SYMPHONY OF MAGIC (ASHWOOD CHRONICLES #2) Page 3

  First came the sound of faint electrical crackling, followed by a bright green flash of light from her palm.

  Brianna froze, eyes wide and openmouthed.

  “That’s all I can basically do,” Kori said breathlessly. “I’m a human camera flash.” She looked away from her palm and towards Brianna. “You’re the first I’ve told about this, not even Ethan knows.”

  She smiled lightly. “So, am I a witch?”

  Brianna stared deep into Kori’s green eyes. “I honestly don’t think you are. Your eyes would be the same as mine if you were.”

  Kori’s gaze dropped. “Oh.”

  “You’re definitely not a witch, although what you just did, was still magic.”

  A male voice sounded from behind them. Startled, the girls turned to see a tall, slim built teenage boy dressed in a long-sleeved light blue shirt, dark blue jeans, black boots, and a colorful scarf around his waist. Kori eyed his long messy dark hair.

  “It’s Nicodemus, right?”

  The boy nodded, coming to a halt several inches away from them. “But you can call me Nico.”

  “I know you. We have several classes together.” Brianna got to her feet. “Why are you here and how much have you heard.”

  The boy smiled a toothy grin. “I heard enough.” He eyed Kori for a split second before trading glances with Brianna. “I’m just like you.”

  His eyes glowed red for a short second as he held out his right hand and each of his fingertips ignited as if they were birthday candles.

  “You’re a witch?” Kori asked hopping to her feet.

  “The correct term is warlock,” he said shaking out the flames then turning his attention towards Brianna.

  “You’re a witch too huh...What’s the name of your coven?”

  Brianna stared at him blankly.

  “You do know what a coven is, don’t you?” He said slowly.

  “Of course, I do.” Brianna said in bewilderment. “It’s just that I never met another witch-” she paused and corrected herself. “Warlock in Winter Springs before.”

  “Well, with Giovanni being no more, Mr. Alexander Ashwood lifted the ban on witches and warlocks.”

  “Why was there a ban to begin with?”

  He stared at her as if he were shocked she didn’t know the answer.

  “Four years ago, a witch cursed Giovanni, which caused him to go mad. He feared our powers and had all witches and Warlocks exiled from Winter Springs. Those who managed to continue to live in town were closely watched. And if any of them cast the simplest of spells they were immediately put down.”

  Brianna gasped. “But I lived here for the past five years and not a day went by that I didn’t use magic.”

  Nico eyed her suspiciously. “Either you have friends in high places or you’re lying.”

  “Or maybe you’re the one whose lying,” Kori said abruptly.

  He looked at her tensely as if her presence had startled him.

  “I have no reason to lie,” he said soothingly.

  Now looking at Brianna he continued with, “my family and I are from out west, and now live just a little outside of town at the Bellevue ranch. It’s been in my dad’s side of the family for generations.” He continued to study Brianna. “So, which coven are you with?”

  “I don’t have one,” she said quickly.

  “So, you’re an independent witch.” The amusement in his voice was boarder line sarcastic.

  His eyes then narrowed. “Do you at least have an instructor.”

  Brianna shook her head. “I’m basically self-taught. Everything I know is from an old grimoire Alexander gave me.”

  Nico clapped his hands together. “I knew you had something to do with Mr. Ashwood...you’re Andre’s Cortes daughter, aren’t you?”

  Brianna glared at Nico.

  “You’re too cautious,” he said casually. “My mom knew your parents.”

  Kori focused on the two, her curiosity building like a predator fixated upon its prey.

  “Self-taught magic is not only dangerous, but it’s reckless and stupid too.” Nico said scoldingly. “What spells do you know?”

  Brianna looked hesitant for a moment but then decided to entertain him and as she named off her spells, he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. But then suddenly interrupted her with a tut. “Every spell you just named is elementary, nothing special. A kindergartener could perform them.”

  Brianna’s conceited expression shifted to a look of anger. “Maybe I should summon a dragon to tear you to pieces.”

