The Compass (14 page)

The moment my hand curved around the hilt of the gift, I knew my path. By then, the magick I was learning had become—complicated, and demanded complete focus, which I could not give it. My mind always wandered to the sword. The blade gave me simplicity, something I did not know I craved. Magick took a toll—used vast amounts of energy. Using it in battle would leave me weak, therefore, exposed. Using charms and spells were saved for the most extreme circumstances, and only when we were certain of victory.”

Finn drummed up the courage to tell the rest. “The first wave of war plunged our world into darkness. Mikel was on a crusade for supremacy, and he and his army cut through all those who opposed him. Cian came to us when his parents were killed. I watched as one by one, those who were defenders of the Light fell, or were converted. Agrona built an army of her own, and sent them across the realms to squelch the rising darkness. Against the wishes of my parents, I answered her call, Cian as well. I left my family. After years of bloody battles, we managed to contain Mikel’s army. He went into hiding, but the damage had already been done.”

Knowing what came next, Finn couldn’t sit. He got up, shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his jeans, and wandered over to gaze out the window. There, he saw that day as if it were happening all over again. “We returned to find that my parents and sister had been cursed. All their power, their magick, had been no match for Mikel. All that I had learned, all that I had been born with, couldn’t reverse what had been done.”

Her heart ached for him. “What about Cian?”

His laugh was hollow. “Even combined, we could not undo what had been done. We watched as the life seeped out of them, their eyes locked on ours. I turned my back on magick then, renouncing it.” He heard her soft intake of breath, felt her empathy reach out towards him. He turned to her. “I have stood by my choice Ali, not once regretting it—until now. Until you,” He walked back to her, crouched down and reached out to brush back an errant lock of hair, relishing in its silkiness.

She felt her heart flutter at the intensity of his stare. Standing, her legs shaky, she moved away from him. Then she asked, “Why? I’m a Fragment, a result of Agrona’s attempts to keep Mikel from succeeding.” Her breath hitched, the words barley passing her lips. Finn stared at her, his eyes, those deep, chocolate eyes, had her trembling. Her breath stuttered as she watched him gain his feet.

“You are more than just a Fragment Ali.” He slowly walked to her and shared with her what Constantine had said. “Each Fragment is tied to a warrior. You are the other half of me. If you die, I will follow.” When he was close to her, he reached out and skimmed a finger down her cheek. “You must live, Ali. Not just for the safety of your world and mine, but you must live for me.”

It rose in her, the overwhelming desire to do anything, to be everything, for this man. It wasn’t logical, they didn’t know each other. Yet, he pulled at something deep inside of her. She didn’t believe in love at first sight, lust, yes, but not love. Finn was an easy man to lust after. Against her will, her eyes closed, and she was swathed in warm light. She heard Finn’s echoing shout for her. She wanted to sooth him; tell him that she was okay. Wherever she was, she was in no danger. His voice faded away, and soon she was floating within the light, traveling away from him.

Finn held Ali’s limp body. Fear gripped him with icy fingers. It was though her very bones had melted away. He shook her gently. “Ali! Can you hear me lass? Ali!” The only evidence that she hadn’t been drained of her life force was her shallow breathing. His relief was cautious as he tried connecting with her.
Come on Ali, where are you?
Unlike the time in her apartment, when her body had been racked with pain, this time, she had just—slipped away.

He gently laid her down on the couch, being careful not to move her too much. Gazing down at her face he was gripped with an overpowering sense of something he was afraid to put a name to. Though she had affected him from the moment he had felt her energy through the wind, being around her had intensified the affection. So much so, that he had tried to recall his magick. Smoothing back her hair, Finn resigned himself to the fact that all he could do was wait; wherever Ali had gone, he could not follow.

Chapter Fifteen

The woman lay in a heap at his feet. Her life force drained. Sitting back in the large chair, Mikel let the new energy course through his veins, basking in the glow of new power, feeling it fill his black heart. The price of darkness was a payment he had no issues with paying, not when he had such rich resources at his disposal.

