by Sarah Noffke
Liv nodded. “The thing is, I don’t think I can keep it up much longer. I’m a ticking time bomb, and that bomb is a demon baby. When it goes off, I think I’ll be insane and who knows what I could do or be capable of doing.”
Sophia shivered but did her best to cover it. She also hadn’t thought about how carrying a demon baby could make Liv crazy or dangerous. Liv filled with evil would probably be one of the most deadly things since she was the most powerful Warrior for the House of Fourteen. No wonder Papa Creola was so concerned.
They had to get Stan’s lamp or bottle or whatever it was and fix things. One wish. That’s all they needed, then Liv and Stefan could have the healthy, happy baby they so deserved.
They were almost to the big top where Bermuda Laurens kept her magical creatures when something flew by them and landed beside the tent. It was large. Too big to fit in the big top since it was almost the size of it. The animal had wings like an eagle. It was also a wolf. It was by far the strangest animal Sophia had ever seen, and that was saying an awful lot.
The sisters halted, staring up at the creature. Liv shook her head, not at all appearing unnerved by looking into the eyes of a giant wolf-bird, and smiled. “Aren’t you a cute little fella?”
Chapter Seventy-Seven
The creature growled, drool rolling down its chin and landing on the ground at Liv’s and Sophia’s feet. Neither sister backed up or struck a defensive pose although the beast bared its teeth, its black eyes narrowed, and large wings expanded.
It was quite the beautiful animal, Sophia observed, taking in its thick black and white coat and majestic build. However, even pretty creatures could be dangerous. All the wolf-eagle had to do was reach down and take a single bite, and one of the Beaufonts would be gone.
“I don’t have any puppy treats,” Liv said from the corner of her mouth to Sophia. “Did you bring any of Larry’s snacks?”
“If you mean Lunis, then no,” Sophia answered in a hushed voice, hardly audible over the beast’s loud growl.
“Well, maybe if we stand here and stare it down, it will get bored and return to licking its butt, or whatever else it does,” Liv said, careful to keep her focus on the animal.
She was right. Sophia knew from experience. Turning your back on predators such as this was the way to invite an attack. Keeping one's eyes on a potential aggressor was one way to get them to back down.
The wolf-eagle snapped in their direction, its mouth nearly a foot from Liv’s face. The rush of hot air from its breath knocked into both sisters. Neither moved. They continued to stare up at the animal. They didn’t budge even when it started to beat its wings in a show of intimidation.
Sophia’s hand tensed by her side. She was certain that Liv’s was doing the same thing. Although the last thing that Sophia wanted to do was fight one of Bermuda Lauren’s magical creatures, she was starting to think she wouldn’t have a choice. This one was obviously deranged.
The wolf-eagle backed up several feet but kept up the air of intimidation, which was why Sophia wasn’t surprised when it lunged forward again and halted when only a few feet away. It knelt low on its front legs, its wings angled down to the ground and its hind legs high in the air. The creature hadn’t attacked, but Sophia and Liv also hadn’t moved. It was waiting for them to pull a weapon or to make a move. Then it would make them into puppy chow.
Looking up into the wolf-eagle’s black eyes, Sophia got the impression that it was as ancient as some of the oldest dragons. Deep within the creature, Sophia sensed pure wisdom, as if it had the world’s history locked away in its consciousness. That was one of the many reasons that killing the beast would be heartbreaking, but it wasn’t leaving them any choice. The monster would attack them soon, and both sisters knew it instinctively. The animal simply couldn’t hold itself back any longer.
The magical creature threw its head into the air and howled loud and deep, making the ground under them shake, and the various structures around the circus vibrate, creating more noise.
It was a cacophony that went on even when the wolf-eagle stopped howling, jerked its head to the side, and gave the Beaufonts a murderous look, its snout pinched and sharp teeth showing.
“Get your sword ready,” Liv whispered. “It’s about to get ugly.”
Chapter Seventy-Eight
Three things happened in quick succession.
Sophia yanked Inexorabilis from its sheath.
