SYMPHONY OF MAGIC (ASHWOOD CHRONICLES #2) Read online

  Kori shook her head, her face mystified.

  Zaria laughed, then said. “I might have gone a little off topic.” She turned her focus towards Kori. She watched as the woman stepped closer. “Have you somehow tapped into your humanity?”

  Her voice was on the edge of cynical. Kori stared for a moment at Zaria. Her beautiful eyes looked back without blinking.

  “I-I don’t think so...when we fought Giovanni, he called me a faery.”

  A sudden hush filled the room as all eyes fell on Kori.

  “You fought Giovanni?” Nico said in bewilderment.

  “Never mind that?” Zaria hissed. “He’s dead.” The woman had moved closer and was almost leaning down in front of Kori. “Did you say faery?”

  Kori nodded feeling uncomfortable.

  Richard, looking her right in the eyes for the longest time without blinking, then stood, turned, and joined his wife’s side. A Cheshire cat grin lit up his face like a sallow candle in a dirty paper lamp. In the wrinkles of his face there were no laughter lines and his eyes remained sunken no matter what.

  Kori grimaced at them both. “A-are you two okay?”

  Nico was next to stand. “Dude why are you guys acting so weird? faeries don’t exist.”

  Richard chuckled as he turned away from Kori. “Oh, but they do my boy...maybe not in this world but in Terracadia they are in an abundance.”

  “What’s Terracadia?” Brianna asked.

  “It’s a paradise world created by the Archangel Seraphinity.” Richard answered. “In Terracadia the supernatural don’t have to hide in the shadows or disguise themselves as mortals. It’s a place for people like us to freely live.” Richard said.

  Nico scoffed and said under his breath, “too bad you guys are forever exiled from there.”

  His parents either didn’t hear or didn’t want to acknowledge the comment. Zaria suddenly took Kori’s hand into hers. For a fraction of a second, she admired Zaria’s well-manicured nails. she noticed how sharp and pointy they were, especially when she used one to make a small incision on Kori’s index finger. A droplet of blood instantly pooled.

  Kori yelped and was about to pull her hand away when Zaria shoved her bleeding finger to her purse lips and began to suck.

  “What the hell lady?” Kori screamed as she yanked her finger from Zaria’s mouth.

  The woman laughed as if she was in a drunken stupor and her eyes shifted from emerald to magenta. She got to her feet taking several steps back.

  “I can feel it coursing through me, so potent and strong.”

  Brianna’s face was a picture of mute shock, Nico palmed his face, while Richard stared at his wife proudly. Kori applied pressure to her wounded finger glaring at Zaria.

  She raised her finger point skyward and whispered a phrased. And seconds later a thin ribbon of pink smoke shot from her fingertip. It wisped about gradually forming into a fist size butterfly and elegantly flew around the room leaving behind trails of flowery smelling smoke.

  Watching her creation like a mom might do when her child takes their first step, Zaria threw her hands over her mouth. A gasp along with emotional laughter escaped and tears streamed down her face.

  At that moment, Kori’s anger thawed, her eyes gazing over Zaria.

  What is this woman’s deal?

  Kori watched with surprise as the smile suddenly drained from Zaria’s face. After a few seconds, the butterfly grew smaller in size and then fizzled out.

  Richard’s saddened expression mirrored that of his wife’s as a long reign of silence took over.

  Kori got to her feet as Zaria moved away from her. “Why did you cut me?” Kori demanded. “What is your problem? And why are you—” She didn’t know what to say, so she just stopped.

  Zaria smiled sweetly at her. “Which one of your parents is the faery?”

  Kori stared into the eyes of the beautiful woman.

  “Both? I don’t know. I just recently found out I have these powers.”

  Zaria nodded. “You’re definitely half faery. Otherwise, the apparition would have lasted longer.”

  “How certain are you that I’m a...” Kori paused her eyes shifting between Zaria and Richard. “A faery.”

  “Just a drop of faery blood can amplify witch magic tenfold.”

