《Blood Descent》


 Chapter 1

    VIOLA POV


    The bass thumped through my veins as I spun and laughed with Emery and Kaylee, lost in the flashing lights. Just another Friday night in Toronto¡ªdrink, forget, and do it all again tomorrow. The thrill had dulled but what else did I have?


    Suddenly, Kaylee stumbled, clutching her belly. The neon lights flashed around us, and bodies continued moving with the rhythm of the music.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel so good,¡± she mumbled, clutching her stomach.


    Emery and I stopped dancing, and my friend rolled her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s what happens when you keep accepting drinks from random guys. You know vodka makes you sick.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be allergic to alcohol!¡± Kaylee protested weakly and then she ran a hand across her temples and through her brown waves.


    Emery sighed, exasperated, and glanced at me.


    I shrugged and reminded her. ¡°Last weekend, I was holding her hair.¡± Because Kaylee can¡¯t ever hold her liquor, and she can¡¯t say no to free drinks either, the night was bound to end in disaster.


    Grabbing Kaylee¡¯s arm, Emery pursed her lips. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get you to the bathroom.¡±


    Left alone, the music pulsed through me. The heavy beat vibrated in my chest as bodies crowded the dance floor. A sea of swaying hips and raised arms, lost in the rhythm. I¡¯d been dancing for what felt like hours, the bass pushing me deeper into a heady haze. My skin glistened with sweat, but I didn¡¯t care.


    The lights seemed to flicker more than usual, casting long shadows that danced along the walls. For a moment, the music became a muffled echo in my ears, as if I were hearing it from underwater.


    Then, beneath the music, I thought I heard it¡ªfaint¡ªthe clink of chains. For a moment, I froze, as the pounding bass drowned out every other sound around me. Bodies brushed against mine, and I shook it off, convincing myself it was nothing, and kept moving, letting the music swallow me again.


    I closed my eyes, swaying and moving my body. The world faded into nothing but sound and sensation. For a moment, I felt free. No expectations. No magik. Just the beat.


    Then, I heard it¡ªfaint whispers in an ancient language, beneath the thrum of the music. Weaving in and out of the lyrics, each word like cold fingers trailing down my spine. The lights seemed too bright, the crowd too close, the air too thick to breathe.


    Long forgotten words in Latin¡ªthe language every witch, young or old, learns for spells and incantations, one of the oldest tongues known to mankind.


    I hesitated, my movements faltering because we were in a normal human club and maybe I was hearing things.


    As the beat pulled me back, the whispers faded and almost immediately, out of nowhere, I felt him. A body pressed up behind me¡ªsolid. His chest was hot against my back, his breath close to my neck. The stranger¡¯s hands found my hips, pulling me into his rhythm.


    My body responded, and I moved with him, our bodies in sync. His hands tightened on my hips as we fell into a slow grind, every movement deliberate and intense.


    Every inch of me tingled with awareness and I didn¡¯t turn to see his face; I didn¡¯t need to. I didn¡¯t care. The music wrapped around us, drowning out everything but the electric friction of our bodies moving together.


    Other dancers pressed in close, but they faded into the background. The strangers fingers brushed the bare skin just under the hem of my shirt. The sensation shot straight to my core, and I felt the rush of desire build. I bit my lip, eyes still closed, giving myself over to the moment.


    But as the song reached its peak and the beat changed, I suddenly remembered myself. My chest heaved, heart pounding from more than just the dance. I needed air.


    I tried to step away, ready for a break. But his grip tightened.


    ¡°Hey, come on,¡± He said, pulling me closer and I froze. ¡°One more dance.¡±


    I turned my head slightly to catch a glimpse of the guy without fully pulling away.


    ¡°No thanks,¡± I said firmly, though my words came out a bit slurred, and I expected his hands to fall away from my arm.


    They didn¡¯t and I still needed that fresh air because now the club felt stifling, sweat making my clothes cling to me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy you a drink,¡± He offered and I accepted only because I wanted more alcohol and I wasn¡¯t like Kaylee. I could handle my liquor without puking it back up.


    At the bar, he offered small talk and I played along as his hands settled on my lower back. We pushed our way through the crowd, slipping between the bodies with ease. The stranger¡¯s hands had no choice but to fall away.


    When the bartender finally noticed us, I flashed the guy my pretty smile. ¡°Four shots of tequila, and a rum and coke¡± I said, my voice carrying over the noise.


    He raised an eyebrow, ¡°Are you sure you can handle that?¡± he asked


    ¡°It¡¯s for both of us,¡± said the stranger behind me.


    ¡°What he said,¡± I pointed behind me, and let a slow, playful smile spread across my face as I held the bartender¡¯s gaze.


    Tilting my head slightly, I allowed a few dark curls to fall across my cheek, and bit my lower lip just enough to draw attention.


    The bartender disappeared to get our order, and I let the conversation flow. The stranger hung on my every word, clearly smitten. I played along, enjoying the attention knowing full well nothing was going to happen. Not even another dance.


    When our drinks arrived, I raised my shot glass with a wink. ¡°Cheers...¡± I said and we knocked back the shots back to back.


    As the stranger fumbled for his wallet, I snagged my rum and coke from the bar. ¡°Thanks for the drinks,¡± I said, flashing him a dazzling smile that promised everything and nothing at the same time.


    Then, quick as a shadow, I slipped into the crowd, leaving him in my wake and hollering after me. It was a game I knew well ¨C appear, captivate, disappear. As I weaved through the mass of bodies, drink in hand, I felt myself wavering, just slightly but I controlled my footing.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Come on, Viola,¡± I muttered, trying to focus through the haze of alcohol. ¡°You can do this.¡± I thought of my home. My tiny apartment - the worn couch, the overflowing bookshelf, the chipped mug still sitting on the coffee table from this morning.


    Warmth tingled in my fingertips as I whispered the incantation, my voice barely audible over the city noise. ¡°Domum reditus, iter breve.¡±


    Damn it. On A curse, the music hadn¡¯t faded, and it was the same crowd of partiers stumbling past me. I was still right where I started.


    Of course it didn¡¯t work as I had expected. My pathetic excuse for magic never did anything useful.


    Finally bursting out onto the sidewalk. The bustling sounds of downtown Toronto surrounded me and the cool night air was a blessing on my overheated skin. Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself, but out here the world started to spin far worse than inside.


    Laughter and chatter filled the air, mixed with the occasional car horn. Before I knew it, I crashed into someone, my drink slipping from my hand. A splash, a shriek, and then an angry, ¡°What the hell?¡±


    Blinking, I focused on the young woman in front of me, her shirt now sporting a large wet stain. ¡°Oh no,¡± I giggled, unable to stop myself. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry!¡±


    The woman¡¯s boyfriend appeared, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s okay, babe,¡± he said soothingly. ¡°Let¡¯s go home. I¡¯ll buy you a new outfit tomorrow to make up for it.¡±


    As they walked away, I called out after them, my inhibitions lowered by the alcohol, ¡°You¡¯re lucky, girl! Wish I had a man like that!¡±


    My phone dinged, cutting through the noise. It was Jamal.


    ¡°Where u at?¡± His text read.


    I snapped a selfie, of me and the club, and its vibrant logo twinkling in the background. I sent it off and then, feeling cheeky, I typed: ¡°I want a shopping spree.¡±


    His reply came quickly: ¡°Ain¡¯t nobody got that type of money.¡±


    I snorted, about to type a snarky response, when something caught my eye. In the middle of the street, a man was now kneeling. Shirtless. Pantless and bleeding.


    Glancing around me, I had to confirm that someone else was seeing him because he wasn¡¯t there just a moment ago.


    My breath caught in my throat, confused and he was bound by chains at his wrists, arms extended as if someone was pulling them. But there was nothing there. No one was holding the chains. Cars were driving right through him like he wasn¡¯t even there.


    Holy fuck!


    ¡°Are you seeing this?¡± I asked a random group of friends passing me on the sidewalk, and pointed towards the street.


    The man held captive, his head hung low, light hair a mess. I couldn¡¯t see his face.


    The strangers followed my gesture, looking confused. ¡°See what?¡±


    ¡°The man! Right there in the street!¡±


    They exchanged worried glances. ¡°Maybe you should sit down,¡± A woman suggested gently.


    I blinked hard, my mind reeling.


    Was I going crazy? The thought of someone spiking my drink flashed through my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. The bartender had served me directly. No, this had to be something else¡­


    Was this some kind of magikal vision? But no, my abilities had never been strong enough for anything like that. I was barely more than a human with a knack for tarot cards and basic protection charms.


    I racked my brain, trying to explain what I was seeing. Had I accidentally ingested something at Kaylee¡¯s earlier? Her high school brother was known for his ¡°special¡± baked goods. But no, I¡¯d only had just a few slices of pizza, nothing else.


    When I looked back to the street, the man was gone. Vanished. As if he¡¯d never been there at all. But a faint clinking of metal chains lingered in the air, sending a shiver down my spine.


    I should have known something was off when I heard the whispers inside of the club. The magik in me, faint as it was, stirred uneasily. Was it because Hallows eve was in a week and a half?


    Chewing on my lower lip, I racked my brain for an explanation. But even as I grasped at straws, I knew this was different. In all my years, I¡¯d never experienced anything like this - not even during the most potent time of the year for witches.


    Suddenly, arms wrapped around me from behind. I squealed, startled out of my thoughts and already off-balance from the alcohol and the bizarre vision.


    ¡°How¡¯s your night, babe?¡± Jamal¡¯s familiar voice rumbled as he nuzzled the curve of my neck.


    I inhaled, expecting the comforting scent of his spicy cologne. Instead, my nose wrinkled at an unfamiliar sweetness - floral and cloying.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± I replied, my mind still reeling from what I¡¯d seen¡ªor thought I¡¯d seen.


    ¡°Burritos,¡± he suggested, predictable as always. I nodded, grateful for the distraction.


    It was his go-to on these late nights when he was working a case with his uncle. Jamal was a man of routine¡ªhe liked what he liked and rarely strayed. Steady, stable, safe. Maybe that¡¯s why I stayed with him. No surprises. No risks. Just the predictable comfort of routine... even if it was a little boring.


    I fired off a quick text to Emery, letting her know I was leaving with Jamal. We walked a few blocks to his favorite burrito place, then caught a bus back to his apartment. As we ate on the bus, I watched the city lights blur past the windows.


    Back at Jamal¡¯s apartment, the night took its usual course. Kissing and barely any touching aka foreplay, and then sex. As usual he finished first, rolling off me with a satisfied sigh. His arm draped lazily across his chest, and within minutes, he was snoring softly beside me.


    While he slept, I stared at the ceiling, frustration simmering like most nights. It wasn¡¯t just tonight¡¯s sex¡ªthough that, like always, was too quick, too routine, leaving me unsatisfied. It was everything. Jamal was safe, predictable, but inside, I felt restless. Trapped.


    Yet, he was everything I should have wanted. But inside, I felt like I was slowly suffocating. How could I feel more alive with a stranger pressing against me on the dance floor than I did lying next to my boyfriend?


    The question sank into me as I laid here, was I losing myself in this relationship?


    I closed my eyes, trying to push away the gnawing fear that I was becoming someone I didn¡¯t recognize¡ªa woman content with mediocrity, both in love and in magik. Was this all there was for me? A relationship that felt more like a cage, and powers so weak they were barely worth mentioning?


    My thoughts drifted to the guy grinding behind me earlier, his body hot and close, igniting a spark I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. And the way the bartender had studied me when I ordered the drinks, his gaze lingering just a second too long. It all reminded me of the spark that had long since faded with Jamal.


    My fingers grazed the edge of the sheets, inching under and lower as my breath hitched. My inner walls clenched on nothing as I imagined the bartender gripping me roughly, and pressing me against the bar. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn¡¯t help myself. The thrill of imagining someone else, anyone else, was intoxicating.


    My senses flooded and my hand moved instinctively, lower, heightening the tension, teasing the growing ache between my thighs.


    But just as my hand reached near my sex¡ª


    Clank.


    The image of the man in chains flashed through my mind, and I stilled, withdrawing my hand. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he needed help. Which, of course, sounded crazy. But as the silence pressed down, thick and unsettling, the faint city buzz faded into the background.


    Then I heard it. Faint at first, like a whisper carried in the wind. A voice. No, voices. I strained to listen, but the more I focused, the more they slipped away, just out of reach. My heart quickened, and I held my breath.


    Clank.


    The unmistakable sound of metal chains echoed through the dark, sending a jolt of fear straight to my core. My pulse thundered in my ears, and I turned my head slowly toward the corner of the room, where the shadows seemed to thicken and shift.


    Was someone there? I wondered but knew that wasn¡¯t true because I saw the room before the lights went off.


    I sat up slightly, my breath shallow, and peered into the darkness. Jamal snored beside me, blissfully unaware, while I stared into the inky blackness that now felt more alive than it had any right to.


    Clank. Clank.


    The sound was louder now, closer, as if the man from the street had followed me here, into the safety of my boyfriend¡¯s apartment. I couldn¡¯t see him, but I could feel him. His presence was suffocating, pressing in from all sides.


    My skin prickled with an eerie awareness, and a chill snaked down my spine. I wanted to wake Jamal, but something in me¡ªsome instinct¡ªtold me not to move. Not yet.


    The Latin whispers grew louder and then, just as suddenly, it stopped and the room fell silent. The chains stopped. The whispers vanished.


    I swallowed hard, my heart still pounding in my chest and I laid back down. I closed my eyes, as my body trembled slightly, and the darkness felt alive, watching, waiting. Sleep wouldn¡¯t come¡ªnot tonight.


    END OF CHAPTER


    -


    Since this is an early draft, I would love your feedback.


    What kind of feedback should you provide? Insight on plot development. Characters .Any potential inconsistencies. Gaps in the story. What you liked or didn¡¯t. You don¡¯t have to comment on all of the above points. You can also just say, ¡®I enjoyed the chapter¡¯ and a few sentences on why and how it made you feel.

 Chapter 2

    VIOLA POV


    The muffled sound of Jamal''s voice pulled me from sleep. I blinked on my belly, disoriented, as sunlight streamed through the gaps in the blinds. On a groan, I covered my face with the blanket, knowing that I had more than enough time before I had to go into work.


    Jamal always had early mornings.


    He spoke softly, and if I opened my eyes, I could bet he would be pacing near the window and sipping his coffee.


    "Yes, Uncle. I understand¡­¡± He waited, while his uncle talked and sleep avoided me. ¡°No, of course¡­¡± I switched from my belly to my side and turned my face away from the window. ¡°I''ll be there¡­" And his voice lowered, "The Morton account is in good hands. You can count on me."


    Giving up with the idea that I could sleep in, I stretched. The sheets clung to my bare skin, and Jamal said his farewells.


    When I sat up, I noticed that he was dressed in a crisp button-down and slacks and his shoulders were tense.


    I propped myself up on my elbows. "Morning, babe. Is everything okay?"


    Jamal''s shoulders sagged as he ran a hand over his shaved head. "It''s just work. George is breathing down my neck about the Morton deal and Fraden Saldana invited us to his Halloween Gala."


    My ears perked up at the name. "You mean Fraden Saldana the Tech Guru?¡± I was now sitting on the edge of the bed, suddenly wide awake and still naked with the sheets barely covering my body. ¡°The guy who''s basically revolutionizing technology we use? The guy advancing technology for space travel and the same one who created the robotic limbs for soldiers who lost their limbs during combat? That Fraden Saldana?"


    Jamal nodded, seemingly lost in thought, his enthusiasm nowhere near matching mine. I couldn''t believe his nonchalance. "Holy shit, Jamal! That''s huge!"


    He nodded again, a hint of pride breaking through his stress. "Yeah, it''s a big deal. George says this could be the breakthrough we need for the law firm."


    "Well, damn," I grinned, already picturing myself rubbing elbows with the one percenters. Mentally, I was already sifting through all my options and dresses in my closet at home. "When is it? Where''s it happening?¡± I bounced a little on the edge of the bed.


    My fingers itched to grab my phone and start scrolling through online boutiques and pinterest boards. ¡°I''m gonna need to go on a serious shopping spree." I started mentally tallying up my bank account, wondering if I could swing a designer dress. "Do you think Maria would come shopping with me? I''m gonna need backup for this level of glam.¡±


    Maria was his Uncle¡¯s legal secretary for over twelve years and I know she likes me or pretends too. It was his uncle George, that I would say for certain has a problem with me.


    Standing up now, I was naked. I didn¡¯t care and I know for certain that Jamal wouldn¡¯t care. ¡°Oh! And shoes! I''ll need new shoes.¡± Walking toward him, every inch of me was vibing with excitement. ¡°And probably a clutch. And jewelry..."


    I trailed off, noticing Jamal''s expression tightened. He looked at me, but only for a second before his gaze dropped to his coffee. He shifted awkwardly on his legs, as he drummed his fingers nervously on the coffee mug.


    "Hey, what''s with the face?¡± I asked. ¡°This is huge, babe! You should be excited!"


    "Actually, Viola¡­" Jamal began, his voice strained.


    "It''s okay if Maria can''t shop with me," I assumed, waving him off. "She''ll be busy, and I totally get it."


    Jamal swallowed hard, his gaze fixed somewhere over my shoulder. "That''s not it. It''s just..."


    A knot of anxiety pooled in my stomach. "What is it? If your uncle is worried because of last time, I promise to not spit out the caviar into a napkin. In fact, I won''t eat anything that I can''t pronounce or looks like shi-"


    "You''re not invited."


    His words slapped me across the face.


    I blinked, sure I had misheard. "What?"


    Jamal finally met my eyes, but his gaze flickered away almost immediately. His fingers tightened around the handle of his coffee mug as if it was the only thing anchoring him in place. He shifted from one foot to the other.


    ¡°George¡­ he doesn¡¯t want you to come,¡± he said, his voice barely louder than a murmur. Jamal¡¯s jaw clenched, before continuing. ¡°He says it needs to be all business¡­ no distractions.¡±


    I stood there, naked and feeling exposed and cold. My excitement curdled into something bitter. "No distractions? Right. Don¡¯t bring your girlfriend who shops at discount stores and rocks fake designer bags.¡±


    Jamal set down his coffee mug, raking a hand through his hair. ¡°Viola, it¡¯s not like that¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s exactly like that.¡± The words flew out, hot and sharp. ¡°I¡¯m not polished enough for your pretentious uncle and his tech buddy.¡±


    ¡°Vee you know how my uncle is.¡±


    I stormed over to my clothes, yanking them on like I was ripping them apart. ¡°So now I¡¯m just an embarrassment to you?¡±


    This wasn¡¯t just about the gala. It was about me, about who I was becoming. Could I really accept a life where I always came second¡ªwhere my voice didn''t matter? Where my boyfriend didn¡¯t want to stand up for me?


    ¡°No, and I didn¡¯t say that.¡± Jamal followed behind me.


    I yanked on my skirt, struggling with the zipper at the back. "Then why didn''t you fight for me? Or stand up for yourself and demand that George respect you and who you want to date?"


    Jamal went to help me, and I stepped forward and away from his touch. "My uncle''s an ass, you know this. He climbed his way to the top and has never looked back."


    I whirled on him, while pulling my crop top over my chest. ¡°And now you¡¯re clawing your way to the top and doing the exact same thing.¡±


    He flinched, taking a step back. "That''s not fair, Viola. You know how important this is for my career."


    I laughed bitterly, grabbing my purse and brushing past him, leaving the bedroom for the living area. "Right, your precious career. God forbid your girlfriend get in the way of that." I headed straight for the front door and yanked on my leather heeled boots.


    Jamal moved near the door. "Please, can we talk about this? You know my uncle and he''s a stickler for first impressions¡­"


    My eyes narrowed on him for his choice of words, ¡°Wow.¡±


    ¡°Shit, you know that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    "You know what? Fuck you, Jamal. And fuck George too." I flipped him off as I stormed out of his apartment.


    Tears pricked my eyes as he called after me. I made the mistake of glancing back and found him standing frozen in the doorway, the tension in his face betrayed more than his words ever could. I stilled, maybe hoping Jamal would tell me to stay and he¡¯ll call his uncle.


    The silence stretched between us like a rubber band, ready to snap at any moment. My pulse pounded in my ears and I could almost taste the bitterness of the coffee still on his breath as he stood there, not saying anything, not fighting for me.


    Say something, I urged mentally.


    Nothing, only deafening silence and wiping at the fallen tears, I stepped back and turned around, hurrying down the hallway. Jamal wouldn''t chase me¡ªthat would make him late for work. God forbid he shows up late for work, because our relationship was on the verge of collapsing. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Was this where we were headed? I wondered, suddenly unsure. George had no problem always putting Jamal in situations where he had to choose between me and the latest carrot his uncle dangled in front of him.


    This was why I chose Jamal, wasn¡¯t it? He had a plan¡ªstable, predictable, everything I wasn¡¯t. I used to admire that about him. Now? Now it felt like every step he took was just another one over me. Each time, a little closer to something better, something that didn¡¯t include me.


    I avoided the elevator, heading straight for the stairs. Four flights down, each step punctuated by a curse under my breath. George would never get used to the idea of Jamal and me being together. Here we were¡ªa year and a half later, and every so often Jamal talked about marriage, kids, a home. A future.


    Damn it. I didn¡¯t want to stand in the way of his work or family. Surely, that didn¡¯t make him a bad guy. Did it?


    Was I being the bitch? The more I thought about it, the tighter my chest became.


    The more I thought about how his uncle dismissed me, how Jamal let it happen. A buzzing began at the edges of my mind, a pressure I couldn¡¯t explain. The air around me felt thicker, heavier, like the world was bracing for something I couldn¡¯t see coming.


    And then it hit me.


    Everything blurred and shifted. My vision tunneled, and I was no longer seeing the stairwell. Instead, an ancient cathedral materialized before me, its weathered sandstone facade adorned with Gothic tracery and flying buttresses. Stained glass windows caught ethereal light, and carved wooden doors stood slightly ajar, beckoning.


    My perspective zoomed through walls and floors, past rows of books with faded spines and gilt lettering. Painted pictures of women and men. It plunged deeper, through the musty basement and layers of earth, until¡ªthere he was.


    A man, shirtless and chained.


    Suffering in a cavern deep beneath the building. His pain radiated through my entire being.


    As quickly as it appeared, the vision vanished. I gasped, finding myself outside Jamal''s apartment building, my hand braced against the rough brick wall. My heart pounded as I struggled to catch my breath, the memory of the chained man lingering like a weight I couldn''t shake.


    The cool autumn air nipped at my skin, sharp and crisp. It swirled around me, tugging at my hair and clothes, a stark contrast to the heat still simmering inside me from the vision. Each breath of the chilled air felt raw, grounding me, but at the same time, it whispered of change¡ªunpredictable and inevitable, just like the shifting seasons.


    "Viola!" Jamal''s voice cut through my disorientation. I looked up, squinting against the morning sun. He leaned over his balcony, gripping the railing. "Tonight, I''ll make it up to you! We can talk about this. I promise!"


    I shook my head, not at Jamal, but the vision clung to me, heavy and suffocating.


    Was I losing my mind? Or was it something deeper¡ªsomething more? Could it be my magik, stirring after years of silence.


    Without responding, I pushed off the wall and kept walking. The memory of the chained man rooted deeply, heavy and unshakable.


    Why was I seeing him?


    As I walked, the anger drained, leaving behind an empty ache.


    What the hell is wrong with me? Jamal wasn¡¯t to blame¡ªhis uncle was the asshole. But he didn¡¯t fight for me, not even once. And this wasn¡¯t the first time.


    The sidewalk wavered beneath my feet as I staggered away from Jamal''s building, his silence still rang in my ears. Morning light cut harsh shadows across the concrete, making me feel exposed and insignificant.


    The man in chains flickered through my mind again¡ªbloody, desperate, calling to something inside me. My skin hummed with an energy I couldn''t explain, couldn''t control, and home felt like a cage I couldn''t bear to return to.


    A bus growled to a stop nearby, its brakes hissing like a beckoning whisper. Fate or coincidence, it was headed exactly where I needed to go.


    My heart thundered as I climbed aboard. I was really doing this¡ªchasing visions and voices like a madwoman. But anything was better than drowning in the suffocating reality of my life.


    Sinking into a seat, I watched Toronto blur past the grimy windows.


    Twenty minutes later, I found myself walking through the community center doors, the smell of old books and cleaning supplies filling my nose.


    Inside, I made a beeline for the computer lab. My fingers flew over the keyboard as I searched for images that matched what I''d seen in my vision.


    The soaring spires piercing the sky. The heavy wooden doors, carved with scenes of saints and sinners, stood slightly ajar, as if telling a story and beckoning me into the past. Above the door, there was a symbol that I recall and the rows of books inside¡ªit had to be a library.


    But which one? Where?


    I Googled what I had seen, pairing with the term ¡®Library¡¯ ¡®Gothic¡¯ because of my vision. No results populated with what I had seen, and it wasn¡¯t until I typed in the symbol I saw over the door and described it: Narrow triangle pointed downward with a y-shaped portion cut out of the center was when I finally found the library in my search.


    Phantombrook. I stared at the name on the screen. Something about it tugged at me, pulling harder than I expected. I didn¡¯t even hesitate. I had to go.


    As I scrolled through countless images of the library and what seemed more like a town than a city, I pulled out my phone and dialed Emery''s number. She picked up on the third ring, her voice a mix of grogginess and irritation.


    "This better be good, Vee. It''s ass o''clock in the morning."


    I couldn''t help but smile. "Em, I need a favor," I said, not bothering with a greeting. "Can you cover my shifts at work?"


    There was a pause, then a shuffling sound. I could picture her sitting up in bed, her wild hair probably a mess around her shoulders and face. "What are you talking about? Where are you going?"


    I took a deep breath. "Something''s come up. I need to... travel." I clicked on the website link and browsed the pages.


    ¡°How long?¡±


    "I don''t know," I shrugged.


    "That''s sketchy as hell," Emery said, her voice sharpening with that no-nonsense tone she used when she thought I was about to do something stupid. "Are you going away with Jamal?"


    ¡°No.¡±


    "Vee, you write columns. I do spell work for clients. They''re not the same thing."


    ¡°And?¡±


    "And correct me if I''m wrong," She continued, "But don''t you have an article coming up called ''How to Enthrall a Vampyr in 10 Nights''? Like, what the fuck am I supposed to do with that?"


    I couldn''t help but laugh. "Look, I know it''s a lot to ask, but¡ª"


    "Where are you going?" Emery cut me off, her tone softening just a bit.


    "Phantombrook," I told her, my eyes still scanning the computer screen.


    "Where in the hell is that? It sounds made up."


    I paused, realizing I wasn''t entirely sure myself. As the question settled between us, I quickly googled the location and distance. ¡°A car ride is three hours further east of Toronto.¡± But I don¡¯t have a car, and I have to take the transit so that was going to be a little over a five hour bus ride.


    There was a long pause on the other end. I knew Emery was probably rubbing the back of her neck right now, a tic she''d developed while helping me study in high school.


    Finally, she sighed. "Fine. But are you going to tell me what is going on?"


    I hesitated, not sure how to explain something I barely understood myself. "Not until I figure some things out."


    ¡°Fine. But for every article that I have to write, you owe me. Big time."


    "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Relief flooded through me. "I promise I''ll make it up to you."


    As I ended the call, my eyes drifted back to the computer screen. On the About page, a phrase jumped out at me: "Originally established by the historic Saldana family of Phantombrook."


    Saldana. That was Jamal¡¯s potential client¡¯s surname, Fraden Saldana.


    I leaned back in my chair, my mind racing.


    Obviously, it couldn''t be connected because there were many people with that surname, including a popular actress. But being a witch myself, I barely believed in coincidence.


    If someone were open enough to see signs in life, in numbers and astrology, they would realize that the universe was constantly trying to tell them something. Sometimes people say things to you, confirming your thoughts and suspicions.


    Signs were everywhere, if you knew how and where to look.


    Maybe it was nothing¡ªa random connection I was forcing. But my gut said otherwise. The vision, the library, the Saldana name¡ªit all fit too perfectly to be a coincidence.


    I drummed my fingers on the desk, weighing my options. I could ignore this, go home, and later patch things up with Jamal.


    Before I could talk myself out of it, I opened a new tab and started looking up bus trips to Phantombrook.


    I was choosing to follow this thread, see where it led me.


    Whatever was going on, whatever these visions meant, I had a feeling the answers were waiting for me at that library.


    As I booked my ticket, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirled in my stomach. No matter what happens or how this turns out, maybe a new environment would help clear my mind with what I should do with my relationship.


    Maybe I needed this mystery¡ªa break from my routine.


    I¡¯d spent years pretending my magik didn¡¯t matter¡ªtelling myself I was fine being basic. But this morning seemed like the final straw, with Jamal¡¯s uncle brushing me aside for the hundredth time and these visions creeping into my mind, I couldn¡¯t ignore the truth.


    I wasn¡¯t fine.


    I wasn¡¯t enough¡ªnot for Jamal, not for myself.


    The man in chains wasn¡¯t just a vision¡ªit was something more, a message¡­maybe. And it terrified me, yet, I hit ''confirm'' on my ticket purchase for this afternoon.


    A surge of something I hadn''t experienced in a long time: hope. Hope that there was more to my life than this. Hope that I could be more than Jamal''s embarrassing girlfriend or the witch with underwhelming powers.


    The need to prove to myself¡ªand everyone else¡ªthat I was capable of more than just spitting out caviar at fancy parties.


    At the end of the day, something was drawing me to Phantombrook and at the very least, it would be different. And right now, different was exactly what I needed to cling to.

 Chapter 3

    VIOLA POV


    Upon leaving the community center, I proceeded to go home and pack my things. With a small duffel bag slung over my shoulder, I boarded the bus headed east from Toronto.


    As I settled into my seat, I turned my phone on silent and plugged in my headphones. I queued up my favorite playlist and the familiar melodies helped calm my racing thoughts as the city faded away outside the window.


    The five-hour journey stretched on, the landscape shifting from urban sprawl to rolling countryside. Alternating between staring out the window, lost in thought, and drifting in and out of restless sleep was how I spent my time.


    Startled from a dreamless slumber, I felt a bony hand gripping my shoulder. My eyes fluttered open to meet the concerned gaze of an elderly woman, her face etched with wrinkles.


    "Sweetie, we¡¯ve reached Phantombrook, and the bus driver is taking a coffee break."


    As I blinked, I was disoriented and it took a moment for the unfamiliar name to register. Outside the grimy bus window, a sunset painted the sky in a riot of colors. Streaks of fiery orange and deep crimson bled into pools of lavender and indigo.


    An old-looking diner stood sentinel against this canvas. Its weather-beaten sign clung to life above the entrance and the fading sunlight glinted off its chrome trim.Next door, a timeworn gas station hunched beneath the vivid sky.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± I said to the older lady as she moved down the aisle along with a few other riders exiting the bus. Upon standing, pins and needles shoot through my legs and feet. I slung my duffel bag over my shoulder and shuffled off the bus.


    The cool evening air hit me like a slap, chasing away the last dregs of sleep. I stumbled towards the flickering neon sign of the nearest motel, the world swimming before my bleary eyes.


    While I checked in, the clerk inside barely acknowledged me, not looking up from his phone. He slid a key across the counter.


    "Thanks," I muttered, turning to leave.


    I trudged down the dimly lit hallway and in my room, I dropped my bag, and collapsed onto the mattress, shoes and all, feeling it sag beneath me.


    Now, turning the ringer back on, I noticed many missed calls and text messages from Jamal. As I scrolled through the messages, he asked why I hadn¡¯t been answering my phone or even buzzing him up to my apartment.


    Which was odd, because it was a quarter to six, and usually I didn''t see him or hear from him until much later.


    Jamal seemed eager to make amends for not inviting me to the gala - his uncle''s decision based on my supposed inability to make good first impressions. But I wondered, could anything make up for Jamal allowing George to disregard me? To act like I wasn¡¯t dating his nephew for over a year.


    My finger hovered over Jamal''s name in the call log. I chewed my lower lip, deliberating. The urge to hear his voice warred with my simmering frustration.


    Sighing, I tossed the phone onto the bed and ran a hand through my tangled curls.


