The Heir of Death - The Final Formula 3.5 (3 page)

“Addie?” Ian’s voice echoed up the stairs. “Liquid or powder?”

“Liquid,” she called, then turned to Elysia. “I’d better get down there.”

“Addie.”

“I’ll take the sandwich. Don’t worry. He won’t let me do much.”

“If I stop teasing you?”

Addie frowned. “That’s not why I’m leaving. I forgot to explain the next step to him.” She picked up her sandwich and headed for the stairs.

“Uh-huh. Sure,” Elysia said to the empty room.

She eyed the sandwich she had been building, then began to return the components to their original packages. Tonight, she would face Alexander. She didn’t want to puke on his feet.

Elysia stood before the mirror on the back of her closet door and eyed her reflection. The brown necromancer’s robe fit her well, but then, she hadn’t changed much since it had been given to her on her eighteenth birthday. She didn’t think she had worn it since.

“That’s a bit disturbing,” James said from the doorway.

She turned to face him, surprised that he had snuck up on her. She usually sensed his death—or the portal opening. He still wore the same clothes from earlier, so he must have driven over.

“What do you mean disturbing?” she asked.

He waved a hand at her robe. “You look like a necromancer.”

“I
am
a necromancer.”

He frowned. “You know what I mean. The only time I’ve seen those brown robes, the situation wasn’t a good one. Much like tonight.”

She turned away from him, walking to the dresser to retrieve her hairbrush. “As soon as I have Mattie’s location, I will summon you.”

“Good,” he said from directly behind her. He didn’t startle her this time. She had been paying attention. She gathered her hair and secured it in a low ponytail, then tied a bronze ribbon around it.

“But I’ll wait until I’m in his presence to call you, so be ready.” Ready to rip out Alexander’s soul.

“I’ll be ready.”

She sighed, returning the hairbrush to the dresser.

“What?” he asked.

“I don’t like using you as…an assassin.”

“We all agreed that Alexander must be destroyed, and I am best suited for the task.”

Elysia knew he was right. Alexander had been controlling Doug’s father, Xander, from the moment Xander had become Deacon, decades ago. Actually, Alexander had controlled every necromancer who had held that position since his own death nearly 150 years ago. It was time for someone else to lead the Old Magic community. Someone who wasn’t insane.

“I’m sorry about earlier,” James said, interrupting her thoughts.

“Me, too.” She faced him. “I shouldn’t have commanded you.”

“I deserved it.” He shrugged. “I was being pig-headed.”

She smiled. “Maybe a little.”

“I just want to throttle the guy.”

“Doug might be the typical arrogant necromancer, but he’s not a bad man.”

“He let Neil stunt you.”

“He didn’t know what Neil intended.”

“I was present when he discussed taking me from you.”

“So he could use you against Alexander and free his father.”

James crossed his arms. “Free his father or protect himself?”

“He doesn’t deserve to spend the rest of his life possessed by an undead sociopath.”

James frowned. “I’m
sure
he would have released me once the task was complete.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll never know.” She reached up and rubbed away the wrinkles between his brows. “Because you’re mine.”

His gaze locked with hers, the predator rising to the surface. “It’s not only me he wants to possess.”

She slid her hands beneath his open jacket and gripped his shoulders. “There’s my green-eyed monster.”

“Ha ha.” His hands settled on her hips. He held her gaze with those green eyes, then bent down and took her mouth with his. The kiss was intense, claiming. She felt the nip of his claws through her clothes and shivered.

“You’re mine.” He snarled the words against her mouth. “If he touches you, I will Hunt him—through the mortal world and the next.”

“James—”

Another savage kiss followed, cutting off her response. She dug her nails into his shoulders and he growled, the sound raising goosebumps along her arms. When he finally let her up for air, her head was spinning. He held her gaze with his glowing eyes, and she suddenly realized how much of her soul she had poured into him.

She pulled back her magic, trying to establish some semblance of control. “What he wants means nothing. You should be more concerned about what I want.”

