One wrong step, p.25
One Wrong Step, page 25
“Sister, we have a guest. Come, say hello.”
A girl turned, her hip-length braids swaying with the movement. Seeing me, her lips twisted, and disdain dripped from them like poison, and yet her eyes enlightened with a glee saved for old pals. Friends we were not, but I remembered her.
"Angelica," I accused, drudging up a name. "You wanted to try some jinx on me after I was bitten."
Frustratingly, she was as stunning as her brother. Dark, golden eyes framed by dark lashes, her skin held a luscious glow, while she’d painted her plump lips red. Changed out of her uniform, she wore a swirling black maxi dress and heavy silver jewellery, from rings and bangles to chokers and earrings.
“And you’re the bitch who got Nicolas’s detention for a week.” She looked me up and down, that sneer not leaving.
Chilton had detached himself from my arm and now watched from the side, and he wasn’t the only one. I recognised Fyzel, the man Nic loathed, with his long, gloss red hair, surrounded by a rabble of adoring eyes. I stood alone in the room’s centre.
“You should have let him bite you harder. That ass could have received a month's suspension if you’d put in some effort.”
Feeling a spark of annoyance flare, I smothered it down, reminding myself I needed her even as I spoke through grit teeth. “Well, I’ll try harder next time, promise.”
“You’re brave to come down here, princess,” Angelica purred, walking closer, her charms and jewellery chiming. “That or incredibly stupid.”
“Would you believe you’re not the first to tell me that?” I smiled in a bubblegum, sweet voice. “And yet here I am.”
“And yet here you are,” Angelica repeated slower, narrowing her gaze. “What do you want?” She stiffened as if preparing for trouble. Thunder suddenly rolled over my head and glancing up, I gasped as a tiny cloud formed, lightning already churning in its depths. “Or are you just looking to be hexed?”
Sniggers flew as more heads turned with the promise of some painful entertainment.
Sucking in a breath, I remained calm, keeping my face schooled. “What’s the difference exactly?” I asked as if it were a friendly conversation. Her face crumpled in confusion.
“What?”
“Well, you just asked if I want to be hexed, but before when I lay dying-” Which wasn’t exactly an exaggeration, “You said you wanted to try a jinx? I want to know the difference.”
“But why, chéri?” Chilton spoke up, his head tilting to the side, amused.
“Because you’re at an unfair disadvantage. When you threaten me, should I be more afraid of a hex or a jinx? I’m not shaking in my kitten heels if I don’t know, am I?”
“Are you fucking serious?” Angelica fumed.
“It’s a fair question, Angie,” Fyzel spoke up, his interest peeked now. Catching my eye, he winked, setting my skin flushed. “I wouldn’t mind knowing, too.”
“A jinx is a mere annoyance:” Chilton spoke, his ghostly eye now seeming to stare directly at me. “Knocking over the milk every morning or stubbing your toe every night. They wear off in a week.”
“I see.” I croaked, hoping they couldn’t tell I was one beat from a heart attack. Really, seeing Jade fly, and Larc turn into a wolf should have prepared me, but feeling a storm lift the hairs off my arms, I now understood Briar’s concern.
“A Hex,” Chilton went on, his voice soothing and liquid, which helped my palpitating heart. “Is a little more than a string of bad luck. Hair might fall out. Always getting the time wrong. Becoming blind whenever your lover appears. Never having tome signal when you need it. They last until the victim has learnt their lesson.”
“That’s… really cool, actually.” I mused truthfully, a wicked smile curving my lips. “Anything you might suggest for a wolf too big for his claws? I have a few who-”
“Enough!”
A fork of lightning flashed in my peripheral vision, and I screamed. Tripping to the rugged floor, the scorch mark smoked inches from my feet. I inhaled the smell of charred fibres as I hyperventilated. Everyone else just scoffed.
“This isn’t a classroom, and we don’t help your kind,” Angelica seethed, striding closer. “Your whimsical chatter won’t sway us, so fuck off!” Her bark grated on me, but I kept my cool.
Pouting, I brushed the dust off my uniform and gathered myself off the floor. “That’s not what your brother said. In fact, he said, my cheery disposition was why you’d give me all the time I needed.”
