Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

N ana’s demand turned the air thick with tension in Petals & Posies despite the sweet aroma of flowers. The vibrant blooms mocked the gravity of the situation. Evelyn stood before us with her hands trembling as she clutched the counter for support. Her eyes wide with fear and defiance, flickered nervously around the room seeking an escape that didn’t exist.

Nana’s gaze was as sharp as a blade as she cut through the pretense. “We know Rosemary was kidnapped, and we know you're involved,” she declared, her voice as unyielding as granite. “What are Lyra’s plans?”

Evelyn’s lips trembled and her voice was barely a whisper as she stammered, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Nana stepped closer. Her presence was almost predatory as her eyes never left Evelyn's. “You think you can outwit us? Lyra doesn’t stand a chance against a Pleiades witch like Phoebe. You’re on the losing side, Evelyn.”

Evelyn’s fear was tangible. In fact, it was a palpable wave that seemed to emanate from her very core. “I really don’t know anything,” she repeated. Her voice cracked .

Frustration gnawed at me, and I let my magical senses sweep through the room, searching for any clue that might crack Evelyn’s resolve. My attention was inexplicably drawn to the backroom, where a subtle whisper of magic called to me. Without asking for permission, I followed my gut.

“Hey,” Evelyn called out. “Where are you going?”

Ignoring her, I entered the dimly lit space. It was cluttered with boxes and shelves that were overflowing with vases, ribbons, and an assortment of floristry supplies. Dust motes danced in the beams of light that filtered through the small windows, adding an eerie stillness to the room.

Footsteps echoed behind me, and I heard Nana shut Evelyn down and keep her from getting in my way. Nana was fierce for a ninety-year-old woman, and she only became more agile and spry when she gained her magic. She seemed to move better and appear younger the more she used it.

My fingers brushed against a stack of old invoices and forgotten trinkets until they landed on a crumpled piece of paper. It seemed out of place, almost too mundane amidst the chaos. I knew it meant something when I felt it pulsate faintly with an energy that made my fingertips tingle. I unfolded it, and an address stared back at me. It was scrawled hastily in a shaky hand. It tugged at my intuition. It was a magnetic pull I couldn’t quite explain.

“I found something,” I told them as I turned and waved the paper in my hand. “I have no idea what is at this address, but it feels important.”

Stella leaned in and squinted at the address. Her face was a mask of concern and confusion. “Why would this slip of paper have magic? It doesn’t make sense.”

Evelyn’s eyes darted to the paper. There was no indication she knew what it was. Nana got in Evelyn’s face and barked, “I know you're hiding something. This address means something. And we’re going to find out what.”

Desperation seeped into Evelyn’s voice. “I don’t know anything about that address. Please, you have to believe me.” I believed the woman. She didn’t know anything about this.

Nana's patience was wearing thin. “Enough with the lies. We’re done playing games. You know more than you’re letting on, and if you don’t start talking, things will get much worse for you.”

Evelyn's breath hitched, and her eyes filled with unshed tears. “I... I can't remember. There’s this blank, and I get the feeling I will be hurt if I say anything. Not that I have anything to tell you.”

Nana’s expression softened just a fraction as she sensed the genuine terror in Evelyn’s voice. “Help us, and we can protect you.”

Stella’s frustration boiled over, and her voice rose in desperation. “Evelyn, please. My mom’s life is at stake. We need to know what is at this address. Was she taken there?” Evelyn remained silent as tears brimmed in her eyes.

With a heavy sigh, Nana turned to me. “It would be nice to have more information, but she’s not going to talk. We’ll follow this lead anyway.” Nana turned back to Evelyn and snarled, “Know this. We will uncover the truth. And when we do, it won’t bode well for you or for Lyra.”

Leaving the shop, the crumpled piece of paper felt like a ticking time bomb in my pocket. Armed with the mysterious address, we set out into the unknown. I considered taking Nana home. She was ninety, but she would be pissed if I tried at this point. And being almost twenty weeks pregnant with triplets, I didn’t need to add that battle to my agenda for the day.

As we drove towards the outskirts of Camden, Stella clutched the paper tightly. Her eyes flicked between the parchment and the ever-changing scenery outside. “We have to find her, Phoebe. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to my mom.”

I reached back, and she put her hand in mine. I gave it a sympathetic squeeze. “We won't stop until we get her back.” I pulled over a couple of houses down from the address and parked the car.

