Chapter Ten – Witching hour

A man was walking in the hallway, ringing the bells , he occasionally stopped next to doors, ringing the bell louder, until he heard a noise coming from a room, one by one doors opened , with sleepy eyes team members looked out from the rooms they were staying in , the man walked front for a longer so that he could turn around and face everyone.

- Sir Duplantier has called you for a breakfast . – He said , Nodding his head in noble way , and then walked down the hallway

- A breakfast? – Alice was squeezing her eyes.

- Yeah, staying here was a bad idea – Hollie barely spoke of yawning.

- Well , we’re guests here, so we must behave – Said Jade as he stepped out of the room

Everybody went out started looking around

- Where are we having a breakfast? – Merline asked in confused face

- This way - Jade said and started walking down the hallway

- Since when are you the expert of this chateau – Hollie asked in confusion

- Trust me , I’ve been here, more than I’d like to admit – Jade looked back , not stopping, and took a turn, walking into a wall.

- I’m sure , it wasn’t enough – said Xelo , as hi slapped Jades shoulder , looking at the hall going left

- You got me … - Jade said in disappointed voice

The doors to the dining room was reaching to the ceiling , the golden curves of the outline was shining bright from the light entering through the windows , door opened itself , through which a long table was seen , at the head of the table Aimé sat , with his hands balled up in fists, infront of his face.

- Took you long enough – He said with fake smile , then he spread his hands gesturing to guests to sit – Come along , breakfast’s getting cold.

- Let me guess , Belgian waffles with ice cream – Jade said as he entered the room

- No this time , Crepes and Tarte Tatin - Aimé answered with French accent

- Oh, La la . – Hollie said as she pulled her seat back to sit.

- Yeah, that la la - Aimé answered cynically

- Oh, Tarte Tatin, Haven’t had this in a while – Merline’s French pronounciation was on point

- Oh, I love when they pronounce it correctly – Aimé took flirty tone

Merline took a slice and grabbed a knife , Smiling at Aimé

- Well , As all of you know by now , Minister has prohibited us, guardians to get involved with any activities that might be “Risky” – Aimé jumped straight into the subject

- Well, If he did , And if you’re calling back all of your people , What good does alliance do for us… - Xelo said while he was rolling up his Crepe

- You’re not a sharp one either aren’t you ? – Aimé asked – First of all , you’ll have access to the Chateau , which , no disrespect to Jade , but is better than Egypt hideout, Second , I’m calling back people that are living in territories that are defenseless, Have you seen the castleside? It’s swamped with Fae beings, and my guardians.

- Yes about guardians- Jade interfered – I couldn’t help but notice the red armor… - Aimé’s face changed as Jade underlined it

- I thought you’d miss it… - Aimé said with his voice lowering, looking away

- What game are you playing now Le fay?

- There’s no game… I have to fend for my self and my people . The war armor is just a … Precaution…

- Precaution? You’re talking to me Aimé, not to some rookie mage, what’s really going on.

- We’ve been declared a war by Dark fae… - Aimé said with anger in his voice

- Seriously? so not even this place is safe.

- No this place is the safest.

- How are you sure , that the people you’ve been losing , isn’t chambers doing but the dark fae instead.

Aimé stood up hitting his hands on the table, plates shook and bottles spilled

- I know what I’m talking about.

- What does Dark fae want from you anyways – Archil joined the conversation

- Well, the very thing Chamber’s after… - Aimé made a pause , unsure if it was safe to continue

- And what is it that they’re after – Jade was pushing Aimé to speak

- ugh… Look , it’s an artifact , ancient one… - He looked back

- I get that much , but what’s so important that both side is fighting over it.

- it’s Fragarach – Aimé said, Archils and Jades face changed in horror

- That’s Just a fairytale – Jade said

- And you, my immortal friend, are a fairytale for someone too . – Le fay answered

- We’re Talking about THE Fragarach? – Archil Stood up

- Well turns out we have a Celtic enjoyer here – Aimé looked at archil

- I do my research – Archil was flattered

- Tell me witch , What do you know of Fragarach… - Aimé looked at archil

- That , once it touches its victim , no lie shall slip it’s tongue , nor move a muscle? – Archil spoke as if he was reading the epos.

- Well that is true… But that was not the swords main goal you see… It gives a certain power to its holder.

