Page 62 of To Crave Deeply
The more I thought about the prophecy, the more I thought that it actually might come to pass. It spoke of a war that Lucifer would win. Perhaps by attacking us at the Gathering, Camael and the Divine One had triggered a series of events that would lead to an outright war between Heaven and Hell.
I didn’t want that to happen. The world would fall apart, be destroyed, possibly incinerated into nothing more than ash and dust and bone.
And then there was the trio that was supposed to be born of fire. Everyone believed me to be the maiden fair that the prophecy spoke about, since Lucifer and I had become soulbonded, but who was the trio? My worrying thought was that it wasn’t actually three people, but just one with traits of three elements combined. The terrifying thought that was haunting me at the moment was that I had something to do with that. I was already part mage and part demon —well, combined with a demon — and Levi had said that there was something else lurking in my blood work. He just wasn’t sure what it was. What if I was the trioandthe maiden fair? What if I ended up burning the world right along with Lucifer?
That was a completely and utterly terrifying thought.
“We’re here.”
Torsten’s voice echoed around the dark cavern, sounding overly loud in the empty space.
“How can you tell?” I asked. I couldn’t hear anything, and I could only see masses and masses of sharp rock formations on all sides.
“Listen,” he said while fixing me with an intent stare. His eyes were hard and focused, and I could tell he was poised, ready to protect me from anything that might jump out of the shadows. I was surprised we hadn’t encountered anything down here. Was this place so forgotten that nothing existed down here anymore? Or had we barely scratched the surface and we were actually standing at the pinnacle of a monstrous mountain that descended deeper beneath us?
I did as Torsten had bid and listened. At first, I heard nothing, but then, out of the shadows, I heard something completely unexpected. A soft lullaby, like an echo from the past, whispered in the darkness. It was a haunting melody and spoke of pain and suffering, and I instantly knew that it was the original witch who hummed the tune. I didn’t know why I knew that, but something about it felt familiar, like a distant memory forgotten and buried beneath the layers in my mind.
I walked towards the source of the sound and felt Iveri’s presence grow stronger the closer I got. I reached the entrance to a cave and stopped.
She was there. I could feel her. Her power stretched out and burnt the air, leaving an acrid smell tickling my nose. There was so much power humming through the air that I had the sudden fear that this witch was up to something.
If only I’d had that thought a few seconds ago.
A brilliant bright white light erupted around us and encircled us like a cage. It crackled like lightning and made the hairs on my arms stand on edge.
Shit. Shit, shit, shit. This couldn’t be good.
Iveri’s presence grew stronger, and I could feel her wanting to take the lead.
Let me speak to her,Iveri demanded.I know her better than you. I can get through to her.
Torsten stretched out his hand towards the edge of the wall of light that surrounded us, but I pulled him back. I could feel the dark energy pulsing through it, and I instinctively knew that nothing good would come of touching the magical barrier. It might look pretty but I bet it was deadly.
He scowled at me, and I could sense his frustration and anger mounting. He was pissed that he let me walk into the trap, but to be fair, it was my own fault. I should have expected the original witch to have planned something. She’d been down here for a very long time. I imagine planning her escape was all she’d thought about for centuries.
“Fine,”I agreed.“But no funny business, and no making deals without talking to me first.”
I suppose that’s only fair, she mused.Now, let me take control.
I took a mental step backwards and felt the power of the Sin Reaper flood my veins. I’d forgotten how thrilling that felt. It was like electricity humming through me, and power filled every inch of me. I still had control over my movements; it was more like Iveri had permission to use my body rather than taking a back seat.
There was a cackle from deep in the cave. I rolled my eyes at the cheesiness and chuckled. An honest to god cackling witch. Could this get anymore stereotypical? I was half afraid Mordecai was going to jump out like a bat and say “I vant so suck your blood.”
“My, my, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”
The voice was melodious but harsh. There was an arrogance to it, like she knew she was the most powerful witch alive and liked to show it. I watched as a figure slowly materialised from the shadows, and I had to do a double take.
A little old lady wearing drab, dirty, ragged clothes stepped forward into the mouth of the cave.
This was the mighty original witch? She didn’t look like she could harm a fly, let alone be the ruthless legend I’d heard so many stories about. Her hair was white but covered in dirt, as were the creases in her withered face. Her eyes were the most alive part of her, a vivid cornflower blue that sparkled wickedly in the darkness. They had a manic and gleeful look in them, like she was on the cusp of madness. Maybe she had already descended into it, but I didn’t know her like Iveri did.
She’s always been crazy, Iveri commented listening in on my thoughts.
“Hey, stay out of my thoughts. Just because we’re sharing control doesn’t mean you can go where you like in there.”
She laughed and folded her arms — no my arms — wait, our arms? Wow, this was confusing.
We’ve both got full control right now, so I have access to everything in your mind. Anything you don’t want me to look at, just put a barrier in place.
