Once they stepped inside, Celeste turned to Elizabeth, “That,” she pointed at her pendant, “should stay here. This way no unwanted guests can pop in.” She held her hands in front of her, one inside the other. Her stature spoke of elegance, but Elizabeth knew that was just a facade because guards were deadly, not that she was frightened. Considering her hosts suggestion, she nodded and pulled the necklace over her head and laid on the table just outside the door.
“I always enjoy coming here,” Elizabeth spoke with no direction as she looked around the familiar settings, “always felt welcome and at home.” Celeste took them into the library where there was a set of cups and a teapot waiting for them. Elizabeth smiled.
“Sit. We can talk and see if we can find any resolutions for you.” Celeste sat in a chair with her back facing the wall, this gave her the best vantage point to see anyone coming or going, truly a guardian in all she does. The loveseat that sat next to the beautiful elf is where Elizabeth chose to sit. “Second best position in all the room.” Celeste winked at her noting the young witch was careful, “I like that.”
Once tea was poured, Elizabeth asked, “Why did I come here tonight? I wasn’t really thinking to come and speak with you.”
After a slow sip, Celeste replied, “Because you were thinking of him. I know nothing I say can make much of a difference, but did you think about what I told you in the forest?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth put her cup down and placed her elbows on her knees, making her lean forward closer to Celeste. “I understand that there are traditions in place for many things I’ve yet to learn, but I still can’t not be mad about it.” She gave a little shrug.
Celeste chuckled, “Oh you have that right for sure. You’ve been thrown into the fire, no pun intended, and told not to get burned. Did you ask your mom about those traditions and why they didn’t tell you?” Elizabeth nodded negatively, Celeste leaned back in her chair. “I see. So, what do you want to learn?”
This caught Elizabeth’s attention, Celeste was offering to teach her things, elven things. “Teach me? Hmm, okay. Teach me to fight and teach me more of these traditions I should know about.”
Celeste stood, “You’re a powerful witch, do you really want to learn to fight as well?” Elizabeth nodded, Celeste continued, “Start tonight?”
Elizabeth smiled, “Oh, yes. You can teach me at night while we sleep, and I will learn the rest in the day while awake.”
As the two women made their way out of the room, Celeste replied, “Magic is the only thing I can’t teach you, but everything else is fair game.”
Elizabeth nodded, “Good. I have one week before the Hallows Eve celebration and I have a feeling things are about to get chaotic.”
For the next six nights, Elizabeth would fall into a deep peaceful slumber and find herself back at the castle. Before she would fall asleep she’d remove the pendant then put it back on in the morning. Celeste taught her fighting tactics, elven history and traditions, and even about many of the others. At the end of the week Elizabeth was mentally and physically stronger, now if she could get past her emotions and Wesley she’d be ready to combat any foe.
CHAPTER 8
The house was buzzing with coven members decorating and preparing for the upcoming Hallows Eve celebration. This would be Elizabeth’s first year in the coven and they wanted nothing spared. Her aunts wanted her to feel welcome and normal during this season.
Lights that imitated candlelight hung from the rafters. Fake spider webs were placed in corners and over knickknacks creating the illusion that the house was empty and had been for years. A large cauldron was placed just outside the front door filled with candy for those trick or treaters that would come by to be scared and have their bags filled. Reba worked on setting up a sound system with spooky sounds while Raina and Sari worked on baking treats and beverages for those who would attend the party inside.
Elizabeth could see all the decorations from the road as she turned onto the driveway. All the energy made her smile, this was home now. She wouldn’t have to leave in a year and that made her even happier. Now if she moved, it was going to be her choice. As she got out of her car she noticed, Zachary off on the side of the house so she walked around. “Afternoon,” Elizabeth called out.
Zachary jumped so much he almost fell off the ladder, once he regained his composure he replied, “Afternoon. You shouldn’t walk up on a fella like that. Goodness, ya gonna make me split my head wide open.”
