On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

During the days that were given, everyone involved in the rescue were training extensively, keeping their bodies limber and battle ready for the what awaited them. It had finally given me a chance to show my friends and Anthony the new skills that I had learned from my time in Ireland. They were impressed, especially Erik’s father Hiromi, who decided to join in on the practices, stating that my techniques were quite unique in style, not seen by many.

However, for some reason, Erik stood aside watching his father and Yzavela spar, when Nick appeared next to him, and together, the two young men observed the training.

“Wow, she learned a lot during her time away.” Nick praised her.

“Yeah.” Erik mumbled.

“Must be proud.”

“Why? I’m not the one who trained her.” Erik complained, thinking Nick couldn’t hear him but glancing at the Wraith, the look on his face said it all, “Don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?!” Nick hissed, “And when you say trained her, you are making it sound like she’s a dog learning new trick.” he frowned, “I don’t get why you’re so jealous and disappointed.”

“Trained? Nah, she’s the one that trained a dog to obey her every…” Erik huffed, “bloody command like a whipped little dog.” he leered toward Anthony who sparred nearby with Thomas.

“I’m going to forget you just said that.” Nick argued bluntly.

“Look, I’m proud of her yes, but I didn’t help her learn any of this, I can’t take credit for it all right?!” Erik barked impatiently.

“So what?! Erik, listen…I say this because you’re my friend all right?” Nick hissed, “I don’t know what’s going on between the two of you, and I really don’t care, but it’s interfering with your friendship with Yza and knowing her, she doesn’t beg for anything from anyone, so I would take a moment to step back and think about what is far more important. Your friendship with her, before it’s gone, or your ego.”

“Thank you for your opinion, but I didn’t ask for it.” Erik snapped, leering into his Nick’s brown eyes that quickly turned red with the lack of impatience.

Biting his bit, feeling his fangs piercing the skin, Nick contained his words, as he turned his gaze, watching Yzavela and Hiromi. Letting out a deep sigh, he strolled toward them leaving Erik standing alone.

“Where did you learn all of you this?” Hiromi wondered, “It should have taken you many years to learn, are you sure you are not more than a half-breed?” his English was perfect, but his Asian accent was clear as day.

“That’s not the first time I’ve heard that, but no. Just a half-breed.” I announced, “Like some, if not most here. However, if I were to uh…” I chuckled, scratching my neck, “categorize myself, I guess I’d say I’m more of a natural Pyrokinetic.” I watched as Hiromi tilted his head curiously, “In simple terms, I’m a fire Demon,” I shrugged casually, and in that moment, I had really studied Erik’s father. He stood at an average height of 5’6 with Asian features that were sharp, but classic and in his own way, handsome. His dark hair was combed back and groomed just above the collar, and as he smiled, his dark eyes and entire face lit up cheerfully.

“Fire Demon.” Hiromi nodded, “Intriguing.”

“And it explains a lot too, particularly her fiery Aura that comes and goes.” Nick added in a friendly manner.

“Sometimes it gets too hot to handle.” Anthony’s voice added as he approached from behind Yzavela, wrapping an arm around her waist, before tickling her quickly.

“Hey, I heard about the fall.” Nick looked at the Italian, “You okay?”

“Yes, just a sore back.” Anthony arched once more, “Thank you.” he then glanced down at her, “Now that you’ve sparred with just about everyone else, how about you and I get in some training, hmm?” he grinned, bouncing his sword in hand.

“All right, but I won’t be taking it easy.” I teased.

“All right then, neither would I.” Anthony affirmed.

Walking toward the training yard, the Latin lovers engaged in a brief sparring match that was more of a dance of flirtation, blocking their sword strikes with winks and smiles, or whenever one or the other had pinned the other in place, kisses were shared.

Friends smiled, shaking their heads, then returned to their own hard, and expressive training, attacking the practice dummies with such an aggression.

“That’s not sparring, it’s bloody foreplay.” Erik groaned.

Overhearing his loud boisterous remark, I panted then turned just after Anthony and I had finished, lowering our finished.

“Yza, no…” Anthony reached out, trying to grab her arm but she pulled away, quickly rushing toward him, “oh boy.” he sighed.

“What’s the matter, jacka** hmm?” I mocked, “Are you so jealous that Anthony can get it up, lasting incredibly a long time and is able to please his woman, unlike someone…” I eyed him up and down, “that can’t get even keep it up for ten minutes?!”

“What did you say?!” Erik looked down at her.

“Women talk Erik, women talk.” I huffed, then pushed past him.

