“Do you want a spot?”
“Sure, I don’t lift much, so I’ll start with something small.”
“The bar weighs eight.”
I instructed him to put five more on each end, thinking I should be able to lift that much. I strained to lift the load and gave up twenty seconds in. We took the weights off until I could lift the bar, ended up with one pound on each end.
“So much for strength training. This is more like wimp training,” I told Carmen.
“We’ll have you stronger than an ox in no time,” Carmen replied as I finished my set.
“Not sure I want to be an ox.” I sat up.
After that I did some legwork, hand held weights, sit-ups, push-ups, and chin-ups. As I lowered my body after the tenth chin-up, Carmen’s watch dinged.
“Dinner is in an hour, miss.”
“We’re working out, and you’re still calling me miss?” I dropped to the ground.
“I am very old and set in my ways.”
“How old?”
“One fifty.”
“That’s not old. Miguel said he was over seven hundred. Where were you born?”
“In Rome, mid-eighteen hundreds. Seen both the world wars, Italy rise and fall.” Carmen held a towel out to me.
“That’s cool. Do you know what that means?”
“Yes.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m old, but I don’t live under a rock.”
“Good to know.” I patted my forehead and swung the towel over my shoulder. “Do you have to escort me to my room?”
“Yes.” He turned to Jude. “Come now, sir.”
“Got it.” Jude stood and stretched, his bare chest glistening with sweat. I swore he took off his shirt just to taunt me.
“This is a nice change from Iceland,” he noted as we made our way to the dressing rooms. “I was sick of wearing all those layers all the time.”
I glanced at his bronze skin, thinking I might go mad. “The unlimited hot water is the best.”
In the women’s area, I toweled off and slipped on a jacket and sweatpants, wondering about laundry. When I asked Carmen on the trek back to our rooms, he indicated a twice-a-week cleaning and laundry schedule. All we had to do was leave our things in the hamper, and they would be returned clean and pressed as per appropriate.
“I like this place more by the second,” Jude said as we reached our doors.
Except that I’ll probably be sacrificed in some hedonistic ritual.
Well, there’s that. His mouth turned down as he entered his room.
I showered and dressed in a blue cocktail dress and nude heels.
“Well, the blue at least matches your bruises,” Jude noted as I joined them in the hall.
“Watch it, or I’ll give you a bruise on that beautiful face of yours.” The words came out before I could repeal them.
“I thought you hated me.”
“I do. It doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate your physical attributes.” I traced my eyes from his face to his feet.
“I’m not some man hunk here for your appreciation.”
“We’ll see about that. Anastasia said I had a strong aura, and I could be a princess for all you know.”
Alex cleared his throat. “Anastasia doesn’t say those things lightly. You should heed her warning, sir.”
“See.” I tossed my curls over my shoulder and stepped into the elevator.
“Sheesh. Teenagers have gotten worse over the decades.” Carmen pushed the button for the main floor.
Carmen and Alex led us to the smaller dining room.
“Looks like everyone has returned to their homes,” Maria noted as we sat down.
I set my napkin in my lap. “Please tell me they weren’t here to meet us.”
“Oh, no, dear, well partially, we gather often on the weekends. Most of our coven live on this or the adjoining islands.”
“I’m ready for a huge steak.” Jude picked up his water glass.
“How is your head?” Miguel asked.
“Good as new.” Jude shot him a strained smile.
Over dinner, Miguel outlined the texts we should be focusing on and our testing schedule. Our knowledge of one section would be assessed at the end of each week. We were to read on our own time. His instruction would be centered on honing our powers using the four elements of earth, air, water, and fire. I figured there would be many late nights of studying and wished I had a photographic memory like Jude.
When we retired to our rooms, I phoned Mom. I hated that she sounded sad and made sure to tell Tyler to spend extra time with her. She was concerned about Dad and relayed she hadn’t gotten any information from the Egyptian police. Wishing I could turn myself into a fly and search the compound, I said goodbye before my teary eyes got the best of me.
Even though the air was frigid, I cracked my window. Opening it, I realized there were new metal bars fitted over the space. Positioned about every four inches, there was no way a person would be able to squeeze through. I wondered if our flying antics had them rethinking the security. Jude. Jude. I pushed to his room. Do you have new metal bars over your windows?
Took you long enough.
Sorry, I was talking to my mom.
Well there goes our flight escape plan. We need to find other options.
It’s freezing.
Make a fire.
What? I walked to the hearth. I don’t have a lighter.
Use your magic, silly.
Focusing on the stacked logs, I willed them to heat. The edges of the closest one glowed, and a flame erupted on the bark. I did it.
See, we got this.
Do you think we could turn ourselves into flies?
You want to be a fly?
No, I want to search every room of this compound for my dad and the sword.
Patience.
We could set the compound on fire.
If your theory is true, they’d let you burn before they let you escape.
I need to read, I told him.
Me too. Goodnight, I hope you sleep well. And you looked beautiful tonight by the way.
My cheeks warmed even though he wasn’t in the same room. Bruises and all?
More beautiful because of them.
That’s sweet.
