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

Days later, no surprise, things were still tense between Leonus and I, avoiding one another at all costs. He hadn’t ventured to the study, knowing his presence wasn’t needed or accepted, but he had heard a new door was delivered with only one set of keys that would be in her possession. However, the distance didn’t last long; I sat behind the desk, listening as the Scotsman banged against the new door that wouldn’t budge from his persistent pounding. Staring at it, I then listened as he cursed loudly, before a smile crept on my face; I enjoyed the victory of yet another round in my favor.

After organizing files, I spent the rest of the afternoon reading more about the Lycynians, flipping through the tablet-like pages and pieces of parchment. Once the words had been translated, after reciting the short spell that Shung-Lee taught me, I was able to read the language that was beyond my knowledge. Placing my hands on the hard cover, I spoke the words clearly, closing my eyes to focus,

“Words and symbols of ancient time, let me read with eyes of mine.” and as I opened my eyes, staring at the cover, the hieroglyphs slowly morphed into letters and sentences capable for my eyes to read before becoming a full text of English words, “Cool.” I bit my lip with admiration of the magic. Carefully flipping open the book, I finally began understanding their species more in depth. From their origins in ancient Egypt, to little things in between, I found all of the information most interesting, especially when a Lycynian reaches the certain point in their life, their transitions seems to dwindle and they no longer fully shift, “Really?” I widened my eyes curiously, “Damn.” I continued reading, skimming through the lines of words that had revealed this occurrence would begin around the age of 65 in mortal years. Glancing at Abraxas and Zanzabarr I muttered, “Sort of like a male version of menopause, I guess.” I smiled, watching as the wolf shook his fur, and the dragon twitch his wings and tail, “Right.”my eyes went back to reading, “They grow more hostile, their virility will die down, and they’ll be unable to fully shift, even with the source of the full moon.” I mumbled. Leaning back against the chair, I stared at an empty space on the desk, realizing that that explained why most of the older men and women on the island that were Lycynians never ventured to the compound. Inching forward, continuing to read, the pages stated that the paranormal beings, although unable to shift no longer, still possess longer lives than mortals and will still express the inner wolf by revealing their eyes, fangs and claws, basically what I’ve seen already during a half-shift before their full transition, “Now this is interesting.” I bit my lip, knowing that I should have been sharing this with Anthony so he was aware of the change, not that he had to worry about it yet, not for many-many years. Feeling a headache slowly aching my eyes, I removed my glasses and laid them on the pages of the book. Closing my eyes, I took several deep breaths, complaining aloud, “Marxus, I could really use your help.”

“Hello again, Little One.” his Spanish voice answered, “I can see you are more than capable of handling yourself.”

Thinking maybe I had imagined his response, I opened my eyes, and glanced toward the painting.

“Little One, over here.” he declared.

Scanning the room, there he was, sitting on the couch to the right of the room, with his legs crossed, looking more elegant than ever.

“Marxus? Is that…” I blinked in disbelief, “is that really you?”

“Well, there’s only one of me.” he joked elegantly with a faint grin.

I stood, walking toward him, giving him a quick hug that he returned.

“It’s good to see you, but how are you here? I mean, you’re dead.” I gently pulled away, “No offense.” I shrugged slightly.

“None taken.” he nodded, “It took me a while to learn how to come back in solid form, and even on the other side, we’re all taught things. Now come…” he gestured at the chairs, “we have a lot to discuss in a matter of a short time.” and once they sat, he watched as the young woman fidgeted close to the ledge of her seat, listening to how he had learned to use his magical powers, or essence, in a different sense, “It was tedious to say the least.” he sighed softly, then quickly changed the subject, after clearing his throat, “I’m proud of you, but Leonus on the other hand, I’m disillusioned with.” he shook his head, “Since I have know that man, I’ve seen his hatred for someone who is not of his kind, but this? It’s very disappointing, especially since I knew his family.”