    What was the point? There was nothing left to say - on his end or mine. This had been our pattern from the beginning, an endless cycle of disappointment and things weren''t getting any better. And maybe it was time I stopped expecting them to.


    Damn it. With a sigh, I closed the call log and didn¡¯t bother checking the voicemail. I could bet money that he was complaining about the same thing in both text messages and voicemail.


    Stretching, I shook off sleep, then stood and strode out of the motel.


    Outside, the darkness had deepened since my arrival, and I glanced around, taking in my surroundings. In the distance, I spotted what looked like a downtown area and headed that way, I pulled out my phone to search the library on Google Maps.


    As I walked, goosebumps prickled my arms under my sweater. The crisp October air carried the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke, with a faint hint of maple syrup drifting from a nearby shop. The streets were eerily quiet, a stark contrast to Toronto''s constant bustle.


    Only a few people shuffled along the sidewalk, their breath visible in small puffs before them. Halloween decorations loomed in storefront windows¡ªgrinning jack-o''-lanterns and skeletal figures casting long shadows in the dim streetlight.


    Most shops were already closed for the night, their darkened interiors adding to the town''s ghostly atmosphere.


    Hugging myself tighter, I passed a bar with its neon sign buzzing quietly. A few mom-and-pop restaurants still served dinner and the aroma of fried food and the soft clink of cutlery drifted out, a reminder of normalcy on this quiet night.


    As I continued walking, my phone struggled to hold a signal. Google Maps jumped erratically, the blue dot of my location skittering across the screen like a trapped insect.


    "Come on," I muttered, tapping the screen in frustration. The device gave one last defiant flicker before the signal died completely.


    "Perfect," I hissed through clenched teeth. "Just perfect." Not only was I in a strange town, but now technology was failing me too.


    Phantom-fucking-brook indeed.


    Just before the signal had cut out, the map had directed me down a street. As I neared the intersection, I peered in both directions, my eyes straining in the dim light. Rows of apartment buildings and houses lined the sidewalk.


    "It shouldn''t be far," I whispered to myself, the sound of my own voice oddly comforting in the silence. I ventured left, each step echoing softly on the pavement.


    The quiet streets of Phantombrook seemed to watch me with unseen eyes. My gaze darted from building to building, searching desperately for any sign of the library. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I couldn''t shake the feeling that I was being observed, assessed. By what or whom, I couldn''t say, but the weight of unseen gazes pressed down on me from all sides.


    A few strangers passed me on the sidewalk, focused on their destination and as I moved past the apartment buildings, the small town landscape gave way to a more natural forest setting. The right side of the intersection had been dotted with houses, but my chosen path led me into increasing isolation.


    The street lamps ended abruptly, but starlight kept me from plunging into total darkness. The night sky was a canvas of shimmering stars, more numerous and brilliant than I''d ever seen in Toronto. The Milky Way stretched across the heavens like a river of light.


    The lively sounds of nature surrounded me. Crickets chirped in the underbrush, and somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted ominously.


    My heart raced as I peered into the darkness ahead, knowing this was where the GPS had directed me before it failed. A straight walk down and there should be a library. However, even as I wandered, my footsteps crunching softly on scattered fallen leaves, I felt as though maybe I''d taken a wrong turn.


    Every shadow and sound of creatures scurrying in the forest had me jumping out of my own skin. Glancing behind me at the lamp posts in the distance, I wondered if maybe I''d read the GPS wrong. The library couldn''t possibly be out here, could it?


    A soft wind whispered past me, carrying with it something more than just the rustle of leaves. I caught fragmented words of Latin, at the edge of my mind, tantalizing and just out of reach. I couldn''t understand what they were saying, but their urgency was unmistakable.


    I fumbled for my phone and switched on the flashlight feature. The beam cut through the darkness, casting long shadows that seemed to move with a life of their own. I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the growing unease in my gut. Despite every instinct screaming at me to turn back, I focused on the path ahead and kept walking.


    The whispers hadn''t grown louder, but they were persistent, like a fly annoyingly buzzing near my ear. A soft symphony of unintelligible words seemed to both guide me forward and warn me away. Something inexplicable tugged at my very core, an invisible thread pulling me towards the unknown.


    I was committed now. Whatever secrets this library held, whatever connection it had to my vision and the chained man, I was determined to uncover them.


    After all, wasn''t this the very reason I''d booked a random ticket, to a town in the middle of nowhere?


    This pull, these whispers, the library from my vision ¨C it all had to mean something.


    When I turned the corner, my breath caught in my throat. There it was ¨C Phantombrook library, its gothic midspires reaching high, mirroring the forest trees in height. My vision nor the online images hadn''t done it justice.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    A midsized cathedral appeared before me, its timeworn sandstone exterior etched with intricate Gothic designs and soaring buttresses. Moonlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting soft, shifting hues across the ground. My gaze settled on the closed wooden doors, and the faint murmur of voices seemed to call me inside.


    "This place is real," my quiet words slipped past my lips.


    As I took in the sight, the sidewalk led straight up to the library. I approached the structure, noticing the statues flanking the path. My breath caught as I realized they weren''t just decorative - each statue depicted a different person, man or woman, all bearing the Saldana surname inscribed at their bases.


    I stilled near one of the statues, and ran my fingers over one inscription. Dried vines crawled up the weathered stone figures, their leaves withering in the autumn chill.


    These statues... they seemed to watch me with unseeing eyes, sentinels guarding secrets I was only beginning to uncover.


    The repetition of the Saldana name nagged at me, a puzzle piece that didn''t quite fit. I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry, and forced myself to continue up the stairs.


    When I reached the massive doors, my breath caught in my throat. There, above the massive door carved into the ancient wood, was the symbol from my vision: a narrow triangle pointed downward with a y-shaped portion cut out of the center.


    Seeing it in person sent a jolt through me, as if I''d grabbed a live wire. The air around me seemed to crackle with invisible energy, raising the fine hairs on my arms but I continued forward and pushed open the heavy doors.


    Inside the interior was just as I had seen in my vision, yet somehow even more awe-inspiring in person. Right in the front was a foyer and a desk. There was a clerk sitting behind a computer, and she greeted me with a pleasant smile as I passed and wandered into the open space.


    Rows upon rows of bookshelves stretched out before me. Scattered seating areas punctuated the open space, with tables and inviting visitors to lose themselves in the world of books.


    The library was exactly as I''d seen in my vision, with columns rising from the floor at regular intervals, their intricate carvings disappearing into the shadows above. I craned my neck to look at the high ceiling, marveling at the faded paintings that adorned it.


    Over time, they had clearly added hanging chandeliers to illuminate the space.


    Amidst this otherworldly atmosphere, life went on as normal. Other visitors walked around the bookshelves, seeking books with focused expressions. Some sat at scattered tables, heads bent over reading, deeply engrossed in their studies. The soft rustle of turning pages and occasional whispers created a soothing backdrop.


    Curiosity propelled me through the space. I moved slowly, studying the books on the shelves, my fingers trailing lightly over their spines. I paused at each section, reading the signs that informed visitors what they would find within each set of bookshelves. The familiar organization of a library ¨C fiction, non-fiction, reference sections ¨C seemed almost absurdly mundane in this cathedral-like setting.


    My vision flickered through my mind, vivid yet distant, like a half-remembered dream. They teased me, fragments of what I had seen before coming here. I was still in shock that my vision had led me to this place, that it was real and not just some fevered dream.


    If this place was real, then the man I had seen chained, naked and arms stretched out had to be real too. But even if that was real, why was I seeing this place? What was so special about me?


    My magik wasn¡¯t strong, and I was a nobody. No parents, no family.


    From the corner of my eye, picture frames along the walls called to me and I detoured from my path to take a closer look. Tall, masterful pieces, and I examined the old paintings. They looked like they belonged in a museum. The dates inscribed on the bottom were from the 1500s. My fingers hovered near the ornate frames, not daring to touch but drawn to their ancient beauty.


    As I stood there, lost in thought, a voice startled me back to the present.


    "Are you finding everything okay?"


    I turned to see a man standing nearby, his expression friendly but curious. He looked like he was in his thirties, and he wore a vest and khaki pants.


    Without hesitation, I asked, "How do you access the basement?" I knew I was here for a reason. My vision had clearly shown me a basement and even further below.


    The man''s eyebrows rose slightly at my direct question. "Is there anything in particular you¡¯re seeking? Historical records, or antique books?"


    When I didn''t answer right away, my confused expression must have been evident. He continued, "We keep certain files in the basement because it''s cooler down there. Some files and sensitive documents need to be preserved in specific conditions."


    His explanation made sense, but it didn''t quell the urgency I felt. There was something down there, past the basement and even further beneath this structure. Maybe he didn¡¯t even know but how could I explain that to this librarian without sounding completely insane?


    "Can I have access? Are there stairs?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.


    He shook his head, his expression growing more guarded. "Only a select few are allowed in the basement. If you tell me what you are seeking, I will retrieve it and bring it up here for you."


    "No, nevermind¡ª" I hesitated, then shook my head. "It''s nothing."


    The guy turned to leave, but then he stilled, his gaze sharpening as he looked at me. "You''re new to town."


    It wasn''t a question, but I nodded anyway. "Just got off the bus, a half hour ago."


    His statement struck me as odd at first, but then I remembered - this was a small town. Here, everyone probably knew everyone else, unlike in the city where you could be neighbors with someone for years and never exchange more than a nod.


    His eyebrows rose, a mix of surprise and something else ¨C curiosity? suspicion? ¨C crossing his face. "And you came all the way here, just to come to this library?"


    Wasn¡¯t this just a library? Why the caution?


    I knew there was more to this place, because of my visions. But him¡­ did he know more than what he was leading on, or was I looking too much into this?


    Nevertheless, the directness of his question caught me off guard. I hesitated, weighing my words carefully. ¡°I love historical places,¡± Reaching for my phone, I unlocked it and pulled up my gallery. I showed him my images. ¡°Many people don¡¯t realize just how much history has taken place over the years here in Ontario.¡±


    What I said wasn''t a lie. I did enjoy visiting destinations rich with history within my own country. I often dragged Emery with me on such trips. Though she fussed and was often bored, I appreciated her company. The memory of my friend brought a pang of guilt for not telling her the whole truth about this trip.


    She would have been thrilled to know that maybe, just maybe my powers were kicking in but I''m twenty one years old and if it hadn¡¯t happened yet, it wasn¡¯t going to happen at all. Ateast not in the way, most witches experience a burst of power at the young age of six and most thirteen.


    The librarian opened his mouth to say something else, but before he could speak, we were interrupted by another patron asking for assistance.


    "Excuse me, could you help me find something?" The voice came from behind him.


    The librarian glanced over his shoulder, then back to me as he answered the other guy. "Of course," he called back and turned and walked towards the person who had asked for help.


    I watched him go, my heart racing and despite the reprieve, I was no closer to accessing the basement or unraveling the mystery that had brought me here.


    Continuing my exploration of the library, I was trying to find the stairs or figure out a way, a plan to get into the basement. It could be at the front, but I didn¡¯t recall seeing an elevator or stairs near the foyer.


    The faintest of whispers beckoned me, and fragments of my vision flashed through my mind as I ventured further into the library. In that dreamlike state, I had zoomed through walls and floors, plunging deeper and deeper. I remembered passing a basement, then layers of earth, until¡ª


    I stopped abruptly. I was in the far back of the library, tucked away around a corner but I was alone.


    Before me hung a massive painting, dwarfing all others I''d encountered. My eyes widened as I took in the image: a woman in full Tudor regalia - a ruby gown with a square neckline, ornate sleeves, and a jeweled headdress atop her kinky curls and cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall of ink. Her eyes, though frozen in paint, seemed to pierce right through me.


    The painting was striking, not just for its size, but for how it challenged what we were taught about history. Here was a woman, her brown skin rendered in rich sepia tones.


    "What the hell?" I muttered, leaning in closer. The 1500s were always depicted vastly differently, yet here was undeniable proof to the contrary. And it wasn''t just this painting - I suddenly recalled the statues outside, also featuring Black individuals in renaissance attire.


    My mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. Who was this woman and her family? Fraden Saldana was a black man as well, but we are in modern times.


    I felt like I''d stumbled onto something big - a secret history erased from the books but preserved here in paint and stone. The question was, why?


    As I stared at the painting, an inexplicable pull tugged at me, different from the whispered words I could barely make out. This sensation was frustratingly familiar, like a word on the tip of my tongue or a melody just out of reach. I knew there was something there, lurking in the farthest recesses of my mind, but it danced away every time I tried to grasp it.


    Frowning, I tore my gaze from the woman''s piercing eyes and scanned the space around me. My heart sank. There were no stairs anywhere near me. No doors. No elevator. Nothing.


    "This can''t be right," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. My vision had shown me a way down, past the basement deeper into the library''s secrets. But standing here now, I saw nothing but bare walls and polished floors.


    Even if I did find the basement, how would I find a way to go deeper? Just because there was more beyond the basement doesn''t mean there¡¯s an entrance. This library was hundreds of years old, and if what I saw in my vision was true then they must have built this library on top of whatever structure was previously here. Whether they knew it or not.


    Damn it. I shouldn¡¯t have even come.


    What I was doing was absolutely insane.


    Stepping even closer to the massive picture frame, a slight, cool breeze caressed my skin¡ªso faint I almost thought I''d imagined it. But no, it was there, whispering secrets from beyond the frame.


    Something clicked in my mind, and suddenly, a woman''s voice crackled over the sound system, making me jump. "The library will be closing in ten minutes. Please bring any items you wish to check out to the front desk.¡±


    My heart raced. Ten minutes. That was all the time I had left and I glanced around frantically, knowing I had to act fast.


    Peeking behind the massive frame, the cool air was stronger. Knowing what I had to do, I moved the frame aside. It was a struggle; the painting was heavier than I''d anticipated.


    I heard voices in the distance¡ªprobably other library patrons heading for the exit¡ªbut I couldn''t stop now. With one final pull, the frame swung away from the wall, revealing a narrow staircase plunging into darkness. No light. Just black and stagnant air rose from the depths. The scent of old stone and forgotten secrets filled my lungs.


    I stood there, frozen for a moment and stared into the darkness. But now that I''d found it, I hesitated. What would I find down there? And more importantly, was I ready to face it?


    Taking a deep breath, I glanced over my shoulder. This might be my only chance.


    Heart pounding, I stepped onto the stairs and pulled the picture frame back into place, feeling the soft click as it sealed shut behind me. The sounds of the library faded, replaced by the hollow echo of my own breathing in the darkness.


    With a final glance upward at the sliver of light seeping through the gap between the wall and the picture frame, I steeled myself and began my descent into the unknown depths below.

 Chapter 4

    VIOLA POV


    The narrow staircase spiraled downward. Every step seemed to carry a pulse, a low, steady thrum that vibrated through the soles of my feet and climbed up my legs, making my skin prickle. The air was thick, heavy and despite the urge to flee, I pressed on, my hand trailing along the cool stone wall.


    The darkness seemed to writhe around me, its echoes skittering across my nerves like ethereal spiders. It felt as if the basement itself was warning me to turn back.


    Suddenly, I heard it again. A sound¡ªlow, rhythmic¡ªrose from the depths. Chanting. The words crawled up through the air like tendrils, barely audible at first, yet thick with power.


    I strained to catch the meaning, but they slithered just beyond my grasp, each syllable sending a chill deeper into my spine.


    "Asmodee¡­.Princeps libidinis¡­Revelamini nobis scientiam prohibitam¡­"


    The Latin whispers, their meaning danced just beyond my grasp. The voices grew louder and Jamal had always said I overthought things. I allowed my thoughts to control me and maybe he was right. This had to be insane.


    If I told anyone about this¡ªabout seeing visions, about chasing a chained man from a dream¡ªI¡¯m sure they¡¯d lock me away in a white rubber room. Even Emery might think I was possessed.


    Maybe I was¡­


    No, I shook my head. That wasn¡¯t it. Jamal wasn¡¯t right.


    Not this time.


    Something was happening to me, something real, something I couldn¡¯t ignore anymore. Whether I understood it or not, I was seeing things and hearing voices.


    By the time I reached the bottom of the stairs, my heart was pounding in my ears. Torches along the stone walls blazed to life, revealing a long hallway that stretched before me.


    Every instinct screamed at me to turn back, to leave this place behind. But something pulled me forward¡ªsomething stronger than fear, stronger than reason as the chanting continued.


    I followed the hallway, my footsteps echoing on the stone floor for what felt like eternity, until flames suddenly erupted all around me. They revealed a massive circular room and I gasped, instinctively stepping back as the chanting grew even louder, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at once:


    "Asmodee, princeps libidinis, Revelamini nobis scientiam prohibitam, Vindica iniurias nostras, Potestatem tuam invocamus, Surge ex tenebris, Dominator desiderii et ultionis."


    The fire''s heat licked at my skin, making me sweat. The ancient words seemed to pulse not just through the air, but through my very bones, resonating with something deep inside me.


    This was the place, the secret room my vision had shown me. But something was off. The man I''d seen wasn''t here, and this place was nothing like the meticulously designed, worship-inspiring library above.


    This room was more like a cellar, rough and unadorned. I glanced up at the ceiling, wondering how these two drastically different places could be connected.


    Suddenly, a new sound cut through the chanting¡ªthe ominous clinking of chains. My breath caught in my throat as realization dawned. This wasn''t just a room; it was a chamber, a prison. The thought sent a chill down my spine despite the surrounding flames.


    Did someone design it to stop whatever was down here from getting out? To protect those above from whoever¡ªor whatever¡ªwas imprisoned here?


    As the implications of my discovery sank in, I started to back away. I shouldn¡¯t be here, but as I moved, something changed. The words grew clearer and slower. It felt like whoever¡ªor whatever¡ªwas chanting, wanted me to understand. To repeat.


    The pull that had led me to Phantombrook crackled through my veins like dark lightning. The ancient words bypassed all logic, all sense of self-preservation, wrapping around my mind like smoke. I found myself listening intently and before I could even process what was happening, the words slipped from my tongue.


    Each syllable was a rush of power I wasn¡¯t supposed to have. My magik had always been small¡ªinsignificant, even¡ªbut this...this felt different. Like something ancient was waking inside me, something far beyond candle flames and parlor tricks.


    "Asmodee, princeps libidinis, Revelamini nobis scientiam prohibitam¡­¡± As I chanted, it was as if someone else was here speaking with me. ¡°Vindica iniurias nostras, Potestatem tuam invocamus, Surge ex tenebris, Dominator desiderii et ultionis."


    As the last syllable left my lips, the flames around me surged higher. The air grew thick and heavy, like trying to breathe underwater. Static electricity crackled along my skin, raising goosebumps.


    Everything went still. The chanting stopped, the fire calmed, and I stood frozen, heart pounding, as the weight of what I had done crashed over me. This pull, this connection I felt¡ªit had led me to participate in something far beyond my understanding.


    Had I just taken part in some sort of summoning? And if so, what exactly had I helped to call forth?


    In that breath of silence, I glanced around foolishly thinking nothing was going to come out of this. Abruptly, a powerful gust of wind slammed into me, knocking me off my feet.


    I hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the breath from my lungs. Gasping, I rolled onto my side, my ribs aching with every inhale.


    As I pushed myself onto my hands and knees, an odd sensation flushed through me¡ªan energy buzzing deep within my core. It was unsettling, unfamiliar, but I didn¡¯t have time to wonder what it meant.


    My legs shook as I struggled to stand, and my eyes darted wildly, searching for answers, for escape, but froze on the sight before me.


    Standing where only moments ago there had been nothing but darkness, was the man from my vision. The chains that had once bound him lay broken and scattered across the floor. He was tall¡ªdangerously tall¡ªhis body lean and powerful, every inch of his pale skin gleaming in the flickering firelight.


    I noticed a dark snake tattoo coiled on his right side, its snake head reaching up to his chest. Its tail disappearing low on the man¡¯s hips and curling at his back. This stranger was completely naked, his eyes glowing with a deep, unnatural crimson that locked onto mine. They burned like embers.


    I staggered back and the room seemed to shrink. The walls pressed in, the air thickening as his presence consumed the space.


    Whatever I had dragged out of the darkness, snarled, a low, feral sound that crawled along my skin, raising every hair on my neck. My breath caught as I spotted them¡ªfangs, long and razor-sharp, gleaming from his mouth. My stomach dropped.


    Holy shit. A Vampyr.


    For a half a heartbeat, a millisecond at most, an image flashed through my mind. Blue eyes but they were his and softer somehow, gazing at me with... something other than this current insatiable hunger.


    The broken sense of familiarity disappeared as quickly as it had come, and terror resumed, wrapping its cold fingers around my insides.


    The Vampyr¡¯s eyes  fixated on me, and then he lunged with inhuman speed.


    His hand shot out like a viper, fingers wrapping around my throat. Before I could react, I was yanked off the ground, my toes barely grazing the floor as his grip tightened.


    Air rushed from my lungs, and I gasped, desperate for breath. My hands flew to his wrist, clawing and scratching, but it was like trying to pry open iron.


    This was the man I had seen in my visions, the one who had haunted my mind. But now, face-to-face with the reality of him, all I felt was sheer, unrelenting terror. My thoughts spiraled, a rush of panic surging through me.


    What had I done? What had I unleashed?


    My vision blurred, dark spots creeping in at the edges as his grip squeezed tighter. My lungs burned, my heart pounded in my ears. I kicked out wildly, my foot slamming into his shin, but it was like kicking solid stone. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The Vampyr didn¡¯t flinch but he growled and his grip only tightened, cutting off what little air I had left. The world swayed, my body growing limp as his head dipped closer. His lips parted¡ªfangs, sharp as razors.


    A searing pain shot through me as they pierced my skin, a jolt of agony that snapped my mind into focus. I¡¯d felt this before¡ªthe slow, deliberate pull as they fed¡ªbut this was different. This time, it wasn¡¯t careful or restrained. This time, it wasn¡¯t consensual.


    A scream tore from my throat, "No! Stop!" I shrieked, my voice barely more than a rasp as I struggled against the Vampyr.


    It was raw. Savage. He was taking what he wanted, and I had no power to stop him.


    My body stiffened, muscles frozen even though I knew I should relax. The more you fight, the worse it gets¡­ But I couldn¡¯t think straight.


    My hands beat uselessly against his chest, my nails clawing at any part of him I could reach. But it was like attacking a statue ¨C unyielding, immovable.


    Was this how I die? In a basement, killed by a creature I was stupid enough to release? Emery would find me in the spirit realm, just to berate me.


    Just as the edges of my vision began to darken, a thunderous boom echoed through the chamber. A blinding flash of yellow light erupted between us, and suddenly, the Vampyr¡¯s grip loosened, dropping me.


    Collapsing to the ground, gasping and disoriented, a sharp pain bloomed in my right shoulder. I winced, instinctively reaching to rub the spot. The ache felt deeper somehow, different from what I''d expect from a fall, but I didn''t have time to dwell on it.


    My hand flew to my neck, feeling the warm trickle of blood from the puncture wounds. Through the haze, I saw a familiar figure rushing towards me ¨C the male librarian from upstairs.


    "Are you alright?" he asked, kneeling beside me. His eyes darted between me and the Vampyr, who now lay across the room, the blast having thrown him there. Right now, he was barely moving, just groaning from the attack.


    I tried to respond, but only managed a weak nod. My mind was reeling, caught between relief at the interruption and ache from his fangs and¡­ a gnawing throbbing on my right shoulder.


    What was that? I thought, thinking how I fell, when the Vampyr dropped me and I hadn¡¯t fallen on that side of my body.


    As the fog in my head began to clear, the reality of the situation crashed over me.


    I had released a Vampyr ¨C and he was clearly famished. And I had nearly paid for that mistake with my life.


    "Why did you release him?" the librarian demanded, his voice tight with barely controlled panic. "Do you have any idea what you''ve done?"


    I stared at him, mouth agape.


    How could I possibly explain the visions, the pull I''d felt? "I... I didn''t mean to," I stammered. "There were these chants, and I just... I don''t know what happened."


    ¡°Chants?¡± His brows furrowed and then suddenly his eyes widened. "It can''t be," he whispered, his gaze roaming over my face as if seeing me for the first time.


    Suddenly, he stood up and took a step back. "It''s been almost a century..."


    "What?" I asked, standing up with confusion clouding my mind. "What are you talking about?"


    But the librarian seemed lost in his own thoughts, muttering under his breath. I caught fragments of words - "reincarnation", "Katherine", "impossible" - none of which made any sense to me.


    Before I could question him, a loud groan echoed through the chamber. We both turned to see the Vampyr stirring across the room, pushing himself up from the ground.


    "Why do you taste like her?" The Vampyr murmured, his head bowed. His accented words vibrated within the stone encasement, sending chills down my spine.


    Her? Who was he talking about? And why did he think I tasted like someone else?


    The librarian cursed softly. When I glanced at him, his face had drained of color. He stepped forward, raising his right hand.


    "Sol ardenti, umbras fuga," he intoned, and I recognized the words immediately; I''d heard this incantation enough times that I knew its purpose.


    The magik took shape before my eyes, strands of golden light weaving together into a sphere of pure, concentrated sunlight. Unlike the wild flames surrounding us, this light was focused, intense¡ªa weapon forged of daylight itself.


    "Stay back!" The librarian warned the Vampyr.


    His warning was ignored as the man rose to his full height. Crimson eyes locked onto us, blazing with a dangerous mix of hunger and fury. His presence seemed to fill the space, his power palpable as he took slow, deliberate steps closer, each one more menacing than the last.


    "Why do you taste like her?" he growled, his voice low and filled with venom.


    The confusion swirled in my mind, and the librarian whirled around, aiming the solar sphere not at the Vampyr, but at me.


    My eyes widened in shock. "What¡ª" I barely had time to gasp, to question, to do anything else. I all but barely turned away from the oncoming assault, bracing for impact.


    But the attack never reached me.


    Instead, a deafening blast rocked the chamber, followed by the thunderous crack and rumble of stone giving way. My ears rang as debris rained down around me, dust clouding the air.


    Stumbling back, I blinked through the haze, trying to make sense of what had just happened. As the dust began to settle, I saw him¡ªthe Vampyr¡ªstanding where the librarian had been just moments before. His arm was extended upward, fingers wrapped around the librarian''s wrist, forcing it towards the ceiling.


    Realization dawned: the Vampyr had saved me. He''d redirected the librarian''s attack at the last possible second, sending the solar sphere into the stone above instead of into me.


    Our eyes met across the chaos, the Vampyr¡¯s crimson gaze intense and unreadable. A cruel smile twisting his lips. "No one gets to kill you but me, ljubica," he growled, his voice a mix of possessiveness and threat. "Your life is mine now."


    Shit. I''d been saved from one death only to face the promise of another, more terrifying fate.


    Why? The question rang through me as I stepped back.


    I blinked, and the librarian screamed and there was a sickening rip echoing through the chamber as the Vampyr tore the man''s arm from its socket. Blood splattered, and the coppery tang of bodily fluids filled my nostrils. My stomach heaved, and I clamped a hand over my mouth, fighting the urge to vomit.


    The Vampyr sank his fangs into the librarian''s throat with a sickening crunch. I could hear the grotesque gulping as he drank deeply, my own throat tightening in response. Time seemed to slow, every gruesome detail searing itself into my mind.


    My legs trembled, muscles taut with the need to flee, but terror held me in place. I needed to¡ª


    The Vampyr had ripped his fangs free, taking a chunk of flesh with them. Blood arced through the air, splattering across the stone floor with a sound like rain on pavement.


    That kick-started my reflexes. I spun and bolted for the curved staircase, heart hammering in my ears. The torchlight cast wild, clawing shadows that seemed to reach for me with every step. The stairs loomed ahead, and the moment my foot hit the first step, I launched myself upward, taking them two at a time.


    My legs burned, muscles screaming in protest, but fear drove me forward. The rough stone scraped my palms as I used the walls for balance, pushing myself faster.


    Reaching the top, I pushed the back of the picture with all my might. My heart pounded until it moved in the slightest and I slipped through the smallest of cracks.


    I stumbled into the library, gasping for air. The dim chandelier lights glowed from above, and I spun around and shoved the massive frame back into place.


    For a moment, I stood there, my palms pressed against the frame, listening. The only sound was my own ragged breathing and the pounding of my heart. The ache on my right shoulder persisted and despite it all, I wondered if he had followed me?


    Was he right behind that painting, waiting to burst through?


    His words echoed in my mind. "No one gets to kill you but me, ljubica."


    I backed away slowly, my eyes fixed on the elegant woman with the ruby dress. Any second now, I expected to see it fly off the wall, the Vampyr emerging in all his terrifying glory. But nothing happened.


    "Your life is mine now." His warning replayed in my head.


    What the hell is wrong with him? He¡¯s clearly mistaken me for someone else.


    The library was eerily quiet now that it had closed. I remembered the announcement over the intercom, signaling the end of visiting hours before I found the secret passage. That only meant the visitors were gone, but the employees were still inside, cleaning and reorganizing the shelves.


    Shit.


    The librarian... Oh God. The image of his torn throat flashed in my mind, making me gag.


    Were they looking for him?


    I turned in a slow circle, taking in my surroundings. Books lined the shelves as far as I could see, their spines a blur of colors in my panicked state.


    What now? I couldn''t stay here.


    The silence pressed in on me, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I had to do something, had to warn them somehow without revealing the horror I''d just witnessed.


    Who would believe me anyway?


    Not everyone knows about witches, vampyrs and everything else not human.


    My eyes darted around frantically until they landed on a small red box on the wall near the exit ¨C the fire alarm. Of course.


    I sprinted towards it, and I grabbed a hardcover book as I passed a bookshelf. Reaching the alarm, I hesitated for just a moment. I knew that if I didn¡¯t pull this, I would be potentially condemning innocent people to a fate worse than death.


    There was no real choice. I smashed the glass and pulled the lever down hard.


    From deeper in the library, I heard startled shouts and the sound of hurried footsteps. They dropped whatever they were doing as the piercing alarms blared through the building, and emergency lights began to flash.


    Good. They were leaving and relief flushed through me as I exited through the side door beside the fire alarm.


    The cool night air hit my flushed skin as I stumbled out and ran down the stairs, almost three at a time. I almost tripped. This side of the building led me straight into the forest but I didn¡¯t care nor did I stop running.


    I bolted.

 Chapter 5

    VIOLA


    The forest engulfed me, its branches like claws, snagging my clothes as the distant wail of alarms faded. The air grew dense and dark, the whispering wind mingled with my ragged breaths.


    Suddenly, my foot caught. The world tilted. I was falling, falling¡ª


    The ground rushed up to meet me. Agony flared through my knee as it struck the unforgiving ground. Jagged leaves and shards of bark ripped into my hands. Copper flooded my mouth¡ªblood, I¡¯d bitten my lip.


    With a groan, I forced myself up. My knee protested with every step, the sharp jolt radiating through my leg, but I couldn¡¯t stop. Not now. The same tingling from earlier cascaded through me once more¡ªan energy buzzing deep throughout my entire being.


    My body was a mess of sensations¡ªaching, tingling, burning¡ªbut I couldn¡¯t focus on any of it now. The pain in my shoulder was nothing compared to the fear clawing at my chest.


    Then I noticed it¡ªthe silence. The loud alarms had faded, leaving only me and the forest. Gnarled roots snaked across the ground, and shadows danced between the trees, forming sinister shapes in the corners of my vision.


    Small animals scurried around me, while leaves rustled overhead as a gentle breeze stirred the branches.


    Drawing in sharp pulls of this heavy air, I winced and regrettably glanced back at the building. The library was now just a faint glow on the horizon, its alarms a distant memory.


    Crack!


    I whirled around, heart leaping into my throat. A small creature ¨C darted across the forest floor, disappearing into the underbrush. I let out a shaky laugh, relief flooding through me.


    "Get it together, Viola," I muttered, running a trembling hand through my hair before my fingers hovered cautiously over the bite marks on my neck.


    Drawing in a sharp breath, I sobbed and wiped at the tears streaking down my face.


    He couldn''t have known I came out this far, I reasoned.


    There was no way he could track me through the dense forest. Granted, he was a Vampyr and could follow the scent of my blood, but he was probably still disoriented and weak.


