I sat in the grass, conjuring visions of random people, practicing. My head was throbbing, and that was reflected in my abilities, or lack of. The holograms flickered in and out, like old film, fizzling out until I conjured another.
“Come on,” I growled, starting again. “Morgyn Ember.”
A vision of Morgyn and Aidoneus appeared. They were looking up at the sky, a shadow passing over them. My eyes widened in horror. “Oh no.” I hadn’t thought of that. The magic searing through Jade stripped her of her sage status, throwing the realm into imbalance. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Soon, they’d know something was wrong with her. Only two things could strip her of that without her knowledge. Dark magic and death.
I waved my hand, dismissing the vision. “Argh!” I growled again, grabbing my head. It was pounding, the world spinning and nausea growing within me. Great. That’s all I needed. Especially near Damien, who’s twisted sense of reality felt anything other than casting dark magic and holding extreme power was weakness.
I closed my eyes, massaging my temples, resting my elbows on my legs. I was alone in the field. I found myself alone here a lot. It was the only place where the darkness didn’t take me over. I was losing sight of our whole plan; getting Crystal on our side. My mind was being consumed slowly, and I felt my mind and everything I had worked so hard for slipping away.
I held my head tighter, tears filling my eyes. The pain was unbearable. Temple massages were doing nothing.
“Ah!” I heard. “There you are. I was beginning to think you left us, Marco.”
I didn’t even look up. “Damien. Leave me alone, please.”
“What’s the matter?” He asked, amused. “Getting cold feet? Want to go back to dabbling in your precious light magic? Shall I cast a dark spell on you as well?”
I clenched my teeth. “No. I have a headache. Leave. Me. Alone.”
He laughed. “A headache? Please. You weren’t plagued with these things when we-“
“I’m plagued with these things because you tried to kill me!” I snarled, standing up. “You left me for dead! I had a broken skull. If Jade hadn’t found me, I would be dead.”
He crossed his arms and grinned. “Clearly you learned as you’ve joined me now.”
I narrowed my eyes. I couldn’t dispute that, or he’d know this was fake. I sighed and put my head down. “I need to find Jade.”
“She’s in the house, probably lying there desperate for your body,” Damien scoffed.
I clenched my fists. “What is your problem?”
He laughed. “I do find her evil self quite amusing. She’s all over you. She’s further proving the le-“
“I don’t give a damn about the legend!” I growled. I felt a sharp pain in my head. “Ugh!” I grabbed it and looked down. “Please stop,” I said quietly.
Damien grinned. “Come now. We have work to do.”
I glared at him with bloodshot, teary eyes. “In case you haven’t noticed, I am in no condition to be doing any work right now. Let me get rid of this headache and I’ll help you.”
“Go find Jade. Do whatever you two are going to do and come back. Just make your little session quick.”
As he turned, I contemplated killing him on the spot. The way he spoke of Jade as if she was some type of slut was really pissing me off. I walked faster than him, brushing against his shoulder.
“It’s not like Crystal isn’t the same way.”
“What?!” He shouted, grabbing my shoulders.
I whirled around with a grin. “Ah, there it is. Your anger. I hit a nerve, eh?” I leaned in. “Now you know how it feels.”
He started to conjure magic and I rolled my eyes, conjuring my own and hitting him with it, knocking him down. “Tsk, tsk. You should know by now that I’m more powerful than you.”
He got up. “You’ve gained your power through theft!”
I scoffed. “Told ya I never fight fair.”
He growled and charged after me. I moved to the side, just letting him run past me, laughing.
“Boys, boys,” Jade said, approaching us. “Fight nice.” As Damien started to walk back, she shot magic at him without even looking at him. “Leave Marco alone.” She grinned. “He can’t be of any assistance to us if you hurt him, now can he?”
She put her arm around my waist, resting her head on my shoulder. “You don’t look so good.”
“Headache,” I said quietly.
Damien came back over to us, standing quietly, but glaring at me. I grinned menacingly.
Jade glanced at him. “Watch and learn, Damien. I’m not just Marco’s sex toy.” She placed her fingertips on my temples, massaging them. The pain began to subside. I sighed contently, closing my eyes.
“He wouldn’t have this problem if you hadn’t attacked him,” she reminded Damien, gazing at me. “So I suggest you remain patient with his little problem, or I’ll do the same to you.” As I opened me eyes, she smiled at me. “Better?”
I nodded with a warm smile. “Better.”