Liv did the same with Bellator.
The beast lunged forward before freezing in midair, its mouth open and ready to attack.
“What is going on here?” Bermuda Laurens yelled at the tent’s entrance. The giantess’ face was beet red, and her large hand was high in the air.
Sophia immediately realized that Bermuda had put a paralyzing spell on the wolf-eagle, which based on its size would take an incredible amount of power. That was the only explanation for why the creature was suspended in midair, seeming like it was floating on its extended wings.
Sophia and Liv both backed up several feet, giving them much-needed space from the beast’s open mouth. They both kept their swords high in the air and stayed tense and ready should the paralyzing spell fail.
“Your dog-bird was about to attack us,” Liv stated and glanced at the giantess.
Bermuda lowered her hand, and the creature drifted to the ground where it rested although still frozen. Her scrutinizing gaze ran over Liv, and she shook her head. “No, Luminous was about to attack you, Liv. He wanted nothing to do with Sophia. I’m certain of it.”
Liv pursed her lips and lowered her sword a little. “Well, that’s fine. I’m more of a cat person anyway. He probably sensed that or saw Plato’s hair on my cloak.”
Bermuda shook her head of curly brown hair. “No, he sensed the evil inside you. Chamrosh can’t stand evil and will destroy it at all costs. Otherwise, they’re the most peaceful magical creatures and very gentle. You were seconds away from being destroyed.”
Liv sheathed Bellator and put her hands on her hips. “Seriously, I’ve defeated Medusa and vampires, saved the magical world, and taken down the God Magician, and your money was on the winged puppy?”
Bermuda returned the defiant expression. “It’s a chamrosh, and I wouldn’t underestimate it. They destroy evil at all costs.”
“You mentioned that,” Liv muttered dryly.
Sensing that Bermuda held the paralyzing spell firm, Sophia sheathed her sword too. “So this creature—”
“Luminous,” Bermuda interrupted.
“Luminous,” Sophia continued. “It can sense the demon inside Liv?”
Bermuda smirked. “Or maybe it’s her bad attitude.”
Liv laughed in response. “Oh, look at Mrs. Laurens throwing down a joke. Now I’ve seen everything.”
The giantess narrowed her eyes, but a smile hid underneath it. Sophia knew that Bermuda was cold and no-nonsense most of the time. She hadn’t seemed to like Liv very much from the beginning, but Sophia also sensed that she had a great fondness for the Warrior for the House of Fourteen. It was just that showing it would be impossible for her.
“Yes, Sophia,” Bermuda said. “Luminous sensed the demon inside Liv.” Returning her attention to the Warrior, the giantess softened but only slightly. “I’m sorry about your child. Rory told me, and I hope I can help you to recover the genie’s lamp. It’s the best option, although I can’t tell you that it will work.”
“Papa Creola says the same thing.” Liv sounded heavy-hearted for the first time. “I realize it’s a gamble. The child’s timeline could be fixed, and if that’s the case, then a thousand wishes wouldn’t change that. Still, I have to try.”
“What if you can’t change the baby?” Bermuda asked.
“I’ll deal with that when I get to it,” Liv replied.
“You can’t bring a demon into this world,” Bermuda stated coldly.
An angry look flashed across Liv’s face, and Sophia thought she would yell her next words at the giantess. Instea
d, a smile broke through the grimace. “You brought Rory into this world.”
Bermuda, unamused, shook her head and stepped back, lifting her arm and welcoming them into the tent. “Follow me in here. I think I have a magical creature that can help you. Sophia, I also have one for you.”
Sophia blinked in surprise, wondering why she’d need an animal when she already had Lunis.
Chapter Seventy-Nine
Apparently as confused as Sophia, Liv shot Bermuda a bewildered expression as they entered the big top. “Why does Sophia get a magical creature? She has Geoff.”
Bermuda blinked at her, obviously not getting the running joke. “Who is Geoff?”
“Liv likes to call Lunis by other names that aren’t his,” Sophia explained, amused.
