Uncovered

Chapter Five:

(Anne's POV)

I woke up screaming. Thankfully, Ben wasn't here. Blisters popped, oozing puss and blood while I got dressed. The four gashes on my left leg were healing better than expected. Sweat sickened my back as I walked past Kimberly's sleeping chamber, but stopped. a violin was playing. My hands moved while the music carried on.

"Anne? What're you doing up already?" Ben stopped in his tracks.

I pressed a finger to my lips, hoping he'd stay quiet. I needed the music. I could feel my magick despite my hands. The violin fell silent five minutes later. My magick stopped lowing in my veins again.

"Anne?" Ben repeated, "What's gotten into you?"

"Nothing, let's go outside," I took his hand.

His cheeks turned red but he followed. Jeremiah trailed slowly behind once we were outside. I relaxed. Something about that song had messed with my head.

"Where'd you guys go? You said you'd stay with me," I reminded Ben.

"I brought Jeremiah down to the Gazers temple. We can defeat the Storm Voices if they try anything," Ben explained.

Both warlocks explained everything to me, from the Gazers to how old Ben really was. My head was spinning.

"The Storm Voices aren't a threat to us. That woman could've killed me. I was defenseless, but she didn't," I said quietly.

"No. You're different than the rest of us. I saw it when you were listening to the violin. One of your past lives was spent as a Storm Voice. Their magick is stronger when they're drawn to music. They want you, not all of us," Ben was suddenly angry.

I glared at him until he dropped his gaze. Benjamin may be centuries older than the rest of us, but he certainly wasn't in charge. He couldn't get over his grudge with Jeremiah, and eventually it'd end up driving him insane, if it hadn't already.

"What did you grab from the other temple?" I gestured to his bag.

"Spell books, potions, some old armor. I brought you a necklace," Ben was smiling suddenly.

"Whose was it?"

"It was mine. But I want you to have it. Come here."

I went closer, slowly becoming hesitant. He had an odd glint in his eyes. My shoulders stiffened as he clasped a gold necklace around my neck.

"You look beautiful," his grin widened.

I blushed and thanked him before reaching for the spell books. A cracked, leather-bound book caught my interest. Ben nodded his permission. I took it and sat a few feet away. Dry moss clung to my legs.

"How long ago was this written?" I looked back to Ben.

He shrugged, "Before my time."

"This talks about how the Gazers left the Storm Voices and became a coven. But on the next page, it says they fought until the Storm Voices retreated. What actually happened, Benjamin?" I demanded.

The warlock shifted uncomfortably, his magick swaying and flickering against surrounding moonlight. I was getting impatient and tired.

"We were slaves for a long time. When humanity was created, the Storm Voices took over. That book is the only thing that survived our civil war. Anne, just leave the book alone for tonight. Here's my favorite collection of spells," Ben changed the subject quickly.

"Don't be ashamed of the past. I want to know what to expect with all of this. Besides," I smiled, "You may need my vote to do something."

Anger sparked in his eyes. My smile widened as I stood and came nose-to-nose with him. His breath was hot on my cheeks. I would've kissed him if he wasn't so mad.