“Well, I’ve been reading pages from the Lycynian book, and uh…” I scratched my chin, “definitely explains certain behavioral patterns of reaching a certain age, but you and I both know that it’s much more than that. Especially when it comes to Leonus, I mean…I still can’t believe he calls, or called, himself your friend.” I gestured my hands at the Immortal sitting across from me.

“Speaking of the book, how is it possible that you’ve read from it?” Marxus wondered curiously.

“I’ve…learned things.” I mumbled softly, glancing at my hands that sat in my lap, fiddling with my thumbs.

Studying her feminine moment, Marxus grinned.

“I’m sure you have.” he announced.

“Anyway, there’s something the book doesn’t day.” I continued, once pushing past the distractions of the awkward silence between Marxus and myself.

“And what would that be?” he leaned back, crossing his legs yet again.

“What happens to the Lycynians once they reach sixty-five, because the book doesn’t say. I mean, do they pass away or leave? I do know that they’re somewhat immortal you know but…” I shrugged, then I worried about Anthony and the life we would, or could, have.

“That, unfortunately, Little One…I do not know. I never thought to ask that particular question.” Marxus leaned forward, “I know that when they began coming to the island, some got older and lived out their lives much longer than the mortals, but they did pass yes. How? I wasn’t there, I’m afraid so I cannot speak for them.” he adjusted his sitting position, moving closer to the ledge of the couch, “The only one that might know, would be Leonus, because since that book was written by his ancestors, all that’s known is that they indeed, lived out their lives for many years past a mortals’ natural lifespan.”

“Right, like I’m going to ask Leonus for anything, much less expect any answers.” I groaned, “Not after what I did to him, and made him do.” I bit my lip in contemplation of that decision, “And why…does everything involve bloodlines?” I sighed, looking at Marxus.

“Because Yzavela, bloodlines have everything to do with everything.” he proclaimed softly, “Let’s say it’s hereditary.” he stood, “And I will deal with him later, but right now, there’s something I would like to show you.”

“Here we go again.” I joked.

“Very humorous, Little One.” Marxus grinned, then veered around the couch, approaching the bookshelf, “Follow me.” he instructed. As he stepped forward, he disappeared straight through the blockade.

“I might be a half-breed, and have learned some new magical skills, but I hope you don’t expect me to do that.” I complained, pulling on the green book, activating the secret door. Leaving both Zanzabarr and Abraxas within the study knowing they would be fine, I made my way up the swirling metal stairs leading to the Room of Secrets, where Marxus stood outside the door, “So, now wh…” I rasped, but he disappeared through the door before I could finish, “oh now that is just rude.” I sighed, removing the skeleton key that hung with the Keeper’s medallion that was hidden beneath my blouse. Once I had unlocked the door, gently pushing it open, flickering lights quickly illuminated the room and its contents, “Hello again.” I greeted the magic with the room, and all of the secrets, admiring them all, for I had forgotten how massive the room was. Looking around, I spotted Marxus standing near the rear wall beside a floor length object that was kept covered, “What’s that?” I wondered, veering around a maze of tables.

“This…” Marxus announced, pulling back the tarp, sending a thick cloud of dust flying everywhere, “is the MIRROR OF TIME, one of the many first secrets to protect.” he turned to her, watching as she coughed, waving the dust away from her face, “Sorry.” he grinned.

“Yeah, don’t worry about it. I should be used to it.” I coughed softly, “And the Mirror of Time, huh? How original.” I folded my arms.

“I see you haven’t taken the time to discover the items in here.” he backed away from the mirror, “Well, I think maybe you should.”

“I will.” I nodded, “So, what does it do, this…Mirror of Time?” I looked at Marxus, “No, wait…don’t tell me, let me guess. It’s a portal.”

“I have missed your enthusiasm, Yzavela…truly I have, but no. The true purpose of its creation is still a mystery to me, but I have come to learn that it reveals images of your past, present or the future if it feels the need to do so, but it only works for the one who stands in front of it.” Marxus turned to her.

“All right, fair enough.” I nodded, “And why are you showing this to me now?” I wondered, taking steps forward to study its intricate, and antique frame with one solid smoky glass panel.

