“There you are. I’ve called like six times. Everything alright?” Everest asked in a rush.

  “Yeah, we’re fine here,” I lied. “Sorry, I keep my cell in my room.”

  “Uh, huh. Sure you’re not avoiding me?”

  “Why would I be avoiding you?” I fiddled with the window curtains. If she saw me now, she’d call bullshit and know something was up. Thank god she called and didn’t want to video chat. “Wait. You and the baby are fine, right? You’re not like in the hospital right now?”

  “No, baby’s not due for another seven weeks, remember? We’re all just fine here.”

  “Sounds like it. And Slade isn’t driving you nuts again?” I said with a smile.

  “He’s always driving me nuts. Speaking of dragons, though, how’s it going with Tank? Anything you want to share with the class?”

  I laughed along with her. “No, I mean, maybe.”

  “Good, gossip time. Spill. Been bored out of my mind with you gone.”

  I sighed but gave in and told her about taking Tank to the pool of remembrance. After that, I hinted that we may or may not have shared a kiss or two. When she said nothing, I worried she was upset it hadn’t taken me longer to get over Jared.

  Then she muttered, “Thank god.,”

  I gasped.

  “What? Slade wouldn’t let me tell you.”

  “Tell me what?”

  “That you and Jared weren’t right for each other. Said it wasn’t my place.”

  “Nice. Next time do me a favor? Ignore your husband and tell me?”

  “Will do. Nice to hear you two are enjoying your week away. You sure there’s nothing else going on? Nothing at all? You seem a bit, I don’t know, stressed.”

  Yeah, there was something else going on. A revered member of our coven—not to mention one of my closest friends—had been murdered, and we were currently trying to figure out who did it while keeping the warlock who loved her from falling apart and destroying the castle. “Nope,” I said with the happiest voice I could muster. “Everything’s great here. You just keep me posted on you and the baby.”

  “I will. Tell Tank hi.”

  I hung up and cringed. I hated lying, but if she found out there was a murder here, she’d be worrying about me and Tank.

  Slade would probably show up, and if he did, Everest wouldn’t be far behind.

  What they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them, right?

  Seven

  Tank

  Nothing happened the next couple of days.

  Alright, that wasn’t true.

  There were no more attacks on any witches or warlocks. No more leads on who killed Melody, but Amelie and I spent all her free time together. Whether it was out on the grounds watching the unicorn herd or helping the younger generation witches and warlocks in the greenhouses, we were never apart for long. I told myself it was mostly because I was worried about her not being in sight.

  I’d texted Slade a couple of times, mostly to check in and make sure Everest hadn’t gone into labor suddenly. He promised everything was going well enough.

  Then, one day, I found myself seeing Amelie and me in a completely different light. My chest grew tight, and I had to take a walk, clear my head and get some air.

  I texted Slade then, not even sure what I said but it was enough for him to call me worried.

  “What’s going on with you?”

  I ran a hand through my hair, pacing under the shade of the birch trees. “Nothing. Why?”

  “Man, you don’t text like this. Ever. Something you want to share? How’s the gathering really going? Everest talked to Amelie, and she said she sounded off too.”

  “Off, like how off?” Had she told them about the murder?

  “Like she was fluttery or something. Wasn’t sure what she meant then, but I get it now. You sound like that. Fluttery. Are you two, I don’t know, hitting it off?” A smile was in his words. “Tank? You there?”

  “Yeah, I’m here, and yeah, I think we are.”

  “That’s good then, right?”

  “What? Yeah, no, it’s great. I’m just ah… I’m not really good with this whole relationship thing, and I keep…” I swallowed hard, not believing was admitting these thoughts to Slade. “I keep thinking of us being together like in the future. Down the road, you know?”

  “Trust me, I know the feeling. You anxious? Chest tight? Maybe a bit dizzy?’

  As soon as he said it, the trees shifted around me, and I leaned against one. “Something like that. What is this?”

