When Darkness Fell: An Elemental Enchanters Story (2 page)

She sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. “I killed him.”

My blood ran cold and I shivered. I released her and took a step back. “What?”

“There are things you are not aware of, Savina,” Corbin said. “He deserved to die.”

I had never heard him speak in such a manner about anyone. “Did he attack you? Did he try to hurt Mary?”

“He hunted Enchanters, Savina.” She wiped a falling tear.

“Hunted? Why would they hunt Enchanters? We are not evil.”

“Ephemerals believe we are.”

“Certainly, they do not,” Colden said. “No one in this village believes we are malicious.”

“That is because they know not what you are.”

My head was still trying to wrap around Edward being a Hunter. I never knew they existed. Why would they hunt Enchanters? “I do not understand. Do they seek us out? For what purpose?”

“To kill us,” Veronica said.

“That cannot be.”

“Edward said he only killed Enchanters to keep up appearances so the Ephemerals would not come after us. I wanted to trust him, I did. But when he started acting funny, always sneaking around and telling me stories that were not matching up. I could not take it anymore. I had to know the truth. I sought our uncle, Roland to help me regain my powers. After much convincing, he finally agreed, but swore he would not tell anyone. He taught me to read minds and become more powerful than ever.” Her eyes grew with eagerness, as if she loved being powerful. “I read Edward’s mind and knew he had been lying to me for years. I had to kill him before he and his army of Hunters came after us all.”

“Why would Edward want to kill you all? He married you.”

Veronica’s chin trembled. “He lied,” she snapped. “He lied about keeping us safe. He only married me so he could get closer to my family. But he had not expected them to banish me. He had hoped we would get back in their good graces so he could ambush us.”

“We have to return to Caprington,” Corbin said, but I could see the reluctance in his eyes.

Veronica shook her head. “Will Mother and Father forgive me? I married an Ephemeral whose intentions were the same ones they warned me about.”

“Of course, Sister. And I will be there to protect you.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. My heart ached for her pain and betrayal. I could not believe such a thing would happen. What if George betrayed me?

“Do the Ephemerals know you killed Edward?” Colden asked. “What if they come for you?”

Corbin shook his head. “They will not come for her. We will handle the situation.”

“I cannot believe he would betray you, Veronica.”

Corbin tipped my chin up. “There is much to learn, Savina. We will need to return to Caprington for a few days. Perhaps next time you and Colden can accompany us.”

The next day, Colden and I sent Corbin and Veronica on their way to Caprington. I worried for them since they had not seen their family in years. Would all be forgiven? Would they be safe?

I had patients to see after however I was hesitant. What if the very people we grew up with and I cared for came after my family and me? I wanted to be quick and hurry home. Something inside me made me doubt everything I had ever known.

When I arrived at the first house, I greeted them like always, but my smile was strained and my body was rigid. I spilled medicine and my hands shook the entire time. I assured the family I was fine, but I knew it was not a good day for me to work.

I finally finished and as I headed home, George spotted me and gave me a warm smile.

“Good day,” he said.

“Hello.” I could not look him in the eyes. For once in my life, I did not feel comfortable in my own skin. He touched my hand and I jumped.

“Is something the matter?” he asked. I could hear sadness in his voice.

“I am not feeling well. I need to return home.” I wanted to leave, but he stood in my way and I refused to look at him.

“By all means, let me accompany you so you get there safe.”

I shook my head. “That is not needed.” My eyes watered. I could not bear the thought of George hunting me for being an Enchanter. I could not handle the betrayal.

“Savina.” His voice was smooth and calm. “Please, tell me your troubles.”

I met his eyes. Beautiful blue and full of concern. My heart pounded and I gripped my bag so tight that my hands pulsated. Could I tell George what I was? If I told him, would he eventually betray me like Edward did to Veronica? Would he fear me? A tear slid down my cheek. “I cannot tell you. And we cannot see each other ever again.”

His face twisted in confusion. “No. Do not do this, I beg you. Please, whatever it is, we can work through it. I love you, Savina.”

My heart dropped and I hated to hurt his feelings. I had to tell him. “Meet me by the river in half an hour.”

“Will you promise to be there?”

“Of course.”

He nodded and let me pass. I hurried home and dropped off my bag. I informed Colden I would be meeting George. He did not seem to be cautious at all about being around the Ephemerals, but perhaps I was the only one overthinking things.

I set out under the violet twilight sky. The temperature had cooled and the night was calm. My nerves were not, however. As I approached the riverbank, my heart fluttered at the sight of George. Dressed in brown pants and boots and a loose white shirt, he looked handsome.

I took a deep breath. “George.”

He turned with a smile and his eyes brightened. He rushed up to me and took my hands in his. “Tell me what ails you, my love.”

I bit my lip. “If I told you something about me, do you promise not to run?”

He furrowed his thick eyebrows. “Of course. I could never run from you.”

“I have never told anyone. And I fear telling you.”

“Savina, I love you with all of my heart. Never be afraid to tell me anything.”

I looked away, trying to gather the strength. What was I doing? I gripped his hands. “People are raised to fear me, George. But you know that I am not evil. I care so much for everyone in our village.”

“What are you saying?”

“I am a Healer. I have the power to heal people.”

He gave a half-smile and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. “I already knew that.”

