Demon soul crossroads wi.., p.26
Demon Soul (Crossroads Witch Book 2), page 26
Somehow, Julia knows. The place from your dream.
Yes.
Through Nora’s eyes, I see their shadowy forms. Torches flare and flicker, shining upon their faces. Behind them, the grounds of a vast property sweep down toward a river, where water ripples in the moonlight. Beyond that, the city skyline rises toward a night sky full of glimmering stars and a full moon. It was within that sky that I saw the seam open, fiery red and black at its core. It was within this place that I felt him overtake me.
Cassie’s voice snaps me out of it again. Amaya, we’re with you. Hang in there, okay?
I hear Julia’s voice next. Cassie’s right. We’re right here. You’ll be okay.
But can even a psychic as powerful as Julia know that? Can she really be as sure as she sounds?
Here they come now.
It’s only as Nora says it that I realize our perspective has changed. She’s facing forward again, keeping her eyes on the back of a giant stone house. It’s truly a mansion, one that dwarves Marissa Croft’s home by three times at least. The grounds themselves must be massive, set far away from other homes, if there even are any others nearby. An estate of some sort, I imagine, historic and more than likely passed down through generations. At some point, only one generation remained, represented by a man who lives forever. The Arch Vampire, Phillip Marchant.
The French doors swing open as two men step out onto a stone patio. One is tall and regal, wearing a long black coat. He’s pale, with thick dark hair and piercing gray eyes. He looks no more than forty. The man beside him looks younger, still in his thirties. He too is handsome, imposing, but in an earthy way, with thick tawny hair, green eyes and a strong jaw. Even from a distance, it’s plain to see that he’s lean and well-muscled. He must be Derek Miller, the alpha of the Moonridge pack.
Together, they wait as a hush falls over the crowd. Somehow, we feel the anticipation of those waiting. Their awe, fear and respect. But are they looking upon who they think they’re seeing? Or are they seeing two stolen bodies? That’s the question, the very reason we’re here.
Phillip Marchant speaks first. Or, if our hunch is correct, Felkerus speaks through him, his voice ringing out across the yard. “For quite some time, there’s been a truce between the supernatural factions of this city. We’ve tried our best to live in peace with one another—vampires, werewolves and witches alike. And, let me remind you, it was the witches who called for this truce. It was the witches who suggested it would be to everyone’s advantage.”
With just that much, a grumble passes through the crowd. They grow agitated, shifting on their feet.
Phillip looks out over them again and I watch his eyes, hoping to see some sort of sign. A sudden shift, a flash of green—anything that will tell us if we’re right. But if Felkerus has taken control of the Arch Vampire, he gives nothing away. Instead, he looks sure of his power as those gathered hang on his every word.
“If anything, this truce has served the witches,” he continues, his voice growing louder. “After all, most of them are no match for our kind. Against our speed, our strength and heightened senses, they barely stand a chance.”
Voices call out in response.
“To hell with the witches!”
“The truce only benefits them!”
“It’s time to end it!”
Phillip waits, then nods curtly, clearly in agreement. “The fact is, either one of our tribes could have claimed this territory for themselves. True, that would have pitted your kind against mine, and my kind against yours. Which, I agree, would be unfortunate. But, in such a fight, we all know it wouldn’t be the witches who’d prevail, despite their spells, charms and hexes.”
More voice call out.
“Exactly!”
“We could tear them apart!”
“End the truce with the witches!”
Derek, if he is indeed Derek, takes a step forward. He raises his chin as he looks out. “Instead, it appears that the witches have started killing our kind. Both werewolves and vampires. So far, they’ve killed five, but we all know it won’t end there. How they’ve managed to do it, we don’t know. Who, among them, has committed these killings, we also don’t know. But one thing we do know—these acts have been brazen, with calling cards left at each scene. It would seem that the witches are taunting us!”
He waits as the crowd calls out for vengeance, their rising voices blending together. The intended effect seems more than clear. As we suspected, Felkerus and Bloodhound want their tribes turned against us—and it appears they’re very much getting their wish.
