Page 17 of Voyage of Magic and Malice (The Vampires of Charleston #3)

SEVENTEEN

the magic of illusion

As quickly as the illusion appeared, it vanishes, returning me to the once-flooded bedroom in Charleston. The mixture of paranormal creatures the room stare at me expectantly.

“Elsie?” Fran asks. “Did something happen?”

“How long was I gone?” I ask.

“Gone? You’ve been right here the entire time.” Alex touches my elbow.

“That’s not true, is it, Brayden?”

The apprehensive look on his face tells me he’s not sure how to answer. “Technically, yes. But, mentally, no.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Fran asks.

Moving toward the bed, I sit on the edge of the thick mattress. “One moment, I was here, talking to everyone, and the next, I was transported to Kragen’s ship.”

“But he’s dead,” Autumn announces.

“Aye, he is. Brayden created an illusion to make me think I was on the ship.”

Every eye in the room turns toward the immortal child. “Brayden created an illusion?” Cam repeats my words slowly. “How?”

The young child shrugs, looking more like an eight-year-old than ever. “I saw it in my mind, and it happened.”

“He has the power of illusion,” Nyssa adds. “That is rare.”

“We can use it against her.” I look into the eyes of my new friends. “Don’t you see?”

“No,” Fran answers for the group.

“Brayden can use his ability to bypass Serafina’s illusions by creating illusions of his own, like creating a world inside of a world.” My words sound confusing even to me.

“You’re saying that Brayden creates a world inside of Serafina’s world?” Cam asks.

“That’s exactly what I just said.”

“It’s not going to be that easy,” Nyssa answers. “What if she creates a world where he’s not able to use his ability? Or separates us from one another? Or…”

“I could communicate with everyone,” Alex answers. “I can hear everyone’s thoughts and could keep us in one spot or at least one mind.”

“Me, too,” Everly adds. “I just have to borrow Alex’s ability.”

“Elsie, you just said you didn’t want the kids involved. Now, you’re planning a war based on their powers.” Fran crosses her arms protectively over her chest. “You can’t ask that of them.”

“She’s not,” all four answer in unison.

“Shit, that was like a moment from The Shining ,” Cam says, bringing a smile to my face. “How did y’all do that?”

“We want to help,” Everly answers.

“We’re going to help,” Alex adds.

“You can’t do it without us, and we’re not taking no for an answer.” Brayden refuses to back down.

“I know,” I whisper. I turn toward Fran. “Believe me, it’s hard to put them in danger, but they’re not human. They’re powerful vampires with abilities that can change the world.”

“Okay.” Fran’s words don’t match the look on her face. “If something happens to one of you, I’m going to be pissed.” The immortal children share a laugh, easing the tension in the room.

“I’ll be the first one to agree that we needed to recoup and rest, but we’ve been here long enough. The longer we wait, the stronger Serafina will become, along with the binding spell. We’re on limited time.” Nyssa looks around the group as she speaks. “I don’t think she’s going to be able to cast a spell that will open the grimoire. When she realizes that, she’s going to come for Elsie, either physically or spiritually through a spell.”

“How long will that take?” Alex asks, moving protectively to my side.

Nyssa shrugs. “I don’t know. But my gut says not long.”

“Is Elsie the only one able to open the grimoire?” Fran asks.

“Most likely. However, Serafina is strong. If anyone could open it, it would be her. It comes down to the strength of Aaron’s magic when he placed the spell.”

“Then we can’t wait,” Brayden answers. “We can’t sit around here, waiting for her to show up or cast a new spell. We have to go to her.”

“That’s all well and good, but you’re all forgetting something. We have no idea where she is or where to look.” Cam is the voice of reason.

“There has to be a way to find her. Can you create a spell or something? Maybe connect to the elements?” Everly asks Nyssa.

“If Serafina were human or even a lesser witch, yes. But her magic is powerful and guarded. Even my abilities can’t break through.”

“What about someone who is bound to her? Would they know how to find her?” Cam asks.

Nyssa shrugs. “Maybe?”

“Maybe doesn’t help,” Fran answers.

“Maybe is better than nothing. Excuse me for a moment.” Cam pulls a cell phone from his pocket and steps into the hallway.

“Even if a bound vampire or lycan could connect us to her, how would we find one?” Nyssa asks.

“What about the flight attendant? Terri?” I ask. “She had the symbol on her neck that Amelia warned me about.”

“Got it taken care of,” Cam says, coming back into the room. He slides his phone back into his pocket. “Connor is sending a bound vampire to us within the hour. Apparently, he and my brother, Topher, have been in contact throughout all this. Connor trapped one of Serafina’s vampires.”

“Someone’s bringing the vampire here?” Nyssa asks.