  “That would be you falling in love. All these years, I knew you liked her. Now you finally have your shot.”

  “You didn’t know anything,” I growled.

  He barked a laugh. “Oh, I did. Wondered why you let Jared swoop in.”

  “Didn’t think I was ready. Or good enough for her.”

  “Tank listen to me. You’ve been my friend for so damned long, hell we’ve been through a war together. You follow that big heart tucked away under all that mean muscle you got and get the girl. Amelie’s a good witch. And she cares for you. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have asked you to go with her, right?”

  She cared for me. I hadn’t told him about the pool of remembrance yet. Certainly wasn’t going to fill him in on the kisses so far. One day we might sit together and share some stories over some beers. Not yet.

  “Thanks.”

  “Any time. You sure there’s nothing else going on other than you having a mental breakdown?”

  I growled something incoherent and hung up on him.

  I was going to head back to the greenhouses when leaves crunched behind me.

  On instinct, I tensed, expecting an attack.

  Something snorted, and warm air hit the back of my neck.

  I jumped.

  One of the unicorns had wandered away from the herd and came to visit. Not wanting to scare it away, I remained perfectly still. It nudged my hand with its nose, and I rubbed the velvet flesh.

  Taking it one slow step at a time, I turned around until I faced the magnificent beast. He stood taller than me but nudged my hand again.

  “I thought you were supposed to be shy.” I kept my voice quiet as I talked, running my hand down the male unicorn’s nose. He leaned into me, and I laughed. “Easy, you’re going to push me over.”

  Not sure how he’d react, but curious, I moved along his neck to the silky hair of his mane. He bobbed his head, whinnying. An answering neigh from behind me caught me off guard.

  The entire herd had come over to investigate. And I was in the midst of them. Every unicorn bumped me with its nose. I gave each one a good long rub on its muzzle.

  The wind shifted, and the sweet smell of honeysuckle that was all Amelie drifted past my nose. The unicorns smelled it too, and they whinnied again then ran off into the trees. Not frightened, maybe ready to be done with us for now.

  “Look at you,” she said, staring at me with wide-eyed amazement. “Unicorn whisperer. What other secrets are you hiding from me?”

  “I can talk to the wind, too,” I teased with a wink. “Honestly, I have no idea what brought them over here. I was minding my own business, then suddenly they seemed to want some attention.”

  The male unicorn neighed loudly as if he heard me.

  “Nice to see you making some new friends.” Amelie’s shoulder brushed against mine as we watched the unicorns prance then take off through the trees and into the fields behind the thicket. “I wish I could run like that. Have the wind in my hair. Not have a care in the world.”

  I smiled, leaned down ,and whispered in her ear, “Why run, when you can fly?” I walked away.

  She stared at like it was about to snow on Christmas.

  “Well, you coming, or what?”

  “You’re serious?” She bounced on her feet. “I love flying.”

  Standing in the center of the lawns, I confirmed there was no one around then shifted into my Shadowguard dragon form. My wings stretched, and I sighed in relief at being free for a bit. I lowered my shoulder, letting Amelie climb onto my back. She nestled in and patted me. She was good to go.

  With a hard pump of my wings, I rose into the air and took us high into the clouds. The sun was setting as I circled the mansion.

  I flew us faster and faster. Amelie laughed and shouted in sheer joy.

  At the edge of the protective barrier, I tilted my wings, and we soared back toward the mansion’s towers. Amelie lay against my back, her magic humming around us, creating bright green and purple tendrils.

  I drew fire from deep within my body. My flames wove around her magic in a beautiful display.

  Those on the lawns cheered and clapped as others rushed out to see what the commotion was about. After the heavy cloud of despair hanging over the grounds, it was nice to see everyone happy. We continued the show until the sun set the horizon on fire.

  I pumped my wings, hovering in the sky until the last rays of light disappeared.

