It was a miracle that none of us had died so far.

  Unable to clear my throat, I croaked. “Thank you, Conor. That means a lot. But no. You have a pack, a family. You can’t put your life on the line again. You barely made it out alive. I have to do this. Alone.”

  I tried to stop trembling. I had to act, now. I had to save him, or die trying. And that terrified me. But being in this world without Lycaon, that terrified me more.

  Austin sniffed, his eyes red from exhaustion. “Do it. Do it now, Grace. I’ll phone Lucius, though I couldn’t reach him earlier. And Elsa,” he fixed me with a stare, “try to stay alive. I have nothing to give you, no artefact, no advice really.”

  Silence hung for a few seconds, it felt like time stretched over me, heavy, impending doom. Perhaps Adara had won. But they didn’t have his blood.

  Zale, feral and full of vengeance was our only hope.

  The woods were too quiet. Grace left me with Lycaon, who was delirious and laid on the ground. I bent over him, his skin gleaming with sweat as the liquid silver had penetrated his blood stream. I knew from my herbal studies with poison, there was only about an hour before it reached his heart.

  An hour.

  And I had to find Zale. And honestly, I had no idea how I would convince him to help. Their last contact had ended in a fight.

  So here I was, hoping the Adara sect wasn’t lurking and that I wouldn’t have my head ripped off by Lycaon’s progeny.

  Lycaon’s golden hair stuck to his face, as I brushed it away he tried to speak. Putting my finger on his lips, my heart burning, I said, “No, rest. Help is coming.”

  He tried again, but I stood up and searched the trees that surrounded us. My heart raced, and I couldn’t hide the tremor in my voice as I called, “Zale? Zale, Lycaon is dying. He needs your help. Your father needs you.”

  My heart sank and vision blurred as a tingling ran through my limbs. Swallowing hard I tried again, in fact, I realised I had to keep shouting, calling his name. I had nothing of Zale’s to cast a spell, and exhaustion weighed me down.

  And Adara would no doubt show up first.

  Despair turned to doubt.

  “Zale? Lycaon needs you. He saved your life, will you at least save his now?”

  My hollow words rang through the forest with no reply. No stirring from creatures, just a bitter chill that bit at my face. Clouds moved like monsters above me, grey in the inky sky as the moon teased a shimmer of light before hiding again

  * * *

  and uncertainty was my only companion. My heart was hollow, gut wrenched that I was losing this man, this wolfman and the only one who could help had turned his back.

  Loss turned to anger, I spat my wrath at the sky, “You made him, Zeus, why don’t you help? Lazy, spiteful god!”

  Turning around to face Lycaon as his breathing weakened, his body shaking, glistening under the cold moon, I heard a rustle. Or did I? Maybe I was imagining it? Maybe I’d die…

  * * *

  From out of nowhere the huge white wolf sprung out, leaping at me, its howl piercing through my eardrums.

  I screamed, my arm covering my face as his paw, claws out came lunging at me. Falling to the ground, blood pouring from my arm, I looked up to find him right in front of me. Jaw curled back, growling. I did nothing to defend myself.

  Shaking uncontrollably, I raised my head but kept my eyes low. Perhaps my submission would help. Or not? Opening his jaws, he snarled in my face threateningly and for a moment I froze in terror.

  I glanced at Lycaon, hopeless as it was, dying, yet being beside him gave me that feeling, the completeness that I never knew I wanted or needed.

  Then the snapping of bones, a sharp cry I cast a look to see Zale transforming. On all fours, his body ripped, flesh and blood filling my nose as he transitioned violently back into a man.

  It was almost hard to fear him, he was beautiful. Hooded dark eyes, framed with chestnut brows and hair, his face was worn, but kind. Aquiline features and his body lean and toned, smaller than Lycaon, his father.

  He looked like a statue that had been bathed in magic and come to life.

  Shooting me a mean stare his eyes narrowed. His voice was deep and smooth. “I wanted to kill him. For leaving me. Who did this to him?”

  “Adara. They shot him with liquid silver, he has, I don’t know, thirty minutes until it reaches his heart? Can you give him your blood?”

  He crouched beside Lycaon, looking at him, his expression like a wolf’s, jerking, sudden movements, sniffing over his maker.

