Chapter 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

WELLSON

TWELVE HOURS EARLIER

I ’m trapped in a never ending nightmare. I can hear all the people around me, talking and praying, but my body won’t respond. I lie here day after day in a semi-conscious state.

A magical coma as Arrow likes to put it. I know that I need to wake up and put my family out of their misery, but it's not time yet. I don’t want to leave this state of mind, where all I see, hear and smell is her. My Snow.

No, I'm not ready to return to the land of the living yet, but that doesn’t mean that people need to know I'm awake.

I keep my eyes closed, listening, but all I hear is a woman humming down the hall. Taking a chance that the coast is clear, I open my eyes, but only a crack.

My room looks like a disaster blew through here. There are maps and crystals, melted candles and books all over the floor.

My armchair has been moved closer to my bed and it's covered in blankets with a pillow.

Shit, Arrow has been sleeping in here? I knew he visited, but I didn't realize the extent.

Maybe it is time for me to come back…

Sighing, I quietly shift, trying to get feeling back into my body. I'm stiff but not too bad.

A magical coma isn't like a normal one. I won't feel lethargic and weak after waking up.

Footsteps sound near the door, so I freeze and close my eyes, pretending to be asleep.

“Um, Mama, is it rude to close the sleeping man's door? He's kinda creepy,” a little voice says, and I have to fight not to laugh.

That's fine, Mylie Moo, I’ll open it later, but hurry up. The popcorn is ready,” the woman shouts, and then I hear a click from my door closing.

Damn, the little rugrat may have actually helped me with my plan. I don't know who she is, but I'll have to thank her some day.

Opening my eyes again, I kick off the blanket and roll to the side of the bed. I know I don't have much time.

I don't know why I'm going to sneak into Hell to watch my Snow marry Luke, the man who betrayed and tortured me, but I have a strong urgency to get there.

Quietly moving around my room, I walk to the closet and close the door. I don't know if the woman in the living room is a witch.

I can't have her sensing magic.

Closing my eyes, I mutter a duplicate, cloning spell. A large me flops into me and I open my eyes, then catch him.

Fuck, I'm heavy.

Cracking the door, I do a levitation spell and place him on the bed. After he's in the right position, I cast an illusion spell, so it looks like he's peacefully sleeping, then tuck him in and pat him on the shoulder.

“Thanks for taking one for the team, double me,” I whisper, then head back to the closet.

I do a quick shower spell, then conjure up some wedding attire. After I'm dressed and looking handsome, I mutter a quick disguising spell and create a portal to the Academy.

Walking through campus is like deja vu. I have been asleep for months, gone even longer, rotting in Luke's basement, but still everything looks the same.

The trees are a little greener and there isn't any snow on the ground, but that's about it.

Entering the Academy it's quiet. I know I'm late, but I’m hoping that I can still get a portal.

A man with purple hair wearing a white lace getup is pouting and sneering at the wall.

He doesn't ask for a name or even look at me as I step through the portal. Um, I think I should be concerned by his lack of security, but I made it to Hell.

We are ushered into sides depending on if you're for the bride or groom. I huddle near the back.

I can't risk someone figuring out I'm here. I immediately spot Arrow in the middle with Jade and Clara.

He looks destroyed and that makes me grin. I knew he loved Silver. He fought it, but I knew that he liked her.

Now, we just need to find a way to get her back.

The doors open and the room fills with fog. Silver glides down the aisle, looking like a vision in lace.

She could do with a few more layers on and I miss her red hair, but she's still breathtaking.

Shuffling closer through the fog, I'm drawn to her. She stops walking and turns facing me. The fog is thick so I'm not sure if she can see me, or at least my disguise.

Rubbing her chest she frowns, then continues moving.

She sensed me.

I watch as she vows her love and loyalty, and my heart breaks a little more with each word she speaks.

I can't take much more, so I slip out the back and walk toward the portal. No one is guarding the return to the Academy, so there isn't anyone to witness my tears as my heart shatters.

She's officially his now. She sacrificed what we had to save me, but was it worth it?

Portalling back to my closet, I dispel the clone spell, change back into my pajamas and climb into bed.

A soft mutter has my coma returning, and I sigh.

I never should have woken up. It's not time. I can't live in a world where I can't call Silver mine.

So unless she returns to me, I'll just stay here in my magical sleep.

Sorry, Arrow.

ARROW

PRESENT TIME

Leaving the Academy wasn't ideal, but I needed to get away. Donovan left for months to some magical paradise and met his baby sister. I think I deserve a break.

Myah is with Wellson and they will be fine.

I made sure that Jade would be around to check in on them too and I warded the shit out of the cottage as well. They are more protected than the coven’s chambers. I’d waited half the night for Kane to contact me, but when he did he told me that it wouldn’t be a good idea to go back to Hell, so we have plans to meet up in a small town a few hours from Salem.