“You need to prepare yourself that Lyra has changed your mom like she did Mollie. But she will still be your mom, and we will be there for you both,” Nana told her as we got out of the car. Nana's gaze remained vigilant, and her steps were deliberate yet cautious as she headed for the house. “Stick close and stay alert,” she cautioned. I appreciated her diversion from the topic. I knew her warning was necessary, but I couldn’t comfort Stella at the moment. We needed to remain alert in case Lyra was nearby.

I typed out a quick message to Aidon about where we were. Lyra could be close, and I promised him I would keep him apprised. “This area is rife with ancient wards and magical barriers,” I informed them when I felt the magic around us. “We can't afford to let our guard down—not with Lyra involved.”

Stella shook her head. “We can’t have you taken. The gods only know what Lyra would do to you in your current condition.”

The thought sent a shiver down my spine and made my steps falter. I couldn’t be stupid. But if we could stop Lyra, didn’t I needed to take the chance? I was relieved when Aidon responded that he was on his way. I told him where we were and what I sensed about the house. I sensed its emptiness even before we stepped onto the property. The air around it felt stale and abandoned. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the forest that surrounded it. I let Aidon know Lyra was likely in the woodland beyond the house and that he needed to follow my scent.

A sense of foreboding settled over me as we neared the woods. “Keep an eye out for any clues about where that bitch is hiding,” Nana instructed. “There’s got to be something. Being beaten by you guys time and again has thrown her off her game.”

We nodded and proceeded with caution. Sure enough, as we ventured deeper into the forest, we began to notice strange symbols and runes etched into the trees. They glowed faintly with residual magic that made my stomach churn. I nearly threw up when I brushed my fingers against the rough bark. It was clear that this place had been enchanted by Dark magic to keep its secrets hidden from prying eyes.

At one point, the path split into three. Each direction was shrouded in a dense, swirling mist. I felt a tug at my core, an instinctual pull guiding me toward the middle path. “This way,” I said, my voice confident. “I can feel it. This is the right direction.”

Stella glanced at Nana, who nodded slightly in approval. Trusting my instincts, we proceeded down the middle path. The air grew cooler, and the mist thicker. At one point, it obscured our vision and made it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant animal call.

We encountered some magical barriers. They were Dark shimmering veils of energy. I pointed out the wards. “We need to be careful dismantling these. We don’t want to alert Lyra,” I told Stella and Nana.

“Let me handle them,” a familiar voice said from behind us.

A grin spread over my face as I turned to look at my mate. His handsome face made my heart race as warmth spread throughout me. “Aidon!” I whisper-yelled.

Nana jerked her chin to the barrier. “Have you discovered a way to break them without warning the creator?”

Aidon smiled as he embraced me and ran a hand over my abdomen. “I worked with my father, and I believe we came up with a way to obliterate them with our power without alerting the witch responsible.”

Aidon used his formidable magic to dispel the weaker wards first. Next, he moved to the runes and took care of them. His magic rippled through the air like waves of Darkness, tendrils of inky energy dancing around his fingertips as he worked. The power he wielded felt ancient and primal. It was definitely a force to be reckoned with. As he focused his energy, the runes began to shimmer and fade, their hold over the forest weakening with each passing moment.

With a final surge of power, Aidon unleashed a burst of energy that shattered the remaining wards, their magic dissolving into nothingness. The forest around us seemed to sigh in relief as it was released from Lyra’s Dark power. The air was suddenly lighter, and the mist began to lift, too.

As Aidon stepped back, a sense of accomplishment radiated from him. The smile he shot me oozed satisfaction. “That should do it,” he said, his voice resonating with quiet confidence. “Now, let's find this witch and put an end to her schemes once and for all.”

“Don’t forget about finding my mom,” Stella interjected through a clenched jaw. My normally bubbly best friend was pissed and worried for good reason. I knew exactly how she felt. My mom had been kidnapped by Lyra not long ago.

“That’s our top priority,” I assured her before pointing to a tripwire nearly hidden beneath the undergrowth. “Careful. They're not just relying on magic to keep people out.”

We navigated the traps carefully, making slow but steady progress. At one point, we encountered a barrier so strong it nearly repelled us entirely. Dark energy pulsed from it so strongly that it made my skin crawl.

Nana shuddered as she moved around it, saying, “This one is different.” She held her hand hovering over some runes that seemed to power it. “She’s found far more ancient and powerful magics. We need to be careful.”

Aidon stepped forward with narrowed eyes as he assessed the barrier. “It's a binding ward, meant to keep something—or someone—in. Or, more likely, she doesn’t want anyone to reach her,” he explained. “We'll need all our strength to break it.”

