Blind Magic: The Sanctuary Chronicles Read online

  Again, Soren locked eyes with Ian. “Stay away from this predicament, wolf. That’s an order. You have no business helping the witch. That whole story could explode in our faces and destroy the fragile balance we have maintained with them throughout the centuries.”

  Even though he knew the consequences, Ian couldn’t back out. “I’m not leaving her alone in this.”

  Soren’s expression turned murderous. “You would dare to defy me, wolf? You value your life so little.” Clear as day, his dragon was barely a hair’s breadth from the surface.

  “If laying my life down means saving hers, I would gladly sacrifice it.”

  Sera moved and Ian silently pleaded with her to stay put, which she didn’t. “How dare you threaten him for helping me.”

  Soren’s wrath turned to her. “Don’t you see all the trouble that you’re causing? Don’t you see the problem of mixing species? You are the living proof that if your father, god or not, would have had some sort of control, none of this would have happened and we wouldn’t have innocents caught in the crossfire or an imminent war declaration with divinities that may very well rain fire and hail on us.”

  “Look who’s talking! The very man who couldn’t keep it in his pants himself! You shout and you yell, oh mighty Soren Racovan, but answer this simple question. If you despise mixed beings, if you judge them so below you and deem them to be crushed under your boot, why haven’t you killed Valeria?”

  Ian’s chest constricted. Sera was confronting a very dangerous being, and he was ready to sweep her away. At the same time, he admired her courage. His little bookworm had strong convictions, even if they put her in danger.

  Racovan’s eyes flamed. But this time, it was difficult to interpret. Ian held his breath and Finn shifted on his feet.

  Sera ignored all those signals and even closed the distance between her and the weredragon. “I know why.” When she placed her hand on Racovan’s chest, the man seemed to be taken by surprise. “It’s because, despite all the fire breathing and snarls, you have heart. Valeria is your blood, and whatever the reason you slept with her mother, it had meaning for you. Same as your daughter having meaning for you now.”

  The blond witch dropped her hand and took a step back. Ian barely took a complete breath.

  “I wish that what happened between my biological father and mother had a meaning. But what I do know is that the people I called my adoptive parents, they loved me, and I loved them. So it was all worth it.”

  Racovan looked at Sera as if she was the only person in the room. Ian was fascinated by her too. Her determination, her compassion, all of those things that made her who she was only made his heart swell even more.

  “I was told everything happens for a reason, Mr. Racovan. I hope I have a reason in this world. Same as Valeria, and you. That’s why I need to find out what’s happening. So I can fix all this. And keep my friends safe. That way Layla’s sacrifice wouldn’t be for nothing.”

  At Layla’s name, Ian saw an almost imperceptible reaction in the weredragon. Soren had helped Layla. Twice. Risking more than just his life for her. What was between the two?

  After a moment, Racovan seemed to bring himself back into the present. He still looked intently at Sera before sliding his gaze toward Ian.

  “I see why you like her.”

  The words were out before he could even realize it. “I love her.”

  Sera turned to him, but he didn’t dare break eye contact with Racovan. He was making a statement here.

  The weredragon didn’t answer but at least he didn’t attack. A little win in Ian’s book.

  “Witch, you are playing with dangerous beings. Even if you find what you’re looking for, gods don’t always play by the rules. You may be powerful yourself, and surrounded with allies, but it may not be enough. You may lose at the end.”

  Sera lifted her head. Not in defiance, but in clear and strong resolution. “At least, I’ll have my chance to fight.”

  A smiled pulled at Racovan’s lips. “Such determination. You will need it all. And even more.”

  Without another word, the weredragon turned and placed his hand on a bare wall beside the blazing hearth. Bowing his head, he murmured words Ian didn’t understand and the solid wood trembled, moving like rippling water. Straightening once more, he turned to them, their mouths agape, in his living room.