  Stars speckled overhead as I landed. Amelie easily slipped off my back, and I shifted to my human form.

  “That was so much fun.” She threw her arms around my neck and kissed me. Holding her and kissing her back was the only reasonable thing to do.

  “Glad you had fun. Looks like everyone else did too.”

  We wandered inside with the rest of the witches and warlocks, happy that some of the cheer had returned to the atmosphere.

  It wouldn’t last forever, but a few hours were better than none.

  I’d walked Amelie to her room and waited for the lock to click in place for her door then turned toward the empty corridor.

  Dinner had turned into a loud affair of drinking and dancing as those present talked and laughed about previous gatherings. They recounted stories about Melody. Even Troy made an appearance, his spirits higher for a short time.

  It was close to midnight now, but I was far from tired, so I wandered down the corridor, hanging a left then a right, not paying much attention to where I walked.

  The castle was quiet and the halls empty. I let myself get lost in thoughts of Amelie. How her hand was rarely out of mine tonight. Or how she dragged my ass out to dance with her in front of the entire crowd. How during the slow songs, she rested her cheek against my chest as we swayed back and forth. I was turning into a big softy, and for once, I was alright with that. There was no great war to fight. No massive battles to win.

  I was pretty sure there would be a fight when we started tracking down my sister, depending on where she was and if she was even in trouble. But the war was done. Finished.

  Finally, I could be myself. I could be the Tank I hadn’t been able to be for so long.

  I was on my way back to my room when yelling brought me to a stop.

  It sounded like Grant and someone else. Was Troy having a fit again? I sprinted to Grant’s door, frowning at the cold sensation that seeped through my bones.

  My air puffed in front of my face, a frosty blast of my breath.

  The shouting grew louder, then was followed by the sounds of several crashes.

  “Grant?” I tried the door, but it was locked. “Grant, open the door.” I banged my fist on it as the yelling increased again.

  A second voice echoed out, but it was strange… and sounded far away.

  I knocked again, practically pounding. “Grant! Damn it.”

  I bashed my shoulder into the door, calling for help. On the fourth hit, a high-pitched shriek resounded. I clutched my ears with a grimace.

  The door exploded outward, slamming me into the stone wall.

  Back throbbing in pain, I pushed myself upright in time to see a translucent figure as startled to see me as I was to see it. It had the shape of a man, but its eyes shone a silver color.

  Then it shot off with a furious howl, and I was right behind it.

  I sprinted down the corridor, leaping down the stairs two and a three at a time to try and catch up.

  Behind me, doors flew open with slams. Witches and warlocks shouted, calling out, asking what was going on.

  There was no time to stop.

  The poltergeist, the ghostly figure I was chasing down, grew further and further away, then went through a solid wall.

  I bellowed, slamming my fist against it, but I couldn’t follow it through the wall.

  I spun around, ready to dart back upstairs and check on Grant when the poltergeist appeared behind me and flew through me.

  I gasped in shock at the icy touch, lost my balance, and tumbled down the stone steps. I landed in a heap at the bottom, cursing all the new bruises I’d have in the morning and feeling for broken ribs.

  The poltergeist zoomed by me.

  I reached out as if I’d be able to grab hold of his ethereal body and stop him. He cackled as my hands passed right through him. Growling, I pushed up and dug deep, not letting him out of my sight as he led me on a chase through the mansion then down another set of stairs. The torches grew further and further apart, then the poltergeist veered sharply right. I tried to do the same, but crashed into a solid door.

  “Bastard.” I bashed my fist against it, blood dripping from my nose. The door was locked, but the wood was old and rotted. After two hard kicks, it splintered, and on the third, I toppled through the opening.

  The corridor beyond was pitch black. I walked slowly, hand outstretched in front of me. I puffed a small ball of fire every few seconds to light the shadows. When I began to wonder if I’d be walking in the darkness forever, a male voice cut through the stuffy air.

