: Chapter 20

‘Please wake up. Please, please wake up.’

Those words echo in my ears. The voice sounds far away and frightened.

‘Open your eyes. Come on, Beautiful. Wake up.’

Gabriel’s words become louder and clearer. I start to move.

‘That’s it! That’s it! Come on. Wake up!’

I blink open my eyes and see him leaning over me. He’s cradling me in his lap and holding me close to his chest. Relief floods his face when our eyes meet.

‘Thank fucking christ!’ he says, wiping blood from my nose. ‘Bloody hell. I was starting to really freak out! Easy… Don’t move too much. Are you okay? Can you talk?’

‘I-I’m okay. I’m… Are you okay?’ I croak, reaching up to caress his cheek. There’s dried blood all over him and when I lift my hand, I see that I’m equally as covered. He kisses my hand again and again and nods, tears spilling down his face.

‘I’m okay.’ He nods. ‘I’m okay. You?’

‘I ache like a bitch,’ I groan.

He laughs and he pulls me into a hug, crying as he does.

I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, bursting into tears too.

He’s alive. We’re both alive.

But, where are we?

It’s the middle of the night and it’s bitterly cold. The wind is howling all around us and I can hear the ocean close by. The full moon in the sky casts a little light, showing me that we on the top of some cliffs… Hold on. Gabriel is stroking my hair, with the hand that, last I saw, was left on the floor of the Great Courtyard.

I sit back and examine Gabriel. And both his arms! I snatch it up and look at it closely. His long-sleeved top ends just above his elbow and is stained heavily with blood, but his arm is clean and new.

‘How?’ I look at him.

‘You,’ he says plainly. ‘I came to, the place was coming down around us, and I saw you leaning over me yelling Arcanian. Then everything went white and I woke up here with you about an hour ago. You were out cold and I had my arm back!’

‘Do you feel okay?’ I run my fingers along his skin, all the way to his elbow. ‘Can you move it alright? What about the blood loss?’

‘I feel fine,’ he insists, taking my hands in his. ‘Do you?’ He pokes his finger through the bullet hole in my heavily blood-stained top. ‘Did you get shot?’

I lift my top and feel my abdomen. There’s no sign of a wound at all. Nor in my shoulder or my leg! ‘I did get shot, but… I’m okay!’ I lift my gaze and smile at him. ‘I healed us both? I manifested my Physical magic and healed us both! You almost died! I almost died!’ I start to laugh and pull him into a hug. ‘We’re okay, baby. You’re okay.’

His embrace is consuming and so full of relief and love.

‘Where the hell are we?’ I ask.

‘I’ll show you. Can you stand?’

‘I think so.’ He gets to his feet and helps me to mine. Hand in hand, we walk towards the edge of the cliff. Below, the ocean crashes against the cliffs. The reflection of the moon ripples over the waves and the wind blows harder. Then, Gabriel turns me around. Behind us are miles of stone ruins protruding from the ground.

‘I have no idea how, but after the bright light, I woke up here with you. Just us. No one else. Not for miles.’

‘Where is exactly?’

‘This is Tintagel. Or what’s left of it.’

‘Tintagel?’ I ask, in a stunned whisper. ‘As in…’

‘As in the village where I grew up. Where the Hunters first attacked. This is where the war started for us.’

The ruins stretch out as far as I can see. Remnants of houses and pathways. Stone arches and steps. I can imagine it was once a great village, full of life.

‘Why here?’ I wonder aloud. ‘How? How did we get here?’

‘You brought us here. This is where your Bloodstone came from. Maybe that has something to do with it. You had black eyes when you shouted in Arcanian. I think that the link between your Bloodstone and this place answered your command, and took us out of there before the place collapsed.’

‘Really?’

He shrugs. ‘Who knows.’ He stretches out his new arm. ‘How the hell you did any of this is beyond me. Maybe Connor-’

I reach up and slam my lips onto his.

‘I don’t care how. Or why. All I care about is that you’re okay. That we’re okay and we’re together. I thought for sure I had lost you. I love you, Gabriel. So fucking much.’

‘I love you more.’

‘Impos-’

His mouth crashes onto mine and we fall to the floor in a mess of limbs, tearing off each other’s clothes. Naked and filled with a need only the other can fulfill, he eases into me and we make love right then and there.