“Despite these affronts,” Phillip says, taking over again, “have the witches tried bringing any of their kind to justice? Have they done so much as to start an investigation?” His voice gets even louder. “If so, they certainly haven’t told us!”
“So what we’re asking,” Derek says, “is whether you agree that the witches have started a war? And, if so, should we bring that war back to them?”
People shout over each other, hoping to be heard. They pump their fists in the air. A chant starts and keeps going, more and more voices repeating the same words. War on the witches. War on the witches. War on the witches!
Somehow, almost impossibly, Nora’s inner voice cuts through the cacophony. I say, now. While they’re both together.
Part of me thinks she’s right, while another part holds back. I stare at Phillip and Derek, where they stand gazing out, their faces firm with conviction. I ask, How can we be sure it’s them?
It better be, Nora says. You’ll never get another chance like this.
Cassie asks, Julia, what’s your gut feeling?
I think Nora’s right.
Then let’s do this.
Upon Cassie’s words, Julia breaks the connection
Our eyes fly open back in the room we never left. Those who’ve been waiting know we must have reached a decision. They look to me, and in their eyes I see why. Ultimately, this is my battle to fight. Only I can make the difference. Whether I can or not remains to be seen. Still, there’s no denying that it’s time to find out. So, I rise to my feet and wrap my hand around the hilt of the dagger at my hip. I look around and say, “Now.”
A split-second later, light flashes around the crowd’s perimeter—a series of portals popping open. We step out with Regina and Beatrice emerging at the front. Angled away from each other, they thrust out their hands, power blazing at their fingers. The light from Regina’s magic streaks toward the nearest mage, connecting with his enchanted ring. From there, it streaks out again, connecting with that worn by the next. One by one, it keeps connecting to form half the circle, while the force Beatrice just launched creates the other half. The circle complete, a wall of light rises around the now-trapped mob. Vampires and werewolves push out in all directions, only to find themselves trapped beneath a shimmering dome.
As that happens, Cassie and I dash toward the patio. There, Phillip and Derek stand caught completely off-guard. Meanwhile, Zachary has taken his place. Light flashes at his hands as he recites the incantation to cast the hex. By the time Phillip and Derek gain back their senses, it’s already too late. Their eyes flash green as, in vain, they both try to escape.
“There!” Cassie cries. “Did you see it?”
I sure as hell did and I know what it means. Felkerus and Bloodhound just found themselves locked in. Their eyes flash again, their faces twisting with rage.
“Strike now!” Cassie shouts, her hands ablaze with blue fire. “We don’t know how long it will hold!”
She’s right. The hex might last minutes or it might last seconds. There’s no way to know. I leap onto the patio and draw the blade from its sheath. In that moment, it feels like time stops completely. Felkerus and Bloodhound swivel to face me. I look back and forth between them. My heart pounds in my chest, my hand clenching the dagger.
One chance.
That’s all I have.
One chance.
Suddenly, Felkerus’s eyes start flickering like crazy. With each pulse, the flash of green grows brighter, stays longer. It’s the same for Bloodhound. I steal a glance back at Zachary, who keeps his hands outstretched, his lips still moving. But sweat streams down his face as the light at this hands keeps fading.
I’m out of time.
I have to choose.
I spin toward Felkerus, gripping the blade tighter, ready to strike. At the last moment, my gaze shifts back to Bloodhound. I stare into his monstrous eyes, my mind flashing back to what took place in the tower. How he used Kai to lure me. How he used Kai’s arms to hold me. How he kissed me using Kai’s lips. I think of those violations while, of course, I think of what he did to Kai—of what he’s doing to him even now as he feeds upon Kai’s soul.
One chance.
That’s all I have.
I pivot, leap forward and drive the blade home, plunging it through Bloodhound’s chest. There’s no blood as I yank it out again. No torn flesh, no wound. Instead, light burns along the blade I hold in my hand, pure white and blindingly bright. That same light engulfs the body Bloodhound stole. It shimmers in his eyes and blazes from his gaping mouth as he staggers and then falls to his knees. He drops, toppling onto his back, a smoky plume rising from his chest. Just like those I saw in the tower, it twists and writhes, trying to escape. But the white light surges outward once more, extinguishing what it was brought here to kill. A split-second later, all that's left are gray wisps curling upon the air.
