Page 46 of Curse of Ancients

“What about the mages outside?” Erik asked.

“I’ll leave them to the older Goyles since they have more experience with fighting.”

Speaking of her dad, Julian pointed at her weapons. “Now that Major is here, mind if I borrow one of your swords?”

Carleigh transformed one into a heavier weapon suitable for a Gargoyle. Julian took it from her and joined Warren at the window. Anthony and Elle returned from the back of the house, and they, too, walked over to where Warren and Silas were standing. Seeing that Carleigh and Major didn’t need him, Erik joined the others.

“Elle has an idea. Let’s go out the back,” Anthony told them. The six of them strode to the back door, and before Anthony opened it, Elle cast them in shadow.

Carleigh returned her focus to the woman. “I asked you why you still want Bayu since you cursed him.” Carleigh stepped back, letting the short sword drop to her side.

Major called on his Gryphon and demanded, “You will tell the truth.”

The woman’s eyes widened as his words washed over her. “He still has his powers. The curse mutes the animal inside so they cannot communicate nor can he shift.”

Carleigh looked over the woman’s shoulder, staring at nothing. That wasn’t right. Sure, Tiger had gone silent, and Carleigh’s Goyle couldn’t speak to him, but if what she was saying were true, Bayu would have been able to read the ancient words. “I think whatever you did to him got screwed up in translation because he no longer has his powers.”

“You’re lying,” the woman hissed.

“What is your name?”

“Belinda. Why?”

“Because I need to call you something other than ‘that woman’ in my mind. Believe me, Belinda, when I say that Bayu no longer has his powers. To become what he was destined to be, he needed the ability to read some ancient documents and to decipher the markings bestowed upon him by his god. When he was cursed, the markings faded, and the ancient words might as well have been written in gibberish. Bayu is no more powerful than any other human out there, thanks to the Black Lotus.” When Belinda did nothing but scowl, Carleigh asked, “Where is Gemi?”

“Back at the compound. There is a small shack about a mile through the woods.”

“Is she alive?”

“She was the last time I saw her.”

“And when was that?” Carleigh growled.

“Yesterday morning. If I do not return to the compound, they will kill her.”

“That’s not going to happen,” Nekoma announced as he entered the room.

Carleigh held open her free arm, and Nekoma leaned against her side. “Are you okay? You’ve been pushing yourself pretty hard.”

He hugged her briefly before stepping back. “I’m fine.” Nekoma turned to Belinda. “Is anyone watching the shack where Gemi’s being kept?”

“No. It’s locked from the outside, so she cannot escape.”

Nekoma strode to the front window and looked out. “I am going to help them, and when we have the mages contained, I will go get Gemi.” Instead of going out the front door, he went to the back and peeked out the kitchen window before slipping outside.

Carleigh felt the power change in the house, and she raised the sword just as a fireball was tossed her way. She cut through it before it could hit her. A loud roar rent the air as Major shifted to his Lion and pounced on the male mage who had made it through the back door. Belinda began chanting, so Carleigh thrust her weapon at the woman’s throat, pushing the tip into her skin, a stream of blood trickling down her chest.

“Shut your mouth before I cut out your tongue.” Carleigh kept the blade tight against her skin while Major fought with the man. The mage pressed his hands against the Lion’s side, and Major howled, but he didn’t stop his attack. Carleigh had no idea how the others were doing outside, but if one mage made it inside… She turned toward one of the cameras. “Call Jon and have him bring the witches.” Their cousin could use one of his dad’s helicopters.

Something thudded against the front door, followed by a moan. Carleigh couldn’t leave Belinda alone long enough to go see what was happening. She wished she had the fae’s powers or Harlow’s beast inside her, then she could do more than stand around. A mighty bellow rattled the windows followed by people screaming. What the ever-loving hell was that?

I don’t know, but Bayu’s here. I can feel him.

But how, unless Nekoma portaled him in? Jon hasn’t had time to fly here in a helo.

The front door flew open, and a stranger holding a katana marched inside, stopping long enough to check Carleigh over. He nodded once, then continued to where Major and the mage were still grappling. The stranger—

That’s Bayu.