Turning around, watching as she returned her practice weapon, Erik clenched his fists, knowing that his ex-girlfriend Lilien must have opened her mouth, telling everyone about their sex life, or lack of.

No one paid attention to Erik after that, but as the Wraiths pretended not to listen with their heighten hearing, they accidentally snapped the bases, knocking the figures to the ground.

“Oops.” Caleb flashed one of his killer, charming smiles.

Shaking my head, after hearing the bases loudly crack, I pointed my finger toward him teasingly, then stated that it was all right, and that they needed be replaced anyway.

“Stop smiling, you’ll get permanent wrinkles.” I teased.

His smile immediately faded, pouting afterwards, then quickly ran his fingers through his hair, laughing it off with another smile as he felt Nick poke him in the ribs with his sword.

Leonus stood near the weapons’ cabinet, watching as Yzavela slowly demonstrated the skills she acquired. His impressive smirk faded as a few members of his pack approached, returning their weapons. As he stood laughing and mocking the training warriors, their laughter all ceased when the wolf and dragon approached the yard after their free reign of the island.

“Jes*s, god in Heaven, did that f*cker get bigger since last year?!” one of the men cursed, watching the large wolf paced nearby, holding his head low and tail between his legs.

“He has.” Leonus groaned, folding his arms.

“What the f*ck is it?!” another man wondered.

“I don’t know but one day, his fur will hang on my walls.” Leonus threatened, sneering in the wolf’s direction, but suddenly, he felt the hard lump in his throat, watching in surprise as the wolf paused, and turned its head, leering toward them.

“I think he heard you, you crazy bastard.” a third Lycynian rasped, as he watched the large wolf’s golden eyes continue his piercing stare, before it slowly stalked toward them as if hunting, and ready to take its pounce upon them.

“I’m outta here, man…” one of the others barked.

“Mm.” Leonus groaned, then quietly and slowly, turned away with the others, sprinting toward the gates, glancing back several times.

Zanzabarr stood in his powerful magnificence, watching as the men had disappeared through the tunnel, then turning his head from the sound of his pack mother’s voice, he barked running toward her.

Abraxas perched himself on the fence surrounding the training yard, twitching his wings as he observed the training taking place. As he raised his gaze toward the sky, his Amber eyes watched as Ravens had flown toward the wall, returning to their aviaries. Releasing low, purr-like roars, he nestled against the fence post, warming his scales from the Winter temperatures.

Exiting the gates, sprinting down the road, Leonus returned home, after parting ways from his pack companions. Sitting outside in his favorite chair once more, smoking on his pipe, he thought of a way to somehow eliminate many of Yzavela’s friends so they wouldn’t be by her side during the rescue. Scrunching his mouth forward, slowly exhaling the smoke, he figured he would start with Erik, but how he wondered most importantly.

“He hates rats.” he whispered, “Rats.” he inhaled the smoke, before hearing Heather calling him inside for early dinner, “Aye, I’m comin’ woman…” he barked, standing quickly. Snuffing out the pipe in a pile of snow nearby, he listened as it sizzled out before tucking it in his pocket. Sitting at the table, he watched as Heather and their two younger sons set the table, placing the bowls and platters of food in the middle, “What’s for dinner?!” he barked, looking at Heather.

“Fish.” the Irishwoman stated over her shoulder, handing Seth one of the bowls piled to the rim with vegetables.

“No steak?” Leonus complained.

“No father, no steak.” Liam growled, sitting across from him at the other head of the table, like the man of the house.

“Where’s the steak?!” Leonus ignored his eldest son’s words.

Heather huffed, slamming the frying pan on the stove, startling both Seth and Daniel who scampered away from the table, standing near the counter in the corner.

“Fish is what you get, don’t like it, don’t eat. Go hungry.” Heather turned, slapping one of the large Tuna steaks on his plate, “Surely it wouldn’t be the first time you found something wrong with the meal.”

Leonus stared at the slab of fish, seeing it lacked spices. After poking it with his fork, taking a large bite, he gulped it down in a matter of quick bites while leering at her.

Leaning in, resting one hand on the table, and the other on the back of the chair, Heather muttered,

“Careful, dear husband…they’re not boneless.”

“What?” Leonus barked, then crunching down, he felt something prick his tongue and inner cheek. Reaching into the corner of his mouth, he removed a small sliver, tossing it onto the plate. He said nothing more, reaching for his cup filled with ale, then continued chowing down the food as if he were a man that hasn’t been fed in ages.

“Father?” Seth muttered, once sitting at the table.

