Page 9

Chapter Nine

F lames of what had to be at least twenty candles scattered around the cramped room provided the only light. Erin shifted in her chair refusing to look at Aubrey. If they made eye contact, one or both of them would burst out laughing. Instead, she looked to the others instead of her cousin. Evalyn, dressed in a long dark purple caftan presided from an ornate chair, her hands held palms up as she chanted what sounded like gibberish. There was a mother-daughter pair who’d pronounced they wanted to hear from the mother’s recently deceased husband, and a woman who looked to be over eighty seeking to communicate with her long-departed sister.

Erin had reported the need to communicate with a dead man named Padriag, who’d been a knight in the sixteen hundreds. Unable to think of anyone dead, Aubrey said she was there to support Erin’s research.

Despite feeling this was not going to help the quest for the spell that would break Padriag free from the curse, Erin found she was enjoying the spectacle.

“Rosa! Who do you wish to speak to?” Evalyn asked in a theatrical voice. “Who are you?”

When the others were silent, Evalyn tilted her head. “Repeat your name, tell me who you are?”

It may have been Erin’s imagination, but just then a breeze swept past shifting the candle’s flames to one side.

“Rosemarie,” Evalyn amended. “Who do you wish to speak to?”

“That’s my sister,” the elderly woman exclaimed, her eyes going wide. “What is she saying?”

“Shhh!” Evalyn hissed. “Wait. Oh yes. Yes.” There was a long silence and then Evalyn’s head fell backward. Lifting her head, she spoke. “Rosemarie says hello and that she is well.”

“Oh.” The older woman sounded disappointed. “Is that all?”

Evalyn shrugged and closed her eyes again. “Rosemarie, do you have a message for your sister?” Once again after a moment her head flopped, this time to her chest. Slowly, she looked up at the elderly woman. “She’s still mad over you kissing Henry Whittle. But he’s there now and you can’t get to him.”

“Henry’s dead?” The elderly woman’s mouth fell open. “I’ll have to send a card to the family.”

There was no communication between the mother-daughter and their dead one. Evalyn told them he was still in the process of transitioning and was busy learning how to be in the other plane. Erin couldn’t help but picture there being some sort of in-processing center for those recently dead along with long video presentations about their new existence.

“You are next,” Evalyn announce motioning to Erin. “This Padriag, how is he part of your life?”

“I date, er, am dating one of his decedents and he mentioned that anyone who was to be with him long-term would have to be accepted by his great-great-great-grandfather, Padriag Clarre.”

“Ah,” Evalyn said, as if it was the most normal of things. “I see.” She frowned and added. “Since he’s been dead for so long, I ask that everyone assist in this. Join hands, close your eyes and repeat what I say in your mind.”

Everyone did as they were told, and Erin felt a pang of guilt for lying. At the same time, she was poised in case something came to her. Perhaps just being there would give her inspiration to write something. To add to the spell she was working on.

Evalyn let out a dramatic breath. “Spirits of beyond. You are welcome here. Speak. We summon Padriag of many years past. Come forth. You are safe here.”

Despite having her eyes closed, Erin tried to roll them at how silly it all was, but she resisted and forced herself to relax.

“It is you.” The voice was masculine, deep and guttural. Everyone gasped, someone let out a yelp, and they all opened their eyes and gawked at Evalyn. Her face was taut, open eyes, completely black, moved from face to face. Each of the people around the table shrank back, eyes wide, mouths agape.

“Hello Erin.”

Immediately Erin recognized who spoke. It was Meliot, the evil wizard from the alter-world. She’d been told he could not inhabit this realm. Yet somehow the evil being was here, his malevolence tangible. Terror and dread seized every part of her body as memories returned, being forcibly taken to the other realm, imprisoned in his dark castle and threatened. Every moment so vivid, it was as if she was back there, not knowing if she’d ever see her loved ones again. A whimper escaped as she tried her best not to cry.

The black eyes focused on her. “His fate is sealed. There is nothing strong enough to break the bonds I have placed keeping Padriag in my world.”

Leaning back as far as she could, Erin slid a look to Aubrey, whose eyes were round as saucers, her breaths coming in short pants.

“I-I will n-not g-give up,” Erin stuttered, unable to keep the shaking from her voice. Immediately, warning bells rung loudly in her head against saying anything more.