    Maybe he was still famished? He devoured the librarian and wants more. The moment the thought came to the forefront I wanted to banish it. Maybe he was still trapped in the library''s basement and I don''t even know if he could leave that chamber.


    If someone had trapped him there, like the librarian hinted when he asked me why I freed him, then surely my magik couldn¡¯t be strong enough to release the Vampyr completely. This was insane. My abilities were basic at best, pathetic at worst.


    Yet, as the thought crossed, his fierce crimson eyes came to the forefront. Next were his chilling words, "No one gets to kill you but me, ljubica. Your life is mine now."


    Why did he call me ljubica? Is that who he thought I was?


    Damn it. The Vampyr said I tasted familiar. And when he grabbed me, there was a brief moment¡ªjust a flicker¡ªwhere he felt familiar too. His eyes weren¡¯t crimson then, but a pale sky blue. It was a fleeting memory, or maybe a vision... whatever it was, it vanished almost as quickly as it came.


    Anxiety clawed at my chest, making it hard to breathe, as I considered the implications. What did all of this mean? And more importantly, what was I going to do about it?


    I let out a bitter laugh, swallowed by the dark forest. No witch, warlock, or munadi had ever wanted me, passed over again and again.


    What could I do anyway¡ªchange his hair color?


    My fingers traced the rough bark of a nearby tree, grounding me in the present. How many times had I been told I was worthless? That my magik was a joke? The memories stung, salt in wounds that had never fully healed.


    Yet, the visions and whispers had beckoned me, compelling me to act. I had repeated an incantation, and somehow, the Vampyr was free. But it can¡¯t be that simple.


    From what I''d learned over the years, any witch can recite a spell, but manifesting it? That''s a different story entirely. It takes practice, power, and skill to breathe life into words, to pull an incantation from the realm of thought into physical reality.


    Some spells demand years of experience and reserves of power I couldn''t even dream of possessing.


    I''d heard tales of witches who practiced until they were unstoppable, and able to simply will their desires into existence. Their thoughts becoming reality without so much as a whispered spell.


    Powers, spells, incantations ¨C they all varied based on countless factors: bloodline, training, innate talent. But one thing remained constant across all of witchcraft: a weak, basic witch cannot undo a far more potent spell. It was as fundamental as gravity, an immutable law of magik.


    And if there was one thing I knew with absolute certainty, it was that I was the definition of a weak, basic witch.


    Was this all a fluke? The thought was rational. The spell dissolving, the guard appearing, the Vampyr recognizing something in me¡­


    Even if all of this was just a coincidence, why had the librarian tried to kill me?


    He¡¯d saved me once. Did he really believe that killing me would undo what I¡¯d done?


    If I look at the facts and what had happened, that would mean none of this was a coincidence¡ªI did release the Vampyr. And in the librarian¡¯s mind, my death was the only way to stop him.  Reverse the release?


    I cursed, and shook my head, refusing to follow that train of thought. I didn¡¯t want it to make sense because I couldn''t possibly be at the center of something this monumental.


    My fingers curled into fists, nails digging into my palms, but something else stirred beneath the surface¡ªan unfamiliar warmth, subtle yet growing, like embers beneath ash.


    Could that be¡­ my magik?


    No. It couldn¡¯t be.


    The forest whispered around me, the rustling leaves almost mocking. With scattered emotions, I peered into the darkness. Branches stretched, and my legs itched to run.


    My heart raced as I fixed my gaze on the distant glow of the library. If I could just pinpoint the front, I¡¯d find the road, and then the bus¡­ back to Toronto, back to normal. I needed to get out of here. Now.


    There! Noticing the front of the distant building, I started toward that direction.


    I limped forward, each step sending a sharp throb through my knee. Panic surged as a branch snapped behind me. Before I could react, he materialized from the shadows, summoned by the night itself.


    I froze.


    I knew Vampyrs well enough to know they possessed inhuman speed, but he¡¯d been locked away for gods know how long. He should have been weak, starved, feral. He was two out of the three and here he stood¡ªhis movements too quick, too precise.


    The Vampyr stood naked, his skin glowing under the moon, streaked with the librarian''s blood. Those crimson eyes locked onto mine, burning with an intensity that rooted me to the spot. I felt exposed, vulnerable, acutely aware of how little space separated us.


    I tried to run, but it was futile. In a flash, he was on me. His hand fisted in my hair, from behind and yanked my head back sharply. ¡°Ow, you¡¯re hurting me!¡± Pain flared, sharp and blinding, but it was swallowed by the heat coursing beneath my skin.


    ¡°You think you can run from me?¡± His rough voice was hot against the back of my neck. His scent¡ªraw and disturbingly familiar¡ªwrapped around me like suffocating smoke.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything!¡± I shrieked, twisting against his grip, but his fingers only tightened, digging into my scalp like iron talons.


    Suddenly, he spun me to face him. His eyes burned dangerously and my hands collided with his chest¡ªcool, impossibly hard, yet not smooth. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me.¡±


    Tears streamed down my face, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you want from me!¡±


    Dusting hairs brushed against my palms, soft and deceptive against the rigid muscle beneath. The contrast sent a shiver down my spine, but not the kind born of terror. This was something else, something far more dangerous. Far more consuming.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t with the librarian!¡± My voice shook, desperate, pleadin as his rage pressed in on me, suffocating. ¡°I don¡¯t care where you go... but you¡¯re free!¡±


    This was madness, because not only was he naked but he was unhinged with rage.


    "Free?" His voice dripped with disdain as his knuckles tightened even worse in my hair. "You think this is freedom?" His crimson eyes bored into mine, wild and filled with so much hate.


    For me¡­


    Tears burned down my cheeks, my voice a fragile whisper. ¡°The world is yours... I¡ªI couldn¡¯t hurt you, even if I wanted to.¡±


    "Ljubi,¡± he continued. ¡°You wear a different face, but I know it¡¯s you. You trapped me in that hell, and now I''m cast into a world that no longer belongs to me."


    He jerked me closer, lifting me onto the tips of my toes. His lips hovered near mine, a silent threat of destruction. ¡°It''s all different, the scent of the air and constant noise in the distance¡­¡± Heat radiated from him. A cruel, terrifying embrace that dared me to close the distance. My entire body hummed with a pulse that shouldn¡¯t be.


    ¡°You smell just like her," The Vampyr rasped, his lips brushing my neck. "But you feel different... Why do you feel different?"


    ¡°I¡¯m not her.¡±


    ¡°Oh, such pretty little lies," he purred, his voice dripping with malice. "I¡¯ve waited centuries to taste that power again... to feel it writhe beneath me."


    "Whoever you think I am, I have no power," I whispered, though even to my own ears, the words were fragile


    A flame intensified¡ªa pulse of heat spreading beneath my ribs, growing hotter and fiercer with every heartbeat. My breath caught in my throat as a strange acceptance began to creep over me. It was my magik!


    The Vampyr¡¯s nose grazed my neck, skimming my collarbone as he inhaled deeply, savoring me. I shuddered under the weight of his nearness. ¡°Those fierce eyes,¡± he murmured, his voice a low rumble against my skin, ¡°They¡¯re hers. Unmistakable.¡±


    I shook my head, though my voice was barely a whisper. "You¡¯re not listening to me. I¡¯m not her." But even as the words left my mouth, doubt curled inside me, thin and insidious.


    Before I could blink, he moved¡ªfaster than I could track, a blur of raw power. My back slammed into the rough bark of a tree, the impact knocking the air from my lungs.


    Pain lanced up my spine, sharp and biting, but I barely registered it. The only thing I felt was his gaze¡ªburning into me, consuming me.


    ¡°Stop lying to me!" The Vampyr¡¯s roar echoed through the forest, vibrating through my chest, and rattled my bones. His grip on my hair loosened only to shift, his hand snapping to my face. His palm clamped over my mouth, his fingers digging into my cheeks with bruising force. I tried to twist away, but it was no use. His strength was overwhelming, his control absolute.


    Around us, the rustling leaves fell silent, the night creatures halted their calls as if the very air cowered under the weight of his fury.


    His eyes darkened,  ¡°Enough games.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not playing any games,¡± His hand muffled my argument. ¡°And you have the wrong woman.¡± I glared back at him, even as my heart raced. Even if my words weren¡¯t clear enough.


    The Vampyr snarled, but then, unexpectedly, his grip softened¡ªjust for a moment. In that fleeting instant, his wild crimson eyes flickered with a hint of something beyond rage, something maybe¡­doubt and vulnerability. He wasn¡¯t invincible but just as quickly, it vanished, replaced by the familiar crushing pressure of his hold, suffocating and unyielding.


    I felt a tremor shoot through me¡ªnot just from fear, but from something deeper. That pulse of intensity was back. Now, it flickered again, but this time it was sharper, more insistent.


    "Ljubi," he murmured, the endearment dripping with warning, "If you keep denying it, I¡¯ll put that pretty little mouth of yours to better use."


    Oh God. I tried to retreat, but there was nowhere to go¡ªthe rough bark of the tree pressed into my back, and the Vampyr was all too close and all too naked, crowding my front. Panic clawed at my chest, stealing my breath and making my head swim. And then I felt it.


    His hardness, unyielding and deliberate, pressed into my lower belly, a stark reminder of just how trapped I was.


    Without thinking, I thrashed against him.


    No, I wasn¡¯t going down like this! My thoughts screamed, frantic and wild, but the more I struggled, the tighter his grip became¡ªunyielding, absolute.


    In a blur of motion, he spun me around. The bark of the tree scraped against my skin as my chest pressed into the rough surface, his bare body flush against mine. His skin was hot, scalding, as if branding me with every inch of contact.


    I thrashed, desperate to break free, but he only pressed closer, closing the space between us. His hardness pushed against me through the thin barrier of my tights, a cruel reminder of just how easily he could take everything from me.


    A dark laugh rumbled from his chest. ¡°Mmm... keep fighting, Ljubi. All you¡¯re doing is making me harder.¡±


    Tears continued streaming down my face as panic flooded my chest, ¡°Please¡­¡± I begged and stopped the fighting but his hand only slid down my side, slow and deliberate, savoring every squirm, every flinch.


    ¡°You can change your face a thousand times, but you¡¯ll always be mine,¡± he murmured, his voice thick with a twisted blend of affection and menace.


    ¡°Who do you think I am?¡± I asked sniffling and crying.


    ¡°Katherine," He hissed the name like a curse, venom and longing tangled together. The same name the librarian had uttered, now burning between us.


    This time, upon hearing that name a memory stirred just out of reach. Everything was just fucking out of my reach tonight.


    "You are my wife," he whispered. "We were bound long ago, or have you forgotten?"


    I shook my head, refusing his accusation. Even if I wanted to, the words refused to form on my tongue. They choked on fear and confusion.


    His breath brushed my ear, warm and slow, stirring the fine hairs at my nape. "Have you worn this skin for so long that you forgot who you belong to?"


    The question slithered through the space between us and surely, he didn¡¯t expect me to answer him.


    His teeth scraped my earlobe, a calculated tease that shattered my resolve. My body betrayed me with a helpless shudder, every nerve igniting beneath his touch. "Your body has always been mine, Ljubi," he murmured, his voice dipping into a low, possessive growl. "Even before this life¡ªevery breath you take, every inch of you... it belongs to me."


    The Vampyr caressed my thinly covered ass with a rough groan and then he thrusted against my lower back, grinding into me like I was nothing more than an object. The barrier of my tights did nothing to block the heat of him. There was no space between us, no room to breathe¡ªjust him, cold and unyielding.


    The damned Vampyr was getting off on this, using my body like it was his right.


    ¡°Why did you do it?¡± His voice was a low, deadly murmur as he thrust against me again, and again.


    ¡°Do what?¡± I asked, my voice shaky.


    With a throaty growl, his hand shot out, grabbing my neck from behind in a brutal grip. His fingers tightened around my throat, pulling me back against him. I gasped as he squeezed¡ªjust enough to make breathing a struggle.


    Every touch was a warning that he could break me with a thought, a whim¡ªand still, I felt the pull of him, dark and inescapable, wrapping around me like chains.


    Yet, I dared not move to join him.


    This was crazy and he was assaulting me.


    ¡°Betray me,¡± The Vampyr answered with the promise of destruction with those two simple words.


    I gasped, my pulse pounding in my throat as instinct took over. I clawed at his hand, nails digging into his skin. Desperation surged as I tried to pry his fingers away, to stop the pressure closing in around my windpipe, but it was like trying to tear stone from the earth. He didn¡¯t flinch.


    His grip tightened mercilessly, cutting off my air as he pressed his body against mine, grinding with a brutal, punishing rhythm. Each thrust forced me harder into the rough bark of the tree, scraping against my skin, a cruel reminder of my helplessness.


    My breath hitched, the world narrowing to his unyielding strength and the sickening heat of him, claiming me as if I existed solely for his savage pleasure. My lungs burned, and my body trembled and ached¡ªcaught between revulsion and the suffocating weight of his control.


    ¡°I want to feel you,¡± He growled, hands now pawing at my tights. ¡°Every inch of you, Ljubi. I want to be inside you, to take what¡¯s mine.¡±


    It dawned on me, this wasn¡¯t just hunger or fucking¡ªit was something far darker. The Vampyr¡¯s rage burned with a primal, twisted desire that went beyond feeding. He didn¡¯t just want my blood; he wanted to consume me, to claim every part of me.


    His gaze, his touch, every word and every thrust¡ªit was possessive, a declaration that I was his, and his alone.


    My nails scraped against his unyielding skin, the fight draining from my limbs as the lack of air made my head spin.


    My strength was obviously no match for him. But then it shifted again, magik. Hot, searing, a pulse of raw power that began to flood my veins like molten fire. It rose from the pit of my soul, demanding to be unleashed.


    The spell teetered on the edge of my mind, sharp and untamed but the crushing weight of his hand at my throat fractured the words, my vision blurring. He was going to strangle me, and then something in the corner of the peripherals caught my eye.


    The air trembled as a beam of light cut through the night, blinding in its brilliance. It struck Matic from behind me, with a force that seemed to shake the very ground beneath us.


    The Vampyr flew back as if he weighed nothing, and the forest erupted into chaos. Trees groaned and leaves rustled violently as his body crashed through the underbrush.


    Unexpectedly, a wave of pain crashed over me, sharp and insistent. I winced, gasping as my legs buckled beneath me, forcing me to my knees.


    A dull, gnawing ache bloomed on my left side¡ªnot as intense as the initial blow, but unmistakably familiar. An echo of the same pain from the chamber, when the librarian attacked the Vampyr.


    "What the hell?" I muttered, blinking rapidly.


    Was his pain... connected to mine?


    Before I could process that unsettling thought, movement flickered in the corner of my eye.


    Four dark figures emerged from the forest, their shapes blurring into the shadows. Friend or foe, I couldn¡¯t tell. My trust was shattered, the lines between savior and enemy too blurred¡ªafter all, the librarian had saved me, then tried to kill me.


    I tensed, forcing myself upright, every muscle poised to run if it came to that.

 Chapter 6

    MATIC


    The blast tore through me, hurling me through the air. Trees blurred into streaks of green and black, and pain erupted as I slammed into the ground. My body skidding like a broken doll and a roar ripped from my throat, foreign even to me.


    Everything burned. Pain, sharp and unrelenting, radiated through my body¡ªevery nerve, every muscle, screaming in agony. I gritted my teeth, fighting against the weakness that clung to me like a suffocating fog.


    This shouldn¡¯t be possible. Before I was bound, my power was limitless¡ªI was untouchable. But now, my body ached, vulnerable in a way I hadn¡¯t felt in centuries.


    Every movement felt strained, the surge of power within me faltering, flickering like a flame on the edge of being snuffed out. It wasn¡¯t just the pain from the blast¡ªit went deeper, gnawing at my core.


    And I hated it and it was her fault.


    Katherine. The name was a blade, sharp and jagged, slicing through my thoughts. It ignited a fury that should have been familiar, but beneath it, something softer twisted¡ªsomething I would not acknowledge, even as it burned.


    She did this¡ªshe locked me away. Left me to rot in that hellish prison while the world above moved on. Changed. After everything... after I loved and trusted her.


    Her face blurred before me, fierce and defiant. But no¡ªit was different now. The face I had seen was softer, uncertain. Yet, the taste of her blood and scent said otherwise.


    On a low, rumbling growl, I opened my eyes, pushing past the haze of fury and pain that gripped my body.


    I stood slowly, rolling my neck with deliberate precision, the sharp crack echoed in the heavy air. The tension that coiled in my muscles was intoxicating, a reminder of the power surging beneath my skin. I welcomed it. Fed on it.


    Moving forward, each step was purposeful, as the earth shifted beneath me. The blast had sent me flying, but it was nothing more than a temporary inconvenience. Pain was fleeting. Power, however¡ªmine¡ªwas everlasting. And right now, I was hungry for more.


    I had witches to devour.


    My gaze flickered ahead, and there they stood¡ªtwo witches and a warlock, their eyes narrowed with grim determination. They were trying so hard to look brave, to appear as though they had control of the situation. As though they could stop me.


    Fools.


    I slowed my approach, relishing the way the anticipation stretched between us like a taut string, ready to snap at any moment. They knew what I was capable of; they had to. The moment I was released, they came after me like moths drawn to a flame.


    But the truth was¡ªthey had no idea what I could unleash. They were trained, like soldiers for combat and I could see it in their eyes, the thin veil of control slipping away, just as the air around us crackled with the charge of magik.


    ¡°Do you dare defy me?¡± I called out to the witches, my voice dripping with disdain.


    Angry crimson lightning split the sky above, illuminating the darkened forest with an eerie glow. The wind howled through the trees and I could feel it, the storm brewing within me¡ªmy power, that once surged like a wildfire, now flowed through my limbs, spreading and surging up my spine, flooding me with a raw, expanding energy.


    Every flash of lightning sparked a memory¡ªof the strength I once wielded, of the chaotic beauty of the shadows that obeyed my call. And these pathetic witches? They would pay for interrupting my time with her.


    Katherine was mine and mine alone.


    A cruel smile curled at my lips as I raised my hand, the power gathering around me like a living thing. My will alone summoned the shadow demons to do my bidding. They writhed into existence, dark tendrils coiling around my fingers, eager for the taste of fear.


    Let them come.


    Let them devour.


    The demons would tear through the witches and warlock who dared to stand between me and what was mine. With them at my command, as they had been once before, I would teach these fools the true meaning of agony. I would carve a path of blood through their ranks, ruthless and unyielding, until nothing¡ªno spell, no mortal force¡ªstood in my way.


    As I moved closer to the witches, the thunder echoed my thoughts. The forest around us darkened, the shadows thickening like ink spilling over the land. They slithered and twisted, clawing at the two witches and the warlock ahead of me, tendrils of darkness lashing out with a life of their own.


    I watched them struggle, their voices climbing in frantic, breathless Latin as they hurled spells to banish the shadows. But the demons were relentless, insatiable. Each fleeting flicker of light sent them retreating only for an instant before they surged forward again, hungrier, more savage.


    Black, razor-sharp claws ripped into flesh, carving through the witches with merciless precision. Satisfaction coiled in my chest, dark and unbidden, as their cries echoed through the chaos.


    Thunder shattered the air, a sound so violent it felt as if the sky itself might split apart. Lightning cracked down in jagged streaks, slamming into the ground with ferocious intent. The earth quaked beneath each strike, tremors rippling outward, scattering the witches and warlock like leaves in a storm.


    Bolt after bolt rained down, gouging deep scars into the earth¡ªcratered reminders of the ruin waiting to be unleashed. The storm roared with my fury, but something was wrong.


    I could feel it¡ªmy power, still present but wavering. The dark clouds and storm began to disappear.


    This shouldn¡¯t be happening.


    I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling up as I battled the unfamiliar sensation of fragility. The tendrils flickered like dying embers, recoiling at my command, slipping through my fingers like smoke.


    A snarl built in my throat¡ªthis power had once been my birthright, obedient and eager. Now, it defies me.


    Annoyance flared as I attempted to draw more familiar strength from the shadow realm, but the energy felt... fragmented, like sand slipping through my grasp.


    Fuck. This wasn¡¯t right. Centuries of imprisonment had left my body and abilities needing time to adjust. But time I couldn¡¯t afford.


    My nails dug into my palms and my gaze locked onto the witches, sharp and unyielding, as if I could burn through them with a look alone.


    They shouldn¡¯t have lasted this long, they should have been dragged into the shadow realm. But they were well trained, with high level spells ready to take me on and even now they didn¡¯t stop. With desperate resolve, the witches chanted, hurling massive sharpened spears.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    The stakes hurtled through the air, sharp and gleaming, each one poised to end my life.


    My movements were seamless, each dodge a dance of impossible precision. I moved faster than their eyes could follow, my steps a silent, mocking challenge to their aim.


    Something tugged at me¡ªan emotion not my own. Fear. Not theirs. Hers. It gnawed at me, even as I twisted to evade another stake.


    Katherine. I could feel her worry¡ªfaint at first, but growing stronger with each stake that sailed through the air, each near miss that brought me closer to harm. It clung to her like a second skin, an anxiety that cut through the chaos.


    Her dread was inexcusable. Her heart pounding, as if she believed¡ªtruly believed¡ªthat one of those stakes might strike its mark.


    For a fleeting moment, the sensation irritated me, her worry gnawing at the edges of my mind. She should know better. She should know that nothing could stop me.


    Why was I able to feel her? I could scent fear like blood, taste arousal on the air¡ªbut this? This was different. Her dread breathed through me and it was unwelcome and strange.


    A scream cut through the chaos¡ªsharp, shrill. One of the witches, struck by lightning, crumpled to the ground, her lifeless body twitching before going still. I paused, letting the moment stretch, savoring it all.


    And then, in that split second of stillness, I felt it¡ªthe stake hit like a thunderbolt, tearing through flesh and muscle, driving deep into my abdomen.


    Pain detonated in my chest, driving me backward into the oak¡¯s unforgiving embrace. A roar tore from my throat, splintering the night, and the storm howled back with a crack of violent lightning and thunder.


    The stake scorched where it pierced me, blood oozing around the jagged wood. Weakness gnawed at the edges of my mind, but I shoved it aside. I had mastered pain long ago¡ªbut this felt like a fucking violation.


    My hands trembled as I gripped the stake, fingers slick with blood, and yanked. The wood lodged deep, resisting my pull. A snarl rumbled from my chest, raw and inhuman.


    I would not fall. Their efforts were nothing more than a nuisance, buzzing around me like gnats while the real battle loomed on the horizon.


    Katherine Saldana.


    I don¡¯t know what game she was playing, but she¡¯ll have to face me¡ªto finish what she started five centuries ago. She¡¯d have to trap me again¡ªor better, end me. It was the only outcome that made sense because I would not stop until Katherine lay beneath me, lifeless, or I beneath her, our blood mingling in the dirt like a dark covenant, binding us even in death.


    There was no other way¡ªno other end I could accept.


    My chest burned with fury, not from the stakes that pierced my flesh or the magik that danced around the forest, but from the singular thought of her. The one I loved more than anything. The one I would destroy with my bare hands if I had to.


    No, I would not stop.


    Not until it was over.


    With a snarl, I clamped my hands around the stake, the jagged wood biting into my flesh. Every fiber of my being screamed in protest, the searing agony ripping through me like fire, relentless and consuming.


    My muscles trembled under the strain, the sharp sting of pain radiating through my core, each wave threatening to drown me in its torment.


    Yet, I refused to yield.


    Not to this.


    Not now.


    Gritting my teeth, I pulled harder, the stake resisting with a sickening crunch as it tore free from my flesh. The sensation of wood grinding against bone sent a fresh wave of agony through me, and I flung the stake aside. The effort buckled my knees, and I hit the blood-soaked ground.


    Darkness clawed at the edges of my vision, and each breath scraped like glass in my throat.


    I sank my fingers into the dirt and dragged myself upright, leaning on the last scrap of strength left in me. I rose slowly, every tremor in my limbs stoking the fire inside but I would stand.


    Limping forward, each step a jagged reminder of the pain coursing through my body. The agony clawed at my nerves, sharp and unrelenting, the kind of injury that would have dropped any ordinary Vampyr to their knees, helpless. But I was no ordinary Vampyr. I was something far more dangerous, far less breakable.


    The blood of Asmodeus burned in my veins, and with each step, the wind howled. With each step that ancient, infernal power stirred, pushing back against the damage. My breaths were shallow, rasping through gritted teeth, but I kept moving. Stopping wasn¡¯t an option.


    The torn flesh slowly stitched itself together, muscle fibers weaving back into place, tendons reattaching with a precision that bordered on grotesque. I could feel the fiery pulse of my healing surging with each beat of my heart, hot and unrelenting.


    The gaping hole in my side, which had nearly crippled me moments ago, was sealing itself shut, the sharp agony receding into a dull, throbbing ache.


    I surged forward, my voice a razor-sharp howl slicing through the winds. ¡°You can''t keep me from her!¡±


    The storm answered my rage. Thunder cracked above, and I watched them¡ªthose cowardly witches and the warlock¡ªglance nervously at each other and toward the sky, their eyes wide with dread as the storm returned.


    In the distance there was a shrieking cry as Katherine and the witch beside her were blasted backward by a lightning strike that hit close to them.


    As she hit the earth, phantom pains bloomed across my body - aches and stings that weren''t mine. It was her agony, faint but unmistakable, echoed through me.


    The sight of her sprawled and vulnerable stirred conflicting urges - savage satisfaction warred with an unwelcome instinct to protect.


    My jaw clenched, muscles rippling beneath my skin. The phantom pain echoed through my bones from her fall - this inexplicable link between us - threatened to distract me from the battle raging around us. I couldn''t afford complications, not with witches hurling death at my feet.


    Forcing every ounce of strength into my battered body, Latin spilled from my tongue. Thick and ancient, twisting through the wind like a curse.


    ¡°Tenebrae, obedite mihi... Veni ad me, filii umbrarum.¡±


    Nothing happened at first, and I continued. The warlock and witch stood defiant, challenging me with their chants clashing with mine, hurling raw energy into the storm. Uprooting trees, and stretching branches across the land to bind my ankles and wrist.


    Little did they know how much of the darkness which was mine to command.


    Darkness, obey me... Come to me, sons of shadows.


    ¡°Tenebrae, obedite mihi... Veni ad me, filii umbrarum,¡±


    They didn¡¯t come for the second try but I kept repeating and repeating until, shadows answered my call.


    Writhing at my feet, slithering from the earth like serpents stirring from slumber. I whispered their names¡ªdark, ancient things¡ªand they came, eager and ravenous, feeding off the darkness in me that could not be denied.


    The tendrils curled tighter around my legs, crushing the thick branches binding me, then coiled up my body like armor, cold and familiar. Shadows draped over my limbs, winding around my chest and shoulders, wrapping me in a second skin. I belonged to them as much as they belonged to me.


    The demons slithered forward, licking at the warlock and witch¡¯s heels. The witch''s eyes widened, panic taking hold as she stumbled back, retreating toward Katherine and the last of their companions. She left the warlock behind without hesitation.


    Coward.


    The shadows seized the warlock, tendrils coiled tighter, snaking beneath his robes, sinking into his flesh like fangs. He writhed, his mouth opening in a silent plea as they devoured him from within. I saw the flicker of light magic at his fingertips, but it sputtered out. Too weak. They were both tapped out.


    He was mine now.


    Using my enhanced speed, I intercepted the witch¡¯s path of escape, appearing in front of her so suddenly that she stumbled back with a startled gasp. Her wide eyes locked onto mine¡ªfear and defiance flickering across her face in equal measure.


    ¡°You may have won this fight¡ª¡± she began, her voice laced with venom, though the faint tremor beneath betrayed her fear. ¡°They won¡¯t stop coming for you¡ª¡±


    Her words ended in a grotesque crunch as my hand clamped around her face mid-sentence, my fingers digging into her skull with merciless precision.


    ¡°Let them,¡± I hissed, my tone sharp and low, dripping with menace.


    Her bones splintered under my grip, the sickening crack of shattering skull reverberating in the still air. Blood and fragments seeped through my fingers, warm and slick, each drop feeding the dark satisfaction that surged within me.


    Blood and fragments seeped through my fingers, warm and slick, each drop feeding the dark satisfaction that surged within me. Her body sagged in my grip, lifeless and I allowed her to fall, dropping her like discarded prey.


    One by one, they would all fall.


    And no one would stop me.


    I cast my glare on Katherine and the last remaining witch as another blast of lightning rocked the earth, splitting the ground beneath us. The air burned with the charge, and the scent of rain and scorched earth filled my lungs. I was closer now¡ªso close I could taste the end.


    One witch now stood between me and my goal.


    Child¡¯s play.


    ¡°Katherine!¡± I roared, my voice ripping through the storm like a thunderclap, reverberating across the battlefield.

 Chapter 7

    MATIC


    Katherine took a slow step backward, her breath shallow, eyes flicking between me and the dark clouds raging around us. Panic clung to her, thick and sweet. She was calculating an escape, but there was none. No matter how fast or how far, I was free and I had a score to settle.


    The last remaining witch shot her a quick, desperate glance, cursing under her breath before refocusing on me.


    I smiled¡ªcold and deliberate¡ªand whispered to the shadows curling around my feet and body. "Fetch."


    The darkness slithered forward like eager hounds, rippling across the ground toward Katherine as she turned and bolted. Just before the shadows could reach them, the witch vanished into thin air, leaving Viola alone.


    Coward.


    The shadows didn¡¯t hesitate. Tendrils shot forward, snagging Viola¡¯s ankle just as she sprinted toward the tree line. She hit the ground hard with a sharp gasp, grass and dirt scraping her skin as the darkness dragged her back toward me.


    ¡°No. No. No¡­ please, no!¡± Her voice cracked with desperation, every word choked and raw. She thrashed wildly, kicking against the shadows¡¯ grip, her hands clawing at the earth in a futile attempt to break free. As if the ground itself might save her but it was useless. Everything she did was useless, and the truth of it only seemed to deepen her panic.


    Her heartbeat thundered in her chest, rapid and erratic, each frantic beat drumming with fear. I could feel it in the air, vibrating between us like a warning.


    ¡°Katherine¡­¡± I said, my voice cutting through the chaos like a blade, sharp and deliberate.


    ¡°Stop calling me that!¡± she shrieked, her voice cracking.


    As the last word left her tongue, everything stilled. The wind died. The storm held its breath. Even the forest seemed to pause, as I watched the shadows constrict around her limbs, slithering tighter and dragging her inexorably closer toward me¡ªinto the inevitable.


    When she lay at my feet, I crouched beside her trembling form. The shadows pinned her to the earth as she thrashed helplessly beneath their grip.


    ¡°The witches were right about you,¡± Her breath came in short, desperate gasps, her chest heaving as she tried to steady herself.


    ¡°What did they say?¡±


    ¡°Destruction walking,¡± she whispered, lying on her back. ¡°Devastation in flesh... a harbinger of ruin.¡± The words tumbled from her lips, sharp and breathless, like curses she couldn¡¯t stop herself from saying.


    ¡°Only to those who deserve it.¡±


    Katherine shook her head frantically. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything. I didn¡¯t trap you. I freed you¡­¡± Her voice wavered, trembling under the weight of panic.


    Her wide, terrified eyes darted everywhere¡ªsearching for an escape, for hope, as if locking eyes with me would seal her fate. Force her to confront the truth of what she¡¯d done to me. Or maybe she thought pretending not to notice my nakedness might offer her a sliver of safety.


    Maybe it would do both.


    I leaned in closer, a dark smile tugging at my lips as I watched her crumble. Her entire body trembled, a violent shiver that racked her frame.  Her lips quivered with barely contained terror as she squeezed her eyes shut.


    Once upon a time, Katherine had been lovely¡ªand mine.


    Long ago, she had needed me, wanted me like the very air that filled her lungs. A flicker of that memory stirred in me now, unwanted and irritatingly familiar, like the ghost of a sensation. But that was before the lies, before the betrayal that had torn us apart.


    ¡°Go on,¡± I whispered, voice low and taunting, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face. My hand lingered a moment too long, my fingers tracing the edge of her cheek as though the touch might spark something that no longer existed.


