Crimson Secrets

by Garnet Davenport

  I heard footsteps.

  “How long has she been like this?” Nate asked.

  Duncan looked toward me. “What do you mean?”

  Nate bent down. “There’s nothing I can do. She’s already started to heal, with the bullets still inside.”

  I started breathing harder as I asked, “How?”

  Duncan looked worried. “I don’t know, but now we just have to wait until she heals completely before I can remove them. I can’t even move her without it being too dangerous. One might shift and hit an organ. Then the poison will spread into the organs.” The look on his face was complete worry.

  “It’s dangerous to leave them in her if it’s poison.”

  Nate crossed his arms. “Honestly, Duncan, she needs to be with her mate. I’m going to call Declan.”

  I sat up. “No. He can’t know about this. I’m doing this on my own. There’s too much he can’t be involved with.” I was worried about the Morrígan and her threats.

  “Shay, you will die on your own without him,” said Duncan.

  I looked at Nate. “You said that I had healed enough, why was I healing without Declan?”

  Nate pointed to Duncan. “He helped you heal. And I don’t recommend that it continue. You have not fully bonded with Declan, and you cannot start the bonding process with another mac tire. This needs to be dealt with at the Callamores’.” They both looked worried.

  My breathing had quickened even more. I was angry about everything that was happening. “I’m not going. So do what you need to do now or leave. I’m not in the mood to be passed back and forth between brothers. I am my own mac tire and will succeed without any mate.” I felt strength through my veins. The strength that I felt was stronger than anything I felt before. I stood, felt my blood heat in my veins and pump steadily. Then with a flash of pain, I screamed in agony. My vision turned red and then a quick pinch and ripping skin where the bullets had punctured my body. There was a clinking sound on the floor. The bullets escaped from my wounds and fell out.

  They both stood there in shock for a moment. “Shay?” said Duncan.

  I looked down at the blood on the floor, on the blanket still wrapped around me, and on my hands. I turned and growled at them and then all of my nerves tingled and my heart went crazy. No pain, and then I was the red furred mac tire. I stood in front of Nate and Duncan and decided very quickly that I was going to make a run for it. I was through the abandoned warehouse and running for the window as quick as I could. Glass shattered just before I hit the window as if I wished it to break. And I ran.

  I heard racing footsteps behind me. I turned to see a silver-furred wolf charging at me. He slowed to run beside me. We continued to run side by side for hours through the unfamiliar woods. Neither one of us went too far in front of the other, as we looked back and forth at each other and then to the moon, the dim light cascading from the moon onto the snow. We began to slow down with the tiredness of the day. Duncan found a wooded area for coverage as it began to lightly snow. I lay down to sleep. Duncan was going to take first watch so that I could rest. I had my eyes on Duncan for a while as he sat and watched out of the brush covering we found. I just don’t know what to think of him, is he here to actually help? He could be the one person, besides my brother, to help me work through all this crap. My thoughts continued to fly through my mind until I drifted off.

  I stood and started to walk away from where we found coverage from the elements. I could feel a pull into the woods. I walked slowly, my naked body taking step after step in the freshly dropping snow. There was steam coming from the tracks I had made in my path and my vision was red as I continued walking.

  I could hear Duncan behind me on all four paws, walking forward, but he was walking slower than me. I couldn’t get out of the trance, walking dream, or whatever it was that I was in. I couldn’t blink, and I was embarrassed that I was naked and he was there. But I was more worried about where I was going. I had no idea, and yet it was as if I were asleep but fully conscious of all my surroundings. I could feel the wind and trees on my body and unfortunately all the sharp rocks, sticks, and leaves under my bare feet.

  He barked. I could not answer back. The only thing that I could do is turn my eyes to the right. I wanted so very much to scream and run in the opposite direction. He barked again, slightly squeakier. Still I could do nothing. I walked on.

  He yelped. He caught up with me and pressed his wet nose on the tips of my fingers. I’m pretty sure I singed his nose.

