Authors: Cindy Charity
She was faced with a decision. She could embrace the anger, or she could move beyond it so that they could find a way to rid her of this darkness. While the first would be her preference, it wouldn’t solve anything—even if it would make her feel a whole lot better. Her shoulders slumped with the expelling of a sigh. “How do we get rid of it?”
Her question brought a sense of relief to the rest of the room. Finn crouched down until they were face to face. Placing gentle hands on her shoulders, he followed the lines of her arms downwards, until his fingers encircled her wrists. Lifting her hands up to his lips, he placed soft kisses on each. It was an intimate thing to do, but it also felt right. “Do you trust me, Ali?”
Her breath stumbled. His touch, so warm so sure, made her weak. Never had she had a man affect her in such a way. Staring into those eyes, seeing the fierce light of strength, she responded. “Yes. Yes I do trust you.” The minute the words crossed her lips, a peace floated around her heart.
He wanted nothing more than to drag her into his arms and kiss her. But it was not the time for such a display. Their audience, the bunch of imbeciles, had enjoyed his quandary way too much. “Cian will send light inside of you to destroy the darkness.” He saw the confusion in her eyes and smiled. “I cannot do this. I am too connected to you. I cannot place you in danger, or cause you pain.”
Queasiness overcame her. “It’s going to hurt?”
Cian interjected. Giving her a wink and a smile, he reassured her. “I promise to be gentle.”
He had her lay down in front of the fireplace, and told her to concentrate on the flames. She did as instructed, and then felt him slip into her mind. It was strangely intimate. Ali found herself in a room of white. There were no doors or windows, yet instead of feeling claustrophobic, she felt safe. The room also felt familiar.
Cian?
I’m here.
What is this place?
It’s a safe place Ali. One created by your mind when you were a child seeking peace.
Her eyes smarted with tears as a memory of the child she had been, flickered in her memory. The feeling of debilitating loneliness was just as sharp in that moment as it had been then.
Mikel can’t get to me here?
No, and had I not helped you now, you wouldn’t have been able to find this place again. Now that the Fragment within you has been awakened, you no longer need it.
The sadness was crushing. Cian offered comfort.
It’s going to be alright Ali. You need to be here now because of what I’m about to do. Your mind will try to fight me to protect you—it wouldn’t know the difference.
I understand.
Good girl. Now, I know I said I’d be gentle. I’m afraid that was an exaggeration.
Regardless of the seriousness of what was going to happen, Ali laughed.
Thanks for the false pretense, I don’t think I would have agreed to it had you been honest. Just tell me what to expect.
She felt Cian’s approval.
My cousin is a lucky bastard. You’re going to feel as though you are being torn apart. In a sense, you are. The darkness Mikel has placed in you is a living thing. It has had time to fuse itself to you, and it will not want to leave. Mikel will be in command of it; I must break that bond in order to extract it from you.
The picture he painted made her queasy.
Maybe we should’ve just stuck with the pretense.
His laughter made her sake her head. Crazy man.
Are you ready? Finn is with you, call to him if it becomes too much for you to take.
The denial was already on her lips.
No, I will not pull him into this—I will be fine.
So be it.
Finn gazed down at Ali’s face, looking for any signs of distress. A few feet away, Constantine did the same for Cian. While he was confident that his cousin could do this, he couldn’t help the worry that had crept in. A direct attack against Mikel was tricky business. That Cian was doing so, while locked in his mind, doubled the risk. Then there was Ali. Could she withstand the ordeal?
With the tips of his fingers, he touched her face, tracing the lines and slopes of it. He pulled back when her body began to twitch. Then it bowed up, every inch of her body pulled taunt. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he held her down. He heard Constantine’s curses. The battle had begun.
*****
Ali lay on the floor of the white room, covered in sweat. Every now and then, her body was racked with spasms. She heard the hissing promises of a long and painful death from Mikel, followed by the commands of Cian. Opening her eyes, she stared at the ceiling. The room no longer gave her a sense of comfort—she wanted out. The walls felt like they were closing in on her. Her chest hurt like hell, she tried to ease it by pressing her fist against it, but it did little to alleviate the pain. Rolling over, she curled her body into a ball. The war raged on.