He didn’t release her. “What you want.”

Suddenly, his eyes flicked toward the hall, and he stepped away from her. Footsteps moved their way, and a moment later, Rowan appeared in the doorway. His presence didn’t surprise her, but his attire did. He was wearing his gray robes.

“Are you ready?” Rowan asked her.

“What’s going on?” She looked up at James.

“Rowan will take you to the cemetery.”

“You mean the Flame Lord is going to take me.” She waved a hand at those gray robes. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

She directed the question at James, though she had come to know Rowan fairly well over the last few weeks. He was James’s boss and Addie’s boyfriend, but he was still the leader of the magical community—well, New Magic, anyway—and frankly, she found him a bit intimidating.

“Xander will understand that I expect you to return as you depart.” Rowan’s cool gray eyes met hers.

She turned to James. “You put him up to this.”

“I suggested it,” James said. “Rowan agreed.”

“I’ll wait for you downstairs,” Rowan said. “To arrive by midnight, we need to leave soon.” He walked away.

“I really don’t think this is a good idea,” she said now that they were alone.

James shrugged. “It’s Rowan’s choice. He’s not very happy with Xander right now.” James glanced toward the doorway and continued in a softer tone. “I think he’s looking for a reason. If he knew for certain that Xander’s actions were his own and not Alexander’s, he would have taken care of him already.”

Elysia lifted her brows. “I know Rowan will do what he must, but he doesn’t strike me as the sort to just execute someone.”

“He’s not—unless they hurt Addie.” A coolness entered his tone, and she knew he felt the same. James and Addie were extremely close. At first, that had concerned her, but gradually, she came to realize that there was something about Addie that attracted loyal friends. Maybe it was her biting wit and infectious determination. Whatever it was, Elysia frequently found herself willing to stand up for her.

“I guess I better get downstairs.” She turned toward the door.

James slipped an arm around her waist, stopping her. “If anyone hurts
you
, my rage will put Rowan’s to shame.”

She looked up, holding his gaze. “You feel that strongly?” she whispered.

“Yes, and it’s not because our magic is compatible.”

Her heart thumped a quick beat in her ears. “Yeah?”

“What about you? You threatened to Make a woman in my defense today. Was that an idle boast to scare her off?”

Elysia didn’t even have to think about it. “No. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you free—and that has nothing to do with our magic being compatible.”

He trailed the back of one finger down her cheek, the smooth surface of his claw cool against her skin. She shivered and the glow intensified in his eyes.

“I’m starting to wonder if it was ever the magic,” he said. “I’ve had other necromancers feed me their soul; none of them ever made me feel as you do.”

“I’ve sent my soul into the dead my entire life, and I’ve never felt anything remotely like this.”

“What does it mean?”

She sucked up her courage and plunged on. “I think we’re moving beyond our compatibility issues.” She bit her lip, waiting for his response.

The corner of his mouth curled upward. “About damn time.”

She laughed, the relief leaving her a bit lightheaded. “Though this isn’t the best of times to come to this realization. Rowan’s waiting for me.”

James bent down and gave her a quick kiss. “Anyone but Rowan, and I’d say let him wait.” He took her hand and led her toward the door.

Chapter 3

E
lysia and James arrived in the lab to find Addie, Ian, and Rowan deep in conversation—at least, until they stepped into the room.

“Should I be concerned that they stopped talking when I walked in the room?” she asked James.

“Maybe we were talking about James,” Addie said.

James made a face, but didn’t comment.

Addie stopped in front of them and offered Elysia a vial. “This is my necromancy solvent. It’s handy for freeing people from ghoul masters. It would probably de-animate zombies, too.”

“How do you get them to drink it?” Elysia smiled.

“It works on absorption.” Addie held out a pair of stir straws with a paraffin plug on each end. “Knockout Powder. Just remember, it’ll knock you out, too. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work on the dead.”

“But
I
work on the dead.”