∞∞∞

When the sun starts to rise, Gabriel guides me down a set of stone steps carved into the side of the cliff which leads to a small beach below. We wade into the icy water and wash off as much of the blood as possible, scrubbing our skin and clothes. A little cleaner and no longer looking like something that crawled out of a horror movie, we start walking along the cliffs. I don’t have access to my magic, but we assume Grayson still has my Bloodstone. He’ll come to us, we just need to keep out of sight until he does. We come across an old dilapidated hotel overlooking the sea. It’s long been abandoned and has been left to rot. We break in through a boarded-up window and sit in the old lounge bar, snuggled up together in an old booth. I’m so exhausted, I fall asleep quickly.

∞∞∞

‘This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t cut her off from her magic.’ Gabriel snaps quietly. ‘We almost died, Grayson. She was shot and Toby cut off my fucking arm!’

‘I told you, the only reason I cut her off was because I got a text from Hendrix telling me to. I thought she was losing control.’

‘Then I need to ask Hendrix why he sent that message. And I plan on asking him violently.’

‘He said he didn’t have his phone at that point. That he had it when he walked in to the museum, but somewhere along the line it must have been stolen. He says that someone did bump into him while you were walking around like a bunch of common tourists, that maybe it was Ava and she took it. It was timed perfectly so it makes sense that they planed it that way. For her to be powerless at the right moment.’

Gabriel sighs. ‘What shall we tell her?’

‘I’ll leave that up to you. You know her best. What do you think we should tell her?’ Grayson replies sharply.

‘Nothing. Not unless she asks at any rate.’ My head is still in his lap and his hands run through my hair. ‘She’s obviously far more powerful than we expected.’

‘Obviously,’ Grayson scoffs.

‘But she’s still in a very vulnerable place emotionally. I don’t want to cause her any more distress.’

‘What’s happened?’ I sit, and look between them. Grayson is sat on an old barstool opposite us. He watches me sit as Gabriel rests his hand on my back. He looks at Gabriel, and so do I. ‘Gabriel? Is it Amara or Collins?’ I shoot a look back at Grayson. ‘What did you do? WHAT-’

‘Nothing, Beautiful,’ Gabriel insists, keeping me by his side. ‘They’re fine. Grayson isn’t angry at you. He’s… We’re just worried about you.’

‘Why? What’s happened? Tell me.’

With a deep breath, he tells me. ‘The bright light we saw? Well, after you transported us away two-hundred miles…’ The look of anguish on his face has me wanting to be sick.

‘What did I do?’ I whisper.

He takes my hand in his. ‘Nothing. You did nothing. Hunters did. They dropped a bomb-’

‘A bomb?’

‘Yes. Some kind of explosive and… well… people died, Lilly. The museum is gone. It’s all been destroyed.’

‘People died?’ I repeat. ‘Like… Hunters? They killed their own people? The ones with guns?’

‘The men that attacked us weren’t Hunters. They were Police. Special forces. Usually, they deal with terrorists. They got the call we were there and attacked before Hunters reached us. And… no. They weren’t the only casualties. They’re…’ He glances at Grayson and struggles to say the rest.

‘The explosion destroyed a number of the houses that surrounded the museum. They’re still going through the wreckage,’ Grayson explains coldly. ‘Twenty-three bodies have been recovered so far, but there are a hundred or so still missing.’ It gets harder to breathe. ‘The security footage of you all in the museum has been released to the general public and your face, as well as Toby’s, Ava’s and Hendrix’s, join ours all over the news. You’re being blamed for the blast. We all are, but you especially.’

‘Can we go and help them? Help get the people out?’

He shakes his head. ‘You’re wanted, Lilly. There’s a bounty of fifteen-million pounds on each of us. Thirty for you. The whole country is looking for us…’ He carries on talking, but the words muffle. I grip onto Gabriel and start sliding onto the floor. He slides with me and cups my face in his hand. Tears tumble down my cheeks.

‘This is not your fault,’ Gabriel tells me sternly.

‘No. It’s not my fault. It’s theirs. They’re dead because Hunters dropped a bomb on them. And they dare… they dare blame it on us?!’ I shake my head. More tears fall and I can’t tell if their appearance is through anger or grief for the loss of life. So, I make a choice. I chose anger. ‘They won’t get away with this.’