However, the giantess wasn’t at all entertained as she stuck her nose in the air. “Disrespecting a dragon is incredibly immature.”
Liv laughed at this. “We’re talking about a dragon who eats cheese puffs and is always watering my plants on Animal Crossing. You realize that, right?”
“You two are friends on Animal Crossing?” Sophia asked her sister, surprised.
“We are for now,” Liv replied.
“I don’t know what this Animal Crossing is that you speak of.” Bermuda looked between the two sisters.
“And you call yourself an animal expert,” Liv teased.
Bermuda harrumphed. “I’ll have to look into this.”
“You really must.” Liv winked at Sophia.
Finding it nearly impossible to cover her laughter, Sophia looked around the big tent, which was dimmer than usual and much darker than when they were outside—her eyes took some time to adjust. In the center of the large big top was an above ground pool that appeared to be about five feet deep. There was other equipment besides that, which was rare. Usually, Bermuda’s tent was filled with things that contained the animals. Even stranger, there didn’t appear to be any magical creatures.
“The animal that I have for Sophia isn’t for her,” Bermuda stated smugly, continuing the conversation from before.
Liv grinned. “Well, I don’t know if you’re struggling with the English language, but if the animal that you have for Sophia isn’t for her, then it’s not for her.”
Seeming to have trouble containing her irritation, Bermuda let out a long breath. “I’m giving Sophia a magical creature that I’d like her to deliver to the Great Librarian since he is new to the position, and I think he could use the help. Not only that, but it’s a nice gesture, and I think that Paul deserves recognition for taking the crucial role.”
Liv turned to face Sophia. “You’re a courier service now because you didn’t have enough going on.”
“She has direct access to the Great Library,” Bermuda stated, annoyance flaring in her voice. “It’s much easier for her to get there than the rest of us, so that’s why I’m asking for her help.”
“I’m happy to do it,” Sophia stated. “It will be good to check in on Paul and see how he’s doing.”
“Your sister could learn some manners from you,” the giantess said to her.
“No, I couldn’t,” Liv argued. “I’ve tried. I’m unteachable. A total lost cause.”
“I honestly suspected as much.” Bermuda nodded and held out her arm.
From somewhere at the top of the tent, there was a flapping noise. It grew closer, then a creature flew down and landed on Bermuda’s outstretched arm. The animal wasn’t a bird, and it wasn’t not a bird.
“It’s a gryphowl,” Bermuda stated, having read the quizzical expressions on Sophia and Liv’s faces.
The magical creature was quite large even resting on the giantess’ arm where it folded its snowy-like wings into its body and regarded them with majestic eyes. The gryphowl appeared to be a cross between an owl and a large cat. It had the wise face of an owl with brown and white feathers. Under its large wings were four sets of legs that resembled those of a jungle cat. It also had the large pointy ears and striped tail of the large jungle cat.
“It’s beautiful,” Sophia said, in awe of the creature.
“Do you like to be referred to as an ‘it’?” Bermuda asked, offense jumping to her face.
Liv leaned over and whispered loudly, “It’s a trick question. There’s no right answer.”
“The right thing to say is ‘I apologize,’” Bermuda said arrogantly. “Her name is Beatrix.”
“She’s the gift for Paul?” Sophia indicated the gryphowl, which hadn’t taken much note of the two magicians.
“That’s correct,” Bermuda answered. “She’ll make a nice companion for him. I know the role of the Great Librarian is a lonely one even with the many visitors I’m sure he’ll get over time.”
“Man, I should have taken that position,” Liv joked. “I could use some alone time.” She looked at Sophia and shook her head. “Not from you. Or from Stefan. Mostly from Clark, who acts like I’m a wilting flower, and Rudolf, who portals to my location if I don’t take his calls—no matter where I am. Then there’s Rory, who’s having a hissy fit over this demon baby.”
“As he should,” Bermuda scolded. “Although my son never has and will never have a hissy fit, as you call it.”
Liv chuckled. “Then you haven’t seen him when I track mud into his house.”
