Saved by the Spell (Anna Wolfe Series, Book #2) (18 page)

“We
wanted to meet you first, Anna… to make sure your intentions are pure.”

“Did I pass?”

Cephas nods his head. “That you did, my dear. We know you want to put an end to Micah's plan, and with your powers and
The Book of Imperium
, you just might be able to rid the world of his evil for good.”

I pace the floor below me, debating whether or not I should mention a portion of my dream that gnaws at me.

“What is troubling you my dear?” Cephas inquires.

“I dreamt of you two months ago,” I start. “I was in this same exact room, but I was you,” I state, pointing to Aquila. He twists his face repulsively in response. “I saw a letter, but I couldn’t read it. Cephas, you said something
about an angel being a werewolf.”

His cheery expression swiftly
withdraws. “Yes, I assume you want to know if I was referring to your wolf,” he answers, pointing at the door. “Valen is very special indeed. My vision of him came through in bits and pieces, but I saw he was an angel… but of what origin? I do not know.”

I furrow my eyebrows. “What do you mean ‘an angel’?”

“His blood was blessed by The Highers centuries ago. What flows in him is very powerful and can be used either for evil or good.”

His blood is blessed? “I’m not sure I understand. The Highers blessed him? And yet he can still be influenced by evil?”

Aquila steps forward, flashing his palm to Cephas. “What my brother is trying to say is since his blood holds some form of blessed transcendence, evil entities can harness it and use it for their own nefarious purposes, the same way benevolent entities can use it for good. If Micah gets hold of sanctified blood, he can manipulate its host. Normally, it wouldn’t present a problem, but in Valen’s case it does.”

“Why is that?”

A smug grin slides across his face. “It’s simple, my dear. Micah is well aware of his special gift. In fact, he plans to harness it to do his bidding if he can’t obtain us. Call it his Plan B.”

A shudder rocks me, sending waves of nausea in its wake. My mind flashes back to when I was held captive in the plantation and Micah threatened me with Valen’s safety. He must have known about his special blood all along. My cheeks warm as rage wells in my chest. A throb pulsates at the center of my palms from my fists, now balled tightly at my sides.

“Anna, please calm down,” Cephas says. Bony fingers wrap themselves around my wrist, clasping it supportively. “My visions are not always infallible. The fate of any supernatural can be changed by just one decision.”

“
Why don't The Highers intervene? Why are they allowing Micah to get this far?” My words shoot out of my mouth like venom. If I ever have the pleasure of meeting one of these shitty supervisors, he’s going to get an earful.

“
They trust you will defeat him. You have to understand, The Highers do not get involved unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

I snort.
“So, Micah's quest to rule both the human and supernatural worlds doesn't fit into their definition of an absolutely necessary intervention?”

“
I know you're confused dear, but this is how it has to be. The Highers cannot upset the balance of humans or supernaturals. There are great consequences to bear if they do.”

I throw up my hands in aggravation.
“What are they worth then?! What about you two? Why can't you just kill Micah or banish him? You're supposed to be some of the most powerful warlocks!”

Cephas
cordially smiles. “We are extremely powerful, but our powers cannot be used to harm others. In fact, our magic is regulated by The Highers. If we use our powers for evil, we will surely become it ourselves. There is a delicate balance between both worlds. One in which you will find out soon enough.”

Great, now he's offering me advice a la Mister Miyagi.

Aquila grunts. “We cannot go against The Highers, nor can we harm anyone. Our duty is to keep that book safe and out of the hands of those who would use it for evil,” he roars, pointing to the podium.

I take a deep breath to calm myself. Arguing with them about The Highers will get us nowhere. Valen's safety tugs at the corner of my brain. I won’t allow Micah anywhere near him. “Does Valen know about his blood?”

“No,” Aquila responds. His eyes are hard and devoid of any emotion.

I have to tell him. The more he knows, the better prepared we'll be. “I’m going to inform him of this.”

