The First Spell: The Weight of Magic, Episode 3

by Lana Melyan

  “Does Sam know?” asked Connie.

  “I spoke to Brian this morning, and he probably told Sam already.” He glanced at Logan. “By the way, pal, you be careful with your thoughts.” He pointed at Connie. “Especially when she sinks her fingers into your hair.”

  “She tried.” Logan laughed. “But she couldn’t read my mind.”

  “Dying and coming back to life must have changed something in that head.” Connie smirked. “But I don’t need to, I know what he thinks eeeevery time I touch him.” With a sly smile, she drew her face to Logan’s, and he kissed her.

  “And we are back to the usual.” Nate put his hand over mine on my folded legs and squeezed it.

  Sam and Kate arrived shortly thereafter, and the atmosphere became tense.

  Kate seemed to have accepted the fact that she was leaving, but now she was nervous about meeting her father and going to a new school, and together we tried to cheer her up.

  And Sam, who when first came to River Stones had said he would like to go home, was suddenly angry that Brian had made this decision without consulting him.

  “He was sure you’d be happy to go back,” said Nate, and in return received a dark look. “You can be angry with me if you like.” Nate tried to keep his voice casual. “But I think deep down you understand that none of these decisions were made by me. Besides, we still have things to do in New Orleans, and we all will meet there very soon.”

  “When is Brian planning to leave?” asked Connie.

  “At the end of this week,” said Sam. He gazed at Nate. “Are we going to have a meeting before we leave?”

  “It’s not up to me,” said Nate. “Nicky?”

  Well, would you look at that. I didn’t know I was the boss now.

  “I’ll let you know,” I said with confidence, like I’d been making these decisions my whole life. “There’s something I need to discuss with Nate first.”

  “So you decide things together now?” Sam sneered. “Like a couple?”

  “Sam,” I said before Nate could say anything. “Stop being a jerk. I didn’t say I’ll decide with Nate, I said I had something to discuss with him,” I said coldly. “Just so you know, when it comes to the mission, we aren’t a couple, we are Callahan and Cain.”

  “Sorry, Nicky,” said Sam, looking embarrassed.

  I saw a smile of satisfaction on Connie’s face.

  “Besides,” said Nate, “We can’t decide things together that I have no idea about. That’s why, as I said, it’s up to Nicky. And now, we need to change the subject because we’re in a public place.”

  Gradually, the good mood was restored. We talked, ate, played pool, and a few hours later, we said our goodbyes to Kate.

  “It’s getting late,” I said to Nate, after Sam and Kate left. “And I really need to talk to you.”

  “Then we should go.” He turned to Logan and Connie. “Duty calls, guys. See you tomorrow.”

  “Where do you want to talk?” asked Nate as we got in the car.

  “Let’s go to my place. Nate,” I said as we took off, “I hope you’re not angry with me for what I said there. And I hope that you agree with me, because I meant it. When it comes to the mission—”

  “I didn’t expect any less of you. That’s how it’s supposed to be. Callahan always had their views, their ways. You’re your father’s daughter, and don’t think for a second that I would want you to forget that.”

  “That’s the part that scares me. You’re too important to me, and I don’t want us to fight.”

  “Oh, there will be a lot of that,” he said, chuckling. “But we want the same thing, in both occasions. That’s what will keep us together. If we hold each other’s hands no matter what, we’ll make it through.”

  Gran was at home. She was sitting on the couch with a book in her hands and a cup of tea in front of her on the coffee table. When Nate and I told her that we needed to talk, she got up.

  “I don’t need to hear it.” Still holding her book, she picked up her cup and headed to her room. “I’ll give you some space.”

  “I told you,” I said to Nate, dropping down on the couch. “She doesn’t want to know.”

  “She’s right. If your father didn’t tell her the details, neither should you.” Nate sank into the armchair. “So, what did you want to talk about.”

