Altered Souls (Witch Avenue Series #2)

by Bolton, Karice

  “Maybe you could come meet us later in the day?” I asked, looking at my father to distract me.

  “I’ll see if I can get away, but I doubt I’ll be able to.”

  “I understand,” I replied.

  “Are you done with your salad, Miss?” The man was behind me again, waiting to trade out my salad plate for the entrée.

  Nodding, I watched as my salad plate was taken away. No one seemed to notice that I didn’t actually eat any of it.

  Stroganoff was placed in front of me.

  “Isn’t that one of your favorites?” My father beamed as if this was a huge accomplishment. I felt my eyes darken, but I blinked it away.

  “It is. Thank you.”

  Trevor removed his hand from my knee as his dinner was served, and I felt like I could breathe again.

  The conversation became lively as my father greeted a nonstop parade of visitors, giving me ample opportunity to practice several more disappearing spells as my plate became emptier without anyone being aware.

  “Triss, this is Marco. One of my right hand men,” my father said, surprising me. He’d been pretty much excluding me all night.

  “Nice to meet you,” I replied.

  “Pleasure is mine.” He bowed his head, and I caught Trevor glowering at the man.

  The evening went on for what seemed like hours. The special dinner my father had in my honor was nothing more than serving a meal that I liked. There were no announcements, for which I was grateful, and no mention of me at all on a large scale. The entire event was focused on him, and I knew that’s how it had to be. A true manipulator could never allow a power shift away from them — ever.

  “Can I walk you to your room?” Trevor asked.

  I shot a glance at my mom who was eagerly awaiting my response.

  “Sure. Good night, mom.”

  I looked around to find my father, but he was busy with one of the many groups waiting to get his attention.

  Trevor slid his arm around my shoulder, and we walked down the long arched hallway. With every step away from the crowd, I felt more alone.

  “I know you’ve been fighting the spell’s effects, but there’ll come a time when you can’t,” he whispered.

  His body hovered over me as did his words. The weight of his arm made me claustrophobic, and all I wanted was to get to my room.

  “Would you like to see the library? He’s got an amazing section on herbs and ointments.”

  Shaking my head, I turned to look at him.

  “I’m so tired. This day hasn’t turned out how I expected, and quite honestly, I’m exhausted.”

  “I understand.”

  We walked up the stairs to my room and rather than allow me to walk into my bedroom, he stood with his arm still draped over my shoulder.

  “Would you allow me one kiss?”

  Lowering myself out of his grasp, I turned to him and touched his face.

  “I would want it to mean something, Trevor, and I’m not there yet,” I whispered.

  The kindness I relayed in my message stole the last amount of energy my body had left to give. I reached for the doorway for support, and Trevor nodded. An all-knowing smile covered his lips as he took my words as a mini-victory for a someday that I knew would never exist.

  “Can I ask a question?”

  “Anything,” he nodded.

  “Do you like me for me or because of who my father is?”

  His smile faded and he narrowed his eyes.

  “You should ask Logan that,” he snapped and turned down the hall.

  “I’m sorry,” I hollered, offering a feeble attempt at an apology.

  At last, I could be alone.

  Closing the door quickly, I locked it and began stripping out of my clothes. I pulled open the dresser drawer and grabbed the first thing on top. I slipped the oversized satin nightshirt over my head and dove under the covers. This was the safest I’d felt since I arrived. If only I could stay here the entire time.

  I knew locking the door did little in a house where my father had a key to every door, but it would hopefully buy me enough time if I heard someone coming.

  I closed my eyes and thought of Logan. I missed him so much. His smile and the way he teased me; the loving way he’d touch my chin, and his kind and gentle soul. My mind thought back to the many times tonight where people felt it was their duty to correct my idea of Logan. I knew I wasn’t the one who needed correcting.

  “Goodnight,” my mother whispered through the door.

  Could I be this lucky?