“Is it safe? I don’t want her to bolt before we can catch her,” I replied.

He squeezed my hand and nodded. “Channel your power into me, and I will cast it. She didn’t feel me break her initial wards, or we would be overrun by her minions by now.”

“Good enough for me,” Nana said as she took his other hand. Stella grabbed my other one, and we called up our powers. Pooling our magic, we concentrated on the barrier while funneling our power to Aidon. Our combined energy clashed against the Dark magic. The strain on Aidon was immense, but I felt nothing, and from the looks of it, neither did Stella or Nana. Slowly the ward began to weaken, and cracks formed in its shimmering surface. With a final push, the barrier shattered. The residual energy dissipated into the air, and we stood there silently for several seconds.

When nothing came after us, we continued forward. My sense of urgency grew with each step. Apprehension set in when the path led us to a hidden cove. Its entrance was obscured by vines hanging from branches that glowed with a dark light. I was not expecting the pristine foliage when we passed through the vines. There was even a large pool that a waterfall poured into. Squinting, I looked around the area for any sign of Lyra. Beyond the waterfall, I saw a cave mouth. It was dark and foreboding. The exact place I expected to find Lyra hiding.

Stella looked at me with determination etched on her face. “What do you think is waiting for us inside?”

Nana’s eyes glinted with amusement. “Whatever it is, we need to be ready for anything. It won't be friendly.”

Aidon stepped through the waterfall first. The cold spray was a stark contrast to the warmth of the forest. It was difficult for me to maneuver because the cave entrance was narrow, and I was the size of a barn. Aidon gave me a look, and I nodded to reassure him, then I fell into step behind him. Nana was behind me, and Stella brought up the rear. We were dripping wet, and the light from outside vanished. Fortunately, we weren’t plunged into complete darkness thanks to some bioluminescent fungi clinging to the walls.

The air grew colder, and silence pressed around us. Aidon slowed and held up a hand. Peeking around his shoulder, I noticed that the narrow passage had opened into a vast cavern. Its ceiling was lost in darkness. What drew my attention was the stone altar in the center. It was covered in ancient runes and symbols that pulsed with a faint, ominous light. And a red substance that made a vice tighten around my chest.

“This place feels wrong,” Stella whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “I want to move on quickly.”

My magical senses were on high alert. Every fiber of my being was tuned to the faintest hint of danger. Aidon and I approached the altar to get a better look. A wave of dark energy washed over me. It made my babies uneasy, and the three of them began turning in my womb. The energy felt like Lyra, but I couldn’t be sure. She was good at masking her identity.

Nana and Stella flanked me and along with Aidon, were scanning the cavern for any signs of movement. "Phoebe, what do you sense?" Nana asked in a low murmur.

“It's strange,” I replied, reaching out with my magic. “There's dark energy here, but also something else. Something that doesn't quite fit.”

Moving closer, I noticed a piece of parchment tucked into a crack on the altar. It was covered in blood. Swallowing back my nausea, I carefully lifted it. Opening it, I saw a hastily scrawled note and an address. It was practically identical to the note from the floral shop that had led us here. Why have another note with the address? That made no sense.

“This must be important,” I said, showing the note to the others. “But I still don't understand its significance.”

Stella examined the note, her brow furrowing in thought. “We need more information to understand what it means.”

Nana's eyes softened with a rare hint of compassion. “We'll find the answers, Phoebe. We have to. For Rosemary, and for everyone else caught up in this."

We searched the cavern thoroughly before deciding there was nothing else there. I snapped a few pictures with my phone before we went back the way we’d come. We emerged on the other side of the waterfall again. I was about to suggest we go home and regroup when Nana grabbed my arm. “There’s something here.” Nana let go of me and was walking around the pool before I got myself together.

Stella, Aidon, and I shared a look and then caught up to her. I opened my senses but had no idea what she had picked up on, so I let her lead the way. Her magical senses discovered a concealed entrance. The door was barely visible among the thick roots and foliage. With a whispered incantation, the hidden door creaked open, revealing a dark, narrow staircase descending into the earth. “She's down there,” she murmured .

“I hope you’re right,” Stella replied. “I’d hate to walk into a trap.”

“Stay behind me,” Aidon told us. As expected, the air grew colder and the darkness deeper as we descended. The walls were rough-hewn stone, damp with moisture, and covered in moss. It looked like we were in a castle dungeon, but there hadn’t been anything but forest above. We reached the bottom, stepping into a dimly lit hall that stretched out in front of us.