“What!?” Leonus grumbled.

“Do you think we can build a snowman tomorrow before the snow melts?”

“A snowman?” Leonus mocked, looking at the boy. Seeing the look in his son’s eyes were of sadness and disappointment, Leonus cleared his throat, “We’ll see, all right? Father’s busy finding Lucy, you know Lucy yes?”

“That’s Jonathan’s sister.” Seth muttered, “She’s always so nice, she also has a pet rabbit, did you know that?”

“No, can’t say I did.” Leonus smirked.

“Can we get a rabbit?” Seth bounced in excitement.

“We most certainly will not!” Leonus barked loudly, then leered over at Daniel who sat rocking in his chair, muttering soft whimpers under his breath, “You should get him to his bedroom before he makes a mess of things.” he broke his gaze as if disgusted by the child that he felt wasn’t rightfully his, not with his deformities.

“Leonus!” Heather argued, standing from the table, “He’s your son!”

“I don’t know that for sure!” the Scotsman leered at the Irishwoman.

“How dare you…” she tossed her napkin on the table, then rushed over, pulling the plate, cup and fork out of his hand, “you son-of-a-b*tch, I want you to leave!” she pointed toward the door, “And just know that everyday you look at our son, it is a reminder of what you did to me when I was carrying him, or do you want me to refresh your memory of it?!”

“No, woman…I do not. I regret that night, more than you know.” Leonus stood, growling deeply, standing tall above her. As his blue eyes glanced past her shoulder toward Liam, then over toward Seth who held onto Daniel holding back his tears, he nodded then veered around her, stomping through the house before slamming the front door.

“God damn it…” Heather cried, slamming her hands on the table.

“Seth, go to your room.” Liam urged softly, “Go on…”

Seth sniffled, then gently took Daniel’s hand, leading him down the hall once more.

Making sure the door closed, Liam then turned to Heather, holding her close, feeling his mother’s hands gripping onto his shirt tightly.

“I know, mother…I know.” he whispered.

“I can tolerate many things, but…” Heather pulled away, wiping her tears away, “when he insinuates that Daniel isn’t his, that’s where the line is drawn. He of all men should know that I have never been with no other man, before or during our marriage, now he makes it sound like I’m some whore birthing a spawn of the devil.” she gasped, then covered her mouth with her trembling hands, “I’m sorry William…I can’t believe I just said that, but you know what I mean, I hope?” she pleaded, lowering her hands.

“I understand.” Liam nodded, then glanced around, “Well, since that was a disaster, why don’t you go read my brothers a story and leave the clean up to me, hmm?”

Heather smiled.

“My dear boy…” she gently stroked his cheek, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Liam took her hand, then hugged her once more.

Heather slowly veered around him, walking around the table. As she wandered down the hall, knocking on the door, she opened it to see Seth playing a game of soldier toys with Daniel who clapped and laughed, rocking in place once more with his head held down. As she closed the door, she stood leaning her back against it, remembering the evening that the youngest Lancaster was born. It was a difficult pregnancy, especially after Leonus had forced himself upon her when she was five months along. Once he was born, she remembered the look on Leonus’ face when the child was handed to him, and closing her eyes, the moment played through her mind clear as day:

“What is this?!” he growled, holding the small child in his arms, then leered at her as sat in the hospital bed.

“What are you talking about, that’s your son.” Heather rasped, then slowly blinked her eyes, feeling the fatigue from the birth.

“This isn’t mine…” he leaned forward, practically dropping the infant in her arms, “that is not my son!” he turned, stomping out of the room.

“Leonus!” she called out to him, but he didn’t answer. Glancing down at the child, she unveiled his face, feeling tears in her eyes for she knew he would never accept the physical deformities, “It is going to be all right, my sweet boy…shh.” she whispered, listening to his soft whimpers, and as she unwrapped the blanket, the sight of a deformed left Lycynian foot and right arm that had a clenched fist with the elongated fingers, only added to his appearance of pointed ears, making him look like an elf.

Year later as Daniel grew, he had a difficult childhood, having to be homeschooled and kept away from the other children that would make fun of him and his limp. Once his teeth starting coming in, she worried for he displayed small baby fangs that would never retract, and to make things worse, during the full moon, he would howl and cry out, feeling his bones breaking but never fully shifted. He was a half-breed himself, of both mortal and Lycynian, not belonging to either world for neither accepted him. She kept his hair long enough to comb over his ears and thankfully his features were mortal, so she didn’t have to keep him completely hidden away, but thankfully she had the aid of Doctor Matthews that had a glove and boots made for his hand and foot.