Cain’s chest heaved with each breath. By the element of surprise, he had the dark one on the defensive. Reciting a spell of eviction, he formed it in the air before hurling it at his enemy. When he heard the roar of pain, he knew his aim had been true.
You will not win this one Mikel.
The answering snarl was filled with distain.
How like your father. You place yourself in a situation that is of no concern of yours.
Protecting the Fragments is my concern, just as protecting our world from you was my father’s.
The spear of charged light slammed into his shoulder. Cian stumbled back, but did not yield. Every time he could get Mikel to use such power, the more drained he would become. His endurance was already weakening. Gathering himself, Cian took aim. Each attack had managed to dent the link between Ali and Mikel; this shot would sever it completely. The second he was about to lob it, he was hit again.
Your father never learned how to mind his own business.
Mikel’s voice turned sly.
Tell me—were you the one to find his body?
Cian closed his mind to the rage. It was a game the dark one played well. Yet, regardless of that knowledge, the old pain of losing his father—his parents was still sharp. In retaliation, he added more energy to his spell, and then sent it towards the murky abyss where the bulk of Mikel’s energy radiated from.
Leave while you still can, Mikel. I can feel you getting weaker.
Curses came at him, followed by tiny needles of lightning. Tired himself, his block came too late, Cian felt the needles slam into his body, knew that his physical self would carry the marks. He felt the link to Ali disintegrate, heard her cries as the darkness was thrust out of her body.
Mikel issued a threat before he begun to withdrawal.
We will meet again Cian—and when we do, you will know what your father did, when I ended his life.
Ali’s eyes flew open. It took a minute before it registered she was back. Before she could utter a word, Finn had her in his arms, murmuring in her ear. She couldn’t understand it, she didn’t even think they were in English; but the wealth of emotion they were delivered with, told her they were from his heart. Her arms felt like lead as she raised them to return his embrace. She felt him shudder as his arms tightened around her. Turning her head, she saw Cian. He looked as though he had been dragged through the depths of hell. Pulling out of Finn’s arms, she sent him a small smile. “Next time, let’s stick to the lie.”
He gave her a weak smile, “Let us hope there is no need for a next time.” He then nodded to them and left in a rippled of air. Constantine followed; assuring them he would make sure Cian healed fully.
“Bet Mikel’s ass is burning.”
Drake’s crude statement had Ali sputtering a laugh. “I for one don’t want to find out.” She may not want to think about it, but she couldn’t help but feel anxious. She rubbed her arms as a chill passed through her. Finn drew her back into his arms.
“Don’t worry. Cian was meticulous. Mikel won’t be able to lure you away again.”
From me
he added silently.
Ali nodded, but apprehension refused to leave.
“You know as well as I that won’t stop him.” Tristan’s calm deduction made her shudder, and had her turning to him.
“He can still get to me?” Then, “What about the detective, will he go after him because he can’t get to me?”
Tristan inclined his head. “Detective Ballen’s purpose has been fulfilled. There will be no reason for Mikel to bother him again. His memory of meeting you would have been wiped. As for you and Mikel, a link was made when you heeded his call. Though he may not be able to get you to come to him, he can, and will, communicate with you.”
Her spirit plummeted, Great. “Is there a time limit to this—” She lifted her hands in gesture. “Adventure?” when Tristan winged a brow up at her term, she huffed, “Well?” Finn stole her attention then.
“The Autumn Equinox is when the Fragments must unite.”
Ali swallowed hard. It was almost the end of August. She did a quick calculation and discovered that they were really short on time. “I have to find the rest of these Fragments, bring us all together; at the same time, avoid Lugus, Mikel, and any number of crazy magic people by the middle of September.” Her head spun with all the things that could go wrong.
Hearing the tone of defeat in her voice, Finn reassured her. “We can do this, Ali; you have already discovered where the second Fragment is.”
Her laugh was humorless and short. “A town sign that I saw in my head.” Rubbing her forehead, she added. “I suppose I can try to go back to that first place, get some clarity.”
Denial raged in him. What Ali was proposing would place in her danger. With Mikel connected to her—even weakly, he would be able to detect her movements. Finn rose and stomped away; his emotions were swirling out of control. Clenching his hands, he tried to think of a way to stop her from doing what she wanted. The faint smell of lavender assaulted his senses. Agrona.
