The Catalyst of Corruption (The Final Formula Series, Book 4) (20 page)

“You've read the text.”

“Still, the name. Is he a relative of yours?”

“A great uncle, nine generations removed. That's where my father got his knowledge.”

“Why is it called
A Warning
?”

“Lord Dunstan wished to illustrate the dark aspects of ash alchemy. What he really did was inspire generations of alchemists to puzzle out its mysteries. Us included.”

“I want to read it.”

“You're looking at a scanned copy. I will send it to you.”

“Just like that? No strings attached?”

“The strings are the memories you will no doubt awaken. You obsessed over that, and it led you to several discoveries. And once you understand, I can show you what I've done with those discoveries.”

“What
you've
done?”

“Don't be an ass. You know perfectly well what I'm capable of. As you used to say, we have different strengths as alchemists, but together we find true power.”

“I said that?” Uh-huh. Sure.

“Maybe not so eloquently.”

“Did I ever
like
you? Because I'm not seeing it.”

He gave me a smug smile. “Take the Formula and find out.”

I hoped he wasn't implying what he seemed to be. “Um, no thanks.”

He held out his hand for his phone. “Give me your number; I'll send this to you.”

I handed him his phone, but hesitated.

His golden-brown eyes met mine, then he rattled off the address to my lab.

I stared at him. He knew where I lived?

Instead of grinning, like I expected, he continued to hold my gaze. “I'm serious when I tell you I want you back. I even tried to keep you secret from Alexander, but you just can't seem to keep your head down.”

“At the risk of sounding childish—he started it. And what the hell was the deal with Steadham?”

“That was Xander's doing. He's got a real inferiority complex with regard to Rowan.”

I stilled.

“Yes, I know the Flame Lord's name.” Neil gave me a wink. “I know all their names. We forced Era to tell us.”

Jesus. What had I done? How did I remedy this?

“Your number?” Neil repeated.

I gave it to him, then watched him type it in. I had to read that book. If he was right, it might return what I already knew about ash alchemy. But even if it did, this wasn't over. I couldn't let him ride off into the sunset—not with everything he knew about me and those I cared about.

My stomach growled, and I eyed the still-wrapped burger resting on the table in front of me. God, it smelled divine, but I wouldn't put it past Neil to have arranged something with the diner. Maybe that was over-the-top paranoid, but this was Neil.

“You're not going to eat that?”

I looked up and found him watching me. “I don't trust you. Why are you so insistent that I do?”

“It was your favorite. I thought it might return some memories.”

“Ah.” I kept my hands in my lap.

He sighed. “Maybe this will prove my intentions.” He tapped the screen on his phone, and a moment later, my own phone buzzed in my back pocket. I pulled it out and checked my messages. The number was the one on his business card. I tapped the link and a familiar document opened. It was Lord Dunstan's text.

“Does this Addie person have the guts to pursue this?”

I pulled my attention away from my phone and met his gaze. “Yes.”

“Hm. You did drop Emil without a flicker of remorse. Speaking of that, I've always wondered: why didn't the grim blood kill you?”

“If I knew, I wouldn't tell you.”

“You don't know? Please. Even if you didn't know then, you would have obsessed about it until you figured it out.”

“I assumed it was the Formula.”

“Why? The prima materia we tapped into was from an Elemental source. They have no power over the grim.”

He had a point.

“So why
are
you immune? You're not even magical.” He took another bite of his burger.

I didn't have an answer. I got to my feet and tucked my phone in my pocket.

“Leaving?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“When you see that I was honest with you, that the text is legitimate, call me. I'll show you more.”

That might not be necessary. Now that I had an example of ash alchemy, I could probably design my own.

“If you think you can get it to work on an Element, there are things you should know. Things we discovered with Era. Things that went wrong and left her mentally damaged.”

I hesitated. “Ash alchemy did that?”

“Yes. There are…incompatibilities. If we had taken it further, well, it would have been a rare instance when an Element family had to replace someone other than their Fire Element.”

“How do you know about all of that?”

“That young Fire Element who came to me was very forthcoming.” Neil got to his feet and walked around the table to me. “You think you can help him.”

“You killed him,” I whispered.

“Not the boy. I'm talking about your lover.”

I glared at him.

“And I didn't kill that boy Colby. After all, he was Made. At the time, I didn't have the ability.”