He never spoke, suffering from Autism on top of everything else.

Closing her eyes, the memory ended, hearing Daniel and Seth letting out a soft laugh.

Returning to the estate, just before the gates had closed, allowing the last few remnants of residents that arrived just in time, Leonus made his way toward the training yard where his new acquaintance Derek stood, shooting a few rounds aiming between the eyes and directly in the heart, never missing.

“Impressive.” Leonus announced, clapping quickly, “Very impressive.”

Glancing over his shoulder, Derek groaned, reloading the guns.

“What do you want, Leonus?” he complained.

Examining the target dummies, Leonus proposed his scheme.

“Surely anyone from your pack can do this, why me?” Derek barked, lowering the guns in hand.

“Despite knowing most of those men for many years, I don’t trust any of them with this particular deed.” Leonus bluntly complained.

“And what makes you think you can trust me?” Derek taunted.

“You’re a mercenary, aren’t you? That’s your background, isn’t it?”

“It was.” Derek raised his gun, aiming it toward the dummies.

“How much then? How much would it cost?” Leonus proposed, as he stood in the man’s line of sight before he pulled the trigger.

Lowering the gun, Derek stared into the man’s piercing blue eyes. He listened as the words just spewed from his mouth without thinking about the consequences. Smacking his tongue across his teeth, Derek turned away, momentarily remembering how he first came across the Scotsman: it was five years ago to the day, when he and his unit of friends and soldiers were sent to the Scottish Highlands, after they received reports of men, or creatures, wiping out various units that had not returned. Tracking them down, discovering a hideaway in a cave, they weren’t men, not that night anyway. Coming across a pack of bulky beasts, he and his men were wiped out in less than a matter of minutes. While some were killed, others survived, laying wounded, regardless if they were beast or mortal man. Dawn had approached, and the paranormal beasts had returned to their mortal forms, and as he lay injured, almost on the brink of death with a severe wound that was slashed across his chest and stomach, with a bite mark along his neck, his brown eyes had slowly, with much effort, flickered open, glancing toward the opening of the cave where a tall man stood, with a scraggly beard and stringy hair in his face, which he never forgot.After that day, once becoming part of the paranormal community, it presented problems for he and his men, so they were respectfully discharged, but always summoned whenever their expert skills were needed.

Closing his eyes, shaking his head, he then grunted, opening his eyes. Studying the man, he remembered the promise he had made, that if he had ever found him again, he would kill him, and here he was, in front of him for the perfect shot. Gripping the handle of the gun, he held back, knowing that it took him three years to find him, so he was going to play along, especially after giving him the tale, once meeting him in a Scottish pub, that he and his men were seeking the safety from the mortal world, having no place in it.

“I don’t kill for hire.” Derek argued, “Not anymore, but all right.” he quickly raised his guns, and before the Scotsman in front of him had the chance to react, bullets shot past the man’s ears, creating a swift breeze, but reached their target just the same, “What do you need?”

Stepping aside, placing his fingers against his ears, Leonus made sure blood hadn’t been drawn. Leering at the tall Samoan, he nodded then backed away.

“I’ll let you know.” he barked roughly, then brushed against the man’s shoulder, sprinting toward the Lycynian dwelling.

“Right.” Derek mumbled, watching the Scotsman disappear.

It was late the following morning; I sat behind the desk feeling all of the pressure of the situation with Lucy when it finally hit me at once. Glancing at my hands, they trembled in fear and stress. Closing my eyes, taking deep breaths, I sensed both Abraxas and Zanzabarr who approached, offering their comfort and support which I eagerly, and gratefully, appreciated.

Appearing by the door, invisible from sight of the half-breed and her supernatural companions, stood Molock, watching as Yzavela felt the weight of the world on her petite shoulders. Tilting his head, he studied her, growing a faint grin, then taking on Marxus’ appearance, he revealed his presence, standing with his hands clasped behind his back.

“My lovely, calm down.” he spoke to her softly.

Raising my gaze, there stood Marxus by the door.

“Marxus, what I going to do?” I stood, approaching him.

Gesturing toward the chairs, he walked over, replying softly,

“Right now, you think that you’re not strong enough, or that others are thinking you’re a weak little girl, particularly Leonus, but you and I both know that you are not weak. I know that you my lovely, are far more capable of many powerful things, probably even more than I in some ways.”

“That’s impossible, I’m not you.” I argued, “I’m just a half-breed, or a freak to some.” I looked down at my hands that laid in my lap.