It’s true.
Thanks, I—I will find a way out of this. I’d almost said it, told him he was beautiful, and I’d never met anyone like him, and that I loved him. How crazy was that? I’d only known him a month. Teenager brain, I told myself.
We’ll find a way out, he said.
Thanks for this.
No problem.
Closing the window, it occurred to me if I could get Jude’s messages with the window open I might be able to hear Alena and Hunter. Alena? Hunter? I sent to the wind. Sitting on the bench in front of the open pane, I focused on their images. I waited several minutes, but nothing happened. Italy was one hour ahead of Iceland, so we were about seven to nine hours ahead of them. They’d be awake still, but I couldn’t afford to sit there all night. Leaving the window cracked, I wrapped a blanket around my back and sat in front of the fire.
I opened the book I’d started reading the previous night. It outlined what Miguel had told us about the creation of witches and the families born of Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel. My head drooped as the begats began. Standing and crossing to my bed, I read on.
And God discovered the acts of the archangels, and He was not pleased. Therefore, the souls of the departed offspring never enter into Heaven, but forever are trapped in Sheol. Further, to limit their numbers, the offspring are not allowed to abide longer than a tenth of a score in one village.
Suddenly the room felt too hot. Was this the slavery the prophecy spoke of? Were Alena, Hunter, and I meant to free the souls of the witches? To break the curse mandated by God? Why would Sonia and Michael’s coven want to prevent a soul from being at peace? What could she do with the sword?
I ran to the window and pulled the pane wide open, letting the cold sea
air rush over my face.
What part did you make it to? Jude’s voice entered my mind.
Our souls will never enter heaven?
Unless you, Alena, and Hunter release them, I’m guessing.
Well, that’s not weighty at all.
Weren’t Alena’s family vampires? Why would they want the sword? How are they imprisoned?
I have no clue. Why does Sonia’s coven want to prevent the prophecy? What do they want with the sword?
Good question. I’m beat though.
Me too, goodnight, again.
Goodnight.
My alarm woke me, and I opened the curtains to another gray foggy day. Wondering if the hour of sun we’d had the prior day would be all we’d get, I washed my face and dressed in leggings and a sweatshirt. Then I packed my backpack with the text and extra gym clothes.
As was the routine, Jude and I followed Carmen and Alex to the dining room to meet Maria and Miguel. I asked about the search for my dad, and Miguel said he would check in the technology center.
“Why did bars appear on the windows?” Jude asked.
“Oh, they were probably off for window cleaning. Don’t want someone to fall from that height.”
“That would be disastrous.” Maria blotted her mouth with a napkin.
“I thought it looked like a fun cliff-diving spot.” Jude chuckled.
“I guess it’s a good thing the bars are back on. I hadn’t thought of wild teenager stunts,” Miguel said.
“How many recruits do you have a year?” I asked, curious as to whether they really ever had anyone else come to the compound from one of his camps. Perhaps it was the only camp he’d ever held, and it was designed to capture me. It seemed an elaborate hoax, but not out of the realm of possibility for a supernatural being with seemingly endless funding.
“How many would you say, dear?” Miguel turned to Maria. “Several a year on average.”
“Some years none, and some years five to ten.” She nodded in agreement. “I love our jobs with the coven. Now that our children are grown and scattered, it’s nice to feel like a mother again.” Her hand clasped mine. Not knowing the extent of her abilities, I didn’t want her to touch me. But I figured it would look odd if I’d recoiled too quickly.
“Thank you.” I slid my hand from her grip. “You’ve made me feel so at home.” I forced the words from my lips, thinking I might get a medal for most lies in one day.
“What other questions do you have from your reading so far?”
I asked how long we could expect our lifespans to be and whether they really believed our souls went to hell when we died.
“It’s a sad state for witches. But we draw power from our departed coven members. At least we are not soulless like the vampires.”
“Soulless?” I swallowed hard.
“There is no after life for them. They are not spiritual creatures. They have no bond with God.”
“And we do?”
“God made the archangels who sired our ancestors, so we are part divine, even if we are damned for it.”
“So, what of halflings like us?” I asked.
“Once you’re initiated, you’re just like a full witch. If you don’t join a coven, then you lose your magic and are human.”
“And can you be a half vampire?”
“Yes, but because it is not a spiritual gift but a material gift, you would not have a human soul.”
“But all this is religious hearsay,” Jude commented. “What if you don’t believe in God at all?”
“How can you believe in magic and not God, spirits? What of sprites and fairies?” Miguel asked.
“They exist?”
“And many more beings of human fiction.”
“I may never have known about my heritage if it weren’t for finding your camp.” Jude set his napkin on the table.
“Your destiny brought you here.” Maria’s melodic voice sounded like carol bells.
After the meal, we were shown to a study room where two laptops sat on each of two desks. We’d used the same system at the camp location, so we started our coursework. Working, my mind wandered to thoughts of home, my friends, Mom, Tyler, and Dad. Swiping a tear from my eye, I refocused. I couldn’t undo what was done. There was no use feeling sorry for myself.
I could help you with your work, came Jude’s voice.