  Kori looked away in disgust. “Does this mean you’re going to drain me of my blood?”

  “Heavens no!” Zaria said tersely. “We’re not addicts.”

  Kori stared at her blankly however Richard’s voice stole her gaze. “Besides, faery harvesting is highly illegal and punishable by death.”

  He pulled a handkerchief from his cardigan and began to clean his glasses.

  “But I’m afraid we don’t know much about faeries,” he said putting away the handkerchief and stuffing his glasses onto his face.

  Kori looked at her hands, perplexed. At that same moment, the door swung opened, and Dominic popped in a look paralleling that of Kori’s.

  “There is a random goth girl and a blonde wandering the halls...” He paused as his eyes scanned from Nico to his parents. “Who are these people?”

  “The Darkmores,” Brianna said standing up suddenly. She looked hesitant for a moment then added. “Can you show Kori to the library.” Locking eyes with her she continued, “I’m sure you can find several lore books on faeries there.”

  Dominic spotted Kori and a look of surprise ignited in his eyes. “Sure.”

  He motioned for her to follow him. Kori stood, took one last look around the room and exited with Dominic.

  She allowed herself to be herded through more elaborate halls and once again she was in awe at how lavish they were. Amazed by the beauty of it all she was barely aware of what direction they were taking, placing one foot in front of the other automatically as they walked in silence. However, when Dominic’s voice sliced through her train of thought, it felt as if he had tripped her.

  “Do you and four eyes still hate me?”

  She did not know how much time had passed before she had answer him. “You tried to kill us, you psycho!” she shouted. “I don’t know why you’re not locked away somewhere in solitary confinement or in a place for lunatics.”

  “You think I’m a lunatic...psycho?” Dominic said dumbly.

  “Yes!” Kori shouted, jamming her index finger into Dominic’s chest. “Because of you, Ethan has nightmares every night, I hear him waking up every night crying...You’re a monster Dominic Ashwood.”

  “We don’t have time for this,” he moaned as if he was never in the wrong. “But I will do it all over again if it means keeping my family safe.”

  “And if you ever put me, Ethan or anyone else I love in danger again...I’ll kill you myself.”

  Dominic looked at her pretty face unemotional. “Fair enough,” he said in a calm reasonable tone. “Anyway, we are here.”

  The two of them had stopped in front of a set of massive double wooden doors.

  Dominic chuckled. “Good luck searching for faeries,” he said walking off. “I’m going to hunt down those two hot girls.”

  Kori groaned with frustration watching Dominic disappearing around a corner.

  Turning towards the massive entrance she pushed open the heavy swing doors. Inside was a massive two-story room with a tiled chessboard floor and thousands of shelves fanning out from a central reception area. As she stepped deeper inside, she heard a soothing singing voice resonating about the library like a siren luring in its pray.

  [I can see your soul burning in your eyes. It burns so brightly.

  I can tell you’re worn down from the fight.

  It’s not right.

  No.

  I want to hold you.

  But you walk past me.

  You’re tired. It’s easy to tell as you force a smile on a face that’s too frail.

  You’re just not the same as you used to be.

  It’s a shame to see you with a cold face. I wish I could bring back that warmth below the stress.]

  Kori’s eyes searched about for the owner of the lovely melody. Multiple tables were spread out the library all were smoothed, dust free and empty, except for the one near the reception area.

  “...Hayden,” Kori said to herself.

  He sat upon the table singing, his voice drifting through the library like a comforting breeze. Kori walked towards him as if she were being pulled by an invisible string of symphony that flowed from his lips.

  [Behind the mess I can see your soul burning in your eyes

  It burns brightly.

  Yeah

  It’s getting harder to see

  But I’ll never leave you]

  As the last note of his song curled slowly from his lips, he opened his eyes and they were instantly interlocked with Kori’s bright green ones.

  His face washed blank and he let out a startled yelp falling from the table. “W-what are you doing here?” he said climbing to his feet.