  I was still speechless. We walked farther through the dark woods. My skin continued to boil and melt the snow and ice as we walked.

  Duncan was careful not to step in my footprints. The steam was still rising from my path as far as we could see. The moon started to fade, and the sun broke the darkness. I loved that time of day—the freshness in the air. I could see both the moon and the sun; lately it was the only time that I felt I could breathe and I was normal. The sun continued to rise as we walked forward in the forest. We came to the edge of another clearing almost exactly like the Callamores’ estate, just different. Duncan started to pick up speed and walk in front of me. I started to feel control again, almost to guard myself from something unknown.

  Just then we were met by three of the largest mac tires I had ever seen, aggressively baring teeth and growling.

  “By order of Finich Gahlonaghan, you will surrender to the territory.” The mac tire in the middle was coming toward us and spoke as he transitioned seamlessly into human form.

  Duncan turned to me and nodded his head in agreement that we would follow orders.

  I suddenly felt cold, reminding me that I was naked. The one guard in human form transitioned back and was walking behind me and Duncan. There was also a mac tire on both sides of us. We marched into the mansion to be met by servants with soft maroon colored robes. I was happy to see clothing of any kind. Duncan then took his human form as he strutted over to the servant and grabbed a robe himself.

  Another well-dressed woman walked down the hall. “You may follow me.” She quickly turned and walked back the way she came.

  I was afraid. I was almost shaking, and I knew that Duncan could see that.

  He came to me, grabbed my hand, and whispered to me, “I am here.”

  We walked forward. The guards did not follow us, and that made me feel better.

  This completely non-threatening woman walked ahead of us, guiding us wherever it was she had been told to bring us. It felt like this long darkened hall went on forever. But we could see a flickering light at the end, the woman motioned into the room. “Your guests are here to greet you, sir.”

  From within the room, a man said, “Thank you, Elizabeth.”

  We walked into the room only to find another head of the council that I had seen before.

  “Wait.” I stopped moving forward.

  “Yes, Miss Evans. My name is Victor Gahlonaghan. Do you remember me from Mrs. Callamore’s?”

  I nodded my head at him.

  “Good. I am the Finich of this territory. You two have crossed your boundaries without permission. Please tell me why you were so disrespectful to me. And then to bring a royal with you?” He paused and looked at me just long enough to see tears in my eyes. “Oh my dear, what is the matter?”

  Duncan turned and put his arms around me. “Sir, if I may explain.”

  Mr. Gahlonaghan stopped. “Yes, son. You may.”

  Duncan took a deep breath in and I could feel his heartbeat. “Shay has been through the transitioning, she was taken, escaped, shot, and now looking for answers, we seek protection and sanctuary. Will you help us?”

  Victor Gahlonaghan placed his left hand on his waist and right hand on the fireplace mantle while he soaked in what Duncan had just said. “I will need more information to provide what you ask of me, however, for now you may consider yourselves free to roam the mansion in safety.” He paused and took a step toward me. “I will need some information from you, my dear. May we talk in priva
te?”

  He looked at Duncan, who was standing anxiously as he crossed his arms. “I’m not leaving her side.” He spoke with a deep gruff voice.

  “My boy, you, Duncan Callamore of the Eastern Territory, are a royal and cannot be present for the discussion of any abilities from other territories, as you know. I will need to have this time to discover if the truth is what you speak. I ask you as another royal to leave. Regain your strength. My kitchen staff would be more than happy to make you anything you would like, and as well for you, my dear, anything.”

  Duncan turned to me. “Shay?”

  “I believe that Mr. Gahlonaghan will be honorable in his promises and he can help us find more truth. I will be fine.”

  Victor Gahlonaghan looked at me. “Of course, my dear. Would you like for me to send for something for you to eat?”

  I looked at Duncan and then to Victor Gahlonaghan. “Can I have some water?”

  “Only water?”

  I nodded my head. “Yes. I haven’t had anything clean to drink in days.”