  “Why? So you can betray him as Loren betrayed me? Leave him, he has lived long enough. And he abandons every one of his progeny.”

  He stood up, rolling his shoulders back, small lips pressed tightly together. “I want to kill you for being a witch. But I’m giving you one chance to leave. Then,” his icy stare fell to Lycaon, “then I will kill my maker….”

  “I’m not leaving him.” I could almost smell the anger raging from him.

  “I thought you loved Loren, and she you? And now you’re punishing Lycaon for this? Adara is responsible, though they’ll be pleased that you’re killing the father of wolves. It’ll save them the job. And you’ll be next.”

  His face contorted, mouth wide as fangs appeared. His hands were around my neck before I could blink, as he flung me against a tree, then held me there, his face a hair’s breadth from mine.

  “What do you know of love? You’ve only met him recently, huh? And you gave him your blood, thereby casting a binding spell on him. A spell he can never undo. A wolf spell… Yes, I know your kind, I was deceived by a witch, remember? I thought she loved me, but she used me, just as you are using him.”

  He loosened one hand, pointed one finger with an extended claw. “And now I will end you, bitch.”

  All the colours around me drained. My mind slowed, like I was dreaming. I had to concentrate just to breathe. But then I realised that was pointless as he was about to end this life. My life. Struggling, I tried to turn my head, I just wanted one more glance at him, just one more look at Lycaon before I died.

  * * *

  That feeling passed, and again I felt something, or someone watching me. Now it almost felt like this was a game, and I was the puppet. Eyes burned into me. With Zale before me, I reacted on instinct I guessed, my knee shoving between his legs.

  He was naked, this was his only vulnerability and my only chance. He doubled over in pain. Something got the wind in me, I grabbed the back of his neck as he clutched at his groin.

  “I love Lycaon. Giving him my blood was no spell, you fool. He would’ve died. You could've helped him but you were too wrapped up in your sorrow, your pain to help another. You’re addicted to it, to the pain. It’s all you know. One hundred years of anger. One hundred years of loss, of hate, of vitriol. But you’ve learned nothing. Perhaps Loren did deceive you, I don’t know. Or perhaps she did love you and was possessed by Adara. She ran away with you, married you, abandoned her family and I doubt that was an act. You’ve been angry for so long, as Marrock said with fighting, that you don’t know any other way. Hate is all you know now. But it’s not just killing you now, eating away at your heart, now your hate is killing others. Your kin, your father. You are annihilating an entire pack for your rage. Lycaon was a fool to make you a werewolf. You’re too weak for immortality. You’re pathetic.”

  I thrust him to the floor, shaken, my mouth open like a puppet. I had no idea where that came from, and he lurched up at me, tooth and claw. I held up my chin. “Do it, kill me. I’m unarmed. That’s who you are. Slaughtering those who are trying to help, slaughtering the innocent. I wanted to help you and Loren, her soul to find peace. It’s an abomination that we are punished for who we love. But you carry on, and this hatred will fuel Adara for another century. Add reason for their discrimination.”

  He stopped. His mouth opened as he glanced from his father to me, his chest rising and falling heavily.

  Gruff, he replied. “If I help him now, you will leave. You will leave him now and forever. No witch should ever walk on Savernake territory again.”

  Now my heart crumbled. But if it meant Lycaon was alive, even though I couldn’t see him, it would have to be enough. To know that he was out there, under the moon, the same as me, and every time I looked at the sky, at the moon, I would think of him.

  I nodded. I went to speak, he sneered.

  His eyes lowered as he roared, “Say no more, witch. Now go. And don’t look back. Or you will meet your death with the bite of my wolf…”

  * * *

  Fighting back tears, I wiped my face with the back of my arm. Stealing a glance at Lycaon, I staggered off, hoping at least I was in the right direction of the road. Adara hadn’t arrived, and Zale would hopefully keep his word. The wind was colder, I shoved my hands into my coat pockets.

  It was a long walk home. Mile after mile with a broken heart but at least he would live.

  Eventually I found the road, my heart in pieces, my soul like lead. Hearing my pulse pumping through my ears, I shivered. I wanted to cry, to scream but there was nothing left. No energy, no will, no nothing.