  “Welcome to the High Council Library.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Sera had died and gone straight to bookworm heaven. It was a cliché, she knew, but being surrounded by so many books, rare and unique, containing a wealth of ancient information, it was difficult to decide if she should start dancing or faint. Or cry, or have an orgasm. Or asking Ian to give her one in this very room.

  It looked exactly as she imagined it. An old library, with tall wooden shelves overflowing with thousands and thousands of books. It was mind-boggling.

  When reality set in, Sera deflated. How would she be able to find any information at all? It would take several lifetimes just to get oriented!

  Finn whistled behind her. “Well. That’s a lot of paper.”

  Soren snorted. “A lot doesn’t even begin to describe it. Here you can find copies of books from all libraries in the world. There are even books and parchments from the lost library of Alexandria.”

  Sera couldn’t help but whimper. Ian came to her side, half-worried, half-amused. “Are you going to be okay?”

  She shook her head and rubbed her face. Focus, she had to focus. “Okay. I don’t know exactly what we’re searching for. Anything on Olympian gods, or maybe their rules. It should be a start.”

  Soren nodded and whistled. From the corner of her eye, she saw an ethereal being coming out through the books, stopping just before the weredragon, before bowing.

  “A pleasure to see you again, Master. But may I remind you that strangers are not authorized inside the High Council library.”

  The voice was hoarse and low, as if it was slowly disappearing. The figure offered no face, but instead the vague resemblance of a human body floating in thin air, graying and translucent. Was it a ghost?”

  “These people are my guests and you will obey them as you would me. Understood?”

  The form bowed again. “Very well, Master Racovan. How may I be of service?”

  Soren looked at her and she hesitated. Squaring her shoulders, she decided to jump. “I need information on Olympian gods. Do you have books on that subject?”

  Gracefully, the shade turned to her and bowed. “Yes, mistress. I can think of about at least a thousand books on that subject.”

  Sera cringed. She thought the search wouldn’t be easy, but she didn’t have time to skim through a thousand books. Sensing her rising panic, Soren shook his head.

  “Use the library keeper as you would a search engine. It knows the subject of every book in here, you just have to be more precise in your request.”

  Ian rubbed her back. “You’re the brains of this operation, sweetheart. Go ahead.”

  Sera wanted to roll her eyes at him. “Okay. I want to find a loophole in a law set by the Olympian gods stating that a child of any god with a human must be killed.”

  The keeper seemed to think upon her request. “I can’t recall any book stating that very rule.”

  “Don’t you have books about their laws at all?”

  “We do, I can show them to you. But I don’t recall any of them having a rule or a law stating that a child from a god and a human must be killed.”

  Sera turned to the men, and they were all frowning.

  “Would it be possible that this law is not indicated in those books?”

  “Everything is possible, mistress.” The keeper hovered, undisturbed.

  Well, duh.

  “Who would know that answer?”

  “According to the information we currently have, an edict in Olympus usually comes from the main gods. For example, Jupiter or Zeus, depending on the name you call him, is the one usually procl
aiming them. If it’s a rumour, the higher gods may have an answer. However, contacting them may pose a problem, mistress.”

  “But is there a more accessible being that could be able to answer that question?”

  “All of the gods would be able to do it.”

  They were going nowhere fast.

  “How can I have a meeting with Zeus?”

  Ian and Soren gasped when Finn chuckled. However, the keeper kept answering.

  “It’s impossible. Humans are not allowed on Olympus nor can they survive there. Gods only visit humans on earth.”

  Sera sighed. “But why Artemis would have told me to come to the High Council library if there is no answer or book that can help?”

  The keeper remained immobile for a while before answering. “Currently on earth, there is only one goddess residing there permanently. Her name is Pheme. She’s the goddess of communication and, according to the rumors, an incredible gossiper. If something happens, she knows about it.”

  For once, Sera could breathe. There was some sort of hope blooming in her chest. Without looking, she reached for Ian’s hand who took it immediately. His strength and warmth steadied her somehow.