MAC frowned, then leaned forward, gently lifting her chin. Looking into her dark eyes, he continued bluntly, but respectfully,

“I never want to hear you say that about yourself, do you understand? Never.” he watched as she nodded, “Good girl.” he grinned, “Now, I am far from perfect and have made many mistakes I’m not proud of and one of them, is the consequence that unfortunately you and this place, are having to face now. However, look at all what you, and you alone, have accomplished in the short time that you have been here.” he sighed, catching his breath, “It took me many years to learn all of my magic and combat skills, where as you have learned so much in just two years, give or take a month of two, hmm?” he grinned, “You can thank your demonic origins for that, for it shows true strength.” he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, “You have the perseverance to overcome obstacles that fall across your path, plus you have a loving heart and I am sure that love does conquer above all else.”

“So I’ve heard.” I mumbled.

“Well, sometimes you need to put that aside and stand up to those who want to oppose you, and knock you down, like I’ve said before my lovely, you are not alone. You have very powerful allies, you have Axeon who is a celestial dragon of the skies and stars. There’s your hellhound Zanzabarr who is the most loyal creature anyone could ask for, and shares that special but unique bond with you and only you.” MAC continued, then glanced toward the dragon that flew, landing on the chair behind her, snuggling his head against her chin, “Then there is your Zyphyn, he is a very powerful creature that can take the form of whatever is it you ask of him, He too, is from Hell and will never betray you for like Zanzabarr, you share a bond that can never be broken.”

“Wait…” I looked at the man sitting across from me, “go back for a moment…” I gestured my hand as if rewinding the conversation, “I could have sworn I just heard you say that Abraxas is also from Hell.”

“Um, did I say that?” MAC stuttered, being put on the spot, “Well I, uh…was just assuming because of what you’ve told me about where Zanzabarr comes from.” he shrugged, then quietly clapped his hands.

“I never told you about Zanzabarr.” I groaned, cautiously standing.

“Are you sure?” MAC muttered, watching her.

“Pretty sure.” I argued.

“How do you know?” he teased, slowly standing.

“Because I would remember!” I snapped bluntly.

“They’re very special creatures, that’s all I’m saying.”

“Yes, they are.” I quickly glanced at the wolf lying near the desk, and then down at Abraxas who slowly crawled up my arm, perching on my shoulder, “I’m very fortunate.” I then side eyed the man curiously.

“Yes you are, and then of course, you have your Lycynian.” MAC, in a blunt tone, finished.

“Excuse me?” I wondered.

“Your Lycynian, the Italian.”

“Anthony. His name is Anthony.” I frowned, “Marxus, what’s wrong with you, you seem…different.” I squinted, knowing that there was something off about this man that stood before me.

“Is there something wrong, my lovely?” he stepped toward her.

“I can’t put my finger on it…but yes.” I backed away, then listened as Abraxas hissed softly, before stretching out his wings behind me, as a warning to the man not to venture any closer, “Right there is far enough.” I suggested, pointing at the spot where he stood.

Looking around, knowing that he couldn’t keep the glamour going much longer before she figured out his games, he nodded.

“I must go.” he muttered.

“Of course you do.” I mocked.

“Just do me a favor, please?” MAC stepped forward once more, with his arms held out as if expecting an embrace, “Remember all that I’ve said and use it wisely. Stop doubting yourself and just let go, hmm?” he grinned, “Now can I get a hug?”

“A hug?” I wondered curiously, “Since when?”

“I don’t know when, or if, I’ll be coming back.” MAC rasped softly.

Turning to Abraxas, placing him on the desk, I focused back on the man in front of me. Cautiously stepping forward, sharing the brief embrace and just as soon as I felt his corporeal form, I felt the most powerful electric surge that tickled every fiber of my demonic DNA. Pulling away, stumbling backwards against the desk, I gazed into the man’s Hazel-brown eyes, but they weren’t Hazel, not this time, they were red demonic eyes, glaring back at me.

“You’re not Marxus!” I reached for the letter opener next to me.

“No.” the man spoke with an underlying chuckle, “I am not.” then he quickly disappeared in a fading mist like Marxus would have done.

“Wait!” I called out, but he vanished, “Who are you?!” I commanded, then realized that all those time I had spoken with Marxus, it must have been this impostor, this trickster Demon. Glancing toward my Zanzabarr and Abraxas, their eyes veered behind me toward the chair, and as I turned, there Marxus sat comfortably. Clenching my free fist, and gripping the letter opener tightly, I engulfed in my Aura, taking a step back, “I don’t know you are, or what you are but if you’re here for sinister purposes, then…”

“Relax my lovey, I’m not here to harm you, or anyone.” he answered in a deep, sexy tone with perfect diction that was no longer Marxus’ Spaniard accent, “I’m just waiting for things to fall into place before it all begins, that’s all.” he reached over, playing within one of the small decorative items on the desk, bouncing it in place as if he were a boy playing with a toy.

