by Raven Moon
Vengeful Hearts
First edition. April 30, 2019.
Copyright © 2019 Raven Moon.
ISBN: 978-1386004615
ASIN
Written by Raven Moon.
Cover Design by Raven Moon
Formatting by Raven Moon
Editing by Raven Moon
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, nor translated into a machine language, without the written permission of the publisher.
All characters and storylines are the property of the author, and I appreciate your support and respect. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, events and organizations are coincidental is and not intended by the author.
The following story contains strong and explicit sexual situations. The following story in intended for adult readers only. Parental discretion advised.
Special Thanks
© Copyright 2019 High Priestess Shadowwren Mystwalker
Spells written in this book are those of High Priestess Shadowwren Mystwalker and shall in no way used for personal gain, copied, sold, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, nor translated into a machine language, without the written permission of the publisher.
A special thanks to High Priestess Shadowwren Mystwalker for insight into the Wiccan world. I appreciate your generosity and knowledge. The insight you shared with me on spells is astounding. Thank you for sharing your time and energy to bring your own words into my story with each written invocation.
Quote
“Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand, blood and revenge are hammering in my head.”
William Shakespeare
Vengeful Hearts
Fate of the Witch
Book 2
Raven Moon
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Prologue
Rainelle
Memories repeated like an old black and white film in my head of the prior week; losing Reed, family secrets and the lies to cover my witch identity. While I mulled over the information, Fate bitch slapped me in the face with the recognition of vampires and werewolves are not just mature, sensual romance novels, but they are living alongside humans. Oh, lest I overlook the other reason I’m 300 feet underground, I maimed a fucking werewolf coyote hybrid stuck in a ghastly form of half monster, half-man that generated his death. What a mangey sight; bald patches, decayed teeth, or loss of, how sickening! What a marvelous sight as the flame reached treetop height. He lit up like the Fourth of July, poor asswipe. I sorta… kinda… felt bad for the bullfuckery creature. I confess to myself I done him a favor to rationalize the executing, realism is the blood of my brother stained my boots and the haunting memories added fuel to my madness. Now, the entire supernatural world feared me, they demand what I won’t permit, and that is my head on a spike.
“Not today assholes, not today!” I exclaimed. Trevor and Samuel’s eyes shifted.
“Apologetic, thinking aloud.” I shrugged chewing on my jaw. I gazed out the window. Everywhere I looked, images of that night caused me to wince. My breath snagged. Samuel grabbed my knee calming my anxiety while I rode out the pictures of Reed bleeding out. I held back tears turning my awareness to the reduction of traffic. Trevor turned in a parking lot passing an advertisement sign announcing, The Forbidden Caverns. He proceeded around a gift store and diner. I gazed in the glass door at the flashing closed neon sign. Trevor followed the dirt road into the woods leading to a wide-open field revealing a vast opening on the mountainside with a narrow creek. After he stopped along a fenced lot hidden behind trees he slipped out and rested beside the truck, “Welcome home.” Trevor gestured; arms outreached to the forested countryside. I considered Trevor then Samuel. My belly tightened with knots strong enough to keep back even the wildest of horses. Reality bit me in the ass at the matter this cave would be a sanctuary for a concise time, but my gut told something different seizing my body.
“This suck’s donkey balls.” I groaned, “I…,” I gulped hard at a coil of words caught in my larynx, “I can’t do this. There has to be another alternative?” My voice carried a shiver.
Samuel shifted in the seat, “No. This is the only means.” He reinforced his tone stern and to the point before stepping out of the truck. He stepped around to the tailgate where Trevor stood observing the mountains. No doubt it was about me. After a concise time, I scooted out and stood taking in the darkened forest for traces of unrest and exhaled in relief as I tapped the gun handle.
The sunset behind the mountains hours ago leaving the moon hanging in the star-filled night sky. A white glow glistened between timbers in the still of the night. All life besides the nocturnal animals slept.
I stood under the full moon hundreds of feet from the cavern entrance; it was one of the largest I had ever seen. Trevor moved next to me; his smile fell away.
“So,” I murmured analyzing the unfamiliar territory in which I stood.
“This isn’t the caves we hid you the first time.” He noted. I nodded a thin lip smile, “I made you a promise to protect everyone, and I will keep that, but you need to promise you will come back alive.” His pale blue eyes blazed. A shiver spiraled down my spine.
I faced him, my green eyes bored into his soul, “That is my plan.” I replied. He pressed his lips to my forehead squeezing me tight. Samuel cleared his throat causing Trevor to back away. I leaned against the truck to watch Samuel slipped on the survivor backpack.
He lifted his hand and waved then went toward the mouth of the cavern, “Hurry darlin’. We don’t have much time.” I placed extra clips in my shoulder holster then slipped on the smaller backpack that carried food and water and picked up a satchel.
