Mortal Magic, page 8
Less than two minutes passed before the stones began to reform, closing the portal. Shrieks and growls echoed through the tunnels as larger demons were trapped on the other side, leaving only the rat like creatures’ passage. Dozens of tiny bodies swarmed through the small opening before it sealed and the light dimmed.
Deruthel picked up the chalice as a demon approached him. “Welcome Thankar.”
The soldier demon bowed to Deruthel. “The king is impatient. How do we stabilize the portal?”
“The blood is old and losing its potency. We must get the vessel before her blood is tainted,” Deruthel said.
“And you’re positive she exists?” Thankar asked.
“Yes, we are making arrangements to acquire her.” He placed the demon caller against his chest, cradling it with his clawed hand. “Join the others. I will be along shortly.” His subordinate left as he glanced around the cavern one more time.
Deruthel put a claw to his temple. “I feel you priestess. The end is coming, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Enjoy your freedom while you can.”
Riley sucked in a breath as Dannika released her hand, and the cozy living room returned. Dannika was slumped over with Raine whispering in her ear.
Colton squeezed her leg. “What happened?”
“Dannika and I shared a vision, but it was like watching events unfold in real time. I’m not sure it was the future. I think it happened just now,” Riley said.
Colton glanced at Dannika’s still form. “Why hasn’t she returned?”
“I don’t know. We were holding hands, conversing inside the vision, but Deruthel sensed her. Or us, I’m not sure.”
Dannika groaned before she sat up in her chair. “Well that sucked ass.”
Raine rubbed Dannika’s back. “What happened? Riley said your vision was connected.”
“We were more than connected. Deruthel called us priestess. He sensed our presence but believed we were one person. I’ve never foreshadowed like that before. I always see the future. Deruthel had a vial of blood and used the demon caller to open a portal for a couple minutes. Dozens of demons came through before it closed.”
Raine swore under his breath.
“He didn’t close the portal? It closed on its own?” Colton asked.
Dannika nodded. “He said the human blood was old. It must have power or it wouldn’t open the portal in the first place, but he didn’t want it closed. He also gave the impression that his blood supply is limited. He’s looking for a vessel, but I don’t know who or what that is.”
Raine rubbed his chin. “It must be the Bokor’s blood.”
Dannika looked up at her mate. “Or my sisters. Hakim could have drained her before he killed her and bottled her blood. He did that with his own so the demons could make the shadow sensitive.”
“Hakim was a bastard. Even in death, he’s taking his revenge.”
Dannika’s lip trembled. “He really killed her.”
Raine grabbed Dannika’s hand. “We haven’t confirmed that Sasha was your sister.”
“If she were a simple human that Hakim attacked, her blood wouldn’t fuel the portal,” Dannika said.
“We can’t jump to conclusions. The Bokor thrived on misconception and chaos. Don’t let him continue his reign of confusion and lies. Darwin and Fallon will ferret out the truth,” Raine said.
Dannika turned to Riley. “Is your gift foreshadowing? It felt different with you there.”
“It’s never been like that before. We were in that cavern and Deruthel sensed us. I think that happened in real time. Does foreshadowing work like that?” Riley asked.
Dannika shook her head. “Not at all. My visions are of events that may or may not happen. That was more like astral projection. There but not there.”
Raine glanced between the women. “Your connection is stronger than we anticipated.” He stood when there was a knock at the door, before moving over to open it.
Breck entered the suite, his eyes hardening when he saw Riley. “My queen. There have been some developments.”
Dannika glanced at Colton before meeting the reapers gaze. “I have asked you repeatedly to call me by name.”
“I am.” Breck said.
Dannika rolled her eyes. “What is it Breck?”
Breck surveyed the room. “There is some derision amongst the reapers. Many want a queen who will restore their immortality.”
Dannika’s eyes flashed as she stood. “That will never happen. I am the queen, and Ferguson is your clan leader. They are well aware of what will happen if they cross either one of us.”
Breck cleared his throat. “Will you even consider an alternative? Feeding on the criminals of human society for example. As Ferguson’s reapers once did.”
“No. We are not here to police humanity. Ferguson was extremely careful before he fed on a human. He tracked his prey and witnessed their atrocities before he fed on them. I know for a fact that many of the reaper clan would not be so diligent. How long would it be before they considered stealing a chocolate bar from the convenience store a criminal act?”
“You could come up with rules as to what humans are considered a viable food source. Protocols could be put in place,” Breck said.
Dannika’s eyes narrowed on Breck. “Are you here to report derision in the reaper clan, or to convince me to let you kill again?”
CHAPTER 16
Riley pursed her lips as the air within the small room became oppressive. She could almost taste the deceit.
Breck cleared his throat. “I mean no disrespect Dannika. I am simply reporting the situation with the reaper clan. As always, the decision is yours.”
Dannika looked Breck over slowly. “Are you one of the reapers who would like to prey on human criminals?”
Breck’s eyes flickered with red. “Yes. We have no animal form. We are no longer shadows. While I will attempt to stall any human feeding until you discuss this issue with Ferguson, I suggest you do it soon.”
“I won’t change my mind and neither will Ferguson. There will be no human prey.”