    ¡°Scream. Cry. Do whatever you think will save you.¡±


    "I want to go home," Katherine murmured, her voice small, trembling beneath my hand.


    Her scent¡ªjasmine and vanilla¡ªonce delicate and lovely, was now soured by sweat and terror. It was still there, that faint echo of who she had been... but something was missing. This body, the face, this version of her¡ªit wasn¡¯t Katherine. Not entirely.


    When I had her pinned against the tree, she¡¯d insisted she wasn¡¯t Katherine. Maybe she believed that. Maybe she even wanted it to be true. But the writing on the wall told a different story.


    I trailed a finger slowly down her cheek, savoring the way her breath hitched beneath my touch. Her pulse hammered beneath her skin, erratic and desperate, each beat a plea for mercy. Her skin burned under my fingertips¡ªhot, slick with sweat, trembling as if she might unravel at any second.


    When I was trapped¡ªdays, weeks, centuries¡ªI drowned in her memory. Sleep never came. Dreams never offered relief. Only endless screams of her name, raw and jagged, until my voice gave out. Over and over, I thought about what I would do if I ever got out.


    Fuck her.


    Kill her.


    Consume her.


    Each thought circled endlessly, an unrelenting loop of pain, betrayal, and need. Every memory sharpened into a weapon I wielded against myself, replaying the last seconds of our time together, twisting them until nothing made sense.


    But one truth remained.


    I needed her¡ªmore than I wanted her and it was all driven by the centuries of torment I¡¯d endured. It gnawed at me, an insatiable hunger clawing through my soul, as vital as breath, as dangerous as the desire to drown.


    A twisted, inescapable need that couldn¡¯t be denied.


    And I wanted it all. Every piece of her¡ªmind, body, soul.


    I let my hand drift lower, tracing the line of her collarbone, savoring the heat beneath her skin, the tremor running through her.


    And that¡¯s when it happened.


    The air around us shifted¡ªabrupt, violent¡ªa sharp pull yanked at every nerve in my body. Reality twisted inward in jagged folds, as if the world was collapsing in on itself. The ground vanished beneath my feet, and for a brief, disorienting moment, there was nothing.


    No storm. No forest. No sense of direction¡ªjust a crushing weight, pulling me through space and before I could react, the world snapped back into place with a jarring finality.


    The realization hit me almost immediately, that Katherine teleported us somewhere else¡­Yet she claimed she was not her.


    Behind me, she was now on all fours, her body wracked with tremors. She gasped for breath, then doubled over, dry heaving but nothing coming up.


    The room was cramped and suffocating, cluttered with strange objects beyond my understanding. A worn sofa slouched against one wall, and a bookshelf leaned under the weight of old tomes, candles and trinkets.


    Across the room, a small kitchen was crammed into the corner¡ªor at least, what I assumed was a kitchen. There were peculiar items, along with plates and cups scattered across the surface of a long, flat table built into the wall.


    Katherine brought us here¡ªthis place she thought was safe, a desperate attempt to escape me. But I was touching her when she teleported. Surely, that shouldn¡¯t have happened. Shouldn¡¯t her magik have shielded me? Kept me from following?


    Unless¡­ She really wasn¡¯t my wife.


    I inhaled slowly, dragging the stale air deep into my lungs. My ribs ached with the strain, and the magik inside me stirred sluggishly, like embers in a dying fire. Weak, yes¡ªbut not extinguished as I proved earlier, after dealing with those witches and warlock.


    Exhaling through my nose, I let the spell take shape on my breath, ancient words slipping past my lips in a low, deliberate murmur. ¡°Nemo nos inveniet. Nullus oculus nos videat.¡±


    The spell felt like stretching a thread too thin, barely enough to mask us. The protection spell wouldn¡¯t last long¡ªa few days, at best. But for now, it would have to do.


    The room shuddered under the weight of the incantation. Shadows thickened, curling along the edges of the walls, and a faint hum vibrated through the building, like the fading resonance of a distant bell. I pressed my palm to the floor, sending the magik outward in ripples, spreading it through the foundation of this strange little structure.


    It wasn¡¯t much¡ªa barrier to cloak us for a time, to keep curious eyes and hunters at bay. But it would have to do.


    My power flickered, weaker than I¡¯d intended. But I held it steady, forcing it to stretch thin across the walls, the windows, under the door and expand to all the corners and cracks of this structure. I clenched my teeth, sweat gathering at the nape of my neck.


    I straightened slowly, feeling the spell lock into place. Escaping me was no simple feat¡ªnor would it be for those who hunted me.


    A slow breath escaped my lips, weariness dragging at my limbs like lead weights. The shadows coiled back into the walls, and the hum of magik faded, leaving behind only the quiet weight of exhaustion, pressing down on me like a reminder of how far I¡¯d fallen.


    Behind me, Katherine struggled to stand as well, her legs trembled beneath her. However, she lunged toward a vase on the nightstand. She gripped it with both hands, holding it out like a weapon.


    Pathetic.


    She was weak, and we both knew it.Stolen novel; please report.


    "Leave," she demanded, her voice hoarse but determined. "The door is right behind you, or I''ll scream, and my neighbors will call the cops."


    I ignored her threat and stepped closer. ¡°Where are we?¡±


    A vase. Of all the things she could use to defend herself in this cramped little space. I had commanded armies, led men into battle, and earned the loyalty of vampyrs, witches, demons, and lycans alike.


    And now, I stood before a woman clutching a vase as her only weapon.


    When Katherine didn¡¯t respond quickly enough, I moved¡ªfaster than her eyes could track¡ªand appeared in front of her. I shouldn¡¯t have done that.


    The strain hit me immediately, a sharp hunger coiling in my gut. Speed always came at a price and it was worse considering that I¡¯d burned my energy on the witches earlier. They had left me running on fumes.


    However, I couldn¡¯t slow down. Couldn¡¯t stop. The ones hunting me wouldn¡¯t wait. And I couldn¡¯t afford weakness. Not now.


    With a flick of my wrist, the vase flew from her hand, shattering on the floor in a sharp, final crash that echoed through the cramped room.


    I could have ended her right here, right now¡ªjust like I should have in the forest. The desire was there, coiled tight inside me, waiting to strike. But something held me back. Something irritatingly familiar... and I hated that I let it stop me.


    I kept walking, slow and deliberate, herding Katherine back until she hit the wall. On one side of her was the flat surface that extended from the wall. It was littered with an assortment of cups and plates. On her other side was the bookshelf.


    My gaze stayed locked on hers as I closed the distance between us. ¡°Where. Are. We?¡±


    Her breath hitched with nowhere left to go. "We¡¯re... we¡¯re in my home."


    I narrowed my eyes, scanning the room. ¡°This isn¡¯t a home. It¡¯s too small. A closet at best. Servants¡¯ quarters.¡±


    She glared at me, fire flickering in her gaze despite the fear radiating off her in waves. ¡°Well, this is all I can afford, your majesty.¡±


    I raised my hand, instinctively reaching for her neck. She flinched, shrinking back, and I knew one twist would end it all. Yet again, there it was again, something in me pulled back¡ªit reeked of weakness.


    Memories stirred from a lifetime ago when I commanded estates, wealth, and loyalty¡ªland that stretched as far as the eye could see.


    What had become of it all?


    Of my family and friends?


    A low, frustrated growl rumbled in my throat. I clenched my teeth, irritated with myself.


    Viola¡¯s breath caught, her body tensing as my hand hovered, inches from her neck. I lingered there, my hand near her face for a moment too long. Everything I had built was nothing more than dust and memory.


    Dropping my hand, I asked. ¡°What year is it?¡±


    Tears fell from the corner of her eyes, as she leaned her head back against the wall, breathing deeply as if trying to steady herself. ¡°It¡¯s 2024.¡±


    The number hit me like a fist to the chest. Five centuries.


    I stumbled back from her, muttering, ¡°For the love of Aisha,¡± the word slipping from my lips before I could stop it.


    Her wide, fearful eyes locked onto me, now studying my every move with laser focus. I could hear her heart stuttering in her chest¡ªa panicked, uneven rhythm, like a drumbeat on the verge of collapse.


    Then she spoke, cautiously. ¡°How long... how long were you trapped?¡±


    The words slid between us like a knife, and her face paled as soon as she realized her mistake.


    My lips peeled back, exposing fangs as a growl rumbled deep in my chest, vibrating through the space between us.


    Viola''s breath caught, her chest rising sharply as those dark eyes widened. Her hands flew up in surrender and I could taste her fear on the air, sweet and sharp.


    ¡°Wait,¡± she said, her voice fast and shaky, ¡°Before you put your hands on me again¡ªlisten. For the hundredth time, I am not Katherine. I am Viola Bennett and I did not trap you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t provide an immediate answer, and she continued. ¡°You really need to hear me,¡± Desperation laced her words. ¡°I freed you, but I am not her.¡±


    ¡°Why would you do that?¡± If she wasn¡¯t Katherine, why had she freed me?


    Viola shrugged and answered. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Yesterday, I started seeing visions of you¡ªand hearing words, in Latin chanting. I didn¡¯t know what they meant¡­¡± She paused, chewing on her bottom lip.


    I asked, ¡°How do you not understand Latin? Yet you freed me.¡±


    She shook her head, ¡°That¡¯s my point. I barely practice magik, so I¡¯m not that well versed. However, I listened to my intuition, and it led me to Phantombrook. To that library.¡±


    Her voice faltered, panic creeping into her tone as memories resurfaced. ¡°Next thing I know, there¡¯s a secret staircase, and¡ª¡± She sucked in a sharp breath as the weight of it all crashed down on her. ¡°Oh, God... the bodies. Those witches. You killed them...¡±


    ¡°They were trying to kill me¡ªand you, I might add.¡±


    ¡°Because¡­¡± She hesitated, as if the truth were poison on her tongue. ¡°You came after us...¡± The words slipped from her lips like they hurt to say aloud.


    I tilted my head, my gaze locked on hers. ¡°Not in the chamber. The first Warlock had attacked me.¡±


    ¡°You only saved me because, you¡­¡± She paused, focus shifting to the side.


    ¡°Say it,¡± I taunted.


    ¡°You wanted to be the one to¡ª¡± Her voice cracked, unable to say the words, and I could feel her fear pulse in the space between us. It clung to her skin like dew, thick and suffocating.


    I chuckled, the sound low, dark, and full of menace. ¡°To kill you myself.¡± I leaned in closer, my breath warm against her ear. ¡°Fuck you raw until your throat gave out. Drain you dry until your flesh begged for release.¡±


    The moment the last word left my lips, Viola slapped me across the face. The slap stung¡ªnot from pain, but from the sheer audacity of it. My head turned slightly with the blow, more out of surprise than anything else


    Sweet defiance.


    Viola twisted, trying to free herself from where she was wedged between me and the wall, but I grabbed her face, pulling her toward me.


    "Let me go!" she hissed, defiance burning in her eyes. When I didn¡¯t listen, she spat, "Fuck off."


    My gaze lingered on those lips¡ªsoft, trembling, spitting venom. But despair hung on her breath, sharp and heady, a scent that coiled around me like a drug. It was intoxicating, stirring the embers of fire still burning from the forest.


    A low, primal growl vibrated in my chest, unbidden and relentless. The memory of her body pinned against the rough bark surged through me¡ªher frantic struggles, the way her hips writhed in defiance. My cock had hardened against her, grinding into the softness of her curves, the heat of her resistance only stoking the hunger clawing at me¡ªa ravenous, consuming need to claim her entirely.


    I had no hesitation¡ªno shame¡ªabout fucking my wife against that tree, claiming her where she couldn¡¯t escape, couldn¡¯t hide. The feel of her struggling beneath me sent another wave of raw, lust coursing through me, reigniting the need I had barely kept restrained.


    She had locked me away for centuries¡ªI deserved this. Her body, her screams, the tight heat of her cunt wrapped around my cock. I deserved every inch of her.


    ¡°Help m¡ª¡± she tried to scream, but I silenced her with a brutal kiss, crushing my mouth against hers. It wasn¡¯t a kiss of affection but of domination, of possession.


    My lips claimed her, devoured her.


    My tongue forced past her lips with relentless hunger. My body pressed harder against hers, pinning her completely, as if my very presence could consume her whole.


    I wanted her to drown in it¡ªfeel me, taste me¡ªuntil there was nothing left but us. Nothing but the heat that once was.


    Katherine thrashed against me, her hands shoving at my chest, her palm smacking against my skin¡ªonce, twice¡ªsharp, desperate slaps that only drove my arousal higher. Every strike sent a pulsing wave straight to my cock, hardening even further until the pressure became almost unbearable. It strained against my skin, desperate for release¡ªaching for a catalyst.


    But then her teeth sank into my bottom lip, sharp and punishing, tearing through the haze. Pain flared hot, the metallic taste of my own blood pooling between our mouths. The bite was feral, defiant.


    I pulled back, my blood streaking her lips, and cupped her face roughly, forcing her to meet my gaze. ¡°How long has it been?¡± I demanded, my voice a low growl, cutting through the heavy silence between us. ¡°When was the last time someone fucked you, Ljubi?¡±


    Her lips parted, but no answer came. Her defiance was written in the set of her jaw, the trembling tension in her shoulders. My thumb traced the edge of her bottom lip, smearing the blood there before slipping between her lips.


    ¡°Suck it,¡± I commanded, pressing in, just enough to make it clear resistance wasn¡¯t an option. ¡°Now.¡±


    Her hesitation was delicious, and I waited, the weight of my command lingering in the charged air between us.


    Then, her lips closed around my thumb. Warmth enveloped me, and for a moment, the world narrowed to the delicate pressure of her mouth. Her tongue brushed against my skin, tentative at first, then deliberate, tracing the edge of my thumb.


    The defiance I had anticipated was still there, but beneath it burned something else¡ªalmost confidence, as if she were reclaiming control in this twisted game. Her tongue swirled again, deliberate and slow, and my breath hitched, the raw hunger inside me throbbing and fucking aching.


    ¡°It¡¯s been too fucking long,¡± I groaned, the words spilling from me unbidden, and then her hand moved.


    Katherine¡ªno, Viola¡ªreached out, her fingers brushing against my hardness. Instinctively, I withdrew my thumb from her mouth and it shot down to grab her wrist.


    ¡°You must have been so lonely,¡± She murmured, as my hold was firm, a warning. Though her voice was soft, teasing¡ªa dangerous melody that threaded through the heavy air between us. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that happened to you.¡±


    I studied the woman before me, knowing that I could care less that I was covered in the blood of my enemies. I would have fucked her on the ground of the forest while still conquireing my demons to destory them all.


    Her other hand wove through my hair, fingers threading with deliberate intent, and she clasped the back of my neck. Rising onto the tips of her toes, the woman kissed me¡ªa calculated move that I knew all too well. Whether Katherine or Viola, my body didn¡¯t know the difference.


    It betrayed me, responding instantly as her lips pressed against mine. Her tongue darted out, tracing the curve of my bottom lip with teasing precision, igniting a spark that rippled through me. Her touch was soft, beguiling, but beneath it was a clear purpose¡ªa distraction wrapped in temptation.


    Images. Memories splintered through my mind of a time now long past and my hand faltered, the grip on her wrist loosening as her lips moved more urgently against mine. She didn¡¯t waste a second. Her hand slid down, grasping my cock and resumed her deliberate strokes.


    Fuck.


    A low growl as the sensation shot through me like a spark igniting dry tinder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it up to you,¡± she whispered against my lips, her voice a seductive murmur, a promise wrapped in deceit.


    Nevertheless, knowing her angle, I couldn¡¯t stop my hips from thrusting against her palm, damning myself further, feeding the insatiable hunger clawing at my core. I should have ended it, should have crushed her little game¡ªbut instead, I let her play.


    I deepened the kiss, and Viola moaned softly, the sound slipping past her lips like a siren¡¯s call. It was faint, almost hesitant, but it surged through me with feral heat, consuming reason.


    Suddenly, a metallic clanking echoed in the room, sharp and jarring. My head snapped toward the door, muscles coiling, instincts sharpening like a blade, ready to strike.


    The door swung open, and suddenly the room lit up. As if the sun itself had risen.


    A five-foot-nothing blonde stood there, wearing strange clothes, wide-eyed, caught between shock and horror.


    "Holy hell!" she yelped, frozen in place, her gaze sweeping over me.


    ¡°Emery!¡± Viola shouted, her voice desperate. The sound of plates and cups crashing filled the room as she moved in my peripheral vision. I turned just in time to see her hand emerging from the pile of dishes, gripping the handle of a heavy metal pot.


    Before I could react, she swung toward me. The pot cracked against my skull, and I stumbled back, caught off guard by the strength behind the blow.


    My vision blurred from the force of the hit. Before I could regain my footing, another surge¡ªstronger and more powerful¡ªrushed through the room.


    A sudden, invisible force¡ªuntamed magik¡ªslammed into my chest like a battering ram. The air around me felt solid, flinging me across the room. I smashed into the window, the glass rattling under the impact but refusing to shatter.


    Yet, I didn¡¯t fall.


    Emery¡¯s magic seized me, holding me midair like a puppet. I thrashed against the invisible force, but every ounce of strength had drained from me¡ªmy magik too weak. The witches, the escape, the hunger¡ªit had all drained me, leaving me powerless and fucking aroused.


    The blonde sauntered toward me, her deep blue eyes cold and unblinking, regarding me like I was nothing more than an inconvenience. The invisible force around me constricted, crushing against my chest as I fought to break free, every attempt useless against the magik binding my form.


    Emery didn¡¯t even flinch. She didn¡¯t need to.


    Her eyes never left mine as she spoke over her shoulder to Viola, her voice sharp with authority. ¡°Vee, you got some explaining to do or i¡¯m going to toss this Vampyr off your balcony.¡±

 Chapter 8

    VIOLA


    I couldn¡¯t answer Emery. I pressed my hands against the sides of my head, trying to ease the throbbing ache that had taken root in my body. A dull, insistent pain throbbed¡ªjust like before. It echoed through my chest, rippling outward, matching the ache I¡¯d felt in the chamber and the forest. This was Matic¡¯s pain.


    I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to focus.


    Damn it. Why had I attacked him like that?


    What did I do? Grabbing his cock and stroking him, eliciting moans and devastating sounds that seemed like they pierced my core. I should¡¯ve squeezed his dick until he was puddy in my hands but instead, I concocted a half ass plan to seduce the crazy Vampyr.


    The way his lips claimed me¡ªit was more than pleasure or revenge; it spoke to something deep, something intrinsic¡­ something more than just wanting to possess or dominate me.


    I knew I couldn¡¯t fight him head on, but in those fleeting moments... I wanted him.


    Oh my God! My body had wanted him and that was the most terrifying part.


    What the fuck was happening? My thoughts screamed, and the ache in my body pulsed again. Matic¡¯s pain. I needed to shut it out. Emery was here, and she pinned Matic, but the heat still crept up my neck.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Emery¡¯s voice sliced through my haze, dragging me back into the present.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± I answered and breathed through the dull ache.


    ¡°Vee, he has a fucking hard on, he clearly bit you and when I walked through the door, you hit him over the head with a pot. So, I¡¯m going to assume he¡¯s a fucking piece of shit, or this is all foreplay. And you need to clarify which one it is.¡±


    I made the mistake of looking behind my friend, and I caught the flicker of shadows dancing at her fingertips before she clenched her fist. It seemed similar to Matic¡¯s powers, but my friend was a necromancer and didn¡¯t summon shadow monsters from hell.


    My focus was drawn to the Vampyr pinned against my window, suspended mid-air. His blood-streaked body resembled carved marble¡ªchiseled, every muscle taut and defined, a sight that was almost surreal. Even covered in blood, he still managed to be a vision of dark, lethal beauty. And what hung between his thighs¡­


    My fingers twitched, unbidden, recalling I had held his throbbing cock in my grasp. Sucked his bloodstained thumb, as Matic shoved it between my lips.


    Damn it. I forced my focus higher, landing on the fading mark on his forehead. It caught my attention, mostly because back in the forest, when Matic had waged war against the witches and the warlock, it had glowed¡ªbright, searing, as if flames burned beneath his flesh. Now, the mark was receding, its glow extinguished, leaving behind something almost beautiful in its subtlety.


    ¡°I swear to the Gods,¡± My angry friend was now focused on the Vampyr now. ¡°If you had messed with her mind to make her forget what you did¡­¡±


    On an aching cry, I gasped as she surged more magik into Matic, making him suffer. He growled


    in agony and when she heard my whimper, she stopped momentarily stepping back toward me.


    ¡°What is happening to you? What did he do?¡±


    Matic¡¯s strained voice sliced through the tension like a blade and on a deep inhale, I glanced at him to find that the Vampyr was smiling.


    A cold, menacing grin. ¡°It¡¯s not what I did,¡± he panted. ¡°It¡¯s what she did... and you.¡±


    His words were a taunt, and my heart clenched as Matic asked. ¡°Do you want to tell her, or should I?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s he talking about?¡± Emery asked me. ¡°This is fucking foreplay isn¡¯t?¡± She eyes me.


    I grimaced, forcing my eyes away from the Vampyr and turned to my friend. ¡°Not foreplay. We¡¯re connected,¡± I said, words a struggle to get out. ¡°Whatever harm you cause him, I feel it.¡±


    She blinked, completely confused. ¡°How is that even possible?¡±


    I sucked in a deep breath, my hand instinctively moving to my midsection as the ache settled deeper inside me. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    Emery glanced back at Matic, her face hardening as everything started to sink in. ¡°Damn it,


    Viola, what the hell did you do?¡± Her voice came out sharp, frustration dripping from every word.


    I opened my mouth, ready to explain, but before I could, her eyes darted back to me. ¡°How dangerous is he?¡±


    Matic¡¯s voice sliced through the room, low and chilling. ¡°Extremely,¡± he drawled, the hint of a cruel smile curling his lips. ¡°But you¡¯ve yet to even graze the depths of what I truly am.¡±


    When Matic fought the witches and warlock, one witch stayed behind to speak with me. She said he was chaos given form¡ªdestruction walking.


    And I had accidentally teleported this creature into my home. Back in the forest, when Matic had me pinned, all I could think about was the teleportation spell and my home, repeating it over and over in my mind.


    I couldn¡¯t do it yesterday, while trying to leave the club but I did it today.


    What the fuck was happening?


    I royally fucked up. I never shouldn¡¯t have listened to those voices and followed my vision. Matic was far more dangerous than either of us could comprehend and I dragged Emery into my mess.


    ¡°You think you¡¯ve seen the worst of me, witch?¡± Matic¡¯s voice dripped with menace. ¡°You can¡¯t kill me and when I¡¯m at full strength, your magik won¡¯t even leave a bruise. You¡¯ll be lucky to crawl awa-¡±


    On instinct, Emery¡¯s magik surged again. It hit Matic with force, and he coughed up blood, and snarled. At the same moment, a sharp whimper tore from my throat, the dull ache of his suffering flooding through me, mirroring his pain.


    Gripping the countertop, my knuckles paled as the connection between us burned deeper, relentless and unforgiving.


    ¡°Stop! Emery!¡± I gasped, doubling over as the ache twisted my gut.


    Emery¡¯s eyes widened, the shock of what she had done washing over her face. She quickly withdrew her magik, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°Holy shit¡­ You guys are really connected.¡±


    I cursed, drawing in deep pulls of air and trying to fight back nausea.


    Matic chuckled in the background, and glaring up at my friend, I was annoyed but not with her. More with myself and what I did.


    ¡°You can let him down,¡± I said as the ache slowly ebbed away. ¡°He won¡¯t hurt me. He can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t and won¡¯t are two very different things,¡± Matic taunted, blood still dripping from his lips, his eyes locked on mine.


    My friend glanced between Matic and I, her brows creasing with frustration as the gravity of the situation fully sank in.


    With a sigh, Emery released her magik and Matic hit the floor with a rough, muffled grunt as his body dropped to the hardwood floor. A sharp jolt of discomfort surged through me, and I winced, the ache in my chest flaring in response to his impact.


    ¡°Emery!¡± I yelled at her.


    ¡°Shit. Sorry,¡± Emery muttered, though her gaze never left Matic, she stepped closer toward him.


    With a flick of her wrist, Emery¡¯s magik lifted Matic onto his knees and pinned his arms tightly to his sides. His muscles strained, and though he couldn¡¯t move, he remained infuriatingly calm¡ªdespite still being very naked, no longer aroused and at the mercy of yet another witch.


    ¡°Vee,¡± Emery called over her shoulder. ¡°He needs¡­pants.¡±


    I blinked, the oddness of the moment hitting me like a punch. ¡°Right. Pants.¡± Scrambling, I darted to my bedroom, and grabbed the first pair of pants I could find¡ªone of Jamal¡¯s track pants, of course. He left them lying around my apartment more often than not.


    Back in the living room, Emery released just enough of her grip on him, and he made a sound that felt almost like relief. His muscles, once coiled tight under the force of her magik, started to relax. His shoulders dropped, the tension in his jaw easing as the invisible grip around him loosened.


    I threw the track pants at Matic, and he caught them effortlessly. ¡°Track pants,¡± I told him. ¡°Put them on.¡±


    Matic¡¯s low voice rumbled in response. ¡°These trousers are atrocious.¡±


    Emery, standing just beyond me, didn¡¯t hesitate to further. ¡°Try anything, and I will tear your soul from your body. It will be slow and agonizing.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a hollow threat as Emery¡¯s fingers twitched to act.


    ¡°How delightfully archaic,¡± Matic replied calmly, and his gaze fixed on my friend with an unsettling intensity.


    ¡°Don¡¯t test me,¡± Emery shot back, her voice hard.


    For a heartbeat or two, I glanced between them as they locked eyes, both of them glaring, silently contemplating their next move.


    I had no idea what they were reflecting on because from where I stood, Emery couldn¡¯t hurt Matic without hurting me. And Matic, now, I could say for sure, was weakened, and seemed to struggle with one witch, when he had effortlessly handled four back in the forest. Granted, one had escaped, but I¡¯m assuming she realized he was a force far beyond anything she could handle on her own.


    Glancing away from the naked man in my living room, I watched Emery as she never once tore her sight away from Matic. Her eyes were trained on his upper body and the tension in the room felt almost unbearable, so I finally broke it with a question.


    ¡°I told you that I was going away, so why are you here?¡±


    She shrugged, as if this were the most normal thing in the world. ¡°I wanted to borrow a dress.¡±


    ¡°A dress?¡± I echoed the answer, the absurdity of it pulling me out of the tension for a moment. ¡°I knew it! I thought things were disappearing out of my damned closet for weeks now.¡± Then a sudden thought hit me, and I gasped. ¡°You stole my shoes and that pretty gold purse, didn¡¯t you?¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    I gave my friend an emergency key months ago and it wasn''t meant to hijack my belongings.


    Emery shot me a look, almost offended. ¡°About that¡­ I¡¯ll have to give you money for the purse. The strap broke.¡±


    I glared at her, half in disbelief. ¡°You had me thinking I was going crazy. I was about to buy a damn camera to see who was stealing my stuff!¡±


    She scoffed. ¡°I was going to give it back, but don¡¯t distract from the topic at hand. Why did you lie to me about going away?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie.¡±


    Before she could fire back, Matic¡¯s voice slithered into the conversation. ¡°These atrocious excuses for trousers don¡¯t fit.¡±


    Assuming it was safe to look back, I did so cautiously, and, of course, he was right. The ends of the track pants hovered awkwardly between his ankles and knees, looking utterly ridiculous on his tall frame.


    ¡°Yeah, those are my boyfriend¡¯s,¡± I muttered, eyes flicking between his face and his towering stature. ¡°And you¡¯re¡­ definitely not five-eleven.¡±


    ¡°Retrieve me another pair,¡± he demanded, his tone sharp and leaving no room for argument.


    Emery and I exchanged shocked looks and my friend stepped closer, ¡°Did he just bark orders at you?¡±


    ¡°I think he did,¡± I planted my hand on my hip and gave him a look. ¡°There¡¯s nothing else, and those will have to do.¡±


    Matic¡¯s scowl deepened, irritation clear on his face, but there were no better options. He would have to deal with it.


    While Matic simmered in silence, I sauntered closer to my friend. ¡°Emery, you¡¯re using actual magik.¡±


    Emery crossed her arms, her expression softening just enough to let her guard down. ¡°It¡¯s almost Halloween. My powers always get stronger around this time, and harder to conceal.¡± She gave me a wry smile, a flicker of humor creeping into her voice. ¡°Usually, by now, we¡¯re in clubs or at Halloween parties, not trying to restrain a damned Vampyr. So, I get why you forget that I have them.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t wrong. Halloween was right around the corner¡ªand what that meant for other witches and warlocks¡­ their powers were heightened, almost untamable.


    In the background, Matic drifted silently through the room, his dark eyes scanning the surroundings. Emery kept a close eye on him, as I knew any other time of year, my friend concealed a high percentage of her abilities, burying them deep to avoid facing her lineage.


    Emery had always rebuked her bloodline, moving in with her warlock father who¡¯d also given up a life of magik.


    However, Halloween made it damn near impossible to ignore any form of magik. Well, for most witches and warlocks, anyway. I had always been the sad exception¡ªBut tonight... tonight, power thrummed beneath my skin, unfamiliar yet unmistakable.


    Matic prowled the room like a caged predator, his fingers trailing over the spines of my worn paperbacks. His brow furrowed as he plucked one from the shelf, flipping through the pages.


    Placing it back, his gaze locked onto the framed photos adorning my walls. He leaned in close, crimson eyes narrowing as he studied pictures of my friend and I, as if trying to decode some hidden message in our frozen smiles.


    ¡°So, you didn¡¯t lie to me but how did you end up back here with a bloody Vampyr?¡± she asked.


    I hesitated, my eyes lingering on Matic a little too long and flashes of the forest came to the forefront of my mind. How he was grinding against me, without a care in the world that I didn''t want that. Didn''t want him.


    Yet, I kissed him back and stroked his pulsing cock...


    Damn it. As Matic silently roamed my home, curiosity etched in every movement and focusing back on my friend, I recounted everything to Emery¡ªstarting from the night at the club, to the visions, the chanting. Jamal and his uncle, and how it all led me to Phantombrook. The library, and the secret bookcase. I laid it all out, right up to how we ended up back here.


    Matic¡¯s voice cut through the silence as he approached my flat-screen TV, his fingers hovered over the surface before tapping it lightly. Everything here was so far removed from what he knew¡ªan entirely new world for him.


    He spoke out, ¡°None of what you¡¯ve said makes any sense.¡±


    Both Emery and I turned to him. She pointed at Matic, her gaze darting between the two of us. ¡°I agree with him. You freed him, and now you¡¯re sharing pain? There has to be more to it.¡±


    ¡°And don¡¯t forget,¡± I added, ¡°We also share magik.¡± At first, I thought it was mine¡ªthe tingling, the surge of pure energy¡ªbut back in the forest, when the storm surged, the sensations followed Matic¡¯s control.


    But even if that was true, how could that even happen?


    ¡°That might explain why I haven¡¯t been able to access my full powers,¡± Matic said, his voice low, eyes narrowing as he continued to inspect the TV. ¡°If you¡¯re draining them.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t listening,¡± I snapped, my voice rising. ¡°I said we share powers and it was just a random thought. A theory at most.¡±


    Matic¡¯s growl cut through the air, sharp and unyielding. ¡°Exactly. What¡¯s mine stays mine. I don¡¯t share.¡±


    ¡°Either way, I am not stealing anything from you!¡± I shot back, frustration bubbling over.


    ¡°Says the little witch who claims not to be my wife, yet smells and tastes just like her.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God,¡± I practically yelled, exasperated. ¡°You need to stop insisting that I¡¯m Katherine!¡±


    Matic straightened, towering over me as he took a step forward. I stumbled back into Emery, who immediately moved in front of me, standing between us before I even had time to react.


    ¡°One, you wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± she challenged, her voice sharp, defiant¡ªprotecting me. ¡°Secondly,¡± She glanced behind her, her striking blue eyes studying me. ¡°Why does he think you''re his wife?¡±


    I didn¡¯t answer right away. Deep down, something told me Matic would dare, just to prove her wrong.