Evalyn’s lips curved into a twisted smile that was not her own. “Do you wish to trade your soul for one already damned? Are you willing to sacrifice everything to me? Take his place. Suffer his torment?” Evalyn’s eyelids lowered then lifted, the black abyss of her gaze digging into Erin’s.

Too stunned to speak, she jumped when his cackle echoed around the room and half of the candle flames were doused. “I didn’t think so. Turn away now. Do nothing more or pay the consequences. Stop your useless feeble attempts unless you wish to be bound to me as well.” What felt like an ice-cold finger trailed down the side of her neck, Erin gasped leaning away. Her lungs seized with terror, and she began shaking uncontrollably.

“Don’t touch me,” she cried out.

Everyone turned to look at her. Erin was sure she’d turned as white as a ghost.

Coughs got everyone’s attention, Evalyn was hunched over hacking and gulping in air. Aubrey moved the woman’s glass of water closer to her. With a shaky hand Evalyn reached for it and gulped half of the contents down as everyone watched in silence.

Sliding glances around the table and seeing the pale faces and tense expressions, Erin gathered that everyone was still anxious and fearful.

“Wh-what happened?” Evalyn gasped out the words, reaching for her cigarettes. She lit one and looked at each person in turn. “Well?”

“I think you were possessed by something evil,” the elderly woman explained. “Your eyes turned black, and you were really ugly.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” the mother of the duo stated, giving Evalyn a cautious look. “Just a bit malevolent.”

“Malevolent?” Evalyn shrieked, repeating the word. She glared at Erin. “Was your boyfriend’s great-great-great-whatever into dark magic?”

The elderly woman held up a gnarled finger. “He was like the devil himself. Dear me, I think I wet my pants.”

“We’re leaving.” The mother-daughter duo hurried to their feet, threw money on the table and rushed out.

Aubrey, Erin, and Evalyn turned to the elderly woman. She shrugged. “I am staying. This is better than the telly.”

“What do you have to say?” Evalyn eyes snapped to Erin. “You got me possessed.”

“I did not,” Erin said, unable to think of how to get out of the current mess. “You invited him ... it. Asked if it had something to say.”

“Did you recognize the evil spirit?” Aubrey asked but then pressed her lips together when Erin gave her a pointed look.

Not to be dissuaded, Evalyn narrowed her gaze. “Go on then. Tell us. Who was it?”

“I-I don’t know. But the spirit warned me off. I suppose it means I did not meet their expectations for a partner to their great-great-great-grandson.”

The elderly woman bit into a cookie. “Said your boyfriend is damned or doomed. It’s probably a good thing you got rejected.”

“We’d best go. Sorry about that,” Erin said to Evalyn. “How much do I owe you?”

“Don’t worry about it. Just make sure to tell others about this experience. Do not leave out the black eyes.” By the way Evalyn’s expression suddenly changed, a gleam in her eyes, she saw monetary potential from the experience.

Evalyn grabbed the money from the table and shoved it into her bra. “I suppose those two will spread the word. Everyone will know I am a real medium.” She grinned and turned her attention to the elderly lady. “Lavinia. Tell everyone at the senior manor about this.”

“I’m almost ninety, who the hell do you think will believe me?” Lavinia snapped, then seemed to reconsider. “Then again, most of the people we knew are dead. So it can be good business. Do I get a cut? If they believe me, that is.”

“Someone will, I am sure of it,” Aubrey, ever the soft heart told the old woman.

Evalyn nodded. “Of course Lavinia and you can talk to your sister whenever you want. Now let’s get you home. Let me get a towel to put on the seat.” Evalyn walked out and return within seconds with a towel.

“I wet my underpants,” Lavinia informed Erin and Aubrey. “Did I mention it?”

“You did,” Erin and Aubrey chorused.

“That was unsettling,” Aubrey muttered once they were safely ensconced in Erin’s car. She rubbed her arms as if warding off an unseen chill. “Who was that?”

Erin swallowed against the lingering unease curling in her gut. “Meliot.” Even saying the name felt like summoning evil. She trembled, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “How in the world did he do it? From what the others have told me, he can’t touch anyone in this realm.” And yet, he was there—real enough to make her skin crawl, his presence as real as if he’d been there in the flesh.

Aubrey’s voice trembled. “What are you going to do now?”

“Talk to the others. Explain what happened.”