She has found her fire. It is her destiny Finn O’Shea.
The breath was knocked out of his lungs. Keeping his body as still as possible, and his mind closed to the others, he spoke to the woman who he’d pledge his sword, and in a sense, his life to.
A destiny wrought with dangers. You have left many gaps in your instructions Lady.
Regretfully done so, but one of necessity. You will again have what is yours.
And Ali?
She is yours, she has always been yours.
The slightest of breezes teased his senses then was gone. Turning around, he found Ali staring at him. Before he could do something dishonourable—like drag her to him and devour her, he sighed and resigned to the fact that he must let her fulfil her fate. His feelings on the matter had to be held in secret. Looking to her now, he felt his heart restrict. Agrona had said she was his, but would he be able to keep her when all this was done? His thoughts were interrupted by what Tristan was saying.
“We can make sure you’re safe, Ali, if you wish to try again.”
Seeing her struggle with the decision and knowing it was the only way to get the information they needed, he went to her and grabbed up her hands. He noticed her swift intake of breath, knew the others were watching. “The thought of you in danger bothers me greatly.”
Ali stared into his eyes; saw the sincerity in the struggle of having to admit his feelings. A muscle jumped along his jaw, and she wanted to reach out and caress, to ease his tension over what had to be done. “I only have to figure out the first place.” No longer able to resist, Ali reached out and laid her hand gently to the side of his face, “One obstacle at a time.”
Finn nodded, silently offering up a prayer that she would be safe, nothing could happen to her. Nothing.
Glass shattered into a million pieces, the shards, leaving their marks on the wall. He had been so close. The Fragment had been nearly in his grasp. Mikel whirled around his chamber and shouted his frustrations. And by showing his hand, he had lost his influence over the woman. Of all of Agrona’s warriors, Cian concerned him the most. His skills with magick were such that they reminded Mikel of himself as a young sorcerer. Battling over the Fragment had been fierce and had cost him precious energy.
Conversely, his clash with the warrior hadn’t been the only thing to go wrong this evening. No, there had been another to run interference—in the forest, when he had been about to secure Alina. Sneering, he conjured up Agrona’s image. Through the haze of his magick, he could see that she still slumbered—however—there was something not quite right. He peered closer. There was a glowing, it was soft and dim, but it was there. Shock ran through him. This cannot be. He had given her enough awareness in order to feel the pain of her warrior’s failures; but that was all he allowed. Her energy should not be stirring.
Your time on earth has dulled your magick Mikel. You must rely on stolen powers in order to survive.
Lips curled back, Mikel shot a stream of black magic into the image. Agrona’s body arched upwards, her soft cry of anguish expelled into the universe. The glow faded.
Silence! You are no match for me. Your life is mine to do with as I please—I can crush you at will.
To prove this, he sent another blast, and listened as she again cried out in pain. It did little to appease him. Her words had dug in deep. Wiping away the image with a wave of his hand, he summoned James. When the timid man entered, he wasted no time. “Bring me more energy, James—”
“More, my Lord—but you just—”
Mikel exploded. “Do not question me! Bring me more or suffer my wrath!”
James stammered out his reply and backed out of the room. Mikel stared at the spot James had vacated, if only Alina had been just as submissive to his demands. No matter, he had plenty of other ways in which to bend her to his will. Cian may have severed his tie to her, but he could still reach into her mind. And he could still track her movements. Of course, there wouldn’t be the clarity he desired, but he’d have enough to sense when she had connected to the other Fragments. He had seen in her eyes that she knew where they were. All he had to do was wait for her to lock onto a location then shadow her movements.
The warriors would be ignorant to his presence of course. That brought him to another thought; Lugus. He wondered how his commander was coping with the demon. Mikel’s energy was low but it did not take much to search out Lugus and Vega. With a few waves and a simple charm he had the events of the last few hours play before him.
What he saw was—peculiar. Rocco and his cohorts were running amuck, as were many other mortals. He witnessed Agrona’s warriors deal with some of the more exuberant ones. But where were Lugus and Vega? Their energy markers were there, and because of the nature of the situation, it was clear that the demon had been responsible for the anarchy.
