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The air turned bitterly cold as I felt an evil presence blasting my shields with crushing and dark magic. I tried to scream, clawing at Sebastian’s hands as he squeezed tighter. My vision faded in the corners, darkness creeping into the edges, while my lungs ached from the lack of oxygen. Bright spots of light darted off to the left and right.
Then something in the air shifted. A piercing howl shattered the silence as I recognized Gabriel’s aura. His scent saturated the graveyard as Sebastian’s body was yanked from mine. Coughing and sputtering, I leaned over and sucked oxygen into my desperate lungs.
“Cassandra?”
“I’m fine, Gabriel!” As soon as I could, I jumped to my feet and turned to find Gypsy and Jadis blasting magic at one another like some scene from a Harry Potter movie—gusts of wind, lightning bolts, fireballs; you name it. When the hell did Gyps develop her powers like that?
Gabe and Sebastian were wrestling around on the ground and throwing punches. I couldn’t keep up with their movements as they fought, my vision slightly blurry. I wanted to join in, but the dizziness increased. Falling to the ground, I heard Gabe call my name as I collapsed.
“Cassie!”
The next few minutes seemed unreal.
Gabriel turned his back on Sebastian, ready to run in my direction, while Gypsy screamed in warning. Something dark and twisted took control, its intent clear on Sebastian’s face. He was accessing dark magic.
Ifeltit flow through his body, used as a conduit.
Jadis laughed and ran from the cemetery, her sharp words echoing in my ears. “Tonight, Cassie, you’ll meet your doom!”
Sebastian snarled and blasted a wave of magic into Gabriel that caused the Lycan to freeze. His face contorted in pain.
Gypsy appeared in front of Seb and slashed her palm with a knife. She held up her hands, her fingers glowing with pale aqua light.“See me clearly; dream no more. Head and heart, I do restore.”As soon as the words left her lips, she slammed her bloodied palm into his chest, directly over his heart.
A bolt of thunder crashed above us, followed by a flash of lightning. The eerie green sky began to fade into blue.
Sebastian blinked and sank to his knees, reaching for Gypsy. She fell into his embrace as he held her tight, apologizing as tears filled his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Gyps. Please, forgive me.”
“I know,” she whispered, hugging him tightly. “Goddess, I know.”
Gabriel regained function as he sprinted forward and picked me up, cradling my body in his arms. “I’ve got you, my Cas.” His lips pressed to mine in a brief kiss as he trembled.
My brain fizzled, processing the shock of all that had happened. I didn’t have the ability to kiss him back, blinking as he lifted his head.
His aura was incredibly unstable. Whatever dark incantation Jadis used drained him almost instantly.
That level of power was only possible through blood magic. I knew of no other option.
“Ancestors, I beseech you, cease and unravel all harmful magic. So mote it be.” I hoped the words had a healing effect as I cast them, but I wasn’t convinced. The last twenty-four hours had shaken my confidence and proved the evil presence in Mystic Hallows was out for blood.
“MOM, WE’RE IN DANGER,” I admitted as I gazed at my mother’s celestial form. “The presence in Mystic Hallows is pure evil and using Jadis to attack us.”
“I know, Cassie, honey,” she acknowledged with a frown. “The ancestors are seeking the source of this evil, but until we find it, all Howe witches must combine their magic and ward against further attack.” My mother’s expression of concern worried my aunt. “Warn the others, Gwen. All thirteen must know. Prepare the coven.”
“I will, Liz,” Aunt Gwen promised, her arm around Gypsy. “The council convenes after midnight.”
“Elizabeth.” Gabriel fell to his knees next to my side and addressed my mother with reverence. “Forgive my late arrival. I’ll uphold my promise and keep Cassandra safe.”
“Yes, you will, Gabe.” The smile on her face was one of affection but not the love I imagined after hearing of their past. She cared for the Lycan, but I could see it was only rooted in friendship. “I trust you with the life of my little girl.”
His hand reached out and grasped mine as he nodded. “I know.”
“Don’t fail me. We made a pact long ago, and you agreed, Gabe. Cassie needs you.”
He answered with conviction. “I swear.”
“Your oath is binding. Don’t forget.”
“I won’t.”