Which gives me enough time to pop home and see my parents. I know they aren’t going to be happy about me losing Silver, but it’s not like I could steal her from our fucking Master.

I know that I could portal there, but I miss riding my bike and I could use the fresh air and empty road to clear my mind.

I was surprised that my parents weren’t required to attend the wedding from Hell, but I guess avoiding the public and coven for so long gave them certain advantages.

Pulling up to the intercom, I wave my hand over the sensor and it opens for me once it detects my magic.

Hitting the throttle, I take advantage of the long driveway up into the woods. My parents prefer to be secluded and I can’t blame them. The Hunters once attacked when they lived in the city, and we lost my uncle because of it.

My father and he were extremely close and though they have never confessed to it, I think they shared my mother for a time. Not that I even want to picture such a thing, but after he was killed my mother and father were never the same.

They can tend to be cruel and withdrawn.

Reaching the main house, I park right in front of the massive staircase and groan as I climb off my bike, stretching my muscles. I have missed riding, but fuck I should have worn looser pants.

Placing my helmet on the seat, I open the saddlebag and grab the few items I brought for my parents.

They don’t get out much and what they can’t conjure they order through the witches mail.

When I reach the top of the stairs, I can hear Buckles barking his head off behind the door. A wave of dizziness overcomes me as a vision of my father climbing out of his chair in the living room assaults my mind.

Fuck, I need to get a handle on these new powers, but I don’t trust Alara to train me. She’s an opportunist, and I don’t need that headache.

Rubbing my temples, I sigh. It doesn’t take long for my father to crack the door open, peeking to see who it is.

“Jaxson?” he questions, and I move closer, shadowing the sunlight so he can see me better. I know the drill. My mother will hand me a potion and I will have to go through a few spells, checking that I’m not an intruder cloaked.

I would say it’s overkill but after being tricked by Luke, I can understand the hesitance.

Opening the door wider, he chants some words, and I watch as his hands glow green as he waves them all around me. My mother hands me a vial of a sweet smelling potion that really tastes like a troll’s vomit, and I quickly swallow it down.

After a few moments and no side effects my father relaxes, and my mom pulls me into a hug.

“Well, son, this is a surprise,” she says before pulling away and conjuring some hand sanitizer. I’d roll my eyes, but I’m so used to this shit by now.

“Yes, well I needed some advice and I was in the area, so I thought I would stop by. I made sure to get you some essentials and your Cuban cigars, dad,” I say, handing them the bag.

My father does his weird chant again, checking the items before graciously accepting.

“You’ll join me, won’t ya boy?” he says and I nod.

My mother busies herself, making us some lunch, and I follow my father to the sunroom. He takes a seat and with a wave of his hand the wall is opened, allowing the fresh air in.

I chant some words, surrounding us in a protective bubble and he nods his approval before handing me one of the cigars. I have never been a smoker, but times like this I never turn down.

He’s being accommodating and I don’t know how long this will last. The previous time I stopped by was when we received our assignment to watch over Silver and we shared some tense words.

I left in a pissed off rage, and I’d like to avoid another confrontation if I can.

Donovan’s father is truly evil, but some days I wish I could blame my pitiful childhood on neglect and abuse. It’s much better than being disregarded and ignored while in the same room as the people who created you.

Listen, I know people handle grief differently, but when my uncle died it was like I no longer existed. I am more like a good family friend than their son.

Now that I’m older I’m used to it, but when you are a six-year-old little boy and one day you wake up and your parents are no longer present… Yeah, it fucks with your head.

“So tell me the real reason you decided to stop by,” my father says while lighting his cigar with a flick of his fingers. I lean closer, so he can do the same for me, then relax back into the chair and stare up at the ceiling, while my vision becomes clouded with smoke.

“I’m sure you’ve heard that Silver married the Devil,” I start and he gives me his entire focus. “Wellson is in some magical coma, and Donovan is missing,” I finish and can’t hold back my grimace as his grin gets wider and wider with each word I say.

“Well, this is marvelous,” he says with a clap and stands, leaving me stunned. I quickly follow after him as he moves quicker than I have ever seen him toward my mother.

He whispers something to her, but I can’t hear what it is due to the silencing spell he’s used. My mom keeps glancing at me, and she looks elated. What the fuck is going on right now?

I turn to leave, because this was useless. I don’t know why I thought that they would be able to help. When I reach the front door, I find it spelled, trapping me inside.

Mumbling under my breath I try to fight my father’s influence, but he’s not one of the most powerful warlocks for nothing.

“Oh, Jaxson, your father told me about what’s been going on. It’s just awful,” my mother says, with a fake frown, but I can’t miss the gleam in her hazel eyes.

“Now, lunch is almost done. Why don’t you take a seat at the table, and I will be back momentarily.”