  He looked shocked. “Of course, my dear.” He motioned toward the door at a servant. She left the room quietly and swiftly. “Now, Duncan, if you will excuse us. You may follow Johnathan into the kitchen.”

  Duncan looked at me. “I will be back as soon as I can.” He made sure that our eyes met, and I could see the trust in him.

  “Okay,” I said quietly.

  Duncan started to walk out of the room, then turned back to me and then walked through the door. I turned to Victor Gahlonaghan, “What exactly are you expecting to find out from me? I came in search of answers myself.”

  He walked back and forth in front of the fireplace. “Miss Evans, what I will show you has to remain in secret. Each royal family has abilities that we do not share with others lightly. It is a simple ability but nevertheless it has served me well. I feel that you might be one of the ones I can trust. Can I trust you?” He looked at me.

  I nodded yes.

  “My dear, The Gahlonaghan family has past sight as their ability. Only the Finich can possess this power as a rite of passage. When my son Marcus takes my place he will receive this power.”

  Johnathan returned with a glass of water and a pitcher. He handed me the glass.

  “Thank you.” I took a drink.

  Johnathan left the room quickly.

  “My dear, help me to understand your past.” Victor Gahlonaghan walked over to me, motioned for us to sit on the dark leather sofa in front of the fireplace. We both walked over very cautious of each other. We sat almost at the same time. The fire in the fireplace crackled loudly which made me jump. “There is no reason for you to feel scared here. I want you to know this. I will need to put my hands on you.”

  I watched as he reached up to my face, placing his hands on both sides of my head, his fingers covering my ears. The second that his skin touched mine, I had a spark of electricity that burned through my brain. I could not pull it back; my vision went completely white.

  I saw flashes of my childhood: My first day of school wearing a pink dress my mother put on me and the other kids making fun of me. My first friend that I made, Sophia. She left my school after only a year, and I never saw her again. I felt that pain of loss. My birthdays, my family, my brother, my first crush. I could feel everything coming closer to the last few months. I didn’t want to relive this. Soon it came, the first time I ran through the woods, Duncan in the woods, my prison of a room at the Callamore estate, Declan, the birthday party, having to leave Declan, my newest cell, my parents, the disloyalty, running for my life, and Duncan saving me. All these events that brought us to today.

  Victor Gahlonaghan let go of my head. “My dear, I am so sorry for your pain. It is with deep sympathy that I must tell you that you have had memories extracted from your past by a powerful mac tire. But at least with the information I acquired I can give you peace of mind that there is more for you than another prison here.” He smiled at me as my vision slowly came back. I thought he might be able to tell me more. Besides, he offered to teach me the history that Edness Callamore would not.

  “What just happened?”

  He stood. “I can see what you have seen and feel your pain just as you did by removing your vision from you only briefly. We have much to discuss. However, I know the extent of what you have been through and will not force anything upon you. You and Duncan Callamore may remain in my protection from anyone you may fear.” He motioned again to the door. “Make up rooms, next to each other, for Mr. Callamore and Miss Evans. They will be staying with us indefinitely.”

  I sighed in relief. “Thank you. May I see Duncan now?”

  He looked at me. “You may. However, I need to be completely clear about this. Mr. Callamore is not your mate. If you continue on the path that you are taking, he will be. This will end in death as it has before.” I stared at him.

  I had an eerie sensation flow over me as he spoke. “Duncan is not my mate.”

  He looked away. “As I stated Mr. Callamore is not your mate. That is all I know. The kitchen is down this hallway to the right.” Then he walked away from me and to the grand desk by the windows covered with shades.

  When I walked into the kitchen, there he was, stuffing his face. He looked up.

  “Hey?”

  I turned away from him. “Hi.” I was also embarrassed that he had seen me naked yet again. I don’t want to feel self-conscious about my body, but let’s face it, what girl doesn’t?

  “What happened in there?” he asked.