It hadn't always been so. There was a time when his powers were so potent, that a single whim could bring down the mightiest warrior. His battles with Agrona, and her army, had taken their toll. He liked to think of this as—recharging. The tides were changing. Flexing his hands on the armrests of his chair, he observed his new domain. The mortals had indeed done well. From here, he could continue his recovery.

Kicking out a booted foot, he sent the shell of the woman rolling off the platform where his chair sat. This one had been particularly delicious. Her essence had been like drinking the nectar of a forbidden fruit. She had come to him under the ruse that she would take part in a study; a study that explored the mysteries of the universe. He had entertained her, showed her a few tricks, and enjoyed hearing her gasp with wonderment. Then, he had taken from her what he desired.

With a snap of his fingers, the shell rose to stand on lifeless legs. Her hair, once as brilliant as the sun, hung in dull ropes in her face. Using a finger, Mikel made a nudging motion that had the head of the woman rising. The dark pits of her eyes looked large in the delicate face. Her mouth hung open as if in mid scream.

He smiled; her screams had been delightful, “So young, and so foolish.” Another flick of his finger, and the body once again fell to the floor. Sighing, he cupped his hands, and blew a flame to incinerate the remains. As he watched it burn, his mind turned to another young and foolish woman. Alina Hayes. She had slipped through his fingers twice now.

Though his soldiers had been engaging with the warriors for a long time, the discovery of the first Fragment had renewed their fervor to protect the Fragments. It made for a more complicated dilemma than he had bargained for. Time was becoming a precious commodity. He could feel the shifting in the air; the way the wind pulsed with the awakening of new magic—or, in this case, old magic in a new form. It was time for Alina to know who she was up against. The part of her that was the Star—her very soul, would no doubt recognize who he was, and he was depending on that recognition to bring her out from behind the warrior.

His thoughts were interrupted by a tapping at the door. At his command, it opened slightly to allow James to slip through. Mikel raised a brow, smiling when James’ eyes went to the pile of ashes on the floor. “A tasty morsel, you have my gratitude for providing me with one so—vibrant. Yes, an apt word for one so bright.” When James just stood there, wringing his hands, he dropped the pretense of polite conversation. “Your interruption leads me to believe that you have some news for me, James.” With eyes stuck on the ashes, James began his report. Mikel however, did not like the fact that he was not given the proper respect. “Eyes on me James, I will not have you quivering every time you see something unpleasant.” With a sweep of his arm, he created a wind that carried the ashes out an open window. “Continue.”

James gulped down his unease. “My son has found something—or, I should say, someone.”

Instantly intrigued, Mikel urged him to continue. “Go on.” He leaned forward in his chair, his fingers linked together.

“There’s another father and son team, they have a few followers. They’re located north, very close to the edge of the state border. Kyle and Steven Fox, they’ve been tracking a woman, the son in particular. It could be nothing, but with things as they are, it warrants investigation.”

Leaning back, Mikel mulled over the names. Stroking his chin he weighed his options. He could send Vega—she was growing restless. Toying with mortals didn't seem to hold her interests any more. However, he needed the demon here. “Tell Paul to find out more. Make it clear that I will not accept failure.” When the man was about to leave, Mikel remembered a task he needed to accomplish. “James, I am not to be disturbed.” The nod of understanding was immediate.

“Yes, my Lord.”

Alone again, Mikel began preparations. Lugus had reported that Alina Hayes had been belligerent. The description was just as amusing now as it had been then. Mortals were such finicky creatures. By now, the warriors had no doubt enlightened the young woman about her true beginnings. Just how much they were able to fill in the blanks he wasn’t sure, Agrona wasn’t above withholding information. She was always one for puzzles, a trait that had set her apart from her peers.