I shook my head. “No. I made those medicines, but I can heal with a single touch.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

I reached inside my bonnet and removed a small pin. I placed George’s hand palm side up and stabbed the center with the pin. He winced, and then I moved my hand over his willing the puncture to heal.

He opened his mouth and stared at his hand. “Savina, I-I don’t know what to say. If anyone finds out you-you are a witch, they will kill you.”

I could not hold back my tears. “Please do not think I aim to hurt others. Most of us are not cruel. We only wish to live in secret. I would never harm a soul. I am still the same person you have always known. Nothing has changed.”

“Have you always been a witch?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

He tilted his head. “My sister. You gave her medicines.”

“I did. I made them myself. And if anyone was ever near death, I healed them.” I met his hard stare. “I only wanted to show you so that if you wanted to leave me, you could. I beg you not to turn against me or kill me or—.”

George’s lips were on mine, soft, yet firm. His arms pressed me into his body, and my heart throbbed. I moaned and he kissed me harder.

We parted and I could still taste his lips and feel his breath on me. A tear escaped the corner of my eye.

He wiped it away. “Savina, you continue to amaze me every day.” He kissed my neck and my entire body warmed. “I will never tell a soul. I love you.” He held me tight and we stayed like that for a few moments. “There is something I would like to ask you.”

“Of course. Anything.”

He gazed into my eyes with a heavy passion that I had not seen before. “I promise to love you every day and protect you. Will you marry me?”

I was shocked and then I smiled. “Yes!”

George lifted me up from my waist and spun me around. He kissed me once more and looked at me with so much love. George loved me no matter what.

I could not wait to share the news with Colden and Corbin. I arrived home, my stomach in knots, and a smile on my face. Colden repeatedly asked me to tell him what had happened, but I wanted to wait for Corbin.

He arrived late one evening, drenched from the pouring rain with a scowl on his face. I hoped my news would cheer him up from the long and miserable journey. Veronica accompanied him, but retired for the evening.

“I have much to tell you,” Corbin told us, and I brought him a towel and warm soup.

“Savina has news as well,” Colden said.

He smiled and took a seat next to the fireplace. “Please dear Savina share your news, first.”

I could not contain myself. “George asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”

Colden smiled and his eyes brightened. “Sister that is wonderful news.” He drew me into an embrace, but Corbin’s smile faded, and his dark eyes glowered. 

“What is it?” I asked. “Why are you not happy?”

“You are to marry an Ephemeral?”

“It is George. You like him.”

He shook his head. “He is an Ephemeral, Savina.”

“I know this. What is the problem?” The way he said
Ephemeral
made me shudder. It was as though the word disgusted him. I could not tell him that George knew what I was.

“I wish you both could have come with me.” His voice seemed darker, matching the menacing glare that burned into me. “You would have learned so much. They are eager to meet you both.”

“Father, I am confused. I thought you wanted nothing to do with the family.”

“I was wrong. I have neglected my family for too long, but they made me remember the truth. We live among evil and we must end it.” He peered out the window with a hard look and gripped the arms of the chair. Colden and I were at a loss. Corbin would say no more that night.

The following days, he was distant and snapped at us for asking simple questions. He would not tell us what had happened in Caprington. Even Veronica remained quiet. It was as if they were in mourning.

I returned home one day from treating patients, and Corbin met me as soon as I entered the manor.

“You should stop treating those filthy mongrels,” he demanded.

“What?” I dropped my bag. “Why do you say that?”

“They do not deserved to be healed.”

“Corbin, I—.”

“Stop healing them. Leave it for someone else.” Darkness clouded his black eyes and his cold tone sent chills all over me.

“I do not understand.”

“You will listen to me.”

“Please tell me what happened.”

His eyes softened for a short moment.

“Corbin,” Veronica called from the entrance to the room. “Come with me.”

“Just one moment.”

Veronica glared. “You will not make me wait.”

He started to walk away.

“I am to have dinner with George and his family tonight,” I said.

Corbin turned back to me. “You are never to see him again.”

My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach and my legs trembled. The room spun and my mouth watered. “What? No. I cannot do that.”

“You will do as I say.”

“What has happened for you to say such things? Please do not forbid me to see him.”

“How dare you challenge your father,” Veronica said. “George is an Ephemeral and they are our enemy. Did you not hear what Edward planned?”

“My word is final,” Corbin said. “Do not fight me.” He left the room with Veronica.

I hated him in that moment. I felt as if he had taken my heart right out of my chest. How could he demand such a thing? Tears streamed down my face.

“Sister, what is the matter?” Colden pulled me inside his room and closed the door. “Tell me what troubles you.”

I repeated the conversation between Corbin and me.

Colden’s face twisted in confusion and shock. “How could he do that? He encouraged your marriage with George before.”

“I know. I do not know what has changed him. We must find out.”

“I attempted to speak with Veronica, but she stays hidden in her room and refuses to talk.”

“I do not understand his anger. He has become very paranoid.”

“We must find out what happened.”

“Do you think the Ephemerals attacked them?”

“It is possible,” Colden said. “But I should think Corbin’s family could defend themselves rather easily.”

“What about Mary? Do you think they killed Mary?”

He thought for a moment. “Perhaps.”

“Why will they not tell us? They want us to go Caprington and meet the rest of the family.”