“No. I’m meeting them downtown. The vampire has been wrapped in silver and is being subdued .”

“Can I come?” Brayden asks. “It will give me a chance to practice illusions.”

“That’s a good idea.” I make eye contact with everyone in the room. “If we’re going to do this together, I think we should all go.”

“Agreed,” Fran and Nyssa answer in unison.

“This sounds like fun,” Alex says. For the first time since meeting the stoic immortal child vampire, he uses sarcasm.

Thirty minutes later, Cam pulls Phyllis’s SUV to a stop in front of a familiar bar. “They have the vampire here?” I ask.

“If you’re going to hold a vampire hostage, there’s no place better to do it than the lycan headquarters.” Cam’s words make more sense than I care to admit.

Every eye turns toward us as we enter. Several older men at a round table in the back growl deeply, lifting their noses into the air. “Damn bloodsuckers,” one of them mumbles.

“Elsie?” Alex calls through my mind. “Are we sure this is smart?”

“No,” I answer truthfully.

Following Cam into the Alpha of Charleston’s office, the smell is the first thing that I notice. Where Connor’s office usually smells like a wet dog, today, the soft smell of copper fills my senses. Autumn looks at me and wrinkles her nose, no doubt, smelling the same odor.

Connor stands from his desk, moving in front of me. His large arms wrap around my back, pulling me to his chest. I don’t know what I expected, but a bear hug wasn’t it.

“It’s good to see you, Elsie.” He pulls away, keeping his hands on my shoulders. “I’m sorry about Thorne.”

“Aye, me, too. We’re going to get him back.”

Connor stares at me for a few silent seconds before agreeing. “Yeah, we are.”

“Where’s the vampire?” Nyssa interrupts.

For the first time since entering, Connor takes inventory of the group that followed me through the door, pausing at Nyssa. “I’m sorry. Who are you?”

“Nyssa Jamison,” she answers, offering her hand. He shakes it, staring into her dark eyes longer than needed.

“Hello, Nyssa Jamison. Connor McFadden, Alpha of Charleston. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You’re not in a pack?” His words are more of a statement than a question.

“I’m not,” Nyssa answers with a smile.

“You’re the Alpha?” Brayden asks.

“I am.” Connor sniffs the air. “You’re the new one?”

Brayden snickers at his comment. “I am.” He moves closer to the Alpha. “We’re here to see the vampire.”

“I figured as much,” the Alpha answers. He leans against the corner of his thick wooden desk, crossing wide, muscular arms in front of him. “She’s in the back.”

“She?” I ask. I assumed the vampire was male. I have no idea why.

“Her name is Arina. She was caught after she…after she murdered two of my strongest lycan.”

“Shit,” Cam murmurs.

“She’s strong, stronger than she should be,” Connor continues.

“Has she said anything?” Fran speaks for the first time.

“Other than hurling insults and nearly breaking free of her chains several times, no.”

I stare at the Alpha, not sure I heard him correctly. “She broke through the silver?”

“Yes.”

The look on Fran’s face mimics my thoughts. Whoever Arina is, she’s strong. Silver weakens even the strongest. Connor’s eyes look tired. “Three of you can go in.”

“With all due respect, Connor. We’re all going to be included in this mission. It’s going to take all of us to get the information we need.” Nyssa’s voice is calm, making me wonder if she’s working some sort of spell on the Alpha.

“Okay,” Connor agrees. “Cam and I will join you.” He looks at the immortal children. “What about the kids?”

“We’ll be fine,” Everly answers for the group.

Connor sighs. “Follow me.”

He leads us back through the main bar and through a door on the other side of the building. The further we move, the stronger the vampire energy becomes. I felt it when we arrived, but now, it’s nearly overpowering. Connor stops at a heavy door wrapped in silver chains. “This room is used for lycan who have trouble with the shift.” He slides on a pair of thick rubber gloves before unlocking what looks like a logging chain wrapped around the handles. “Don’t listen to her bullshit,” he warns, pulling the heavy door open and lighting an ancient torch next to the door.

The room is small and lined with heavy steel bars. Tied against the far wall is Arina, Serafina’s bound vampire.

“Who have you brought me, wolf?” she asks as we move into the room. Her accent is sharp and clipped, reminding me of the time I spent in India while running from Kragen. Arina locks eyes with me, then Fran, before noticing the others.

“I’m Elsbeth,” I answer.

“Fran.” She doesn’t elaborate.

“You have children?” the vampire asks.

“Where are you from?” I ask, ignoring her question.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. You first.”

“They’re not mine,” I answer, evading a direct answer.

“She has an ability,” Brayden says through my mind. Arina smiles knowingly.