∞∞∞

In the back seat of Grayson’s car, I sit and stare out the tinted window in a daze, watching the world pass us by. Gabriel holds my hand but remains quiet. There really is nothing to say. Only when the car starts jolting me around do my eyes actually take in the scenery outside the window. We’re in a woodland of some kind. A forest maybe. The tyres have left the smooth tarmac and is now travelling over rough ground. The sun has started to set in the distance. We’ve been driving all day. I don’t know where we are, all I know is what we’ve left behind.

As it gets darker, the rough road becomes a narrow path and there’s nothing to see but trees. They grow over the top of us like a tunnel. I press the little button and lower the window down as far as it will go so I can lean my head out to look up. The setting sun sneaks through the branches. My hair blows behind me. I smell the musty scent of rotting vegetation on the forest floor.

We’re in the woodland for a while until we reach a large wooden gate. Three men appear with guns. They open the gate and we drive through.

After another mile, Grayson stops the car. He gets out and raps his knuckles on the window. I open the door and step outside, followed by Gabriel. My legs are stiff and I’m beyond tired. I haven’t slept properly in days. Gabriel zips up the front of my hoody so the blood staining my clothes is covered and makes sure my hair is tucked beneath its hood. He’s gentle with me and takes his time.

‘There,’ he says, looking me over. ‘You won’t scare everyone now. You look a little, “Carrie at the prom”.’

‘I don’t know what that means.’

‘Never mind. Come on, Beautiful.’

I follow him. Grayson is close behind me. Soon, we emerge through the trees into a clearing.

A camp.

A group of children run past me, giggling as they chase each other. I stop and watch them waving sticks, pretending they’re wands or swords. Some middle-aged women chat enthusiastically as they prepare a fire, and the older generation scowl and mutter between themselves. I watch a group of men appear from behind me with dead rabbits tossed over their shoulders, talking excitedly about the dinner they’re all in for this evening. There are tents and cabins dotted all over the place. There must be a hundred or so, all varying in size and style. There are a few caravans and overhead are some powerlines. Ahead is a large shelter with sinks and running water. Several young girls are busy washing dishes, all talking with gusto. I can hear music coming from somewhere and plenty of excited chatter as people go about their business. Everyone looks perfectly normal and happy in their jeans and jumpers with boots or trainers. None have guns. Just friendly nods and smiles.

‘Welcome to the Nomad camp,’ Gabriel says in my ear. ‘Or one of them at least.’

So this is the Nomad camp…

Grayson points behind me. ‘There are some fallen logs over there they use as seating in the evening. Go sit yourself down while Gabriel and I have a quick chat. And do not, under any circumstances, talk about what happened. They have no idea what’s been going on out there and I want to keep it that way. I want to avoid panic. Understand?’

‘Perfectly.’ After a quick kiss from Gabriel, I turn and make my way towards the logs. But there are too many people around. All I want is some peace and quiet. I walk a little further out and sit at the base of a tree just on the outskirts of the camp, looking out into the woodland.

Soon after, Hendrix appears with a bottle of beer and a bacon sandwich. He looks like hell, covered in cuts and filth.

‘Here. Thought that if ya feel anything like me, ya might want something to eat and drink.’

‘Are you okay?’ I ask, taking the beer but refusing the sandwich.

‘Just about. I’m sorry I didn’t get to ya, Little Witch. After I finally fought off the fellas trying to shoot me, all hell was breaking loose down below. Fire and guns and shit. I tried to call Grayson for back-up, but my phone was gone. I thought I could get to him and he would help ya. By the time I reached the car… Boom! I shouldn’t have left ya and I’m sorry-’

‘Don’t be. If you hadn’t, you’d have been killed too.’ I sip the beer and look out into the trees.

Pulling out a flask, Hendrix takes a swig and watches me with a furrowed brow. ‘How did ya get outta there?’

‘Honestly? I have no idea.’

‘I watched the footage they released to the public. Toby hacking off Gabriel’s arm? Brutal.’

I turn away and look out into the trees, hating that Gabriel’s yell of agony still echoes in my ears. That I came so close to losing him. ‘Yeah. It was.’

After a few moments of silence, he nudges the sandwich closer. ‘It’s perfectly safe. I swear it. Look.’ He pulls off a chunk and shoves it in his mouth. ‘Eat, Little Witch. You’re wasting away.’ He turns, but before he leaves, he says, ‘I let ya down. You have my word, it will never happen again. I’m sorry.’ He leaves without another word.