    Nevertheless, the Vampyr stopped just short of her. His gaze flickered between me and Emery, his crimson eyes darkening as a low growl simmered in his chest.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I finally answered, exasperated. ¡°Maybe you can beat it into his skull that I¡¯ve only ever been Viola Bennett.¡±


    ¡°You must have mispronounced one of the words,¡± Matic muttered, his glare fixed on me, though Emery still stood in his way.


    I shook my head, briefly looking away. ¡°I don¡¯t even know what I was repeating. It was like¡­ I didn¡¯t need to know. The words just came out, as if I understood them without really understanding why.¡± My voice softened as the memory of the chamber returned. ¡°When I was down there, it sounded like someone else was chanting with me, but I was alone.¡± The more I thought about it, the less certain I became. ¡°It felt like someone was speaking through me¡­¡±


    Emery¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Did you see this other person? The one whispering with you?¡±


    I didn¡¯t have to look at Matic, to know that he was watching me.


    Hesitating, I shook my head. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t see anyone. I just¡­ heard a faint woman¡¯s voice.¡± A cold knot twisted in my chest, tightening with every passing second as I struggled to fit the pieces together.


    ¡°Wait a minute¡­ Halloween is in a week,¡± Emery muttered, mostly to herself.


    ¡°Okay, and?¡± I shrugged, confused.


    Her face lit up with realization, and she grabbed both of my shoulders and shook me. ¡°Halloween!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s Halloween?¡± Matic questioned, crossing his arms over his chest.


    Emery and I answered in unison, ¡°Samhain.¡±


    ¡°Ah, the veil between realms is thin,¡± Matic responded, understanding dawning on him and he murmured something else but Emery stole my focus.


    ¡°All Hallows¡¯ Eve!¡± she added, her voice growing more excited.


    ¡°Em, I swear to God, if you say that wo¡ª¡± I started, but the words caught in my throat as the realization hit me. ¡°My powers have never surfaced this time of year.¡± I told her the obvious, but Emery already knows this. The thought sank in, heavy, undeniable. ¡°And whatever happened in the forest¡ªhow I teleported us back here¡ªthat wasn¡¯t me. It was Matic¡¯s magik.¡±


    Matic raised an eyebrow, glancing at Emery before looking back at me. ¡°Do you want to tell her, or should I?¡±


    Emery looked at me, nodding as she continued, ¡°Yeah, I get what you were talking about¡ªback in the forest, teleporting here. But before all of that... the visions, the chanting, the fact that you released Matic?¡±


    I shook my head, still grappling with the enormity of it. ¡°It was probably his powers calling out to me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, five centuries,¡± Matic drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. ¡°Five long centuries, waiting for the perfect little witch to be born... Viola Bennett.¡± His eyes gleamed with dark amusement as he took a step closer. ¡°You have no idea how patient I¡¯ve been¡ªwatching, waiting¡ªuntil the right one finally heard my call. And here you are.¡± He tilted his head, studying me with a twisted smile. ¡°Aren¡¯t I lucky?¡±


    My glare burned into him, but it did nothing to dull the sharp edge of his words, cutting into me like a blade. My jaw clenched, and my nails dug into my palms, the heat of his sarcasm crawled up my spine.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be an asshole,¡± I bit out, refusing to look away.


    The Vampyr''s smirk faltered for the briefest of moments, his eyes softening as they flicked over me. Then he spoke, ¡°It¡¯s almost amusing,¡± Matic continued, leaning too close toward me and his voice was deceptively light. ¡°The way you keep denying what your friend and I already know. What you already know, deep down.¡±


    I blinked, unable to form a response, because the damned Vampyr was right. As much as I wanted to claim they were his powers, everything was pointing in the opposite direction.


    I knew it, but how was I supposed to admit it? Use it? Embrace it? It didn¡¯t make sense.


    Emery hooked her arm through mine and yanked me back. ¡°You can back off,¡± she said to Matic. ¡°You heard Viola¡ªshe hasn¡¯t had powers like this before. She needs time to feel and accept it.¡±


    Matic shook his head. ¡°We don¡¯t have time.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no we,¡± Emery snapped, her eyes flashing with defiance. ¡°There¡¯s you and your problems.¡± She pointed at the door. ¡°Leave, and go deal with your drama elsewhere.¡±


    He gestured between us, his eyes narrowing. ¡°From what I¡¯ve gathered, Viola never had significant powers before tonight. Samhain only enhanced what was already there. It wasn¡¯t chaotic or overwhelming like it is for most witches¡ªit was almost calm. Or,¡± Matic paused, considering, ¡°It could be because only a fraction of her powers have been awakened. Unlike witches and warlocks who already possess their full abilities, and then Samhain sends their magik into overdrive¡ªoverflowing with energy¡ªfor her, it¡¯s been dimmed for so long, the awakening is slower. More controlled.¡±


    My mind raced, trying to piece together what exactly he was saying.


    My weak powers were enhanced?


    Slow awakening?


    Dimmed?


    ¡°Holy fuck,¡± Emery said, turning to me with a frown. ¡°That makes sense."


    The Vampyr smirked, and said. ¡°That¡¯s just the tip. I know you¡¯re dying for the rest.¡±


    Emery groaned, rolling her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re infuriating and that still doesn''t explain why or how she¡¯s tied to your magik.¡± She eyes him, daring him to give a straight answer.


    I said, ¡°Emery, either way, he can¡¯t leave.¡±


    She turned to me, eyes narrowing. ¡°And why not?¡±


    ¡°They were trying to kill me too, not just Matic.¡±


    My friend glanced between us, her posture tense. ¡°Someone better start explaining.¡±


    Matic¡¯s gaze shifted to Emery, his voice dripping with condescension. ¡°You seem more well-versed in our world and its systems. You understand more than this little witch over there and you can''t see the obvious signs?"


    ¡°Can you just elaborate already?¡± Emery asked, her frustration evident.


    ¡°I have a name. It¡¯s Viola Bennett,¡± I reminded him, my irritation growing. His cryptic tone was getting under my skin, and I was just as lost as Emery.


    The Vampyr sighed,  ¡°In five centuries, it seems the education system for magik has declined,¡± He muttered, almost to himself. ¡°My powers... they¡¯re there, but it¡¯s like trying to grasp smoke. I can feel them, but they slip away.¡±


    Emery jumped in, ¡°Either, your body needs time to adjust or the spell wasn¡¯t fully broken."


    Matic nodded, "Yes, exactly."


    "That¡¯s why you¡¯re both connected¡ªemotions, pain, and magik. It¡¯s like you¡¯re tethered¡­¡±


    My skin crawled at the thought of being bound to Matic¡ªsomeone so dangerous, so unpredictable¡ªmade my stomach twist. But beneath the fear, there was something else. Something I didn¡¯t want to name, a pull that terrified me even more than his power.


    I wanted to scream, to run, to deny everything. This all had to be a theory that would prove to be wrong.


    Matic furthered, ¡°Viola¡¯s powers weren¡¯t fully awakened. They¡¯ve been relying on the energy of Samhain.¡±


    ¡°The spell is tied to Hallow¡¯s Eve," Emery clarified. "It completes at 11:59 p.m. on Halloween night¡ªjust before midnight."


    ¡°So, they are teaching you a thing or two after all. Remarkable,¡± Matic said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    I glanced between them, my mind racing. ¡°The witch in the forest... she said they wouldn¡¯t stop coming,¡± I reminded Matic, though this was news to Emery.


    A knot tightened in my chest as their words sank in. 11:59 p.m.¡ªthe time loomed over me like an invisible weight, each passing second bringing us closer to... what? Until they hunted us down and slaughtered both Matic and I.


    The Vampyr added, "We need to survive until midnight on Samhain. I can only theorize what happens if one of us dies before then." His jaw tightened. "If I die, my magik could surge through you, and that kind of chaos would tear you apart. But if you die..." He hesitated, something flickering in his eyes¡ªconcern, maybe¡ªbefore it vanished. "You broke the seal. You''re the anchor point of this tether. Your death might do more than just kill me¡ªit could trigger the seal again, trapping me back in that prison realm. We''re walking blind here, but neither of us can afford to find out which theory is correct."


    And there it was¡ªthe reason for Matic¡¯s concern. He didn¡¯t want to be resealed away.


    ¡°In other words,¡± Emery continued, her tone grim, ¡°you¡¯re bound together in this, whether you like it or not. Midnight on Halloween is your only chance.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s in¡­¡± I paused trying to mentally remember today''s date.


    ¡°Six days,¡± Emery said as I studied their faces, waiting for one of them to crack a smile, to say this was a joke. There was no humor in their eyes.


    No reprieve.


    Just the cold reality, tightening around me like chains.


    The countdown had begun, and there was no way to stop it.


    I could feel the weight of Matic¡¯s gaze, the heat radiating from his body, as if the tether he spoke of was a physical thing, pulling me in.


    A chill crawled up my spine, seeping into my bones.


    Fuck me.

 Chapter 9

    VIOLA


    The witch in the forest said that Matic was ¡±Destruction walking" and ¡±Devastation in flesh... a harbinger of ruin."


    He was obviously more than just a Vampyr and the very reason why he was sealed away. If we were to rely on each other, I needed to know everything because the witches that had come for him earlier¡­ they weren¡¯t the last.


    And now that I was tied to him, I was a target too. I wasn¡¯t just tangled in this mess; it was pulling me under, drowning me.


    ¡°If I have no choice in this matter, you need to tell me what you are,¡± I demanded, locking eyes with the Vampyr. His crimson gaze flickered, and the corner of his mouth twitched upward, just enough to make my stomach churn.


    He watched me like I was something to be toyed with¡ªa mere snack, nothing more. Heat coiled in my chest as I fought to hold his gaze, feeling small, like a child daring to demand answers from a God.


    But Matic was no god. He was worse¡ªor maybe Gods and Demons were one and the same.  Gods¡ªtoyed with humans like they were nothing, wielding their powers with careless abandon. They tricked, manipulated, and punished simply because they could. Demons were no better, though at least they didn¡¯t pretend to be good. With them, you knew exactly what they were.


    Matic studied me in silence, his gaze unblinking, as though he was weighing something far more important than my question. Or maybe he was just amused that I thought I had the right to demand anything at all.


    I couldn¡¯t read him, but his voice, when it came, was calm¡ªtoo calm¡ªand dangerous, as though he held the world¡¯s darkest secrets in his hands. ¡°I am the son of Asmodeus.¡±


    My body went rigid, the name tumbling from my lips in shock. ¡°Asmodeus¡­¡± My mind raced, the name a sharp echo in my skull.


    One of the seven prince¡¯s of Tehom. Or otherwise Hell. I wasn¡¯t just bound to a Vampyr. I was tethered to fucking a Demon!


    I swallowed hard, and Emery let out a sharp, humorless laugh before cursing under her breath.


    ¡°Of course you fucking are,¡± she muttered, shaking her head as more curses tumbled out, each one more frustrated than the last.


    I stared at Matic in disbelief, my heart pounding. Things had just gotten more complicated, and I wanted to scream, to release the whirlwind of emotions churning inside. But with him standing there, watching me with those cold, predatory eyes, I couldn¡¯t.


    I needed air. My apartment suddenly felt too small, too suffocating.


    ¡°I¡¯m going outside,¡± I muttered, making my way to the balcony.


    The chill night air hit me as soon as I opened the door and stepped out. I welcomed it by closing my eyes and inhaled deeply, knowing that almost an hour ago, I was in the forest with four other witches. And Matic was the enemy.


    Damni it. What was I going to do?


    With my hands gripping the metal railing, I stared out at the busy streets of Toronto. Towering buildings, dim streetlights, the occasional scraggly tree¡ªnone of it held a candle to the clear, starry skies over Phantombrook, that deceptively humble town.


    But was it truly so quaint? The more I thought about it, the clearer it became¡ªMatic had been locked in a hidden chamber, accessible only by a secret staircase behind a massive painting of a woman in a ruby dress. No, that quiet little town was far more than it appeared.


    The library itself had been built directly over his prison. The warlock who saved me wasn¡¯t just a librarian¡ªhe was a guard, watching over his single, silent charge. Tasked with ensuring Matic stayed sealed away, just in case the day came when the Vampyr managed to escape.


    The librarian¡¯s words echoed in my mind: ¡°It¡¯s been almost a century.¡±


    But the timeline didn¡¯t make sense.


    Almost a century of what? I wondered because Matic had been locked away for five hundred years.


    Did something happen a hundred years ago? Had someone else, like me, tried to release him?


    The warlock even knew I was new to Phantombrook, that I didn¡¯t belong there. And I got him killed. The memory replayed in my mind¡ªMatic ripping his arm clean off, tearing into his throat. And the other three... Matic had murdered them, too, in the forest.


    I drew in a shaky breath, searching for some silver lining¡ªat least the Vampyr was weak now. Emery¡¯s mother and grandmother wielded their necromancy with fearsome skill, and Emery could be just as fierce. But what I saw in that forest... Matic was a predator beyond anything I¡¯d ever encountered, a beast forged of blood and brimstone.


    Half Vampyr, half Demon¡ªhow could something like him even exist? What kind of nightmare could create such a being?


    Still, it was only a matter of time before Matic regained his powers, and then what? He¡¯d already threatened Emery, saying she was no match for him¡ªand now I knew he was right. Once his full demonic strength returned, no coven of witches could stop him. It would take the Guardians of the Veil and the Munadi to bring him down.


    Which begged the question: why were the witches the first line of defense? The Mundai and the Guardians of the Veil should have been there from the start, given his demonic nature... unless they¡¯d underestimated the true extent of his power.


    Damn it. I didn¡¯t want to be tethered to a centuries-old Vampyr who could tear me apart if I wasn¡¯t careful.


    "We were bound long ago," Matic¡¯s words echoed through my mind. "No one escapes a bond like ours."


    ¡°Fucking hell,¡± I muttered under my breath, spinning around as the door creaked open behind me.


    Emery stepped out, her lips quirking as she surveyed the scene. ¡°That demonic, Viking Vampyr needs a shower,¡± she said, voice laced with the faintest edge of humor as she approached, her boots barely audible on the concrete. ¡°He¡¯s quite the sight with all that blood and the whole brooding, ¡®I¡¯m going to murder everyone¡¯ vibe.¡±


    The tension cracked, if only for a moment, and a soft laugh escaped me, swept away by the cool breeze.


    ¡°He¡¯s scary as hell, Em,¡± I murmured, my voice low, though I knew it was pointless; Matic¡¯s hearing was far too sharp.


    Emery moved to stand beside me, leaning her elbows on the railing. She cast a casual glance my way, but I saw the tension in her shoulders. ¡°I know, but don¡¯t let him see that,¡± she said, tapping her fingers lightly against the railing.


    ¡°Easier said than done,¡± I muttered, knowing I had tried to hold my ground. Seducing the Demon-Vampyr wasn¡¯t exactly my proudest moment, but at the time, I thought if I could distract him¡ªjust for a few moments¡ªI could find a way out.


    What I didn¡¯t anticipate was how much I¡¯d end up liking it.


    ¡°Says the friend who wanted to write an article on How to Enthrall a Vampyr in Ten Days,¡± Emery teased, nudging me with her elbow.


    ¡°Have you seen the city Vampyrs? They¡¯re kittens compared to Matic.¡±


    My friend straightened, giving me a pointed look. ¡°Last month, you wrote Wooing a Demon Without Losing Your Soul.¡±


    ¡°He owed me an interview.¡± I tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything.¡±


    ¡°And the month before that, Ten Ways to Avoid Being Devoured by a Werewolf?¡± She raised an eyebrow.


    I shrugged, glancing down at the streetlights. ¡°Basic supernatural 101. You know as well as anyone what these reckless teenie boppers are doing these days.¡±


    Emery sighed, turning to face me as she folded her arms. ¡°Vee, my point is, you take on these weird-ass articles willingly and don¡¯t even flinch at what these men are¡ªor what they¡¯re capable of.¡±


    ¡°Because they¡¯re just that¡ªmen.¡±


    ¡°And that titan, brooding Vampyr in your living room? He¡¯s just that too¡ªa man.¡± Emery tilted her head, her eyes softening. ¡°Unfortunately, you¡¯re bonded to him until midnight on Halloween.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    On a frustrated curse, I turned back toward the window. Inside, Matic¡¯s lean muscles rippled with every slow, deliberate movement, like a predator assessing his territory. He was now flickering the lights on and off, staring at the ceiling, clearly baffled by modern technology.


    The thought of depending on him was certifiably crazy.


    ¡°Look,¡± Emery¡¯s started as her fingers tapped a steady rhythm on the cold metal railing. ¡°I¡¯m not saying you should feel great about this¡ªbecause it¡¯s all kinds of messed up. But here we are, and he¡¯s here. I don¡¯t trust him as far as I could throw him, and honestly, the whole ¡®demon lineage¡¯ story sounds a little too convenient. But you¡¯re my girl. I¡¯ve seen you handle men twice his size.¡±


    Matic had stopped playing with the light switch and moved on.


    I groaned, because Emery wasn¡¯t wrong¡ªI¡¯d faced my share of dangerous creatures before, not with magik but with beauty and charm. From an early age, I¡¯d learned the truth: men were men, no matter their race or species. Their desires made them predictable, and predictability was power.


    Emery furthered, ¡°You remember that ogre you had wrapped around your pinky?¡±


    ¡°He was a giant teddy bear.¡±


    ¡°Maybe, but I''m three years older than you, and I avoid them. You can handle this guy.¡± Emery leaned in, her breath warm with the faint scent of pumpkin spice. Her whisper cut through the cool night air, low and cautious, against my ear and far from Matic¡¯s prying ears.


    ¡°In the end, all that matters is that Matic believes you¡¯re the woman who trapped him for five centuries. To him, you¡¯re still his wife.¡± She paused, her expression serious. ¡°That makes him dangerous, but it also makes him vulnerable. Fear and love¡ªthey¡¯re two edges of the same blade. And right now, he¡¯s holding it close.¡±


    I swallowed, my stomach knotting. ¡°Did you have to say it like that?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t just about survival. It¡¯s about knowing what you¡¯re up against.¡±


    ¡°He hates me¡­¡± Even as I said it, I knew it didn¡¯t feel entirely true.


    My friend shook her head, her cheek brushing lightly against mine. ¡°The way he looks at you¡­ it¡¯s not just hate. There¡¯s a line, Vee.¡± She lowered her voice, even lower, if possible. ¡°And that¡¯s something you can use to your advantage.¡±


    She inhaled the night air, and stepped back. There was something more going on with Matic. It wasn¡¯t just anger or resentment. It was more complicated, like he was torn between wanting to end me and¡­


    The echo of Matic¡¯s words reverberated in my mind, each syllable dripping with menace. ¡°To kill you. Fuck you raw until your throat gave out. Drain you dry until your flesh begged for release.¡± It was the essence of him¡ªhis darkness, his hunger, and that raw, unrestrained power that threatened to consume me whole.


    Emery sat in one of the chairs, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to relax. My gaze followed Matic as he prowled through my apartment, shirtless and streaked with blood, a predator in every sense of the word.


    Images flooded my mind¡ªthe rough bark of the tree scraping against my front, his body grinding into my lower back, his growl hot against my neck.


    My thoughts tangled in knots, while tension coiled in my chest.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve told you,¡± I turned toward Emery, my voice laced with guilt. ¡°Maybe if you¡¯d been there, things would¡¯ve turned out differently.¡±


    Emery shrugged, offering a small, wry smile. ¡°If I¡¯m being honest, I would¡¯ve been just as curious about your visions and the chanting¡­ we¡¯d probably be right where we are. There''s a reason why we¡¯re friends.¡±


    I managed a soft laugh, nodding. ¡°Oh my God, Kaylee would¡¯ve had a field day.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± she grinned. ¡°But once Matic showed up, she¡¯d have dissolved into tears. And when Kaylee gets emotional, her magik goes haywire.¡±


    I laughed, and for a moment, the tension eased. Memories of Kaylee¡¯s chaotic spells filled my mind but the laughter felt hollow, and the weight of what had happened pressed down on me.


    ¡°So many witches and warlocks died because of me¡­¡± The words slipped out, unbidden, a confession I hadn¡¯t meant to make.


    My voice trembled, and before I could stop it, tears welled up, blurring my vision. I knew deep down it wasn¡¯t my fault. But the guilt clung to me.


    My friend shot up almost immediately, and hugged me. ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault. That was all him and,¡± she pulled back. ¡°I can¡¯t say we¡¯ve been through worse, but we¡¯ve had our fair share of trouble. We¡¯ll get through this too.¡±


    Wiping at my tears, I let out a long yawn, exhaustion settling deep in my bones. The weight of it all¡ªthe magik, the visions, the Vampyr in my living room¡ªfelt like it was crushing me.


    The balcony door dragged open, the sound grating against the quiet night. I turned to find Matic standing there, a magazine in hand, his gaze fixed on me with that same unnerving intensity.


    ¡°Take me to him. To Fradan Saldana,¡± Matic demanded.


    Emery turned to face the Vampyr and shook her head, her blonde hair swaying over her shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s not happening.¡±


    ¡°And why not? He countered.


    I let out an exasperated breath, my body sagging under the weight of it all. ¡°Matic, Fradan is a billionaire. We can¡¯t just waltz into his mansion and demand to see him.¡± My voice came out tired, barely a whisper. ¡°And why him, anyway? How do you even know him?¡±


    Granted, Fradan¡¯s name was in big, bold letters on the magazine cover, but why him?


    Matic narrowed his eyes. ¡°Little witch, back then he was known as Tom¨¢s Saldana. He¡¯s Katherine¡¯s brother, and he¡¯ll lead me straight to her.¡±


    ¡°One, my name is Viola,¡± I snapped back, grounding myself as my frustration grew. ¡°Secondly, witches don¡¯t normally live that long.¡± I glanced between Matic and Emery.


    My friend sighed, rubbing her temples as if she could massage away the madness. ¡°Okay, I feel like I¡¯m missing half the story here, but I¡¯ll bite. If what you¡¯re saying is true, why would Fradan¡ªor Tom¨¢s, or whatever¡ªtell you anything about his sister? Especially now?¡±


    Matic¡¯s lips twisted into a cold smirk. ¡°Tom¨¢s won¡¯t have a choice. And there may be more to the spell than you or I realize. Maybe it¡¯s not just Samhain that binds us. You smell and taste just like Katherine, and you heard voices that led you straight to me. If he won¡¯t lead me to his sister, he might still have answers.¡±


    Emery¡¯s eyes flicked between us, her expression searching for clarity. ¡°Wait¡­ Katherine was your wife?¡± She pointed to Matic before turning to me. ¡°And you¡­ smell and taste like her?¡± Her gaze landed on me, eyes wide.


    I didn¡¯t know how to answer that, and Matic¡¯s gaze narrowed as he tilted his head toward me. ¡°She doesn¡¯t look like Katherine, but it¡¯s still up for debate if she¡¯s wearing a different skin.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m wearing the only skin I was born with,¡± I shot back, heat rising in my chest.


    Emery sat back down on the edge of her chair, eyes darting between us, trying to piece together the chaos. Her gaze lingered on me¡ªtoo hard, too focused.


    ¡°I am not Katherine!¡± The words burst out, frustration bubbling over. ¡°You went to school with me, Emery!¡±


    She raised her hands in mock surrender, palms out. ¡°I met you in my last year of high school. For all I know, you¡¯re an ancient soul.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡±


    Emery smirked, leaning back. ¡°I¡¯m joking. And no, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re changing skins. This is all really wild, but¡­¡± Her gaze shifted to the blood-streaked Vampyr, who lingered in the doorway.


    A light autumn breeze carried through the air like a whisper and then there was his scent¡ªsharp and metallic. A reminder of the violence simmering beneath his surface.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know¡­¡± she murmured, her words trailing off as her gaze lingered on him.


    Matic¡¯s crimson eyes locked onto hers, ¡°Don¡¯t know what?¡±


    ¡°Katherine is dead. Or, at least, those stories claimed that she died centuries ago.¡±


    My eyes snapped to Matic, watching him closely, waiting for something¡ªanything. A flicker of surprise, a flash of pain, a ripple of anger. He¡¯d been so certain tonight, so unrelenting in his conviction that I was Katherine.


    But there was nothing.


    His expression remained unchanged, his crimson eyes unblinking. He absorbed the news like a stone sinking into still water, leaving no ripples in its wake. It was as though he already knew¡ªor worse, didn¡¯t care. Yet every word, every look, every action tonight hinted otherwise.


    Emery shifted uncomfortably beside me, her eyes darting between us as if trying to piece together a puzzle with missing pieces. She searched for a reaction in him, something to break the suffocating silence¡ªbut Matic gave her nothing.


    When it became clear he wasn¡¯t going to answer, wasn¡¯t going to offer even the faintest flicker of emotion, I forced my voice to steady. ¡°Why did Katherine Saldana seal you away?¡±


    Matic¡¯s gaze flickered to me, but his expression remained impassive. His voice was flat and distant. ¡°People fear what they don¡¯t understand.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t enough. His answer left a hollowness gnawing at my core.


    I shook my head, my frustration boiling over. ¡°That¡¯s a hard swerve. Katherine Saldana sealed you away five centuries ago, yet her brother is still alive today. A cathedral was built over your prison, as if to erase your existence from history¡ªthis feels like more than mere fear.¡±


    ¡°I gave you an answer,¡± Matic said, his tone sharpening.


    ¡°That¡¯s anything but an answer,¡± I shot back, my voice rising with exasperation.


    Matic¡¯s jaw tightened as if he was about to argue, but Emery stepped in, her tone brisk and no-nonsense. ¡°If I may, the Saldanas are an old bloodline¡ªthey¡¯ve been around for centuries, though no one really knows how. There are no other records of Saldana¡¯s extending their life, other than Frandan. It could simply be that those records haven¡¯t been found or maybe they are hidden. Either way, there are ways to extend life, but most aren¡¯t exactly¡­ acceptable. You know I¡¯m a necromancer, and you¡¯ve seen what it¡¯s done to my mother and grandmother. The tips of their fingers are blackening from accessing the dark arts. My grandmother is almost one hundred and fifteen, yet she looks no older than fifty. But with each year, she loses more of her emotions, her humanity. And the Saldanas? They aren¡¯t necromancers.¡±


    Matic was still unreadable despite his loss. The weight of everything was pressing down as I took a steadying breath.


    ¡°Okay, so Katherine married you, and then she sealed you away. Did she not know what you were?¡± Unless, of course, Matic had been different back then¡ªless bold, not so infuriatingly arrogant, and certainly not so eager to flaunt his magik.


    ¡°Vee, maybe we should take a step back for tonight?¡±


    I shook my head, ¡°He wants us to waltz up to Fraden Saldana, then he can answer a few questions. Like did you keep your true nature a secret?¡±


    Matic now stepped onto the balcony, his bare feet scuffing lightly against the concrete as the door clicked shut behind him. ¡°I knew Katherine when I was a child and our parents tried to keep us apart because of my half blood. According to your friend, Katherine died centuries ago. So, the reasons why she betrayed me, little witch, have rotted in the grave with her¡­ unless you¡¯re brave enough to dig it up.¡± His eyes shifted to Emery, casting a dark glower on the Necromancer.


    Emery met his stare, her jaw set so tightly I could almost hear her teeth grinding. The night air seemed to turn colder, the kind of chill that seeped into your bones.


    I hugged my arms around myself, knowing all too well that Emery had taken a stance against her powers long ago. She practiced only minor magik now¡ªoffensive spells, the basics every witch learns at the academy. But she¡¯d long since sworn off anything that pulled her toward the darker arts.


    ¡°Look,¡± She said at last, breaking the silence. ¡°You mentioned Fradan Saldana. I can help you get close to him, but that¡¯s where my help ends.¡± She cast a glance my way, my expression daring her to leave me out of whatever twisted plan was brewing before my eyes.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just walk into his home,¡± she continued, ¡°but you can walk right into his gala tomorrow night.¡±


    ¡°How do you know about the gala?¡± I interjected. ¡°Jamal told me about it¡ªhe and his uncle were invited.¡±


    ¡°Then you don¡¯t need my plan; you already have an in.¡±


    I sighed, shaking my head. ¡°His uncle doesn¡¯t want me going. He doesn¡¯t think I¡¯m good enough for the crowd.¡± There was no way I¡¯d grovel to Jamal, not after everything.


    ¡°Wait¡ªVee, what the hell? What did Jamal say or do?¡±


    ¡°He wants to make an impression, and apparently, I don¡¯t make the cut.¡±


    Emery¡¯s jaw dropped, but Matic cleared his throat, his tone gruff. ¡°None of this seems relevant to getting me face to face with Tom¨¢s Saldana.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re putting a pin in that one,¡± Emery said, giving me a pointed look. ¡°As for the gala, Vee, remember the club from a few nights ago?¡±


    I nodded, ¡°That was the first night I saw the visions.¡±


    I felt his gaze before I even looked up¡ªa heavy, almost tangible force prickling my skin with awareness. When I finally met his eyes, his stare held me captive, daring me to look away, though every nerve in my body screamed to escape the weight of it.


    ¡°Well, while Kaylee was puking, she got a text from one of the catering companies. Kaylee can get you in.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know she was hosting this event,¡± I said, shifting my focus to my friend. But it made sense¡ªher mother had handed her the business and all the high-end clients right after college.


    Emery stood, her gaze on Matic. ¡°And if talking with Fradan doesn¡¯t get you the answers you¡¯re after, I¡¯ll help you. Only because it might help Viola.¡±


    Pieces began to fall into place, one thought out of a million gnawed at me¡ªI couldn¡¯t avoid Jamal forever.


    Sooner or later, I¡¯d have to face him, to decide what to do with the tangled mess between us and everything else unraveling around me.


    Suppressing a yawn, I glanced at Matic. ¡°There. You have an in.¡±


    Emery stretched her arms over her head, her movements relaxed, though her eyes stayed sharp.


    As I headed toward the balcony door, Matic shifted aside, his gaze still fixed on me and it was like he was dissecting my every step and movement as if he could read the secrets beneath my skin.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call Kaylee and let her know the plan,¡± Emery called after me, though her words barely registered.


    I needed a break from all of this¡ªI needed sleep. After a night that felt like a descent into madness, I¡¯ll face it all again tomorrow. But tonight, I just needed to escape, even if only for a little while.


    If only I could wake up and find this had all been nothing more than a terrible nightmare.

 Chapter 10

    VIOLA


    Darkness wrapped around me, inescapable and oppressive, while I burrowed deeper into my fleece blanket. My only shield from the memories threatening to crash in with each heartbeat. A thin beam of morning light slipped past the drapes, tempting me to believe that last night was just a nightmare.


    Emery''s voice, cautious and knowing. Matic''s crimson stare, like he could see straight into my soul, his words¡ªcold, claiming, dangerous. He was real, making my pulse skitter as the weight of that reality settled in.


    Even now, I could see his eyes, glowing like embers against the dark backdrop of the forest, that fiery mark blazing on his forehead before fading when I teleported back here. His tall, menacing frame dominated my cramped apartment, making the six hundred square feet feel like a cage.


    But something shifted in the silence, pulling me back to the present¡ªthe faint, low hum of the TV in the next room, the only noise breaking the oppressive quiet. I waited, listening, hoping to catch the sound of Emery¡¯s voice, anything familiar to ground me. But there was only that dull, faraway sound and the prickling awareness that maybe Matic harmed her.


    My body had moved on autopilot last night - leaving them alone, brushing my teeth and washing out the taste of Matic¡¯s thumb in my mouth¡ªblood and dirt mingling on my tongue. I changed into pajamas I didn''t remember putting on. But exhaustion does that to you when you''re done with everything.


    Slowly I loosened the fleece from around me, feeling the cool air brush against my skin as I listened again, straining to catch any other sound. Nothing. The silence was complete, thick and pressing.


    Damn it.


    Swallowing back the nerves creeping up my spine, I threw off the blanket and slid out of bed. My bedroom door creaked open, and each step into the hallway felt heavy, the worn floorboards groaning in quiet protest.


    Rounding the corner into the living room, I froze, taking in the chaos from last night: empty snack bags, half-eaten pizza, and a graveyard of energy drinks and soda cans cluttering the coffee table. It looked like the aftermath of a frat party, but I knew better¡ªit was Emery¡¯s attempt to pacify a formidable creature.