Cassie shouts, “Amaya, look out!”
I swing around, dagger raised, but not before Felkerus seizes me by the throat. In his stolen vampire body, he’s tall and formidably strong. He snatches the dagger from my hand and throws it aside. He spins me around and holds me pinned to his chest, his grip like iron. Heart hammering, I stare out at the crowd. Vampires and werewolves, still ensnared, call out for retribution. The witches now face an impossible situation. If they break ranks to save me, they’ll be overrun by those they’ve set free. Only Cassie and Zachary remain unhindered, but they’re equally helpless. Felkerus could snap my neck, should they even try to make a move.
From behind me, Felkerus speaks close to my ear. “Here we are at last. You can't possibly comprehend how long I’ve waited. All that time held bound in a hell devised by their kind.” He grabs hold of my chin, forcing me to look at the watching witches and mages. “And I suppose now you want to be just like them, those witches you think of as friends. Let me tell you this, demon. You’re not one of them and you never will be. They hate your kind.”
I struggle against him, tears rising to my eyes. “You’re wrong. They care about what happens to me.”
He laughs. “Because they took this risk tonight? That’s not friendship. That’s self-preservation. They were hoping you could defeat me.”
It’s as if a fog descends upon my brain, my will starting to drain away. I don’t have to see my friends’ horrified faces to know what’s happening. I have no doubt that, right now, Felkerus’s eyes are glowing green.
I hear his voice again, but this time inside me. Not in the way that I heard Julia, Cassie and Nora. Instead, it’s another violation, there without permission—the voice of someone about to consume me.
There’s no point in fighting it. You can feel that, can’t you?
He bores deeper, burrowing into my mind, my body, my very soul.
But why would you even want to fight it, after all you’ve been through? All you’ve known is fear and confusion. All you’ve ever felt is alone.
I shake my head feebly, my voice diminished to a whisper. “That’s all behind me. Things are getting—”
Better? Felkerus laughs. No, Amaya. Things won’t be getting better. I’m afraid, for you, this is as good as it’s going to get.
I try to struggle, but can barely move. I can barely speak. “Please… please let me go.”
He chuckles. Stop fighting, Amaya. These things you wish for were never meant for you. This is what was meant for you.
He doesn’t have to point my chin toward what he wants me to see. Now, he controls my actions as I look out past the shadowy figures, and then past the torches. In the distance, moonlight shines upon the river. Beyond that, a city rises toward the sky. It’s a peaceful scene. There, people sleep, having no idea what’s about to be unleashed upon them by a sick and twisted soul.
Like the puppet I’ve become, Felkerus raises my arms. Helplessly, I watch as light blooms at my fingers. At the far end of the property, a seam opens and continues to expand—black at its core, ringed by a fiery corona.
He chuckles, his deep voice rolling through me. Isn’t it glorious? That is your purpose, Amaya. This is why you were created. The only difference being who might use you.
I stare at that gateway Felkerus just used my powers to open. Part of me remains numb, too weak to change what’s happening. A different part of me feels a deep need to protect those I care about. Maeve's face flashes before my eyes, along with Sophie’s. I see Cassie, Julia and Autumn. I see Beatrice and Zachary. And, of course, I see Kai. While there’s still time, it’s that part of myself I seize hold of—those connections within me that never existed before.
“No.”
He spins me around to face him, his hands locked upon my arms. His eyes burn into mine. You can’t say no. You’re mine to do with as I please. Your body, your mind, your powers. They all belong to—
“No!” I shake my head firmly, a sudden power surging in my veins. My power. The power I possess and that belongs to me alone.
I don’t have to see myself to know that my eyes just transformed into obsidian orbs. Nor do I have to see the twisting black vines that just rippled across my face. I can see all of that in Felkerus’s widening eyes. As for my wings, I don’t have to see them either. I feel them perfectly as they become part of me, lifting me up from the ground. I stare down at Felkerus, grinning as ribbons of black vapor unfurl from hands now tipped with talons.