Occasionally, the kids run past as they play their games. Their youthful faces and innocence is a beautiful thing to behold. I never laughed like that. I never played as they do. And it fills me with warmth to know that there are happy children in the world. The more I watch them, the more I know for certain that they’ve not seen death or felt betrayal. Not like I have. I watch them and share in their innocence from afar. The minutes pass by and I observe the Nomads live their life. They make their dinner and gather around the log seating to eat it together. They’re friendly and helpful. No one man does a job without three others offering assistance. A child falls and scrapes a knee, but their tears are dried and their graze kissed better with love and tenderness. The air is filled with laughter and chatter.

It’s lovely.

But still, I feel cold and distant. Like a pervert peering in through a window.

Gabriel kneels before me. ‘Let’s go get cleaned up, yeah?’ I nod and he eases me to my feet. We walk across the camp towards a small little wood cabin. Gabriel opens the door and takes me to a lumpy and musty single bed where I sit heavily. Beneath the window is a cast iron tub. He starts running the tap before helping me undress. He tosses my clothes in the fire and we get in the tub together. In silence, he bathes us both, emptying the bath and refilling it three times before we’re finally clean of blood. Moving me like a ragdoll, he dresses me in one of his tops, and together, we get into bed and fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

∞∞∞

‘The footage of the fight at the museum is on every channel.’ I choose to keep my eyes closed and my face buried under the scratchy blanket as Grayson speaks to Gabriel. ‘As soon as she wakes up, we are to continue looking for the necklace which means you will be looking into her memories again. I need to get the full weight of my magic back and get my Nomads armed with their magic before she gets even more powerful and before we get found.’

‘Do you want her to give in to her Break?!’ Gabriel hisses furiously. ‘Is that what you’re trying to achieve? Because if you want her to lose herself, if you want to have a dark, all-powerful witch hell-bent on destruction and vengeance, then please carry on because she’s teetering on the edge.’

‘As long as I have the Bloodstone, I’m not worried about her darkness. Without her magic, she’s nothing. Precisely the reason I made the thing in the first place.’

‘I can’t believe I ever called you a brother. I look at you now and I feel nothing but hatred and disgust.’

‘And I don’t care,’ Grayson spits back. ‘When she wakes up, you will look into her memories. You have seven days to find that necklace, Gabriel. After that, for every day I don’t have it, I will remove an extremity that belongs to Amara Jayne, and serve it up to Lilly on a silver platter.’

‘You’re one sick fuck.’

‘And while I’m reminding you of the rules, you keep your relationship to yourself while you are here.’

‘Bullshit! We have bigger concerns-’

‘And under no circumstances is Lilly to be left unattended. You, Hendrix, Billy or myself will be stationed either by her side or outside her door at all times. I will not have her snatched by a rogue Nomad or injured.’

‘Then why the hell are we here? We can’t trust anyone. Tobias knew we were at the museum well before we got there.’

‘That is why I had the Nomads travelling with us, dealt with.’

‘Tortured and executed,’ Gabriel corrects.

‘Better safe than sorry,’ Grayson replies, coldly. ‘Someone with us yesterday told Bias where we were going. Now I’ve killed them all, they won’t get another chance to betray me.’

‘We should be on the road. Me, you, Hendrix, Collins and Amara. She needs people she trusts around her. People trust.’

‘You include Hendrix in that list?’

‘He’s kept her safe. He needs her alive and well to achieve his goal of reviving vampires so yeah, I trust that he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her in one piece. And now she’s manifested her Physical magic, she need Collins here to help her learn how to use it properly.’

‘She did just fine without Collins’ help. What she needs to do is find that necklace and prepare for the challenge. We have the ring now, so we will head to Dartmoor in a few days, after she has regained her strength. Lilly has seen what humans think of us now. She’s seen it firsthand. She needs to spend some time with the people whose lives depend on her. Not the soldiers. Not my men at the house. The real Nomads. She won’t give in to her Break, Gabriel, because when she sees what she’s fighting for here, she’ll never give up. I’m surprised that you of all people fail to see her need to protect the innocent.’

‘I don’t fail to see it, Grayson,’ Gabriel snarls back. ‘But I do see that she is fast approaching her limit of what she can deal with.’