“We should sleep at my place tonight,” Aubrey suggested, glancing over her shoulder as though expecting something—someone—to jump up and scare them.

Erin nodded, her thoughts a storm of worry and exhaustion. “In the morning, we’ll go to the castle. I’ll call Mum and ask her to take my morning class.” Her voice shook just enough that Aubrey gave her a concerned look.

They rode in tense silence, the quiet of the night pressing in around them. The rhythmic hum of the tires on the road was oddly comforting. When they finally turned onto the estate’s long drive, Erin exhaled, her shoulders easing as Ashcraig Hall, a beautiful stone home, came into view.

The sight of it washed over her like balm. Memories stirred, a childhood spent racing across the sprawling lawns, climbing trees in spite of scraped knees, and sneaking into the kitchens for stolen sweets. Since her birth, she and her parents had lived there until the long commute to the city became too much, prompting them to settle in a smaller home in Edinburgh. But the estate had never stopped being a second home. Weekends had still been spent at Ashcraig Hall, their quarters kept just like they’d left them.

Now, only Aubrey lived here, but the house remained full of promise. Erin and Aubrey planned to share the home one day, raising their children together in the historical setting. The thought should have been comforting. Tonight, it only felt fragile.

“Can I sleep in your room?” Erin asked, her voice quieter than before. “I’m still a bit shaky.”

Aubrey didn’t hesitate. “I was going to suggest it if you didn’t. I don’t want to be alone either.” She pushed open the car door, the creak of the hinges sounding louder than usual.

Erin followed suit, stepping into the cool night air. She made sure to lock the car out of habit, though it was highly unlikely anyone would come all the way up a secluded private drive just to steal her ten-year-old vehicle.

And yet, as they walked toward the house, the sensation of being watched prickled along Erin’s spine.

Despite sharing the large bed with Aubrey, Erin couldn’t relax. Her restless tossing and turning kept her cousin from sleeping as well, earning a few annoyed sighs from the other side of the mattress. When Aubrey’s breathing finally settled into the soft, rhythmic pattern of sleep, Erin slipped from the bed, careful not to wake her, and padded toward the kitchen. A hot toddy—cinnamon tea with honey and a splash of whiskey—would do the trick.

She rarely took pills unless the pain was unbearable, but dousing tea with alcohol wasn’t exactly a wholesome alternative. Still, the warmth and effect of the drink sounded perfect.

Making her way down the dimly lit corridor, her ears strained for anything out of place. The old house, built of sturdy stone and brick, had its share of familiar sounds—the groan of aged wood, the occasional pop of settling beams, the whisper of tree branches scraping against the windows. Those who’d lived there had grown accustomed to the natural symphony of Ashcraig Hall. And yet, Erin was certain she’d recognize the moment something didn’t belong.

Her phone’s flashlight cast long, eerie shadows against the walls. Every few steps, she paused, holding her breath and listening. Each time, she felt foolish and continued forward, reminding herself there was nothing to fear.

The kitchen, spacious and steeped in history, welcomed her with its familiar comforts. Like many homes of its kind, a large picture window overlooked the back garden, and a glass-paned door led into the conservatory. In daylight, the view was lovely, rows of flourishing herbs, a tangle of roses climbing trellises, and beyond that, the wilder sprawl of the land. Even at night, Ashcraig Hall filled her with a sense of belonging. A future here wasn’t just possible—it was something she longed for.

As the kettle whistled, she prepared her tea, stirring in honey and a generous splash of whiskey before settling at the table. Her thoughts drifted back to the wizard’s warning. The memory of his voice sent a shiver coursing through her, the cold edge of his words lingering like a shadow in her mind. How far did his punishments truly go? The freed men spoke in hushed tones of horrors she had only caught fragments of. Were his threats real, or simply meant to terrify?

If only she could speak to Padriag. He would know. He could tell her whether Meliot’s warnings were mere intimidation or something far worse.

Determined not to forget a single detail, Erin pulled open a drawer, retrieving a pad of paper and a pen. She scrawled out the wizard’s words, careful to capture them precisely. Then, as the quiet house pressed in around her, she let her thoughts spill onto the next page—half-formed ideas, tangled fears, scattered possibilities.

By the time she glanced down, two pages were filled. Most of it was likely useless, but somewhere in the ink and frantic scribbles, she hoped to find the answers.