He cries out, “No! It’s not possible!”
This time, I don’t hear him within my mind. I hear him as he speaks using another man’s voice, from within the body he stole. Yet one more thing he had no right to take.
But do I feel his fear inside me?
Yes, I sure as hell do. Because I’m part demon. And, if I chose to, I could feed upon that fear. Part of me wants to very much as a hunger grows inside me. Sluagh, drudes and me—apparently, we have a few things in common. Hopefully, it’s a matter of which course you choose. Right now, I choose to swoop down upon Felkerus and wrap him in inky tendrils. My grin widens. “Do you like what you see? I call it my Demon Soul.”
He stumbles back, but doesn’t get far. He shakes his head in disbelief as I hold him in my web. “This isn’t possible. You were never meant to—”
Suddenly, he stops, his eyes going even wider.
Yeah, there it is. He just made the connection.
“Exactly.” I lift him from the ground. “I was never meant to have this strength. Isn’t that what you were going to say?”
He starts to wizen, his face going gaunt. “No. I mean, yes. I just—”
“Assumed I was never meant to live this long. That I would never take control of my powers. After all, that was the plan. But, guess what. Plans change. And look at me now. To use your word, aren’t I just glorious?”
“Please,” he says. “Just think for a moment. We can make a deal. You and I together, we could rule this realm. We could—”
“Let the rest of your kind back in here? Let every dark soul with a grudge march through that gate?” I spin him around, this time controlling him so he can see exactly what I’m talking about. The fiery gate to Lachrymoar stands open.
I tighten my tendrils as he continues to wither. His flesh starts to desiccate, his wrists turning to bone as his hands become skeletal claws. Finally, Felkerus has no choice but to try to escape from that body. A black plume flies out, twisting and turning as it streaks through the air. I let go of Phillip Marchant and reach out again with my tendrils, thinking it will be like trying to grasp smoke. Instead, my magic cuts through what must be an illusion. Only then do I see Felkerus in his true form. I hold within my grasp a freakish figure—elongated and winged, with a long black beak and beady black eyes. Both humanoid and birdlike. Not unlike a drude, I realize, that ghoulish creature I once thought couldn’t be real.
Suddenly, it all becomes clear to me. I think of the raithret, as it struggled for life within my grasp. I think of what Persephera told us about the sluagh being demons. I hear her words inside my head.
There’s more to you than you think, my dear. Much more indeed.
Somehow, she saw the power within me and knew how it works. Now, I can’t help but wonder if Cassie has suspected the same. Because I finally understand why my magic isn’t consistent. What could be more ironic? The creature that Nepheras created for sacrifice—part demon, part witch—possessed the power to destroy her. Damn, what I wouldn't give to go back in time.
But right now I have Felkerus to deal with. The question being what to do with him? If I could, I’d squeeze the life out of him. Leave the world with one less monster. But if I kill him, do I have the means to extinguish his soul? No, that’s beyond my powers. But what I do know is that I’m the Crossroads Witch. A gatekeeper—the one who gets to say who can come back in here. And this trespasser has been here for far too long.
I look down to see that Felkerus remains transfixed by that seam he used me to open. It pulses and flickers, burning with fire—the same prison from which he escaped to begin with. As if reading my thoughts, he turns to face me. From his grotesque beak, he utters, “No.”
I lift him into the air.
He writhes within my grasp. “You can’t!”
I take him higher. “Actually, I can.”
I spin him around and point his face toward where he’s going. I swoop forward as he continues to struggle. And, if the monster in me is out for the world to see, at least the world will see what I do with other monsters. Soon, I reach that fiery doorway where figures gather from where they're held trapped behind it. Some look like Felkerus, elongated and birdlike. Others look human, but with heads like bulls. Others look like oversized lizards, rodents and spiders, while others appear as no more than slithering shadows. But one thing I’m sure they all share in common is that they're not meant to enter this realm.