- A certain power? – Archil leaned on the table

- The holder of the sword controls the wind, swinging the sword blows the wind so powerful , it pierces through very flesh and soul , Even immortal can’t recover from that- Aimé looked at Jade – But worse of it is , The sword can cut through everything, shields , walls , Fabric… of reality. – Aimé slowly ended his sentence

- And if you have the sword why not use it.

- The sword is called a Whisperer for it’s reason.- Aimé looked at Archil with fear in his eyes- Once you touch the blade , every previous owner, and its makers , they whisper to you, thousands of voices, you can’t tune out, holding a sword means absolute madness.

- Seems you’ve held the sword before.

- For a second… - Aimé teared up – Had I held it for long, The world as you know ,would’ve ceased to exist.

- And why does Chamber want the sword then… - Xelo asked as he took a bite of Chocolate filled Crepe

Aimé’s face , changed from sad to annoyed

- Had you listened, you’d know the answer, but it seems crepes hold more value to you.

- You’re such a buzzkill. – Xelo said as he was chewing.

Em finishing his slice of Tarte, Looked at Aimé still afraid to speak ,because of the flower , he raised his hand nervously shaking

- It’s alright. – Aimé didn’t let him speak

- I wanted to ask something else but, thanks I guess? – Em answered awkwardly

- ask away.

- yesterday, in the river we… I saw something, as your guard described as Siren?

- Yes, the singing folk , What’s your interest – Aimé answered commonly

- Well – Em took off his ring, rolling it towards Aimé – We’re searching for a Siren called Vixx – The projection of Vixx appeared in front of Aimé – He’s one of original 8 , so since you’re the guardian of the Fae, and apparently Sirens are your folk , I thought…

- He’s not . – Aimé didn’t let Em finish

- He’s not what… under your command? So he’s a rogue?

- Look , There are a lot of creatures, and most of them have rogues, but Fae had never been a rogue .

- Huh?

- He’s not a Siren – Aimé said confidently

- Listen, This is the most accurate program you’ll ever see..

- Not accurate enough then.

- Or maybe you’re too Proud to admit that you have a rogue.

Aimé leaned forward , his smile turned evil , eyes emitting emerald green dim light

- Proud? That’s my middle name, but when it comes to Fae realms, Me and Lady Lexius have no traitors.

- I never said traitor.

- Disobedience to the king or queen , is a treachery– Aimé said with angry voice

- So he… - Em got scared

- He’s a Sirinosa, or Seirenes …

- I thought you… - Em got confused

- He’s Sirinosa, Em , That’s different , It’s a Greek folk. – Archil interfered

Em bit his lip from embarrassment, looking down.

- You know you’re not far away from Greece , you can find him there.

- First New York, Then Cambridge, Then France , Now Greece?- Archil leaned back on his chair – I need a guide.

Jade looked at Archil.

- Yeah traveling can be a bugger – He said with cynical voice.

- Tell me about it – Archil replied, then realized what Jade meant - Oh… That’s right sorry. – He answered and awkwardly took a sip of coffee.

****

In a metallic room , a man walked towards the window , which showed nothing but blurry view of underwater riffs , fish swimming around , the window was tilted and mowing forward to what it appeared to be the tip of the ship the room was in .

The man was shirtless , blonde hair pushed backwards , his body sculpted like a Greek god , he walked elegantly, like a model one would say, moving his hips as he walked , he tilted his head lifted his left hand upwards as if he was holding a bowl.

- Don’t you think you’re overdoing it? – A woman sitting at the back of the room said with laughter

- Am I ? – The man answered

- You’ve been practicing your entrance for hour already, moving hips that way is a bit excessive.

- I mean , I need to catch their eyes .

- You’re a Seirenes , Vixx, you will catch their eyes like it or not…

- I need to get this gig… - Vix answered with passion – I’ve dreamt of being a face of a brand.

- Yeah , Model at day , A Thief at night… That sounds catchy – Woman was mocking Vixx

- I’m no thief… - Vixx turned around

- Yeah , your wardrobe would beg to differ.

As The woman said the words , the ships alarms went off , red color started to blink.