You’re finished?
Photographic memory.
We probably shouldn’t seem too friendly.
I guess.
We studied till eleven and were given an hour of free time in the gym.
Swim with me. I heard Jude’s voice in my head.
You think I want to swim after what happened in Iceland.
It will help with those fears.
Thanks, but I don’t think we should be together too much. I’ll swim tomorrow.
I ran five miles and then headed to the weight room. Carmen and Alex were lifting weights, and Carmen spotted me again. When my alarm sounded, I was drenched with sweat.
“Is it okay if I shower here before lunch? I’m going to freeze if I walk through the compound like this,” I said to Carmen.
“Sure. I will wait and escort you to lunch.”
It seemed odd we never saw anyone in the facility, but I figured they had jobs. The women’s locker room was too quiet, and I hummed to myself to keep my nerves at bay. I washed my hair and blew it dry using the appliances I found in the cabinets. I figured I should be thinking of this as an extended luxury vacation. The expansive building, gourmet food, and soft linens rivaled any five-star resort. Except for the part where you’re locked in, I thought.
My mind wandered. Why hadn’t they killed me? They were investing a lot of time into training me. Was Jude just a bonus? Was I bait? Did they figure they could lure Alena and Hunter here and then kill us all? No, they wanted me alive. At least for the time being.
I found Carmen waiting outside the locker room and followed him to the dining hall. As expected there wasn’t any news of my dad. After lunch, we were given an hour study time and then met Miguel in the weapon’s training room. I expected him to launch a sword at me, but his tone was civil as he illustrated how to use each instrument. He had us practice our magic with each tool and encouraged us to find novel attack strategies.
The sun had set when we’d finished working with barely a quarter of the room’s devices. My whole body ached, and my head throbbed from the mental and physical effort.
“You did well today,” Miguel complimented us. “You have an hour till dinner. I’ll meet you in the dining room.”
Carmen and Alex appeared in the doorway, and I wondered if both of them were really necessary. But we were witches, and even if they were stronger, perhaps we could overpower one of them.
“Tell me about vampires,” Jude said as we walked through the corridors. “Are they stronger than witches?”
“Physically,” Alex responded.
“Do they have other powers?”
“They can be very persuasive and are often physically attractive. They are smart, have photographic memories, and extra keen senses.” Alex pushed the button for the elevator.
“But witches have an advantage?”
“Yes, in most cases because we can control the elements, even those within a body.”
“So, like, make blood boil?’ Jude stood back and let me enter the elevator when it arrived.
“That would be one method. There are many for a powerful witch. But if we are outnumbered, then the odds are less favorable for witches. Our powers can be drained. The bigger the spells, the faster you run out of juice.”
“Are there often feuds between the species?” Jude asked as we neared our rooms.
“Yes, you will learn of these in your history texts. All supernaturals have an interest in remaining hidden and disagree as to how to do that often. Plus no one likes others to have more power, so witches are always a target.”
“I guess we have a lot to learn.”
“Y
ou will be tested thoroughly over the next four weeks.” Alex stopped at our doors.
“Thank you. I’m not sure you’re here for my benefit, but I appreciate the information.” Jude inserted the key into his door’s lock.
“You have guessed right, sir. We are here to protect Miss Camille. Anastasia believes her to be important.” Carmen took up his post beside my door.
“I can’t imagine anyone being able to get in here.” My eyes scanned the stone walls.
“We’ve never had a breach. Don’t worry, madam,” Carmen reassured me.
“How do you keep magic from reaching inside the castle?” Jude asked.
“Walls lined with steel. You know the second wall you passed coming in?”
“Yes.”
“Magic force field. No magic in or out.”
“How does that work?” Jude pressed on.
“Above our pay grade.” Carmen pointed between him and Alex.
Entering my room, I wondered if anyone had ever escaped the compound. I opened my window and called to Jude. Nice try on getting more info.
Thanks. They really didn’t give anything away.
They did. They believe my visions are real. I’m not sure Miguel ever admitted that.
He said Anastasia thinks you are important. That doesn’t confirm anything about your visions.
I guess so.
I soaked in the bath half an hour thinking my hopes of communication with Alena and Hunter were slim to none. There wasn’t a wall between us and the ocean, but I guessed the magic barrier to be invisible. At least I knew I didn’t need to sleep with my window open. Thinking it gave me a direct line to Jude, I decided open equaled some security. Dressing, I phoned home. They still hadn’t heard from Dad, and I wondered if I should put more pressure on Miguel. I doubted it would change anything.
Thinking of ways to see more of the compound, I wondered what would happen if I got sick or was hungry in the middle of the night. Would Carmen or Alex fetch a nurse? Would one of them leave to get me something to eat? After the way they’d answered Jude’s question, I guessed they would call for a doctor or someone to bring me a snack. Just because I hadn’t seen them use phones or radios didn’t meant they didn’t have them. But, I figured it was worth a shot. Perhaps Carmen would escort me to the kitchen for a midnight snack, and I’d get to see more of the building.
The Kingdom Journals Complete Series Box Set Page 44