It had no bearing on what was happening now. He would have what he desired, whether the warriors had all the pieces or not. Taking in a deep breath, he centered on his newly acquired energy. The brightness of it was intoxicating. Through the open window came filaments of power. Some were strong, others, not so much. He picked through them all. Then, the faintest thread weaved through. Opening his eyes, Mikel smiled. “Hello, Alina.”

*****

The village was quaint and alive with the movement of its inhabitants. Ali stood in the centre of it, afraid to move, not understanding what had happened. How had she gotten here—
why,
was she here? Looking around, recognition came. She saw this, or a place like it, in the magic cup Tristan had given her. Taking a step, then another, she began to walk. Since no one looked at her, she surmised that she must be invisible.

As she walked, the scenery changed, going from primitive, to less so. It was like wandering through a time machine. Each time a change happened, she felt like she had walked through mist. Her body tingled each time. Then, an oval of smoke stood before her, reaching out a hand, she watched as it slid through. Encouraged, she stepped forward.

She was in a hallway, a long hallway with doors on either side. She reached out to test one of the knobs, found it locked. Where was she? Beneath her feet, the coldness of the tiles seeped through her socks. She curled her toes in reaction. Finn—where was Finn? She tried to call, to connect, but was met with nothing but emptiness. Something urged her forward. As she moved, the hall grew longer. Overhead, the lights, dangling down on thick wires, hummed and flickered. Was this a—hospital?

Taking a closer look at the doors, see could see that some had little windows. The smell of sweaty bodies assaulted her nose and made her gag. There were whispers and shadows. It was a sad place, where freedoms were taken. The people here were here because they were different. She would've been in such a place had it not been for her family’s social status. The souls here hadn't been as lucky. The walls began to bow out, and then cave in, as if they were breathing. Then it changed. Gone were the dingy gray walls, and cold floor.

Now, she was in an open room made mostly of windows. It was filled with sunlight, like a greenhouse. She turned her face towards the windows, letting the heat of the sun warm her. She liked this place. It was a happy place. Flimsy white sheers fluttered about the windows, and she could hear birds singing. Whoever lived here must be a carefree spirit, living as one with the nature that surrounded the home. Colors were everywhere, the paintings, the carpets; it was a wonderful mass of cheerfulness. The furniture looked comfy—inviting, Ali walked towards a winged back chair. But before she got there, the image transformed again.

This time, she was standing a large octagonal shaped room. The floors were marble and the walls were paneled with thick wood—old wood. The smell of books hit her nose. She was in a school of some kind. By the look and feel, it was a very prestigious school—possibly a private, or boarding school. Looking up, she saw all the portraits that crowded the walls. Stern looking men stared out from their canvases. Ali shivered, and looked away. She couldn't imagine having to spend time here. An open door caught her curiosity. Light spilled out of it. Going to it, she stood at the threshold. The room was stuffy; a large desk took up most of the back wall. Nothing good happened in this room. She stepped back; she wasn't going to go in there.

Once again, the image changed. She was outside. Looking left and right, Ali scanned the landscape. She wasn't in the city. She was on a dirt road. It looked like it stretched out for miles and miles. Fences ran along side of the road, but there was nothing in the fields. No animals, no crops. The sun was hot, so very hot. Sweat beaded on her forehead. Ali swiped at it. Her hair felt heavy, pulling down on the base of her neck.

Find them

The voice echoed in her mind and sent energy pulsing through her body. Ali staggered. Images filled her head, a kaleidoscope of memories. Only, they weren’t hers. She saw, in quick succession, each of the places she had been shown. The images were disjointed and made her dizzy. She tried to focus on one thing, but her vision was too blurry. She had never experienced this before. Whatever she needed to find had always come to her with clarity. This was vastly different from finding stolen jewels or a painting. Frustration led to shouting at the disembodied voice.
“I can’t do this if I can’t see.”