- Intrusion? - Woman asked

- seriously? We’re in Bermuda , No one would dare. – Vixx’s face changed , his eyes widened as he saw a tall man enter the room , clothed in what appeared to be a robe of some type of church , chambers logo was drawn on both shoulder , he tilted his head smiling

- I do like what I’m seeing, but unfortunately I have to carry out my order.

- Order? – Vixx asked in confusion , then he raised his eyebrow and started singing

- I do appreciate tasteful music, but Mrs. Callas did it better – He said and he lunged towards Vixx

Vixx quickly reacted catching the fist with his right arm

- What the hell do you want.

- To make sure you never meet them – Man said , with his fist still caught by Vixx , He smiled looked up to him

- Boo – He said , blade extended from both his arms his fist piercing through Vixx’s hand , he swung second arm at Vixx’s neck – Goodbye – He said

Vixx leaped backwards , removing the hand from the fist , as he landed , he saw his palm bleeding without signs of stopping

- I had an audition today… - He said in disappointed voice – Meet who – He asked with curious face

Man smiled , he pierced right through metal on the ground , screens on ship started writing warnings of pressure dropping as water started to leak from the ground

- Since you’re going to die with the ship, I’ll let you in that secret – He lunged at Vixx again , his arms crossed , Uncrossing it as soon as he approached Vixx… - Blackrose – He shouted , attempting to land a final blow on Vixx, but Vixx again dodged the attack by rolling underneath man , ending up behind him

- You know this ship’s pretty expensive right? – He asked , with calm , unnerved voice

- Ship is least of your worries right now .

- I mean… I don’t even know what to call you so , Listen here Mister Fistblade , The ship and the crew is my only worry right now – Vixx said looking at the girl sitting in the corner , frozen in fear – This is their home – He said looking at the man with angry eyes

- Well , They’ve been just evicted- Man said and turned around, as he tried to speak another word, Vixx dashed at him , seeing an opening to his chest Vixx hit him with a fist , man launched backwards hitting the Window , cracking it and dropping on the ground.

- Get out , get everyone in the capsule and don’t come out untill I tell you to.

Girl ran out of the room , Door closed behind Vixx’s back

- Look , I don’t know who Blackrose is, and I don’t care, You can leave now in peace, and leave me and my crew be, And I can assure you , I Won’t be meeting anyone that may concern you.

The man barely stood up from the ground , retracting his blades, he took a deep breath and looked at Vixx

- Promise? – He smiled – And it’s Pierce , the name I mean ,Quite ironic isn’t it – he stood up shaking the dust off of his shoulder – Sorry but I’m not here to negotiate .

- It’s better for you if you do, trust me – Vixx took a step forward spreading his arms – You’re in my kingdom, we’re surrounded by water, trust me , you won’t like what you’ll see if you take this any further.

Pierce at first had a glimpse of fear in his eyes, then he closed his eyes , took a deep breath and with clenched jaw he started chanting

“Dimension of Hades , grant me your power

Spread your darkness as under so over ,

Conquer the light , cast firing shower

Devour the kind , hour by hour”

As he chanted his eyelids started forming red veins , which extended to his whole face , his teeth almost breaking from clenching the jaw , made a screeching noise, He straightened up as the cloth ripped around his body , the veins , radiated red and black lights

- I hate when the tables turn – Vixx still was calm and cynical

- I feel you should be running child – Pierce spoke in deep double voice.

- Look , I’ve seen the exorcist, Possessions don’t scare me – Vixx was still mocking Pierce

Pierce sighed, disappearing from the spot leaving an afterimage.

- Well running was a good idea. – Vixx said confidently, but his face changed as he felt the wind blow behind him , Pierce had appeared , Kicking him , launching him at the window Vixx broke it , through window he flew out in the water hitting the underwater cliff , the stream of water started filling up the cabin pierce was in , But he seemed not to worry, he slowly took steps towards the stream , despite the huge Pressure water came in with , he just jumped out , in a split second appearing behind Vixx, A red aura was covering Pierces Face allowing him to speak and breath.

- You should’ve chosen an easy way out – Pierce said grabbed Vixx’s head and smashed it into the cliff – Now I have to ruin your pretty face too… At least you could’ve had Open Casket before – He was continuously Smashing Vixx’s head on cliff Vixx seemed to be unconscious , Pierce turned Vixx around moving his fingers towards Vixxes nose to check if he was breathing – Still pretty – He said as he felt no air exiting Vixxes nose , he looked back at the ship – Now as a trophy… - He said with evil smile letting go of Vixxes body , which slowly sunk into the depth.