“Because it is something you will be needing, and I wanted you to know about it now, for it could help you learn more about the past of the races and species that dwell on the island. And do not worry.” he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, “Nothing bad will take place.”

“Funny, that’s what you said about the town with no name.” I leered at him, “Remember? And look how that turned out, hmm? We were almost eaten…”

Looking down at her, his Hazel-brown eyes stared intensely. As he broke his gaze, glancing back at the mirror, he ignored her remark for just a single moment.

“And what a tasty morsel you would have made too, I am sure.” he poked the situation with humor, “If you would like, you can make an attempt to use it.” he gestured at the artifact, “Before the iron within this room begins effecting you.”

“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem anymore.” I grinned, then stepped closer to the mirror. Glancing around, noticing a circle that magically etched itself around the base of the mirror with runic, and arcane symbols, I then took notice that in the lower left corner, there was a shard of glass missing, “Will it still work with a piece missing?” I turned, looking at Marxus.

“I do not know, I have never seen the need to use it.” Marxus replied.

“Then how do you know what it does, if you’ve never used it before?”

“Always an answer for everything.” Marxus shook his head, “Just…” he gestured for her to focus, “pay attention.”

Sighing softly, I turned, focusing back on the mirror. Seeing both my reflection and Marxus’ who approached closer, I couldn’t help myself.

“I see something.” I muttered.

“What…what do you see?” Marxus wondered curiously.

“I see…” I frowned, “I see…”

“Yes?!” Marxus pestered.

“I see…this is a waste of time.” I turned to him.

Scoffing, Marxus shook his head, knowing he should have expected a sarcastic remark such as that from the young woman who smiled as she stepped out of the circle.

“I’m sorry, really I am, but I just couldn’t help it.” I teased.

“Wouldn’t have expected anything less.” he grinned.

“But seriously, I didn’t see anything.” I glanced back at the mirror, then down at the ground, watching as the circle disappeared, fading into nothing as if it were never there.

“Well, perhaps you should try it again when you’re not distracted by sarcasm and thoughts of everything that you’ve read from the pages of the Lycynian manuscript, hmm?” Marxus advised firmly, “Using it requires a peace of mind.”

“Fair enough.” I agreed. Following him out of the room, closing and locking the door, he and I descended the stairs, returning to the study where Abraxas and Zanzabarr waited anxiously as they paced near the open bookshelf.

Within the rooms’ darkness, images appeared within the mirror of a dark-haired young woman with her back turned, engulfed in her red, fiery demonic Aura with blood dripping from clawed hands. As she turned, blood smeared around her mouth that snarled aggressively, revealing long upper, and lower fangs, with black eyes filled with hate and rage. With her furrowed brows, veins had encircled her eyes, and ran down her neck, or up her fingertips. Releasing a deep, guttural hiss, she turned, slashing her claws toward the mirror’s surface as the image gradually faded, regaining its smoky appearance.

“That is her future.” voices whispered, “She will become…Hybrid.”

“It was a joy seeing you again, Little One.” Marxus hugged her once more, “But I’m afraid to say that my time here is limited.” he placed a hand on her shoulder, “I will always be here and everywhere, if you require my assistance, or advice, but I can see that you are handling it accordingly.” he praised.

“Thank you.” I appreciated his respect, “I’ll see you around then.”

“Indeed.” Marxus grinned.

“And I don’t appreciate that comment, by the way, about being a tasty morsel.” I folded my arms.

“Mm, well…” the Immortal shrugged casually, “whatever.” then as he began diminishing, he added, “Look to my painting for answers and you will find them.” he then completely vanished.

Turning to the painting, I shook my head.