  She giggled giving him a once over. “I thought you were a Kung Fu badass...how come little ole me scared you?”

  Hayden chuckled while rubbing the back of his head. “Would it be cliché If I say when I’m singing, I get lost in the music and everything else just falls away.”

  Kori scrunched her face. “Just a little.”

  Hayden smiled nervously. “Why are you here?”

  Kori looked at him in mock-annoyance. “Well, if you must know...I just recently found out I’m a faery and Brianna believes I can find a few lore books about them here.”

  Hayden seemed caught, reluctant to agree with the idea of faeries existing.

  She looked deep into his eyes, brushing aside a lock of her silver hair. “You don’t believe in faeries?”

  He took an involuntary step back.

  Smi
ling at his wariness, she said. “Why are you so jumpy? Last year you were Mr. Tough grungy rock-star.”

  Hayden laughed dryly. “It’s hard to be a rock-star without a band...just found out an hour ago they replaced me as lead singer.”

  “Why?” Kori asked morosely.

  “Alexander grounded us for over a year, and we weren’t allowed to have any devices that could connect us to the outside world. My band thought I didn’t want to be in the band anymore.”

  Kori’s mind searched for the right words to comfort the obvious hurt she knew he was trying to hide. She watched him for a moment. His appearance had changed from last year. His long tawny hair was shorter, but he was slightly taller. She opened her mouth to express her sympathy, but he cut her off.

  “I can show you where the lore books on faeries are.”

  Kori smiled and they locked eyes for a split second then quickly looked away awkwardly.

  “Okay sure,” she said.

  He led her away from the reception area heading into one of many isles of tall bookcases and towards a flight of stairs. It wasn’t long before their upward route took them to the second floor of the library. Multiple bookcases rose high and close on either side of them, and the floor matched the first level.

  “This place is ten times bigger than the local library.” Kori said after a while, interrupting the small talk they had been making.

  Hayden stopped and looked about, then nodded. “Yeah, one of the reasons why I like to sing in here.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because of the acoustics.” They continued.

  He was different from the first time they met. He actually seemed happy to be around her.

  Why isn’t he being a dick?

  What changed?

  This side of Hayden made her feel relaxed...made her feel safe. As they went. Kori told him about her encounters with the Darkmores, about how she was able to use magic and what she’s been going through since they left purgatory. She left nothing out, as if she trusted him with all her secrets.

  “There are days my head just doesn’t work. I try so hard to focus and it’s like trying to run through water. My brain fogs up and thoughts go nowhere. We went to another world and nearly died multiple times...my soul was literally ripped from my body and I know I’m partially to blame for how Ethan and I ended up in purgatory, but I really hate your brother.”

  “In no way am I defending him, but in his own twisted way he believed what he was doing was right.”

  “He’s a demented monster,” Kori said casting him a sharp glance. “You can’t deny that.”

  “Yes, he has issues but who doesn’t.”

  “He has more than issues, he has a subscription.” Kori said tersely.

  Hayden chuckled at the remark. His boyish laughter causing the anger to drain out of her a little. There was no point at getting angry at Hayden because of what Dominic did. He did nothing wrong and tried to protect her since the day they met. Still his brother was an irrational monster.

  “Besides, I think he’s learned his lesson.” Hayden said brightly.

  She scoffed. “I doubt it.”

  Hayden suddenly stopped as the rolls of high bookcases on both sides fell away and they were standing in massive a circular solarium, filled with tables that housed office lamps, tins of writing utensils and notepads. Hayden pointed to the isle of books directly behind him.

  “That whole section has lore books on faeries, sprites, elves, pixies etc.” He smiled at the wonderment in her eyes.

  “D-do you want to stay and help me with my research?” she asked timidly.

  Hayden paused as if debating her offer. Then he chuckled. “Only under one condition.”

  “Oh yeah,” she challenged. “What’s the catch?”

  “You have to go to the Breaking Ties festival with me.”