She pecked my lips and turned around to face Damien. “Oh, and if you insult me again, I’ll kill you.” She smiled and started heading for the cottage. “Now, if you two can play nice with each other, we have work to do.”
I followed her, smirking at Damien. “Gladly.”
Damien kept his distance, and I chatted with Jade as we walked. “How did you know?”
She smiled and put her hands out in front of her, conjuring a holographic vision like mine. “You’re not the only one who can do this.”
I laughed and put my arm around her. “Clever, mi reina.”
As we stepped inside, I turned to her. “You and Damien get started without me. I’ll be there in a moment.”
She nodded and walked away.
I put my hands out in front of me, a hologram emerging from them.
I glanced around. “Future,” I whispered.
The images shifted and I saw Jade and I in the realm, watching on as an older version of Orion raised his arms. I watched in horror as HQ shattered like glass, raining down on all of the spellcasters within it. My eyes widened. “No,” I whispered. The legend was true. We would be a destructive team, tearing apart the realm and everyone in it.
I waved my hand. I couldn’t watch anymore. Clenching my fist and furrowing my brow, I said it louder. “No.” I’d be damned if I let that happen. Queen or no queen, I would make sure my actions counted. I would never be who I was before.
But this place, it amplified my dark magic, awakening it with a vengeance. It was uncontrollable. I couldn’t stop it. Dark untamed magic flowed through me like a river. If I wasn’t careful, I would easily lose sight of myself. I’d go back, and I wouldn’t care about who I had been. Who I had turned into. Who I truly was.
“But, being evil had its benefits,” I heard in my mind.
“No,” I growled. “Not again.”
I headed for Damien and Jade, who were working on a spell to cast on Morgyn from a distance. They wanted to make him like them, but in the realm. An evil lurking within the walls, ready to break anything good. A destroyer.
I shuttered. “Maybe there’s a different spell we could use,” I suggested. “Morgyn being evil would be too obvious.”
“Nonsense!” Jade smiled. “After all, your darkness was dormant for years. Dark magic knows how to stay hidden.”
She wasn’t wrong. I couldn’t find a counter argument to dispute with. I sighed. “Very well.”
I hated this. I hated it so much. Yet, a part of me got a rush of excitement. I looked forward to seeing the torment Morgyn could put them through. I sighed and began to help with the spell, eventually becoming submerged and almost gleeful, thinking of the outcome.
“Let’s do this,” Damien said as we finished the spell.
Jade grinned. “Ready when you are.”
We went to the realm, staying hidden from the spellcasters. While we could cast the spell from a distance, we still needed to be in the realm to do so. I located Morgyn with a vision.
“He’s in the garden,” I said, watching it.
“Ready?” Damien narrowed his eyes.
I nodded and Jade grinned. “Absolutely ready.”
We cast the spell, and I watched through the vision how Morgyn reacted. Almost immediately, his body stiffened.
“It’s working,” I said quietly.
Morgyn began to walk away, and I dismissed the vision. “We can let it be now and go back. We don’t want to be spotted.”
We teleported back to the cottage.
“Well done,” Damien grinned. “I’d say that went well.”
I smirked. “Indeed.”
“Let’s celebrate,” Jade suggested.
Crystal came out. “May I speak to Marco alone, please?”
Jade glared at her. “Why?”
Uh oh.
“I have something important to tell him.”
Damien nodded. “Of course, my dear.”
Jade was still skeptical, but also allowed it.
We stepped outside and she smiled warmly, leading me out to the field.
“Whatever happens, Jade can see and hear,” I explained.
She nodded. “I’ve just noticed you seem conflicted.”
Oh.
“No, no. I’m just not used to practicing this type of magic.”
She placed her hand on my shoulder and leaned in close. She whispered something in my ear. “Damien doesn’t trust you.”
I nodded as she moved away. “I’m aware of that.” I shrugged. “I’ll prove myself. It’ll just take time.”
She lowered her head. “I’ll help you. Damien has taught me a lot.”
I smiled warmly. “Well, that’s very nice of you.”
She started walking back to the cottage. “I may be quiet around here, but I assure you, I’m more than just a housewife.”
I grinned flirtatiously. “Oh?”
She giggled. “Mhm.”
This plan of ours may have been easier than I anticipated. “Well, I’ll certainly keep that in mind.”
She walked away and I smiled, looking up at the sky. This all could work. I’d just seduce Crystal, make my move and break the spell. Then I’d remove my spell from Jade and get the hell out of here.
Jade came up behind me. “What was that about?”