Breck’s jaw ticked. “Please reconsider Dannika. Talk to Ferguson when he returns. The reapers want to help repel the demons, but they need this feeding issue resolved.”
“I will talk to Ferguson, but it won’t be to change feeding protocols. We will discuss ways to make the transition easier.”
Breck shook his head slightly. His lips parted as if he had something more to say on the matter, but thought better of it. “Will you lead us against the demons? As queen, it is your duty, and would reassure the clan.”
Raine hissed. “That isn’t happening, and anyone who opposes Dannika or disregards an order will deal with me.” The anger in his voice surprised everyone in the room. Dannika put her hand on her husband’s arm, restraining him when it appeared he would lash out at the reaper.
Breck held up a hand. “It was not my intention to start an altercation.”
“And yet you just suggested that Dannika be out front in a demon war,” Raine said.
“The reaper clan leader always leads us into battle. It is part of our tradition.”
Raine’s lip curled to expose his fangs. A sign his warrior was barely leashed. “Ferguson is the clan leader. He will lead the reapers when the time comes.”
Breck shook his head. “Dannika is the Queen. Only she can hold the clans together. While the reapers will listen to Ferguson, they will not work in harmony with the other clans unless Dannika leads them.”
“It’s not going to happen, Breck. I suggest you drop it,” Raine said.
Breck’s eyes moved to Dannika. “So, you won’t lead the reapers when it’s time to go to battle with the demons? You won’t allow us to feed properly either. We will be weak and disoriented, but expected to fight for a queen who will not lead us.”
Dannika flinched. “What do you mean weak and disoriented? Ferguson has had minor effects from the change in diet. He’s needed some sleep for the first time in years, but that is a small price to pay for unification. The reapers have a home, they no longer have to hide. They are no longer hunted.”
Breck huffed. “Apparently, Ferguson is only telling you what you want to hear. The younger generation are having a much more difficult time with the change in diet. They are pale and weak. No amount of animal blood will rectify that situation.”
Dannika paled. “Ferguson’s reapers are not having those issues with the change. I didn’t realize it was that bad for those who chose to turn reaper. I will talk to Ferguson as soon as he returns, but I won’t change my mind about feeding. It will be difficult, but it will be worth it in the end.”
Breck’s eyes hardened. “I can’t guarantee the reapers will accept this decision.”
“If they don’t, we will hunt them down like dogs. More than half the reaper clan is loyal to me. To Ferguson. Those that want to fight him, are welcome to.”
Breck nodded. “I will relay your orders and make it known that those who leave are enemies of the shadow clans.”
“You do that,” Dannika snapped.
Breck left without another word, slamming the door behind him.
Riley leaned forward in her chair. “Dannika are you okay?”
The queen nodded. “Just miffed. The reapers want the security of living with the other clans, but still want the right to hunt human criminals. It wouldn’t last. Within months they will have decimated that small percentage of the population and then they’d turn to the innocent.”
Riley glanced at the door. “I heard what he was saying, but something was off. He was talking about reaper feeding habits but was more interested in you leading an army against the demons. I can’t figure it out.”
Colton turned to her. “You’re right. He was nervous when talking about the war, but not when he was talking about the clan wanting to feed on the dregs of society.”
Dannika turned towards the door before it opened and Ferguson walked in. “You’re late.”
Ferguson shrugged. “I wasn’t aware I had a curfew, mother.”
Dannika shook her finger at him. “Don’t mother me. You took off, and nobody has heard from you. No one could track you because you are like lightning in the pathways. They lost your trail in seconds. You make me worry again and I will spank you in front of the entire clan.”
Riley slapped her hand her over mouth, while Raine and Colton turned away with a cough.
Ferguson’s eyes softened. “I apologize for making you worry.” He knelt down in front of Dannika’s chair. “You are upset. What happened?”
Raine put his hand on Dannika’s shoulder. “She had to deal with Breck. The reaper clan is tired of consuming animal blood. They want to prey on criminals.”
Ferguson’s eyes flashed with black smoke. “Only a select few have that attitude. Most are happy with the security the wolf clan provides.”
Riley glanced between Colton and Ferguson. “That confirms my suspicion. I don’t think he came here to alter reaper eating habits. I think his true agenda was to ensure Dannika was leading the army against the demons.”
Ferguson growled. “Dannika will not be leaving this cave.”
Raine pursed his lips and looked away, hiding his smile.
Dannika crossed her arms. “Are we having a little identity crisis, Ferguson? I thought I was the one in charge,” she snapped.
“You are, but neither I nor any shadow clan member would let you lead an army against the demons. You’re too important. We are disposable. You’re not.”
Dannika leaned towards Ferguson, putting her hand on his cheek. “You’re not disposable to me. If you get yourself killed, I will chase you to the veil, just to give you crap.”
Ferguson nodded, but the emotion in his eyes was real. He stood, making his way to the door. “I’ll go have a conversation with Breck. If he vexes you again, I’ll break both his legs.”
Dannika’s face brightened. “Promise?”
Riley and Colton laughed as Ferguson left shaking his head.
Raine leaned toward his wife. “You shouldn’t tease Ferguson like that. He’s not used to it.”
