Beautiful Creatures: 20 Years Later

Chapter 26: The Gem

Lila Jane POV

"Yes... It seems a lot of people thought that, didn't they? Fascinating how easy it is to fool the average idiotic Caster, is it not?" He spoke as though this were casual conversation, but I knew it very clearly was not.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

This time it was Christian who spoke. ""Liam doesn't think he's doing anything at all. He knows exactly what he's doing."

Was this boy speaking riddles?

"Care to elaborate?" I responded, not a clue as to what I should be saying in response to that.

"All in due time, Lila Jane. But first," Liam grinned manacingly, "we'll have to tie you up."

I hardly had time to react, as Christian jumped me from behind, tackling me to the ground. Liam only had to snap his fingers and two big, burly men came up and tied me up as easily as any normal person would tie their shoes.

"Don't worry, Lila Jane. You are only a part of my plans. And you will be reunited with your dear cousin soon. Along with Harley Stevenson, Dylan Thurwood, and your brother, Macon."

***

I was lost.

And by that, I mean I had no idea what to do.

I'd been tied up here for about forty-five minutes, and was contemplating what to do. I didn't have a chance of calling anyone;that was out of the question.

I didn't even have powers to use. Lovely.

I saw something sparkling in a corner, and it drew in my attention. Glancing around, I decided that no one would see if I just reached down behind me into the corner and grabbed it with my tied hands-

It was a gem of some sort. What was I supposed to do with this?

YOU HAVE THREE WISHES, MISTRESS.

Okay. So I'm apparently in a stupid cheesy fairytale now. Great.

But I wasnt gonna leave this here. I mean, cmon. I could just wish to get out...

"So you found my gift?" Liam strolled in.

I furrowed my brow. Then I gently set the gem in my lap. I was not taking anything from him until I had answers.

"What's the catch?"

"Catch? Oh, no catch. You may use it as you please. Just a token of my thanks for the assistance you'll be providing, unwilling as it may be."

"But can I not just wish my way out of here?"

"Well, I suppose you could try. But magic can't be used to escape this place. You must exit manually, and that has proven impossible, as you're... All tied up.."

He proceeded to laugh harshly and saunter out.

But I, being me, did some of the quick thinking I was known for, and realized immediately: I can't wish myself out, but I can wish someone else in.

But who?

My mom was pregnant, so that couldn't happen, and I couldn't ask my dad, because my mom would insist upon coming along. That also ruled out Macon, whom I wouldn't have chosen anyway.

Normally I would call upon Jez, except Jez wasn't Jezebel Duchannes anymore; she was Thalia.

I was nervous to speak with Anton, because I would have to tell him that his best friend was evil and had been lying to us this whole time. Also because I was still worried about our fight. And I think a small part of me was afraid that he'd been lying as well, but guilt pushed that thought away.

Who else? Aunt Ridley and Uncle Link could be valid options, I suppose, but at what cost? I wasn't sure.

So who, then?

It hit me like a punch in the face, only eerily pleasant.

Harley Stevenson.

She was clearly a capable and strong Dark girl, but she seemed to have an almost pleasant disposition, for a Dark Caster.

"Um, gem...?" I questioned, unsure how to go about doing this.

MISTRESS?

That wasn't at all creepy... "So... Could I use a wish now, please?"

YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND, MISTRESS.

"I wish to have a phone call with Harley Stevenson."

AS YOU WISH.