  “It’s about the sword.” I pushed myself deeper in the couch, leaned on the cushions, and pulled my legs up on the seat. “You said, and so did Dad, that the two of you had different theories about how to make it work. He also said all his experiments were unsuccessful.”

  “Yes. Because, as I told him over and over, they were all wrong.”

  “Nate.” I held my breath. “He said he couldn’t accept your way, because it was violent and evil.”

  Pressing his lips together, Nate nodded.

  “That’s true. But I know it will work.”

  “I need you to tell me about it.”

  “There’s not much to tell, really. Vincent thought that the last ingredient would be the blood of a witch. But I told him it wasn’t enough. The incantations on the sword are meant to siphon the witch’s powers. That’s what would strengthen the sword. To do so, a witch, or warlock has to be stabbed with the sword. I offered to capture one of the Order's witches and try my theory.”

  My insides went cold, but I tried to keep my emotions under control.

  “Nicky, I know it sounds horrible. But before I continue, I need you to remember that they killed my parents, your parents, Sam’s parents, and many, many others, and as I always said, I’ll do anything to stop them.”

  “So there’s more?”

  “Yes. The thing is, even if we’d tried that, all it would do is prove that it’s working. But the powers of one witch wouldn’t be enough. For his immortality spell, Kenneth had to sacrifice a witch. And I’m more than sure that someone like Kenneth to make the spell stronger would sacrifice more than one witch. He would use one of the three magical numbers: three, seven, or thirteen. I thought it was thirteen, and I asked Vincent to check it in Kenneth’s books. But Vincent never gave me the answer, and he hid the sword. Those actions only proved I was right.

  “I think he hid the sword because he thought I would go find some other than Order witches to kill. He was wrong. I would never kill innocent people.

  “I’m Cain, and I had the same rights as Vincent. He denied me access to Kenneth’s books and the sword, and many other important items. He said he had his reasons. It pissed me off for a while, but then I decided not to argue with him, hoping that one day we’d come to an agreement.

  “He thought, and he was right on this one, that there was no way we could capture thirteen Order’s witches. They were too many to fight, and if we’d gotten even a couple of them, the Order would attack us. That’s why Vincent tried to do it differently. He hoped that maybe the blood of the witches would be enough. He used mine, Nathalie’s, his own, and the whole coven’s blood to impregnate the sword. But it didn’t work. Then he tried to find some other substitutes. But he was a wise, powerful warlock, and of course deep down he knew there was no other way.”

  “Wait, how did you know your bloods didn’t work?”

  “When everything is done right, the blade must turn black. Our bloods didn’t even give it a shade.”

  “Nate, we can’t kill thirteen people. We’re not killers.”

  “This is a war, Nicky. When soldiers come back from a war no one calls them killers. Too many people have died. Sooner or later you’ll see that we have to do what we have to do. I’m sorry you have to fight this war, I wish I could keep you away from this, so did your father. But he couldn’t, and neither can I.”

  “I know. And you don’t have to feel sorry for me. I need to think about this. It’s all new to me, and I need some time to digest this information.” I shivered. “Could you be my boyfriend now and hug me?”

  He moved to my side, pulled me into his arms, and kissed my forehead.

  �
��I’m already scaring you. And this is only the beginning.”

  “This is going to be hard.” I locked my arms around him. “But don’t worry, I can handle it. I still need to get through some papers. We’ll find a way because, like you said, they killed our parents. We can’t let them get away with this.”

  13

  The next few days, Sam acted more normal, but every time I caught his eyes on me, they looked sad. He looked like someone who wanted to say a lot but didn’t know how.

  “What’s up with Sam?” Jess asked one day after classes, watching him walk to his car.

  “He’s leaving in a couple of days,” I said, feeling a little sad myself, “and I don’t think he’s happy about that.”

  “Where’s he going?”

  “Back home, to New Orleans.”

  “You’re saying he thinks that River Stones is more fun? I don’t think he’s sad because he’s going home.” Jess turned his warm look on me. “He’s sad because of what he has to leave behind. I get it.”