‘Then you have no idea who she is. Because she is stronger than you think. More stubborn and far fiercer than even I could have ever expected.’ He walks across the wooden floor towards the door. ‘She chose the wrong brother. I would never doubt her the way you do.’

‘No. You just beat, brand and threaten her.’

‘When you’re trying to cage a lion, you don’t do it with cuddles and cake.’ The door opens and there’s a pause. ‘She can have a day. One day of rest before you start looking for the necklace.’ He slams the door shut as he leaves. I hear Gabriel shuffle before he lowers himself on the edge of the bed.

‘Your brother is a dick,’ I mumble from beneath the blanket.

‘You’re not wrong.’

‘So.’ I remove the blanket and sit up. ‘One day till it all starts again. What do you want to do?’

The corner of his mouth hitches before he pounces on top of me.

∞∞∞

As I get dressed, Gabriel goes to find some coffee. As I head out after him, I see Hendrix sitting on the wooden stoop.

‘Awake at last,’ he grunts without turning. ‘Lover-boy’s over there fetching ya breakfast.’

‘Yeah I know.’

‘Course. You have that weird tingly witch locator thing going on.’

‘That. And I have eye balls,’ I quip as I pass, making him chuckle.

The residents of the camp all stop what they’re doing and their eyes follow me as I make my way towards Gabriel. Women pouring coffee overfill their mugs and conversations are paused midway through as they see me.

Of course, I’m not wearing my hood and my hair is a dead giveaway as to who I am. Gabriel is pilling fried food on his plate and doesn’t notice me heading over, or the reaction my appearance has caused.

Three young girls giggle as they run past me. They stop at his side with wide eyes and enormous smiles. They can’t be any older than six. Seven maybe.

‘Hello, girls,’ he says happily, crouching down so he’s eye level with them all. I stop and watch him. ‘How are you three today?’

‘We’re good, Mr Gabriel,’ the oldest of the three replies. She has long blonde hair that falls to her waist in waves and light green eyes that look at him with clear admiration.

‘What have you got there?’ he asks, gesturing to what they each have clasped in their hands.

‘We picked them for Miss Hooper,’ she says, holding out a fist full of daisies. ‘May we give them to her when she wakes up?’

‘How did you know that Miss Hooper was here?’ he chuckles.

‘My mummy heard from Auntie Jella, who was told by Cousin Mal, and he heard it from Monica’s best friend Cel, who said her brother Don told her.’

‘Wow. That’s… that’s a lot of people.’

She giggles. ‘So, can we give them to her?’

‘I think that would make Miss Hooper very happy to be given such pretty flowers by such thoughtful girls. She loves daisies.’

I smile because yes, I do. They’re actually my favourite flower, even though Harry called them weeds.

I head over and stand behind him. Their eyes almost pop out of their little heads when they see me. I crouch down beside him. ‘Oh wow,’ I tell them all, admiring the daisies. ‘They are so pretty.’

‘T-they’re for you,’ one of them says, handing them over to me.

Taking them in my hand, I tell her, ‘I absolutely love them. You know, when I was little, I would make them into necklaces.’

‘Necklaces?’ Another of the girls asks. ‘How?’

‘Would you like me to show you?’

They all nod and sit cross legged in front of me. Their young, hope-filled faces all watch me in utter amazement. I join them, my legs crossed too, as they lay out all the daisies on the ground.

‘Gabriel will help us, won’t you?’

‘Of course I will,’ he replies sincerely, sitting by my side. I show them all how my mum taught me to do it as a child by piercing the stalk with the very tip of my finger nail and sliding a second daisy through. And so on. And so on. They’re completely riveted and keep dashing off to collect more flowers before returning with their horde to make tiaras, bracelets, and necklaces. Watching them all is probably the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life. Gabriel takes part, letting the girls adorn him with their daisy chains as they giggle and clap. He’s a great sport. Wearing his flowers with a gleeful grin, he listens to everything each youngster has to say. A few others join us. More kids. Boys too. And they all glance at me with the same look of awe.

The smallest, a little girl of five perhaps, sits beside me and twists her finger in my hair.

‘It’s such a pretty colour,’ she tells me. ‘Is it that colour because you’re special?’ She looks up at me. ‘Because you’re the Arcane Witch?’