****

Morgaus was standing in his room , fidgeting on black beads , his facial expression showed great nervousness and worry.

- May I ? – Darina Knocked on the door

- Not a great time – Morgaus turned around , leaned on the table and sat

- What’s going on , everything alright?

- Since when are you my psychologist – Morgaus even worried kept his angry tone

- I can see you’re troubled.

- Troubled? You forget yourself witch – Morgaus spoke with hatred

- Oh come on now , I’ve been sticking with you since the day we met – Darina slowly walked towards Morgaus.

- Non of your business I said – Morgaus raised his voice

Darina slowly approached him grabbing Morgauses shoulder , seductively looking at him

- Fierce as always my king – She said

Morgaus shook his shoulder forcing Darina’s hand off, Darina with other hand , pressed Morgauses chest caressing it towards another shoulder , moving even closer to his face

- Must you always be this angry, let your guard down once in a while – She said as she kissed him slowly moving her hand behind Morgauses head , Morgaus grabbed Darina’s head with one hand and with another hand grabbed her face , for a second he pulled her in , but immediately he pulled her hair backwards

- You really think you’re that seductive, or attractive to lure me in don’t you – Morgaus asked as he removed Darina off of him completely

- But I , I love you my King – Darina said with her eyes tearing up

- And I, My dear, Hate even the sight of you – Morgaus replied and swung her towards the wall , he walked up and Kissed her – You disgust me – He said and went for another kiss but Darina stopped him with tears in her eyes

- Then my sight , you shall not have – Darina answered with sadness walking out , she stopped near the door , fixing her dress , and hair she smiled , looked back and said – Thank you!

- Anytime – Morgaus answered with evil tone – I heard you met him … - he continued

- So I did … - She replied – What has happened to him , what have you done.

- I’ve introduced him to Lovecraftian horrors – Morgaus Smiled

- I see – Darina said and left the room

As Darina walked down in hallway, She reached into the sleeve of her dress , pulling something out of it, Smiling , walking down the hallway she was speaking to herself

- You made this much easier than it should be – She said , as she was walking down , the hallway was more like an inside balcony on a second floor, through ledge you could see a huge floor , with Chambers logo engraved , the halls were decorated with black paint and blood red flows of waves, instead of lamps , every two meters there were torches , that light up as someone passed it , without torches only the red waves glowed in the darkness, Darina approached her room , opening the door , she walked in on Svetlana petting Amphis

- So you’re here – Darina said , looking at Svetlana

- You took your time – Svetlana answered with Russian accent, she raised her eyebrow , and gave Darina closer look – You’ve been busy I see.

- What do you mean – Darina pulled her hair behind her ear

- Your lipstick’s Ruined … - Svetlana answered

- Oh , My bad – Darina said waving a hand Infront of her face , her makeup got fixed – Better?

- Much better – Svetlana answered – I hope your love for him won’t interfere with the plan.

- Interfere? He has turned my brother into some crazy lunatic , My love for him slowly fades into hatred.

- Lunatic?

- He got him to read H.P Lovecraft’s work , He basically is obsessed with Azathoth…

- Poor thing – Svetlana answered, Darina thinking she was referring to her brother answered

- He’s not poor

- I don’t mean him , I mean you, Lovecraft’s Craze doesn’t come form only his works… - Svetlana said – He must’ve been introduced to years of Occult practices… He most likely gained dimensional sight , He no longer exists only in three – Svetlana continued

- How do you… - Darina asked in confusion

- I’m a High priestess , I know lot more than you can understand – Svetlana’s voice changed, She spoke without an accent

- What?

- Morgaus turned him into an ultimate weapon, He is no longer your brother Dar, He’s now the prophet for Azathoth – Svetlana answered

- But that’s impossible , Necronomicon is Just a novel.