“If you’re wearing shoes inside a home, you have much to learn,” Bermuda stated.
“We’ve already covered that and that I’m unteachable, remember?” Liv elbowed Sophia and leaned closer again. “I think Bermuda’s losing her memory. That conversation was like, a second ago.”
“It was over a minute,” Bermuda corrected.
“She hasn’t lost her need to be specific and literal about everything,” Liv said to Sophia, as though she wasn’t talking out loud about the giantess right in front of them.
“I’m sure that Paul will be honored to receive the gift.” Sophia tried to steer the conversation back on track, remembering that Liv was a ticking time bomb.
“He will,” Bermuda stated with confidence. “Not only will she serve as a loyal companion, but she’s incredibly intelligent and will be a great assistant to him too.”
“So you want me to deliver her to him right away then?” Sophia wondered if she had to carry the gryphowl the way Bermuda was doing, her arm still extended. She was pretty sure that the magical creature was too large for her to hold.
“That’s correct,” Bermuda stated. “But helping Liv to find the genie’s lamp is the top priority. Beatrix will accompany you on that mission and then if you will, please take her to Paul.”
“Okay,” Sophia said tentatively. “Does she fly along beside me or what?”
Based on the look on Bermuda’s face, that was a dumb question. “Of course. You aren’t expected to carry her around. She will only land on her master’s arm, and currently, I’m that. Once you give her to Paul, he will become her forever master. The gryphowl are incredibly loyal creatures and bond only to one person at a time.”
“What do they do?” Liv asked.
Bermuda’s eyelids fluttered with annoyance. “What do you mean, what do they do?”
“Well, it’s—”
“Beatrix,” Bermuda corrected again.
“Unteachable, remember,” Liv sang with a smile. “As I was saying, she’s a bird, but she’s also a cat, right? And you said the doggy-bird—”
“Luminous,” Bermuda interrupted.
“Bad breath Lumos,” Liv went on. “You said that he was good at sniffing out evil and getting rid of it, whatever the cost.” She said the last part while impersonating the giantess’ tone. “So what does Beatrix do?”
“Sometimes creatures just are,” Bermuda stated regally. “She flies, and that should be enough. She also has the agility of a wild cat, is incredible at hunting instincts, has a wisdom that is unmatched by smaller winged animals and the ability to find most hidden things with relative ease.”
“That will come in handy at the Great Library,”
Sophia related, impressed.
Bermuda nodded. “I thought so as well.”
“Great, well, I’ll take Beatrix to the library as soon as I can,” Sophia stated.
“Now that leaves the matter of the creature you have for me to recover the genie’s lamp.” Liv looked around the giantess, to the large pool in the center of the big top. “Is he or she in there?”
Bermuda pursed her lips, seeming to recognize that Liv tried to use the right pronouns. That seemed to annoy the giantess as though it deprived her of the opportunity to correct her. “Yes, and his name is Heathcliff.”
“Cool,” Liv stated. “A magical swimming creature is perfect for recovering the genie’s lamp from the bottom of the ocean. Should we stroll on over and meet the animal that’s quite literally going to help save my unborn child?”
“No need.” Bermuda snapped the fingers of her other hand, making a sharp sound that echoed around the big top.
A great splashing came from the large pool, and another strange winged creature emerged from it. It soared through the air, diving straight in their direction before landing at Bermuda’s feet. The magical creature was maybe one of the cutest animals that Sophia had ever seen.
Chapter Eighty
Staring up at them with big brown eyes and a seeming smile on its face was a sea otter of sorts. It had the body and visage of an adorable otter, but on its back were two large brown wings that resembled those of a hawk.
Heathcliff folded the wings into its body and looked up dutifully to Bermuda.
“Very good,” the giantess said proudly. “Heathcliff will be your assistant for this mission. He’s excellent at diving and with few clues can find the object you’re looking for at the bottom of the ocean.”
“Rudolf made us a pretty detailed map,” Sophia explained, remembering the very interactive map that the fae had given her to find Stan’s lamp.