“Before…” I watched, feeling dumbfounded, tilting my head, “what beings?! What are you talking about, who are you!?” I demanded, “Would you put that down?!” and pointing the blade of the letter opener, it was snatched from my hand as the man pulled it toward him without touching the blade, “Wh-what are you?” I watched as the blade landed in his palm.

“You, my lovey…” he pointed the blade toward her, “are not quite ready to know that just yet.” he smiled, “But soon.” he vanished once more.

Zanzabarr and Abraxas became alert, waiting for the man’s presence.

“I’m growing tired of these games!” I scanned the room, “What do you want, who are you?!”

The man laughed, and what a nice laugh it was, then answered as he appeared behind her, whispering in her ear, wrapping one of his arms around her petite form, blocking the use of her arms and hands, and it seemed that her Aura had no effect upon his skin.

“Timing is everything, my lovely Demoness.” and raising the dagger before her, he plunged it deeply into the desk’s surface, beginning to sensually caress the hilt before pulling away, letting her go.

Turning around, I didn’t know who, or what this man was. Listening as the wolf and dragon hissed and growled, my eyes quickly glanced down at them, watching as they stalked toward the man that slowly took a series of steps back.

“Who…are you?!” I demanded bluntly, watching as the man began fading once more, bowing elegantly with a smile.

“We will be seeing each other again soon.” his voice lingered, then he vanished completely.

Breathing deeply, waiting to see if he returned, I reached for the letter opener, holding it out in front of me to defend myself, but he didn’t reappear. Glancing toward Zanzabarr and Abraxas, who both stood in their protective stances and Auras of their own, I fell to my knees, staring at them. For the longest time, I wondered what just happened. Feeling a shiver run down my spine, one that wasn’t harmful but in the sexual sense, I shook my head trying to push the thoughts from my mind but all I heard was my own voice ranting, “WHO…WAS THAT, WHAT WAS HE REALLY? A DEMON YES, BUT HE WAS UNLIKE ANY I’VE MET.” then catching myself, I shook my head, gaining my composure. Glancing around, I needed to visit the great dragon Axeon, wanting to know if he knew about the man. Retreating to the passageway and descending the stairs, I searched the massive cavern for the dragon.

“I know why you are here.” the dragon spoke to her telepathically, as he raised his head, laying near a cluster of large boulders and rocks.

Following his connection, there he was.

“Do you really?” I asked.

“I do, yes. I sense your feelings of self doubt.” he leaned in close ’til he was face-to-snout with the young woman, “I also know of the man that consumes your thoughts, the very same that has pretended to be Marxus when he is not.”

“Do you know who, or what he is?” I reached out, petting his snout.

“Unfortunately, I do not.” Axeon continued with disappointment, “I sense that he has brought no harm to you, or anyone you hold dear, I cannot say that he is harmful. However, I would suggest that you, and your companions, take great caution nonetheless, for I do not know if his intentions are genuine, I cannot see beyond his fire and ancient magic.”

“Ancient magic? Can you sense him then?” I worried.

“No.” Axeon groaned, “And it worries me, for if I cannot sense him, I cannot protect you or the island. What do you know of him?”

“Me?!” I objected, “I don’t know anything about him. Other than the fact that he’s a Demon, and a powerful one at that for the sense of his magic is unlike anything I have ever sensed before in this world. When I touched him, the surge of electricity that ran through me, and the magical waves he sent out were…” I caught myself, giving into the man’s alluring temptation, “well, I’m sure you can see all that happened, so there’s no need to explain it.”

“Dear child…” Axeon spoke, blinking his eyes, “I ask that you take great caution and always be aware of those around you, for we know nothing about this being that is unpredictable. Demons of his kind, are tricksters and that makes them dangerous for if he does mean this island harm, I cannot foresee it and only you, can be the one to stop him.” he raised his head, looking toward the staircase, “You must go. There are others looking for you, and it is time that I hunt.”

“Yeah, I probably should go.” I stroked his soft blue scales, “Thank you, Axeon. Be safe on your hunt.”

“I will.” the great dragon bowed his head.