- You yourself know what that means Darina, for entity to be considered a god , It’s not necessary to be a primordial . – Svetlana answered as she stood up

Darina blinked once , then looked at Svetlana

- Luka is no longer your brother, in fact He is no longer Luka – Svetlana continued

Darina with intrigue in her eyes asked “ How do you know his name”

Svetlana moved towards Darina

- Because I know what Morgauses plan was … To create an unstoppable mage, who understands the very fabric of reality, and by understanding , wields it… - Svetlana said as he grabbed the lock of hair from Darina’s hand

Darina stood there , with her eyes tearing up , she was shaking her head in disbelief , then she stopped looked down

- That son of a …. – Darina said

- Ap Ap ap – Svetlana stopped her right before she finished the sentence – Amphis is just a kid …

- You’re Chambers High priestess, don’t speak of morals please – Darina rolled her eyes

Svetlana Chuckled as she went towards the table

- Do you have the poppet ready? – Darina asked with curiosity , following Svetlana behind

- Of course , I do .- Svetlana replied

- Then it’s Almost midnight we should get going – Darina said

- Witching hour is around the corner – Svetlana said as she grabbed silver plate from the table , alongside with Black candles and herbs , she sat herself down , placing the plate Infront of her, Darina sitting on another side – Are you ready? – Svetlana asked

- Let’s Curse the Bitch – Darina answered with evil smile.

As they both sat, Svetlana light up the candle , with Morgauses Name engraved in it backwards, 13 times

She sprinkled Red chili on the flame , Chanting

“Spicy Flower, Herb Of Pain

Take His life force , Grain by grain”

Darina picked up dirt from the plate , sprinkling it on the flame she chanted

“Seal your Lips , Your Eyes are Sewn

On your grave no sorrow shown”

Svetlana picked up rusty nails from the plate, Piercing the Candles Nine times

“Your Flesh is rotting inside out

Your soul through mouth comes all-out”

Darina picked withered thorned vine from the plate , Wrapping it around the candle

“ As the vine wraps your soul,

You’re consumed as a whole”

“Burn , Burn , Burn” They chanted together at the end , Svetlana picking up the lock of hair and placing it in white human shaped poppet , she placed the candle on top of the cut , They both started chanting

“As the wax sews your clone

For your actions you will atone” both said with evil smiles .

Candle burned fast, the nails and thorns dropped on the poppet, poppet glowed red for a second, the thorns and nails turned into dust , leaving only Morgauses poppet on the plate

Darina moved it to the center, Svetlana handed her the ritual dagger

- Do the honors, Sister – She said , Darina took the dagger from her hand

She looked at poppet, Raising the dagger, she wanted to swing it but she couldn’t

- What are you doing sister , Do it…- Svetlana couldn’t believe her eyes- Don’t let the feelings get in the way…

Darinas eyes teared up

- Do it! Think of what he did to your brother ! – Svetlana was encouraging her

- I… - Darina was sobbing

- Think about what he did to you, how he treated you… He picked ME over you – Svetlana was pushing it

Darina looked at Svetlana , With anger she swung the Dagger, Piercing the heart of the poppet

Laughter voice came, as Morgaus appeared in the room

- A hex? How cute… And you were up all over me trying to seduce me… For a lock of hair? You thought I didn’t notice did you… you could’ve just asked

Svetlana stood up standing in front of Darina , Darina couldn’t believe her eyes

- it didn’t work… - She said

- It worked… Had it been another , they’d be dead … great job girls – Morgaus answered with cynical voice , opening his shirt , exposing his bleeding heart. - It’s just that… You need to do more than that …

- I’m… I’m sorry my king – Darina still on her knees sobbing looked at Morgaus.

- Your king? Don’t you get it witch? You’re nothing to me

- Darina! Don’t let your fear and emotions mess with your thinking , No more!

Darina looked up at Svetlana

- He’s been using you all this time ,He’s been using us all this time… We deserve better

Darina was looking up to Svetlana with hope , for the first time she felt someone protecting her.

- Svetlana… What did I tell you if you misbehaved… I found you, I raised you… And this is how you repay me?

- You enslaved me! – Svetlana shouted

Darina silently stood up , going in front of Svetlana , not making a noise , her head downturned , she stopped after two steps as she passed Svetlana

- The spell should’ve killed you – She said with low , screechy voice – But it seems it left the honors for me . – She looked up , Clapping her hands onto each other , as she spread it apart, the room turned into red domain.

