Malice (18 page)

He nodded. “That’s good enough for me. It just makes me think I’m right about everything else.”

I tugged my hands through my hair. I must’ve left it a mess because Tristan leaned over and tucked a lock behind my ear. I resisted the urge to swat his hand away. I couldn’t think straight when he was so close.

I very deliberately redirected my full attention to the list.

“This still doesn’t make sense to me,” I admitted. “He chooses the most talented of the bunch, but then he kills them? Oh…Do you think that’s why? Do you think he wanted to eliminate them because they’re powerful? Because they could be a threat?”

He shook his head slowly. “No. That’s not what I think at all.”

“
What then?”

“He’s using their bodies as vessels for someone else’s spirit. Their memories are gone. They are gone. Whoever is in that body now, owns that body.”

Silence surrounded us. I needed some time to wrap my head around so much information. Tristan seemed content to give it to me.

“That is definitely dark magic. Where did you hear about this?” I finally asked.

“I read,” he said
simply.

“About magic?”

He laughed lightly. “You sound so surprised.”

“You just seem to, I don’t know, feel so strongly against magic.”

His laughter faded. “All the more reason to learn about it, to understand it. I think you’d be surprised how much I know about it.”

His thigh vibrated against mine. I hadn’t realized that I’d edged so close that our thighs were wedged together. I glanced down, noting the obvious bulge of his phone in his pocket. It continued to buzz against my leg. I raised a questioning eyebrow at him.

He gave me a guilty shrug. “It’s probably Julie. You were right about her. I mean, about it being a study date. She uh,” he cleared his throat, “she hasn’t been all that interested in studying.”

I said nothing. What could I say? I didn’t want to think about how he’d figured
that
out. Had she thrown herself at him the way I had? Had he reciprocated? My gaze floated down to his lips even though I was trying not to wonder if she’d kissed him. If he’d kissed her back. If he’d tossed her heart on the ground and stomped on it.

“I haven’t been completely honest with you,” he said with a sigh. “In fact, there’s a lot I need to tell you. I don’t even know where to begin.”

I lifted my eyes to meet his. If he was going to tell me about Julie, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to know.

The humming vibration burned against my leg once again.

I think,” he said as he dug into his pocket, “I’ll just shut it off. I really don’t want any interruptions for this.”

I bit my lip, impatiently waiting. The foundation of our friendship was about to shift yet again. I could feel it. I had no idea, this time, where it would settle.

He frowned at his phone, hesitating a moment instead of shutting it off. “It’s Grandma.” He glanced at me, silently asking for permission.

“Take it.” Probably Cecily was just worried, wondering where I’d run off to. She was, after all, supposed to keep an eye on me for my mom. I felt a twinge of guilt over running off the way I had.

“Hey, Gran—”

“Is Samara with you?”

“Yes, she’s right here. You don’t need to worry. She’s fine. But if you want we can come home right now.”

I didn’t hear her response because Tristan was already scrambling to his feet, putting some distance between his phone and my ear. Whatever she said changed Tristan’s entire demeanor. He reached for my hand, tugging me up in one quick movement. His jaw was clenched and before I could even ask what was wrong, he was towing me along on the path that led toward his cottage and away from The Bella Luna. My hand felt lost in his much larger one. His strides were long and I had to jog to keep up.

I didn’t resist because it was obvious something wasn’t right. We swerved down the narrow trail, the sound of our feet padding against the soft earth. Tristan’s hand tightened around mine but he didn’t look back as he rushed us along.

After a few moments of silence on his end he said, “Of course I’ll take care of her. I’ll do whatever I have to do. You just…you take care of yourself…Be careful…Love you too.”

They disconnected the call and he stuffed the phone back into his pocket.

“What was that about?” I demanded.

“Levi,” he said curtly.

“What about him?”

“He just showed up at the B&B. He claimed to have left something in the room.”

“The list?” I guessed.

“Could be. Or could be he was just using that as an excuse. He was insistent that he needed to talk to Renee. Grandma told him that all three of you left on vacation to an undisclosed destination.”

“She lied?”

The trail ended and we were standing in Cecily’s beautiful garden. Amazing blooms surrounded us.