  Her remark garnered a look of shock from him. “Y-you have a contract with the summoning king?”

  She shook her head. “No but I can summon dragons.”

  Nico released a burst of laughter. “Wow! You truly are dangerous. Summoning creatures without a contract is highly dangerous. You never know what you will get and without a contract they don’t have to obey you and could even kill you just for fun.”

  He gazed at Kori. “Your friend is just a basic witch.”

  Both girls frowned at him. However, his next few words caused their animosity toward him to thaw.

  “My parents are opening up a school for witches and warlocks. You should enroll.” His tone was less judgmental. “They are quite the legend in the magical world.”

  Brianna remained silent prompting Kori to speak up. “What about me? Is it possible for them to teach me too?”

  Nico laughed nervously. “Your magic is different. It doesn’t come from an outside source... but instead, it comes from within.”

  Abashed, Kori’s gaze dropped.

  Nico’s glance passed from her to Brianna. Then he smiled brightly at them. “Why don’t you guys come by my house after school. My parents know way more about this kind of stuff. Maybe they can help you figure it out.”

  Kori stayed silent for a moment, considering. She was weighing up the dangers of trusting Nico, while at the same time recalling the time she had trusted Dominic which resulted in her and Ethan nearly dying.

  Brianna raised a hand to stay her concern. “No offense but we just met you,” she said.

  He gave them a friendly smile. “True,” he retorted with a shrug. Nico paused as if in deep thought. “...How about this instead, my parents are meeting Mr. Alexander at the Ashwood manor later this evening. I can tag along and introduce you both to them.”

  Kori glanced at Brianna, warning her not to be so trusting.

  She ignored her.

  “I guess we’ll see you later this evening then.”

  Chapter-Three

  When Kori was a little girl growing up in Miami Florida, she had imagined herself living life as a princess in a massive palace. She would be surrounded by friends, family, and would go on wild adventures with her dashing prince. When they returned home, they would throw the most elegant ball, and dance all night with pure happiness forever captured in their memories.

  Ashwood manor was on the outskirts of her neighborhood, a long way from Florida, both physically and metaphorically. A few years removed from that childhood fantasy; a feeling of reminiscence tiptoed to the forefront of her mind as she stared at the massive mansion. She slowly walked the long pave driveway, drinking in the beauty of the well manicure land. It was a massive estate that felt as if it belonged in a Victorian era movie rather than a suburb of a small town in the state of North Carolina.

  On either side of the driveway were side by side rolls of towering bright green privacy hedges. Above her, the evening sky awaited the arrival of starlight and the silvery moon. The shadows of the hedges danced upon the pavement, speckling the tarmac as the leaves flickered like candlelight.

  Amid the aroma of the dying summer bloom, a cool evening breeze washed over her. She savored the moment feeling more relax than she had in a long while.

  Her mind ventured toward Ethan. She told him and their parents that she was going to the library for a few hours, just as she had done all summer. She felt bad about lying to them. But if Ethan knew she was goin
g to Ashwood Manor, he would have insisted on tagging along. However, getting answers about her magic was something she felt she needed to do on her own. Besides, due to his advance classes, he was swamped with homework and she didn’t want to add more stress to what he was already going through.

  Once she reached the front door, Brianna was there waiting, a smile on her face.

  “The Darkmores are already here,” she said as Kori stepped onto the large porch. “They are meeting with Alexander in his office at the moment.”

  She led Kori through extravagant halls, and she marveled at the exquisiteness of it all. Particularly after living in conventional homes for all her life, Kori let the daydreams of her childhood fantasies run wild within her imagination.

  Brianna came to a halt at a closed door. She pushed it open, allowing her and Kori to gather inside.

  There was no back wall to the enormous room, only tempered glass. For a moment Kori was mesmerized by the clear panorama of the manicured garden on the other side. The three other walls were covered with grey and ivory wallpaper and motivational photographs with silver frames.