“It was Xander,” I said. It had been his idea to go after the Elements. But Xander didn't always work for himself. He was Alexander's puppet. Oh God, did they both know Rowan's weakness? Of course they did. That's why Alexander confronted him today.

“What is it?” Neil asked, and I realized my horror must have shown on my face.

“Alexander. What is he up to? Why would he show his face to the world?”

“In case you haven't noticed, he wields that face of his like your lover wields fire. But unlike your lover, he craves the attention it gives him. He told me the other day that he felt he had been born a few centuries too soon. Had he lived today, he would rule the world.”

“Is that his goal?”

Neil shrugged. “As long as the world worships him and respects the Family, sure. Why not?”

And it looked like he was going to start with Cincinnati.

I turned and headed for the street.

“Call me, Amelia.”

Ignoring the chuckle that followed, I kept walking.

Chapter 17

I
turned into the alley behind
the lab and was surprised to find Grams and Livie on the stoop preparing to knock. Livie must have heard me coming, because she turned and gave me a big smile.

“Hey, Addie.”

I grinned in return. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” Unfortunately, it didn't look like Grams had brought food. Elysia's grandmother was an outstanding cook.

“We just saw the news.” Livie's forehead bunched. By just, she must mean an hour ago. Livie and Grams lived up near Dayton. A good hour's drive from here.

“We were watching the Findlay Market Parade on television,” Grams clarified, her expression just as concerned as her granddaughter's.

I sighed. “How bad was it?” I shifted my shopping bag to my left hand so I could unlock the door. I had stopped at the grocery store to grab a few herbs, otherwise, I might have some explaining to do.

“We saw the confrontation between Rowan and the
new
Deacon. Then you, Ely, and… Doug”—Grams sounded a bit astonished about that—“showed up. How did Doug come to be there? It certainly didn't sound like he was working with the Deacon.”

“Elysia didn't tell you?” I invited them inside and led the way to the lab.

“Actually, I've been meaning to come see her,” Grams said. “She's stopped calling.”

I glanced around the room and found it empty. “Xander and the
new
Deacon tried to Make Doug.”

“What?” Livie's eyes went wide. “Xander tried to Make his own son?”

“Apparently, Alexander was the one with the knife, but Xander didn't try to stop him. Elysia and James rescued Doug and brought him here. Once he recovered, I insisted he stay until we get this mess sorted out.”

“Elysia and James rescued Doug?” Grams sounded doubtful. I guess Elysia hadn't told Grams about her bid for Deacon.

“It's a long story and better told by those who were there.” I skirted the details. “When I left, Ely and Doug were upstairs. Let's go up.”

I walked to the hall that led to the stairs, glancing in Ian's room as I passed. Nothing appeared out of place. I didn't think he had made it back.

Elysia and Doug were still upstairs. Doug set the table while Elysia pulled a large pan from the oven. By the smell of things, it seemed we were having lasagna and garlic bread. Which was awesome. Elysia's lasagna was amazing.

“Hey, Ely,” Livie said as soon as we stepped into the room. “It smells great in here.”

Elysia set down the big pan and hurried over to exchange a hug with her cousin. “What are you two doing here?”

“We saw the parade on TV.” Livie gave her a worried look.

“We were concerned about you,” Grams added. She reached out and touched Elysia's cheek, brushing her fingers along her cheekbone, beneath one faded eye. It seemed to have lightened since I had seen her last. I wondered if Elysia needed another dose of her remedy. I would ask later—when her family wasn't here.

“I had an accident,” Elysia answered her grandmother's unspoken question. “I tried to take a lich and was a little too successful.”

“Ely,” Grams whispered. “Is that why you haven't been around? It was getting to the point where I expected you and James at dinner every night.”

Elysia just shrugged, but didn't offer an explanation. The incident with Steadham had been yesterday. She had quit going to Grams's because James no longer took her.

Grams gave her a fierce hug, but asked no more about it. When she released Elysia, she faced Doug who stood beside the table watching the whole exchange.

“Douglas.” Grams's tone was cool.

“Hello, Judith, Olivia. It's good to see you both.”

“I should probably clear his name,” Elysia said. “Doug wasn't the one at fault when I tried to free James back in February. That was his cousin, Neil.”

I cringed inwardly at the mention of his name. I didn't regret meeting with him, but I didn't feel good about it, either.