Morgaus took step back , looking in confusion

- oh my – He appeared scared for a second , then he started laughing , He swung his hands and the dimension disappeared- For the last time , You forget yourself…

- No , I think I just found it – Darina said , as she launched the dagger at Morgauses heart, piercing through his flesh , Morgaus coughed up blood, Morgaus dropped on his knee, removing the dagger from his chest

- Stupid witch – he said .

Svetlana stepped forward, Morgaus threw the knife at Svetlana hitting her in chest

- That makes two of us – Morgaus said barely breathing.

Svetlana collapsed behind, Darina supporting her , she moved her body slowly to the ground , laying her down , Svetlana breathed heavily , Stream of blood coming from her mouth , She looked at Darina with fear

- I… I’m too pretty to die – She said trying to make a joke

- Yes you are , yes you are sister – Darina said as she was stroking Svetlanas hair

- Begi – Svetlana said…

- I won’t run… Without you. – Darina said , looking at Morgaus , she clenched her jaw… - Next time I won’t leave you alive – She said , as she grabbed both shoulders of Svetlana , Amphis Jumped on Darina’s Shoulder, “Velox Lanuae” She said and both Svetlana and Darina disappeared from the room.

- You Old b… - Morgaus shouted as his wounds started to heal

- don’t say the word, it’s better for you – Crow spoke behind him

- If you were here all this time why’d you not help – Morgaus stood up Facing the crow

- I like to watch the show… And I was thinking of getting rid of you , so they were doing me a favor – Crow answered in calm manner

- You…

- Me what? Come on , say it – She walked closer and closer.

- I have no time for this… I have a High Priest to find…

- I think I’m Looking at one.

- I’m The head of chamber… - Morgaus answered furiously

- Not anymore… I’m taking over Due to your inability to get anything done… - Crow ripped down the shoulder pieces form Morgauses cape.

- That’s not…

- Not in my power? I’ve direct blessing of Reptilians, Be thankful that I’m keeping you alive.

- You can’t do this…

- Oh but I can… - Said crow as she revealed her face to Morgaus

Morgaus stood there frozen, he couldn’t believe his eyes

- Seriously? all this time? – Morgaus wanted to get mad but he was afraid

- All this time…- Crow answered

****

Reader sat on his bed as usual , he was rocking back and forth

- She left me… - He said

- She left her brother… - He looked at Yu

- She was the only person who cared and she left…

He got up , tearing up , he threw around everything on the table , screaming in pain

- She said I was no longer her brother – He was sobbing

- How could she say such a thing – He continued crying

Dropping on his knees , he wiped his tears.

- she was meant to protect me, and hold me – He crawled up his knees hugging it

- Well, Atleast I have you, Yu – He looked at Yu – You’re not like them… You won’t ever leave right?

As he was looking at Yu , Crying , Morgaus entered the room , He looked at Yu too

- jeez , what have you done to the place, and what’s that…

- It’s Yu

- IT Spells You with o crossed.

- I made a mistake.

- After all the books you’ve read , you can’t even spell You?

Reader was still rocking back and forth

- What do you want…

- Your sister has left you… - Morgaus said

Reader stood up , raising his hand pointing at Morgaus

- No… you made her leave me – He said and started balling up his fingers, Morgaus dropped on his knee, his skin turning grey

- W… Wait- He said with the air escaping his body – She.. Abandoned you… because she is afraid of you

Reader let his hand down

- But.. She shouldn’t be She’s my older sister – He said as he went back to his bed, sitting down.

- She traded you for that witch – Morgaus said with tricky voice.

Reader looked at Morgaus

- She still loves me… - He said

- She loves Luka…

- It’s Reader now! – He stood up again shouting

- I know… but she doesn’t love reader… She loves Luka… You want to be him?

Reader took steps back repeating “No” Continuously

- Then , You’re no longer her brother either – Morgaus said with low voice.

Reader looked up at Morgaus , Morgaus was grinning devilishly

- When our time comes… We will make everyone regret… - Morgaus said as he walked up to Reader, stroking his hair – You my friend… Are capable of wonders

Reader smiled

- Are you my friend? – He said in childish way

- But of course I am – Morgaus said , grabbing readers shoulder , tightening his fingers around it. – I’m more… I’m Your brother from now on .

Reader Hearing the words , Grabbed Morgaus , Hugging him

- Brother… - Reader said as he tightened his hug.

- One and only – Morgaus said , Smiling behind Reader.