“Providing Neil doesn’t stunt you again.” Addie held out a second vial. The mint-green solution looked familiar. “This is the antidote to that.”

Elysia released a breath. She didn’t even want to contemplate being stunted again. “Thank you.”

“Tuck the vials in your bra and the straws in your socks.”

Elysia snorted. “You’re the pro.” She turned away from the others and did as Addie instructed. Finished, she faced the room once more, her gaze settling on Ian. “Any inside information on how to deal with your brother?”

Ian sighed. “Lex is insane. Even as a child, he was never quite right. But his biggest faults were always his pride and his vanity. You can play to that, but be careful. He’s crazy, but he isn’t stupid.”

“Got it.”

“And watch your back around his sons. One good thing about your curse, it should deter Lex from using you the way he used Mattie.”

She frowned. “Are you suggesting Doug…”

“If Lex takes him.”

James growled and she reached over to grip his arm. That was an angle she hadn’t considered.

“There’s also Neil,” Ian said.

“Left to his own devices, I don’t think you have to worry about him,” Addie said. “Neil’s not interested in immortality through his offspring. He wants that for himself. They’re calling for rain tomorrow. He’ll be able to brew the Final Formula.”

The only ingredient he, or Addie, lacked was spring rain. Today was the first day of spring.

“We need to go,” Rowan said.

Elysia nodded.

Addie gave her a fierce hug. “Be careful.”

Elysia agreed, then looked up, meeting Ian’s uncertain expression.

“It is wrong to sacrifice one daughter to free the other,” he said.

She lifted her chin. “I’m not a sacrifice; I’m your brother’s worst nightmare.”

Ian’s cheeks dimpled. “You’ve definitely been spending too much time with Addie.”

Addie arched a dark brow, a wry twist to her lips, but she said nothing.

Elysia turned to James.

“Get the information you need quickly,” he told her. “I won’t wait too long.”

“Do I need to give you a command? I won’t have you put yourself in danger because you can’t be patient.”

“Fine.” He bent down and kissed her.

She savored his taste, his smell, trying to imprint them on her memory. She would accomplish her goal: end the horror that plagued her family and free Ian’s daughter. Then she was going to defy every warning she’d ever been given and take a dead man as her lover.

James released her. His eyes met hers and the corner of his mouth ticked upward. Had he picked up on her thoughts? Before anything could be said, he lifted his eyes to Rowan.

“Make sure Xander knows the consequences.” He held Rowan with his predator’s gaze.

“He will.” Rowan didn’t look away.

“A little faith, please.” Elysia gestured toward the door. “Shall we?”

Rowan nodded and led her from the room.

Elysia shifted on the white leather seat, trying to get comfortable. But the seat wasn’t the problem, and no amount of squirming would ease her anxiety. She wished they would get there already. Waiting was always the hardest part.

“Are you all right?” Rowan asked. He sat across from her, his posture relaxed. Well, maybe not relaxed, but he wasn’t fidgeting around like she was.

“This is the single craziest thing I’ve ever done.”

“Keep hanging out with us and that’s bound to change.”

She smiled. “That’s not reassuring.”

“It wasn’t meant to be.” He tapped a finger on his armrest. “I have enough troubles in my city. I wish we didn’t need to dig up new ones.”

“Nice pun, but I don’t think Alexander is a new problem. He’s been a problem for decades.”

“Centuries.”

“True.” She watched the dark landscape slide past her window. “I wish I had more time to prepare for this.”

“I wish we all had. I’m not comfortable sending James into a nest of necromancers. It’s a shame you can’t summon me instead.”

“That might be within my skill set—I just don’t know how to use it.”

“The ghoul master ability.”

She met his gaze once more. “Yes.” She made herself continue. “Addie picked up on my thoughts again today.”

He frowned. “Are you certain? There might have been a contextual clue. She’s very observant.”

“I can’t be certain, but the way she looked at me…”

It was his turn to watch the night outside the windows.

“I didn’t mean for this to happen,” she said.