Backing away I turned, making my way back toward the stairs and as I turned, I watched as the great dragon strolled toward the entrance at the rear end of the cave, stretching out his wings before pushing himself off the ledge, flying high into the air. Sighing heavily, I made my way back to the study where a message from my mom blinked on my phone that laid on the desk.

“Mother?” Abraxas’ voice verbally spoke, breaking the eerie silence.

“Yes, Abraxas?” I observed the small dragon laying on the desk.

“The man that plays such trickery, do you have a familiarity for him?”

Leaning back in the chair, I was shocked by his question, but he had a point.

“Yes, but only because he’s a Demon and I guess that part of me and my demonic DNA was reaching out to know more about his magic.” I answered softly, and truthfully, “Nothing more.” I quickly cleared my throat, “Now…” I pushed the conversation aside as I stood, “I’m going to have lunch with my mom and Anthony, so if you’d like to go hunting with Axeon, you’re more than welcome to, but be careful.”

“I am not leaving your side, Mother.” the dragon crawled across the desk, climbing up her arm, perching on her shoulder once more.

“All right then.” I smiled. Leaving the study, Zanzabarr led the way down the stairs, and once reaching the bottom, I shortened his leash for his size and presence startled residents that passed through the foyer, into the lounge or dining hall.

“Good morning.” the residents greeted.

“Morning.” I smiled, and waved, then followed them into the hall; I scanned the room, spotting my mom sitting with Katrina and other Wiccans who quickly excused their presence upon my approach, “Hi.” I stood by the ledge, watching as the men and women scampered in a swift steps, “Um, was it something I said?” I joked.

“No.” Lady D sighed, “They were on their way to the village to meet with Beth anyway. It’s nothing personal, aside from the fact that they are still wondering what you’re going to do about the whole Ireland fiasco.” she wondered, sipping her juice, then noticed the look on her daughter’s face, “Penny for your thoughts?”

“You’ll need a lot of pennies.” I mumbled, “But it’s nothing really.” I changed the subject, “What have you been up to lately, I’ve been too busy and for us, as close as we are, that’s terrible. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, sweetheart. I understand, and I too, don’t like the distance between us but I get it.” Lady D reassured, “I have told you many times to take steps back before you wind up in a sh*tty mess.” she reached for her daughter’s hand, “Why don’t you take a break, and come with me to the hospital.”

“The hospital, why?” I worried, “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Lady D continued reassuring her once more, “I was going to Beth’s clinic to help her disperse her tinctures, then mix the herbs and teas. An extra pair of hands couldn’t hurt, then….I am sure, you have plans with Anthony, hmm?” she teasingly nudged her.

“Yes, as a matter of fact I do.” I smiled, “And speaking of, have you noticed his behavior lately?”

“Wh-what do you mean?” Lady D played it smoothly.

“I don’t know, I can’t put my finger on it.” I bit my lip.

“Have you talked to him about it?”

“Yes, but he’s told me it’s nothing.” I sighed, “And I really don’t…” I looked around, “want to intrude on his thoughts you know, I don’t want to cross that line and have him think that I don’t trust him.”

“Well, whatever it is, I’m sure he’ll tell you when he’s ready.” Lady D smiled, patting her daughter’s hand, “Now, let’s get going.” she stood, wanting to change the subject before her daughter read her mind, and learned the secret from her, “However, I don’t think Zanzabarr and Abraxas will be allowed in the clinic, despite their closeness with you.” she glanced at the wolf and dragon, “Not that they carry germs, but nonetheless, they have their place and it’s not there.”

“I will not be left behind, mortal witch!” Abraxas roared verbally as he stretched out his wings, and flicked his tail with agitation, “If I do not accompany her, she doesn’t go at all.”

Glancing at Abraxas, I was shocked by his proclamation. Looking in my mom’s direction, I watched as she raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“I think you are picking up on your MOTHER’S attitude maybe a little too much.” Lady D argued, placing her hands on her hips, “But fair enough, I’m sure you won’t be in the way being so small and all.” she reached for her purse off the table, “Perhaps you can shift into a rat.”

Abraxas huffed, releasing a puff of smoke, then shook his body as if he fluffed his scales. Crawling across the table, back upon Yzavela’s shoulder, he purred softly.

“Well, Mommy…I think you just got done told by a dragon.” I let out a soft chuckle, stroking the scales beneath his chin.

“Yes, apparently I have, but if he turns into a rat I would hate for Freya to think he’s dinner.” Lady D teased, “Or…” she muttered, “I can always keep him that way, I have been reading the book Marxus gave me you know.”

“Yes, so I’ve noticed, you practically sleep with it.”