“Shield up,” I say to anyone listening. “Your turn to answer.” I remind the bound vampire.

“Nepal,” she answers. “Originally.”

“How did you end up here?” Nyssa asks.

“I don’t speak to witches.”

“How did you end up here?” Fran repeats the question without missing a beat.

Arina rolls her eyes. “I assume you mean America, not in this cell.” She smiles, making me sick to my stomach. “It’s a long story that I am not inclined to share.” She sniffs the air once more. “Has being around these...children weakened you that much?”

“I am not weak.”

“Kragen is her maker,” Everly says through my mind. In an instant, his smell hits me.

Arina smiles knowingly. “Now you know. He brought me here. He brought us both here.”

I stare at the vampire, not sure what to say. We share the same maker, Kragen, the asshole. We are sisters in a weird fucked-up way. “I killed him.”

“I know,” she whispers several minutes later. “Thank you.”

“Do you know why we’re here?” I ask, moving the conversation away from Kragen.

“This.” She turns her head sideways, showing the moon behind her ear.

“How do you know Serafina?” Fran asks.

Arina smiles. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.”

“She’s lying,” Everly says, not even bothering to speak telepathically. “She’s been there, to her home.”

“What do we have here?” Arina asks, looking at Everly.

“Tell us where Serafina is,” the immortal child continues.

“You’re nothing more than a child. Why would I betray the one who loves me for you?”

“Did Kragen love you?” I interrupt. Arina turns her attention back toward me. “Did he force you to become a vampire?”

“Kragen was my maker. That is all.” For a brief moment, the shield that she’s obviously had in place since we walked in lowers, showing me a glimpse of a familiar pirate ship.

“Brayden?” I ask, hoping he saw the same glimpse I did.

A heartbeat later, I’m standing in the bowels of Kragen’s ship. Next to me is Brayden, and chained against the wall is Arina. She’s in the same spot where I spent a century, held in place with silver, just like I remember.

“What is this?” she asks, looking around the dark room. “Where am I?”

“I think you know,” I answer.

“This isn’t real,” she retorts. “This is the witch.”

I move closer to the beautiful vampire. “Do you see the witch anywhere around? It’s just us and them .” I point at the pile of rotten body parts. Pieces of what used to be humans discarded and used for food.

“This is where he kept you.” I step even closer. “Did you enjoy drinking from the rats?” Arina doesn’t answer, but from the look on her face, I’ve struck a chord. “Did he drag you behind the ship for weeks at a time when it was bathtime ?”

“Shut up,” she spews. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I send an image of Kragen, the sound of his keys rattling against the lock on the door, the smell of the mixture of sea air and blood that followed him everywhere. Every dark memory I’ve worked so hard to forget, I send to Brayden in one thought.

Chill bumps cover my skin as Kragen’s keys rattle on his way down the stairs. “He’s here,” I whisper to Arina.

“How are you doing this?” she repeats.

The lock clinks as the heavy wooden door slides open. “There you are, my dear. I thought you might be out .”

“He can’t see us,” Brayden says through my mind.

Kragen moves closer to Arina without acknowledging Brayden or me. “I believe it’s time for you to do what I made you to do.”

“No,” Arina whispers as Kragen reaches down, unlocking the chain around her waist. He leans over, sinking his teeth into her chest. Instinctively, I cover Brayden’s eyes.

“She’ll kill me,” Arina says as Kragen pulls his teeth out of her skin.

“Don’t be silly, whore. You’re already dead.” Kragen wraps his arm around her wrist, pulling her to her feet. “I may have my way with you first.” He slaps her across the face with the back of his hand, pushing her back a few feet.

“No,” she says, standing to her feet. “You’re dead. This isn’t real.”

“This is very real.” He grabs her, pulling her toward the door.

“Stop this,” she pleads, turning toward Brayden and me.

“Where is Serafina?” I ask.

Kragen turns back, raising his hand to her once more. “Slap me again, and I will kill you where you stand.” Arina’s words are low and calculated.

The pirate smiles as he slams his hand against her cheek once more, this time the force throwing her on top of a pile of body parts. He reaches down, yanking a handful of dark hair from her head. “Get up, bitch.”

We follow as he drags her out of the bowels of the ship, up familiar stairs, and to the stern. “She needs a bath,” he shouts toward a deckhand.

“No.” She begins to cry. “Don’t do this.”

“We can make it go away,” I whisper. “Tell us where to find Serafina.”

“I’ll tell you what you want to know. I’ll tell you where to find her. Get me out of here.” Tear stains cover her cheeks as she begs me for freedom. The facade quickly fades, returning us to the steel-barred room. The stoic woman from before is gone, replaced by someone far more familiar than I’d like to admit.