guardian
Corinne “Rin” Bradford – Seer
Connie Bradford – deceased
Demi Henshaw – Empath
Sadie Henshaw – Elemental Caster
Emma Blake – deceased
Cooper “Coop” Blake – Elemental Caster
Paige Westfall – Cypher
Tilly Soto – Healer
Greer Soto – Light Caster
Jason Soto – Dark Caster
GLOSSARY
Witch (Hereditary)
A human with magical talent passed down through a blood relative
Order
