Page 74 of Treachery in the Highlands
Rachel steps forward."Not so fast, ye auld devil.Ye forget where you're standing."
She raises her hands, and I feel the earth beneath my feet shift.The air grows thick with an energy I can't explain, like static electricity mixed with the smell of ozone before a storm.
An Bodach's eyes narrow."Ye think yer wee tricks can stop me, lass?"
"They're not tricks," Rachel replies, her voice eerily calm."This is the magic of the land itself.The magic ye seek to corrupt."
Suddenly, the earth erupts.Roots and vines burst from the earth, wrapping around An Bodach's legs.He snarls, dark energy crackling around him as he tries to break free.Fulvio, momentarily distracted by the chaos, loosens his grip on Lachina.She seizes the opportunity, driving her elbow hard into his solar plexus.As he doubles over, gasping, she twists free and darts away.
"Lachina!"I shout, racing toward Fulvio.He's distracted by Rachel's chanting, and I seize Lachina easily, racing back to the others.But there's no time to celebrate.
An Bodachroars with fury as dark tendrils of energy slash through Rachel's vines.The air crackles with conflicting magics as he and Rachel face off.
"Ye cannae hope to match my power, girl," An Bodach snarls, hurling a bolt of shadowy energy at her.
Rachel deflects it with a shimmering barrier of light, her eyes blazing."Perhaps not alone.But I'm far from alone."
For a moment, I don't understand what she means.Then it becomes clear.This battle will be like no other.
Magic.Steel.Twelve clans.Four mobsters.
This battle has just turned epic.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Rachel
I cannae believe my magics are working so well, precisely when I need them the most.It's almost...unbelievable.But the being who calls himselfAn Bodachhas been using dark magics for longer than I've been alive---or that my father or my great-aunts have lived.Do we have the power to stopAn Bodach?
Joey clasps my hand, giving it a firm squeeze.
When I glance up at his face, I see love, trust, commitment, and so many other wonderful things.Joey Finnegan saved me from a life of boredom and solitude.He changed my world in ways I cannot even fully explain.I now realize I've loved him since the moment he fell from the sky and plunged into the depths of the moat.
'Twas magic that brought us together.But our love will stop the evil that threatens us today.
"Together, we're stronger than any dark magic," I whisper, not intending to speak but unable to silence my voice.Something inside me urges me to keep talking."You,An Bodach, do not control the magics of all these good witches.You are of the darkness, but we are made of light."
"That's my girl," Joey says with a grin."We've come too far to back down now."
I take a deep breath, drawing strength from his unwavering confidence.The air crackles with energy as my witchcraft responds to the intensity of the moment.Joey may not have magic of his own, but his presence amplifies mine in ways I never thought possible.
I square my shoulders and lift my chin."Let's show this Bodach what happens when he messes with a coven of MacTaggart witches and my time-traveling lover."
Joey chuckles, the sound warming me despite the chill of anticipation."Lover, huh?I like the sound of that, though I'd prefer 'dashing rogue' or 'strapping hero,' if you're taking suggestions."
"Dinna push your luck, Mr.Finnegan.We've got a battle to win first."
The air grows heavy, thick with malevolent energy.The shadows at the edge of the clearing begin to writhe and twist, taking on grotesque forms.An Bodach's voice, cold and ancient, echoes through the trees.
"Foolish children," he hisses."Your light is but a candle flame against the vast darkness I command."
I feel Joey stiffening beside me, but his grip on my hand remains steady.I draw upon our connection, feeling the magic surge within me, a crackling current of power that makes my skin tingle and my hair stand on end.I can feel Joey's strength flowing into me, his unwavering belief in us amplifying my abilities beyond anything I've ever experienced.
"A candle flame, ye say?"I call out, my voice ringing clear and strong."Then prepare to be blinded, ye auld demon!"
With a flourishing gesture, I summon a blinding burst of light that cuts through the writhing shadows.An Bodachshrieks, a sound that chills me to the bone, but I stand my ground.
Joey's arm wraps around my waist, steadying me."Go for it Rach.Show this creep what a MacTaggart witch can do."