“I know.” His attention returned to her. “You saved her life; I’ll deal with any side effects, but you will allow that it’s…”

“Freaky?”

“I was leaning toward disconcerting. First James, now Addie—yes, disconcerting is the word I want.”

It took an effort not to squirm. “I didn’t ask for this crazy-ass ability.”

“I didn’t ask for mine, either, but the universe doesn’t do take backs.”

She smiled in spite of her unease. “No, it doesn’t.”

The limo slowed and she realized they had arrived at their destination. She gripped her robe where it lay over her knees, then forced herself to relax. Dear God, she was really going to go through with it.

“Can I ask a favor?” She pulled her gaze from the shadowed cemetery outside her window to address Rowan.

“What do you need?”

“If this doesn’t work out, will you keep my grandmother and cousin safe?” She gripped her hands. Xander would definitely retaliate if she failed.

“I will.” He made no effort to reassure her that her fears were ungrounded, and that left her uneasy. After all, he knew Xander well.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

The limo rounded a bend, and beneath a streetlight on the corner, she saw cars parked beside a familiar group of graves: the Nelson Family plot. She had been here twice, though in daytime. Cemeteries didn’t frighten her, but she felt decidedly uneasy tonight.

They came to a stop beside a black, windowless van. The placard on the side read
Nelson Funeral Homes
. No doubt, Xander was already here.

Rowan pulled up his hood, and she hurried to do the same. He scooted forward, and to her surprise, reached out and gripped her knee.

“If things go wrong, call James and get out of there. Once James knows the location, I can take care of the problem.”

She swallowed. “Okay.”

“If we didn’t need to find Matilda, I would tell you to do just that.”

She wished she could take him up on it.

The chauffeur opened the door, and Rowan climbed out, leaving her to follow.

There were far more people present than Elysia had expected. Perhaps two dozen, all in brown robes with their hoods concealing their faces. One figure walked toward them. Judging by his height and wide shoulders, Elysia suspected it was Xander.

He stopped a few feet away and crossed his arms. “You seem to involve yourself in Old Magic’s affairs more and more, Your Grace.”

“It does seem that way, doesn’t it?” Rowan agreed. “Though I do have a strong interest in who follows you as Deacon.”

“You will be informed.”

“Then I shall expect it.” Rowan ignored his curt tone. “When should I retrieve Elysia?”

“What?”

“I gave her a ride. I’ll pick her up when your selection process is complete.”

“You needn’t trouble yourself.”

“It’s no trouble.” Rowan sounded almost cheerful. Elysia realized he was enjoying this. “Do I return here? When?”

“I don’t know.” Exasperation colored Xander’s tone. “There haven’t been multiple candidates since my grandfather’s day. I have no idea how long this might take.”

“Then call me.” Rowan turned to her. “Take care.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

A nod, and Rowan returned to his limo. Elysia watched him pull away and her stomach knotted. She was surrounded by over two dozen people, but very much alone.

“So you think you can influence me by arriving with him,” Xander said.

“No, he offered me a ride and I took it. Seemed like a bad idea to leave my car here. It would probably get towed.”

“Father?” A second brown-robed man joined them. Doug.

“I don’t know how you talked me into this,” Xander said to him. He turned and walked toward the others. “Let us begin.”

Doug stopped beside her. “Why did you let Rowan bring you?”

“He insisted. You don’t tell the Flame Lord no.” That wasn’t exactly true. From what she had seen, Rowan wasn’t a tyrant, but she didn’t think he would have backed down this time.

Doug sighed. “I should have picked you up.” He turned away, following his father and leaving her no choice but to tag along.

A few stragglers had just arrived, adding their number to the group gathered near the large Nelson monument.

“Who are these people?” Elysia whispered to Doug.

He hesitated before answering. “Heads of household throughout the necromancer community. Most are cousins.”

“But they’re not all Nelsons.”

“Not all.”

“I’m guessing Grams wasn’t invited.” As head of a necromancer Family, she should have been.

