RORY

  Rory walked through the portal and emerged in a log cabin. Both the house and furniture, handcrafted of cedar and upholstered with animal skins, smelled strong but pleasant, like the chest full of blankets at the foot of her mother’s bed.

  “This is clean enough to be where Doc is squattin’,” Sven said and pointed at a punching bag hanging from the ceiling. “We should get one of those for him at each of his houses.” Doc had a habit of bottling his emotions until they boiled over in a fury. This had been something he told Rory he’d been fixing about himself. It was nice to see him following through with the promise.

  No signs of life on the inside. They dropped their bags and exited the cabin.

  Fresh air flooded Rory’s nose along with the distinct tang of animals. Overhead a blue jay twitted and flew away. Actual frogs croaked and crickets chirped. Her eyes grew misty at these familiar sights from her past. “How is this even possible?”

  “If I knew this was here, I wouldn’t be fuckin’ about back in Alma.” Sven’s voice sounded choked.

  “Doc found a jungle,” Billie said and gaped around him.

  As if summoned, Doc ran up to them. “Thought I heard something. Welcome to Inboco,” he said with a hearty laugh. He grabbed Sven and landed meaty thuds of greeting on his back. To which the Brit grunted and wheezed. Doc ran his eyes over Rory, settled on her face and said, “You made it.”

  “Promised, didn’t I,” she replied. A tinge of warmth colored her skin.

  Picking her up and whirling her around, Doc kissed her on the cheek. “You did. I didn’t expect it to happen so soon, but I’m so glad you did.” Doc’s mood was bright and his smile contagious.

  “There's animals here? Like real animals?” Billie asked wide-eyed.

  “More than that. I’ll introduce you to everyone,” Doc said, and put his arm around Billie’s narrow shoulders. “There are three other witches here already. Rosemary is the de facto leader. She’s what you’d call an elementalist. She’s good and old.”

  And Rory knew that was Doc speak for: Don’t fuck with her and everything will be fine.

  “There’s Asher, he’s a bit of a prick, but he’s not all that bad once you get to know him. He has some kind of shadow manipulation. Then there’s Nessa. Sweet girl. I guess you could say she’s an animal whisperer.”

  “Good thing the Starfall brought her to the animal camp instead of Alma,” Billie said.

  “Crazy detail about these three, they’re not Starfalls like the rest of us. They’re born and raised,” Doc said and shrugged. “At least that’s what they told me.”

  The beaten path led to the center of camp. Instead of the twisting maze of lean-to shacks and claustrophobic streets of Alma, Inboco had planned its creation with expansion in mind. At the heart an extensive building on a great hill reminded Rory of pictures she’d seen of Viking longhouses, complete with the intricate carvings. The rest of the buildings formed rings around the longhouse, with the first circle comprising stores and open stalls with furs and dried meats. The veggies on offer weren’t as lush as Nadine’s, but nobody could match her prowess in the garden—even back in Rory’s own time. There were some houses created within the circles and others, Doc’s log cabin included, that sat far on the outskirts with views of the rolling countryside. Rory wondered if there was some kind of meaning to that.

  “The homes in the village proper are for those born here,” Doc explained, as if reading Rory’s thoughts. “They don’t welcome many outsiders, but when they do, you don’t have the benefits of being on the inside, so to speak.”

  They arrived at the center longhouse. Massive wooden columns stood on either side of the thick door. All three carved with intricate swirls and various types of animals. Doc pulled a rope attached to a bronze bell. After waiting for an uncomfortable time, an older woman wearing skirts of loud colorful patterns and a sleeveless tattered t-shirt answered. On each wrist she wore what Rory guessed were ten to twenty gold and silver bracelets. Each finger and a few toes on her bare feet had rings, some with large gemstones and others with the same swirl patterns as the building. Her crystal-clear blue eyes bore into the newcomers and softened at Doc’s face.