Elizabeth started to laugh which made him laugh, a hand over her chest as she replied between laughs, “I’m so sorry. I never meant to scare ya like that.”
He went back to his decorating and nodded, “Yeah, I’m sure ya didn’t but damn you can sneak up on someone.” He noticed Elizabeth didn’t say anything and was just watching him work, “You wanna help? There are some more things your mom wants to be hung. I could use the extra hand.”
Elizabeth looked back at the box he pointed towards and then back to him, “You know what. I think I will help.” Dropping her bag on the porch Elizabeth started to plunder through the box, Zachary took notice raising a brow at her. He heard about Elizabeth and how she stayed to herself. How the other coven members really didn’t mess with her much, not after the coven battle and everyone saw what she could do. They were scared of her, but him, he figured it’s better to have that power as a friend than a foe. So, that is what he aimed to do…make her a friend. Elizabeth of course already knew this and was grateful to be treated like one of the others their age. She welcomed it more than most would ever know.
The house was entirely decorated by the time the sun began to set and kids began trotting down the drive in search of goodies. Raina loved this holiday and always took the first shift at giving out the goodies, according to Reba. Inside the house the coven members and their families were all dressed up having fun. Music played, food was devoured, games played and some good times were enjoyed. The coven needed this. This distraction. They knew it wouldn’t last long and they were right.
Just after midnight a sedan pulled into the drive and slowly eased up to the house. Sari was outside giving out candy and watched the car closely. None of the other parents had driven up the driveway, they all walked with their kids, so Sari knew something was amiss.
The engine quieted as the driver turned the key and removed it. The lights went off and the doors unlocked. Sari could hear all the sounds of the car being put to rest as the doors cracked open on both sides, three of them. Sari couldn’t see who was getting out the car but the hairs on her arms stood on end, a warning she heeded as she mentally called for Reba and Elizabeth. The lights on the porch didn’t reveal the uninvited guests until they reached the bottom stair. “You’ve got to be kidding me? Seriously?” Sari spits out at them.
Edom was the first up the stairs with Jeremy and Devlon close behind. “Sari. Good evening beautiful.” He tried to reach for her hand and she stepped back with a fierce glare warning him not to touch her. He replied with a smile.
“Mother.” Jeremy spoke softly, “since you severed our bond with the coven we’ve decided to create one of our own. We’ve come to see Elizabeth.” Sari laughed so hard she held her belly. She couldn’t imagine that they actually thought Elizabeth would join them.
Reba had just come out of the house, “That won’t be necessary. Elizabeth is still bound to the coven.” She began shooing them from the porch, but the men stood their ground and she came face to face with Edom. “You were not invited. You can’t enter.”
Edom felt a hand on his shoulder, Devlon. “We can’t enter. They are warded heavily.” He spoke softly then turned towards Sari, “may I see her, please?”
Sari’s eyes squinted in disbelief, was he asking politely? What was he up to, was all she could think. The door crept open slightly as Elizabeth came through the door and stepped out onto the porch. “Looks like we have some extra guests,” she smiled and stepped further out until she was standing between them and her mother and aunt
. Looking at Devlon, she first noticed the amulet that hung loosely around his neck. Mindlessly she raised her hand to her own pendant, the slowly looked up at him. “You see me,” her words weren’t harsh, but they weren’t kind either.
'Please talk with me. I have never lied to you, nor have I ever abandoned you.’ His words were heard in her mind, so no others could interrupt. Their eyes locked as the conversation continued. Fire rose up in anger at the mere mention of abandonment, Elizabeth could barely contain herself. ‘I’m not here to make you angry. I wanted to come and ask that you give me a chance. Let me show you the dedication you deserve, the love you deserve.’
‘Why? Why now? You’ve caused me a lot of trouble and these two only make it worse. I’ve seen your heart, I know there is in good there. Why not stay with me, here?’
