The Wicked (2 page)

The following night, Kyden and I found ourselves in front of the Council. No matter how many times I stepped into this marvel of a Cathedral, my admiration never ceased as I soaked in the Gothic splendor. Think Rome, but brand spanking new—it was a marvel.

“There’s been a report of a killing at 452 Quince Street in Salt Lake City,” Talon said.

“Kyden, go see what happened. The body is located in an apartment there. Detective Anaxana is waiting for you.”

Annoyance made me lash out. “I thought you said I could start assignments again?”

Zia stood from her throne chair and walked toward me. “You can, but tonight I have an appointment for you.” She walked by, motioned for us to follow.

Kyden glanced down at me as we walked out and gave me a curious look. “What are you thinking, Álainn?”

“I’m not thinking anything, I’m pouting.”

He laughed quietly and wrapped an arm around me, pulling me in close to his body.

We hit the foyer and stopped at the large wooden door. The door itself is a sight to see with its thick, dark oak wood and spectacular wrought iron handles. To human eyes, the door would look as normal as any other. But I knew better, it was the portal to the Earthworld. The foyer was a beauty all on its own. More like a King’s chamber, I always thought. Kyden leaned down and I reached up to meet his lips. “I won’t be long,” he whispered against my mouth.

Neither of us enjoyed being away from each other. After almost losing each other not that long ago, I guess we still felt a little shaken.

I took Zia’s hand and she opened the door. We stepped through, and Kyden’s face faded away in the bright flash from teleporting as my body was sucked through a vortex. Over time, I got used to this feeling, but it still wasn’t one of my top ten things to do.

When my eyes opened again it was to a quaint stone cottage with smoke drifting from the chimney. There were hills upon hills of green grass, large round hay bales, and sheep grazing in the pastures.

“England right?” I asked Zia.

“Warwickshire, England to be exact.”

“So, what’s this appointment exactly?”

Suddenly, the door flew open and a witch stepped out.

“My heavens,” she gasped, and walked toward us quickly. She was a petite witch—all of five foot nothing. Her unruly red-coiled hair bounced along her back as her aqua eyes gave you the warm fuzzies. “You look just like her,” she said as she grasped my face tightly.

“Pardon?” I managed through my squished cheeks.

“Nexi, this is Briar,” Zia said with a little laugh. “She’s the appointment.”

Briar released my cheeks. I rubbed them quickly trying to get the feeling back. When I met her eyes again, she still looked stunned and tears had begun to fill her eyes. “Are you okay?” I panicked a moment and glanced to Zia. “Is she alright?”

Zia nodded softly. “She was close to your mother, is all.”

I glanced back to Briar who was wiping away tears just as she said, “I am sorry for my reaction. It has just been so long since she passed and my dear, you look just like her.”

I smiled—never growing tired of hearing that comparison, even though, it was one I heard often. I’d never really known my birth mother since she was killed when I was four months old, but it was nice to hear some of her still lived in me.

Briar looked a while longer then took my hand and pulled. “Come on, let’s go in and chat. Tyrianna was such a beloved friend of mine. I cannot wait to get the chance to have a sit down with you. Would you like some tea?”

“Sure, sounds great,” I responded, stepping through the front door of her cottage.

Her home was as quaint inside as it was outside. Neatly furnished with old country artifacts, floral draperies and cotton covered couches. Zia sat down on the couch while I lingered around to examine all there was in the room. It was wall-to-wall, stuffed full of knick-knacks, but not cluttered. The fullness in the space made it feel warm and homey.

I strode over to the fireplace where a blazing fire heated my legs. Apparently, Briar liked it warm because it wasn’t even fall yet. As I stepped closer toward the mantle, I noticed a picture of my mother and Briar sitting under my willow, resting next to a pretty vase filled with wild flowers.

“
This is my willow
.” I sent a mental message to Zia.

When she said nothing, I looked back at her and she nodded, smiling.

I was still getting used to the ability we shared. Zia said it was a form of telepathy. I didn’t have the ability to hear her yet, but she said it would come in time. Was I convinced of that? Not in the least.

Briar came back into the living room carrying a wood tray with three teacups and some biscotti on a plate. I took a seat beside Zia, grabbed a mug, and lifted it to my nose to smell jasmine with just a pinch of warmed honey.

“So, my dear,” Briar said. “I heard of your little run-in with that Lazarus. I was so glad to hear about your destroying him. Well done! Retribution was paid to that slimy scum sucker.”

I looked at Zia and thought, “
Did Grammy just really say slimy scum sucker?”

Zia chuckled softly. “A run-in? That is a simple way to describe the trouble with Lazarus. For those there, I would suspect they would say hell broke loose.”

Briar shrugged and took a sip of her tea. “Well yes, I suppose that is probably a better way to explain it.”

I followed her move and took a sip of my tea. The warmth slid down my throat easily, instantly relaxing me, letting thoughts of Lazarus float away. Briar continued, “Zia told me you are adjusting well to life in the Otherworld. Do you enjoy it there?”

“I do, very much,” I answered with all honesty.

“I bet you do, having that delicious Kyden in your bed.”

I spit my tea back into my cup. “Excuse me. I’m so sorry.” I quickly wiped my mouth.

Briar’s brows rose. “Are you alright, my dear?”

I nodded and coughed. “Yes.” I laughed a little. “Sorry, I’m fine and yes, Kyden is wonderful. Having him definitely makes the Otherworld…good.”

“I should find myself a new lover. It has been a while.” Briar hesitated then said, “You know, humans are usually fun to play with.”