“Look to your painting for answers, right.” I muttered, “Yep, this is definitely a Dorian Gray sort of world.” and returning to the desk, I let out another deep sigh, putting the Lycynian book aside. Once I organized the residents files, I stumbled across Erik’s and I know I shouldn’t have peeked, but my curiosity got the best of me and it’s not like I was doing anything wrong, I AM the Keeper, so I had the right to know, “Hmm.” I was surprised to see there wasn’t much about him, except that he and his father Hiromi moved from Penrith, and a little bit about the Asian background of which he was raised in. As I quickly glimpsed through Marxus’ notes that were tucked away, there was an older photo of the young man in question, looking handsome just as always. Smiling affectionately, I then glanced at the profile details, “Yep, still short.” I chuckled seeing his height of 5’8 written in the box. As I tucked the photo and papers back into the folder, suddenly, there was a knock on the door, “Geez…” I gasped for it startled me, “who is it?!” I called out.

“Room service.” a charming voice answered.

Smiling, I stacked the folders then reached out my left hand, using my Telekinesis to unlock and open the door. Leaning back against the chair, I watched as Anthony peeked his head through the gap with a charming, sexy smile in greeting.

“Hello, room service.” I stood, walking around the desk. Admiring his muscular build dressed in his steampunk suit, all I wanted to do was get him out of it.

“Hi.” he gently closed the door, then quickly approached her, with a bag held in hand. Placing it on the desk beside her, he leaned in for a long, passionate kiss that left her knees weak, “Hi.” he looked into her dark eyes that closed, feeling his hands run along her waist.

“Mm.” I moaned softly, “Stop that.” I opened my eyes, looking up at him, then glanced at the bag, taking in the scents of delicious food, “What’s that?” I wanted to take a peek but Anthony pulled the bag away.

“It’s a surprise.” Anthony teased, walking backwards.

“Is it really?” I teased.

“Mm-hmm.” he turned, approaching the couch, laying the bag on the table.

“Well, then. Give me a moment.” I walked around the desk, and as I rummaged through the top drawer for a sign that I had made, and written in Caleb’s artistic Gothic writing, I quickly scampered toward the door. Opening it, quickly hanging it outside, I then closed and locked it.

“ATTENTION PLEASE…

DO NOT KNOCK ON THIS DOOR WHEN THIS SIGN IS POSTED. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, DO LEAVE THEM IN THE DROPBOX WITH YOUR NAME AND NUMBER. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED IN A SWIFT, BUT TIMELY MANNER ACCORDING TO THE NEED.

KEEPER’S REQUEST. THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

-YZAVELA”

“What was that?” Anthony wondered with a grin.

“Just a sign stating that I don’t want to be disturbed when that door is closed.” I smiled, walking over, sitting next to him.

“People are idiots, you know that’s not going to work.”

“Maybe not. So…are you going to tell me what this is all for?”

“I bumped into your Ma-ma in the village, and she stated that you’ve been here all morning handling Keeper business, so I figured that you must be hungry, having skipped breakfast and lunch so I thought I’d bring you something.” he unpacked the bag, placing food containers on the table.

“You know me too well.” I leaned in, kissing his neck, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” he nudged his head against hers, taking a quick sniff of her scent, “Mm, you smell good. Always like lavender and roses, how is that possible?”

“I have my secrets.” I teased, reaching for one of the napkins, placing it in my lap, “And speaking of, once we’re done eating, there’s this book that I wanted to show you.”

“A book?” he wondered, opening his container.

“It’s easier to see, than it is to explain. Trust me.” I too, opened the container, “Oh my god…” I held the food close to my nose, taking in the fresh scents of my mom’s egg rolls that she must’ve made for the others in the dwelling that adored her cooking.

As we ate, we spoke about Thomas and Louisa’s business; Anthony had revealed that they received quite a large bulk order that kept the Giovanni’s busy, including himself since he modeled the suits for the catalogue.

“You’re a model too, huh?” I teased, nudging him gently, “Very nice. Would you model something for me?”

Anthony looked at her, flicking his eyebrows flirtatiously.

“Maybe. If you’re a good girl.”

“Oh, baby…when am I ever?”

Growling softly, Anthony’s eyes flashed yellow.

“Uh-oh…” I squealed, “the eyes, the growl…you want to mate?” I laid the food container on the table, as did he.

Crawling toward her, leaning her back against the couch, before the Lycynians could place a kiss to her cheek, there was a knock on the door.

