Chapter Two

Niko

"There must be a better way to defend Runic against Quietus. We cannot simply keep banging our heads against the same wall," I say to those gathered in the Conclave.

My father has called this meeting. He wants me to sit in on official matters so I know the status of everything about our realm before I take the reins. Nothing has changed from the last time I sat beside him, but this is the way it has always been done. I have been sitting in on these meetings for the last hundred years, being groomed to take over the position when the time comes.

What I have learned so far is that the Eternal Havok is going to be a thorn in my side if I don't find a way to squash it. I don't want to spend my days as the high ruler fighting a war that has been happening since the beginning of time.

"And what do you suggest?" my father's second-in-command, Josef, asks haughtily.

"I suggest," my glare lands on him, my words calm and measured. "That you watch your tone." Josef has grated on my nerves since the first time I met him.

He lowers his eyes and nods his head in acquiescence. I know most of the members gathered here are older than me and carry more knowledge. I should show some respect. I just don't know how to respect someone that clearly thinks they are better than everyone else. Besides, if the older generation could have ended this mess they would have already. It is time for fresh blood and a new perspective.

"Are there any avenues we have previously dismissed?" I ask the men assembled.

"There is one avenue," an older gentleman speaks.

"No," Josef cuts him off with a glare.

"Stop." I raise my hand to end what seems to be an ongoing argument between the two of them. I face the older man. "What is your name?"

"Franklin, my lord," he replies.

"Tell me of this unexplored avenue," I command.

"But—" Josef tries to cut in again.

My father cuts him off with a look. "This is Nikolas's choice. He has the right to hear about any solutions. He will be the High Leader soon enough and you need to learn to respect his decisions. Every High Leader before him has heard the prophecy and decided not to follow that route. He has the right to choose."

"Continue," I say and nod toward Franklin.

"There is an old prophecy. One that speaks of a powerful witch, an Alluvium witch, who will help to end the Eternal Havok," he explains.

"But it is all just an old wives' tale," Josef interjects haughtily. This earns him a glare not just from myself but my father too.

"Tell me more, Franklin."

I return to the conversation at hand. I wonder why all the High Leaders before me have chosen to ignore this prophecy, but before I can ask, Franklin expounds on his original explanation.

"The only person who can tell you all the details is the Oracle," he replies.

That's twice today I have been told to visit the Oracle. The decision is made and I will be heading to see the Oracle.

Soon the meeting is dismissed and one of the palace staff approaches me as I exit the conclave.

"Sir." He bows lowly. "I have been sent with a message." At my nod he continues, "The Oracle will see you now. In your private chambers."

I shouldn't be surprised. My entire life I have been told that the Oracle is all knowing. Yet, I still wonder how she knew I needed to speak with her as I make my way to my bedroom.

Inside, sitting on an emerald wingback chair is what people would assume is a prepubescent girl. Hair white as snow and eyes black as onyx. Old as the universe itself. She smiles widely when I enter.

"Our future High Leader!"

"Oracle." It is my turn to bow.

She waves me off with a hand. "No need for formalities. It's why I decided to meet you here, in private. So we can be open with one another."

Taking a seat across from her I wait. I know how this works. The Oracle is aware of the information I want and will share it when she is good and ready.

"It has been hundreds of years since anyone asked about the prophecy and I can hardly contain my excitement. Perhaps you will finally be the High Ruler to put an end to this mess."

She tilts her head to the side and studies me.

"This is all you need to know. Travel to Alluvium and find a witch. She is very special, although she doesn't know her own power. A descendant of a Salem witch and born under the blood moon. You will find her in Bantry Bay and know her instantly by touch," she explains. This all seems simple enough to me. "Merging with her will give you everything you need to end the Eternal Havok."

"Thank you," I say.

"Don't thank me yet," she replies, a frown marring her perfect features. "This witch will have to offer up everything to end this war. Her coven, her family, her soul."

I stare at him in shock. "What?"

"If you merge with this witch, she will bear a curse. She will be bound to the three realms for the rest of eternity. She will never die."

"I can't do that to another living being!" I protest, jumping up and pacing the room.

"It may not be your choice."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"The wheels of fate have already been set in motion. If she does not merge with you, she will merge with another. Her fate has already been set. All that is left is to see on which side of this she ends up."

Shock and disbelief course through me. Can I leave it up to fate? What if she merges with someone from Quietus? I can't take the chance.

The Oracle rises from her spot and makes her way to the door. "One last piece of advice," she says as she opens the heavy wooden door. "Don't lie to her. You will regret it later."

And then she is gone, leaving me with all my warring thoughts.

****

Cassandra

Standing inside Once Upon a Book, I take in the smells. I love this store with all my heart and have worked tirelessly for years to get it the way I want it. My mother has never approved of me doing something as mundane as owning and operating my own bookstore and café, but this has always been my dream.

A comfortable safe haven for all the Bantry Bay bookworms and coffee addicts. It isn't a big store by any means, but it is mine. A counter, six mismatched tables, two ruby-red suede couches, and several bookshelves take up most of the available space. And even though everyone kept telling me the café would be an abject failure, we remain relatively busy every day.

"Try this," Tayla demands before pushing a teaspoon between my lips.

My eyes close as the taste assaults me. This is why my best friend stays hidden in the kitchen. Her affinity for food is amazing. The buttercream is chocolate, velvety, and smooth with just a hint of almond.

"Damn, woman," I gush when I finally open my eyes. "That is so good."

"Thought so," Tayla replies smugly. "I wanted to jazz up some of the cupcakes."

"You can jazz up anything you want with that." I laugh as she heads back into the kitchen.

The bell above the door rings and a man I've never seen before enters. It may seem strange to some, but everyone knows everyone in a community of fewer than six hundred people. I have lived in Bantry Bay my entire life, never been more than a hundred miles away. I would have seen this man before.

As he makes his way to the counter, I track his every move. Long, muscular jean-clad legs. Broad shoulders. Dark hair in some kind of man bun, with dark, neatly trimmed facial hair.

"Damn," I hear Tayla whisper behind me as he reaches the counter.

"Welcome to Once Upon a Book," I say in a voice that doesn't sound quite like my own. "How can I help you today?"

The man smiles and my pulse skips a beat. That smile could make every woman in here drop to their knees. Casting a glance around I see that everyone is staring in our direction. Subtly I shake my head at my nosy patrons before bringing my attention back to him.

"What would you recommend?" The deep timbre of his voice has a shiver running down my spine.

This man is affecting me in ways no other ever has. I need to snap out of this. Fawning over a man I just met is embarrassing. Clearing my throat, I answer his question.

"We do an amazing death-by-chocolate cake. And we have the best pumpkin-spiced latte for miles."

"I will take that," he replies, never losing his smile.

Turning to fix his order, I can't help but wonder about the man behind me. Is he passing through? Where is he headed? Will I ever see him again? But I quickly squash those thoughts. A man like this is not for me. The coven would never approve of me merging with a normal man. I need to find someone who will strengthen the coven.

Turning back, I place his order on the counter.

"My name is Niko," he says. "I just moved to Bantry Bay."

He extends his hand for me to shake. The moment our skin makes contact I feel an electric current flow through my body. I have never felt a connection like this to another human being.

"Cassandra," I whisper my name in reply.

A rush of power flows through me where our hands are connected. My entire body feels light, and an immense calmness settles over me. Arousal and awareness thrum through my veins at the prolonged touch of our hands. What the hell is going on here?