I put my tea down. There was no way in hell I was going to be able to keep the liquid in my mouth while she continued with this conversation.

“Humans?” Zia chastised her. “You haven’t!”

“I sure have.” She took another sip of her tea. “I was with George for a little while. He owns this darling bookstore in town, but you know how it is, humans tend to get a wee bit clingy. So that was that.” She leaned down, grabbing a biscotti and took a bite. “Speaking of lovers—how is Talon?”

“
Talon, huh? You devil
.” I thought to Zia. I had suspected this a while back, but never thought to ask Kyden about it. Plus with the whole business of Lazarus who had time for such thoughts?

Zia blushed. “Talon is doing just fine.”

I picked up my cup again and took a big sip.

“Look at you two, doing father and son.” Briar smiled. “How fantastic!”

That was it. The tea all but came out of my nose. I coughed loudly, trying to clear my passageways as Zia smacked my back.

Briar looked completely taken back. “You seem to have a real problem drinking that tea, dearest. Maybe you should put it down.”

I coughed once more. “I think you’re right.” Then, I thought to Zia, “
Her mouth certainly does not suit her appearance.”

Zia laughed under her breath. “Why don’t you tell Nexi how you knew Tyrianna? I am sure she would love to hear your memories of her.”

Bless Zia for changing the subject.

Briar’s eyes lit up, a huge smile spread across her face. “Oh yes, I have many stories. Some good ones too…”

I raised my hand. “Don’t you dare tell me any stories that have to do with her and any lovers! Please, spare me.” Not just because it’d be weird, but seriously, it was hard enough to refrain from laughing. Briar seemed sweet—best not to offend.

Briar’s brightness slipped away. “You are no fun, Nexi.” She finished off her biscotti then said, “But as you wish, I will keep the juicy ones for another time.”

We spent the next half hour reminiscing about a wonderful witch. Briar’s stories told of how she and my mother grew up together and of the close relationship they’d shared. Obviously not as close as her and Zia’s soul-sister bond, but still close nonetheless.

I swallowed back my last bite of my biscotti. “Not to be rude, but is this what the meeting is about? Was it to hear more about my mother?” Not that I didn’t enjoy this. It’s just Zia called this a meeting when it was more like a visit.

“You didn’t tell her?” Briar asked Zia.

Zia shook her head. “Didn’t have the chance.” Then, she looked at me. “Briar is a Fire Witch. She is very powerful with her Fire defense and since you need training in that regard, I figured she’d be the best to help you along.”

“Oh, so I’m to start my training?” Not going to lie, I had been wondering when training was going to begin. With all the ample downtime lately, curiosity about my magic had been building. Since discovering I was a Spirit Witch—meaning I could manipulate all of the Elements—Earth, Air, Water and Fire, I did have a little burning curiosity to see just what I was capable of.

“Let’s go out back,” Briar said, standing. “I love my home too much to do anything in here.”

I gave her a
look
at that, understanding perfectly what she was going on about.

Briar grinned. “Zia said you can be a little unpredictable.”

“
Must you tell everyone that
?” I thought at Zia.

“It’s best to warn others.” Zia smiled innocently. She quickly glanced around the room then met my gaze again. “This place is quite splendid. I’d hate to see anything destroyed.”

“Hardy har har,” I retorted.

Briar led us through the small kitchen then out the back door. When I followed her out, I couldn’t hide my smile.

Her garden was tranquility with a splash of serenity. It was filled with ponds, wild flowers, shrubbery and fruit trees. I had the overwhelming urge to grab a blanket, settle down with a good book and spend the day soaking up the sun.

Briar stopped in the middle of the garden. Once I reached her, she asked, “What should we burn up today?” She glanced around for a moment then pointed to a tree. “This apple tree is on its last legs.” She stepped in behind me and held onto my shoulders. “Let’s see it. Burn up that tree.”

“How exactly do I do that?” I asked, more than mystified.

She spun me around to face her and looked agape. “You don’t know what to do?”

“Er…no.” Should I have?”

Briar laughed, as did Zia. “My dear, you have had no training, and to think, you were capable of destroying Lazarus. That is just utterly brilliant.” She gave her head a shake and gazed intently into my eyes. “Your powers linger within you. You just need to discover them is all. Decipher the difference between each one so you can ascertain the abilities you hold.” She spun me back around to face the apple tree. “Fire will feel warm. It is the heated part of you. Search down deep, siphon through the layers. Do you feel the heat within you?”

I closed my eyes, let the world fade away and focused inward. My body was all—nothing else existed. After a few settling breaths, I was shocked to find little flickers of warmth coursing through my veins—almost as if I was running a low grade fever. “Yes. I feel it.”

“Good,” Briar said. “Now, focus on it. Feel it fill you. Ask Fire to come forward.”

I drew all my attention around that feeling of warmth running through my blood, breathing in deeply to pull it in on each inhale. Within a few minutes, a rush of heat surged through me and all that heat concentrated directly in my chest. I centered myself around it. Forgetting every other part of me—only concentrating on that single sensation.

Briar tightened her hands on my shoulders. “Keep your strength and begin to visualize what it is you want to do. See that tree burning. Imagine it in your mind, engulfed in flames. When you are secure in your ability, release it.”

Keeping my eyes closed, I brought Briar’s garden into my mind, drawing a mental picture around the tree. I held the decrepit apple tree there, seeing every flaw, every small apple struggling for life. When the picture was crystal-clear, I imagined a spark that sent the tree alight.

As the flames grew deeper in my mind, the heat grew stronger in my chest. I slowly opened my eyes, and with a release that was pure heat, I let go.