  “Goodnight, mother,” I replied. “I hope you have a wonderful night’s sleep.”

  “You too.”

  I listened intently as my mother walked back down the hall to her bedroom. I waited and waited until I heard the click of her door. Success!

  Excitement and fear coursed through my veins so much so that I could no longer stay in bed. Throwing the covers off me, I got up and paced the floor. Noticing brightness outside, I went to the window and saw a few people starting a bonfire. I scanned the small group and didn’t see my father included. I grabbed the curtain and slid it closed. I walked over to the mirror and flipped on the vanity light. I looked horrible. My in-between-bangs wouldn’t stay put. I had bags under my eyes, and I was pale. I turned the light off and crawled back into bed.

  I couldn’t wait any longer. I needed to know if my mom could ever be my mom again. I wondered what would happen if I tried to do this and she wasn’t asleep?

  Closing my eyes, I forced myself to leave the worry behind. Instead, I began thinking of my mother. I could see her smile as we sat together in the floral shop, chatting endlessly, and preparing the following day’s orders. My mind then flashed to Christmas and our traditional walks along the shorefront.

  Feeling connected with her spirit, I took a deep breath in. This was it. Soon I’d know…

  “Anima Viator. Anima Viator.”

  Looking down at my resting body, I took flight. It wasn’t like with Jenna. I didn’t immediately merge with my mother’s soul. It was quiet. Silence whirled around me and nothing else. The bright colors didn’t flash in front of me. Did this mean my mother was gone? Not understanding how I was hovering over my mother, I began to turn back until I heard her voice, faint as it was. Locking onto it, I allowed myself to merge with her thoughts. There was hope for her. My father hadn’t gotten to her subconscious yet. Not wanting to press my luck, I began disassociating.

  Unaware of how long I had been out, I opened my eyes to darkness. I walked over to the window and saw that the bonfire had already died out. I must have been out for quite awhile. My muscles ached and my stomach hurt, but I wasn’t sure if that was because I was hungry or the process I endured.

  I could tell Logan the good news about my mom. I just wasn’t sure how to tell him about his mother.

  I crawled back into bed and pulled the sheets up to my chin.

  “Vocatio ad dilectione mea,” I whispered, touching the warmth of my tattoo.

  Closing my eyes I waited for his reply, feeling the wetness begin to edge my lids. Would this be enough?

  “Hey, baby,” his voice echoed through my mind.

  “Oh Logan! It works.”

  “Are you okay?” The gentleness of his words floated through my body.

  “I am.” I found my physical self, shaking my head no. “But I miss you.”

  “I miss you more than you could know,” he whispered.

  Was this communication making things better or worse?

  “I’m going to try to see your mom tomorrow. I think she’s the only one here that hasn’t been altered. I performed the spell on my mom. She’s there somewhat, but I don’t even know —”

  “We can’t think that way.”

  “I know. I can’t believe the change in her though. When I performed the spell on Jenna I got a strong sense of who she was. When I did it on my mom tonight, I barely could sense her. Time is running out.”

  “I’m so sorry, but be care
ful.”

  “I will. This whole place is frightening. I know he’s using the chemicals from mushrooms and who knows what else, but I have to say his mind control techniques are like no other. The people around here idolize him. It’s beyond scary.”

  “I can’t even imagine. It kills me that you’re in a place like that for a cause we don’t even know we can win.”

  “If I didn’t believe we could win it, I wouldn’t be here.”

  I felt his smile. I wished I could feel his embrace, the strength in his arms as he wrapped himself around me, but I couldn’t.

  “Did you eat?”

  “I’m not hungry, but I’ve had water. I should be able to get what I need tomorrow. I’m walking the grounds with my mother, and she’s pretty out of it so it shouldn’t be difficult.”

  “Dace thinks they have enough antidote for everyone now. But, Triss, if the bond is too deep it might not work on your mom.”

  I was silent for a moment, quieting my mind.