  “And where can I find her?”

  “Her last location is Los Angeles. The Olympus Tower.”

  “How apt!” Finn laughed.

  The keeper ignored him. “May I be of any further service, mistress?”

  “No, thank you for your help.”

  The shade turned to Soren once more and bowed. “Is there anything else you need from me, Master Soren?”

  “No, again, thank you for your help, Keeper.”

  “My pleasure Master. May I suggest that you and your party leave now?”

  “We will.”

  “Will your other guests stay longer, or will they be leaving with you?”

  Sera blinked. Was he talking about them? Nobody had time to answer any question. An explosion detonated just before them.

  The impact catapulted Sera’s body backward, hitting a wall hard. Her head hurt so much, it was difficult to make herself move. A hiss, a growl came from beside her, and as she struggled to push herself up, she saw a wolf and a dragon running by. Her heart constricted as she discerned flames. Books and flame meant treasure lost, but strangely, nothing caught fire. All around, she saw a thin, crystalline layer over the endless rows of books. Magic seemed to protect them. In front of her, there were black figures throwing flaming balls at them. From the corner of her eye, she saw Finn, grabbing one of them, and separating his head from his body with his bare hands. Swallowing rising bile, Sera shook herself up. No time for a nap, she was needed. More shadows appeared and rounded the first line of defense, running in her direction. She may not be a warrior like Valeria or Violet, but she wasn’t helpless.

  Magic surged inside her and she blasted a few of her attackers away, making them fly out of sight. Having an opening, she aimed her own ball of magma toward one of the flame throwers. Her first two hits were pure luck, but the following hit their targets with increasing force. From every corner of the library, more shadows were coming in. Although the area was vast, it was filling up fast. And with a dragon, space was very limited. They would be outnumbered soon. Sera rounded one of the dragon’s flanks and pushed a power surge into the incoming enemies. They crumbled and fell to the ground. The knowledge that she had killed revolted Sera, making her sick, but her brain reminded her that if she didn’t, her friends could get killed in return. And Ian too. That thought put her hesitation to rest.

  Finn was starting to get swamped and she saw blood on Ian. They had to get out. She could continue to battle, but her energy was limited. If they needed a portal, it was now or never.

  With no time to think, only stating to remain in the same year and day in her spell, Sera started to open a portal. Forcing the spell out was sketchy as there was so much noise and there was always the risk that someone would attack from behind.

  Finally, Sera was able to open a door. “Ian! Finn! Soren!” Her voice barely cut through the chaos surrounding her, but Ian had heard her. Finn nodded from a distance as he kept a few shadows at bay. Soren, on the other hand, was lost in his battle, breathing fire and swiping his tail in the limited space that he had. He didn’t seem to listen to her.

  Ian was the first to reach the door in wolf form, breathing hard, fangs bloody. Finn came running and skidded just before the door, turning to see more shadows after him. Sera sent a few spears in their direction. More seemed to hesitate, others threw fire bombs that Sera swung back at them.

  “Soren!” Sera screamed his name, knowing that time was running out. She wouldn’t be able to maintain the portal open for much longer while battling incoming shadows at the same time.

  “I don’t think he hears us, Ian.”

  Finn snarled. “He has the best hearing of us three. If he doesn’t respond, it’s because he’s decided to stay.”

  “Stay?” Panic rose inside her. “He can’t stay here, he’ll be killed. There are too many shadows already and more are coming in.”

  Ian seemed to hesitate. Was he really thinking of running back and helping Soren?

  As she was about to scream his name again, Soren turned his dragon head in her direction and screeched. The sound reverberated through her.

  “Don’t tell me it means ‘go’ or something like that.”

  “I don’t think he’s giving us a choice, Sera. He orders us to go.”

  But Sera didn’t agree with Ian. She couldn’t let Soren, Valeria’s father, risk his life and most certainly die here, without her help. About to gather all the remaining power inside her, Soren forced her hand again. He looked at her and breathed fire.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  This time, his stomach was definitely against the time jump, and Ian had barely the time to scramble to a big flower pot in a corner of the room before he emptied the content of his last meal under a huge palm tree.