“Oh my god, seriously?” I complained.

“Can’t they read?” Anthony growled, looking down at her.

“Just ignore them, maybe they’ll go away.” I leaned in but the loud, persistent knocks didn’t cease.

“I told you that sign wouldn’t work.” Anthony joked, “Unbelievable.” he shook his head, gently pulling away. Reaching for her hands, he pulled her forward into a sitting position then withdrew her hands, watching as she engulfed in her Aura that triggered her temperament.

Heather and the Lancaster boys left for a day of shopping at RP&V, leaving Leonus home alone, sitting outside in his favorite chair, and smoke his pipe. Watching as mortals coupled with Demons, Wraiths or Lycynian strolled past his home down the road, it made him sick. Scrunching his mouth forward he thought gruffly, “ALL OF THEM ARE FILTHY, F*CKING ABOMINATIONS.” he then spat.

“I would watch what you think, Leonus. You never know who could be listening.” Marxus’ deep, elegant voice spoke over the man’s gruff thoughts.

Looking around, lowering his pipe, Leonus thought he might’ve been imagining things but as his blue eyes glanced toward the end of the walkway, leading to the gate that surrounded their home, there stood Marxus with his hands clasped behind his back and feet slightly apart. The Spaniard looked like a sentinel at his post, dressed in a black, 3 piece suit that accommodated his fashions. Almost frightened, the Scotsman stood, blinking in disbelief and every time he blinked, the man grew closer until he stood directly before him. Feeling caught off guard, Leonus stumbled backwards, bumping into his chair, but gaining his balance, he dropped his pipe, scattering it into the snow.

“M-Marxus? Is that really you?!” he stuttered, eyeing the man up and down, wondering if this might have been a joke.

“That is the second time I have heard that today, but how I am here is no concern of yours, but yes I am here, but not for a social visit.” Marxus’ Hazel-brown eyes stared, “Leonus Lancaster, what have you done?”

“Done?” Leonus scoffed, “It’s been almost two years and no one has seen you around until now, you have no right to come here and tell me what I have done, or haven’t done more likely.” he mocked, then turned, retrieving his pipe from the ground, shaking out the snow, “I know why you’re here, and not at rest. You’re here because that little she-b*tch called on you, is that it? Of course she did, and just when I thought I didn’t want to strangle her skinny little neck any more.” he leered at the Immortal, “Or maybe you’re here because you, like most of us here, are unhappy with the way she’s running things, and want to return, eh?” he snorted a laugh, “Wouldn’t blame ye if you did.”

“Leonus Lancaster…” Marxus groaned the man’s name in a tone that sent a shiver down his spine, and taking solid form, he kicked the chair out from beneath the 6’6 Scotsman, causing his bulk to fall into the snow, “I have been around, I have seen and noticed how you, and you alone, have disrespected this place that’s been your home for all these years, and I am disgusted by your treatment toward those who aren’t your own kind!” he backed away, shaking his head, “Azir had doubts, knowing this would never work, but I didn’t listen, I took the chance letting your species onto the Isle, knowing your complete, and utter hatred for the Wraiths and Demons, but…”

“Then why?!” Leonus growled in protest, standing from the ground, dusting snow from his arms and legs, “If you knew we wouldn’t get along, then why did you allow it in the first place?!”

“Because I had hope!” Marxus shouted, facing Leonus, “Both needed my help, and agreed to the terms that I put in place but I was only fooling myself into thinking it could work.” he huffed, “My empathy was taken advantage of.”