“I do not.” Lady D protested.

“Mm-hmm.” I shook my head then heard my phone beep, “Hold on…” I reached into my pocket, seeing I had a message, “it’s from Anthony.” I opened the link, “Oh, he’s going to be late. Thomas and Louisa have an overload of orders they’re trying to get shipped.” I bit my lip, then answered quickly, typing my reply, “It’s all right, I’ll be at the hospital with mom anyway. Tell Thomas and Louisa that both mom and I say hi. I love you.” then I hit send. I looked at my mom, “Ready?”

“Whenever you are.” Lady D smiled, then walked across the hall.

Walking alongside her, my phone beeped once more. I didn’t make it obvious that I removed the gadget but the smile on my face I’m sure, said it all, “The hospital, I hope everything is all right? If I get done early, perhaps I can swing by, but if not, know that I’m thinking about you, and that I love you too, my darling. There is something that I would like to talk to you about later tonight, so I’ll be seeing you.” was his response.

Hiding the affection, I cleared my throat, calling for one of the Jeeps to be parked outside the manor. Venturing outside, both my mom and I waited for the Jeep when it drove through the gate, parking outside by the steps with the license plate reading RAVEN 2.

“Thank you.” I appreciated the driver, who tipped the rim of his hat, before sprinting back toward the garage, “Ready?” I looked at my mom, who just snapped her seat belt.

“Ready.” she smiled.

“Cool.” I glanced back at Zanzabarr and Abraxas in the back seat. As we took the slow drive down the paved road, we admired the island’s snow covered beauty, talking about our activities. I listened as my mom spoke about her work in depth with the other Wiccans, adding some complaints here and there, but at the end of the day she felt at ease knowing there were other men and women interested in the arts that she practiced, “Sounds wonderful, I’m glad for you.” I grinned.

“But of course, there are some that still insist that I follow their ways.” Lady D complained, “Katrina most of all, she doesn’t like me much.”

“She doesn’t like me either.” I scoffed.

“Oh, and then there’s Freya.” Lady D added, “She’s been in a mood lately, all she’s doing is hiding under the bed but hey, that’s nothing new.”

“She’s getting older, we both know that, and let’s face it, she’s been through a lot too, being bounced around from the Great City to here, then to Ireland and back here again.” I advised, “But maybe I’ll pay a visit, you know…Keeper-to-cat kind of chat, and of course I’ll bring Zanzabarr and Abraxas for company.”

“You’re a poet and you don’t know it.” Lady D teased, “But I think she’ll like that very much.” she smiled, then glanced out the window.

Sharing laughter that subsided, we reached the outer wall of RP&V for it was another busy day in the village, immensely crowded with the traffic of residents, shoppers and shopkeepers selling their goods. I know that I suggested everyone continue their lives during Lucy’s absence and oh boy did they ever! Parking the Jeep alongside a few other vehicles, we climbed out, then carefully pushed through the madness but not even Zanzabarr’s large bulk and deep growls created a path through.

Nick, making his rounds patrolling the village, suddenly heard both Yzavela and Lady D complaining. Standing upon the bell tower, his Wraith eyes scanned the crowd then spotted the two women that had been momentarily separated before their hands grasped tightly. He whistled toward two other Wraiths, then gestured with his head toward the women, before appearing in front of them.

“Need some help?” he greeted them with a smile.

“Yes, please.” I returned the smile, struggling to hold Zanzabarr back, and my mom’s hand, “After you…”

Removing from his pocket, Nick raised a blow horn, setting it off.

Plugging our ears, we closed our eyes then squinted them open; a path quickly cleared upon the Guardians’ approach and orders.

“Next time, let us know you’re going to do that.” Lady D moaned as she snapped her fingers in her ears.

“Sorry.” Nick apologized, “But we find it works.”

“Huh?” I shook my head, snapping my fingers as well.

“I said can I get a raise on my next check?” Nick joked, leaning in.

“Not a chance.” I teasingly pinched his cheeks, “But nice try.”

“Damn.” Nick chuckled.

“Thank you, but we’ll be fine now.” I nodded, “And do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Make sure these walkways are cleared by the time we’re done. They shouldn’t be blocked off like this, put barriers in place and mark them off.” I ordered firmly, “I won’t have anyone bombarded or hurt from the rush.”

“Got it.” Nick nodded, accepting the task.

“Thanks.” I turned to my mom, helping her up the steps, leading to the front doors of the hospital where an older woman stood, greeting us quickly with a smile that faded once seeing the uneasiness on our faces.