Sighing, I rub my eyes and nod. Better to just get this meal over with even if my parents are acting odd.

Leaving her behind, I walk into the dining room and take my assigned seat. It’s on the opposite side of my parents about four placemats down.

They have always preferred to have private conversations while they dined.

Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I quickly check in with Myah and Kane. The latter because Wells is my brother in every way that counts and the former because if they have spelled the house I may need him to meet me here.

Heels tap along the hardwood, drawing my eyes to the sliding doors separating the dining room from the kitchen.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I hiss as someone I most definitely don’t want to see stands before me.

Her dress is tight as if we are about to go to a club and her lips are painted a deep red. Rosina Willow Crumwell. My ex and someone I’d like to burn on a stake. “Oh, Arrow, don’t be like that. Aren’t you happy to see me?” she coos, moving closer to where I’m sitting.

I mumble a quick spell and place a force field between us. Pouting she slams into the silicone wall and growls. Her green eyes flash purple, and I know she’s trying to fight my magic, but good luck.

Even before Silver amplified my powers I was always stronger than her. She even had to resort to drugging me once, so she could use a puppet spell on me.

Fuck, I didn’t even put two and two together when we did the same to Silver. We were assholes.

Maybe she is better off with Luke. I doubt he ever used a doll spell against her.

My mother is next to make an appearance, and I don’t bother hiding the scowl on my lips.

I smelt a scheme, and now that I know what they are up to I’m ready to get the fuck out of here.

“Oh, baby, look who decided to pop in,” she says with a bright smile and I grunt, standing from the table.

“Yes, well you all enjoy your meal. I need to leave. Urgent business,” I lie and don’t miss the way her hazel eyes crinkle in the corner.

“No, you must stay for lunch. I made your favorites,” she stammers, and I remove my protective shield, so I can press a quick kiss to her wrinkled cheek.

“We will have to reschedule, Mother,” I say in the most pleasant tone I can mask. Inside I am fucking fuming.

Leaving them in the dining room, I don’t bother trying the front door, and exit out the back. My bike is no longer where I parked it and I sigh, pulling out my phone.

I text Kane once more and he sends me a thumbs up in response. Within seconds there is a portal opened, waiting for me to walk through.

I ignore my father bellowing my name, and Rosina blubbering behind me and step into the silicone substance.

KANE

I leave the castle and wait until the coast is clear before opening up a portal to the Academy. The Hunters have been more active in this area and though I am currently cloaked with a powerful potion, I know I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

The moment I reach the top side the small phone in my pocket starts to constantly ding, alerting me to the messages waiting.

Damn, Arrow really needs my assistance it seems. He's lucky he's hot, and my girl seems to like him.

Checking the coast is clear, I step off into the shadows and portal to his family home.

The wards are strong around the property, but that won’t stop me. I don't know what's going on, but I can smell the tension in the air.

Staying where I am, I open a portal for Arrow and watch as some woman seems to have a literal breakdown.

She's screaming his name and clutching at her hair as if she's dying.

I can smell her desperation from here, and it's a bitter taste on my tongue.

Leaving this place behind, I portal to where Arrow is waiting for me.

Matilda's. I haven't been here in a long long time. Then again I rarely venture out of Hell unless given a task from Luke.

“Why did you want to meet here of all places?” I ask him as we step inside. Our original plan was to go somewhere farther from the Academy.

The aroma of herbs and incense is overpowering, but calming at the same time.

“This place has always felt safe to me,” he mumbles, and I nod. Because I agree with him.

Matilda is an old friend and very powerful. She has her shop warded so strongly even Luke would need an invitation to enter.

There is a cat on the counter that I instantly recognize. “Well haven't you been a very naughty girl,” I coo and watch as she flicks her tail with annoyance.

Sonya was once a very powerful witch, but she pissed off Luke at the wrong moment, and he cursed her to live her remaining days as a familiar.

“Arrow, Kane, now this is a surprise,” Matilda says as she enters from the back room. Her clothes are bright and colorful, reminding me more of a gypsy than a witch.

“I hope you don't mind us using your shop as a place to chat, Tilly,” I say, giving her my winning smile.

The witch and I have spent some nights together in the past, but nothing serious. Being an Incubus people tend to want you for one thing, but never long term.

“Always welcome, Kane. I need to do some inventory and package some orders, so don't mind me,” she says, then leaves us to business.

There is a small table in the center with a crystal ball and cards laid out. I take a seat and wait for Arrow to do the same.

“Thanks for getting me out of there,” he starts, then sighs, rubbing his eyes.

There is a dark blue aura clouding him, and I know that whatever we discuss today is going to be difficult.

One, because I can't tell him where Donovan Blake is even if I do know, and two, I can't raise Wellson from his coma.

Wellson needs to come to terms with his inner demons to break the spell casted upon him. But if my sources are correct, I don't think he will be stuck in slumber for much longer.