  The nausea lingered, but he felt more under control when he sat on the cold marble floor and looked around. Sera was siting six feet from him, pale as a ghost. Finn wasn’t much more colorful, which caused another type of problem.

  “Are you okay, Sera?” He crawled to her side and touched her hand. The contact immediately made him feel better. He didn’t see any wounds on her, only great fatigue.

  “I’m good. As I told you, my internal battery is in the red zone. And I’m pissed at Soren! Why did he try to roast us?”

  Finn rubbed his face, smearing more blood on him. “He didn’t. It’s his asshole way of getting us out of there. Dumbass.”

  Ian could sense the worry in the vampire, but there was nothing any of them could do about it for now. They were trapped wherever Sera had transported them. At the thought, he really looked around. They seemed as in a castle. Marble walls and floors, columns, lush potted plants. From a distance he heard the water from a fountain. No apparent door, and two long corridors on each side. They seemed to be in some sort of rotunda. The ceiling was high, and Ian couldn’t tell if it was the lighting or sunlight that he saw.

  “Where are we?”

  Finn winced as he got to his feet. “Well, either a posh spa, or an old bordello.”

  Sera shook her head and only laughed. “So you think that I would have made that kind of choice? A bordello?”

  The vampire shrugged. “I’m not privy to what’s in your head, love. That’s the privilege of your wolf there. Just know that if your kink is a threesome, I would be more than willing.”

  The thought of the vampire’s hand on Sera made it easier to ignore the pains of his body and stand. He was tired of Finn’s tirade. His wolf was not only tired, he was baring his fangs in anticipation of a fight. Only he would touch the witch.

  Finn laughed again, obviously teasing him. “Calm down, wolf. For that threesome, it would require your lady’s approval, and I doubt she would say yes. And we’re in no shape for a fight. Let’s wait until we are and if you still want to punch me, we’ll s
et a match.”

  Ian grumbled. “I don’t think there’ll ever be a time that I won’t want to punch you, bloodsucker.”

  Far from being insulted, Finn laughed before he groaned again and touched his side. “Damn! It’s a good thing that we heal fast! But in the meantime, the pain is a bitch.”

  Ian turned to Sera who was now on her knees looking around, before setting her eyes on him. “Are you hurt? I see blood on you, but...”

  His gaze softened on her, especially when he saw her pale cheeks blush when her brain realized he was naked. Before he could prevent her from depleting her energy even more, Sera swiped her arm, as if to encompass the room, and clothes materialized on his body. And not only that, it seemed as several parts of his body that caused him pain just vanished. Even the slash he had felt on his back a few seconds ago. Finn yelped, surprised, and Ian saw that there were no more traces of blood on him, and he was poking at his side, disbelief in his eyes.

  “Cool, witch. Nice trick.”

  But Ian also knew now that every magic spell cost an amount of energy. And right now, Sera had none to spare. Instead of spewing any reproach, Ian unclenched his jaw and helped her up. At least she didn’t sway when she was back on her feet.

  Taking a deep breath, she smiled at him before returning to the task at hand. “To answer your question, Finn, we’re not in a bordello, or a spa... I thought I wouldn’t have the time to set a clear location before we were about to escape, but it seems that my magic knew where to go. If I’m not mistaken, my best guess would be that we are at Olympus Tower in Los Angeles.”

  Ian looked around once more. It seemed logical. The decor wasn’t of the best taste, and appeared over the top, but who was he to judge? He was more ‘cabin in the woods’, anyway.

  “That’s what I call efficient, witch. And now what?”

  Ian didn’t like the unknown. And this place was exactly that. No way to know any possible escape routes, where they were or how high. And worst of all, he would rather take on an entire pack of rogue wolves than a single and unknown goddess.