Beware the Violet Read online

  What amused me the most though was that every time I played with my fingers, Khalid picked up on the movement and was bewitched. I had never seen anything like that before. I doubted any heavy human drug could do that. That vampire had a great weakness and it was darkness. I wished I could share it with Kristy, but utmost secrecy was a must until this mission was over. Hopefully, she would forgive me afterward. I hoped.

  “Well, not really. We’re just getting to know each other,” I said and Kristy raised her eyebrows.

  “I see.” I was praying she believed me, but being the gossiper she was, Kristy could smell a lie from miles away. “And Jacques?”

  That thought made my stomach churn. “Is he back?’ I said and inside me, joy and pain danced.

  “Not yet. I just thought it was weird you jumped from one to the other so suddenly.”

  “I did not jump suddenly and I’m not sure about anything but Khalid apologized…” he had not “…and he seems interesting.” A duck was more interesting than Khalid but I had to see through my plan so I would put up with him for as long as I could.

  “I see,” Kristy repeated. “He seems nice even though he pulled a public spectacle. And man, is he hot!” A dreamy expression made her features glow and I wondered why girls found the bad boys so attractive? I might not know much about relationships, but even I could sense that something was off with him. I relaxed as she continued to gush over his hotness, safe I had misled her even if it hurt my already damaged heart. “So, when are we using Hope’s dreamcatcher?”

  I gritted my teeth as I was trying to avoid it, but I could not postpone it any longer. A month had passed since I saw my grandmother and several weeks since I collected the last butterfly and saw Jacques. The pain was still inside me but I tried to focus on my plan, laying the final touches and hoped that when he came back, we could talk and I would apologize.

  “How about tomorrow? It’s Saturday and I have enough time to study and do this.”

  Kristy shook her head. “You might wanna do your lessons first because after your trip to the memory world, you’ll sleep like a log. Using the dreamcatcher is a tiring process as you dwell with memories and they can be painful if not exhausting. The dreamcatcher feeds on your energy and tapping into its power will result in severe exhaustion.” She gave me a huge smile and jumped down and returned to her seat. “Luckily, we have the upcoming holiday and you’ll get plenty of sleep.”

  I gaped at her, reconsidering the mission, but the teacher’s arrival interrupted my attempt. The lessons that day went by fast as our teacher mostly highlighted the importance of studying during the Christmas holidays.

  When we left the building, Kristy said, “I just realized, you are sitting exams this year.”

  “Well, duh! I wouldn’t study so hard for any other reason! They’re in the summer, but there’s a lot to study and I have to know every little detail possible.” I threw my hands up and pushed my thoughts away. Even after I faced the Dark Master, I was still terrified of failing my exams.

  “That must be hard. I can’t imagine having to deal with exams and keeping up with my studies along with training.”

  Her sympathy made me feel a little better, but I sighed. “You forgot to add supernatural boy problems into the mix.”

  Her clear laugh echoed through the forest and I scowled. “That was funny. Supernatural boy problems. It’s not enough you have exams and training, you are famous among their circles, too.”

  “It’s not funny. They drive me crazy and I have to constantly watch my words or someone will get hurt.”

  Kristy sighed and composed herself. “Oh, poor boys. They’re not strong like us!”

  A laugh shook my body and I couldn’t get rid of it until we arrived at the gate. “You’re impossible!”

  “That’s what I’ve been told.” She winked as we opened the gate for which I prayed would just be an average day in the Blessed Realm.

  Snow had covered every surface of the Blessed Realm and it was not funny as I could feel it drifting inside my clothes. I levitated above the white damp surface, casting a warming up spell or I was certain I would drown or get frostbite on some part of my anatomy. After the troubles my powers presented so far, I finally was grateful to find one good reason for having them.

  The valley nearby looked stunning with the mountain peaks and some residents had even put up Christmas decorations. To a stranger, it might look like a postcard of a human town. Peaceful, warm, and welcoming. Impressions could be greatly deceiving.