“Wow,” a male voice said.

Erin jumped and let out a yelp, the tea sloshing over the cup’s brim onto her hand, then splashing onto the tabletop. Thankfully it had cooled enough that it didn’t burn.

Padriag stood at the kitchen entrance, looking around with a frown. “Well this is unexpected.”

“How are you here? I don’t think I called for you,” Erin sputtered.

A bit disheveled, Padriag wore an unbelted tan colored tunic that hung to just above his knees. His silken red hair poked out in all directions, and he rubbed his eyes and yawned as if he’d been roused from a deep sleep.

His wide shoulders lifted and lowered. “I have no idea. Wait, is this a dream?” Walking closer to Erin, he pinched her arm.

“Ouch,” Erin rubbed the spot and glared at him. “You are supposed to pinch yourself.” In actuality, it had not hurt. Unsettled by his presence, she stood and reached for a kitchen towel to clean up the spilled tea, needing to do something to keep from doing something stupid like throwing herself into his arms and confessing how scared she was.

“Where are we?” Padriag asked through another wide yawn. “It’s a nice kitchen.”

“Ashcraig Hall, my family home,” Erin replied. “It is and has always been a beautiful home. Aubrey, my cousin, lives here at the moment.” She let out a breath. “I came here tonight because I was afraid to be alone.”

Immediately his countenance changed, and he moved closer. “Did something happen?”

Tears threatened and Erin blew out a breath. “Would you like something to eat? Drink?”

Padriag shook his head. “Not right now. Thank you. Tell me what occurred.”

Her legs felt shaky, Erin blinked away tears. “Its best we go to the other room. I need to sit down.”

Once in the adjoining room, she lowered to a sofa and Padriag joined her. “Tell me what happened.” He took her hand, and she was surprised how comforting it was.

“I went to a séance, Aubrey and I, we both went. Honestly, I didn’t expect anything to come from it. But something did.” Erin continued on, telling Padriag what happened at Evalyn’s house and exactly what the entity she assumed was Meliot had said through the woman.

The entire time, Padriag listened in silence, his expression unreadable.

“That may be the reason I am here. As you can probably tell, I was asleep. Don’t think anyone else has ever traveled between realms while sleeping.”

“What should we do?” Erin asked. “It was terrifying. Each time I think about it, I feel vulnerable.”

Padriag looked to be thinking, a frown marring his brow, lips flat. “You shouldn’t be alone. I agree with that. However, Meliot cannot cause physical harm in this realm. His ability to speak through someone here means his powers have increased somewhat. Doing what he did is not much more than a parlor trick.”

“What about the warning?”

“I must speak to the others.” He looked to the windows. “I assume it’s the middle of the night here.”

Erin nodded, she stood and paced, nervous energy not allowing for her to remain still. His effect on her was strong. It felt impossible to keep from reaching out to touch him constantly.

Clearing her throat, she spoke. “Aubrey and I planned to go to Dunimarle Castle and speak to the others first thing in the morning. Hopefully, between all of us, we can decipher what it all means.” The entire time, she knew he followed her movement, his gaze steadily on her, which made her even more nervous.

When she slid a look toward him, he didn’t look away. The normally light green and amber eyes darkening as he met hers. “You are beautiful.” His lips curved and he shrugged. “Had to say it.”

“Thank you.” Erin’s cheeks warmed.

“I will go with you to see the others. He motioned to his tunic and bare legs. Would you happen to have any pants around, maybe shoes?”

Despite the situation, Erin giggled. “Not that I know of. We can ask Aubrey in the morning. It’s doubtful. You may have to stay as is until we get to Dunimarle.”

Erin yawned. “It best we get some rest. Come. I’ll show you a bedchamber.” She stood and he did as well. “Unless you are going back to the other realm to get clothes and returning in the morning.”

“I will stay here. Whatever Meliot is up to, we must see about it immediately.” He looked at the short sofa. “I can sleep here.”

“There are eight bedrooms in this house. Mine is on this floor, and there is another also on this floor.”

“Stay with me,” Padriag said, his deep voice taking a husky tone. Erin knew her eyes widened when he held up his hands in mock surrender. “Only if you promise to keep your hands off me, that is. I am no easy score.”

Erin smiled widely. “Oh I don’t know. I can’t promise not to ravish you.” Her heart accelerated at the thought of being alone with him in her bed.