Murmuring another incantation, he pushed to see what had transpired beforehand. Shock rocked him as he was shown nothing. Impossible. Yet, the proof was there, in the blankness before him. Fury boiled in the pit of his being. Reaching out along the mental waves, he sought his connection with Lugus. Immediately his commander responded with a report that he and the demon were closing in on the first Fragment. Confusion was not something Mikel was familiar with. Something was amiss, and once he had taken sustenance, he would discover exactly what Lugus and Vega didn’t want him to know.
*****
They sat on the floor. Ali faced Finn. Disapproval still etched the lines of his face. Not caring that they had spectators, she cupped his cheek, and tried to reassure him. “It'll be okay. I’ll concentrate on the first location. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get more information. Maybe even talk to someone.” Shaking out her shoulders, and rolling her neck, she tried to relax. She sounded more confident that she felt. How did one purposely do an astral projection journey? Finn interrupted her thoughts.
“The moment I feel you're in danger, I’ll have Tristan and Drake drag you back—information or no. Move quickly, Ali.” He put as much force into the command as possible.
Ali nodded then closed her eyes. Recalling the few times she had taken a yoga class, she slowed her breath, and allowed her body to relax. Gradually, she shut out the exterior noise. She thought of that first place, concentrated on it. At first, nothing happened. Frowning, she doubled her efforts. Then her body began to feel lighter. She felt Finn squeeze her hands. Then, she was flying.
Finn caught her before she toppled over. He had seen it, the moment she was no longer with him. He fought to keep calm. He feathered his fingers over her face, tracing her brows, her cheek, across her lips. The whisper of breath that escaped from her lips was the only evidence she lived. To say he felt helpless would be an understatement. His threat to drag her back had been an empty one. Without his magick, it would be difficult to help her should she run into trouble. He laid his lips on her forehead.
Be safe, love.
He felt eyes on him. Lifting his head, he met Tristan’s knowing look, and glared back. “Worry about staying connected to Ali.”
She was in the hall again. Only this time, there was sound. The voices came from behind the door at the end—male voices. There was a light; its glow outlined the drab brown door. Ali approached it, the voices growing louder with each step. They were arguing. There was another sound, someone—a woman, crying. Close enough to touch the door; she placed her hand on the cool wood. Though she couldn't feel it physically, the energy behind it was strong.
The men were talking about a girl—the woman’s daughter? They wanted to run tests. A heavy sorrow—the mother’s, engulfed her. Then, there was another voice, a different man. He was yelling at the woman, demanding that she comply. Ugly names were used, the woman cried harder, she begged, and then was silent. But her emotions came at Ali with great strength. Failure, humiliation, and fear, they gripped her in an iron band. There was a shout, followed by a gunshot.
Ali spun around, the hallway disappeared. She was on a footpath in a wooded area; two figures were running, a girl, maybe twelve, and an old man. She followed. Was this the girl they were talking about at the hospital? They were running from something. Turning, she saw a house, the front door was open. Men came out, shouting. They wanted the girl. Pain exploded in her head and Ali doubled over, her hands covering her ears. Disoriented, she tried to see where the man and girl had gone. But there was nothing but darkness.
“Let it happen naturally Alina.”
The pain receded. Ali turned to find the woman from her childhood dreams standing a few feet from her. And, for the first time in her life, she spoke directly to her.
“You’ve made a huge mess of things you know.”
Agrona smiled.
“A wrinkle in the fabric of a prophecy that was foreseen—even before my existence.”
Ali looked back towards the house, then to the path the man and girl had taken.
“I don't have time to interpret whatever you just said. I have to find the second Fragment before I'm discovered.”
“You are in her memories—you place mortal limitations on your abilities.”
She snorted.
“Maybe it’s because I am mortal.”
Agrona’s gaze was patient, making Ali feel small and petty.
“Connect to the part of you that is not mortal Alina—you will find the answer that you seek. Time is running out—the one Mikel has placed great trust in is searching for you, and he is not alone.”
She’d been gone nearly an hour. For Finn, it was long enough. He had been unable to stay with her. Something had come between them. So for the rest of her journey, she had been alone—and vulnerable. She should’ve come back. Before his hand could touch her, her eyes flew open. It took another minute before they cleared and became focused. “We need to head north.”