  ◆◆◆

  “That’s a great spot. We’re in the middle of concentrated energy and it will power up the dreamcatcher,” Kristy said, pointing at the river, the forest, the sky, and the ground.

  “I thought my memories powered it. What do the elements have to do with it?” I shook my head as I tried to wrap my mind around the new facts.

  “Yes, but the elements secure the path from the past to the present and vice versa. Memories are chaotic and without sequence, but the elements don’t change. Water will remain the same even if it pours, the ground will remain even if it rains. They might change substance, but they’re still the same. See my point?”

  I bobbed my head and sat on the ground next to Kristy. We had brought a blanket since the weather was turning colder day by day and I didn’t want to add illness to the list of my ever-growing problems. We had cleared a small area from the snow and Kristy conjured an invisible wall to protect us from curious onlookers. The last thing we needed were humans alerting the police and starting a witch-hunt.

  Pulling out the dreamcatcher, I cast a look around me. It was a Saturday afternoon and people were heading out for coffee or getting ready for a party. The park was empty beside us except for some glow fairies who were busy putting up glowing ornaments in trees and hanging decorations in flowers. Who wanted to sit in the park with cold weather, anyway?

  “They love celebrations,” Kristy said as she saw me observing the glowing fairies. “Christmas really excites them and you might notice, there’s more star dust than snow present.” She giggled and I raised my eyebrows, my gaze travelling to the scene across from us.

  The Christmas lights from the houses were slowly lighting up as it began to get darker and I could see some great decoration skills in certain residences. For me, it was just the joy of Christmas and being with family, but I suppose some people wanted to outdo their neighbors.

  “Ready?” Kristy said, bringing me back into the situation at hand.

  I sighed. “As ready as I will ever be.”

  Clearing her throat, she said, “Remember the words?” I nodded. “You must speak them clear and have fixed firmly in your mind the specific memory.”

  “Okay.” I lay on the thick blanket, grateful for its warmth while I held the dreamcatcher. Touching the feathers, I felt its power vibrating between my fingers.

  Bringing the moment in my mind, I stared at the treetops as I chanted:

  Wings of time

  Hear the bird’s song

  From time and space

  Take me to the land of my desires

  To the past, I plead you

  Reveal the truth I seek

  Fog and smoke enveloped me and when I blinked, I was no longer in the park but rather near my house. Getting up, I wiped the dust from my pants and inspected our house which was in a better condition than I had ever seen it, but it was still ours. The rabbit weathervane still looked new and…Shoot! How had I not noticed before? Our weathervane was a rabbit! Like I needed any more mockery from the universe.

  Shaking my head, I headed to a secluded path that had a view of our garden. Waiting, I remembered Kristy’s words of advice: Whatever you see, you cannot interfere. The past must remain in the past and if you alter the course, you might alter your future. Someone might have died in the past, but if you save him, then you might cause your death or your family’s. I know it’s difficult, but you can only watch and not act. Do you understand?

  I understood all r
ight, but I didn’t have to agree with that. It was early afternoon, and I remembered clearly that it happened when the sun had set. Hopefully, I had landed at the right time.

  “So you managed to use it,” a voice sounded next to me and I turned even though I knew who it was.

  “Grandma. I shouldn’t be surprised you’re here.”

  Giving me one of her famous smiles, she hugged me and pulled away. “I see everything in the past, present and get some glimpses of the future. You were one of them.” She cast a loving glance at me and I wished I could freeze this moment for an eternity, never to be moved but remain constant, a moment frozen in time. “You’ve grown as much as your powers. I know you’ll do great things even though I won’t see them.”

  Her words took me aback. “Wait, you know you are going to…” the rest of the sentence was drowned in my throat.

  “Yes, my darling.” She cupped my cheek and sadness crossed her features. “But it’s all right, it will be for a worthy cause.” She raised her hand. “I want to ask so much about our family and know everything but there’s not much time. You have come to learn about the night you can’t remember…”

  “—how do you know I can’t remember?”