“You know how it is, Ely.”

She glanced over, shocked by his honesty. In the past, he had always tried to ignore or downright deny that the Mallory Family members were pariahs within the necromancer community.

Xander called for everyone’s attention, cutting off any further comment she might have made.

“Friends, Family, I want to thank you for venturing out on this cold March night to send off those who would lead us into the future.”

The crowd gathered closer, mumbling softly among themselves.

“This generation has proven unique among those of the modern age,” Xander continued. “For the first time in nearly a century, we have more than one candidate. This time, we have three.”

The mumbles became voices as the gathered necromancers discussed this new development.

Xander called for silence and once again, got it, though it was a little slower coming. “Allow me to introduce them. First, Douglas Jacob Nelson, my son.”

Doug left her side and walked over to join his father, shoving his hood off his head as he walked. The moonlight glinted off his blond hair, making it appear almost silver.

“I know what you’re up to,” a male voice whispered close to her ear.

Elysia took a hasty step to the side, looking up at the man who stood beside her.

“Next,” Xander continued, “my nephew, Alexander Nelson Dunstan.”

The man beside her pushed back his hood, revealing Neil’s smiling face.

Elysia fisted her hands, but he said nothing else before walking over to join Doug and Xander. Was she doing the right thing? Doug was the only one who might speak up for her, but she doubted he could do anything if the others decided to tear her apart. Then there was Neil and his potions. Without Addie or Ian, Elysia had little hope of stopping him if he tried something new.

“And our last candidate.” Xander crossed his arms. “It’s nothing I would have condoned, but I’ll leave it for
him
to decide.” He turned his hooded head toward her. “Elysia Mallory.”

The gathered necromancers burst into full-voiced conversation this time. Elysia tensed, half-expecting them to start hurling stones. When no one did, she forced her feet into motion. She stopped before Xander, and imitating Doug and Neil, pushed back her hood.

“You’ve got to admire her guts,” Neil said to Doug. She could just hear him over the voices of the others. “I assume she understands what we’ve truly volunteered for.”

“She knows,” Doug answered softly. His brow wrinkled and his eyes met hers. It was clear that he regretted his decision to pull her into this.

The familiar sensation of a portal opening drew her attention away from Doug and Neil. A hush fell over the crowd. The dark doorway into the land of the dead hung open directly over Alexander’s false grave. As the silent crowd watched, a figure stepped through the opening. It wore aged brown robes that were frayed around the edges. Skeletal hands gripped a silver tray. A lich. A very old lich.

For a moment, Elysia feared it was Alexander himself, but there was something submissive about the way it moved toward them, head bowed and tray outstretched. As it drew nearer, she could make out three small squares of dark fabric on the silver surface. The dim light made it difficult to judge, but it looked like burgundy velvet. On each square of cloth, a small piece of…something lay. It had a disturbing resemblance to beef jerky.

The lich stopped before them. Silence stretched and it seemed everyone held their breath.

Supplicants
. The voice floated out of the open portal, collecting a gasp from those gathered.
To guide the Family into the future takes unity and a single purpose. Consuming the flesh of the First represents your willingness to give your life, and death, to the Family. To be Deacon is to be one with me
.

Elysia stared at the small pieces of jerky in horror. Alexander’s flesh. His blood gift was that of a ghoul master. He could bind the living. But as a lich himself, he lacked blood. Apparently, his flesh served the same purpose. Maybe that’s where the title of his gift came from. After all, ghouls were said to consume flesh. Though that made her the ghoul…and him her master.

Take and eat
, the voice intoned. The formal words making it sound like some kind of twisted communion.

Neil reached out without hesitation and plucked a piece of desiccated flesh from the tray. Grinning, he popped the tiny morsel in his mouth and swallowed.

Doug took his piece and glanced at her.

She resisted the urge to knock the sliver of flesh from his fingers, and watched him bring it to his mouth. She bit her lip, longing to remind him that he had no immunity. Instead, she watched him swallow.