  In a state of half organized clutter, a wide and long mahogany table sat in the center of the room. It was accompanied with several swivel chairs, and pens in a tin. Floor to ceiling bookshelves along with numerous file cabinets lined the walls.

  “What is this room?” Kori asked as she walked over to the glass back wall.

  “This is where we are meeting the Darkmores.” She gave Kori an apologetic smile. “But I must warn you, they are a bit eccentric.”

  Kori fixed Brianna with a dubious look. Funny that’s what everyone at school says about you and your brothers.

  Behind them the door opened, and five others came in with Alexander Ashwood. One of them was Nico. Two girls his age stood next to him, one dressed in all black with dark makeup. The other was in a catholic schoolgirl’s uniform and seemed a lot livelier. The other two were middle aged adults, one a man with carefully parted black hair and thick eyebrows. He was dressed in a white shirt and tie with black dress pants and a cardigan. From the looks of him, Kori expected the man to be smoking from a tobacco pipe.

  The fifth was a beautiful woman, with medium brown skin, jet black hair, and striking emerald eyes.

  Before Kori could say anything, Brianna said, “welcome to Ashwood Manor.” Then she looked at Kori with excited eyes. “We have so many questions.”

  “I’m sure you do,” Alexander said. His words were slurred, prompting Brianna to glance at him suspiciously. His cheeks were flushed as if he had over powdered his face with blush, he sluggishly yawned. She then noticed he was holding onto an onion shape dark purple bottle. He traced her gaze and held up the glass jug.

  “It’s a peace offering,” the beautiful woman said. “Now that Alexander has lifted the prohibition, witches and warlocks are able to return to the town once more. I want to turn our ranch into a boarding home for our sisters and brothers. A safe place for-”

  “T-they had an automatic yes once they gave me the Umbrarosa,” Alexander interrupted with a loud yawn.

  Kori stared at him. The guy couldn’t be drunk. Granted he was slurring his words, yet her stepdad always described him as a Viking god.

  “I’ll leave you guys to it,” Alexander said. “And I’ll have someone fetch some food from the kitchen.”

  Kori nor Brianna said nothing but continued to stare at the man in disbelief.

  He nodded his goodbye and sluggishly made his exit.

  “S-sorry he’s never like that,” Brianna said after a long moment of silence.

  The beautiful woman laughed, as she put her hand on the older man’s arm. It clearly was the action of a wife. Subtle, but not something Kori would miss.

  “It’s my fault,” the woman said apologetically. “Demons, and angels are unable to feel the effects of intoxicating drinks, but with Umbrarosa wine...well it’s like catnip.”

  Her eyes fell on Brianna. “You look so much like your mother.”

  Brianna beamed a smile. “You knew my parents?”

  The woman nodded. “I Did a long time ago. My name is Zaria Darkmore.”

  Brianna gasped. “I’ve read about you in my dad’s journal.”

  “Hope they were all good things,” Zaria replied with amusement.

  Brianna tilted her head from side to side. “So, so.” Looking to her right she added. “This is Kori Dawson...she’s able to use magic but she’s not a witch.”

  “Interesting,” the man said. “There are multiple creatures in this world that are able to use magic without being connected to the life-force.” His voice was deep, thoughtful, and exactly what Kori expected a father from a 1950s TV show would sound like.

  As he reached for a handshake, she flinched and retreated away.

  The girl dressed in all black rolled her eyes. “And people say I’m weird.” Her stoic expression mirrored her voice. “Can I go explore this mundane palace.”

  Without waiting for permission, she turned on her heels and left.

  “I should go with her,” the perky girl chimed. “To keep her out of trouble.” With that said, she exited.

  “The one that’s dressed in the morbid fashion, was Larissa, and the other is Elenora.” Zaria said. She embraced the older man as a lover might claim territory. “This tall, dark and handsome man is my husband Richard.” Now gesturing towards Nico, she continued with. “And you already know Nicodemus.”

  He scowled. “Mom, its Nico.”

  She raised her hands in defense. “My mistake, Oh Utmost Overlord of the Hormonal Ones.”