Tristan shrugged. “She despises the man. Of course she lied. We owe him nothing. He can’t be trusted. However, she was calling to say that she doesn’t think it’s safe for you to go home. She’d like for you to stay with Fin or Daphne.”

“Right,” I muttered. I appreciated her concern, possibly even needed her concern, but if there truly was a danger, I did not want to put my friends at risk. That didn’t seem fair.

Tristan frowned at me. “You’re wearing your stubborn face. Why?”

I told him what I’d been thinking.

“If you’re really concerned, maybe we can figure something else out,” he offered.

I shook my head firmly. “No. There’s no
we
.”

“Sammy.”

“What about Cecily? Will she be okay?”

“Grandma has always kept a low profile, but she’s stronger than you think. I promise. She was going to call The Council next. I think Mrs. Lebeau was more interested in Levi than she let on. I think there are a few people who would be very interested to hear that he’s back in town.”

My phone rang. I quickly dug it out of my pocket, half expecting it to be Mom checking in. My face scrunched in confusion when I saw Alex’s name glowing back at me. We’d exchanged numbers at the cemetery but I never thought we’d have reason to use them.

My first thought was that something had happened to Finola. My heart sputtered, sending a jolt of fear through me.

“I should get this,” I said to Tristan. He nodded as I greeted Alex cautiously.

“I have news about Bree,” he said. “Is there any chance we can meet?”

Tristan was only a few feet away. He heard Alex’s request.

“Ask him if he can pick us up at the crossroads by Miller’s pond.”

“This is the only place I knew for sure we’d have privacy,” Alex explained.

We were on his family’s houseboat. Normally I’d find it relaxing. But tonight my nerves were frayed. He and Finola had picked us up but he hadn’t been ready to talk yet. Now that we were out a ways, he seemed more comfortable.

“Spirits can’t cross water. Sometimes my family needs to come out here just to get a break. I don’t really think spirits will be a problem tonight. I just wanted to be sure we were somewhere that no one could overhear.”

“You have our attention,” Tristan said.

“To be honest,” Alex began, “I really didn’t even want to include you in this. Fin insisted.”

She gave us all a stubborn smile. “I think that if Magnolia’s tied to this in any way, Sam should know.”

“She’s tied to it,” Tristan said decisively.

“How so?” Alex asked. He leaned back on the bench seat he and Finola shared. His demanding gaze bounced between Tristan and me.

Tristan and I were sitting on swivel chairs across from them. I turned to Tristan, willing him not share what I’d admitted. He kept his answer simple.

“Her name was with the others. She’s tied to it.”

“Tristan thinks that everyone on the list is particularly talented in one way or another,” I tacked on. I knew I’d be implying that Magnolia was as well. However, I was pretty sure that Alex wouldn’t question us. He’d be too concerned that questioning would be turned around on him.

“That could be,” Finola quietly agreed.

“Or I could be wrong,” Tristan countered. “Sam and I have gone over the list. Neither of us have heard of Bree being particularly gifted at anything.”

“That’s what you think got Bree into trouble?” Alex asked. “Being gifted at something?”

“I think there’s a good possibility. And if he took her because of it, then everyone else on the list might still be in danger,” Tristan said.

“You knew her family. Do you know what she could do?” I wasn’t really expecting an answer but it was a question I had to ask. I was surprised when he answered without hesitation.

“Bree could manipulate time. Her parents insisted that she keep it quiet. She was having a real hard time getting a handle on it.” He shrugged. “I overheard my parents talking about it.”

Tristan turned to me. The expression he wore said if he wasn’t positive of his theory before, he was now.

“I don’t know about Jude,” Alex admitted.

“He could heal,” Tristan said assuredly. “For real. His claims weren’t fake like Constance’s.”

“I just don’t get
why
,” Finola said. “What does he want with us?”

“I have a theory,” Alex and Tristan said in unison. They looked at each other a moment before Tristan said, “You go first.”

“I think he’s using them as vessels.”

Tristan nodded. “That’s what I think too.”

“In fact, I’m positive,” Alex said decisively. “Bree’s parents said they got another phone call from her last night. She insisted she was fine but told them she wanted nothing to do with them anymore.”

“Wait, back this conversation up. Her parents got a phone call?” I asked.

He nodded.

“How is that possible?”