  “Jess, not you too, please. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

  “Nicky, I’m fine. I’m not blind, I see how happy Nathan makes you. You two glow when you’re together. And that’s all I want for you––to be happy.”

  “Thanks,” I said quietly, touched by his words. “I wish Sam could see that too.”

  “I’m sure he does,” sighed Jess. “But he has a harder time accepting it and letting go of his hope. Give him time. He’ll get there.”

  It was Friday. Sam went home after his last day at River Stones High. Before going to his place to say goodbye to him and Brian, Connie, Logan, Nate, and I arrived at the Grill to have some coffee and give Sam some time to pack his bags.

  “I’ll kinda miss them,” said Connie. “They were company. I already miss Kate. Her locker was right next to mine, and now it’s empty. By the way,” she looked at Nate, “what did you mean when you said we will all meet them soon?”

  “I promised Nicky to take her to New Orleans.”

  “I thought it wasn’t safe for her to leave River Stones?”

  “The Order doesn’t know I exist,” I said. “So it’s better we do it before they find out.”

  “I don’t get it, why risk it at all?” asked Connie. “Does it have something to do with the mission?”

  “Not exactly.” I sighed. “My mom and dad have a house there, and I would like to see it.”

  “You mean you haven’t seen it before?” Connie frowned.

  “No. I didn’t even know it existed. They pretended to live there, to keep the Order away from River Stones.” I had tried to imagine that place so many times, what it would look like inside. It hurt to think that when they left it last time, they didn’t know they would never come back.

  “It’s a nice house, Nicky,” said Logan. “I’m sure you’ll like it.”

  “So you’ve seen it too?”

  “Yeah. Sometimes I kept an eye on the place, in case someone from the Order showed up while your parents were out of town.”

  “If no one knows you exist, it means they couldn’t leave the house to you. What’s going to happen to it now?” asked Connie.

  “In their will they left it to me,” said Nate. “So when the time is right, I pass it to Nicky.”

  “They did?” I stared at Nate.

  “It surprises you they trusted me that much?” He tilted his head.

  No, it surprises me that after everything they trusted you with, they still never fully trusted you with the mission. And I have no choice now but to follow most of their rules, and I’m sorry.

  “No. Why would it? They trusted you with much more than that. They trusted you to look after me, and it’s only a house. It just, you didn’t tell me about it.”

  “Sorry, there wasn’t a right moment.”

  “Logan, have you packed your bags?” I asked.

  “There wasn’t much to pack, really.” He shrugged. “Just some clothes. They’re already in Nate’s car.”

  “I can’t believe it.” Connie beamed. “We’re going to have our own place.”

  “So you’re moving in too?” asked Nate.

  “I can’t. I’m not eighteen yet. But we can have a cozy time together like normal people. Listen to music with a glass of wine next to the fireplace.” She glanced at Logan, who took her hand and drew it to his lips.

  It reminded me of the day Nate and I had spent at the cabin. Looking through the window at the gray, rainy sky, I slid under his arm, and he pulled me closer.

  “That’s nice, guys,” I said. “I’m really happy for you.”

  When we arrived at Sam’s place, he and Brian were packed and loading their bags into the car. After they were done, we went inside.

  “Here are the keys.” Brian put them on the table.

  “Thanks,” said Logan.

  “So what are the plans for the near future?” asked Brian, looking at me and Nate.

  After the conversation with Nate the previous evening, it didn’t take long for me to make my decision.

  “Nate filled me in with his theory about the sword, how to make it work,” I said. Connie, who was hearing about the sword for the first time, narrowed her eyes, carefully listening. “And also about Dad’s experiments. You’ve been working for years to solve this problem, and nothing worked. There’s no easy solution, and maybe we will have to do it the hard way.”

  Sam didn’t seem to understand what I meant. But Brian and Logan stared at me. And so did Nate.