‘So I’ve been told,’ I tell her, taking the long string of daisies I’ve just finished making into a necklace and sliding it over her head.

‘When I get my magic, will my hair change colour too?’

‘I don’t know,’ I reply, tapping the tip of her nose with my finger. ‘But, when you’re older, you can turn your hair any colour you like. I once saw a girl with bright blue hair.’

She giggles at the idea.

‘Is Mr Grayson your boyfriend?’ she asks.

I glance over and see Gabriel watching us and his good spirits fade in an instant.

‘No,’ I tell her. ‘He’s my Coven Leader. That’s all.’

‘Why aren’t you married?’ she asks.

‘Should I be?’

‘Most girls are at your age.’

‘Ahh well,’ Gabriel says. ‘Not all girls get married. Remember, some choose to dedicate their lives to protecting others. And Lilly has the biggest job of all. She’s going to save us all.’

‘She’s bringing back our magic,’ another girl tells her curious friend. ‘She’s saving us all from Hunters. And that’s much more important than getting married to a smelly boy.’

‘Not all boys are smelly,’ another girl adds. ‘Some smell nice.’

‘No, they don’t. And they always think they’re smarter than us. But they’re not. Boys are dumb.’

Gabriel just watches with an amused grin as the girls talk amongst themselves.

‘Well, when I grow up, I’m not going to marry a boy. I’m going to be a protector like Miss Hooper and have red hair so everyone will know I’m there to save them.’

‘Like a superhero,’ Gabriel adds with a firm nod.

‘Yeah,’ she says confidently. ‘When I grow up, I’m going to be a superhero.’ She looks at me. ‘Just like you.’

‘You know,’ Gabriel tells her. ‘You can be a superhero and love someone too. You don’t have to choose.’

‘But we can’t marry and protect the coven,’ says the older girl.

‘Who says?’ I scoff.

‘Mr Grayson,’ she replies.

‘Well, Mr Grayson is wrong. Isn’t he, Gabriel?’ He looks me in the eye. ‘We can love anyone we want. Any way we want. No-one can tell anyone who they can be with. Even if sometimes it’s hard, or sad, or scary, love is always worth it. For the right person.’

‘For the right person,’ he agrees, ‘Yeah. It’s worth anything.’

‘If you do get married one day,’ the little one beside me asks. ‘Can I be your bridesmaid?’

‘Maybe,’ I laugh.

‘When you have a baby, will they have red hair too?’

I feel my face fall and I wonder for the briefest second, would the baby I lost have had red hair? Would she have had a sweet smile like hers? Would she have enjoyed making daisy chains with me too?

‘Would you look at the time?’ Gabriel exclaims, getting to his feet and sliding off all his daisy chains. He pulls me up with him. ‘We have to go, girls. I’m sorry.’ They all give a loud and over the top groan. ‘But we’ll see you all at dinner later tonight. Be good, you hear?’

‘Yes, Mr Gabriel,’ they call after us as we leave.

Gabriel scoops up a black backpack and tosses it over his shoulder.

‘What’s that?’ I ask.

‘Supplies,’ he replies. ‘For our day-off. You alright?’

‘I’m fine. They’re really sweet.’

‘Yeah. They are,’ he agrees, his arm wrapping around my waist. But I have to lower it.

‘You know we’re supposed to be a secret,’ I remind him. Good job too. Ahead of us, Grayson appears from a large cabin and he’s surrounded by men. Billy, Hendrix, Connor and several Nomads I recognise from the house, are all listening to every single word he says. Connor spots me and gives me an enthusiastic wave which I return. ‘I wonder what that’s all about?’

‘Grayson’s getting everything organised for when we go to the stone in Dartmoor,’ he tells me. ‘Now we have the ring, it’s full-steam ahead.’

Grayson watches our every move. As he slides his hands into his pockets, I see his eye twitch. Probably for no other reason than to see us standing next to each other.

‘Is he bringing Amara and Collins home?’ I ask. ‘Now I’ve manifested my Physical magic?’

‘He says no. But I’m working on it.’

‘Don’t.’ He looks at me confused. ‘He can’t use them against me if they’re not here. They’re safer where they are.’

‘I’m going to get them back to us. It’s important that they be here.’

‘So Collins can teach me about my Physical magic?’

