Page 50 of Wolf Spell

Anthony glanced over his shoulder at me. “I know what you’re thinking. We’ve all thought about it. So, Luke doesn’t live in a cave, huh?”

A small smile on my lips, I was moved that they were willing to fight for a cause that didn’t affect them.

“I’m not sure about Lycaon and me. I’d like to believe you’re right, but I gave Zale my word. I can’t break that. As far as this secret society goes, I know they, Adara, had samples of your blood and were using witchcraft. The leader though, a mage of sorts. And then there’s their vampire and werewolf army. Those creatures looked feral.”

Shaking his head, Luke added, “Bewitched I suspect. Especially using blood magic, that would be a potent spell, enough to hex anything.”

In my mind I rasped. Had I caused this, all of this? I had used blood magic, and then I’d given Lycaon my blood. My unstable, hexed blood! Bloody hell! I needed to think.Oh my bloody god!

I took the drink offered by Anthony and shot it back. It burned my throat, but I needed it. I felt numb from the shock of everything. Especially the thought of never seeing Lycaon. Especially the thought that this could be all my fault…

No, I couldn’t think about that. Not now.

I cleared my throat, then filled the glass with water and drank that. Then an idea popped into my head, along with the thought that whatever was apposing me, was my own doing. My hand shook as I placed the glass on the kitchen bar. I could feel Anthony and Luke’s eyes boring into me. Then I caught a glimpse of them exchanging a look to each other.

Loudly, my head a bit fuzzy with whiskey, I said, “Witches have been condemned and tortured for centuries. In the witch trials in the sixteen hundreds, thousands were burned alive. They’re the ones I’m going to call upon. Their souls.”

“Oh… that is genius and powerful. Not wanting to sound rude, you sure you can handle that much energy? I mean, their spirits ain’t going to be happy.”

I shook my head. “No, I wouldn’t presume I could manage this alone. I’ll ask Luna, Austin and Grace.” I caught Anthony’s eye. “Thank you for your offer. It means a lot that others who aren’t involved will help, it really does. But this is a witch thing. I can’t stop though, they have Marrock and God knows what they’ll do to him. Luke, can I borrow a phone, I need to speak to Austin?”

“Sure.” He fished out his mobile from his pocket, handed it to me whilst Anthony refilled his glass. “Do you need me, want me to slay some of those vampires? I’ll add the correct response is yes.”

Luke frowned. “You love killing, mate?”

“Hunting, Luke. I love hunting, it’s in my blood.”

I left them to their lame jokes whilst I phoned Austin. He picked up straight away.

“Luke, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Elsa, Austin. I’m using Luke’s phone.”

“Elsa. How’d it go, Lycaon alright?”

“Zale is helping him.” I had to change the subject. It was too painful. “I have a copy of the witches' grimoire, the Secrets of Natural Magic, can we start a ritual right now?”

“I need some time, Elsa. Best I can do is an hour? You ok, you don’t sound ok, what went wrong?”

Geez, you couldn't hide anything from him! I had to lie. I hated that. But then I hated that I could’ve been the cause to all this, and even if not, I would never see Lycaon again.

“Everything is fine. Zale is helping Lycaon. I’m at Luke’s place. I was thinking we could ask Luna, our own mini coven? With you and Grace?”

“Luna’s a proficient witch but she’s also very human. I don’t want her to come with us, Elsa.”

“Ok. You, me and Grace then.”

“Alright. I’ll be at Luke’s in an hour.”

With the swimming in my blood, I hung up then said, “Thanks Austin!”

I walked back to the kitchen where Luke and Anthony were both sitting. Swivelling around on the kitchen bar stools, they eyed me. I handed Luke his phone back. He wet his lower lip with his tongue, as if he wanted to tell me something but wasn’t sure.“Thanks. We’re coming with you. We’re not witches but we’re both well practised in magic. We’ll be your coven. Just tell us what to do.”

Winking, with a cheeky grin Anthony added, “Please don’t be worried. We’re both fully equipped with our own magic wands.”

Holding the vampire's gaze, I leaned in, gripping his shoulder. “I hope you know how to use your magic wand, Anthony. I’ve heard you have a lot of experience.”

“I aim to please,” he said flashing a fangy smile.

---