  “All we can do is hope. When will it be dropped off?”

  “Tomorrow night.”

  It was quiet between us once more until he asked the question I dreaded.

  “Have you seen Trevor?” The words made me ill. I didn’t want to lie, but I didn’t want Logan to worry. I chose truth.

  “I did.”

  “And?” his internal voice pained.

  “There’s nothing to worry about. I love you. There’s no danger, but I promise to tell you if anything crosses the line on his end.”

  I could sense the relief spread through his body.

  “I’ve got something planned tomorrow. You may see it or you may not, but I didn’t want you to be alarmed.”

  “That’s vague. Tell me what you’re doing.”

  “I can’t.”

  Then I realized that Logan wasn’t certain that I could remain unaltered.

  “Oh. You think I might get turned?”

  “I think it’s better this way. Stick to the original plan and everything will go fine. This is to protect you.”

  My bossy self wanted to argue with him, but I knew he was right.

  “In a world of lies, know the love I share with you is real. We can count on it and each other. We’re going to have to depend on that more than anything,” he continued.

  “I love you, Logan. We should probably stop in case the party lets out downstairs and someone actually decides to care about me.”

  I could feel his laughter. He understood me in a world where no one else ever would.

  “Goodnight, my love.”

  “Goodnight,” I whispered out loud and internally.

  “Goodnight,” my father’s voice echoed from my bedroom door that he opened. “I’m surprised you knew I was here.”

  “Like father like daughter,” I whispered, trying to hide my fear.

  Was there anything else I said out loud? Did he know?

  “Have a wonderful night. It’s nice having you home,” he replied closing the door.

  Chapter 21

  Being within the walls of the Great Camp churned a loneliness that I hadn’t prepared for. It didn’t help knowing that this was part of a plan. In the here and now, I was alone. I tamped down the fear that wanted to paralyze me, and the paranoia that made me second-guess every thought and movement I made. There was no one here, besides Ellsy, who knew of my father’s evilness. I had to get to her.

  My father’s camp was filled with people who seemed oblivious to his master plan. I watched them wander along on their way to complete some inconsequential task my father or his circle thought up. It was quite sad.

  Walking toward the building that housed Ellsy, my mind strayed back to Logan. How much it must hurt him knowing his mom was here being held against her will. I remembered the pain I felt when I first thought about my mother’s disappearance. Now I wasn’t sure what I felt.

  I didn’t have to meet my mom or Trevor for another hour or so, which should give me enough time to see Ellsy. I didn’t know what to expect. My hand turned the doorknob with an ease that concerned me. It was unlocked. I pushed it open only far enough to allow myself to slide through.

  The room was completely empty. There was the familiar grey, stone for the walls and flooring, but there was no furniture. It felt damp, even though we were in the early part of fall. The building reminded me of a storage shed that was emptied quickly.

  There was a spiral metal staircase in the corner that I walked to.

  “Who’s there?” Ellsy’s voice called out as my feet hit the metal steps.

  “Are you alone?” I asked, not sure what I would do if the answer was no.

  “Yes,” she cried. “Triss, you shouldn’t be here.”

  I ran up the steps and found her sitting in the corner, shackled. Hay was spread out for bedding on one side of the floor. Her hair was a tangled mess, and she looked deathly thin but still managed to smile.

  I ran to her and hugged her not wanting to let go. She felt like bones. Tears streamed down her face, and I couldn’t hold mine in either.

  “I’m so sorry,” I mumbled.

  “Triss, this isn’t your fault,” she said, releasing me.

  “Here,” I said, reaching into my pockets. “I have some granola bars. I know it’s not much, but I’ve got more stuff waiting on the side of the wall. I’m going to get you out of here.”

  She shook her head. “No, Triss. You need to only be concerned with getting yourself out of here.”

  Not wanting to divulge any details, I only shook my head.

  “What made them put you here?”