    As a born Vampyr, he could tolerate human food; it was the ones who were turned, who couldn''t stomach it. Although, I would have assumed that Matic wasn¡¯t a full bred Vampyr, simply because of his ever present crimson eyes last night.


    Goosebumps prickled across my skin as an unsettling sensation crept over me - someone was behind me.


    ¡°Ah, the little witch has finally awakened,¡± he drawled, his eyes now a pale, almost grayish blue¡ªnot vibrant like Emery¡¯s, but cold and faded, like ice under shadow.


    The sound that left my throat was somewhere between a yelp and pure indignation. "Why are you always naked!"


    There he stood, dripping wet, with only a towel slung across his shoulders. Water traced rivulets down his bare chest and disappeared below, while his shoulder-length blonde hair framed features that looked like they were forged in flame. Clean and free of blood, I could finally see the intricate, dark snake tattoo I¡¯d glimpsed the night I first released him.


    This time, however, it coiled across his chest and swept over his shoulder. It pulsed, in an almost hypnotic rhythm and slithered just beneath Matic¡¯s skin.


    Quickly, I dropped my gaze and took a step back, then another, trying to create as much distance as possible between us. Within seconds, my calf hit the edge of the coffee table. I lost my balance, stumbling as I reached out, desperate to steady myself, but my hand caught only air. Time seemed to slow, and I knew I was going down.


    Before I could fall, Matic''s hand clamped around my forearm and he pulled me upright and against him¡ªtoo close, too fast¡ªuntil my face hovered just inches from his chest. The movement knocked the breath from my lungs, and before I could stop myself, I inhaled.


    The scent of him¡ªclean and dangerously masculine¡ªfilled my senses, making my head spin.


    Matic''s thumb brushed over my pulse, tracing where his fangs had pierced me last night. The deliberate touch sent warning signals racing down my spine. This close, his blue-gray eyes were deceptively soft and though every instinct screamed at me to run, I remained frozen - a mouse caught in a serpent''s gaze.


    Then I felt it¡ªthe unmistakable hardness of him pressing firmly against my lower abdomen. The heat of him seared through the thin barrier of my clothes, a blatant reminder of the creature holding me.


    My throat closed around a sound I didn''t want to acknowledge¡ªhalf gasp, half plea. "I have a boyfriend!" The words ripped out of me as I stumbled back, my feet tangling in their desperation to escape.


    I climbed over the sofa, stumbling until my back hit the kitchen counter.


    I shouldn¡¯t be that close to him again. Not when the Vampyr had already proven he would take whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, with zero regard for my consent.


    Screw that, I shouldn¡¯t even be alone with him right now!


    Where in the hell is Emery?


    My gaze darted around the apartment, frantically scanning for any sign of a struggle, blood, or¡ªGod forbid¡ªa bloody corpse.


    When my eyes flicked back to Matic, his expression was unreadable, though his movements were deliberate. He pulled the towel from his shoulders, wrapping it loosely around his waist.


    ¡°Most people, when helped, offer a ¡®thank you,¡¯¡± he remarked, his voice laced with quiet amusement.


    I swallowed, cheeks still burning. ¡°Thank you,¡± I mumbled, hoping it would end there. Hoping he would poof, disappear.


    ¡°What exactly is this¡­ boyfriend?¡± His gaze stayed locked on me, sharp and probing.


    But my eyes betrayed me, flicking downward for a split second. The outline of his cock was unmistakable¡ªready, hungry, a dark promise of what had been interrupted last night. My pulse spiked, and a cold wave of fear crashed over me.


    I was terrified of him. And of that thing between his thighs.


    ¡°He¡¯s my¡­¡± I paused, refocusing, and unable to think straight. I glanced anywhere but at him. ¡°He¡¯s my man.¡±


    ¡°By that, you mean your husband?¡±


    I shook my head, sidestepping around the countertop and into the kitchen. My eyes landed on the stack of dishes piled in the sink¡ªleftover reminders of a life that now felt worlds away.


    Emery must have picked them up last night. When I yanked the pot from the bottom of the pile to swing at Matic, the entire stack had come crashing down. Now, they sat waiting to be washed¡ªa task that would¡¯ve been done already if I hadn¡¯t been swept into the madness of Phantombrook yesterday.


    ¡°No, not my husband,¡± I replied, reaching for a plate and rinsing it under the tap, letting the sound of water cover the silence between us. ¡°I¡¯m only twenty one and he¡¯s my boyfriend. He¡¯s¡­ someone I¡¯m dating.¡±


    The words crumbled as they left my mouth. Matic moved closer, his presence too overwhelming for the cramped space of my apartment. I forced my attention on the dishes, washing and scrubbing, while he loomed nearby, wearing nothing but a towel.


    Matic¡¯s gaze bored into me, while I struggled to keep my gaze fixed on the soapy water.


    His voice was lined with dark curiosity. ¡°So¡­ this boyfriend, who is not your husband, is courting you?¡± he began slowly, each word feeling like an interrogation.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I answered, thrown by his choice of words. I knew the term, but no one in the modern day used it.


    ¡°You sound unsure.¡±


    ¡°Jamal holds my interest,¡± I clarified, feeling the weight of his scrutiny.


    ¡°This boyfriend, who is not courting you, holds your interest¡ªand yet you are neither married nor bonded to him.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I nodded, annoyed and swallowed as my mouth went dry but I was determined not to lift my eyes and look at the Vampyr. It was impossible to ignore the raw power radiating off him.


    Last night had been easier, barely¡ªblood, chaos and Emery''s presence had kept me anchored. But morning had brought stillness, leaving just us.


    ¡°You know, that¡¯s just how things are now,¡± I said, my voice softer than I intended, as I kept scrubbing the plate. ¡°People aren¡¯t bonded anymore¡ªnot like that. Mates, soulmates... those are so rare nowadays they¡¯re practically myths. And people my age? We don¡¯t marry in our early twenties, let alone talk about belonging to someone.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± he murmured, his voice curling around me like smoke. ¡°And what would this boyfriend do if he found out that another man was in his home?¡±


    I sighed, and replied. ¡°First off, it¡¯s my home. I work my ass off and pay the bills and secondly¡­¡±


    Jamal wasn¡¯t the hot-headed type, my thoughts drifted.


    He didn¡¯t start fights¡ªthere was too much at stake. In his early thirties and a lawyer, he couldn¡¯t afford a charge on his record. He defused situations with calm, calculated words, the same way he dismantled lawsuits and defended his clients¡ªalways knowing exactly what to say and how to say it.


    Apparently not with his personal life.


    ¡°Little witch,¡± Matic said, his voice dropping low and deliberate, ¡°this boyfriend of yours wouldn¡¯t fight for what¡¯s his.¡±Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to fight for. Nothing is happening,¡± I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.


    ¡°Are you going to tell him?¡±


    My eyes shot up, locking with his. ¡°I will tell him,¡± I said, though the words felt weak even to my own ears. Turning away, I forced my focus on the dishes still stacked in the sink, clinging to anything that felt normal. ¡°Where is Emery?¡±


    ¡°Out,¡± Matic replied..


    ¡°Did she say where she was going? Or what she was doing?¡±


    Just before climbing into bed last night, I''d searched for my cell phone only to realize I must have lost it somewhere in Phantombrook. I felt exposed without it, and with Emery gone, I had no tether to the outside world.


    In my peripheral vision, I caught him shaking his head. ¡°She didn¡¯t share her plans with me,¡± he replied. After a pause, he added, ¡°Why do you make yourself small?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I glanced up at him with furrowed brows.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost as if you don¡¯t want to accept that you, and only you, released me,¡± he replied, his tone low and unwavering, like he was stating an obvious truth rather than asking a question.


    I blinked, at a loss for words and his comment hitting closer than I wanted to admit. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± I muttered, scrubbing the last dish with unnecessary force before turning off the tap.


    I dried my hands, but he pressed on. ¡°On the contrary, you are my business,¡± Matic said. ¡°If we are to protect each other, I need to understand why you resist accepting what was inherently birthed within you.¡±


    Ignoring him, I crouched under the sink for a fresh garbage bag. The faint rustle of plastic was the only reply I gave. Pulling it open, I stepped out of the kitchen and began gathering pizza boxes, wrappers, and empty snack containers.


    Matic¡¯s voice filled the room. ¡°If my magik is surging through you, I need you to come to terms with your abilities,¡± he said, each word weighted. ¡°Because you may be the blocker, hindering me from tapping into my full powers.¡±


    I crushed and folded a pizza box on itself. ¡°Yes, because that¡¯s exactly what the world needs¡ªyou, with full powers, ready to destroy the world.¡±


    ¡°Not the world.¡±


    ¡°Well, I wouldn¡¯t know that, would I?¡± I shot back. ¡°You¡¯ve done an excellent job proving how utterly terrifying you are, and that¡¯s without your full power. I saw the look on the witch''s face, as she watched you strike down her friends, one by one.¡±


    ¡°They would have turned on you eventually, so why do you care?¡±


    I shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But what I do know is that you didn¡¯t save me out of kindness. You saved me because you didn¡¯t want them to kill me. And they feared you.¡±


    Gathering the boxes and plastic wrappers, I stepped onto the balcony, shoving everything into the recycling bin. When I returned, Matic stood on the far side of the family room, the coffee table between us like an unspoken boundary.


    ¡°People fear what they don¡¯t understand,¡± he told me.


    ¡°You said that already,¡± I shot back and didn¡¯t move from the balcony doors. I crossed my arms as frustration bubbled over now. ¡°Cryptic, but it explains nothing. Why won¡¯t you just tell me the truth? Maybe we¡¯ll never know why Katherine Saldana sealed you away¡ªor maybe her brother does. Or maybe you really don¡¯t but I think you do and you just refuse to say.¡± My voice rose with each word, my questions tumbling out faster than I could stop them.


    Matic¡¯s gaze hardened, something raw and unguarded flickering across his face. Despite the distance, the tight, cramped confines of my six-hundred-square-foot apartment left no room to escape the weight of his presence. Even standing near the balcony doors, I felt suffocated by the intensity of his stare.


    I pressed on, the words spilling out. ¡°The questions won¡¯t go away. What made them fear you enough to post a guard in that library? What exactly happened? The moment you were released, it triggered something¡ªlike they knew, like they¡¯d been waiting to come after you. They built an entire cathedral over your prison.¡±


    ¡°Katherine didn¡¯t see a man,¡± he gruffly admitted, his voice carrying a raw, unspoken pain. ¡°She saw a monster. Just like everyone else.¡± Matic looked away from me, his gaze distant. ¡°Fear twists people. Turns them into traitors when you need them most.¡±


    The sudden pain caught me off guard. For a moment, I saw past the half blood Vampyr who''d terrorized me in the forest, past the predator who''d torn through those witches.


    Matic rounded the coffee table, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator closing in on its prey. The towel loosely tucked around his waist did little to diminish the raw, dangerous energy that radiated from him.


    His words hung in the air, heavy and raw. Was he claiming innocence? Or simply that his punishment had been excessive, a cruelty inflicted not for what he had done, but for what he was?


    I didn¡¯t move, didn¡¯t back away, even though every nerve in my body screamed at me to retreat.


    ¡°Matic,¡± I said. ¡°Who are they?¡±


    It seemed impossible to imagine someone being sealed away for five centuries without cause. Yet there was something in his voice¡ªan unshakable conviction¡ªthat made me hesitate.


    ¡°The Saldanas,¡± he said, stopping in front of me, the name like a curse on his lips. ¡°And everyone else who judged me simply for existing.¡±


    This wasn''t just about Fradan or Katherine. His revenge would spread like wildfire, consuming everyone who''d ever wronged him. And I was bound to him, tethered to a creature whose path of destruction was just beginning.


    Before I could press further, my pulse quickened as his hand reached toward me, instinct forced me to flinch. He didn¡¯t withdraw and his fingers curled around my chin, firm yet eerily calm, tilting my face to the side.


    His light eyes traced the two puncture wounds left by his fangs.


    Without a word, he released my face and brought his wrist to his mouth. His teeth sank into his pale skin, tearing just enough for dark, viscous blood to well up.


    ¡°Drink,¡± he commanded, voice low and unyielding. ¡°It will close the wound.¡±


    "I know," I murmured, my voice steadier than I felt. The space between us felt charged and each breath drew his scent deeper into my lungs, making the fine hairs on my arms stand on end. His presence surrounded me, overwhelming my senses until all I could focus on was the steady rise and fall of his chest, the heat radiating from his bare skin.


    His eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation breaking through his composure. "Tell me, how often do you let Vampyrs sink their fangs into you?" he growled, the sound vibrating through the air between us.


    "N-not that many, or not too often," I stammered, taken aback by the sudden shift. ¡°I do it a few times a month because it pays well.¡± But why did Matic suddenly sound so sharp? The possessive edge in his tone wasn''t new, considering that he just came into my life last night, but what did it matter?


    He scoffed. ¡°Little witch, you seem well-versed in bloodletting, yet you¡¯re clueless about Samhain.¡±


    My brows furrowed as I gripped his wrist, defiance flaring up. "And what is your problem now?" I challenged him.


    When Matic remained silent, I ignored the weight of his glare and lowered my head, my lips brushing against his wrist. The sharp tang of his blood hit my tongue, warm and rich, sending a familiar heat coursing through me.


    I¡¯d done this before¡ªgiven my blood to Vampyrs and had my own taken¡ªbut with Matic, it didn¡¯t feel like the usual exchange. It felt intimate, strangely familiar, as though we¡¯d been here before.


    My fingers tightened involuntarily around his wrist as images flashed behind my eyes ¨C fragments of memories that weren''t mine. The whisper of silk against skin. A woman''s laugh, familiar yet strange.


    Matic, the ever brooding Vampyr, smiling so pleasantly I thought maybe it wasn¡¯t him.


    I jerked back, my heart thundering against my ribs. My lips tingled where his blood had touched them, and heat bloomed across my chest, creeping up my neck. Every nerve ending sang with awareness, my skin hypersensitive, as if the slightest brush of air might shatter me.


    "What was that?" I whispered, more to myself than him, my voice shaky. I''d shared blood before, but never... never like this. Never with this strange sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu that made my stomach flip and my hands tremble.


    Matic¡¯s eyes darkened like storm clouds gathering, until only slate gray remained. His gaze locked onto mine, unreadable but intense. I swallowed hard, watching as the wound on his wrist sealed seamlessly, as if he''d never bled. But I could still taste him on my tongue, still feel the echo of whatever had passed between us.


    Did he feel it as well?


    ¡°What was what?¡± He countered


    Before I could even begin to make sense of it, keys turned in the lock. I turned as Matic¡¯s gaze snapped to the door, his entire body tensing, every inch of him coiled and ready.


    The door swung open, and Emery stepped in, balancing garment bags and duffels like we were heading off on vacation. She leaned against the wall in the foyer, attempting to kick off her Uggs without dropping anything. Her gaze darted between us, eyes narrowing while I wiped Matic''s blood from my lips with the back of my hand.


    "Did something happen again? Were you two playing nice?" She asked, a suspicious frown forming.


    ¡°Everything is fine,¡± I told her and glanced at Matic, whose expression was unreadable, but his intensity hadn¡¯t faded.


    Emery¡¯s gaze shifted fully to me. "No pots flying this time?¡± And she arched a brow, humor lacing her voice.


    Clearing my throat, I stepped toward her and asked. ¡°Where did you go?¡±


    Emery nudged the door closed with her hip. "Dresses for tonight, courtesy of Kaylee and her mom." Walking past me, she dumped the garment bags and the two duffel bags on the sofa.


    I gestured at my living and said, ¡°Thank you for the giant mess I woke up to this morning.¡±


    She glanced over her shoulder at me, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t want him feasting on you or I. He needed to eat, but I see your bite marks are finally healed.¡± She watched us both.


    My fingers found the healed marks as Emery emptied her bags onto the sofa. Makeup, hair supplies, and everything else we''d need for tonight''s gala scattered across the cushions before she extracted clothes for Matic.


    "These should fit," Emery held out a pair of pants and a shirt, eyeing Matic''s height and build. "But they''re temporary - you''ll need to change again for the gala tonight."


    Without hesitation, he dropped the towel. I yelped and spun around while Emery squealed, slapping a hand over her eyes.


    "Matic!" we yelled in unison.


    "Use the room!" I thrust my finger toward my bedroom. "Change in there."


    Matic''s silence filled the space before his voice cut through, "You''re not going to follow and assist with dressing me?"


    "I already told you this morning, we aren''t servants," Emery cut in.


    "You set the bath before you left."


    ¡°That was the shower, and I was showing you how it works.¡±


    "And you," his attention turned to me but I couldn¡¯t see Matic because my back was facing the Vampyr, but I could feel his eyes boring into me. "You live in this tiny home and wash dishes."


    "I told you last night, this is my home. Not servant quarters and my kitchen was dirty! Who else would clean it?" I wanted to whirl around just so he could see my frustration, but his nakedness kept me frozen in place.


    "Last night you fetched me food, and now you bring me clothes." His tone carried that aristocratic expectation of someone used to servants at his beck and call. Then again, being from the fifteen hundreds, he probably was.


    "Your stomach growled," Emery shot back.


    "We''re not your servants, Matic! Dress yourself!" I jabbed my finger toward the bedroom again.


    Heartbeats stretched between us before his footsteps finally moved toward the bedroom. Emery and I kept our backs turned until the door clicked shut with deliberate slowness.


    Emery''s laughter burst through the quiet, catching me off guard. I nudged her shoulder, rolling my eyes. ¡°None of this is funny,¡± I muttered, but a reluctant chuckle escaped me too.


    Her blue gaze softened, and she asked, ¡°While I was gone...how was he?¡±


    ¡°Very... Matic,¡± I replied, the understatement carrying more weight than I intended.


    She gave a knowing nod, studying me thoughtfully. ¡°By the way, where¡¯s your phone? I tried calling you earlier and it kept going to voicemail.¡±


    "I must have lost it in Phantombrook." The words came out casual enough. "I need a shower,¡± I muttered, slipping away before Emery could stop me.


    As I reached the bathroom, scenarios of tonight''s gala played through my mind.


    Damn it.


    Not only was Matic, the very unpredictable Vampyr, going to confront Fradan, Katherine¡¯s brother and powerful witch, but Jamal was going to be there.


    How in the world was I going to explain any of it?


    George would have a field day with this one. His constant judgment of me being unsuitable for his precious nephew would finally be justified. The trashy girlfriend who wasn''t invited, showing up with a strange man. Perfect.


    My stomach twisted through my entire shower and followed me into my bedroom. I didn''t want to go - for so many reasons. But here I was, walking straight into another nightmare.


    Whether it was Fradan, Jamal, or a group of witches waiting to ambush us, there was no way tonight would end on a good note.

 Chapter 11

    VIOLA


    Upon leaving my apartment, Matic stood in the hallway while we waited for Emery to finish applying the last touch of her makeup. She had said the Uber driver was not even ten minutes away, and she still had to decide what heels worked with her outfit, and then pick a complimenting purse.


    ¡°Em,¡± I called standing in front of the open door. ¡°You know that one of the elevators is broken right? We¡¯ll be waiting forever for the other to get to my floor, and right now it''s clear!¡±


    ¡°I know, I¡¯m coming. Just give me like five minutes,¡± She called from my bedroom.


    ¡°You said that like five minutes ago.¡±


    Radio silence.


    Any other night, I''d be ransacking my closet, trying on five different dresses while Emery critiqued each one. But tonight, my reflection barely registered as I smoothed down the black chiffon corset midi dress. It hugged my curves in all the right places and I had twisted my curls into a sleek ponytail, clipping on basic gold earrings. Simple. Safe.


    Matic, not naked or in a towel, cut an impressive figure in his perfectly tailored suit as he glanced around and murmured, "Who else resides in this estate?" The fabric molded to his broad shoulders and lean frame like a second skin.


    "It''s an apartment building," I told him, inhaling deeply and trying to ignore how the fabric of his suit did nothing to hide the raw power beneath. The black material stretched across his shoulders like it was painted on, every shift of muscle visible despite the expensive tailoring. It wasn''t fair that someone so lethal could look so...


    I forced my eyes away. Dangerous. He looked dangerous, I told myself and pushed away any other thoughts. That''s all I should be noticing.


    "Everyone has their own space," I continued, despite the heat creeping up my neck. "Their own apartment."


    Even in my four-inch heels, I had to tilt my head back, my eyes traitorously resuming its¡­admiration


    Matic¡¯s brows furrowed as his gaze swept down the hallway, the faint shift of that damned snake tattoo beneath his white dress shirt drawing my attention again. It coiled and slithered, a constant reminder of the raw, restrained power barely concealed beneath his polished exterior.


    His crystalline stare narrowed on me, "You permit commoners to dwell within arm''s reach?"


    ¡°I don¡¯t permit, because I don¡¯t own this apartment building. This is my home, right in there,¡± I pointed through my door, and then gestured around the hallway. ¡°Every door you see will take you to another home.¡±


    His jaw clenched, a shadow of disbelief darkening his face. ¡°You live in a tavern?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I shook my head.


    Matic opened his mouth, when a door across the hall opened, and my neighbor Sarah emerged ready for her evening shift. She froze mid-step, her eyes widening as they raked over Matic with undisguised hunger.


    I knew that look¡ªthe universal stare ''I want now'', and the way she bit her lower lip, her fingers toying with her keys, every movement designed to draw attention.


    Something twisted in my gut. Before I could stop myself, I stepped closer to him, too close, and inhaled. His scent was my body wash, vanilla and shea moisture but there was also him. Masculine, primal and winter storms.


    My pulse skipped and my fingers found his shirt collar, brushing against warm skin. "Your bow tie," I managed, trying to steady my voice. "It''s missing."


    Icy blues held mine, "A what?" He raised an eyebrow and Sarah continued on her way.


    ¡°It¡¯s black and goes around your neck,¡± I told him, staring up at the Vampyr.


    "Uber''s downstairs!" Emery''s voice seemed to come out of nowhere, and she was now standing in the doorway and slipping on her heels.


    Withdrawing my hand, I swiftly headed back into my apartment with my heels clicking against the hardwood floor. I went into the bathroom, where Matic had changed into his three-piece Gala outfit. I found the bow tie on the ground near the garbage bin.


    Snatching it up, I hurried back to where they were waiting. Emery closed the door behind me and locked up with her extra key, and I stepped in front of Matic. He stood with that same predatory stillness that made my hands shake, just slightly as I reached up to fix his collar.


    "These are like neck stocks,¡± His voice was low, almost intimate.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    "What noblemen wore in my time." I felt Matic¡¯s eyes observing me as my fingers worked the silk. "Though we had proper ones made of the finest fabric. Not whatever this is¡­¡±


    "If you two are done with the history lesson," Emery called out, halfway down the hallway "our driver''s waiting."


    Finishing fastening the strap around his neck, I called after her with a teasing tone. ¡°Says the woman who had us waiting.¡±


    Emery only waved a dismissive hand over her shoulder, disappearing into the hallway.


    When we stepped outside, the waiting Uber caught my attention immediately. It wasn¡¯t just a car; it was one of those sleek, luxury models¡ªblack, glossy, and screaming a price tag that could fund my rent for months.


    The ride passed in relative silence, broken only by Matic gazing out the window and murmuring about how everything was so bright, loud, and busy. At one point, he asked where all the horses and buggies had gone.


    On my other side, Emery''s phone buzzed for the third time. Her fingers flew across the screen, tension radiating from her hunched shoulders. When a few calls went to voicemail, she cursed under her breath, typing furiously.


    I shifted closer, trying to catch a glimpse of her screen. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is everything okay?¡±


    Emery angled away with her phone, and something cold settled in my stomach. We''d been friends since childhood¡ªshe¡¯s been there through bad spells and celebrated my small magik victories, aka changing my hair color.


    "It''s nothing," she muttered, still not meeting my eyes. Her usual warm smile was nowhere to be found, replaced by tight lips and a furrowed brow.


    Another buzz and another string of rapid-fire texts.


    Something was happening. However, I redirected my focus and watched the city blur past us. I tried to ignore my friend lying to me and tried not to focus on how Matic''s thigh pressed against mine in the backseat. Or how his very masculine scent seemed to fill the enclosed space.


    When we arrived at Casa Loma, the main entrance was chaos¡ªcamera flashes lighting up the night like lightning, reporters shouting questions at Toronto''s elite as they strutted down the red carpet.


    Matic questioned, "This is Fraden''s castle?"


    ¡°No one owns this castle,¡± I said, watching his profile as he studied the gothic spires rising against the night sky. ¡°Well, the British royal family does, but this is more like... a museum that rich people rent for parties.¡±


    The driver circled around to a quieter side entrance, where the kitchen staff and servers slipped in and out like shadows.


    The Uber dropped us off, Kaylee stood waiting by the metal door, clipboard in hand.


    Her eyes widened as she took us in, and she asked Emery. "Uh oh, something is wrong¡­" And she glanced between the three of us, her curious hazel eyes landing on Matic.


    Emery replied, almost instantly. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Inside the building, we were now in the busy kitchen. The space was a symphony of controlled chaos¡ªservers in crisp black and white weaved between prep stations, balancing trays of delicate appetizers.


    I said to Kaylee, ¡°Everything is wrong and that¡¯s a whole conversation for another day. To address Emery, she won¡¯t tell me what¡¯s going on.¡± Then I introduced my friend. ¡°Kaylee, Matic. Matic, Kaylee.¡± I pointed between them.


    Matic stepped forward with that fluid grace that made him seem otherworldly even in this modern setting. He took Kaylee''s hand, bending slightly to brush his lips across her knuckles.


    "I am most honored to make your acquaintance," he murmured. It was something out of the movies and proved that he can act civilized.


    I watched Kaylee¡¯s cheeks flush, her clipboard dropping slightly as she melted under his courtly gesture. I recalled how he¡¯d snarled and snapped at both Emery and me.


    Funny how five centuries of aristocratic manners only surfaced when it served his purpose. But then again, he thought I was his wife who locked him away for five centuries, and Emery had attacked him on my behalf and threatened him periodically.


    "Oh," Kaylee breathed, her wide-eyed gaze fixed on Matic before she caught herself and shot me a look that clearly said we''re definitely talking about this later. She turned back to him quickly, smoothing her expression. "I mean, yes. Nice to meet you too."


    Around us steam rose from massive pots while chefs barked orders. The air was thick with the clash of scents: seared meat, fresh herbs, butter browning in pans.


    ¡°Lead us to the Gala and we¡¯ll be out of your way,¡± I said.


    Kaylee cleared her throat, cheeks red. ¡°Of course,¡± and she gave one last look at me before gesturing for us to follow her. In the background, a chef cursed as flame erupted from a pan, the burst of heat making servers dodge and weave.


    Somewhere, glass shattered, quickly followed by rapid-fire apologies. Kaylee led us confidently through the maze of stainless steel and controlled chaos, pausing only when someone asked for guidance on dessert placements.


    She gave quick advice, barely breaking stride, and when another chef handed her a spoon for a taste test, she sipped, nodding approval before moving on.


    Her clipboard was like a shield as we navigated past the frantic prep cooks and waiters arranging intricate displays. Every person we passed straightened slightly, acknowledging her authority without breaking their rhythm.


    Finally reaching our destination, Kaylee pushed open a set of ornate double doors. "Have fun," she smiled and waved goodbye.


    Passing my friend, I said to her. ¡°Good luck tonight.¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    We stepped from kitchen chaos into pure opulence. The grand ballroom of Casa Loma stretched before us, its gothic revival architecture a testament to a bygone era. Ornate stone archways soared overhead, their carved details casting elaborate shadows in the golden light. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling like cascading stars, their light catching on the dark oak paneling that lined the walls.


    Women in designer gowns that probably cost more than my rent floated between clusters of men in perfectly tailored tuxedos. Waiters glided through the crowd with flutes of champagne and elaborate hors d''oeuvres, practiced smiles fixed on their faces. A string quartet played in the corner, though their music barely carried over the carefully modulated laughter and conversations.


    Matic moved beside me, his presence unavoidable and somehow more dangerous among all this practiced civility. His eyes swept the room with predatory focus¡ªa wolf among peacocks, sizing up prey dressed in Gucci and Prada.


    He was seeking Fraden Saldana, the very reason why we were here.


    It was at this moment, my last conversation with Jamal replayed in my mind. His silence in that hallway had echoed louder than any words¡ªanother person choosing not to fight for me. That silence had sent me running to Phantombrook, chasing visions and voices, desperate to prove I was more than just another girl who didn''t quite fit.


    My fingers traced the simple gold earrings, my one concession to glamor in this world of diamonds and designer labels. Each detail of my appearance tonight had been carefully chosen¡ªthe black dress, the sleek ponytail¡ªall armor against Jamal and his uncle''s judgment. As if looking the part could prove I was worth something. Worth keeping. Worth fighting for.


    Studying the space and the guests in their designer gowns and red-bottom heels, I felt that familiar outsider ache. My inheritance was a stack of foster care paperwork and magik that barely lit candles, while even Emery had generations of power backing her¡ªa mother and grandmother running the most prestigious witch academy in northern Ontario, a father whose empire stretched across Toronto.


    I had watched Kaylee navigate the kitchen with practiced authority¡ªevery inch the empire heiress her mother had groomed her to be. Jamal, who¡¯d marched straight from high school, to undergrad, to law school without a single misstep.


    The irony wasn''t lost on me that even Matic, ancient and deadly, fit more naturally into this world of wealth and privilege than I ever could. The way he''d dismissed my apartment as servant quarters, how naturally he wore that three-piece suit¡ªhe belonged in this type of world.


    Emery spoke to Matic, standing on his other side. "Don''t make a scene when and if you find Fraden. He''s a billionaire, and he will have bodyguards."


    "Men, who will attempt to take you down." I further explained


    Matic¡¯s fingers ghosted over his cuffs, a gesture too elegant to be merely adjusting them. ¡°Mortal guardians?¡± His lips curved with ancient amusement.


    I reminded him, "You and Emery both admitted that Fraden comes from an old and powerful bloodline. I highly doubt they are men." I was now watching them both, wondering if I missed something.


    "Nevertheless, fragile minds are so easily... persuaded. After all,¡± his voice dropped lower. ¡°Desire and violence have danced together since time began.¡±


    Before I could ask him what the hell he meant by that, Matic slipped away into the crowd.


    Cursing under my breath, I hurried after him, weaving through the sea of strangers. It wasn¡¯t until several steps later that I glanced back, expecting to see Emery close behind. But she wasn¡¯t there.


    A knot tightened in my stomach¡ªsomething was definitely going on with her.


    Faltering back, I searched for my friend. Weaving through the crowd, and scanning the space and knowing that I had to get to the bottom of whatever was bothering her but then Matic''s voice drew my attention like a hook.


    There he stood, champagne in hand, holding court with a group of Toronto''s elite.


    How in the world did he manage to find people to talk to?


    Nevertheless, their bodies curved toward him unconsciously, faces flushed and eager¡ªmoths drawn to a flame that could incinerate them.


    With each word he spoke, they leaned closer, caught in the gravity of his power like I had been in that forest. Even from here, I could feel it¡ªthat honeyed thickness in the air that spoke of desire and danger. The son of Asmodeus was playing with his food.


    I started to turn away, to continue searching for my friend, when I heard someone say to Matic, "You''re a Ro?i? but I don''t believe we''ve crossed paths at any of these events."


    Someone else raised a question, ¡°There¡¯s only Eva, but she doesn¡¯t have a brother. How are you connected to Roz Industries?¡±


    Damn it. I couldn''t waste time looking for Emery. Whatever she was up to would have to wait¡ªright now, I needed to stop the son of Asmodeus from revealing too much information.


    "I am not,¡± Matic answered. ¡°You mistake my meaning. The Ro?i? holdings have been in my family''s possession since before your grandparents drew breath.¡±


    "How strange," a woman perked up. "Eva Ro?i? is the CEO of Roz Indust¡ª¡±


    "There you are!" I cut in, sliding through the group to Matic''s side. My hand found his arm, fingers digging in with warning pressure. "You wandered off, and I''ve been looking everywhere for you."