  The clouds above teased with the moonlight, everything else was pitch black. Stumbling, I didn't care now. Death would be easier than this.

  * * *

  A solitary howl pierced the silence, I shivered as I made my way out of their home. And I vowed to myself, never, never trust a werewolf…

  DRAGON’S LAIR

  “No wonder I couldn’t find you, what are you doing on the road, you should’ve called me.”

  Luke chewed his lip as he eyed me suspiciously, one hand with a single, brilliant flame flickering on the breeze.

  He appeared before me, nearly making me jump out of my skin.

  “My phone was taken. Zale is healing Lycaon, but on the condition that I never see either of them again. So, I’m walking home.”

  Rushing forward, his fire extinguished as he opened his arms and engulfed me in him.

  “I’m sorry, mate. That sucks. Shifters huh, you can’t trust them.”

  I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t able to retain my tough witch image but I did manage not to sob all over him. Stupid I know, I hardly knew Lycaon, yet living in the world without him felt like being sucker punched.

  Taking a breath, I stepped away. “Have you had any luck finding something to take down Adara?”

  He frowned. “Not yet but we’re close. I can feel it. They’ll be expecting the usual magic, Babylonian, Mesopotamian… We’re thinking... Hell? We have contacts in Hell, Lucifer is the obvious one, though he doesn’t live there now, and Anthony. He was a vampire. Come on, I’ll fill you in. Ready?”

  I nodded then took his offered hand as he muttered a spell and cast us away from these cursed woods and to his home.

  “Ah, the witch and the dragon. Tea, coffee? Something stronger?”

  Sitting at the kitchen counter, an extremely pale faced man with black curly hair and blood red lips and the whitest eyes, smiled at me. Unable to control it, heat swirled through me, my heart fluttered. Confused, I caught my breath, unable to look away.

  Luke grinned. “Ah yes… Elsa, meet Anthony. He has that effect,” he spluttered a laugh.

  Wetting his lower lip with his tongue, Anthony peeled himself off the stool, extending a hand and holding my gaze. Like he needed to do that.

  “So? Where’s the werewolf?”

  Vampires.

  Luke’s voice was gruff. “Zale is apparently healing him, but he’s barred Elsa here from ever seeing Lycaon again. And you know, they’re together, Anthony, so you stop your flirting.”

  Grimacing, Anthony looked from Luke to me. “Why? Is this Zale jealous of you two?”

  * * *

  Luke went to answer, but I cut in, “I think he sees it as saving Lycaon from me, from witches. It’s possible in the beginning that Zale’s lover was betraying him. I don’t believe she died betraying him though. He’s bitter, and is now more adamant, ironically, that different species shouldn’t coexist together.”

  Nodding, Anthony sighed. “Whiskey then? Honestly it’s like being a bloody mortal sometimes. Species bickering about who can do this, who can’t do that or the other. Well Elsa, I’m sure once Lycaon is restored, he’ll decide for himself. For now, I’m mustering the legions of Hell. Dukes, princes, knights… We’ll take down Adara and reclaim our rights. And, I’m sure you and Lycaon will get your happy ever after.” He turned away and walked to a cupboard, pulling out a whiskey bottle.

  Luke shrugged. “God knows we need a happy ending. Sorry, Elsa, are you hungry?”

  Anthony glanced over his shoulder at me. “I know what you’re thinking. We’ve all thought about it. So, Luke doesn’t live in a cave, huh?”

  A small smile on my lips, I was moved that they were willing to fight for a cause that didn’t affect them.

  “I’m not sure about Lycaon and me. I’d like to believe you’re right, but I gave Zale my word. I can’t break that. As far as this secret society goes, I know they, Adara, had samples of your blood and were using witchcraft. The leader though, a mage of sorts. And then there’s their vampire and werewolf army. Those creatures looked feral.”

  Shaking his head, Luke added, “Bewitched I suspect. Especially using blood magic, that would be a potent spell, enough to hex anything.”

  In my mind I rasped. Had I caused this, all of this? I had used blood magic, and then I’d given Lycaon my blood. My unstable, hexed blood! Bloody hell! I needed to think. Oh my bloody god!