“Doug has been very helpful to James and me,” Elysia continued. It seemed she had kept a lot from her grandmother.

“You never told me—about any of this.” Grams must have been thinking the same thing. “Addie said Doug is living here now and something about you and James rescuing him?”

Elysia gave me a glance, but she didn't look angry. More like resigned. “Join us for dinner? I'll bring you up to speed.”

Grams nodded. “What can I do to help?”

The kitchen was soon a flurry of activity, and I slipped past them to put my herbs in the refrigerator.

“You left a note?” Elysia asked, reaching past me to grab the shredded parmesan. “After a day like today?”

“It was just an ingredient run.”

“What if I needed some oregano?”

I smiled. “Forgive me?”

She sighed. “Fine. But tell me in person next time, okay? When I called down and you didn't answer, I freaked out a little.”

Now I really felt bad. “I'll tell you next time.” I didn't intend for there to be a next time. Well, not another sneak-off-and-meet-Neil next time. “Did Ian ever make it back?”

“No portal has opened. Though I'm wondering how this veil thing works.” Her brow wrinkled. “What if Alexander could sneak in and out without our knowledge?”

I didn't even want to consider that.

“Livie?” Doug was staring at Elysia's cousin in wonder. I didn't think it had anything to do with how cute the fourteen-year-old was. He was almost old enough to be her father.

She gave him a shy grin. “Grandfather's been working with me.”

“Who, Ian? I'm stunned. I saw you less than two months ago.”

“He says I have a latent blood gift, and he's been working with me to bring it out.”

Doug's eyebrows rose almost to his hairline. “I didn't know such a thing was possible.”

“He said it's rare, and if left unattended, it would have never developed.” She frowned. “He said once my power stops growing, the opportunity is past.”

“Perhaps I should talk to him more.” Doug spoke in an undertone as if considering it.

“He's amazing,” Livie confided. “He's showed me ways of doing things I would have never considered.” Livie turned to me. “Where is he?”

“That is the question.” I smiled so as not to worry her. I was worried enough for both of us.

Elysia called us to the table and we all took our seats. At Grams's insistence, Elysia told the story of how she, Doug, and James ended up in Alexander's clutches.

I only half listened, digging into my lasagna while the tale was told. I was half tempted to pull out my phone and start reading Lord Dunstan's opus, but that would be rude. That mystery would have to wait a little longer.

Grams took Elysia's story of capture, possession, and amputation with surprising calm. Though she paled a little when Elysia showed Grams her hand. Doug was studiously examining his plate. Doug had been the one holding the knife, and though Alexander had been controlling his body, he couldn't seem to let it go.

“So where
is
Ian?” Livie asked as we cleared the table, carrying the dirty dishes over to Grams at the sink.

“He confronted his brother,” I said. “I have to admit that I'm starting to worry about him.”

“What?” Livie's eyes went wide. “Do you think he's in trouble? His brother's crazy.”

“I know, but what can I do?” Okay, there were a few things I could do. “I guess I could brew a scrying potion, but if they're in the land of the dead, it won't do me much good.”

“We can use his heart. It's in his wardrobe downstairs. He taught me how.”

“Taught you how to what?” I asked, uneasy. I didn't think he would have shown her any formulas. Besides, something using such an ingredient would be a complicated formula. Not something he would teach a beginner.

“How to summon him,” she answered.

“Oh. With necromancy.”

She frowned. “What else?” Enlightenment suddenly dawned on her face. “Oh. Alchemy,” she answered her own question. “What could you do with a lich's heart in alchemy?”

“You probably don't want to know.” Elysia nudged her shoulder as she walked past, carrying the foil-covered lasagna pan.

“It can be used as an ingredient,” I answered honestly.

Livie stared at me. “Have you?”

“Not to my knowledge.”

She still looked stunned.

“You know, the summoning isn't a bad idea,” Doug said.

“But not here,” Elysia said. “I'd prefer not to lead his dear brother to us.” She frowned. “Or maybe I would.” The corner of her mouth kicked up.

“Don't even consider it.” Doug frowned at her. “You only got away with Steadham because he wasn't magical. A necromancer like Alexander…” He let the sentence hang.

“You know,” I spoke up. “That might work.”

Doug turned his frown on me.

“Not the Ely part, the waiting for Alexander to appear. I have my Fire Hazard potion. That would work wonders on our little problem.”