  “Because I cast a spell so you wouldn’t remember.” My eyes widened. “I didn’t want you to remember until you were ready to carry the knowledge. Especially since you have crossed paths with certain evil people. I didn’t want you to be inclined for revenge and darken your view for the Blessed Realm.”

  “Why? What does the Blessed Realm have to do with any of these? Have I met the one responsible?” What my grandmother shared with me, now shook me to the core and I questioned my reasons for coming here. Should I know the truth?

  “You will soon find out. Be brave, darling.”

  “Why can’t I stop it?”

  “Some things are predestinated to happen and no one can stop it.” Pointing at my fingers, she said, “Revenge isn’t the answer.”

  “It’s the only thing I can do against them and it’s not revenge—”

  “You can’t plan to avenge someone and call it justice,” she said in a stern tone but I didn’t back up.

  “I might not fully remember what happened, but I remember enough and this person destroyed everything that night!”

  “Revenge isn’t the answer,” my grandmother repeated. “You must carefully choose the right reasons and take full responsibility.”

  I bit my tongue, and she nodded, a slight smile quivered on her lips. “Youth. Everyone passes through that stage and if you have powers, it’s even more difficult.” She looked to the sky and following her gaze, I was glad the sun hadn’t set yet and for a moment, I begged for the sun to be stuck forever in that place. “Whatever you do, think hard and don’t make rush decisions. Now, about your memory.” My ears perked up, but when my gaze fell on her, I was surprised to see a look of regret. The lines on her face seemed like they were etched deeper, and she seemed more tired than ever. I was puzzled for the sudden change in reaction as I thought those who had left the world would look young and vigorous always. “Maybe I shouldn’t have done it, but I wanted to spare you the bitterness. Whatever I did, didn’t seem to work however.”

  “It’s not bitterness, but you are missed,” I confessed and she touched my hand.

  “I miss you all, too. We used to take strolls in the woods and the park and you would play with the glow fairies and the fairy children, trying to fly like them.” My grandmother gave me a look full of love and I stared at her.

  “So, I…the memory I have about me and fairy children playing in our garden?”

  “Is real. Unfortunately, I took those memories away because they would trigger a certain memory to surface.” She pointed to the sun that had lowered even more behind the houses. “You don’t remember yet?”

  “When I tap into my power, I get glimpses, but that’s all.”

  Putting her hand under her chin, my grandmother, said, “That’s strange. The spell was set to be unlocked when you got your powers. When did you get them?”

  I gave her a blank expression. “I didn’t. Well, Madelena sent Jacques to get me and save the Blessed Realm from the Dark Master. It was on Halloween.”

  “Ugh! Halloween! It always messes with my spells,” she spat angrily. “The veil is thin and if you entered before you were supposed to get them, then the spell was altered.” She sighed. “You have to go to the Moon Realm and claim your real powers. The powers you have now are only temporary. They came at a time of need, but you must go and claim them in order for the ceremony to be completed.”

  Dumbfounded, I stared at her. “And I thought math was complicated.” My grandmother laughed, and I grinned. “So, why am I afraid of the fire? Is it something that happened here?” I noticed my finger was shaking when I pointed to our house.

  “No, darling.” She laughed. “When you were little, you saw a car going up in flames and an explosion followed by lots of noise and it startled you. You were very young to know, but the people had survived. It was right here, in front of our house.”

  “That’s it? But that’s not a reason why I can’t manipulate the fire element.”

  “It had shocked you pretty hard, so I’d say it was reason enough.”

  I sighed in relief. “Well, I’ll work with that. So, that ceremony, what do I do?”

  “I see you still wear my necklace. You’ll need that and a shapeshifter.”

  An involuntary groan escaped my lips. “Why does it have to be shapeshifters again? Why it can’t be fairies? Or banshees even?” I yelled upset and my grandmother chuckled.