  “Nicky?” He turned to Brian, who gazed at him. “Brian, I didn’t . . .” He raised his finger. “I just told her the truth.”

  “What are you talking about, Nicky?” asked Sam. “What’s the hard way?”

  “Brian will explain it to you later,” said Nate.

  “So you’re saying you’re supporting Nate, and you want to try his method?” asked Brian, taken aback.

  “We can’t try anything just yet. We’re not ready. And I still need to go through Dad’s records to see if he had any other ideas.” I focused my eyes at Brian. “I made it clear to Sam, and I want to say this to you too. I’m not under Nathan’s influence. All this time he’s only been telling me what I need to know, and he’s never forced his opinion on me. I know why my father didn’t want to do it Nathan’s way. He didn’t want to lead his people into a war, he was trying to find a safe way, to protect them. He tried his best. But they all still died.”

  “I’m not arguing with you, Nicky. I just thought maybe Vincent left you some other instructions.”

  “Dad wanted me to convince Nathan to find another way.” Nate, who was staring at the floor, turned to me with a surprised look. “So if any of you have better ideas, you’re welcome to share them. But we don’t have much time. Kenneth’s followers killed the people we love, and I’m afraid to imagine what will happen if they get what they want. We can’t take them to court for their crimes, but we’ll not sit and wait for them to come and kill us too. Think this through and let us know what you decide. In the meanwhile, I’ll continue to train with Nathan and keep the sword and everything else safe.”

  We stood on the porch and said our goodbyes, then the four of us watched Brian and Sam drive away.

  Connie approached me from behind, put her arms around my waist, and rested her chin on my shoulder.

  “I’m not sure what that was about, but I’m impressed by your leadership skills,” she said quietly into my ear. “I didn’t know you had it in you,”

  “Neither did I,” I sighed, stroking her hands. “Connie?”

  “Hm?”

  “This is a matter of life and death. So before you ask Logan what the heck we were talking about, make sure you really want to know.”

  “You’re my best friend. Whatever it is, if you can use my help, I’m with you.”

  The car vanished from view, and she pulled back.

  “Coffee, anyone?” she said, heading inside.

  14

  “Enjoy your new place, guys,” I
said half an hour later as Nate and I headed to his car.

  He didn’t start the engine.

  “We only talked yesterday,” he said in a grim voice, looking through the windshield. “And you looked scared then. What made you change your mind so quickly?”

  “It wasn’t quickly,” I said quietly. “I think of them all the time. I imagine their dead bodies every night when I close my eyes. I know that nothing I do will bring them back, but I can’t leave with the thought that the ones who did it are still out there.”

  “Nicky, I’m so sorry.” He turned to me. “But are you sure you can do this?”

  “You think I’m not strong enough? Or you’re afraid to lose that fragile girl you met and liked?”

  He wrapped me in his arms and kissed me. Tears burned my eyes. I needed his comfort so badly. My fingers touched his knee and moved up his leg. His breathing became deeper at once, and I jerked my hand away.

  “I’m sorry,” I breathed out, pulling back.

  “Don’t be.” With his thumb, he removed the tear from my cheek, then he started the car and took off.

  After a moment I realized he was driving toward the highway.

  “Nate, where are we going?”

  “We’re going to the cabin. To spend some time alone.”

  “I could use some of that.” I released a sigh of relief.

  We didn’t speak the whole way, but there was an electrical vibe between us. We arrived at the cabin and walked inside. The moment he closed the door, he pushed me against it and leaned in.

  “Yesterday you were a girl who I was afraid would run from me if I let her see who I am,” he said, heavily breathing. “Today you’re a young woman who can make tough decisions. There are still things about me you don’t know, but I’m not afraid anymore for you to find out. If you think this is wrong and you want to go back, just say a word.”

  “Nate,” I murmured, my heart hummering, “I’m all chained up with need, and must, and shouldn’t. All I want is for you to help me breathe.”