“That’s what I started to wonder.” He glanced at Finola and she gave him an encouraging nod. “I decided to summon her spirit.”

I clamped my jaw shut. I needed to watch what I said before something derogatory or condescending slipped out. I was so used to feeling opposed to the kind of magic that Necromancers used.

“Did it work?” I asked. “Were you able to summon her?”

He nodded.

“And…?” Tristan pressed.

Finola and Alex shared another strained look.

“Oh, come on, Fin!” I said. “You two can’t hold back now.”

“They’re using transference spells, aren’t they?” Tristan asked.

“Yes,” Alex said. “From what little I could get from Bree’s spirit, it sounds like it.”

“What do you mean transference? What are they transferring?” I asked.

“I’ll try to explain it, but feel free to jump in any time,” Alex said to Tristan. “I think what has happened is that someone else’s spirit—their life force was transferred into Bree’s physical body. Jude’s too. For that to happen, their spirit would have to be cast out. It could mean that they died
or
it was cast out with a spell. Either way, that would leave their physical body open to someone else’s spirit.”

Finola shook her head. Her forehead was wrinkled in confusion. “I understand the concept. I just don’t understand
why
.”

“I think,” Tristan said as he looked to Alex who nodded for him to continue, “that explains why Levi was looking for Lamia with extensive power. If the spell is done correctly, the spirit can be stripped from the body but the magical abilities can be left behind. When the new spirit—in this case let’s just say the Strigan spirit—enters the new body, they would retain their own abilities but they would also absorb the magical powers that were left behind.

“It would make them twice as strong,” I muttered.

“It would,” Alex agreed.

“As if Striga need any more power,” Tristan grated out.

“That’s why he was so meticulous in his ‘research’,” I said, realization dawning on me. Levi wanted to make this worth his time. Or whoever it was that he was helping. “Obtaining a Lamia body wasn’t good enough. He went after Lamia who had a lot to offer.”

Tristan and Alex nodded somberly.

“So not only would the Striga retain their own magic but they would absorb
even more
magical ability,” Finola reiterated with a grimace. She shook her head. “That’s bad. I mean, really bad.”

“Hold up,” Tristan said. “You gathered all of this from Bree?”

“Mostly, yes,” Alex admitted. “When I summoned Bree, she told me that a Striga was inhabiting her body, her physical body. She told me that Levi had done the spell to cast her spirit out, allowing the other spirit to enter. I went to my parents; we went to The Council along with Bree’s parents.”

“Bree’s parents admitted to Alex’s parents that Councilwoman Lebeau feared something like this. She wanted to keep it quiet because she didn’t know for sure. She was afraid people would panic.” Finola explained.

“It makes sense,” Alex said. He was right. It did make sense. “Whoever is possessing her body is the one walking around. Everything that made her who she was is part of her spiritual self, not her physical being. If she came back, or if her parents found her, they would essentially be strangers. That would also explain why her friends and family thought she was acting oddly those last few days. She was literally not herself.” Alex shook his head in disgust.

“There’s more,” Finola said. She reached across the small space between us and clutched my elbow. “Bree said your family is in danger. We don’t know what that means exactly. But it has to be bad. People are dying! Bree and Jude, unless their bodies are found quickly, they’re as good as dead.” Her tone was laced with panic and it was contagious.

“Samara, Bree was really distraught the night you were at the cemetery with us.” Alex looked at me hesitantly. “Do you know why that would be? Do you have some talent that you’ve been hiding?”

I felt three sets of eyes burn into me.

“Me? No! I wasn’t even listed, remember?” I quickly shook my head. My instant fear for Magnolia was almost overwhelming.

Tristan caught my gaze and held it in steely silence.

I let out a frustrated sigh. I was hesitant to tell them about Magnolia. However, since Mom was taking care of the issue immediately, I thought maybe it would be okay. Alex had been honest with us. I thought it was only right to be honest with him.

“It’s not me. It’s my sister. That’s why her name is on the list.”

“It must be good,” Alex muttered. “She was at the top.”

“And she’s not crossed off,” Finola added worriedly.

They both looked at me expectantly, as did Tristan. I knew Tristan wouldn’t push me for information, he’d already said he wouldn’t. However, it was clear that he was listening raptly, just in case I decided I was willing to share.