Stella's voice was barely a whisper. “What is this place? It feels... wrong.”

Nana's jaw tightened as we reached a fork in the hall. “Looks like an underground network. Lyra has hidden herself well.” Three options branched out ahead of us.

Nana pointed down the path to the right. Aidon went first. The further we went, the stronger the sense of malevolence became. It wasn't long before we reached a large chamber illuminated by flickering torches. The sight that greeted us was nothing short of horrifying. My hand went to my stomach, and bile burned the back of my throat.

Witches of all ages were huddled together in makeshift cages. Their expressions were vacant and defeated. Their auras were dulled and suppressed. My heart ached at the sight of their broken spirits and the cruel chains that bound them. Aidon yanked me and Stella to the side to avoid being seen by the tall, gaunt man patrolling the area. His presence radiated a cold, unfeeling menace. “We've got to do something,” I whispered. My voice trembling with rage and sorrow. “This is monstrous.”

“Do you see my mom?” Stella’s voice broke as she asked it.

Nana's eyes blazed with fury. “I didn’t see her. We need to be smart before we rush in there. We can't risk getting caught before we free them.”

My hand smoothed over the babies that kicked me from the inside as if they agreed with Nana. We were hiding behind a stack of crates and had a moment to plan. Nana beat everyone to the punch when she said, “I'll create a distraction. Phoebe, you and Stella, start freeing the witches. Aidon, you help me fight and keep an eye out for Lyra. We need to move fast.”

With a nod, we prepared to execute our plan. Nana stepped into the open, casting a powerful spell that sent the gaunt man flying across the chamber. Chaos erupted as guards rushed from other areas to respond. It was difficult for me not to help. Nana was a badass and held them off with a barrage of spells.

Knowing Aidon was at her back, Stella and I moved swiftly. With a flick of my wrist and a whispered spell, I broke the first lock. Stella had the second undone. We helped the witches inside to their feet. Their eyes began to spark with hope as they realized they were being rescued. “You're safe now,” I reassured them, my voice filled with conviction. “We’re getting you out of here.”

As we worked, a young witch grabbed my arm. Her eyes were wide with fear and desperation. “They took my sister,” she said, her voice shaking. “Please, you have to find her.”

My heart clenched at her plea. “We will,” I promised, thinking of Stella’s mom. “We'll find them all.”

The witches ran to the exit having to dodge the magic that was now flying around the room. Stella and I continued our work, and when the last of the witches were freed, we went to help Nana and Aidon. Nana was breathing hard and sweating but smiling like a loon as she tossed fireballs and magical bombs at the guards. Aidon was smirking and fighting alongside her. He was like a whirlwind, covering all of her sides to ensure she wasn’t hurt. He knew how much she meant to me.

Joining the fight, Stella and I tossed spells and dodged Dark magic. The guards were skilled but not up to par with two middle-aged witches and one old granny. It helped that we had a god on our side. But even without Aidon, we could have taken them.

Once we’d defeated all of the guards, we explored more of the halls in the labyrinth. “We should make sure those we rescued get away before we search much more,” Nana pointed out. “I’d hate to rescue them only for Lyra to grab them a second time.”

“What about my mom?” Stella asked.

Nana grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes. “We will find her. But all of this will have been for nothing if we don’t ensure they get to safety.”

Stella nodded, and we headed back to the narrow staircase. The fresh air and sunlight had revived some of their spirits. It had to be a relief to be out of that dark, oppressive underground room they had been trapped in. We gathered the freed witches around us. “We need you to get to safety,” I told them, pulling out my cell phone. “I am going to have my friends pick you up on the street not far from here.” Nana pointed the way that would take them to the road where we’d parked.

Their gratitude was overwhelming, and they all started thanking us at once. I took a moment to send a message to Layla, Tseki, Selene, and Murtagh to bring as many cars as possible and pick up the witches. I was grateful to have such loyal friends I could rely on. Nana had no patience for the adoration and told them to get moving before Lyra and her friends returned. We watched for a few minutes as Aidon led the group through the forest. I watched until he disappeared behind some trees.

It was a relief when Aidon returned not long after, but there was still a heavy weight in my heart. This had become more than just a rescue mission for Stella's mom. It was a fight against a horrific injustice that had to be stopped. “We need to find the others," Nana said as if she'd read my mind. “This is just the beginning. Lyra and her followers need to be brought to justice. But not before I give her a piece of my mind.”