“So want to tell me why I've been summoned,” I joke and his lips twitch, but he doesn't laugh.

“The night of the wedding I was a drunken mess, but I had the feeling you wanted to tell me something,” he says, his eyes shadowed and exhausted, but there is an air of hope surrounding him

Dammit, I don't want to hurt anyone today, but I can't. I've been sworn by a blood oath.

Luke was so paranoid that Silver would find out Donovan was her cat, that he did a massive oath to all the servants and me.

Sometimes fear only goes so far. And now that Silver is their queen she has more advantages.

“I know what you want, Arrow and I wish I could help you. Deeply I do, because even though you think everything is lost, you're wrong. The winds are changing, so don't lose hope.”

Arrow scoffs and grabs the deck of cards from the table, shuffling them. He hands them to me and waves his hand.

“You want me to read your fortune?” I ask with a laugh and a hint of excitement floods through my veins. My eyes glow with a touch of my power as I hold the cards in my hands.

“I'm a bit rusty, but I'll give it a whirl.”

Placing the cards on the table he chooses three and I put the rest aside. Flipping the first one, I scowl.

The Seven of Wands. “Well it seems that you have a deep, powerful connection or bond. If I had to guess, this is referring to your friends.”

I don't give him time to reply and flip the other card over.

Oh The Tower. Now things are getting interesting. “There is a big change coming. One of destruction and chaos. Sounds about right,” I mumble and Arrow huffs, but his eyebrows are furrowed in concentration.

“Final card,” he mutters and I sigh, flipping it over.

“The Star. Well that's good news. Seems that after you overcome whatever obstacles you have with your friends there is a hope. A light at the end of that darkened tunnel.”

Standing, he looks around wildly, clenching his fists. “This was a waste of time. You really don't know where Donovan is?” he asks, looking at me one more time with that hope again.

Sighing, I push my chair back and stand. “I don't, Arrow, but like the cards predicted. Don't give up. I have a feeling things are going to change very soon.”

“How was your day?” Luke asks the moment I portal back to Hell. He's sitting in the dark, drinking.

I can smell the alcohol from here.

“Fine. And yours?” I ask, taking a seat in the chair next to him. After Arrow stormed out of Matilda's shop, I stayed in Salem for a few days.

There have been talks of the Hunters sniffing around, but I didn't find much evidence.

“I'm married to the woman the prophecies have promised me. It's been just fantastic,” he grumbles.

Raising an eyebrow, I conjure up a glass and pour myself something to drink.

“You don't sound very happy, Luke,” I comment while taking a sip, enjoying the slight burn of the hundred year scotch.

“It's been a week now of constant sex and potions to help, so why isn't she pregnant yet? I need an heir, Kane!” Luke growls, standing and pacing around his office.

I can't hold back my laughter and I know it will piss him off, but really?

“Luke, you have an heir. You have a few heirs, but what you mean to say is you don't have your Star Child yet.”

“Silver is the one. I can feel it in my blood and bones. This isn't like the others before her. I actually love her. Yes, I need my Star Child, but I also just want a child with her.”

Sitting in his chair he slumps and I have to blink for a few moments. Clearing my throat I try to think of what to reply, but I'm honestly at a loss for words.

“I know it's not been long yet, but I should have had some premonition about our future child by now.”

Someone knocks on the door, and Luke growls at them to go away.

“I went to see Matilda today. Maybe she has some herbs or potion to help boost infertility. Giving Silver your great-grandma’s recipe may not work for her,” I suggest and he sighs, waving his hand, telling me to go.

I leave him in his office to pout and wait until I'm around the corner before bursting out in laughter.

I have never seen Luke look so undevil-like. He's one of the most powerful creatures alive, and he's lost at the moment.

“What's so funny?” Silver asks me, giving me a big smile. She looks amazing and smells delectable. I can't wait until I get to take a taste for myself.

“Your husband. He seems to be in a pickle at the moment,” I say with a smirk, and she rolls her metallic eyes.

“Yeah, he got a little upset when I kicked him from our bed, but I swear I just needed some space, a shower and snack.”

She glances down the hall then yawns. “I did knock on his door to tell him he was welcome back, but he growled for me to leave,” she says with a pout, and I can't stop myself from leaning down and giving her a quick kiss, swallowing her gasp and soft moan.

Silver is a temptation too strong for me to handle, but I will wait my turn, because I am not the one to father her child in the prophecy.

It must be Luke.

“Get some sleep, love. I have to run an errand, but we have lessons tomorrow. I think it's time for you to finally learn a transportation spell.”

Her eyes widen and she gives me a huge smile, nodding. With one more kiss, I smack her ass and watch her leave down the hall with a giggle.

Silver may be destined for Luke, but hell knows I'm not going to give her up either.