‘Yeah…’ he mumbles half-heartedly. ‘So he can teach you about your Physical magic. Come on, Beautiful. We’re wasting daylight.’ He starts to walk off, urging me to follow. ‘C’mon then.’

‘Where are you going?’ Grayson asks dryly as we pass him.

‘For a walk,’ Gabriel replies. ‘One day, remember?’

We walk away and after a few moments, Gabriel leans down and picks me up. I press my thighs around his waist and cling to his neck.

‘We’re out of sight. And the only person I care about is right here. The only woman I want to kiss. Touch. Laugh with and make love to, is you. No one else. Never again,’ he tells me, my hair falling over both our faces as I look down at him. ‘I spent five-hundred years trying to make a real connection with someone. And I never could. Because I was waiting for you.’

‘The Arcane?’

‘No,’ he tuts. ‘Like I give a fuck about you being the Arcane. Love, Lilly Hooper. I love you! Not your magic. Actually, I think I love you in spite of your magic. Just think how much easier all this would be if we were normal Descendants. No magic. No cosmic destiny. God, I would love a normal life with you. Seeing you on our patio in your comfy clothes, cup of tea on the table and a note book in your hands while you scribble down your notes.’

‘Notes?’

‘Oh yeah. Totally see you as a writer. Coming up with twisted tales like the ones in your Grimm’s fairytale book. And I’ll watch you for hours, just writing. A dog sat by my knees and a cat curled up on your lap. A house by the sea so we can hear the sound of the waves and watch the storms on the cliffs. Perfect.’ I lean down and kiss him hard. My hands are in his hair and my legs tighten around his middle at his perfect words.

∞∞∞

‘What the hell is that?’ I laugh, as Gabriel presents me with a huge rubber tyre hanging from a tree by a long length of blue rope. The Nomad guards assigned to us are keeping their distance but we both feel their presence. Even though we try and ignore it.

‘Come here, and I’ll show you.’

He scoops me up, guides me inside and starts to push. I go pretty damn high and whoop as I fly.

‘It’s a tyre swing,’ he laughs. ‘I made it for the kids a few years back. Fun, huh?’

‘It is. It really is!’ I giggle as he swings me higher and higher.

He tells me to lean back and he carries on pushing me as I look up at the canopy above. The sun streaks through the leaves as they gently move in the breeze. My hair trails behind me on the ground. The smell of the forest floor ignites a sense of nostalgia I can’t quite place. But it’s a lovely feeling. And with each swing, I return to Gabriel, who looks down at me with contentment. Just, happiness and calmness clear on his features. We don’t need to talk. We don’t need to fill the silence. In fact, the silence makes it all the better. Just us. Being.

After a while, we sit on a blanket under a big oak tree and he opens up the black bag he brought with us. It’s a picnic, and my book. With his back leaning against the base of the tree and my head on his outstretched legs, we spend an hour or more eating sandwiches and cookies while he reads to me. I love how he runs his fingers through my hair. How he lightly brushes his hands along my arms. How it leaves behind a trail of goose bumps every single time. How he smells. How he glances at me as he reads, just to make sure I’m alright. That I’m enjoying his telling of my favourite stories. As he reads Cinderella, he acts horrified at the gory bits, teasing me for loving such a gruesome tale. But he does this every time. And I’m sure he does because of how I giggle at his reaction. As the afternoon continues, we find a small clearing in the canopy and lay on our backs to watch the clouds.

‘An apple,’ I tell him, pointing to the shape high above.

‘No. A heart,’ he insists, with a teasing grin. ‘Definitely a heart.’

‘What kind of heart looks like that?’

‘What kind of apple looks like that?’ he scoffs happily, entwining his fingers in mine.

With an eye roll, I look back up at the sky.

‘A tulip.’

‘Where?’

I reach up and point, his face is close to mine so he can see exactly where I am gesturing to.

‘No. Wrong again. A pinecone.’

‘What?’ I shake my head. ‘You’re crazy.’

‘What about that one?’ he asks, lifting our linked hands together and pointing to a cloud above us. ‘What do you think that one looks like?’

‘Erm… A rabbit?’ I squint but can’t really see anything. ‘A pineapple, maybe?’

‘Close your eyes,’ he says. ‘You’ve been looking at them for too long. Reboot your brain for a minute.’

I close my eyes and when I do, he leans over and starts gently kissing my neck. His warm lips and the cool breeze is utter bliss.