I turned around and put my hands on her waist. “Nothing, mi reina. She was concerned about me because I’ve looked unsure.” I didn’t want to tell her the full truth about our plan because she didn’t seem to remember it now. But this was our key out of this.
But now that she didn’t know about the plan, would I be cheating if I executed that plan?
Jade tilted her head. “I don’t trust her. The way she looked at you tells me she wants to seduce you.”
Thank God she didn’t see the way I looked at Crystal then. I wanted to look interested so she’d fall for it. “I didn’t notice.”
She kissed me fiercely. “You’re mine. If she does anything to step between us, I will-“
I pulled her into another kiss. “Shhh. Don’t worry about it.”
She grinned. “We do still need to celebrate, Mr. Lew.”
I glanced up at the cottage, feeling like I was being watched. Jade leaned in and kissed my neck.
“No, no,” I laughed, pushing her away gently. “Later.”
The day moved slowly. I occasionally left to check on Morgyn in visions, watching him interact with others. He didn’t cause any chaos, but I could see people were growing skeptical.
“I’m so sorry, Morgyn,” I whispered. “I promise I will undo everything.”
Of course I knew he couldn’t hear me, but I wished so badly that he could. I sighed and dismissed the vision, heading back inside.
Damien met me at the door. “What did Crystal talk to you about?”
I brushed past him. “She was worried about me.”
He trapped me in magic so I couldn’t move. “She has good reason. You don’t seem like yourself.”
I glared at him. “I assure you, I am the way I was then. I’m just not as close to you because it’s hard to trust people who tried to kill me. Do you blame me?”
He grinned, letting me go. “If you had chosen the right side all along, that wouldn’t have happened. You’ve come around now. I’m not a threat to your life.”
“Good to know,” I replied, clenching my teeth. I turned again and he grabbed my arm.
“We aren’t done, Marco.”
“I am.” I yanked my arm away. “What the hell do you want from me? Sign my name in blood? Sell my soul?”
“Prove your alliance.”
“I did,” I growled. “I cast a fu-” I cleared my throat. “I cast a spell on my girlfriend for you. What more do you want?”
He stepped closer, a grin curling his lips. “We really need to get under Morgyn’s skin. His daughter seems to have spotted me. She told him. Now he’s thinking I’m alive. He may find us. Kill her. Kill his daughter.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but Jade responded quicker.
“What did you say?”
Damien glanced at her, the color draining from his face. “I…”
I grinned and crossed my arms. Jade rushed over to Damien. “She’s my daughter too! If either of you go near her, I’ll kill you both!”
“I was just testing Marco’s loyalty!” He said, frantic.
Okay, I actually believed that. Damien wasn’t a killer. “That’s true,” I said quietly. “He doesn’t kill innocents.”
Jade glared at me. “And you?”
I shook my head as she approached me. “I would never agree to that. I promise you.”
She studied my face. “I believe you.” She shot a glare at Damien and walked away.
I followed her. “Be careful what you wish for.”
He scowled.
Testing my loyalty. What the hell? I stared at myself in the mirror, my red eyes catching the light and flashing bright for a moment. God, I hated this. I splashed water on my face and dried it. I was getting another headache. I sighed and left the bathroom, retreating to the bedroom without a word. The sun was setting, so I figured I would just go to bed early.
Jade came up a short while later. She sat on the bed. I closed my eyes and tilted my head away.
She caressed my cheek.
“Not now,” I said, my voice hoarse.
“I know,” she spoke quietly. “Headache?”
I nodded. “I could tell from the black circles and the shadow over your eyes.” She sat against the headboard. “Come here.”
I moved and rested against her. She smiled and tilted my head back, kissing my forehead as she rubbed my temples. I closed my eyes.
“Thank you.”
She smiled warmly. “I’ve been wild lately. Wanted to give you this romance you’re craving.”
I laughed softly. “You act like you don’t know how.”
“I do, I just don’t want it. But I’ll do it for you, if you want it.”
“That’s nice of you.” I opened my eyes.
“Are my eyes red because of my power?” She asked, gazing at mine.
I nodded. “Yes, even before this spell.”
She closed her eyes and nodded as well.
“You’re aware of the spell you’re under?”
She shook her head. “No. But I believe you.”
“Jade, this was a mess. We shouldn’t have made this plan. Let me take your dark magic out. Let’s go home and think of something else.”
She let go of my head. “What? No! I love this dark magic! It’s fun to play with. Fun to mess with people.” She laughed. “Especially Morgyn. Did you see his face?”