“I guess this is goodbye,” My voice came out shaky. Trevor reached out and bracketed my wrist, rubbing the arc of my hip bones with his thumbs. I sank into his body, the hard planes of his muscles enfolding me. My eyes raked up his chest until I met his plump lips. He cupped my face bringing our mouths within the same breathing space. His lips entwined with mine. I met his tongue and gave it teasing laps. He broke away. My fingers traced my lips reflecting on our kiss as he drove abroad.
“Something wicked this way comes. But what that is, remains unanswered.” I mumbled under my breath. My spine jerked upright; my eyes moved with the shadows. The moon reflected cat-like eyes in the trees. Branches and twigs broke all around by the smallest of wildlife. I turned from the lonely pallid moon trying
to find peace as I focused on the haven waiting for me. That attempt didn’t prove to be helpful. A sigh escaped my lips.
I stopped fifty feet from the cavern entrance and my haven for only the Gods knew how long. As doubt riddles my nerves about my powers born unto me, it fueled the anger deep inside. Fate was choosing my destiny, and it scared me knowing my life was about to change. I’m expecting my life to fall into a different level of danger.
Either way, I must face the uncertainty of what lies ahead. I must keep my family safe. My need for revenge for Reed fuels the burning in my soul. And I pray to the Goddess we survive, I survive.
“We need to get to safety, come on.” Samuel’s voice reverberated through the woods. He cut up a broad tree branch and covered a rag around the top and inflamed it, the flames flared. The light illuminated the obscurity. I snapped my hand, and the fire glowed under my rule, a skill I learned how to command. I lifted my hands and flames flared from my fingers. If I needed to be bleak, the power was more of a burden regarding the future Fate had prepared out for me. I touched a finger to the spark, reveling in the sharp tingle on my skin. The flame went up my arm warming the chilling bite of the chilly air. The element of Fire became one substantial component in my soul a perpetual burning igniting my spirit.
“I call upon those who have passed before. Bless my journey and hear my call. I beseech thee to help me harness that which exists with me.”
Samuel watched as I conjured the witches of the old. He gave a hand; I entwined my fingers gripping tight as we started our trek into the chasm.
Chapter One
Rainelle
Darkness covered the light raising the creep factor tenfold. My attention turned to small creatures scurrying up the limestone walls. Their razor-sharp claws scratched the embedded rock. The sound set off an avalanche of uncontrollable shivers. Samuel let out an audible sigh that echoed. Overhead, Bats flew toward the night sky, using their sonar abilities to guide them. He ducked like a bat out of hell avoiding a head-on collision with the small creature.
Low light seeped in the crevices from generations of deterioration adding to the eeriness of the abyss of the massive cavern. The air turned brisk prickling my skin like tiny needles. As we descended; I wished for a sweatshirt. I thought caves had a constant temperature; I call bullshit.
“Is it necessary to travel this far?” The blackness snuffed out all-natural light, Samuel didn’t reply. He stopped along an underground stream where canoes and a glass-bottom boat sat against a metal Bridgeway in the water. Small battery-operated lanterns lined the dirt and pebble path.
“Grams told me about a natural stream running under the mountains. Do they give tours?” I asked looking around.
“They give tours in other sectors of the cavern. They rent canoes to explore the miles of passageways but express not to venture into sections marked in red. We are in an unexplored area. This is just one of the many reasons your mom didn’t allow you to visit the caves.”
“If it is unexplored, how did the canoes, boat, and lanterns get here?”
“Trevor.”
I studied his face. He absent-mindedly cracked his knuckles. “Did Reed tell you everything in his vision?”
“No.”
“Okay, next question…” before I could slur another word, Samuel answered.
He tossed the backpack in the canoe, “This is the only means.” He rubbed his hand along my cheek. He steadied himself before placing one foot in the canoe and offered me his hand.
Carefully I sat checking for my pistol then put the satchel and a small backpack in front of me. Fear snaked its path into the pit of my stomach when the canoe rocked side to side.
He reached down, “Let me have the satchel.” I handed him the bag, and he sat in the other canoe.
“What is in it?”
A quizzical brow arched above his left eye, “Supplies to aid with incantations,” he drew in a deep breath, “You must listen to everything I tell you. We will travel into uncharted areas of the cavern. I’m not sure where these secret passages lead or the danger that may lurk.” He rushed on, “This will be our only chance at evading the beasts.” He kept his eyes forward. I peered over my shoulder behind us, shadowy figures shifted in the dark setting. Samuel looked back at me, his magick and power showed in the illumination of his eyes. The blueness glowed brightly, “They know where you are Rainelle. We must keep one step ahead of them.” He said in a firm and authoritative voice, pressing forward with each sweep of the oar.
The chill of the cave mixed with the icy mist bit at my exposed skin. I thought warmth igniting my inner flame letting it slide across my flesh, instantly warming me, and easing the gnawing chill.