  “The moment I arrived I created a problem and —” she stopped. “You need to get out of here. They’re going to be back.”

  “How many?” I asked, standing up to leave.

  “Usually two,” she whispered. “Triss, how’s Logan?”

  “He’s good, amazingly so,” I paused. “You’ve raised the most incredible man I’ve ever met.”

  She smiled. “Thank you.”

  A brightness quickly flashed in her eyes.

  “No, Thank you.” I held her hand.

  “Be careful.”

  “I’m meeting my mother and Trevor today, but I will be back. In the meantime, make sure you eat these. You’ll need your strength, but this place is coming to an end. I’m not leaving you, so you need to stay as strong as possible.”

  I bent down and gave her a quick hug, I peeked down the stairwell opening to make sure no one had come in since I arrived, and it was all clear.

  I opened the front door slowly and made my escape back to the main house where Trevor and my mother were waiting.

  “Where to first? I asked, trying to calm down from my encounter with Ellsy.

  “I thought the gardens of the gods would be a great introduction,” my mother replied.

  “Sounds incredible,” I lied.

  Trevor reached for my hand, and my gut twisted in a violent response that my lips couldn’t repeat. Letting him grasp it, I looked at him and smiled.

  “Thanks,” he replied softly as we went outside.

  He had the ability to be decent if he let himself. My mother carried a basket similar to the one we used to carry at home in Seattle for our gathering purposes. I wondered if she was content. For someone so oblivious would I be doing her a disservice getting her to come back to reality?

  “It’s really nice having you here,” Trevor said, interrupting my thoughts.

  “Thank you.”

  “It really is,” my mom seconded.

  We were following along behind her on a path that was edged in periwinkle.

  “Have you been to wherever we’re going?” I asked Trevor.

  “Selfishly, that’s also why I wanted to come along. It wasn’t only to spend time with you.” He smiled. I’ve been so busy planning and helping your father there’s a lot of this property I haven’t seen.”

  “What have you been helping him with?” I asked.

  “He’s been waiting for this
meeting for quite sometime.”

  “Who is it with?”

  My mother turned around and gave Trevor a warning stare. Oh, now she comes to life?

  “I’ll tell you later,” Trevor whispered.

  The earthy scent began emerging the longer we stayed on this path. Were we headed to more mushroom fields?

  “Almost there,” my mother hummed.

  Rounding the corner my eyes met rows and rows of beautiful gardens. As far as my eyes could see, there were flowers in every direction. There were ornamental gardens, herb gardens, vegetable gardens, anything I could imagine was right in front of me. I also noticed many workers tending to the plants.

  “Wow, those red sunflowers are huge and so gorgeous,” I replied, understanding the army of workers it would take to keep this going.

  “What’s beyond the gardens?” I asked, as Trevor and I wandered through the flowers. My mother had roamed off in another direction, and surprisingly I was relieved to be with Trevor. I wondered if he knew anything about the mushrooms.

  “I really haven’t been to this area, but I know your dad’s propagating all types of things everywhere he can find room.”

  A woman was deadheading all of the flowers, and we walked by silencing our discussion until we were father away.

  “Who’s my dad meeting?”

  “There’s an elder of the Praedivinus Order who only comes to the states every decade or so. I guess your father has only seen him two other times,” Trevor whispered, as if there were recording devices in the fields.

  “I thought my father was the head of that?” I asked.

  “You know about it?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.

  “Only what I saw on the flyer at Starbucks.” I divulged.

  “Well, he’s next in line, but he’s the head of it in the states.”

  “What is the goal, do you know?”

  “Transcendence of the soul.”

  “Wow. That’s kind of a lofty statement,” I blurted out.

  Trevor stopped walking and glared at me.

  “Are you making fun of it?”

  “Not at all. I think that’s a pretty hard thing to accomplish on a wide-spread scale.”

  “You haven’t seen him in action. Your father can work wonders.”