The Cravers

45. The Call and the Smoke

"The Call." Perry turned to me with glee. Fire and anger seethed through them, shooting me.

The thought of this was ridiculous. Performing magic on humans were always out of the question. And, I, Diana Holland, had suggested the very thing that was against our code.

Perry enunciated his words carefully, as if I was kidding him. "Because she has the so-called ability to do."

I swallowed hard. My fingers were shaking so hard, I had to interlock them tightly. "Yes. Yes. I can."

Kingsley gave me a reserved frown. "What are you doing?"

I eyed him carefully, trying to slow down the thud of my heart to normalcy. I set my lips stern,  I answered. "Trust me."

The members gave me disgusted looks. Their scornful gazes burned through the atmosphere like fire.

Only the Hunters were able to perform the Call.

And only a Hunter would ever suggest a thing.

I took a shaky breath. "Please, trust me...We have to have that human boy. He was the only one who was there at that moment." I stared square at his gray, bloodshot eyes. " He might be the only key to get a glimpse of what had happened that night. You have got to trust me, Mr. Perry."

"I know that. I know." Perry muttered. "But how may you be capable of such power to cast a spell. If you haven't thought well, he might die because of the impact, or worse, you might lose your life." He remarked matter of factly. 

I lowered my eyes. Ready to speak the truth. "I'm a Hunter against my will...and..."

"And?"

"And," I looked up, defiantly. "Emerus has given me the power to call up dark magic. I have the dark blood running in my veins...I'm strong enough."

His brows shot up. For a moment he considered my words. "Very well then." He said distastefully. "Let us begin the summoning."
I looked past my shoulder and saw the confused, startled gaze of Kingsley.
I didn't know what he was thinking and I wish I could.

===

We all filed in to the underground rooms of the Coven House. The members seemed weary and in alert. This was no normal meeting, every step going down the staircase said danger and duty. I was more nervous the second. 

The decor and everything started fading as we ascended down. There were spiderwebs hanging on the ceilings...as if we were going through tunnels...

Kingsley sidled by me as we walked. "Lovely, what's going on with you?" He frowned at me. "You're not telling me even shit."

I ignored his harsh wording. "Scott," I surpassed a genuine smile. "Don't question me, not now."

The room was vast from ceiling to the ground. Leaking water and decay completed the whole area. I wrinkled my nose as everyone gathered around a huge chalice standing in the middle of the place. It was the emphasis of color, its gold metallic sheen gave the place a holy feel. 

"Come here," Perry prompted. "I want to finish this as soon as-"

I nodded politely, and approached  the chalice. It was full of water, my fearful reflection stared at me. My eyes determined yet ringed with the taut horror. I was going to be scarred for this, I knew I was going to.

The Call was a ancient practice of calling a human to answer your questions.  But it was risky, it was too too risky, you were likely to harm the human because you'll be entering his/her mind against their will. Even if you succeed to not harm them, as much, they'll likely to be impaired, disabled, or worse, in a living coma. I could be harmed on the process. This was different then a normal mission--you literally felt everything the human felt. And as a Hunter, our strength could end their life. There was so much to risk.