And just like that, everything stilled. The first place came back into view. The dingy hallway flickered before disappearing completely. Ali found herself outside of a building—it had been a hospital. Glancing around, she tried to find some kind of signage—there was one, not too far from where she stood. While not completely clear, she was able to make out the name of where she was. It seemed to be separate from the hospital, two completely different images. Her brain worked out the meaning.
Find them—the second waits.
The voice floated in her mind. Okay, the second—that must mean the second Fragment. The second Fragment must have started where the hospital was, and now, was here, in this town—or at least somewhere close to it. Concentrating on the sign, Ali committed it to memory.

Finn was just about to call for assistance when Ali’s eyes flew open. Glassy and vacant, they stared straight ahead. She made no sound. “Ali?” Holding his breath for a few heartbeats, Finn waited. Slowly, her eyes cleared.

“Water, I need some water.”

With a thought, Finn produced a glass of cool water. Ali reached for it with greedy hands, “Easy lass.”

Ali ignored him and drank the water as though she had just come back from the dessert. She handed him the empty glass. Sitting up, the movement forcing Finn to move back, she took in several deep breaths. Then her gaze darted around the room. “Please tell me you know what happened.”

Finn rubbed the back of his neck, studying her face. “What do you remember?”

Ali frowned and her brows lowered. “I went to a village, and walked through some kind of time tunnel. Four places. I visited four places, but not for very long. When I tried to figure out exactly where I was, the place changed.” She closed her eyes and massaged her temples. “But that is impossible because, I’m here.”

“It’s called astral projection, a rare talent—even in my world.”

“So, I—left, without leaving?”

“Yes.”

“Huh.” Ali chewed her bottom lip.

Instinctively, Finn rubbed her shoulders.

“So, no place was known to you?”

Ali shook her head. A funny flutter in her belly had her reaching out to lay a hand on his arm. The now familiar jolt of energy shot through her body. Excitement unfurled within her, clicks sounded in her head—like a combination to a lock was being broken. “Each place is connected to each Fragment.”

Finn covered her hand with his. Where their skin touched—burned. “We will figure it out lass.” But he knew she spoke the truth, he felt it. It came from her and into him, through their touch; he could see it in her eyes.

Ali was shaking her head. “No, I’m right. I
feel
it. There’s a town, a sign, the second one is there.” Along with the excitement, she felt something else, the darkness from the vision in the cup, it wanted to consume her. She pushed it down, but it refused to obey. Her eyes flew to Finn’s. She saw the knowledge in those deep brown depths, he knew what it was. Before she could question him, he did something that jolted her system; he placed a finger to her lips.

“Ali.” He kept his voice low and calm.

She couldn’t move. His breath fanned her face; she saw his eyes drop to her mouth, to where his finger lay. She forgot what she had wanted to ask him. The finger slid away, but his eyes remained fixed on her mouth. Nervously, she licked her lips. His eyes darkened, and for a spit second, she thought he was going to kiss her again. And, for a split second, she thought she would let him. Gathering up the courage, before she did something crazy like give in, she moved back and rose to stand on wobbly legs. “I would really like to lay down somewhere.”

Striving for control, beating back the need to drag her to him, Finn told her where to find the bedrooms. “The guest rooms are upstairs, each have their own baths attached; take your pick.” Without another word, Ali bushed past him towards the stairs. Dropping his head, eyes closed, he listened to her footfalls as she made her way through the upstairs hallway. His hands fisted as he stamped down the need to follow her.

Closing the bedroom door and leaning against it, Ali let out a deep breath. Her body tingled—all over. She had nearly kissed Finn. They had been so close all it would’ve taken was a half inch of movement by either of them, and whamo! It would have been a huge mistake. Their first kiss—that feathery touching of their lips; had been a result of the moment they had been in. In no way however, did the circumstance of that moment erase how he had tasted. But she couldn’t entertain more. Getting involved with Finn on a romantic level was a big no-no. Especially when there was still more he hadn’t told her. Romantic level?
When had that thought crept up on her? Duh, maybe when he was staring at your mouth like he wanted to bite it.
Groaning, she stumbled over to the very generous bed and flopped down face first.