Angelica bristled, shooting venom at Chilton, who raised two hands. “Calm sister mine.” He smiled, the dimples in his dark skin popping in the firelight. “I merely suggest we hear the princess out. There is no harm in words. Not from her kind, anyway.”
It was my turn to bristle, but the storm clouds softened, and the rumble of thunder slipped into a growl. Biting my tongue, I allowed an extra beat of silence to show my annoyance before speaking. “I require something, and I’m told it's warded or some bollocks. This princess seems to have a coin or two spare, so help me through them and you can have some?”
A look flickered between the siblings and I didn’t like the matching smile they shared. “We don’t care for monetary value.” Chilton shrugged apologetically.
“Which you’d know if your attention stretched further than your own vanity,” Angelica added.
“But your time, that is something we could use.” Chilton finished as if his sister hadn’t spoken.
“My time?” Chilly fingers stroked my neck again, the storm quivering above me. “To do what?”
Another shared look and it was practically sunny over my head. “A project.” Angelica offered, her dark eyes gleaming.
“And you won’t tell me what the project is, are you?”
“That would ruin the experiment.” Chilton shrugged.
“Oh,” I laughed bitterly, “it’s an experiment now?”
“Of course, if you’re too scared…?” Angelica murmured, stepping to the wall of plants. Lifting a hand, she brushed a flower’s underside and instantly, it curled defensively up into its roots. “Or are you worried about your precious image; we can just let you go.” She lifted a wicked smile, “After we’ve had our fun, princess.”
“Don’t call me princess.” The words were slick on my tongue, but this was my chance. I needed a witch. I needed this. “So, time for time? Sounds like a deal to me.” I smiled, holding out a hand to shake. “When shall we meet? I’d hate to impose on your beauty sleep.”
“Beauty is not what I crave in my dreams.” The witch grinned, her icy hand clasping mine. Lightning cracked, and I knew she wanted me to flinch because her face sneered when I didn’t. “This time tomorrow.”
“Perfect.” I smiled, ignoring the icy chill that increased, stabbing at my fingers. “We can meet at the Library. More homely than this place.”
“Well, we wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable, now, would we?” The ice intensified. My skin burned in the cold, my wrist aching, and I was sad to say, I lost the game of chicken. Ripping my hand away with a hiss, Angelica threw me a satisfied smile, blowing the ice off her fingertips.
“See you later, then.” I turned, keeping my back straight and showing no fear.
Surprised muddled my thoughts, when I saw Ryu, leant against the entranceway, his face a mask of stone. Arms folded over his chest, he looked bigger, his shoulders bulging. His eyes tracked me like prey, and coming shoulder to shoulder, I slowed, tipping up my chin with a tight smile.
“See,” I purred in a whisper. “Making friends wherever I go.”
“Friends?” He mused, the darkness in his eyes deepening, a smirk curling his lips. “If that’s friendly, I’d hate to see your enemies.”
◆◆◆
Slipping between the crypt’s topside, I breathed in the fresh air, rubbing my hands together, relieving them of Angelica’s chill. The sky was shimmering into a blush orange, streaked with pink, while tiny black silhouettes took flight into the morning skies.
By tomorrow I’d have Cleo’s Ever Book. I could read it, sift through whatever information it pertained, proving the Academy was lying. I’d seen those neck bruises. Saw the reds of her eyes. I’d felt her cold, waxy skin. Someone killed her and they were getting away with it.
I was so lost in thought considering my next steps, my anger building as the injustice of it all, I missed the shuffle of feet on stone. The swish of a trouser leg on grass. The sniggers in the wind.
Rough hands gripped me as the rough fabric fell over my face. I screamed, jerking roughly. Kicking out, I heard a satisfying crack as someone grunted in pain. But that didn’t stop them.
“Let me go!” I bellowed into the rough cloth, twisting my head, trying to remove it. “Let me-” But a swift hand fell over my mouth, muffling my screams. Cas’s teachings flew from my head as panic reined. I tried biting, but the fabric was too thick, and I tasted popcorn, or crunchy granola. Someone gripped and pulled my clothes. I couldn’t untangle myself from their arms. All I could hear were sniggers.