Cephas nods his head in agreement. I inhale a big swig of stale air, reminding myself of the reason I’m here. “My friends and I would like you to accompany us.”

“Why should we go with you?” Aquila intrudes, narrowing his eyes into little daggers.

He’s already proving to be the biggest pain in the ass yet. “Simple. We found you, so the chances of Micah doing the same are high. That's if he hasn’t already,” I reply, keeping my voice steady. The last thing I want to do is piss them off further.

He snorts, whirling his head to the side and plants his foot firmly on the floor, silently informing me he isn’t going anywhere. Aquila reminds me of a toddler lashing out, making me question what his real age is.

“Aquila, enough!” Cephas grumbles in his wobbly voice. “You and I both know we need their help.” He turns to me. “Anna, we will go with you as long as you promise to keep us and the book safe.”

I nod. “I promise. We should get going. I have a feeling Micah isn’t too far behind.”

“He’s already here my dear,” Aquila certifies mockingly.

A knot forms in my stomach. If Micah is wandering around these tunnels, we need to get out fast. “Okay, let’s go,” I demand with urgency. I turn towards the door, and focus on opening it. A few clicks later, the door swings into the room, exposing three worried men.
Without a word, they rip through the doorway like bulls.

“Anna!” Valen growls, running towards me. He places his hand on my shoulders, inspecting me for damage.

“Valen I’m fine.”

“I told you to stay with me!” he reprimands, his eyes glowing a brighter shade of yellow.

I haven’t seen him this pissed off in a while. “It’s okay. I’m okay. I know you’re angry, but they needed to make sure the book was safe.” I toss my thumb over my shoulder. He can’t argue with logic, hopefully. I turn to The Scholars, extending my arm in their direction. “Valen, Roman and Landon… I would like to introduce you to The Scholars, Cephas and Aquila.”

All three of them bow and greet them in Latin.

“It's a pleasure to meet the three of you,” Cephas responds, staring directly at Valen.

Roman clears his throat, squaring his shoulders in a display of dominance. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I wish it were under different circumstances. I’m sure Anna explained that your safety is our top priority. We would like for you to join us in our home in Tivoli, Italy, located in Dimension
S33, Level 513.”

“We would be delighted.”

I turn my attention to Roman. “We have to go. Micah is close by.”

Cephas and Aquila hustle, grabbing pre-packed burlap sacks that are bursting at the seams. Cephas walks over to the pedestal, chanting an awfully long incantation. The glow around the case
evaporates. He reaches his hands inside, lifting
The Book of Imperium
from its velvet bed of rest. He walks it over to a messenger bag, gently sliding it inside. He maneuvers the strap around his shoulder, tightening it against his chest. With the book secure, we exit the room using extreme caution.

Landon leads the group while Valen and I flank The Scholars.
Roman trails behind, covering our tracks with a concealment spell. Joy is gushing through me at warp speed. The Scholars are with us, and Micah and his minions are nowhere to be seen. This should set off the warning bells, but maybe we actually are one step ahead. The tunnel becomes tighter as we make our way back to where the portal dropped us. Unexpectedly, the air becomes thick and warm. My chest clenches and sweat beads line my forehead. Something isn’t right.

“Stop!” I yell. Shivers run down my spine like hundreds of marching ants. It’s not just darkness keeping us company anymore. “Something else is here.”

Roman snaps his neck towards me. “What do you feel?”

“It’s sinister,
and it wants to harm us badly. We’re definitely not alone.”

Roman affirms my remark, and quickly devises a plan. “Landon, get them out of here now. Get as close to home as you can. I’ll meet you on whatever Dimension you find yourselves in.”

“You heard the man! Let’s go!” Landon reaches for their hands, pulling both of them into a nearby shadow. With The Scholars and the book out of Micah’s reach, my concern lessens.

“Valen, I have to tell you something.” I stare at him.

“Anna not now.”

I grab his arm. “It can’t wait.”