    The lie came easily, playing the role of concerned date. "You know how these old buildings are¡ªso easy to get turned around in all these rooms." I flashed an apologetic smile at the group. "I hope he hasn''t been boring you?"


    ¡°No, not at all.¡± One of the men responded.


    I glanced up at Matic, to find his pale blue eyes cutting into mine. He knew exactly what I was doing, but the question was¡ªwould he play along or make this more difficult?


    ¡°And who is this beautiful young lady?" Another man glanced at me with a warm smile.


    Before I could introduce myself, Matic''s arm slipped around my waist, pulling me possessively closer.


    "My wife," he said, his accent thicker than before, wrapping around the word like a claim.


    The word ''wife'' froze the breath in my lungs. Before I could protest, his lips brushed my forehead¡ªsoft, possessive, a claim made in front of witnesses who had no idea they were watching a centuries-old drama unfold.


    My fingers twitched against my palm, nails biting into skin as I forced my lips into a smile.


    "My date here loves to embellish our story," I said, injecting warmth into my voice despite the way my throat wanted to close. I gestured to Matic with forced casualness. "He''s my boyfriend."


    ¡°When one¡¯s blood recognizes its mate,¡± He murmured to everyone, his voice low and sure. ¡°Time itself holds no dominion over such truth.¡±


    The calm certainty in Matic''s tone was intense and left me breathless. His words lingered in the space between us, heavy with meaning only I could grasp.


    "Aw, that''s sweet," The woman responded.


    Another man said, "Well, when you know, you know."


    Though no one else seemed to notice, I knew better¡ªMatic, the ever infuriating Vampyr was still seeing Katherine, still anchoring me to a past that didn¡¯t belong to me.


    I forced a light laugh to break the tension and my cheeks warmed as I looked at the gathering.


    ¡°Now, before my date here weaves his next grand tale,¡± I said, injecting as much humor as I could muster, ¡°I¡¯d love to introduce him to someone. If you¡¯ll excuse us.¡±


    ¡°Duty calls,¡± Matic responded smoothly. A charming veneer and before anyone could reply, I took his hand and led him away from the women and men.


    When we were far enough from the group, I released his hand but kept moving, weaving through guests in sequined gowns and tailored suits.


    My mind spun from his words¡ªhis public claim, the way he¡¯d kissed my forehead. He had played along, but he¡¯d also improvised far more than I¡¯d expected but I couldn¡¯t let myself dwell on it.


    Matic was playing a game, and he seemed to enjoy watching me flustered and unbalanced.


    ¡°Running from something, wife?¡± Matic murmured, the possessive challenge unmistakable in his tone.


    My jaw tightened, refusing to rise to his bait. The word "wife," spoken like a claim rather than a taunt, sent an unsettling prickle down my spine.


    I kept my back to him, letting the press of strangers swallow me as I moved deeper into the crowd.


    "First, don''t call me that," I tossed over my shoulder, forcing a lightness into my voice that barely covered the pulse hammering beneath it. "Second, you can''t just hint at being centuries old by telling people you owned mines before their grandparents were born."


    "I merely stated facts," Matic replied, his accent thickening with amusement. "The Ro?i? holdings have belonged to my bloodline for centuries. But¡­" There was a pause and I didn¡¯t care.


    I spun to face him, keeping my voice low but sharp. My heels brought me closer than intended, and I had to tilt my head back to meet those winter-frost eyes. "You don''t know this but claiming to be centuries old, may get you kicked out of here, or labeled as crazy."


    Matic''s gaze held mine, as if my concern amused rather than warned him. "You''ve been awake for less than twenty-four hours," I continued, forcing myself not to step back despite every instinct screaming to create distance. "At least try to pretend you''re from this millennium before someone calls a psychiatric ward."


    "Are you worried for my safety, ljubi?" His accent wrapped around the words like silk over steel, those pale eyes gleaming with a dangerous mirth that left my stomach twisting. That amusement wasn¡¯t lighthearted¡ªit was the kind that made you question whether you were the joke.


    Matic was enjoying this and I pursed my lips, and placed a hand on my hip. "Since you and I have to rely on each other until Halloween, yes."


    There was a silent moment, as Matic observed the crowd around us. Then he finally said, ¡°You know that these mortals could never grasp the truth. To them, I¡¯m just an eccentric, or at most delusional. Entertainment for the evening."


    My stomach twisted at his words, at how casually he referred to everyone here as mortals. Separate from him. "Matic," I started and sighed. "We don''t need eyes watching us tonight."


    He inclined his head, wavy hair falling with an aristocratic nod. ¡°Very well.¡±


    Accepting the response, I swiveled on my heels and moved through the crowd.


    Matic¡¯s question followed behind me, ¡°Who is Eva Ro?i??¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± I shrugged and then furthered. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°She has my family name.¡±


    ¡°From what I know so far, Fraden had a different name back in the day, so maybe it¡¯s the same


    thing with Eva.¡±


    His silence felt weighted, despite the conversations around us. Another thing to add to the growing list of questions I couldn¡¯t answer¡ªEva, Emery¡¯s strange behavior, the real reason we were here.


    Frustration bubbled up, as I thought of Matic introducing me as his wife, and I shot over my shoulder. "You played your role a little too well back there."


    Matic let out an amused hum. "Did I?" he asked, his tone rich with provocation. "The verdict is still out on what¡­ or who you truly are."


    I shot him a sidelong look, trying to brush it off as I paused near the edge of the dance floor, where a handful of couples swayed elegantly to the soft music.


    Matic moved in close behind me, his presence a shadow that swallowed the space between us. I caught my breath as he leaned over my shoulder. His warmth ghosted over my skin, and memories surfaced, vivid and unwelcome¡ªthe rough press of his body in the forest, his hands gripping me, as he staked a claim on what he saw as his. The pull was undeniable, dark and twisting in a way that both unnerved and enticed me.


    Damn it. Why was I thinking about that particular moment? We''d had a similar encounter in my apartment when he''d pinned me against the wall, but it was the forest that haunted me¡ªhis raw savagery, the way he''d stripped me down to pure instinct¡ªequal parts fear and need.


    The memory of his grip in my hair, his breath hot on my neck, the predatory growl that had vibrated through his chest and straight to my core¡­


    It wasn¡¯t just desire. It was passion in its darkest form¡ªthe same man who threatened to fuck me raw until my throat gave out, to drain me dry until my flesh begged for release. Like Emery said: hate and love, two sides of the same coin.


    Nevertheless, what did it say about me that his depravity called to something equally dark within me? That the same hands that had torn men apart made my pulse race with something other than fear?


    I forced those memories away, but the Vampyr leaned closer, his voice a dark caress at my ear. ¡°I¡¯d wager I know precisely how to awaken that fire within you.¡±


    His fingers drifted down the curve of my neck, light, deliberate, and charged with intent¡ªa little taste of heaven and hell.


    My pulse raced, but I refused to give him the reaction he was clearly baiting.


    I turned to face Matic, holding his gaze. ¡°Stop,¡± I said sharply. ¡°If you¡¯re horny, there¡¯s a strip club a block away from my apartment but it won¡¯t be me.¡±


    "Pretty lies, Ljubi," he murmured from behind, his breath a tantalizing whisper against my cheek. His voice was low and rich, a seductive rumble. "Your blood sings with want. You can''t fool a creature who tastes the truth."


    I tilted my head, listening to the advice Emery gave me last night. My lips parted into a knowing smile, the gesture always worked on normal men. "And maybe you shouldn''t believe everything you think you taste, son of Asmodeus."


    Something dangerous flickered in those pale blues of his, but I didn''t stop there. Drawing closer rather than retreating, I watched that flicker turn to flame.


    "For someone who claims to know my blood and body," my fingers found his bow tie, adjusting it with deliberate slowness, "you seem awfully desperate to prove it."


    Matic¡¯s pupils dilated and my eyes narrowed on his lips now curled into a low, simmering growl¡ªancient, hungry, and utterly fascinated.


    Damn it. My thoughts screamed, knowing that taunting the half blood wasn¡¯t good for my health but I had done it and then, I did something else. I spun away before Matic could respond, or put his hands on me, like he¡¯s done many times since I released him from his prison.


    Right now, my pulse was a frantic drumbeat in my ears. Around me, conversation continued to buzz with laughter.


    Regardless of my surroundings, hair raised goosebumps down my spine. I''d just challenged a predator, deliberately provoked him, and now my back was turned to¡ª


    I collided with someone, the impact soft but jarring. A male voice apologized, but it was all too familiar and I found myself staring at Jamal. A woman''s arm weaved through his, and my stomach lurched as if I''d missed a step in the dark.


    His cologne¡ªthe same one I''d bought him last Christmas¡ªmixed with another woman''s perfume, floral and sweet.


    Suddenly I recalled the night I first saw my vision of Matic. When Jamal showed up, I smelled the same sweet undertones then, as I am now.


    Bile rose in my throat. She looked mildly irritated by the interruption, but all I could focus on was how naturally his hand rested on her waist. Five centuries of imprisonment suddenly seemed far less cruel than this moment of clarity.

 Chapter 12

    VIOLA


    Jamal¡¯s smile faltered just a bit, his eyes widened as if he had been caught in the headlights. "Viola," he said, almost pleading. Immediately he removed his hand from the other woman¡¯s waist. ¡°What are you doing here?"


    His arms opened for an embrace, but I stepped back, my heart thundering against my ribs as that sweet, floral scent hit me again. The same perfume from that night outside of the club, when he''d shown up smelling like¡­her.


    I focused again on the woman with long black tresses and a lime green satin dress. She was petite, slimmer than me. Though I wasn''t overweight¡ªmy chest was ample and my curves filled out dresses in ways that usually drew appreciative glances.


    Nevertheless, the other woman seemed well put together and the kind of woman George would approve of. Who knew which fork to use at fancy dinners and wouldn''t spit out caviar into napkins.


    Jamal dropped his arms to his sides awkwardly as he realized I was retreating. "Harper, this is Viola," Jamal scrambled, his tone wavering slightly. "Viola, Harper Montgomery."


    Even her last name sounded so pristine.


    My chest constricted as I studied her. Everything about her screamed polished professional¡ªfrom her perfectly styled hair to her practiced smile. She carried herself with the easy confidence that suggested early thirties sophistication, while I, despite being of age, still got carded at bars.


    "It''s lovely to finally meet you," Harper said with such practiced politeness. "Jamal''s told me so much about his... friend."


    Her perfectly manicured fingers slid possessively around my boyfriend''s bicep¡ªthough I suppose now, I can''t call him that. The gesture was practiced, familiar.


    ¡°How long?¡± I tore my eyes away from Harper, and glowered on Jamal. ¡°All those late nights at the office, the missed calls¡­¡± and I assumed he was working, because he was the safe guy. The nice guy. Older than me and stable. The one trying to earn his Uncle¡¯s affections and prove himself and climb the ladder.


    "Not here," Jamal informed, his voice dropping into that familiar patronizing tone he used whenever I didn''t quite meet his social standards.


    My brows furrowed as each breath was a struggle. "I''m sorry, am I making a scene?" I touched a hand to my chest, the gesture mockingly demure. "Embarrassing you?" I knew that I was making a scene¡ªthe very reason George thought I was never good enough. Because God forbid I speak my mind, or fail to keep my face a perfect mask of polite indifference like Harper''s.


    Jamal¡¯s eyes darted around the room, more concerned with who might be watching than the fact he''d been caught. Like I was the one causing a scene rather than a woman confronting her cheating boyfriend.


    In the corner of my eyes, a passing waiter hesitated mid-step, frowning at his tray where crystal glasses trembled against each other, as my emotions warred inside. Dare I admit that their gentle chiming was a warning of my rising temper.


    "That''s odd," The waiter muttered to another server. "They won''t stop shaking."


    Jamal''s gaze drifted over my shoulder, and his jaw tightened. "And who''s your... friend?"


    The word ''friend'' carried an edge I''d never heard from him before. Jealousy? After everything, he had the audacity to be jealous?


    "No one," I replied suddenly, aware of the Vampyr''s massive form standing behind me, his presence a wall of lethal grace.


    Abruptly, Matic moved from behind me and faced me. "Ljubica, you need to breathe." He murmured, his hand lightly touching my face and angling my head back to find his eyes. "Don''t allow these mortals to command your emotions. You are in control."


    He inhaled, and I mimicked the action, followed by the exhale, but my heart still thundered.


    How could it not? I''d chosen Jamal because he was safe, predictable¡ªthe one man I thought would never hurt me.


    "Viola..." Jamal called out from around Matic''s broad shoulders, as if expecting me to come running.


    Within a heartbeat, Matic turned and adjusted his three-piece suit, effectively blocking me from view. ¡°Matic Ro?i?,¡± he said, his tone smooth and aristocratic.


    Even at six feet tall, Jamal had to tilt his head back to meet the Vampyr''s icy gaze. Harper''s attention shifted completely, her eyes traveling up Matic''s towering frame and neither of them took Matic¡¯s outstretched hand.


    Instead, Jamal stepped sideways, trying to see around Matic''s broad shoulders like he was nothing more than an inconvenient obstacle. "I don''t know what you''ve gotten yourself mixed up in, Viola," he said, his tone dripping with that familiar condescension, "but we should talk."


    The Vampyr lowered his rejected hand and asked. "This is the boy friend?" The emphasis made Jamal sound like a child playing at being a man.


    Harper tugged at Jamal''s arm. "We don''t have time for this, we shouldn''t keep George waiting," she said, but Jamal remained rooted in place as nearby champagne flutes began to fizz and overflow, sending servers scrambling.


    "He is the boy friend," Matic pressed, a statement. His aristocratic features tightened for just a heartbeat¡ªso brief I almost missed it¡ªbefore he fixated on Jamal with predatory focus.


    "Not anymore," I answered, and the champagne bubbles erupted like tiny geysers, showering nearby guests who jumped back with startled cries. Turning away, I caught Matic''s gaze. "Let''s go."


    I managed three steps past Matic when Jamal called out. ¡°You can''t keep running away when things get complica-¡±


    Complicated. The words hung unfinished in the air as gasps erupted around us, followed by Jamal''s startled curse. I spun around, ready to choose the path of violence, only to find that Matic had already made the decision.


    He had Jamal by the back of his collar, dragging him through the crowd like a wayward pup. Something dark and satisfied unfurled in my chest at the sight¡ªthis powerful creature dealing out the retribution I''d only dreamed of.


    Matic''s magik carved a path through the sea of designer gowns and tuxedos, sweeping people aside like leaves in a storm. His powers were back, and he wielded them with casual violence that should have horrified me.


    What was he doing? I wondered.


    Every inch of me wanted to pull Matic back, to stop him before he crossed an inevitable line. But another part¡ªa darker, quieter part¡ªacknowledged something strangely beautiful in his ruthless display of control. I shouldn''t have found it appealing, watching him part the crowd like a dark god among mortals, but the savage grace of it stirred something primal within me.


    Why was Matic lashing out like this?


    I tried to convince myself it couldn¡¯t be because of me¡ªhe barely knew me. Even if he thought I was his wife, I didn¡¯t look like her. My gaze flickered to Jamal¡¯s flailing form and his pleading eyes as I tried to recall if anything in our conversation could have triggered Matic¡¯s reaction.


    It didn¡¯t make sense.


    "Wait! Matic," I shouted, and lifted my dress slightly near my hips so I could move faster and catch up. "You can''t do that!"


    "Can''t and won''t, are two very different choices," He replied over the horrified murmurs of the guests.


    Jamal¡¯s feet dragged on the ground, as I passed Harper who stood frozen, her mouth open in shock, as her date was hauled away.


    The Vampyr stopped near a massive buffet table and in front of a towering chocolate fountain. With deliberate slowness, he dipped one finger into the cascading chocolate and brought it to his lips, tasting it with aristocratic curiosity.


    Without warning, he seized Jamal by the neck, hauled him up, and shoved his head down into the massive bowl of chocolate, submerging him and holding him there.


    Jamal''s arms flailed wildly, splattering expensive chocolate across designer suits and silk dresses. A few male guests attempted to approach the Vampyr but Matic¡¯s magik pushed them back. He wasn¡¯t even looking at who was there, he did it automatically.


    ¡°He''s going to kill him!¡± Harper''s shriek cut through the growing chaos. But I noticed she hadn''t moved to help¡ªshe stood rooted in place.


    The crowd now drew back in horror, phones had appeared like fireflies in the faint lighting, ready to capture Toronto''s latest society scandal.


    ¡°Matic!¡± I yelled at him as panic clawed at my chest¡ªnot for Jamal''s safety, though maybe it should have been but for the scene we were causing. ¡°You can¡¯t drown people in chocolate.¡±


    The absurdity of my words hit me as soon as I said them. Drowning someone in chocolate was surely frowned upon in any era.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Matic replied, glancing over his shoulder, and his voice dripped with dark charm. ¡°Men without loyalty or honor met far worse ends than this.¡±


    His eyes glinted with an unapologetic resolve, but his words stirred something fierce within me. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Matic was defending my honor¡ªa son of Asmodeus, with all his darkness and fury, was unleashing his wrath over my betrayal with the same intensity he¡¯d shown fighting witches in the forest.


    While Jamal had hidden his affair behind gentle smiles and hollow promises, here was this ancient being, barely grasping modern norms, who dealt out justice with brutal efficiency. The irony wasn''t lost on me¡ªthat this dangerous immortal, who''d once pinned me against a tree and promised to destroy me, now acted as my dark avenger.


    Granted, death by chocolate seemed almost comical, but the action itself¡ªand the thought behind it¡ªstirred something wicked inside me.


    How was I drawn to something so undeniably dark?


    "My, have you not changed at all."


    That voice was different and seemed to echo around the room. I spun toward it, and there stood Fraden Saldana, the man I had seen on countless magazine covers. His face plastered across social media, his name revered in every industry.


    Despite being centuries old, he appeared barely in his early forties, preserved in that perfect moment between youth and maturity. His dark hair was short and curly. Skin a warm bronze and as he approached, I realized the entire ballroom had gone still¡ªevery guest, server, and musician frozen in place like elaborate statues.


    What the hell was happening? My thoughts scrambled.


    "Tom¨¢s," Matic murmured in acknowledgment, releasing Jamal''s slumped form. Who was frozen, slumped over the fountain and gripping the edge and gasping for air, chocolate dripped from his face in thick, sticky rivulets.


    Tension crackled as Matic prowled toward Fraden. Every line of his body spoke of barely leashed power, as dark chocolate stained the borrowed three-piece suit Kaylee had loaned us.


    I watched him approach Katherine''s brother, my pulse thundering against my ribs.


    Should I run?


    Find cover?


    The last time Matic had faced multiple witches, he''d torn through them like paper. My feet carried me backward, bracing for violence¡ªfor shadow demons or lightning or whatever chaos was about to erupt in this timeless bubble.


    Instead, the men collided in a fierce embrace, centuries of shared history evident in every movement. Not the careful greeting of old friends, but the desperate clutch of brothers who''d thought each other lost forever.


    Fraden''s voice echoed through the still ballroom as he clapped Matic on the back. "Five centuries, old friend," he said, his voice thick with emotion.


    "Five centuries too long," Matic replied.


    I stood there, utterly lost, watching these two powerful beings embrace. The tech mogul and the ancient Vampyr. Technically, both were ancient from what I learned yesterday but this wasn''t the reunion of enemies¡ª I think, though I was still on edge.


    The knot in my stomach tightened.


    If Fraden and Matic had been this close, what did that mean for Katherine''s betrayal? I expected the worst, as around me everything was quiet, all except for the cars and life outside of this castle.


    Something shifted in my peripheral vision¡ªor maybe it was just paranoia¡ªand my eyes snapped toward the movement. There was nothing there.


    "How are you doing this?" I wondered aloud. "Freezing everyone in this room? Is the entire castle frozen?"


    The men had withdrawn from their embrace when Fraden nodded toward me. "Who is she?"


    My gaze swept across the space. Not a whisper stirred, not a breath moved. Time magik on this scale should have been impossible¡ªeven the most powerful witches avoided it, the cost too steep.


    ¡°That''s what I want to know," Matic countered, his gaze sharp and unwavering.


    My thoughts jumped to Kaylee in the kitchen with her staff, to Emery who had vanished into the crowd. Where the hell did she go?


    Fraden asked, ¡°How are you here?¡±


    Matic gestured toward me, "She freed me."


    Fraden now sauntered toward me and extended his hand. ¡°Fraden Saldana.¡±


    ¡°Viola Bennet,¡± I accepted his hand.


    ¡°As for the spell¡ª¡± He gestured at the frozen scene around us, ¡°¡ªI''m borrowing power from the earth''s ley lines. The castle sits at a convergence point, making it... convenient for moments requiring privacy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re an Aetherborn,¡± I said, not really a question, though I think I remembered the different classes of witches, warlocks and titles.


    Fraden nodded, his gaze keen, assessing. ¡°Indeed, one of the few remaining.¡±


    I knew what he meant. Aetherborn abilities were rare, inherited like precious heirlooms, allowing them to tap into the earth''s natural ley lines. Other witches would kill for even a fraction of that power, which made Aetherborn both envied and feared. Their raw power made them natural leaders in the supernatural world.


    I had never encountered an Aetherborn myself¡ªonly read of them in history books and whispered legends.


    Fraden then turned toward his friend, "She freed you and the first thing you did was come straight for me." It wasn''t a question, as he focused on the Vampyr.


    The tech mogul''s tone carried the weary familiarity of someone who''d known Matic''s impulsive nature for centuries.


    ¡°I would have sought Katherine first,¡± Matic''s voice hardened, ¡°but I''m told she''s dead.¡± His head tilted slightly, studying Fraden. ¡°And then I saw your face painted upon some strange bound parchment¡­" His words trailed off, the confusion evident in his tone as he struggled to comprehend modern marketing.


    ¡°It was a magazine,¡± I told Fraden and by default Matic.


    Fraden smiled and laughed softly, ¡°Ah, I see. Well, my sister died shortly after she sealed you away.¡± He confirmed what Emery wasn¡¯t too sure about, stories from a lifetime ago¡ªa history long forgotten.


    Nevertheless, the words fell heavy in the frozen air and deafening silence followed.


    ¡°You actually did it,¡± Fraden cleared his throat and his words weren''t a question. ¡°You freed Matic.¡±


    Hesitant, I shrugged and told him. ¡°It''s not like I knew what was happening or what I was saying. I heard voices and saw visions and I followed them,¡± My confession tumbled from my lips and my gaze drifted to Matic, who had wandered to the buffet and was now examining a Truffle Deviled Egg with skepticism. He bit into it, then cursed in another language.


    Fraden glanced back at his friend. ¡°I wouldn''t bother,¡± He said to him, amusement lacing his tone. ¡°While I have everything frozen, the tastes, textures¡ªnothing will be quite right.¡±


    Turning back to me, his expression grew serious. I shifted under his scrutiny and admitted. ¡°I shouldn''t have done it,¡± I glanced at Matic, who was now inspecting the caviar with the same look of disappointment. ¡°It was stupid and reckless. I should have never lis¡ª¡±


    ¡°Reckless?¡± Matic scoffed, abandoning his culinary exploration. ¡°I was unjustly imprisoned.¡±


    ¡°The verdict is still out on what exactly happened,¡± I told him and the look on Fraden¡¯s face spoke volumes, though I couldn''t decode its meaning.


    Fraden''s expression shifted like quicksilver¡ªpain bleeding into understanding, then hardening into something darker before settling into that careful mask of neutrality. Whatever history lay between these men, I couldn''t begin to understand.


    ¡°Matic,¡± Fraden called out. ¡°You grow soft, allowing this woman to taunt you.¡± The voice carried a note of warning, though his lips curved into a slight smile. ¡°Few dare speak to him with such boldness,¡± he said to me.


    Crossing my arms over my chest, I shot back. ¡°Well, Matic has done one too many triggering things that have seared into my brain for life. He can handle a little attitude.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± was Fraden¡¯s only reply before he turned to his friend. "She has quite a bold tongue.¡±


    A low chuckle rumbled from the Vampyr, ¡°The little witch tends to speak in riddles.¡±


    "My friend," Fraden''s voice softened with something like pity. "You''re the one out of time here. What sounds like riddles to you is simply five centuries of language evolution." His gaze swept over the frozen scene¡ªthe phones, the modern dress, the champagne fountain. "The world has changed tremendously."


    Matic murmured a retort and as they conversed, I observed the two men, wondering why Katherine¡¯s brother still treated Matic like family rather than foe¡ªa fact that raised more questions than answers.


    Unless, this was all an act and Fraden didn¡¯t want to ruffle the Vampyr¡¯s feathers.


    ¡°As I digress,¡± Fraden pulled me out of my thoughts. ¡°If what you told me was true, then I''ll be damned if she actually did it."


    ¡°She¡­you mean me?¡± I caught the shift in his words.


    ¡°Katherine,¡± Fraden clarified, and I stared between them. ¡°You''re not the first to attempt breaking the seal.¡± He told me, ¡°But you are the first to succeed."


    ¡°I knew it,¡± I breathed, pieces clicking into place.


    Matic, now wandering around the frozen guests, asked. ¡°Knew what?¡±


    ¡°The warlock in the chamber had said that it¡¯s been almost one hundred years but he didn¡¯t finish his sentence and I had no idea what he was talking about at the time.¡± I studied both of the men, before adding. ¡°And in the forest, when the witches had impaled you and I felt the pain, the witch knew almost instantly¡ª that I was the one who freed you.¡±


    Fraden''s gaze swept over the frozen tableau¡ªJamal still bent over the chocolate fountain, Harper frozen mid-shriek, phones suspended in the act of recording what would have been Toronto''s most viral scandal.


    I asked him, ¡°How many more had attempted to break the seal?¡±


    He moved closer to his friend, his steps measured and careful, like someone approaching a sleeping predator.


    ¡°The night Katherine died, she could barely speak through her injuries, but she did something peculiar¡ªshe released her soul from her body.¡± Fraden¡¯s hands clenched and unclenched as he spoke, and I now noticed blueish-black veins pulsing and creeping up his neck.


    Across the room, Fraden studied Matic and I realized that he was waiting for a reaction but there was nothing. The Vampyr only paused his pacing, and Fraden continued. "Now, at first I had no idea what or why she was doing it,¡± he continued. ¡°But with her last breath she said that she will fix this. Then she spoke something, her voice was so faint it was hard to tell and before I knew it, her soul vanished, and my sister was dead in my arms."


    Matic stood unnaturally still, his face a mask of marble, betraying nothing. The same eerie calm I''d witnessed when Emery mentioned Katherine''s death settled over him like frost. Only his eyes, usually so expressive in their cruelty or amusement, grew distant, gazing through us, through time itself.


    ¡°I don''t understand,¡± I broke the heavy silence. ¡°What does that mean? What did Katherine do?¡±


    "Three years after Katherine''s death, on the exact anniversary of her sealing Matic away, a woman appeared." Fraden''s eyes locked onto mine as he paced the frozen room, his fingers trailing over wine glasses held by frozen individuals. "She spoke of visions¡ªa man in chains, voices urging her to Phantombrook. Back then, we hadn''t built the temple. It was still forest."


    Curiosity had my eyes following his movement, and I asked. ¡°What happened to her?¡±


    "Her name was Jane and we tried to redirect her and send her away but she was adamant. She found where Matic was imprisoned. The moment she started chanting, they killed her." His jaw tightened. ¡°After that, every twenty-two years like clockwork, another woman would appear on the anniversary, trying to free you.¡± He turned toward Matic.


    Every twenty-two years. The words struck like a physical blow. This year, I turned twenty-two.


    ¡°This is reincarnation?¡± The question felt thick on my tongue.


    Fraden nodded. ¡°Aetherborn can sever themselves from the cycle of death and rebirth. But Katherine¡ªshe did the opposite. She bound her soul to keep returning until you were freed.¡± He angled his body toward Matic, whose brooding expression made it clear he wasn¡¯t merely listening. The son of Asmodeus was never simply anything.


    The air crackled with tension, and like in the forest, dark wisps of magik began to simmer around his body.


    ¡°You''re lying,¡± Matic''s voice dropped to something ancient and lethal.


    ¡°I am not,¡± Fraden held his ground even as veins stretched under his jaw now, darker beneath his skin. He didn''t flinch when shadows began to writhe and coil around Matic''s form, haunting and terrifying in their dance.


    I stepped further back, my heart thundering against my ribs. But the Aetherborn didn''t move an inch, facing his old friend''s fury as if he''d done it a thousand times before.


    Matic didn''t believe a word of Fraden¡¯s explanation. And given what I''d seen him do to those who crossed him, that disbelief promised violence.

 Chapter 13

    VIOLA


    ¡°I should have listened to everyone who warned me about you,¡± Matic''s voice cut through the frozen ballroom, sharp with centuries of bitterness.


    Fraden touched his chest, brows furrowing. ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± A hollow laugh slipped from the Vampyr, devoid of warmth. ¡°Those were Katherine''s words, moments before she attacked me.¡± Wounds his wife left raw and festering as sis pale blues grew distant, lost in memory. ¡°She also told me, ¡®The shadows that dance at your command reveal what you truly are¡ªa creature of darkness that needs to be put down.'' And now you want me to believe that Katherine reincarnated herself to free me from the prison she put me in?¡±


    His words sliced the air, each one honed with the sharpness of betrayal. A raw ache throbbed within me, by the centuries of anger etched into every syllable. This wasn''t just about imprisonment¡ªit was about betrayal in its purest form. The kind that reshapes you, hollows you out until all that''s left is the echo of what you once were.


    This was five centuries of loving someone who''d looked at your darkness and decided you needed to be destroyed.


    ¡°Matic,¡± Fraden shook his head and the blueish-black veins creeping up Fraden''s neck spread further, reaching his cheek now. Sweat beaded on his forehead¡ªsubtle, but unmistakable.


    ¡°I don''t know what had transpired between the two of you that night because we had to deal with Thane. Katherine was supposed to return but when she didn''t, I came after her but I found her bleeding in the forest and the earth was seared, fresh embers. The only evidence that she had locked something or someone away.¡± Fraden''s tone changed as he described finding his sister, like he was reliving that moment.


    ¡°When you vanished¡­¡± Fraden''s voice faltered, the memory seeming to weigh on him. "That''s when we knew that Katherine had sealed you away¡ªBut we didn¡¯t know why?" He shook his head. "She was one of the most powerful witches of her time. The seal she created..." He trailed off as Matic''s mask of indifference finally fractured, centuries of pain bleeding through the cracks.


    ¡°Every single one of you knew why,¡± Matic prowled toward his friend, and I flinched as his words were just shy of a shout. ¡°And your fear tainted her against me.¡±


    Fraden shook his head and countered, ¡°Why do you think we took on Thane of all creatures, it was for you, Matic. Katherine wanted to protect you.¡±


    He stilled near his friend, ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡±


    "I am not," Fraden matched the Vampyr''s steps, "and I will tell you the same truth every damn day until your very last breath." The conviction in his voice rang through the frozen space.


    I backed away, each careful step bringing me closer to the exit. The tension between them suffocated the room, centuries of pain and betrayal pressing down with a crushing force, like stone against my chest.


    I was a moth caught between two flames¡ªinsignificant and bound to burn, no matter where I turned.


    "Thane, what had become of him?"


    ¡°Dead,¡± The word fell like a stone in still water.


    Matic¡¯s laugh was hollow, filled with nothing but bitterness. "You all allowed cowardice to consume you, let it rule every choice you made."


    My heartbeat stuttered.


    Fraden inhaled slowly, his gaze shifting over the bodies, still frozen in place. Beyond the castle walls, the sounds of bustling Toronto filtered faintly through the silence, a reminder of the world that lay oblivious to their conflict.


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re right,¡± he said, voice low, ¡°Fear of the unknown drove us, made us act to protect everything we held dear. I won¡¯t apologize for that. But don¡¯t dismiss that you were more than a brother to me¡ªmore than my own blood¡ªand my sister loved you deeply.¡±


    Matic¡¯s expression hardened, his gaze dark and unyielding. ¡°I was the one dismissed, cast away to rot in a prison realm. For five centuries. Alone.¡± His voice carried a raw edge, every syllable dripping with the accumulated weight of pain and betrayal, as if the very air had thickened with the bitterness that haunted him still.