“Quick… quick…” One hushed, as sudden cold air wafted over my skin. My heart squeezed, and I upped my ferociousness. Kicking viciously, only an annoyed grunt suggested I’d made contact.
Suddenly air born, a gasp sailed free. Dropping like a stone, I cried out as my head cracked on the cold, hard ground. Black fuzz swirled in my vision. My body slumped. Tears welled in my eyes. The pain blossomed across my brow. Huddled around my pain, I tried to push it away as their voices echoed around me.
“You sure about this?” A whisper cut into my senses, feet shuffling back quickly, kicking up small stones.
“Hundred percent. I have on good authority; the freak comes here every week like clockwork.”
“Oh, this is going to be good.” Excited chuckles faded away.
Realising they were leaving, I lifted a shaky hand, ripping the sack off of my head. Blinking through the pain and lights, sconces flickered, and I saw retreating backs masked by shadow. Reaching out to push myself up, my hand fell against a slick stone, and I shrieked.
“Quick. Little Rabbits waking up.” Their footsteps hastened, and to my horror, I heard the heavy rumble of something shifting. Standing, I moved to follow just in time to see the sliver of daylight disappear as an iron door closed.
“No.” I lost my breath. “No!” I slammed against it, panting. “Hay! Let me out!” I bellowed.
Struggling to breathe, damp and must swirled up my senses. I slammed my hands down again, and the bitter cold curled around me. Planting my feet, I pressed against the stone and pushed. Nothing. Closing my eyes, I forced down my thunderous heart, trying to regain some control.
“Breath. Just breath…” I ordered myself, pushing away. I wouldn’t cower. I wouldn’t show them my panic, which I’m sure they wanted. But turning to see what awaited me, I still hesitated at the top of the stairs.
While the Crypt’s stairwells were warm and – truthfully, welcoming, this one wasn’t. The sconces flickered as if spluttering out. The steps squelched, covered in a thick moss. The walls dripped, wet with slimy condensation. Steading myself, I tried to peer around the bending descent but found only more of the same. A hiss floated forth, but it was so quiet, that it was gone in an instant.
With nowhere else to go, I descended slowly. My breath echoed.
After what felt like an eternity, I came to a plateau; the stairs opening into a small room. Four stone pillars held up a vaulted ceiling, while on either side, three-by-three stone fronts, each with a tiny bronze plaque. Only by the light behind me could I see. The rest of the room was in darkness.
A murmur fluttered, hissing in the air, and now I couldn’t ignore it. Kneeling in the room’s centre, facing away from me, a girl with long black hair swayed, palms up and out at her sides.
“Hay,” I hissed but got no response. “Hay, you.”
The girl stiffened but didn’t turn. The chattering grew louder. “Get… out.” The words were slow, forced on a tiny breath.
“Oh, I want to.” I snorted, stepping closer into the shadows. “But some funny pricks have closed the door on me. Between us, I’m sure-,”
“Get! … Out!” This hiss was louder, the rattle released as a groan, and I fell back a step.
“I can’t,” I snapped, masking my fear. “You need to help me-”
A ragged scream bellowed around the stone walls. It pierced my ears and stole my breath. A wind whirled around the room despite the lack of windows, and I gasped as the room dropped in temperature again.
When I exhaled, it came out as a scream.
The girl had turned, her teeth gripped in a snarl and her eyes ablaze with a purple fire. Then there was the decayed skin, missing lips, and the open wounds across her chest. Mottled with cuts and sores, her dark hair was limp and oily. Yellow teeth snapping, she screamed again. “Get out!”
In my haste to flee, my foot slipped on the bottom step. Crashing down, I didn’t register the pain in my ass, as from the shadows stumbled free walking nightmares.
Bones flashed beneath torn clothes. Hanging flesh peeled off tendons and unhinged jaws flapped. A gurgle sprung from their throats, dry and creaking. Jerking, their teeth snapped together, chattering. What I’d heard earlier.
I didn’t register my scream. It blended with the girls.