“Fire Hazard?”

“Bottled Elemental Fire. He might be able to get around Rowan's magic, but nothing will protect him against this.”

Doug smiled. “I like it. And I'm sure I can make him stand still long enough for you to use it.”

“But not here. I don't want to burn down my lab. We need somewhere open and away from anything I shouldn't destroy.”

“Greenwood Cemetery,” Elysia said.

“Um, when I intend to face off with a necromancer, I prefer not to provide ammunition.”

“Where's your sense of adventure?” Elysia grinned.

“And you'll have two necromancers with you,” Doug said.

“I want to go, too,” Livie said. “I'm tired of that jerk walking all over the Family.” Livie's brow furrowed when she glanced at Doug. “Sorry, but it's true.”

“Don't apologize. He's corrupted my family from the beginning,” Doug said.

Elysia cleared her throat. “Technically, we're all from the same Family.”

“Well, yes,” Doug said. “Ian and Alexander are twins.”

“That doesn't actually have any bearing on how we're all related,” Elysia said.

Doug frowned. “You lost me.”

“Addie did some genealogy research to find out what happened to Ian's three youngest sons after he was Made.” Elysia gestured to include me. “We discovered that the newspaper article claiming they died in the same fire that killed Ian was false. Alexander adopted them and altered their birth certificates to make him appear the father.”

“Are you serious?” Doug asked.

“That's low,” Livie said.

“Your ancestor was Ian's youngest son,” Elysia told Doug. “I can show you the birth certificates—the original and the altered one. He was originally named Jacob Ian Nelson, not Jacob Alexander Nelson.”

“Huh,” Doug said, surprising me by the ease in which he took the news. “When we were in the catacombs, Neil said something to Alexander about not needing the Family now that Alexander was back. About not needing his brother's descendants. I didn't know what they meant.”

“Neil did his research,” Elysia said.

“So Ian is Doug's grandfather, too?” Livie asked.

“Well, throw a few more greats in there, but yes.” Elysia clapped Doug on the shoulder. “Hey, cousin.”

Doug gave her a flat stare that reminded me so much of Ian, I laughed.

“Smile,” Elysia said, doing just that. “At least you're not related to Alexander. Ironically, I'm his only living descendant, but I'm fine with Addie using him for tinder. Heck, I'll bring the marshmallows.” She grinned at me.

“Grams?” Livie gave her grandmother an expectant look. “Can I go with them?”

“We'll all go,” Grams said. “He's powerful, but Alexander is just one man. And assuming he follows Ian, we'll have his help as well.”

It still amazed me how much Grams and Livie had warmed to Ian. However, a twinge of doubt arose at the thought of Ian helping us against his brother. None of them had seen the two of them embrace. Ian might never forgive Alexander, but I had little doubt that deep down, he still loved his brother.

“Sweet.” Elysia gave her grandmother a wink. “I'll go get dressed.” She plucked at her pajama bottoms she wore then hurried off to her room still chuckling to herself.

Doug frowned after her.

“You good with the family revelations?” I asked him.

“That was what, eight or nine generations back?” He shrugged. “It's not like learning I was adopted or something. But it does bother me that no one took the trouble to tell me. Does Ian know?”

“Yes.” I glanced down the hall toward Elysia's room. “Unfortunately, the rest of it is true. Alexander really did take Ian's daughter and have kids with her.”

“And Elysia really is a soul reaper?” Grams asked. “I suspected that her mother was one, but I had hoped it would miss Ely.”

“I'm afraid she is,” Doug said.

“You've tested her?”

“No. Ian and Alexander both confirmed it and… I've seen her do it.”

“This nonmagical person she reaped?”

“No. Me. That's how she saved me from being Made.”

“She reaped your soul?” Livie asked, staring at him. “But you're still alive.”

“A reaper doesn't have to take it all, and it was accidental on her part, but I can tell you without a doubt that she's the real deal.”

“There's a bond?” Grams asked.

“God, yes.” Doug released a breath. “I always knew she was powerful, but…” He shook his head.

I stared at Doug. I had never seen any indication of such a thing. Did Elysia speak to him, too? I wanted to ask—but not in front of Grams and Livie.

“I bet that's uncomfortable,” Grams said to him, her eyes narrowing. Despite what we had told her, I didn't think she had completely absolved him of all guilt.