Hesitantly Devlon looked around at those around them then back at Elizabeth, reached down and gently took her chin in his thumb and forefinger, gently moved it up and gave her a soft kiss on her cheek. ‘I am doing what I think is right. I feel the power we hold. We are called to each other and one day you will see this. You and I are meant to be together. How else do you explain it?’ He had gently taken her hand as he spoke to her and she allowed him to. He caressed the top of her hand with his thumb sending energy to her.
She jerked her head free, brows furrowed her anger welled up and she did all she could to stamp it down. ‘I can’t do this. Not now.’ She blinked and pulled her hand back, turned and went inside.
“Whelp, that should give you the answer you wanted. Now leave.” Reba spoke quickly and loudly so there was no room for misinterpretation.
CHAPTER 9
As soon as the unwanted trio departed, Elizabeth went straight to her room. Lately, that is the only place she felt like she could go to get any solace. Her nightmares are becoming reality as she slowly seems to be pulled towards the one person she is doing her damnedest to avoid. Not sure of where to turn she decides another visit with Celeste would be best, especially since her grandfather no longer comes when he is called.
After a few hours, lighting a few candles in her room, Elizabeth lays down and slowly closes her eyes thinking of Celeste and then the castle.
The fog was so thick she could barely see where she was. When she went to sleep it was with every intention of going to the castle to see Celeste, but it seems she is in the middle of the woods instead.
“My apologies for drawing you away from the castle,” Celeste’s voice barely a whisper making Elizabeth start and quickly covering a yelp that nearly escaped. “I was on patrol when I heard you calling me. So, I brought you to where I am. You know I have little power here, but I was able to do that at least.”
Looking around a bit more, Elizabeth could tell she was in the forest near her family's land, “Why so far from the castle? Awfully close to my home.” Elizabeth asked but more stated cautiously.
Celeste eased up next to her almost as if she floated, “I always patrol the boundaries. Just happened to catch me close tonight.” Celeste noticed the stiffness of Elizabeth's body, “is everything okay? You seem upset.”
Turning away from the elf, Elizabeth dropped both hands to her side, “No. No, everything is not okay.” She started to walk towards the stream she had once spent time with Wesley at, “my father, brother, and Devlon showed up at our house tonight. I-” Elizabeth froze and looked up.
Celeste followed her line of sight not understanding, “What-” Elizabeth quickly through a hand up to silence her companion.
“Someone is here with us.” Elizabeth crouched as close to the ground as she could and placed a hand on the earth to see if she could detect who invaded her dreams. Celeste watched closely and tried to feel anyone present, but dream walking was not her gift, so she was unsuccessful. “HE is here. Come. Hurry.” Elizabeth took off running towards the cliff to look down at the water. Celeste easily followed, yet when they arrived neither were out of breath, training definitely prepared them for this.
Laying down on the ground, Elizabeth and Celeste crawled the rest of the way to the edge of the cliff. The scent of rain lingered in the air, but Elizabeth couldn’t remember a recent rain. As the edge came into view, Elizabeth grasped the edge and pulled herself the rest of the way till she could see just over it. Devlon. She was right.
He was in the water swimming. When the two women made their way to the edge he could feel them and slowly turned to look up at them. “Join me,” was all he said as he gave a wry smile that set Elizabeth on edge.
Propping herself up on her elbows she replied, “You weren’t invited tonight. Why are you here?”
He started to come out of the water to the edge where a towel sat, grabbing it up he began drying himself off. Elizabeth couldn’t help but look. The young witch was a nice sight to see physically. His muscles more tone that she remembered, and his hair had grown out some. How had she had not noticed in person was beyond her. His eyes are what caught her breath in her throat, they seemed to call to her and she had the worst craving of wanting to respond. Looking back up in a sideways glance, his smile was innocent looking, “I know tonight was a bad situation and I wanted to come and apologize in person, well as much in person as I could manage.” He tossed the towel on a nearby rock and picked up his shirt to put it on.
Rolling over on her back, Elizabeth exhaled. Glancing at Celeste, she noticed the elf eyeing her deeply. The elf’s voice was soft, and her lips barely moved as she spoke, “You have to get rid of him. You have to make a decision.”
