The Promise (Book 1, The Coven Series)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

But I wasn't alone. I realized that the moment the thought tried to drag me into despair. Honeysuckle tickled my nose, the warmth of the August sun kept the cold October winds at bay. I could smell the rain in the air and feel a strength spark deep within my soul. The Elements were here. I still had Kay, too. A part of us rested in each other. We could never escape that. I felt her terror, but more than anything, I could feel her shame at what she had done. She could feel my pain, feel what her betrayal had done to me.

She stared at me. Her voice had gone hoarse. Her mouth was open in a soundless scream as the fire reached her legs. I saw the sorrow and the need to be forgiven on her face. Emily was with me too. The silver locket pulsed with an icy breath against my chest. A piece of her was there, against my heart.

I might only have bits and pieces, but I wasn't alone.

Mr. Martin was right. It was time to begin. I had to trust that the Fates wouldn't let them kill my father, but I'd be damned if I'd stand here and let them sacrifice everyone I cared about for their stupid revenge.

The sudden crack of thunder scared me right out of my skin. It shook the ground with its fierceness. I looked up to see storm clouds churning, black and gray clouds swirling with a vibrant, silver light. They were circling overheard like vultures waiting for their prey to die so they could swoop in and scavenge the body.

Mr. Martin's voice boomed out across the clearing, his voice as frightening as the thunder, filled the night with a promise made centuries ago.

"Ancient ties that have bound us,

We beseech thee on this most holy night, Samhain,

To follow the path we have lit for thee,

Come unto us as you have decreed,

Let the blood of this child be your vessel,

Fill her with your spirit, your wrath, and your pain.

We honor our vow this night,

We summon thee, spirits of the lost and betrayed,

Come now unto us and unleash your fury unto those

Who betrayed you, cast you out and damned you.

Come, I say, cross over and join us this night

And let our blood oaths be forever freed."

The clouds centered directly above our heads. A low sighing could be heard as they began to descend toward us. It wasn't clouds, I realized as they swarmed closer. Tonight was Samhain. All Hallows Eve. The night when the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. The silver lights shining from the darkness approaching were rips and tears in the veil. The damned were crossing over, to seek their vengeance, aided by the Silver Tongued King of Hell himself, Arwan. Kay's burning body guided them and they were headed straight for me.

Mr. Martin gripped my hand, pulled it tight. I felt the prick of a blade against my skin.

"NO!" I screamed, ignoring Ethan as he edged closer. No time for fancy spells. "Earth, help me!"

The ground beneath us shook and spewed upward, throwing Mr. Martin backwards. He held my arm in a death grip and pulled me with him. My free hand lashed out and caught him squarely in the nose for the second time that night. He screamed in rage.

"Air, free me!"

The wind tore at us, pushing him back.

Strong arms gripped me around the waist and pulled me free. I looked up to see Billy. No, I thought, desperately, but he surprised me. He threw me backwards away from Mr. Martin and then ran for Kay. I stared at him in shock. Coven Boy had just betrayed his Coven for the woman he loved. He jerked at the ropes, but it was useless. They'd bound her with magic. She'd only been up there for maybe five, ten minutes, but the fire had already started to burn her legs. He would never get her down before it killed her.