  I took the drink offered by Anthony and shot it back. It burned my throat, but I needed it. I felt numb from the shock of everything. Especially the thought of never seeing Lycaon. Especially the thought that this could be all my fault…

  No, I couldn’t think about that. Not now.

  I cleared my throat, then filled the glass with water and drank that. Then an idea popped into my head, along with the thought that whatever was apposing me, was my own doing. My hand shook as I placed the glass on the kitchen bar. I could feel Anthony and Luke’s eyes boring into me. Then I caught a glimpse of them exchanging a look to each other.

  Loudly, my head a bit fuzzy with whiskey, I said, “Witches have been condemned and tortured for centuries. In the witch trials in the sixteen hundreds, thousands were burned alive. They’re the ones I’m going to call upon. Their souls.”

  “Oh… that is genius and powerful. Not wanting to sound rude, you sure you can handle that much energy? I mean, their spirits ain’t going to be happy.”

  I shook my head. “No, I wouldn’t presume I could manage this alone. I’ll ask Luna, Austin and Grace.” I caught Anthony’s eye. “Thank you for your offer. It means a lot that others who aren’t involved will help, it really does. But this is a witch thing. I can’t stop though, they have Marrock and God knows what they’ll do to him. Luke, can I borrow a phone, I need to speak to Austin?”

  “Sure.” He fished out his mobile from his pocket, handed it to me whilst Anthony refilled his glass. “Do you need me, want me to slay some of those vampires? I’ll add the correct response is yes.”

  Luke frowned. “You love killing, mate?”

  “Hunting, Luke. I love hunting, it’s in my blood.”

  I left them to their lame jokes whilst I phoned Austin. He picked up straight away.

  “Luke, what’s wrong?”

  “It’s Elsa, Austin. I’m using Luke’s phone.”

  * * *

  “Elsa. How’d it go, Lycaon alright?”

  “Zale is helping him.” I had to change the subject. It was too painful. “I have a copy of the witches' grimoire, the Secrets of Natural Magic, can we start a ritual right now?”

  “I need some time, Elsa. Best I can do is an hour? You ok, you don’t sound ok, what went wrong?”

  Geez, you couldn't hide anything from him! I had to lie. I hated that. But then I hated that I could’ve been the cause to all this, and even if not, I would never see Lycaon again.

  “Everything is fine. Zale is helping Lycaon. I’m at Luke’s place. I was thinking we could ask Luna, our own mini coven? With you and Grace?”

  “Luna’s a proficient witch but she’s also very human. I don’t want her to come with us, Elsa.”

  “Ok. You, me and Grace then.”

  “Alright. I’ll be at Luke’s in an hour.”

  With the swimming in my blood, I hung up then said, “Thanks Austin!”

  I walked back to the kitchen where Luke and Anthony were both sitting. Swivelling around on the kitchen bar stools, they eyed me. I handed Luke his phone back. He wet his lower lip with his tongue, as if he wanted to tell me something but wasn’t sure. “Thanks. We’re coming with you. We’re not witches but we’re both well practised in magic. We’ll be your coven. Just tell us what to do.”

  Winking, with a cheeky grin Anthony added, “Please don’t be worried. We’re both fully equipped with our own magic wands.”

  Holding the vampire's gaze, I leaned in, gripping his shoulder. “I hope you know how to use your magic wand, Anthony. I’ve heard you have a lot of experience.”

  “I aim to please,” he said flashing a fangy smile.

  Luke patted my shoulder. “You’re a bit drunk. Go and lie down for half an hour. Or we’ll cast a sleeping spell on you. I’ll wake you with a coffee, Ms. Brandt. Either that, or we’ll chain you to my bed?”

  He slid off the bar stool. “This way. Take those filthy boots off, geez. Yes, here…”

  In his living room a large fire blazed in the dragon shaped hearth. “Here, on here love, that’s it.”

  I shuffled off my coat, letting it fall to the floor and laid out on his huge, comfy sofa. Luke placed a fleece blanket over me, and my eyelids refused to stay open. For a while I forgot I was in a nightmare and instead slept in dreamless peace.

  Even in my darkest moments, there were those who were strangers to me, but willing to help and try to make me smile. Perhaps I would get through this, perhaps even with him…

 

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