The Viking Alpha

Tricks and spells

(James POV)

Pacing wasn't exactly a helpful task for the situation now but it was all he could do. The already brown worn rug beneath his feet was starting to resemble more knotted threads then fabric.
Watching Ezri channel the ring again was making his nerves unbearably thin. The squeak coming from her rocking chair as she went back and forth chanting made him want to break into firewood.
His wolf had become active again. With a vengeance. He'd all but gone feral. It was a struggle everyday to keep him contained.
Over the last few days Ezri tried to find some clues but it was always the same. Everything she would see then report was useless to him. She said when Cassandra's father was asleep was when the most vivid images would appear.
Ezri sagged as if she was exhausted.
'Anything at all?'
She looked sad.
'Nothing that can help you.'
She became quiet before peeking up
A look of excitement came over her.
'I have an idea!'
Pausing, he waited impatiently.
'Well?'
'Do you have something else of hers? Something that was hers to begin with? A lock of hair or a shirt she always wore?'
The photo album was the first thing that came to mind.
'I do. But how will it help?'
Ezri stood and became more animated as she explained.
'She is a witch. So am I. She has vision and so do I. Maybe through magic we can link. I'm thinking maybe if I can't see into the barrier I can possibly send something to her directly.'
'What are you talking about? We don't know where they are. If you can not see, how do you propose to send something?'
'To her mind directly. I just need something of hers. Something with her that has a deep bond. A lifelong bond.'
'What exactly are you planning to send her?'
The last time he gave a witch access to something personal of hers it started the chain reaction that led them to now. He'd be damned if he was that foolish again.
Ezri smile was so big it showed all of her pearl white teeth.
'Whatever you have I'll show her it. If it is something she wants, maybe it might just lure her out. If I could just get her away from her father for a moment I know I'd have her location.'
'Again. If you can't get through the shield how are you going to get to her?
'Did you know that what a witch creates, possesses, or sometimes even touches can become a totem?'
A growl echoed around the room as his frustration grew.
'I have no time for witch trivia, Ezri!'
Ezri smoothed her hands between them in a soothing manner.
'If you have something of hers that is very special to her, I can use that as a link to her. If she was human I'd just use your blood to trace your unborn son. But since the baby is literally surrounded by magic it would be almost impossible. So my focus is on Cassandra. Having a strong direct link helps cut through all that surrounds her. Understand?'
He nodded.
'Fine. I'll be back with something. But I warn you.'
He stepped closer to Ezri. He kept eye contact as he spoke.
'If you use this against her like the other witches did I'll make you suffer in ways you can not even dream of.'
It was Ezri's turn to nod.
'Yes, James. I understand all too well what has made you so distrusting. But Cassi will be part of my life too. Even though she hasn't even met me yet I feel as if I already know her. I care for her too.'
James did not doubt the sincerity in her gaze as she talked about Cassandra.
'Very well. I'll return shortly.'
Walking out and away from the small shack he shifted. The whole run home he tried to not let himself hope. Every time he did it ended with him at the end of the night in a drunken haze and then the dreams.
Dreams of Cassandra. Him and Cassandra. Her walking barefoot through the garden while holding a swaddled infant in her arms as she laughed and cooed at the bundle.
When he woke he felt so much sorrow. For what he had and what he carelessly dismissed. If only he could talk to her. Just for a moment. Just to hear her laugh or see her smile at him. Everything he was and had would be gladly sacrificed for that one moment.
Running past the castle front doors he sprinted upstairs. He gently took the book between his jaws from the end stand and ran back to Ezri.
He probably looked like a comical dog playing fetch right now.
But he didn't care. A small price to pay if it got what he wanted. What he needed.
Ezri was waiting on her small porch with the door open. He set the book down at her feet and shifted back. She held out a cloth for him to cover himself.
Picking up the album she sat back down in her chair. Softly flipping though it she examined the pictures one by one. When she got to the end she stopped at the most recent picture of Cassandra. Placing her hand over it she began to whisper under her breath. Minutes ticked by slowly as he watched.
Her eyes suddenly opened. A smug smile on her face appeared.
'I think she got the message.'
'She did? How? What did you do? Did you see her? How is she?'
The questions flowed from him as he was dying to know anything about her.
'She's fine. Just a bit startled I think when my vision of the photo of her mother and her flashed in her mind. I then sent another one of the last photos. Then the cover. Rest assured I believe she understands. If this truly is important to her she'll come back for it.'
"I think it is. When I took her from the human world it was the one thing she wanted most. She said it was the only photos she had left of her mother.'
Ezri nodded. 'Yes. One of the most magical things is the bond parents share with their children. Even in the human world magic can still be seen and obtained.'
She chuckled as she looked in thought.
'They're quite a fascinating species don't you think?'
'What is?'
'Humans. Take Cassi for instance. She was not born in the fae world. Raised by a human woman and yet Cassi grew up to be strong in so many ways. Especially considering the fact she is only part witch. I think partly because of her mother she'll become an even stronger and wiser witch. But solely she'll make a fantastic mother herself.
Sadness pulled at him again.
Yes. She would. Hopefully he could just be there to see it himself.