I glanced around. The sun was falling into the horizon. We’d drifted away from the shore and no other boats were on the water. Out here, the air was chilled. And so very quiet.

“She has the power of persuasion.” I said it so quietly I wasn’t sure if they’d heard. All three of them had leaned forward. It took a moment, then all three of them reacted.

Finola leaned back, putting her hand over her mouth. Her eyes were wide.

Tristan’s face clouded over but the predominant expression I saw was concern.

“That’s an ability no one should have,” Alex said in a stony voice.

“It’s not like she asked for it,” I said defensively.

“How long have you known?” Finola wondered.

“Not long. She has no idea. My mom has suspected for some time. But lately…” I faded off, wondering what I should share.

“She’s been using it.” Alex’s tone oozed disapproval.

I folded my arms across my chest. “Yes, actually, she has.”

He shook his head in irritation. “Your sister is dangerous.”

“My sister is a sweet girl. She hasn’t done anything wrong. She’s never used her ability to hurt anyone. I get what you’re saying. It could be dangerous. But my sister isn’t. You can’t call her dangerous when she’s given you no reason to,” I argued.

He didn’t respond, simply raised his eyebrows at me, silently disagreeing.

I realized how ironic this conversation was. It wasn’t that long ago that Magnolia was defending Alex’s brother. She said he, and anyone else, were good until they did something bad. I had to believe that.

“My sister happens to adore your brother,” I said. “There’s this kid, Andrew, whose been giving him a hard time.” Alex nodded and his face clouded over. “Magnolia was pretty upset about it.”

He nodded again, slowly this time, as if the puzzle pieces were sliding into place. “Is she the reason that little punk went from picking on Leo to handing him candy?”

“Yes.”

Indecision flashed across his face. “That’s one example. What happens when—”

“It won’t be a problem,” I said as I cut him off. “She and Mom are…taking care of the issue. Right now.”

Tristan straightened up in his chair. “That’s where they went?”

I nodded. “Mom was the one who found the list. She’s afraid Magnolia is in danger. She’s probably right. She thought that stripping her of the gift would be the best thing for her.”

“I think your mom is right,” Alex said.

I shuddered. “Levi can’t get a hold of my sister.”

“She’s safe,” Tristan said assuredly. “She’s with your mom.
We
don’t even know where they are. There’s no way that Levi could know. Right?”

“He could if he used a locator spell,” Finola said with an apologetic wrinkle of her nose.

I glanced at Tristan. He scowled at Finola. Of course I was aware that a locator spell could be used. I’d just wanted someone to reassure me that they were okay.

Finola cleared her throat when she noticed Tristan’s look of disapproval. “Of course,” she said, “that’s not likely. Levi would have to have something very personal of hers to pull that off. A drop of blood…a strand of hair…”

I frowned but remained silent. I hated that he’d been living in our house. I doubted he’d been able to get blood from my sister. But a strand of her hair? I didn’t want to think about that.

“So…now what?” Finola asked. “What happens to Bree and Jude?”

We all looked to Alex.

He shifted uncomfortably, a sure sign he didn’t want to say what he was about to say.

“It all depends,” he said slowly. “There is a spell that can be used to put their spirits back in their bodies. But…”

“Timing is crucial,” Tristan guessed.

Alex nodded. “It’s hard to judge how long an uncontained spirit can stay whole. We would never even consider putting a spirit back in a body once it’s developed wraith like characteristics. That would be…very problematic.”

I nodded thoughtfully. Having dealt with wraiths, I understood what he was saying. Putting a wraith into a body would be guaranteeing that person would be insane.

“I hope The Council moves quickly on this,” I said. “I hope they find Levi. If they don’t find him, they won’t be able to find Bree and Jude…Or whoever they are now.”

“If they are found,” Tristan pressed, “what will happen? Only Necromancers can complete the spell, right?”

Alex nodded. “Yes. I’ve looked the spell over. It’s pretty complicated. My dad has agreed to be available at a moments’ notice. Hopefully Bree’s spirit will stick around. I’m also hoping that in a day or two, Jude will be ready to talk. If the spirits are nearby, once we have the bodies, it should all go smoothly.”

“
If
they can find the bodies,” I said glumly.