  I pressed my back into the wall. Cautious, I crept along, following the sounds of dripping water and the voice.

  There were two voices, I realized. Both voices sounded far away, just as Mary described. Was the poltergeist who Melody argued with before she died?

  My hand brushed air, and I stilled.

  “Is it done?”

  “It’s done. Release me, I beg of you. I don’t want to do this.” That voice, it sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place it.

  Both voices echoed off the stone walls, so it was hard to figure out who the poltergeist was speaking to.

  “Not yet. We have much more work to take care of.”

  I shut my eyes as I tried to place either voice, but I had no luck. Taking a chance, I peeked around the edge of the wall. The corridor opened into a small room with a single light coming from a lantern in the hand of a hooded figure.

  The poltergeist shuddered as the hooded man held out his shaking hand. The man seemed to be absorbing the poltergeist somehow.

  Inching forward, I stayed pressed to the wall until I was even with the hooded figure. Without making a sound, I threw myself headlong, expecting to tackle the man to the ground. Except my arms only met air and I spun around wildly.

  “Perhaps next time, dragon.”

  The man stood behind me, and when I started to charge toward him, a bright flash of white light filled my vision.

  Then there was nothing.

  My legs shook, and my vision swam as I got myself upright.

  “Tank!”

  Amelie? Why was she shouting? And why was it so dark? The stones beneath me were cold and damp. Where was I?

  “Tank answer me, you bloody dragon!”

  Light bounded closer.

  “Here. I’m here,” I tried to call out, but all that exited my mouth a was garbled croak.

  I drew on my fire and sent up sparks hoping that would be enough. The light grew brighter, and then Amelie was there, holding a small ball of light in her right hand.

  I squinted against the brightness but didn’t care a second later when she threw herself at me.

  “I’m alright.”

  “Where did you go? What happened?” she demanded, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me. “There was all this yelling, and then you were just gone. Why are you in the old dungeons?”

  “Poltergeist.”

  “What?”

  “I followed a poltergeist down here.” Something else nagged at me. What was it? How did I end up on the floor? “A man. There was someone down here. Didn’t see his face.”

  “Did you hear his voice?”

  “Yeah, but I didn’t recognize it.”

  She got up and reached out a hand for me. It took us both a couple tries then I was on my feet.

  “You sure you’re good?”

  “Knocked me out with his magic.” I growled. The next time we met, I’d make him regret it. “Did you see Grant?”

  “No, I’d barely gotten out of my room when I heard you yelling. I started for Grant’s room, but…” She nibbled her lip and tugged nervously on her hair.

  I stopped her and held her hands in mine.

  “It’s nothing.”

  “Clearly, it’s something. Just tell me.”

  “I—uh—I sensed you were in trouble. Like this weird uneasy feeling in my gut.”

  “How did you even find me?”

  She shrugged. “As I said, I had a feeling. It was weird. I knew where you were. When I got down here, I just started yelling hoping you’d hear me.” She hauled off and smacked my shoulder.

  “What was that for?”

  “Why would you take off like that? Are you insane? Do you have any idea what could’ve happened to you?”

  She hit me again until I wrapped my arms around her and cut off her ranting with a kiss. I lifted her off her feet, and she gave in and then she was kissing me back.

  When we pulled apart, a puff of sparks slipped from my mouth.

  She laughed.

  “Nice to see I’m not the only on fire right now.”

  I growled as I kissed her once more for good measure. “We should get back upstairs. Check on Grant.”

  With her magic ball of light guiding the way, we wound our way through the dungeons and to the lit floors of the mansion.

  Witches and warlocks crowded the stairwell, making room for us to pass. On our floor, where all the descendants’ rooms were, Amelie gripped my hand hard enough to make my fingers go numb.

  Those around us whispered while others cried.

  “Grant,” she whispered then took off.

  I was hot on her heels.

  At the doorway, she staggered to a stop, falling into the doorjamb.

 

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