  I walked over to get a plate from the counter and the lady that was there immediately handed me one full of meats and vegetables. “Thank you,” I said to her.

  I didn’t answer him.

  “Shay? I asked a question.”

  I didn’t look at him. “I know you did, but a promise is a promise.”

  He scoffed at that.

  “Well, all I can say is we are now under protection,” I admitted.

  He just looked at me. “I guess that helps. What happened to you when you disappeared?”

  I turned to him. “I really don’t want to talk about it. And, you know, I lost my appetite.” Turning to the kitchen staff, “Mr. Gahlonaghan said we would have rooms, can you show me where I can shower and get some sleep?” The one lady, Maria, as I overheard, was so much like Mary.

  “Miss Evans, I would be happy to show you your room. It has a private bathroom for you to clean up in.” She spoke with a quiet voice.

  I took a deep breath. “Thank you.” I followed her out of the entryway of the kitchen.

  We walked through the main part of the house, Maria was telling me about the mansion and the different areas as we walked. It seemed as if she did this a lot. “Maria?”

  She stopped clasping her hands together and turned. “Yes, miss?”

  “May I ask you about Mr. Gahlonaghan and his family?” I cleared my throat.

  “Yes, miss.”

  I paused, trying to think of the best way to ask. “Does Mr. Gahlonaghan have a son and daughter?” I looked her straight in the eye.

  “Yes, miss. Marcus and Sophia.”

  I could tell she was holding something back. “Have they ever lived in other places besides here?” I felt like I knew something about Mr. Gahlonaghan’s daughter.

  “Yes, miss. As a royal, each child must live one year in another territory with another royal family.” She looked at me, confused.

  “Did Sophia just turn eighteen?”

  “Yes, miss. How did you know?”

  I smiled. “I think I’ve met her before.”

  She tilted her head. “Really, miss? Miss Sophia will be home around six thirty this evening. Would you like for me to let her know you would like to see her?”

  I thought about it for a minute. It wasn’t like she would remember me if it was the same girl. “Would you? I would like to know if she is my friend from years ago.”

  “Of course, miss.”

  We arrived at a room that ha
d the door closed. She opened the door. I walked into a very bright clean room. It looked similar to the one at the Callamores’; however, it had a lighter feel. I knew it was a room rather than a prison. The windows had the curtains pulled back and there was so much natural light. Maria did not follow me into the room. “Mr. Gahlonaghan was very specific that the room must have natural light. Can I let him know that you are pleased?”

  I turned to her. “Yes. Thank you.”

  She lowered her head. “Of course, miss. Please enjoy. If there is anything that you need there is an intercom system here by the light switch. Is there anything else I can get for you now?”

  I turned back to her. “No, and thank you again.”

  She lowered her head again. “Of course.” She reached in to shut the door.

  I walked into the bathroom and looked into the mirror. I had changed—not literally, but I felt like I couldn’t recognize myself anymore. I started the shower and looked around for a moment. I had found pajama pants and T-shirts of every style and color. Along with purple fuzzy slippers just like I had when I was little. I undid the robe and got into the shower. Mud, dried blood, and everything that should remain outside was attached to my body. I felt like I scrubbed for hours. Then I stood motionless in the shower, letting the water drip down my body, just listening to the water hit the floor of the shower. It was peaceful. The sound of rain and storms had always made me calm.

  When I finally decided to get out and dry off I looked at myself again in the mirror. As I looked down my body there were new scars from my time spent with the Morrígan. I was angry. I looked into my own eyes and now there was a lightning I had never seen before. This flicker now showed my pain and distrust. “I will never be the same.” I could no longer look at myself in the mirror. I went to put clothes on.

  I needed to let Declan know that I was all right. He was probably more worried about me than anyone else was, especially my parents. I was worried about Tommy. What had they meant when they were talking about him? I was hoping to find these answers here. I sat down on the bed knowing that it had been quite some time and I should get some sleep while I felt the safest I had in a long time. I just lay back with my feet off the side of the bed, my eyes closed.