“Do I?” Elizabeth replied staring at the sky now. “Wesley still has made no attempt to reach me. The battle has been over for a few months now.” She propped up on her side, looking directly at Celeste this time, “I want Wesley to be here for me, with me… but, he’s not and hasn’t been. The pull to Devlon is strong. I’m afraid it is winning.”
“You ladies coming down, or should I come up there?” Devlon called out from below them.
Celeste stood in one fluid motion, “You came to see me Elizabeth, why was that?”
Slowly standing Elizabeth looked around as if taking in the scenery for the first time. There were birds chirping, squirrels hunting for food, and a soft breeze that kissed their skin ever so gently. “I am struggling,” her eyes dropped, “the power that connects us,” she looked down at Devlon who stood watching them silently with his hands held in front of him, “is very strong. The pull intense. Every time he shows up,” she nodded her head his way, “I feel as if I have no choice but to go to him. I. Am. Fighting. Hard. But I need help, guidance, something.” Elizabeth reached out and grabbed Celeste’s hands pleading with her. “I don’t know if I can keep up the fight.”
Celeste pulled Elizabeth in and hugged her gently and whispered so only she could hear her, “He will be home soon. He is coming back to you.”
Just then the dream ended in grey wisps as Elizabeth bolted upright in her bed from a banging sound at her door. “Elizabeth! Elizabeth! Open the door, let us in!” Yelled her mother from the other side of her door.
Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she turned towards the door, “Coming.” Slowly making her way to the door, she unlocked it and was nearly knocked over as her mother rushed in. “What the hell mom!” She yelled out as he fell into the wall.
Her mother started checking over her, her aunts ran in behind Sari checking the room. Grabbing Elizabeth by the shoulders shaking her a bit, “Are you okay? Are they gone?”
Confused, Elizabeth scrunched her face, “What are you talking about?”
Reba turned to her, “Your screams. You said they were here. You hollered for help.” She took note of the orderly room and the candle lit. “Who did you meet?”
“Celeste.” Elizabeth blew out a breath, “as for the yelling, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Raina sat Elizabeth on the bed, with a calm and soft voice spoke, “Dear, you were yelling just now to let you go. To not take you away. And then you yelled for help.” Raina looked de
ep into Elizabeth’s eyes, “we were banging on the door for almost ten minutes. It was sealed, and we couldn’t get in.”
Running her hands over her face and through her hair, Elizabeth started to panic. “He showed up in my dream again. But I was telling Celeste I needed help cause the pull was strong. What’s happening to me?” Sari had sat down on the other side of her daughter and pulled her into a protective hug.
Pulling away from her mother, she looked at the three women, “I need sleep. Please.”
Sari turned her back to Elizabeth in an attempt to hide her tears. She was scared for her daughter and knew there wasn’t much she could for her. Raina reached out to Elizabeth, “Sweetheart, let me make you some tea to help you rest.” Elizabeth nodded, and Raina headed downstairs
Reba looked at Sari, who was still turned away from them, then back towards Elizabeth. “Maybe you should give up the pendant?” That question got her glares from both women.
“She can’t give up the amulet gifted to her from the ceremony. It’s been bonded now. It would... It would cause problems with her gifts.” Sari jumped to say but then tried to mellow out the concern in her voice.
Elizabeth watched the interactions, mindlessly rubbing her pendant she spoke softly, “I can’t give it up. It is a part of me. A part I must learn to control,” she looked at her mom and then to Reba, “I won’t run from my powers or the demons that come with them.” Just then Raina entered with a steaming cup of herbal tea that smelled of mint and lemon.
The three women stood in a small circle whispering by Elizabeth’s door as the young woman sipped her tea. Elizabeth would occasionally glance over at them then go back to her tea. The tea warmed her and allowed her to relax. By the time she got to the bottom of the cup, Elizabeth saw a single leaf laying there. She looked at it curiously then over at her aunts as the deep desire to sleep overcame her.
A Moment of Darkness (The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn Book 3) Page 4