  Kori looked mystified for a moment. “...as in a date?”

  “Yes, a da-te,” Hayden retorted.

  Chapter-Four

  Brianna was giving Nico the official tour of the mansion. She wanted to learn as much as possible about magic before he and his family headed home. She walked slowly, pacing the boy’s steps as if he were the one giving the tour. They were in a wing of the mansion that she visited daily. She had already shown him the huge ballroom and more places than she could count. And everything was distinctly first-class.

  “Clearly you guys are loaded,” Nico said with a crooked smile. “Of course, Alexander does run the east coast branch of Deus Imperium INC. I shouldn’t expect there would be a problem getting money.”

  Brianna chuckled. “I’m not rich, Alexander is the one with the money.”

  She led Nico to a sliding door consisting of translucent sheets on a lattice frame. Before she slid it opened, she slipped off her shoes and motioned for Nico to do the same. He looked defiant for a second then obliged. Inside was a wide-open area void of any furniture or windows and vaulted ceilings. Unlike the lightweight door, the walls were made from hardwood and tatami mats covered the floor.

  “What is this place?” Nico asked warily

  Brianna giggled pulling a thin wooden rod from her back pocket. She pointed it at Nico. “A safe place for you to teach me a new spell.”

  “You use a wand as your medium?” He said mockingly. “Are you still in diapers too?”

  Brianna frowned, but didn’t say anything as she put away her wand.

  “I use a ring,” he said showing off his ring hand. “It’s easier to keep on my person without looking like a dork carrying around a ridiculous wand.”

  Brianna eyed the boy, searching to see if she could determine what kind of person he was.

  Nico turned and walked to the center of the room. “How about I tell you a story instead?”

  He motioned for Brianna to join him. She released a short sharp breath and followed.

  “Earlier at school when I asked you to name off all the spells you knew...you only mentioned offensive or defensive spells.” He and Brianna now stood several inches apart facing one another. “There is more to magic, than attacking or defending. It can be use in passive ways as well. And sometimes it’s a beautiful thing when used correctly.” He took Brianna’s hand into his. “Have you ever synced before.”

  She shook her head. “Other than a witch I met while in purgatory, You’re the only witch-”

  “Warlock,” Nico corrected her tersely. He then smiled gently. “Syncing is one of the most beautiful and intimate ways to use magic. You and everyone involved must have complete trust in each other or the link will backfire. But done right, mystical things can happen and you can reach a whole new level you never knew existed.”

  His expression was pleasant, with an inkling of wistfulness, while the soft glimmer of his lucid eyes betrayed the dreamer. “Focus on my instructions.”

  Brianna looked hesitant. Her eyes were trained keenly on Nico’s face. There was something in the way he smiled, a warmth, a genuineness, a softness of spirit even when he mocked her earlier. During the tour she gave him, he listened like he was absorbing her words. The more time they talked, the more she realized her only male friends were her two brothers.

  “Ok, let’s do this.”

  Nico smiled, “Just focus on my voice, imagine what I’m telling you, and channel your magic towards me like I’m your wand. I will do the same to you.”

  She nodded closing her eyes. “I’m ready.”

  “Long ago, mortals and the supernatural lived in peace, until the powerful demon Ashura rose from hell. Along with him came legions of his most loyal followers. He used his power to obtain unlimited control over the world. He enslaved the humans for hundreds of years and turned other supernaturals into his enforcers. He made them believe their abilities were superior to all humans and if they were loyal to him their power would only grow stronger.”

  As he spoke, the air around them charged with magenta colored energy, swirling, gaining intensity and forming a blur whirlwind. Then the air started to ripple off the energy, like waves on clear water. Brianna wanted to open her eyes, but she had to stay focused. Energy seemed to pour from Nico’s hands and into hers while she did likewise to him. “One day, a brave mortal by the name of Demetri raised an army of mortals and empathetic supernaturals to lead them into a rebellion against Ashura. This resulted into a war. A war that became known as the great flood.”