  “I see you’ve brought some friends to us, James. Please come inside.” She held the door for them and inspected each one as they entered. The room took up nearly half the building, filled with long tables and benches. Brightly colored banners of billowing silks covered the walls.

“Thank you.” Rory attempted to curtsy but wasn’t sure if this was the proper time or place, so she stopped midway, giving her movements a stilted, convulsing appearance. Her ear tips burned red.

  The older woman laughed. “No need for formality here. We only ask that you write your names in the book. Since the beginning of Inboco, we’ve kept records of everyone who’s set foot on our soil.”

  “That’s a strange name, Inboco,” Rory said as the woman passed her an old notebook and pencil. The last entry read: James Nelson Solomon - Doc

  She added her own: Aurora Margaret Palmer - Rory. And handed it to Sven.

  Sven licked his lips and glanced at the older woman. “How bout I just put-”

  “Names from birth, please,” the woman said in an air of authority that sent a shiver down Rory’s spine.

  “Come on, Thurston,” Rory said with a sideways grin.

  Sven scratched his head with a middle finger at her and wrote: Thurston Howard Carter III - SVEN on the list. “Not a word,” he warned Billie before handing it to him.

  The residue of a stifled guffaw quivered through Billie’s chest before he added: Billie Joel Fitzgerald and handed the book and pencil back to the older woman, who scanned the entries with an appreciative look.

  “And I am Rosemary. Pleased to make your acquaintance. The name, Inboco, comes from what this place used to be. Long before the fall, this was an animal reserve named: The Rainbow Connection Sanctuary. However, a few letters have fallen off the sign and the name Inboco stuck.” She looked over her shoulder where there was nothing but dim light and said, “You can come out now. These are good people.”

  The shadows rippled as if a puddle of water, and a man with short-cropped black hair, nearly Doc’s height emerged, wearing only tattered jeans. His arms and chest adorned in tattooed symbols that meant nothing to Rory, but she noted them as best she could. Nadine would know, anyway.

  A proud smile spread over Rosemary’s face as she said, “This is my son, Asher.”

  Rory could see the familial resemblance. They had the same blue eyes and sharp jaw. While they were both handsome, he had a wild, almost feral quality and walked with the lithe steps of a predator. Her mind quickly drifted to thoughts unbecoming of one in a relationship.

He drew her closer to him as they shook hands and inhaled deeply at the base of her neck. As she pulled away, he gave her a coy grin. The breath caught in her throat and she thanked her earlier self for wearing the long sleeves that hid the goosebumps running across her arms. Her reaction to him made her miss Byron that much more.

  “I’m Rory,” she finally managed. Beside her, Doc balled his fists so tight his knuckles emitted audible pops.

  “A pleasure,” Asher said in a velvet tone.

  “Oh, Byron’s gonna love this guy,” Sven said and elbowed Billie.

  “Yummy,” Billie said dreamily.

  Rosemary cleared her throat, and her son returned to her side. “Now that formalities are out of the way, allow me to be the second to welcome you to Inboco as I’m sure James has already been the first. Asher and I are two of the three witches that dwell here. The other, Nessa, sends her regards. She will meet with you after the giraffe has given birth.”

  “Giraffe? Like a real live giraffe? I thought they were all dead.” Rory’s eyes went wide.

  “We can go for a walk later and I’ll show you all there is to see.” Asher looked at her and licked his lips.

  Beside her, Doc’s knuckles popped again. “I’m sure Rory would like to walk with her friends.”

  “Of course,” Asher said with a flourish of his hand.

  “Besides, I’d prefer to save some exploring for when Byron gets here,” she added.

  “This Byron, he’s your brother, perhaps?” Asher asked, a little too hopefully for Rory’s liking.

  “He’s my boyfriend.” The title sounded childish, but words weren’t coming to her in the most elegant manner.

  “Pity.” Asher sighed. “But, our kind live long enough. You’ll grow bored with him, eventually.”

  Sven rolled his eyes. “Get in line, mate. This big lugs—oof.”

  Doc cut him off with a quick backhand to the stomach.