    "If they need a monster, I''ll be that for them." Matic''s words echoed through my mind, taking on new meaning with every revelation.


    Fraden stepped back then and winced, while little crystals formed on the curve of his ear. The blueish-black veins had spread closer to his temple. His gaze lingered on Matic, a mix of protectiveness and weary detachment.


    Unable to hold back my voice any longer I said, ¡°Sorry to interrupt, but what is happening to you?¡±


    Was he being consumed by those crystals and the black veins? Was it granting him more powers to make himself stronger against a potential attack? Even as the thought crossed my mind, the way he winced said otherwise.


    ¡°When did you get halfway across the room?¡± Matic¡¯s gruff voice eyed me and he arched a blonde eyebrow.


    I shrugged and pointed between the men. "I didn''t want to get caught between whatever was brewing between you two." My voice came out steadier than I felt, despite the fact that I''d been unconsciously retreating since their conversation had taken on that razor-sharp edge that promised violence.


    "A friendly conversation," He answered matter of fact.


    "Clearly we have different definitions of friendly."


    Before I could blink, shadows erupted from the ground, writhing like living ink. A scream caught in my throat as they came for me¡ªcold, hungry, unforgiving.


    "What are you doing?" I shrieked, stumbling backward, but I could only watch as darkness reached for me with greedy fingers.


    "I see your way with women hasn''t changed," Fraden remarked dryly but he didn¡¯t oppose his friend.


    The shadows struck like venomous vipers, wrapping around my legs, cold and unyielding. They moved my feet as if I were a puppet on strings, each step forced and unnatural. Like a lamb being led to slaughter, a yelp escaped me as they dragged me back across the polished floor.


    The shadow demons deposited me directly in front of Matic, their hold lingering on my legs and calves like cold chains. My breath hitched as his presence enveloped me, his scent filling my lungs, unbidden and inescapable.


    Damn it. I didn¡¯t want to be here of all places, right between two ancient forces, nothing more than a pawn in their game of centuries-old vengeance and pain.


    Setting my jaw, I met the Vampyr¡¯s stare, level with his collarbone, a reminder of just how much he towered over me. His coat brushed against my arm, and those pale blues devoured me with singular focus¡ªa predator who¡¯d forgotten all other prey existed.


    "You are not running away," he stated, each word punctuated.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t running. I was hiding for shelter,¡± I admitted, fury building in my chest. ¡°And you can''t just¡ª"


    "Can''t and won''t are two very different¡ª"


    "I know," I cut him off, jabbing a finger at his chest. "Choices. And you''re making the fucking wrong one."


    "Perhaps we should continue this conversation elsewhere," Fraden interrupted and I noted his tight voice.


    Instinctively, I tried turning toward him but these damn shadow demons anchored me in place. On a groan, I twisted myself enough to see Fraden looking around the room.


    ¡°The magik is taking a toll on your body,¡± Matic pointed out and he now stepped past me.


    Fradan nodded his head in agreement, "Maintaining this many frozen bodies isn''t exactly... comfortable."


    Adjusting my body, to stare at the table in front of me, I snapped at Matic, ¡°Can you release me?¡±


    ¡°Hence the crystals and veins,¡± Matic furthered, ignoring my complaint.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Matic," I called out to him. "You can¡¯t¡ª" I stopped myself, already hearing his response in my head. On a frown, I pressed my lips together, hating how quickly I''d learned to anticipate his rhetoric. "I''m not going to run. If anything, I was afraid... that shouldn''t warrant punishment."


    "No, but we live in an unfair world," was all he said, his voice carrying centuries of bitter truth.


    Annoyed, I tried ripping my legs away from his shadow demons, but they only coiled tighter. Giving up, I surveyed the scene before me¡ªthe frozen tableau of Toronto''s elite caught in various states of horror.


    Phones hung suspended mid-record, their screens still glowing, and Jamal seemed like some bizarre modern art installation. The absurdity of it all hit me again, and a hysterical laugh bubbled in my throat.


    "These phones are recording," I said. The thought of this scene splashed across social media made my stomach turn. "What happens when you release everyone?"


    "They''ll find nothing but black screens," Fraden replied, his voice carrying that casual confidence of someone who''d handled such situations before. "Perhaps a bit of static in the background, if they listen closely enough. Technology tends to... malfunction around certain types of magik."


    Matic said from behind me, "Where are we going?" The casual acceptance startled me more than any show of force would have.


    I honestly thought this would have ended worse.


    ¡°To my estate,¡± Fraden''s voice carried somewhere else in the hall, as he was walking. ¡°But first I need to release everyone.¡±


    "Wait." Instinctively, I once again tried to step out of the shadows¡¯ clutches, but they held fast. "You can''t just¡­ release everyone. They saw what happened. They''ll call the police." My voice hitched on the last word as footsteps sounded behind me.


    I heard Matic, ¡°From your tone, I¡¯m assuming mortal authorities.¡±


    ¡°Yes, mortal authorities which will draw in the covens and that¡¯s the last thing we need.¡±


    "Don''t worry about that, Miss Bennett." Fraden''s voice held that same casual authority he''d probably used to build his tech empire. "I can adjust their recollections of tonight''s events. And I always shield my locations from prying eyes. No witch, warlock, or munadi will find us unless I want them to."


    I processed his words, understanding the shield part¡ªany powerful being would want privacy from other supernatural creatures. But the first part of what he''d said made my stomach twist.


    "Adjust their..." I trailed off, staring at the frozen faces around us. "You mean... alter their memories? Like a Vampyr?"


    "Not exactly," he said and circled around me. Fraden came to stand before me, lifting his hand with an elegant flourish. His fingers moved through the air as if plucking invisible strings, and suddenly they weren''t invisible anymore.


    Up through the floor of the castle emerged lines of pure light¡ªwhite threaded with ethereal blue, like veins. They stretched across the room like luminous spider silk, dipping and weaving through the air. Each thread faintly, creating a symphony I could somehow feel rather than hear.


    ¡°Ley lines,¡± I called out, fascinated by their ethereal beauty. The words left my mouth before I could stop them, and my feet itched to step closer to the Aetherborn, transfixed on their beauty.


    Fraden exchanged a look behind me at Matic. His expression caught between shock and curiosity. ¡°Can you see the ley lines?¡± He wondered.


    ¡°Of course, and they¡¯re lovely.¡±


    Ley lines danced between Fraden''s fingers as his lips parted slightly, the kind of smile that reminded me he was just as dangerous as Matic, if more polished.


    "With my abilities, I can disrupt the mind''s natural connections, scattering the events of tonight like leaves in the wind. The memories will blur and fade until they''re nothing more than half-remembered dreams."


    I stared at him, trying to wrap my mind around the implications and as if sensing my confusion, he continued, ¡°Think of ley lines as the Earth''s veins, carrying energy that connects every living thing. Memories are like threads in this energy. By tuning into the ley lines, I can blur or cut those threads, scattering details or erasing them completely. It''s like stirring still water¡ªthe memory ripples, fades, or even vanishes, leaving only a faint sense that something was once there.¡±


    ¡°How is that different,¡± I asked.


    ¡°For starters, physical symptoms like nosebleeds, dizziness and disorientation. Worse cases, mortals often sense those jagged gaps in their memory and tend to make them feel like something is wrong or missing. Ley lines gently disrupt the energetic threads that hold memories together, making them naturally fade like dreams.¡±


    I understood the differences but it still felt wrong.


    ¡°You have grown powerful in the recent years,¡± Matic''s voice curled through the air, rich with appreciation. ¡°Five centuries ago, you avoided connecting with the ley lines.¡±


    ¡°Situations forced me to fully embrace my heritage,¡± he fingers continued dancing through the ethereal blue strings.


    ¡°Before I begin, Miss Bennett, you should clean the chocolate from that guy.¡± He nudged his head in the direction of Jamal. ¡°Leave no evidence of what had truly transpired.¡± Fraden instructed, and the ley lines disappeared as he stepped past me.


    "How am I supposed to do that?" I protested, eyeing Jamal''s chocolate-covered form. ¡°He needs to be doused with a hose.¡±


    ¡°Magik,¡± Matic answered from behind me.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± I retorted back.


    "You freed Matic," Fraden pointed out, like I was crazy for asking.


    ¡°The little witch claimed to be weak prior to a few nights ago,¡± Matic interjected. ¡°Supposedly...¡±


    I glanced over my shoulder, unable to fully face either of the men. ¡°Do you honestly think I made that up?¡± The words came out sharper than intended and I tried my hardest to twist to face him.


    ¡°I think that you believe that you were weak prior to a few nights ago." His tone carried that infuriating certainty that made me want to scream.


    ¡°And how is that any different from what I just said? It all has the same meaning.¡±


    Matic opened his mouth to further argue, when Fraden''s voice cut through. ¡°If you were weak prior to releasing Matic, Samhain enhanced your powers.¡±


    I sighed and once again adjusted myself. I crossed my arms over my chest, ¡°That was what I was told.¡±


    ¡°Her pre-existing powers,¡± Matic clarified as he prowled to my front, and examined Jamal''s frozen form. His lips curved into that knowing smirk that made my skin prickle. ¡°The same ones that exploded champagne earlier when her boy friend was with another woman.¡±


    ¡°Ah, self-restricted.¡± Fraden diagnosed, agreeing with Matic, like they both knew me.


    ¡°I am not self-restricted,¡± I snapped, irritation flaring hot in my chest. How dare they discuss my abilities like I wasn''t even here? Like they understood something about me that I didn''t?


    From behind, Fraden made a soft discomforting sound and he might have even winced.


    Without saying anything more Matic lazily gestured toward Jamal and the shadows surged forward, hungry and alive, swallowing my ex whole. Where Jamal had stood, darkness now embraced his form, wrapping around him like liquid night.


    The display of power was terrifying and mesmerizing all at once.


    ¡°What are you do-¡± Before I was able to finish my question, the shadows receded and Jamal was clean. Not a trace of chocolate but he was still slumped over.


    Matic turned his focus to me next, and with a lazy flick of his fingers, the shadows released my legs. Yet as they withdrew, a sensation lingered¡ªa faint hold, as though four fingers pressed into one side of my face, his thumb anchoring the other. My jaw lifted slightly, caught in a grip that was anything but gentle; it was possessive, commanding, unyielding¡ªa ghost of an embrace, as if Matic were claiming me without ever coming close.


    He was using his magik, I registered and his shadows were the only explanation.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I managed, though my voice was barely above a whisper. My heart hammered, each beat a sharp reminder of his hold, his reach. His power. The son of Asmodeus.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Matic replied, his voice low, almost a murmur, as though the words were meant solely for me. His gaze¡ªa glacial, ruthless blue¡ªpinned me in place, stripping away pretense, his intent as chilling and relentless as death itself.


    At his reply, the shadows released me, withdrawing. My skin tingled where they¡¯d held me, as if his touch remained, woven into the air between us.


    Just then, Fraden¡¯s voice cut through the thick silence, a sharp reminder of our surroundings. "I''ll send the images from my estate,¡± he said suddenly, oblivious to the tension thickening on this side of the room.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a phone,¡± I said, shaking my head slightly as I took a steadying breath. I glanced over to find Fraden turned away from us.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need a phone,¡± He replied. ¡°You¡¯ll be immersed in sights and smells¡ªthe visions will help ground you, focus your mind, and¡ª¡± His voice faltered, and he winced, pressing a hand to his temple as though to ward off a sudden surge of pain.


    Matic, shifting his focus from me, moved toward his friend with quiet urgency. ¡°You need to release the spell,¡± he said, his voice softened but firm.


    Fraden¡¯s fingers remained pressed to his head as he turned toward us, blue-black veins creeping along his skin, spreading faintly across his forehead. Tiny crystal formations continued their slow, steady march across his face.


    ¡°Teleport yourself and Matic to the vision I¡¯m sending you,¡± he furthered, his voice tight with strain.


    ¡°Wait,¡± I shook my head. ¡°You want me to use magik? Why can¡¯t he do it?¡± I pointed at the Vampyr¡¯s back.


    ¡°My powers don¡¯t work like that,¡± Matic replied.


    ¡°I shall begin,¡± Fraden announced, his hand dropping from his temple but not to his side. Instead, he extended it before him, fingers dancing through the air as ley lines rose from the castle floor, white and translucent. They wove through the room and across his fingers like threads of luminous silk, more intricate than before, connecting to each frozen figure in delicate, shimmering webs.


    The crystal formations spread further across his face, catching the ethereal light like diamonds. Fraden''s eyes drifted closed as the ley lines grew brighter, their glow intensifying until it was almost painful to watch.


    Then a ley line brushed against my forehead, right between my eyes. The touch was electric, sending sparks through my mind as an image crystallized: a sprawling estate, ancient stone walls wrapped in ivy, surrounded by gardens that seemed to glow under a moonlight.


    The vision lasted mere seconds, and when it was done, Fraden vanished¡ªthere one moment, gone the next.


    Matic moved like a shadow himself, one moment meters away, the next pressing against my back, solid as stone. A single arm snaked around my waist, each finger spreading heat wherever it touched. The cool ethereal energy still dancing on my skin crackled where it met his darkness, like lightning seeking ground.


    "Let''s go, ljubica." The words ghosted above my ear, his accent wrapping around that endearment like dark honey. He pulled me closer, eliminating even the whisper of space between us, until I could feel the steady thunder of his heartbeat against my spine.


    The teleportation spell trembled on my lips as the estate''s image crystallized in my mind¡ªnight-blooming jasmine and ancient earth mingling in shadowed gardens, the air heavy with secrets and rain-soaked stone, as if the land itself held its breath, waiting.


    My magik stirred and Matic¡¯s shadows swirled at our feet. A shudder raced down my spine as everything collided¡ªraw, primal, overwhelming.


    Everything fractured in a blur, while every nerve ending sparked alive where his darkness met my power, like frost meeting flame.


    We dissolved into the night.

 Chapter 14

    MATIC


    The night pressed around us, thick and silent. Viola collapsed to her knees, body trembling with the aftershocks of teleportation. It rippled through her like an unwelcome current as she clawed at the grass, dry heaving as her breaths were shallow and uneven.


    "I hate this," she complained, her heartbeat a rapid, erratic staccato against my heightened senses.


    Viola was weak, untrained and raw¡ªa pale shadow of the Saldana¡¯s I had known. They had practiced their craft until magik molded their very bones, moving through space without so much as a tremor. By her age, Katherine could split the world apart and stitch it back together without breaking a sweat.


    Tom¨¢s words lingered in my mind, twisting like smoke, elusive and insubstantial. His insinuations had been sharp¡ªthat Katherine''s soul would keep returning, life after life, until I was freed from my prison.


    That notion was absurd because Tom¨¢s wasn''t there the night Katherine attacked me. He didn''t hear all that she accused me of.


    Now as I watched Viola retch on the ground, her flesh carried Katherine''s scent and taste, yet lacked the crushing power that had defined my wife. Raw. Untamed. Different. Perhaps that was what unsettled me most¡ªthis echo of Katherine wrapped in a shell of pure, untested potential.


    I tilted my head back, seeking solace in the stars, but they were gone¡ªobliterated by the modern world¡¯s artificial glow. Once, their light had offered solitude in my darkest hours; now, even that comfort was devoured by progress.


    Everything was different now¡ªthe air thick with metallic traces and stale concrete, synthetic perfumes tainting what should have been clean night air.


    Viola gagged and convulsed, bile splattering onto the earth in sharp bursts. The acrid stench of vomit sliced through the still night air, her frailty unsettling the silence that surrounded us.


    I wrinkled my nose, recalling that moment at the castle with Tom¨¢s, when Viola had seen the ley lines. The memory flickered like a dark flame, stirring something disquieted within me. She¡¯d seen those ribbons of ancient energy¡ªforces even I couldn¡¯t perceive¡ªand had called them lovely.


    Not the calculated appreciation of a trained Aetherborn, but the pure awe of someone seeing magik in its purest form for the first time.


    Tom¨¢s had been just as surprised. A flicker of uncertainty twisted in his dark eyes when he glanced back at me. I knew that Aetherborn, were born into their powers, their abilities, an extension of their blood, their ancestry. The fact that Viola¡ªa witch with no remarkable heritage, a mere shadow of Katherine¡ªcould see the ley lines unsettled him, as it did me.


    Perhaps she saw them because she carried Katherine''s soul. I knew little of reincarnation¡ªsuch mysteries belonged to the Aetherborne and Necromancers like Emery.


    Walking toward Viola, she continued retching on the grass as I crouched beside her.  She flinched and I ignored her reaction. Reaching over her shoulder, I brushed her thick, low ponytail back from her face. She tensed near me but didn¡¯t protest, her breaths rasping in her throat as the last wave seemed to pass through her.


    "You don''t have to do that," Her voice, weak and hoarse, barely broke the stillness as she wiped her mouth with the back of her trembling hand.


    The fire in her¡ªboth a whisper of the familiar and something entirely her own¡ªstirred a sensation I refused to name. My fingers lingered in her hair, drawn to the fleeting warmth of her skin beneath the soft tumble of curls.


    ¡°Little witch,¡± I murmured, my fingers lingering in her hair for a beat too long before retreating, ¡°my choices are not born of obligation.¡± The warmth of her pulse teased against my fingertips as I straightened, forcing my hands to my sides. ¡°They¡¯re governed by what I deem¡­ fitting.¡±


    Viola sat back on her heels, inhaling deeply, her gaze fixed at the sky as if bracing herself. "Like trying to drown Jamal in a chocolate fountain," she said, her voice steady, though thick with reproach. Her tone held a weight that was impossible to ignore¡ªa plain, unforgiving criticism.


    Judgment, resentment, disgust¡ªemotions I was all too familiar with. Those feelings had followed me like a curse across the centuries.


    I stood up slowly, brushing dirt from my borrowed three-piece suit. "He betrayed you, publicly flaunted his dishonor, yet you find fault in my response rather than his actions."


    "Dishonor¡­" Viola whispered an echo into the night and her fingers curled into the grass. "I wouldn¡¯t say he publicly flaunted the other woman, I wasn¡¯t supposed to be there." She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head and she dropped her gaze to mine.


    Something flickered in her eyes¡ªa deep, raw ache that stirred an unfamiliar discomfort in my chest. She continued, ¡°I found fault with your actions, considering that you dragged him across the hall and everyone was watching.


    A dark laugh escaped me, the sound rough with centuries of bitterness. "And what of it?¡± My voice dropped lower, darker. ¡°In my time, such betrayal would have warranted far worse than chocolate.¡±


    "Thank you."


    Viola¡¯s voice halted me. She had risen to her feet, the moonlight catching a faint shine in her eyes. For a moment, she seemed to wrestle with herself, her gaze shifting briefly before returning to mine. The gentleness struck like a blow, leaving a heat lingering in my chest.


    "Despite your... unconventional methods," she continued, a faint smile pulling at her lips, "that''s actually one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me."


    I studied her, silent, my mind reeling. Sweetest?


    In my time, gentle words, flowers pressed between notes and stolen glances across ballrooms were considered sweet. It was restraint, the careful dance of society. Not violence. Not drowning a man in chocolate simply for dishonoring what was mine.


    Yet, the weight of her words lingered, gnawing at me in a way I didn¡¯t care to examine.


    Clearing my throat, I murmured. ¡°You''ll get used to teleporting.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Viola smoothed down her dress, pausing when she noticed a dark stain near her knees from kneeling in the grass. She muttered a curse, brushing at the stain before glancing back at me. ¡°I actually went to a magik academy up North.¡±


    My eyebrow lifted, curiosity piqued. ¡°You went to an academy,¡± I said, amusement lacing my reply. ¡°Yet you cannot wield even the simplest of spells?¡±


    She scoffed at me, folding her arms. ¡°That was all thanks to Emery¡¯s grandmother, who was the headmaster at that academy.¡±


    Viola¡¯s gaze shifted to the distant estate, a look of irritation crossing her face. ¡°It¡¯s so far. How did I teleport us this far back?¡±


    She had landed us on the outskirts of Fradan''s estate¡ªa considerable distance from the main house but still within the estate walls. An admirable effort, if I were feeling generous, though something had clearly clouded her focus during the teleportation.


    "Climb on my back," I suggested, my voice casual as I lowered myself to one knee. "As much as I am the son of Asmodeus, my mother was a pure-bred Vampyr. I can get us to the house within seconds."


    ¡°No," Viola shook her head, her hand pressing against her lower belly as a grimace crossed her lips. "I''m still feeling woozy, and I don¡¯t want to puke on you."


    I let out a low, amused chuckle, straightening to my full height. ¡°Suit yourself, then. But I hope you¡¯re ready for a long walk.¡±


    An autumn breeze swept over us, and Viola hugged herself, her bare shoulders and arms exposed to the chill. ¡°I¡¯m ready to crawl into bed and pass out until next spring,¡± she murmured.


    ¡°In other words, you want to hibernate.¡±


    Viola nodded her head, "Winter is coming." Her words were spoken in a very ominous but playful tone, and her smile widened. "Oh right, you wouldn''t get the reference."


    "That winter is the season right after fall?"


    Walking on, Viola shook her head, "No, well yes, but what i¡¯m talking about is a completely made up story. Eventually, it was turned into a major TV show. Winter lasts for like seven years and these ice zombies come down from the North to kill everyone." Her enthusiasm faltered at my clear confusion.


    ¡°Before I was banished, winter had never lasted for seven years. And what of these Zombies you speak of?" The distant lights of Fradan¡¯s estate casted faint glimmers through the dark. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "Nevermind, I''ll add explaining modern entertainment to the growing list of things we need to catch you up on. Zombies aren''t real by the way, they are human corpses and are totally fictional creatures but I assume, a necromancer could raise an army of the dead¡­¡±


    ¡°It has happened before,¡± I told Viola.


    Her eyes widened, ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡±


    ¡°No. You should have learned this at the academy. I know these stories because Tom¨¢s and his siblings learned it from their tutors.¡±


    Viola didn¡¯t immediately reply but we kept our steady pace, now walking in awkward silence as the quiet settled around us. I found myself glancing her way, noting the steadiness that returned to her form.


    Her sudden silence was telling. For all her claims of attending the academy, her ignorance of fundamental magikal history suggested otherwise. I don¡¯t think she was lying or what seems more plausible, that they had ceased teaching certain events.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t finish your story,¡± I told her after a beat too long. ¡°You told me that the reason why you were able to stay at the academy was because of Emery¡¯s grandmother. Did she see potential within you, or was she just feeling charitable?¡±


    Viola shot me a look, half annoyed, half something else as she smiled but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°No one saw potential in me. Emery and Kaylee are three years older than me and they were friends with one of the foster kids in my home.¡±


    ¡°What does a foster kid mean?¡±


    She paused as we walked, the night air thickening between us. Her fingers toyed with the hem of her dress before she finally spoke. "Kids without homes or parents who can care for them." A bitter smile crossed her lips. "Instead of keeping us all in one big institution, like they used to back in the day, they scatter us among different families. The government pays them to house us, feed us... pretend we belong." Viola¡¯s voice caught slightly on the last word, though she tried to mask it with a shrug.


    "You have no bloodline? No kin?" The question emerged unbidden, though I expected her usual guarded response.


    Viola shook her head slowly, her gaze dropping to the ground, still walking. ¡°Not anymore. I remember my parents¡ªvaguely. My mom always smelled like lavender, and my dad... he''d come home from work and spin me around like a helicopter.¡± She let out a faint laugh, her voice thick with nostalgia. ¡°But most of my memories are of my grandmother. My earliest memories with her start when I was six years old but then she died when I was nine.¡±


    I said nothing, letting her words settle. Another breeze swept between us, and I caught myself, almost instinctively, thinking of offering her my doublet. ¡°It must have been¡­ difficult, growing up alone.¡±


    "It''s life. What can we do¡­" She let out a small sigh, her shoulders sagged slightly, then continued with that practiced indifference I was beginning to recognize as her shield.


    My hand shot out, catching her arm and pulling her to a stop. Viola stumbled back against my chest, and I said. "You could have done plenty. Conforming to their weakness was a choice. Breaking them for daring to make you feel small - that''s a privilege."


    "You should have let their rejection fuel you until you were powerful enough to make them crawl. Until they choke on their own arrogance." My fingers released her arm and seized her chin, tilting her face up to mine. "I was feared and scorned¡­yet I made them all bow. Made them beg. That''s what you do with life, little witch - you rise until they can''t help but look up at you."


    Viola swallowed hard, and then licked her lips, she replied. "Can I ask you something?"


    I released her chin with a grunt, the sound low and rough in my throat.


    "From listening to what Fraden said about Katherine and them wanting to protect you, it sounds like you had people surrounding you, who loved you. Regardless of how things turned out. Am I wrong?"


    The memory of my father stirred something within me. "No, you aren¡¯t wrong.¡± I murmured, studying her with narrowed eyes, trying to decipher her intent. "I grew up with my father and sister, Danika. Tom¨¢s and a few others who saw past what I was. My father was the one who told me to prove my enemies wrong. Told me time and time again to take their hate and use it to fuel my power, to forge their fear into strength." A smile curved my lips. "He understood what it meant to be feared¡ªto be seen as a monster. He taught me to become one worth fearing."


    ¡°Then, you wouldn¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°Understand what?¡±


    "Emery and Kaylee were graduating from the academy and had their own lives. I had no one. Not a single soul or enemy." She sighed, and stepped back, her gaze drifting to the distant manor lights. "No one to teach me how to harness my fear or pain and use it to forge any sort of strength." Her voice turned bitter, barely above a whisper. "Not that I could do it. The most exciting part of my life was being forced to trail after the older girls like some unwanted shadow. The foster mother thought maybe I''d pick up a thing or two from them.¡±


    "And now you freed a five hundred year old Vampyr." My voice dropped lower, darker. "A monster who knows precisely how to forge weakness into power."


    "Well," Viola''s breath hitched. "Even if I was able to conjure that much power, we only have a few days until Halloween and after that you''ll be free to go where you want. And my life, we will go back to..." She paused, her fingers twisting in the fabric, seeming lost in thought or maybe she didn''t want to finish that sentence.


    Watching her, the puzzle of the little witch nagged at me. ¡°Why did you stay at the academy? I can¡¯t imagine a place like that was kind to you.¡±


    From what I recall from my childhood, my brief attendance at a similar institution, they weren¡¯t kind to me. Being a vampyr and a half blood demon, that only stirred their cruelties from both children and the professors.


    Viola glared at me, rubbing her arms against the chill of the night. "It doesn''t matter..." Her voice trailed off, weary, as if drained by the weight of our conversation or maybe her memories.


    She then stared beyond me, as if something had caught her attention. It was almost as if Viola had heard something, but with my own heightened senses, I detected nothing unusual in the night air¡ªjust the stillness of the grounds stretching back toward the estate.


    Nevertheless, Viola moved toward the mansion, now quickening her pace as if trying to escape more than just our conversation. "Emery''s going to worry about where I disappeared to," she muttered, tension evident in every line of her body. Her fingers reached for her ponytail, tugging at the elastic like she needed something to do with her hands. The thick mass of dark curls tumbled free, falling around her shoulders in a wild cascade that caught the moonlight.


    I fell in line behind her, remembering how those same curls had felt beneath my fingers in the forest. How they smelled¡ªso utterly intoxicating, a subtle warmth laced with a sweetness that lingered in my senses, drawing me closer despite myself.


    Maintaining my distance, I watched her stride ahead. Whether it was my scrutiny or the biting cold that spurred her on, I couldn''t be certain¡ªperhaps both. Samhain was fast approaching, and though Tom¨¢s''s protection spells kept hunters at bay for now, time was not on our side.


    Last night, Emery confirmed that we had six days. Which meant now, we were down to five. Yet, watching Viola stride ahead, shoulders tight with tension, it amazed me how she denied her own abilities with the same practiced ease others might draw breath. Even during Samhain, when magik practically begged to be wielded, she shrank from her potential.


    The irony was maddening¡ªthis woman who had shattered a five-century seal and seen ley lines without training still insisted on making herself small. She needed to recognize her powers, whether they stemmed from Samhain''s influence or Katherine''s essence.


    But her wounds ran deeper than any spell could reach. A child cast aside, parents vanished into memory, a grandmother''s death stealing what little stability remained. She had learned early that expectations bred only disappointment.


    Following behind Viola, my long strides closed the distance with ease. Another wind swept across us, and she cursed, rubbing her arms and trying to provide warmth.


    ¡°Viola.¡± Her name left my lips like a command, but she kept walking, her heels sinking slightly into the damp grass with each determined step.


    In a heartbeat, I appeared before her, savoring her startled gasp as she nearly collided with my chest.


    "Jesus Christ, Matic!" Her pulse spiked¡ªthat familiar flutter of prey sensing danger. Before she could step back, I prowled behind her, movements liquid and predatory.


    With deliberate grace, I let the doublet slip from my shoulders. I swept her thick hair aside, letting my fingers linger a beat too long against her bare skin before draping the fabric over her shoulders. She wore it now¡ªmy presence, my scent¡ªa subtle claim against the chill of the night, whether she knew it or not.


    "You''re cold," I murmured near her ear, a statement that left no room for dispute. The shiver that ran through her wasn''t from the chill in the air¡ªit was something else entirely.


    After a moment''s deliberation, she accepted it with a soft, "Thank you," the words barely a whisper as I rounded to her side with a flicker of satisfaction curled in my chest.


    "Shall we?" I gestured toward the main house looming ahead, its windows glowing like watchful eyes in the darkness.


    We continued side by side, though I drifted closer with every step. Her scent¡ªearthy, sweet, untamed¡ªwas a lure I couldn¡¯t resist, a tether pulling me deeper into her orbit. Each accidental brush of our arms only magnified the pull, embedding her essence deeper into my senses.


    "Will Tom¨¢s be okay?" Viola¡¯s question cut through my thoughts, concern threading through her voice.


    I studied the distant manor, and we were halfway there. "I don''t know," The admission tasted bitter. ¡°In my time, I had known every nuance of Tom¨¢s''s power. I had watched him grow into his magik alongside mine but not his abilities to manipulate the ley lines. This version of him¡ªTom¨¢s¡ªwas different. Changed. Those black veins spreading across his skin had spoken of magik far beyond what I remembered.¡±


    "He was straining to maintain that time freeze," she pressed.


    "So it seemed."


    "You know," She hesitated, then turned to face me, slowing her pace. "In the forest, when you were fighting those witches. Your physical characteristics changed as well. There was a mark¡ªa black dot in the center of your forehead. Not quite the size of a dime but it disappeared by the time we got back to my apartment.¡±


    I stilled, my gaze sharpening on her because moments before Katherine sealed me away, she had mentioned something similar as well. "What did it look like?" I asked her.


    Viola stopped walking now, and traced back towards me. She stopped in front of me. "Around it, sharp lines branched outward, like cracks... in the center of the black circle, it seemed like there was a sigil, flames simmering just beneath your skin. In the forest, the cracks were longer¡ªthey stretched below your eyes and onto your cheeks. As if your skin was fracturing."


    She touched her forehead, tracing lines on her skin as she stepped even closer, her voice dropping softer. "There was also the snake tattoo from when I had first released you... but it shifts¡ªit''s not in the same place." She traced a finger down her own body where it had last appeared, the gesture unconsciously intimate. "And your skin¡ªwas different..."


    Her words felt distant, like they were coming through a fog, yet her proximity was all too immediate. The urge to grab her exploring fingers, to press her palm against my skin until she felt every fractured part of me, was nearly overwhelming.


    ¡°Before I teleported us back, your skin was darker¡ªcharred¡­¡± Viola continued. ¡°Like ash beneath the surface.¡± Her gaze drifted back to my face, lingering on my forehead.


    Viola licked her lips, her eyes locking onto mine, studying me with an intensity that stirred memories best left buried.


    "I am the son of Asmodeus for a reason," I murmured, though the mark''s true meaning eluded even me.


    She swallowed down her unease and stepped back, inhaling deeply. Viola¡¯s eyes darted around us, searching shadows I knew weren''t there. One hand lifted to her right ear, head tilting slightly.


    "Do you hear that ringing?"


    "No."


    Her expression turned distant, head tilted as if listening to something beyond my reach. After a moment, her lips curved into a faint smile.


    "Fraden just asked us why we''re taking so long."