“Come on. We can talk until you fall asleep.” He held out a hand and she took it.

It was uncanny how comfortable she felt with Padriag. It was as if they’d known each other for years, felt a sense of belonging in each other’s lives. When she considered that once he was free, she’d not be part of his life, it saddened her. Although, she suspected, he would remain in touch in gratitude if she’d helped him.

“This way.” She walked to her bedroom which was opposite Audrey’s.

Once in the bedroom, Erin climbed onto the bed and slid under the blankets feeling like a virgin bride. Padriag lay atop the blankets, pulling the throw from the foot of the bed over himself.

“Bed’s pretty comfortable,” he said sliding his hands under his head and staring up at the ceiling. “Things are changing,” he began. “Liam and I are being kicked out of Esland, by the prince.”

“Why?” Erin looked to him and couldn’t help but admire his profile. The man was stunning, from the square jawline to his lips and his perfectly shaped nose. She wondered how many women he’d seduced during his time there. Probably never had to actually do much pursuing.

“Apparently we broke their laws by leaving the realm. It’s strictly forbidden. The first time he gave us a warning, stating that we couldn’t leave again.”

Turning on her side to face him, Erin said, “So being here, you violated the laws of that land and have to leave.”

He looked at her. “We plan to leave once the prince, and his army returned. They went off somewhere, of course being newcomers, nothing was shared with us about where or why.”

“Where will you go? I thought the place you lived is not safe.”

Padriag closed his eyes. “Meliot can’t kill us. He can make us wish for death, but for some reason we cannot die there. We can ask Prince Sterling’s sisters, who rule over the realm called Atlandia, to give us asylum. To be honest, I would prefer to live in a cabin in the woods rather than have to serve a royal.”

Of course Padriag was exhausted, Erin considered. For centuries he and the other four men had battled, been held captive, tortured, and suffered at the hands of Meliot. Most men would break at this point. The fact that Padriag kept his sense of humor was commendable.

It was in all probability a defense mechanism, but it seemed to work for him, kept him sane all those years.

Erin cupped his jaw, turning him to face her again. “Don’t give up hope. It breaks my heart to think of you there alone and without it.”

When he brushed a tear from her face, she was surprised. Hadn’t been aware the thought of him alone and hopeless had brought her to tears.

“I am not sure I can. To be honest with you, there are days I just want to go to sleep and not wake.”

“Padriag! No.” Erin slid closer and pressed her forehead to his cheek. “Please don’t. Things will work out. I will have enough hope for both of us and promise to not give up until you are free.”

He touched her face, the touch light as air. “Thank you.”

When his mouth came over hers, she sagged with relief. The feel of his lips pressed on hers was what she’d wanted since he’d appeared. Except now she wanted more, she wanted him. Needed to make love to him, to physically express herself.

The desire rose, flaming the soft embers of passion that she’d thought to have sealed away. But the kiss, one kiss from Padriag and Erin’s entire world changed. They were meant to be. He was the one, her other half, the one thing that had been missing from her life.

Their tongues danced, the movements primal, each one communicating to the other the growing need.

Erin broke the kiss, her breathing harsh to her own ears. “I want to be with you Padriag. I need you.”

Instead of a reply, Padriag took her mouth again, pulling her closer, one hand respectfully at the center of her back, the other cupping her head.

Clinging to him as he ravaged her mouth, his tongue then sliding down the side of her neck and back up to her ear. His breath brought chills of excitement.

“Not like this,” he whispered. “I want you more than you know. Think about you all the time. But to be with you, as much as I want to, would make being away that much harder.”

Pulling her against his chest, he let out a shaky breath. Beneath her ear, the thundering of his heart and harsh breaths were an unmistakable sign that he was as aroused as she.

Erin reached up and stroked his hair. “I understand. But know that I think of you often as well. I don’t know how, it seems so soon, but you’ve already a piece of my heart.”

A soft chuckle rumbled in his chest. “You are special to me as well. Now, sleep,” Padriag replied. “I have a feeling the next days will take a lot of energy.”

For a long while, she listened to the lull of his breathing and steady heartbeat. Lying next to him, being held in his embrace, was not only thrilling, but comforting. For the first time since leaving Evalyn’s house, she felt safe and secure. Padriag was her shelter from the ravages of a storm.