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  Asher glanced from Doc’s stern face to Rory’s. She blushed.

  “You’re embarrassing our guests and yourself, my son,” Rosemary said. “We’ll provide you with further accommodations for your stay if the cabin James is using is inadequate. Before we get settled, I’ve heard some distressing news out of Alma. After discussing it, Asher and I have decided it’s in our mutual best interest that we teach you what we can to further your magical abilities.” She held out her hands and a ball of water appeared from the left. As she moved her palms together, the water froze and cracked until finally exploding into fine crystalline powder. For a moment, the room resembled a snow globe. But the flakes vanished the second they touched the floor.

  “Gonna need to learn that.” Sven scratched at his head. “But, can you do that with fire? And both hands and a lot more of it?”

  “Excuse me.” Rory’s head cleared, and she realized she’d missed too much of the conversation. She held up her hand. “What did he mean by our kind live long enough? Is he saying what I think he is?”

  “You’re all new, aren’t you? Yes. Witches are attuned to magic, and as a result, we last longer than normal humans. Keep that in mind before getting too attached to this Byron if he isn’t our kind.”

  Rory frowned. “If I’m honest, I’m not certain what he is. I don’t think he knows what he is anymore. I mean, we’re pretty sure he’s a witch, but after Mara changed him from a vampire, well, she wasn’t clear on-”

  Rosemary cut her off, and her eyes widened briefly. “You’re speaking of the old crone Mara?”

  Rory nodded, unsure if mentioning the name had been a wise choice.

  “When this Byron arrives, send him to me as soon as he’s able.” Rosemary glanced at Asher and then back to the group. “With that, get settled in. It’s late and I’m sure you’re all tired.”

  “Thank you for your hospitality,” Rory said as they took their leave.

  Rosemary nodded in appreciation before locking the longhouse behind Rory and her friends.

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  As they entered the cabin, Byron stood up and rushed to Rory. He kissed her and held her. His entire body trembled.

  “What happened?” She’d never seen him in his current state, and it frightened her more than she liked to admit.

  He took deep, quaking breaths. Sven offered his flask and for once, Byron accepted without thought. A few long gulps later, he said, “The Catherine’s dead.”

  “What,” Doc said, stepping forward. “How?”

  “Grace. She’s lost it. She accused the Catherine of being a witch.” Byron sat on the couch and put his head in his hands. “There was a trial, and they walked the Catherine out of the temple. Everyone was screaming but her. She tried to make them see reason, but Grace twisted her words each time she spoke.” He took another swig from Sven’s flask and grimaced. “Then Grace pulled out the big guns. She had Trevor in a cage.”

  “What the bloody fuck?” Sven snagged his drink for a deep pull himself.

  “Trevor was snarling and calling out for…” Byron trailed off and looked up at Rory. “Grace threw the dowsing rod at the Catherine and told her to use it on Trevor but the Catherine said it wouldn’t work, that it only works on threats and a caged animal is no threat.” His shoulders slouched. “So, Grace accused her of either working with the vampires still or asked if she’d lost her faith. Either way, Grace demanded Catherine’s execution.”

  “And so they did,” Doc said with a mighty sigh.

  Byron nodded. “They did. She never screamed or cursed anyone as she died. She just went out”—he let out a sharp exhale from his nose—“with grace.” He stared off into space for a long while.

  Rory looked at all the pale faces around her as they waited for Byron. How could so much change in such a little time?

  “What’s happening in Alma now?” Doc asked, finally breaking the silence.

  “Grace took up the title of Catherine. She’s calling for a witch hunt that includes anything and anyone supernatural.”

  “Dini,” Sven cried. “Where’s Dini?”

  Byron shook his head. “Not sure. Nadine wasn’t at the trial, and she wasn’t home when I checked. I figured she’d be here already. But there wasn’t a lot of time, I wanted to… I needed to see Rory.” He held her and buried his face in her neck. She hugged him as tightly as she could, feeling guilty for even thinking about Asher.