  “Problems with shapeshifters?” She asked as I scowled. “They always cause problems, but there’s a shapeshifter that can help you. In fact, this necklace—”

  “Jacques.” I gritted my teeth, and she looked at me with question in her eyes.

  “Should I even bother to ask?”

  “No. We’re not in the best terms right now,” I said, hoping I didn’t have to explain.

  “That bad,” she noted, giving me a knowing look, and I blushed.

  “Why do I get the impression that I don’t have to explain anything?”

  “Seer powers, my darling.” The blush on my face burned as I pondered on what she was probably seeing now with her vision. “It will get better if you figure out his condition,” she said, and I slit my eyes.

  “What condition? He’s a shapeshifter.”

  “He’s dealing with a troubling situation. You might be able to help him.”

  “I would if he told me, but he’s not being exactly what I would call approachable.”

  “He’s not easy to approach, but he has a good heart,” my grandmother said and I shook my head in disbelief. After our last encounter, I was starting to question his motives and his kindness. If he had any that is.

  I watched the last bits of sun disappear along with my hope for everything to remain as is. Trying to change the uncomfortable subject, I pondered on my assigned mission. “You know about a bloody woman and some red butterflies?”

  “The Lady of Fate they call her. She helps out when things are rough, but her warnings are difficult to decipher and she’s not always bloody. Her appearance will slowly change toward the better as you collect the butterflies.” She gave me a strange look and added, “You’ll need a shapeshifter there, too.”

  “Oh, come on! That’s ridiculous! That’s way too many shapeshifters,” I complained and she nodded.

  “When something comes up many times, then there is a high chance it’s a sign.”

  “Nope,” I denied as I didn’t want to dwell on that thought. Especially not now.

  “It’s almost time, my darling. Be strong and remember what I told you about revenge.”

  “I remember, Grandma. Won’t you be with me?” I said when I saw her figure fading.

  “No, you must face it alone. Be strong!” I held her hand until the moment she disappeared and all I held was air. “I love you, Violet!” we
re her last words that brought pain in my heart.

  “I love you, too,” I said to the wind. Blinking my tears away, I turned my gaze to our house and as the hour wore by, my palms sweated.

  A figure appeared in our yard as I knew she would. My grandmother from the past went out to take the trash and when she returned, she looked at the girl sitting on the grass. “Violet, it’s bedtime, what are you still doing outside?”

  “I’m playing with my friends,” I heard my younger self respond and taking a peek I tried not to smile. My “friends” were glow fairies. Grinning, I thought Kristy would be surprised when I told her about this.

  “Well, it’s time—”

  “It’s time to give up,” a sharp voice cut through her words and upset the night’s peace.

  Slowly, my grandmother turned her gaze to the stranger, hiding in the shadows and her lips tightened. “Violet, get inside now!”

  My younger self obeyed without another word, but I knew she would immediately go to the window and watch the whole scene. I made a few steps so I could finally see who it was but he was hidden well and the moon had not yet risen which only left the two lampposts positioned in our street. Their light was not enough for me to see so I focused on his voice. My grandmother had hinted I might know him so I listened carefully.

  “Give up?” my grandmother snarled. “So darkness takes absolute control?” Her dismissive laugh filled the atmosphere. “I don’t think so.”

  The stranger pointed at the house. “You know we will take her no matter what. She’s ours and there is nothing you can do.”

  “You will not touch my granddaughter.” She shook her fist at him, her face coral under the pale light. “She’s destined for great things and she will destroy you!” my grandmother sneered, blocking his path to the door.

  “We’ll see about that!” the stranger snarled, and I heard the distinctive sound of teeth elongating and nails tearing the flesh of his skin as they grew in size. “I will take her to join us and she will never see it coming,” His voice had taken a dangerous tone, and I wanted to yell for her to take cover, but fear had pinned me in my place, unable to do anything but watch.