“Empathy?!” Leonus mocked, “You call locking us away every god damn bloody month empathetic?!” he laughed, clapping loudly, “I’ll admit, that’s good…very good, but you were foolish in ALL of your choices! I hate the fact that you have allowed those bloodsuckers and devil spawns onto the island, then you made them Guardians on the wall and the village, then assign them to watch us during our shifts…” he spat at the ground once more, “f*cking perverts, and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if they get their rocks off by watching it, but it doesn’t matter how many times I have argued with you, that it’s an invasion of privacy, you never listened!” he held out his arms, “So why don’t you just admit it, you always favored them over us, so perhaps you can tell me, OLD FRIEND, what is so special about them that just about everyone here, you and that stupid girl, loves so much, hmm?! After all, she f*cking one of them, did you know that, yeah that man-whore Anthony!” he laughed again, “She would rather be with a man that smells like a woman than her own kind! So is that…” he was cut off, because he felt something squeezing his throat, before he felt his feet lifting off the ground, dripping plops of snow from his boots. As his blue eyes looked around, they then gazed upon Marxus standing with his hands in tight fists that glowed in a bright blue hue, “P-put me down, n-now!” Leonus gasped the words.

Marxus sneered, squinting his eyes, then huffed, releasing his magic. Backing away, watching as the Scotsman fell crushing the snow, his hands clenched into fists, knowing he wasted his magic that had been granted to him.

“H-how dare you!?” Leonus coughed, gazing at the Immortal, “How dare you do that to me in my h-home!” he rubbed his throat.

“Don’t worry Leonus, I wouldn’t disgrace you in front of your sons and wife, you’re doing a good job of that on your own.”

“Get out!” Leonus shouted, awkwardly shuffling to his feet, “I want you out of my home, don’t ever show your face here again or I swear I’ll…”

“Or you’ll what, kill me? I’m already dead, Leonus.” Marxus frowned, holding out his hands, “But very well, I will leave, however, you will be seeing me again, but it will not be in a friendly visit. And this isn’t really your home, for it was given to you and it can be taken away, do remember that.” he warned, “Do not underestimate Yzavela, she isn’t as weak as you think, after all she did knock you on your a** days ago.”

“Aye, since we’re expressing our feelings ’ere…” Leonus took a step forward, “I thought you should know that I have always hated you, but kept my feelings hidden because I knew the power that you had once possessed, but now…” he eyed him up and down mockingly, “you’re nothing more than a f*cking ghost, and if that girl that you, and everyone here seem to love so much, thinks she can make a fool of me again, I will show her what true power looks like.” he flashed his red alpha eyes, “And then maybe I’ll kill her, or better yet, bite her so she can suffer the curse of shifting with the rest of us in your god damn zoo!”

“And what makes you think she will not use that power against you as well?” Marxus warned truthfully, putting the Scotsman in his place, “But it matters not, you will never have possession of this place, for I have seen your future Leonus and you will die here.” he stepped close, leaning in, “That isn’t a threat, but it’s a promise.” he then vanished, leaving the man standing there staring at nothing but air.

Heather and their sons were coming up the road, carrying their bags, when they heard Leonus’ rough voice screaming out. Growing closer to their home, standing outside the gate, she observed her husband swinging his fists at the air, screaming obscenities.

“Leonus?!” she shouted, pushing the gate open, dropping her bags.

“Father?!” Liam stepped forward.

Looking around, Heather could see neighbors peeking through their windows. Feeling embarrassed, she turned to her youngest sons Seth and Daniel, holding them close as she was cupped in Liam’s embrace.

“Leonus, please…you’re making a scene!” she pleaded loudly, “The boys…think of the boys!” she covered the youngest boys’ eyes.

Realizing he was making an a** of himself, Leonus cleared his throat. Standing straight, taking deep breaths, he turned, greeting his family but as he approached closer, Heather veered away from him, leading the youngest boys into the house, while Liam shook his head before following after.

“Heather!” he called out to her, “William!” he called his name, but neither replied. Looking around, seeing neighbors continuing to gaze out their windows he shouted loudly, “What’re you lookin’ at, you nosy bastards!” he watched as the faces retreated, closing their shades and curtains. Quickly fetching the bags that laid on the walkway, his blue eyes glanced at the gate down the pathway, where Marxus stood, with his hands clasped behind his back once more. Spitting in the man’s direction, the Scotsman growled then turned, retreating inside, slamming the front door.

Marxus frowned, knowing something terrible was coming.

A war.

A war that will completely set things off balance for everyone.