  “Piss on this, we gotta get Dini.” Sven’s face contorted with fear and grief.

  “Calm down.” Doc pushed Sven onto the loveseat. “She could have taken Holga to the farmhouse. If we go to Alma now, we’re going in blind. You know I care about them both, but the last thing we need to do is run in half-cocked and get ourselves killed.”

  “It’s Alma. They’re all a buncha halfwits. What’re they gonna do? Stab us with their upturned noses?” Sven scoffed.

Byron crossed his arms and frowned. “You didn’t see the things I did. Grace has them riled up and looking for blood. It’s not safe.”

  “You can go fuck off there, mate,” Sven said. “You didn’t even know Rory before you was runnin’ off into a camp of Blueskins after her. What would you be doin’ if she were the one missing right now?”

  “I see your point. But my situation has blown the fuck up since then—if you haven’t noticed.” Byron clenched his fists, and the color drained from his face. “If you’ll all excuse me, I need to have a word with Rory. In private.” He led her outside, paused briefly for what she imagined was the shock of the surroundings, and turned to her. In a matter of moments, he looked years older and defeated.

  “We’ll get Nadine…” she began.

  He shook his head. “It’s not that. There’s something I should have told you a while ago and I’m not sure you’ll like what I have to say.”

  “I love you. Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.” She snorted a little laugh. “Seriously, it’s not like you’re leaving me. Right?”

  He refused to look her in the eyes.

  “Byron, right? You’re not leaving me. Especially now. I thought we talked about this bullshit. You left us all alone in enemy territory to face Vic and nearly got yourself killed.”

  “It’s not… like that.”

  She held his hand and tried to put her face into his line of sight, but he turned away. “What is it like then? Tell me so I can help you or we can fix it together.”

  “It’s not a fixable situation. When Mara lifted my curse, I made a deal. She would call on me when she needed me and I have to go. It could be for a week or it could be for years.”

  “And you never thought to bring it up at any point in the last year?”

  “It would only spoil our time together, and I was hoping it would be many, many years down the road.”

  “So again, Byron knew better about the situation instead of trusting his partner.”

  “I didn’t want to hurt you. And she gave me no reason to believe it would be so soon. I’ve never adjusted to being a mortal, in a way. The clock still beats differently for me.”

  “Fuck you, Byron. I would have waited. Did you know we live like super long lives? Just found that shit out today. No matter how long it took. I would have waited for you till the world ended again.” She fought the urge to cry. Like hell am I going to give him that satisfaction. Sadness convoluted into evil and she waved a wicked finger his way. “But you. You decided for me again.”

  “When this is over, can I see you?” he asked, his tone soft, almost timid.

  “You have plenty of time to think that over now, don’t you? If you can treat me like an adult, sure. But since you didn’t give me the luxury of a warning…” She shrugged and a little gale of manic laughter left her. “Maybe I’ll go fuck this new guy Asher tonight. He seemed more than interested.”

  “You’re being cruel.”

  She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, and a tear fell down her cheek despite her efforts. “I am. It sucks when the people you love don’t think about your feelings, huh?”

  “One last kiss before I go?”

  “Kiss this,” she said and smacked her ass at him. That was childish but I’m upset. “At least I’m not using my power on you. Tell Mara I listened to one thing she told me. But she can fuck off with anything else from here out. She and I… We’re done.” She stormed up the steps to the cabin and slammed the door behind her.

  I’m going to regret that later. She fought the breakdown building inside her and watched the events already unfolding in the cabin.

  Doc and Sven still arguing loudly.

  Billie, who’d been trying to get in between them before it came to blows, questioned her return alone with a look.

  Rory shook her head at him. Tired and fed up, she pointed out what everyone else had ignored in her absence. “Everybody shut the hell up. Holga’s here.” She swallowed hard and her heart plummeted even further. “And she’s alone.”

  Sven’s mouth dropped, and so did his head. “No Dini?”

  And Holga shook her head. “No.”