Crab walking up the stairs, my heart thundered in my chest. Yet as I flipped to run, fingers wrapped around my leg and yanked me back. They were hard, and pointed, digging into my flesh. I screamed louder.
“Let go!” A voice roared behind me, but I was too panicked.
I struck and fought, kicking at the bone until I was free. Crawling up the steps, I didn’t look back. My fingers reached for any handhold; my feet ate up the steps. But it was for nought because as I slammed into the iron door, it was the same one I couldn’t open.
Blind panic forced another scream free; the air ripping open my throat. I slammed my hands against the wall, begging it to open, shrieking for someone to come.
Chattering behind me span me around. The flickering torches provided the perfect light. Dressed in fine suits, the two zombies were dirty with grime and rot. Dark hair plastered to their skulls; their empty sockets glowed with the same purple light.
Another scream. Another desperate plea.
My body sank into a small ball, pressed against the door. Bony fingers gripped my hair, pulling at it and my clothes. The stench was horrifying. I could feel slick slime smearing over my hoodie. Rot and decay flooded my senses.
“No!” I begged, sobbing. “Get off me!”
But still, they clawed my skin, tearing at my hair, all the while chattering away.
Chapter Sixteen
I released one more terrified scream just as the door behind me scraped open.
A warm teal light flashed above, blinding me as it arched. The zombies roared as much as their lipless jaws could. I sobbed in relief as they fell back, their skeleton arms lifting to block the light from their sockets.
The teal light flashed again, dimmer this time, and I watched as a blade descended, cutting through the rotting corpse like butter
A powerful hand wrapped around my arm, pulling me to my feet and out. Fresh air swept into my lungs, drying the tears off my face and I cowered against a warm body. Sword outstretched; it sliced again, driving the zombies back into the crypt. My saviour pulled me to safety and quickly closed the iron door, then turned to me with wide eyes.
“Zara. Holy inks, are you okay?” Cas breathed, his bare chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. Dressed in a running kit, one hand kept me up, the other held a silver sword. “What happened?”
“Your swords on fire,” I muttered off-kilter, following the teal flames as they danced down its length.
Glancing at it as though surprised by its presence, Cas waved his hand. Instantly, the sword turned to ash that floated up his arm.
“Oh.” I blinked. “That’s cool…” Legs giving out, I slumped to the floor, dragging Cas to kneel with me. One glance around told me we were alone, and by a lone crypt separated from the others. I was lucky anyone had found me.
Cupping my face, Cas quickly checked me over. “What were you doing in there?”
“I-I didn’t mean t-to.” I frowned as fresh tears fell. “They pushed me in… and then, the door…” I flinched as a crow cried.
Cas's face twisted with anger as he asked, "Someone trapped you in there on purpose." It wasn’t a question.
“I-I’m okay.” I forced out automatically but sobbed as I caught a whiff of my clothes. Looking down, they were filthy. “I-I need to shower and change… and- and get to class…”
The more my mind ticked over, the more logic it threw at me. I was safe. But for how long? I was late. But my attackers would be in class. I was dirty. I couldn’t get clean. I would relive the feeling of bony fingers in my hair, over and over…
“Hay, hay,” Cas drew me close, wrapping me in his arms. “Breathe Zara, you’re okay.”
“I-I know.” I gasped through more sobs as my body quaked. “I don’t… know… why I… can’t stop?”
“It’s the shock, darling,” Cas explained, holding me tighter. “Come on. Come with me.”
“I-I can’t, I’m going to be late…” I stuttered, my brain tripping over the tiny problem, but Cas gripped my hand, anyway. Pulling me up, I stumbled after him, barely registering my feet moving until suddenly something rooted them to the floor.
“Mother-fuckers…” I hissed, staring at the side of the lone crypt.
The stone was old, marked with moss and rust, except for the thick red lines of freshly painted. Four words that cut me to the core.
Respect the Alpha now?
◆◆◆
In the other room, I could hear the shower spray and the squeak of taps as Cas played with the temperature. Uttering an oath upon seeing the message left behind, he’d kept me close, all the way here. Coming out of the woods, he walked me through Hicknall village, moving around the shops and bar until he pulled me up some back stairs of a building and into a tiny flat.