Her eyes may be focused but her voice sounded as though she was still far from him. Worry edged into irritation. He bit back the words of censure that wanted to spew forth. She should have come back. She shouldn’t’ve been gone so long. The only thing stopping him from voicing those opinions was that she was still pale—too pale. In truth, he was angry more at himself, at his limitations. He trusted Tristan and Drake would have pulled her out had there been need, however, being on the outside, despite his connection to her, pissed him off. He had to force his question through the need to chastise her. “Do you know where, Ali?”
“That’s all I know—for now. The closer we get, the clearer the picture will be.”
“Then, we head north; but first you need food and rest.” He scooped her up and sat her on the sofa. A platter of food and a glass of water appeared on the coffee table. Then, lacking ceremony, he said, “We will leave you to it.”
Without another word, he left. Tristan and Drake, after giving her reassuring smiles, followed.
“Well, gee, you’re welcome.” Her sarcasm was met with silence. Huffing out a breath, she reached for an olive, and wondered what the hell just happened. As confusing Finn’s reaction was, she was glad for the alone time and planned on taking full advantage of it, after she’d eaten some more.
Belly full, Ali explored Finn’s home, thankful that her thoughts were behaving themselves. There was no crowding of information for her to fight through, no pulsing headache—it was nice. Trailing her fingers along the exposed brick wall, she enjoyed her surroundings. It really was a great space. She wondered how old it was.
The factory is quite old.
Finn’s voice startled her, halting her exploration. He still sounded perturbed. Trying not to let his mood bother her, Ali complimented on the space.
You did a wonderful job refitting it for your home. It doesn’t feel like a factory.
Thank you. You look good here.
He was gone before Ali could muster up a response. Had he meant to say that? Her reaction was one of pleasure, but also anxiety. Shaking it off, she continued to discover Finn’s home. When she entered the kitchen, her mouth fell open. It was every woman’s dream, and she felt no shame in the sexist thought. Any woman would go gaga over the high end appliances, the gleaming countertops, the deep double under mounted sinks—heaven. Even she could cook up an edible meal in this environment.
She could just picture it. Finn, coming home after working a full day—wait—did he work, did any of them? The thought was an intriguing one. She would have to remember to ask when they got back. Her imagination continued. He would announce that he was home and she would greet him with a glass of scotch and a kiss. Then they would sit down to the amazing dinner she had prepared and they would talk about their day. The image was so perfectly normal. And she wanted to reach in and grab hold of it. Contentment filled her as well as that tingling sensation she always got when he was near.
Finn. Her mind sighed. What in the world was she going to do about him? Her mind flashed back to when they had been so close to kissing. She involuntarily shivered. The man packed a wicked punch. If the circumstances were different, she’d be all over that. It was a startling realization. Could she really be developing feelings for Finn—true feelings, or was it Agrona’s magick at work? And what happens when this ended? Would Finn and the others return to their world, would she still be her?
Argh, it would be easier if the warriors—if Finn, were cold and clinical—like Constantine. Although, she had a feeling that he would come around to being like the others. She liked them—all of them. Wondering what was going to happen, was just another thing she had to worry about. But not now, now she wanted a shower. Thumping the heel of her hand on her forehead, she groaned. Her bag, she had dropped her bag back in the city. She hadn’t thought of it until now.
Your bag is in your room.
Finn’s voice caressed her.
Ali yipped.
Were you listening in on my thoughts?
She wanted to hide in embarrassment, yet, at the same time, the thought of Finn privy to her private thoughts, made her mad.
It’s rude to poke around in someone’s head you know.
She felt his laugh throughout her body. His unpleasant mood from before was gone.
I only caught your worry over your bag, lass, nothing more. But if you are the mood to share—
I’m not! Go do what warriors do, and leave me alone.
As you wish. We will return shortly.
That hair rising sensation tapped danced down her spine. Ali suppressed it. The last thing she wanted was for Finn to get the wrong idea. Her inner voice interjected. And what might that be? That you want him to—hitting the brakes before she ended up conjuring an image she
really
didn’t want Finn seeing, Ali huffed out a haughty,
you don’t have to check in with me—we’re not married.
She wanted to shoot herself in the foot. Finn’s laughter didn’t help matters either.
I warned you about those thoughts Ali.
Shock ran through her system at hearing Tristan’s amusement laced voice
in her head
.