I closed my eyes, sitting up. “Yeah,” I said quietly, sadness filling me. “I did.”
“If you ask me, he got what he deserved for treating me like ass.” She grinned. “Someone had to do it.”
So now I had to play along with her too? But when I played along, my body actually responded to it. I felt my heart growing darker each time. Eventually it would consume me. Regardless, I laughed. “Yeah. They did. It’s the perfect revenge.”
She nodded, pulling me close to her again as she massaged my temples some more. “I can’t wait to do the same to Caleb. My plan is to do it to him, then manipulate Ruby to go to him.”
“Our spells won’t work on vampires,” I warned.
She laughed. “Maybe yours don’t. Remember who is the most powerful here.”
She wasn’t wrong. Her power could bend the mind of anyone. I grinned. The perfect revenge. I couldn’t wait to see how it played out.
Wait, what?
Jade laid down as we talked some more. I smiled and laid beside her. We fell asleep together. My little demon. This was too good. The three of us working together would absolutely reach our goals.
I woke up in the middle of the night to quiet “psst” sounds. As my eyes fluttered, I saw a figure at the bedside. My eyes adjusted and I realized it was Crystal. She held her finger to her lips.
“Everyone’s asleep,” she whispered. “Come with me.”
I carefully got up and followed Crystal out into the field.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I see Jade all over you, and I have to admit, I get a bit jealous. I want you, Marco. Just once.”
What?!
I moved away. “No no no.” But this was the opportunity I needed. Yet my body was screaming at me. I’d be cheating on Jade if I did this. Now that she wasn’t on board with our plan, I’d feel so guilty.
But she’d understand when her spell was broken, right? I found myself incredibly conflicted.
Suddenly, I felt a warming sensation rush over me. Strong lust took over as she moved closer. She kissed my neck, and I didn’t stop her. I couldn’t. I wanted to, but I couldn’t fight my own body.
‘No. Please help. HELP!’ My brain screamed loudly, but I couldn’t. I closed my eyes as she moved her hands down, pulling my shirt up.
“I see you want me too,” she giggled.
Only because I was under her spell. I tried to fight it, squirming my body.
“I can make it quick,” she smiled. “I mean, it’ll be quick anyway, given my spell. You can’t resist me, can you?”
I shut my eyes tightly. ‘Help. P-ple-‘ my mind stopped as she moved lower. It was now or never. I fought back with all I had. I grabbed her shoulders, pulling her close and kissing her passionately. ‘Please let this work.’
She wrapped her arms around me, pushing me into the grass, moving against me. But she slowed and eventually stopped, pulling away quickly.
“What the fuck?!” She exclaimed, jumping back. As I sat up with a smile, thankful it worked, she slapped me across the face.
I yelped, but then laughed. “Oh thank God it worked.”
She tilted her head. “What? Asshole! Trying to take advantage of me.”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” I stood up, pulled my shirt down and brushed grass off of my pants. “Jade and I need you on our side. But you have to act like you’re still under Damien’s spell, or he will cast another.”
She also stood up, stepping away from me. “What? You know about that?”
I nodded. “Yes.” I shook my head quickly, trying to shake off that remaining lust.
She stepped closer, holding her hands out. The feelings disappeared completely.
“Thanks,” I smiled.
She nodded, closing her eyes. “I know what I did. Sorry for that. Sorry for the slap too. It’s been awhile since I’ve been in control of my own mind.”
I nodded. “I understand. It stings, but I’ll survive.”
“You said I won’t believe you.”
“Will you?”
“Try me.”
I glanced around. “You know about the spell. In order to break it, someone holding light magic had to kiss you. That, um, would be me. Apparently I’m not too far gone. I have light magic. But our plan is to get you on our side. Help us. We need to defeat Damien.”
She tilted her head and nodded. “Count me in.”
“Another thing,” I said quietly. “Something is wrong with me. I awakened a power within myself when I cast the dark spell on Jade. Now she’s evil and every time I comply, I feel darkness taking me over again. I need you to help me stay grounded.”
“I can’t do that,” she said. “I wouldn’t know how.”
“Distraction,” I said. “Ask me stuff when you see me acting…not like myself.” I stepped toward her. “And whatever you do, don’t tell Damien.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I’ll try.”
That didn’t sound promising. Guess I was on my own here.
We headed back into the house, and I laid beside Jade again, falling asleep quickly. Our plan was working. Now I just needed to free Jade so we could fix everything.
If it was chaos Damien wanted, it was chaos he would get.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.