(Cassi POV)

The last few days had been bitter sweet. Lucas had gotten stronger bit by bit. He was slowly looking much better. Healthier. More vibrant.
She thought it was best to keep the vision she saw to herself for now. Things were slowly looking up.
They all discussed it and agreed to go to the human world together. Once Lucas had more strength they'd all leave. Rexton and Vincent were both nervous about going to a strange new place. But enthralled at the prospect of freedom in so many ways. They both asked her countless questions all hours of the day? Like, what should they do when they get there? What shouldn't they do? What jobs could they get? What was an ATM? Could they still hunt? What if people didn't like them?
Every time she calmed them and answered questions, ten more came from them each. When they went to hunt to take the edge off Lucas and Cassi slowly started to bond. As a way to bond they both looked over the grimoires together. He was already teaching her small spells. How to harness magic and the hardest part of all. Focus. Who knew that something you do at least once a day could be so debilitating? The first spell she tried was a supposedly simple spell according to Lucas. They were sitting across from each other on the back deck.
'It's a calming spell. It'll be helpful for you if those boys keep fretting.'
'I'd never cast a spell on them without their permission!'
He nodded. 'Of course not, Cassandra. But someday you may need to cast a spell on someone. Remember, keeping not just our secret but theirs too in the human world is our top priority. Believe me, the witch trials were nothing to joke about.'
'Witch trials? Like Salem?'
'Yes. None of them were true witches of course. But still. A witch hunt is still a witch hunt. Puts a bit of a damper on everyday things when you're just trying to find a moment of peace.'
Her mind was just blown.
'You were there?!'
'Fleetingly.'
'Woah.'
He chuckled at her boggled expression.
'Now focus. Close your eyes.'
She sighed before closing them.
'Breath in and out slowly. Feel yourself relaxing.'
His voice was very hypnotic and soothing as he coached her. She felt her shoulder sag as her muscles loosened.
'Open your eyes and imagine you pushing your calm on to me.'
She tried to picture it. But all that came to mind was pushing soft flower petals toward him. Pursing her lips to hold back a smile at the image she listened.
He smiled too as if he could see what she was thinking.
'Repeat after me. Tranquillitas.'
'Tranquillitas.'
'Good. Again. Keep that visual in your head.'
'What visual? Can you see in my head right now?'
'Focus Cassandra.'
'Answer the question, Lucas. Can you see in my head?'
'Yes.'
'What? That's an invasion of privacy. Get out.'
He rolled his eyes.
'Fine.'
'Are you out?'
'Yes! Just focus will you?'
'Okay. Geez.'
Thinking of the image again she repeated again.
'Tranquillitas.'
'Do it again. This time really will it toward me. Like you're shoving it on me.'
She sucked in a frustrated breath and tried.
'Tranquillitas!'
Lucas instantly went still. Then his eyes drooped slightly as his shoulder visibly relaxed.
His smile was full of pride.
'Very good, Cassandra. You learn fast.'
She couldn't help but feel smug.
'Well I-'
The image that popped on her head made her freeze. Photos from her photo album. Then the cover. Then it being tossed in a fireplace. Tears instantly came. It felt as if she just watched her memories of her mother go up in flames and ash.
'Cassandra? Cassandra! What's wrong?'
Lucas was shaking her by the shoulders.
'I have to go back. I need to get something before we leave.'
Lucas looked at her as if she just spoke gibberish.
'Come again?'
'I have to go back.' She stood and raced through the house toward the front door. She almost made it off the front porch when she found herself hovering over the bottom step.
'Have you lost your mind?' Lucas shouted.
'What are you doing? Put me down!'
'Not until you tell me what is so important that you'd willingly run back straight into captivity?'
'You wouldn't understand!'
She felt herself floating backward. She then found herself gently placed back on her feet next to Lucas.
'Try me.'
'It's a photo album. I just saw it in my head. Being burned in a fire.'
He looked surprised then agitated.
'Pictures? That's what this is about?
'They're not just pictures! Mom started that album when I was born. She kept adding to it as I got older. Then we both ended up adding to it. That's all I really have left of her, damn it!'
His face softened. 'I see now.'
'Do you?'
'Yes. I can't tell you how much I've longed to see her face again. So yes I do, Cassandra.'
'Then you'll let me go?'
He shook his head.
'I can't speak for the boys but I'm not letting you go alone. We'll both go.'