  Nico’s face flushed, triggering Brianna to giggle.

  “Can we please stay on subject,” he said through gritted teeth.

  Richard chuckled wholeheartedly. “Of course, my boy.” He gave Nico a sideways hug.

  Zaria’s eyes glazed over Brianna and she smiled as if she had recalled a fond memory. “Your mother was a talented, beautiful witch who taught me everything I know...and she was able to make a husband out of that visceral father of yours.” Her expression of affection faded. “Where is that old brute?”

  “He’s away on a business trip in South America.”

  Zaria awed. “Is he still in charge of International affairs for Deus Imperium?”

  Brianna nodded as everyone sat around the large table, the fading daylight slashed partial through the window across their faces.

  Richard leaned in, his forearms on the table and fingers interlocked. “The life-force,” he said in his profound thoughtful voice. “It’s the essence of life which is presented in all living things. And those who are born with a connection to the life force has the ability to manipulate it to achieve any effect one desires.”

  Zaria looked at Brianna and Kori studied them. There was a long silence before she finally said, “as witches or warlocks, we can access magic from the life-force by rituals, symbols, gestures language etc. Depending on your skill, personal power-level, knowledge and or morality defines the border and limits for one’s possibilities for what they can accomplish.”

  Richard nodded and continued with, “but there are others who uses abilities similar to magic...however their source of power comes from one of three branches of faith or from within.”

  “What’s the branches of faith?” Kori asked puzzled by the conversation.

  Right at that moment there was a knock at the door. Brianna got up to get it. It was a couple of members from the kitchen staff carrying trays of food. They came in and laid them on the table, then bowed and left.

  Kori hadn’t thought about her stomach since that afternoon; but now she realized that she was starving, and the sight of the food spread out before her made her mouth water. On one tray some kind of roasted bird sat nested in a bowl of roasted potatoes, carrots, onions, and wild rice. All kinds of fruits and a loaf of sweet-smelling bread, with warm butter glazed over it sat on the other tray along with a clear pitcher of a rosy color liquid.

  “Bon Appetit,”
Brianna said as she rejoined them at the table. She vaguely monitored the food as Kori and Nico fell to it, but the two adults hung back. They picked at a few of the fruits while others ate in silence, and then Zaria spoke up.

  “I assume you two haven’t heard of the three main branches of faith?”

  Kori stopped eating and looked from her host to the beautiful woman.

  Brianna shook her head. “I have, but I don’t know much about it and Kori is new to the scene.”

  “Then I will educate you both,” Zaria said holding her gaze steadily.

  She stood up and walked to the window, looking out to the yard beyond. “Grace, Sin, and Humanity are the three branches of faith. Grace belongs to the angels and other celestial creatures. It’s powered by the divine supremacy of heaven and the prayers of mortals. Grace celestials have almost god-like abilities.” She paused and looked at her feet. “Next is Sin. This branch belongs to the demons. And its power comes from the sins committed by mortals. Sin gives demons enhanced supernatural capabilities like strength, speed, fast healing and mental abilities.”

  Kori eyed Zaria’s every movement, wishing she brought her notebook to take notes.

  “When an angel denounces their grace and turns to sin, they become what’s called a fallen. And like their brethren who sided with Lucifer during the rebellion, they are stripped of their beauty and their bodies become warped and twisted hellish parodies of their former selves.”

  As she spoke, Zaria’s word fell from her without frill or exaggeration.

  “They can never walk freely among mortals unless they have the heart of a human beating in their chest. This keeps them anchored to the earthly plain in disguise as the person they stole the heart from. Without it, they would revert into their demon form and only have a few minutes to retreat back to hell before shriveling into a small parasite that can easily be killed.”

  She lifted her head now staring at everyone. “The last faith is Humanity or soul magic. If a mortal can unlock this power, they can draw power from their soul, giving them watered down abilities’ kindred to that of Sin and Grace. However, since the soul wasn’t meant to be used in such a way, it can cause the user’s soul to slowly deplete, which will trigger multiple side effects.”