I drifted along the river letting the natural current of the water move me with ease. Massive pillar formations made over centuries of water dripping down from the Earth above onto the Limestone loomed in every nook and cranny. Stalagmites and stalactites connected with each other in silver color from the calcite. Elegant opal colored draperies formed beautiful glistening walls. Ample sized rooms opened on each side of the river; fire torches lined the walls. The flames glow cast shadows along the rock ledges giving a spine-chilling feel.
I stared at the natural beauty; one formation caught my attention. A large rock of quartz and onyx that resembled a Dragon’s head gazing into the dark catacombs. I reflected on Grams stories about the Gods sending a mighty Dragon to protect the witches. As I floated closer, there was a pull, a need. The Dragon beckoned me, but why? I had the same feeling when my Mom gave me the journal.
“Samuel!” I shouted, “This formation mirrors a Dragon!” I pointed to the formation like a child in a candy store, “The mythology of Dragon’s has always fascinated me.”
“We are trying to hide you from the werewolves, not give your location away.” Samuel’s ocean-deep voice quivered in the silent air. He stopped alongside me, cocking his head, his hand folded under his chin. He tapped his lips as he inspected my find.
I stared at the elegance of the creation before me. Rubies set the eyes, opal built the large body, and onyx scales carved the enormous stone statue.
“Damn.” Samuel rubbed the stubs on his chin, “What a find darlin’.” He smiled grimly.
“I guess.” My shoulders sagged, “I remember Grams stories about the Gods and a Dragon.” My heart stuttered with a falling, spinning down feeling.
Samuel smiled a lopsided grin, “The high coven believed Dragons are the source of witches’ powers. That their breath in our lungs gave us magick beating in our hearts.” he paused, “My Mom swore by the old ways of the coven. She believed the Gods placed Dragon’s all over the world, but humans feared them, hated them, and hunted them to extinction.” Samuel said with a distant memory. He slowly moved forward. My eyes fixated on the beauty of the opalescence. Did Fate’s destiny lead me here for a purpose? As I pondered that idea, my attention quickly turned to the eyes; they shimmered crimson.
“Do you see that? The eyes, they are bleeding.” I barely spoke the words in an audible voice.
“Come on, darlin’.” He summoned. I paddled after him keeping my gaze on the formation nearly crashing into a boulder. “Rainelle, watch out!” Samuel yelled, his voice firm as the rock I almost collided with. The oar smacked the rock pushing me away.
“Hellfire and brimstone!” I blustered, “That was too damn close.” I shook the cobwebs from my head. Samuel sped up along the water’s edge further upstream. My breath came irregular as I paddled faster trying to keep pace. Tiny beads of sweat broke along my exposed skin, “I need to exercise more.” I coughed out a laugh.
Samuel glided along coming to a set of tunnels that broke off in four directions. He slowed to a halt, “Take these. This is the only light we have now.” He handed me a headlamp and a set of flashlights. I threw a worried glance over my shoulder at the distance we traveled. Samuel placed a headlamp over his head. Shadows danced in the beam giving an eerie vibe. A dark mist suddenly swaddled us with stagn
ated air, choking me.
“We need to leave,” My voice strained. Panic rose in my stomach bringing a punch of reality,
“I agree.” Samuel tossed me a braided rope, “Tie this tightly in the eyebolt.” He stressed with urgency. I fumbled with the rope, “Let me help.” He said leaning over and slipping the rope through the hole then tying a sailor’s knot, “Listen. You will need to paddle too. Don’t stop unless I tell you too.” He commanded tugging at the rope, “Do you want to survive?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?” His eyes glowed with power. He placed the oars in the water and in one motion he pulled the canoes, the force sent me backward cracking the wooden seat. I hardly noticed the pain in my ribs for the rapid fear that now pulsed inside me.
We swiftly maneuvered the calm waters to a larger area that spilled several directions. Samuel stopped taking time to choose which way to go. My canoe slammed against his, rocking us side to side smashing my fingers. A line of sweat slid down my face, trailing past my ear. A painfully loud screeching broke from my lungs. It traveled the cavern. It sounded like a thousand people having their souls unwillingly ripped from the bodies.
“Fuck a duck!” I cursed.
Samuel held his finger up to his mouth, “Are you all right?” His voice low. His expression twisted in agony, but not over his own pain.
I held my throbbing fingers, “I will be.” I whimpered; the throbbing pain mimicked the beating of my heart. A dull headache started behind my brow. Samuel leaned over taking my hand and gently kissing my bruised and swollen fingers.
“Better?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“We should go this way.” He started to the left but halted, “No, no, it’s this way.” He shot around to the right.
“It’d be fucking nice to get out of this place, alive! And in one piece.” I snapped,
“What, you don’t think I want to get out of this fucking place alive darlin’?” He retorted. His gruff voice carried along the walls. Samuel’s gaze darted behind us searching for something I didn’t see, “Don’t look back,” he instructed. Worry clouded the natural strength of his eyes, biting at my composure. He glanced at me apologetically, “I should have seen this coming. I knew I shouldn’t have made promises. I can’t do this alone.” His voice held a bitter note.