Dannika huffed. “Who said I was teasing?”
The laughter in the room faded when Dannika and Riley clutched their chests at the same time. “Did you feel that?” Riley asked.
Dannika’s hand moved from her chest to her throat. “Yes. That was another portal opening.”
Riley blew out a breath. “I thought I was going to be sick for a moment.”
“That’s what it feels like. Ripping through the barriers between worlds makes the descendants of the priestess nauseous. We feel it to varying degrees.”
“What do we do? We didn’t have a vision this time,” Riley said.
Raine went to the door. “I will send Ferguson to investigate. His discussion with Breck can wait.” He left closing the door.
Riley turned back to Dannika. “Why does the portal opening, affect us like this?”
“I’m not sure exactly. Anaisa, the priestess from the Haitian village, said all descendants feel it, but those with power, those with closer blood ties to the original, have stronger reactions. The fact that yours was similar to mine, means that your relation to her is not so distant.”
Riley nibbled her lip. “I can’t see any reason why my parents would lie to me.”
“They probably didn’t lie. Having a Haitian relative may not have seemed important. Maybe one of your grandparents lost touch with their family. It’s hard to say.”
Ferguson coalesced within the living room, startling the women.
“Jesus Christ Ferguson. I swear you’re going to give me a heart attack one of these days,” Dannika said.
“We felt the rumble in the caves. The demons opened another portal on the south side of the mountain,” Ferguson said.
Dannika stood with flaming eyes. “Our mountain?”
“Yes. The portal didn’t last long, so the demons weren’t preparing the site. I’m not sure why they picked that location, but they had help to find it.”
Dannika frowned. “Who would help the demons?”
Ferguson’s face was like stone. “Breck was at the site with thirty members of the reaper clan.”
Dannika’s lips curled over her fangs. “Breck betrayed me?”
CHAPTER 17
Riley moved closer to Colton when black mist rolled off Dannika’s shoulders.
Ferguson looked down at his fuming queen. “I’m sorry Dannika. I should’ve realized the extent of Breck’s betrayal. He was always loyal to Julius. I had no idea he had so many supporters.”
The shadows surrounding Dannika receded. “This isn’t on you. It was my decision to make the reapers go cold turkey. They are like addicts and many don’t want to rehabilitate. It was naïve of us to think we could save them all.”
Colton pulled Riley to his side, wrapping his arm around her. “We need Anaisa’s help. We need to find out what the demons are doing and why they would align with the reapers.”
Raine shook his head. “Dannika can’t leave the caves.”
Riley took a hard look at Dannika. She hadn’t noticed the pale quality of her skin until Raine’s declaration. She had assumed he wanted to protect his wife but now she feared it was something else. “Dannika, are you okay?”
“Yes, but I’m taking some herbs Anaisa prescribed, and it affects me at times,” Dannika said.
Colton focused on Dannika. “Riley and I will go. Call Anaisa and tell her to expect us. Maybe she can help us with Riley’s heritage.”
Raine grabbed his cell phone from the desk as Colton’s shadow enveloped Riley.
The feeling of displacement, and broken bones was replaced by the rush of flowing through the shadow pathway like a runaway river. Time stopped as the freedom of traversing the dark streams infused Riley’s soul. They coalesced at the tree line outside the village. The clearing was empty as dawn broke over the horizon, sending filaments of orange, pink and gray streaking along the skyline.
Her gaze was drawn to the eclectic array of small two-story buildings. All were painted in a multitude of bright colors. From afar it was like looking at a village of toucans. Deep blues accented with orange and yellow. Many of the homes had woodcarvings mounted on their walls. And if the conjoined nature of the village didn’t inspire a sense of community, the fire pit in its center with cylindrical wood stools, did.
She turned to Colton. “Don’t force me to travel with you until I have said goodbye. Dannika and Raine were so courteous to us, and you raced off without showing them a simple courtesy,” she snapped.
Colton arched his eyebrows. “After everything that has happened to you, this is what irritates you?”
“There is no need to be disrespectful. If that is too much to ask, then I’m sure I can meet with Anaisa alone,” Riley said.
“You will not be traveling anywhere alone,” Colton said, flashing his fangs.
Riley stepped towards him. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking you intimidate me.”
Colton’s eyes searched hers. “God, you’re sexy when you’re mad.”
Riley smacked his stomach, then started walking towards the village. “You’re hopeless.”
“Hopelessly taken with you,” he whispered as he caught up to her.
“I won’t dignify that with a response. Your shit meter is at full capacity.”
Colton laughed, startling both of them. “I knew I shouldn’t have introduced you to Dannika. She’s a bad influence.”
Riley smiled. “I really like her. It’s not just the connection I feel to her. She’s super funny, strong and caring.”
Colton took her hand and led her to the entrance of the village. “You two are so much alike it’s scary.”
Riley didn’t get a chance to answer, as a young man in shorts motioned them forward. “The priestess is waiting for you. Head on in.” He led them to a house in the center of the village with a lavender door.
The small living room inside was cluttered with hundreds of multi-coloured dolls, statues, and carvings. All neatly placed, and staring at the center of the room.