Valen shakes his head. “Whatever it is, it has to wait. I can feel the creature gaining on us. We don’t have time to chat.” He yanks his arm from my grasp, eyes glowing. “Roman, get her out of here,” Valen instructs.

“Valen, no!”

He disregards me, shifting into his beautiful wolf form. His buttery eyes look at me apologetically, before taking off down the dark passageway.

“Valen!” I scream. The tail end of his name is muffled when Roman slaps his hand over my mouth.

“Anna, don’t shout. You’ll attract the beast and whatever else might be lurking around.”

I pull his hand from my face, ready to bolt. He wraps his solid biceps around me, squeezing so hard, I
can barely take a deep breath. “Get off!” I slam my eyes shut, conjuring up every release spell I’ve committed to memory.

“It’s useless
, Anna. I’ve blocked your magic. It won’t work on me.”

I wiggle harder, using my anger as a catalyst to break free. His arms relax for a short time and that’s all the slack I need. I drop out of his grip, landing on the floor in lightning speed. I take off in a full-out sprint, heading the same way Valen disappeared. I chant another illumination spell, watching as the unlit torches on the wall spark to life as I sprint past them.

“Anna!”

My name echoes off the nearby walls, practically smacking me in the face. Roman’s anger and concern are almost overwhelming. I block him and my safety out of my mind, pushing my legs harder and faster. I have to help Valen. My muscles are burning, begging for me to stop. The steady thumping of my feet becomes my guide for regulating my breathing. I run for what feels like forever until finally spotting Valen’s dark fur glistening under the hazy torch light. I halt behind him.

My breath hitches in my throat, torturing my already oxygen-starved lungs. A creature as wide and high as the tunnel blocks our path. Its lips are pulled back into a demonic snarl, exposing its four-inch canines. Its skin is rough and gray, with scaly patches of black. Its beady, red eyes are filled with abhorrence, piercing us with its stare. A yellow orb materializes in my palm as I take my stance. Valen throws me a sideways glance, complete with a low growl. I disregard him, determined to exterminate this creature.

I fling the orb, watching it slice through the air. It nails the beast right in the chest, causing his footing to falter. Valen pounces on him in lightning speed, carving into its chest with his razor sharp claws. The beast struggles to throw him off, but is unable to. Valen sinks his teeth into the front of the creature’s neck, ripping out his windpipe. I look away
the minute my stomach becomes queasy. Valen howls in victory and the creature lays motionless beneath his paws. He springs off it, shifting into his human form in midair. Even though blood stains his naked body, I can’t help marveling at the sight of his muscular physique.

“What the fuck Anna!?”

My body recoils. He never cursed at me like that before and I sure as shit don’t appreciate it. “Do not talk to me like that!” My eyes narrow automatically, switching into defense mode. “Did you think I was going to let you run off by yourself!?”

He strides over to me, cupping my cheeks in his hand. “I told you I can’t lose you. Don’t you understand that?”

I shove his hands off me, stepping away from him so I can think straight. “Valen, there’s something you have to know…”

“Anna!” Roman screams. “Anna!”

Perfect timing Roman. I roll my eyes, awaiting his arrival. He’s going to be tremendously pissed off, and the sooner his lecture is over, the better. The sound of impatient footsteps approaches, carrying an exceptionally livid warlock. “Anna, what the hell were you thinking?” he roars. “Or should I ask, why weren't you thinking!”

I place my hands on my hips and narrow my eyes into slits. “I’m not going to let him fight Micah or anyone by himself,” I yell back. I’m sick of being treated like the little sister of the bunch.

“You can’t do that,” Roman responds, pointing his thick finger in my direction. “You can’t just take off! Haven’t you learned your lesson?”

The pinched look is back. I step closer to him, pressing his finger into my shoulder. “Listen to me, both of you.” I turn to Valen, making sure I have his attention. “I will not be treated like a
fragile woman anymore, you got it? And you bet your asses, I’m not going to let anyone battle Micah or his soldiers by themselves! You understand?!” I spit, glaring at them.