‘I love you,’ he whispers, his soft kisses making me tingle. I move my head to kiss him, but he guides my face back so I’m facing the sky. ‘Keep your eyes closed,’ he tells me. ‘Your brain is rebooting. Remember?’

‘Okay.’

He kisses my hand. The tip of my nose. My cheeks. My lips. And then he goes still and quiet. His hand is still gripping onto mine.

‘Gabriel? What are you doing?’

‘When I say, I want you to open your eyes, and tell me what you see.’

‘Okay.’

‘On three,’

‘Okay.’

‘One, two, three.’

I open my eyes. It’s a little blurry as I get used to the sun once more so I blink everything back into focus. But it’s not clouds that I’m looking at.

‘What do you see?’ he asks, as I continue looking up at the ring he has between his thumb and forefinger.

‘Gabriel…’ I whisper, turning to look at him. ‘What are-’

‘I can tell you what I see.’ He lowers his hand so the ring is between us. ‘I see a ring that was given to me by my mum. A ring that she had made for me for one reason. You see this?’ He shows me the stone. ‘It’s a blue sapphire. The shade matches my eyes perfectly. And the white gold setting is made from my great grand-mother’s wedding band. It’s a tradition in our coven. Mothers give their sons the ring they will give to the woman they love. The woman they want to spend the rest of their lives with. The woman they want to marry.’

‘Gabriel…’ I sit up and so does he. ‘W-what are you doing?’

‘Lilly, I love you so much. More than anything in this world. And I know that the days lying ahead are going to be hard and scary. That there are hurdles for us to overcome.’

‘Just a few,’ I whisper in shock. ‘Gabriel, I’m-’

‘But I want to face them all with you,’ he interrupts. ‘Every single one.’ He holds up the sparkling ring. His eyes are shining just as bright. And they really do match. Perfectly. ‘Lilly Hooper. Will you marry me?’

I never thought my heart could thump so fast. That my mouth could dry out so much. And as much as I want to say yes, the word won’t come out and his smile falters.

‘You’re going to say no, aren’t you? Is it because of my past? The girls? Is it Toby?’

‘No. It’s not any of that. It’s… It’s…’ I look from the ring to him. ‘Is this your way of trying to make sure I don’t give into the Break?’

‘I want to marry because I love you. Completely. I think of my life without you? I see nothing. Not a thing.’

‘We can say my baggage is in the past, but who are we kidding? My baggage is trying to kill us.’

‘I don’t care about any of that.’

‘I’m a mess, Gabriel. A real mess. Why the hell would you to marry ?’

‘Because I’m not alive when I’m not with you. And I want to live. I want to live with you. I want to wake up with you in my bed and fall asleep with you in my arms. I want to make a home with you. I want us to fight, make love, have fun and be with you for the rest of my life. Marry me, Lilly?’ He shuffles closer, his nose resting against mine and in a whisper, he asks one more time. ‘Will you make me the happiest man in the whole world, and agree to spend the rest of your life with me? Marry me?’ My silence has him closing his eyes and slumping a little.

‘Yes,’ I tell him. His eyes flick open to see me grinning from ear to ear.

‘What did you say?’

‘I said yes, Gabriel Kendryk. Yes, I will marry you.’

‘Y-you will?’ he stammers, looking stunned. ‘You really want to?’

‘Yes!’ I laugh. ‘Of course I want to, you idiot. I’d die without you. I just wanted to make sure you really wanted to. That were sure.’

‘I’m sure. I’m so sure!’ He gets up on his knees, almost vibrating with excitement. ‘You’ll marry me? Really?’

I get on my knees too and rest my palms flat on his cheeks, squishing his grinning cheeks together.

‘Yes. I will marry you.’ I simply cannot stop smiling. ‘I will absofuckinglutely marry you!’

With trembling hands, he slides the ring on my finger. It fits perfectly and seeing it there makes him puff out his cheeks.

‘Bloody hell,’ he breathes. ‘You said yes,’ he realises, looking at the ring sitting on my finger. His eyes suddenly flick up to mine. ‘You said yes! We’re getting married?’

‘I said yes,’ I laugh. ‘We’re getting married!’

‘SHE SAID YES! SHE BLOODY SAID YES! WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!’

‘Shhh!’ I giggle. But he’s on his feet, scooping me up and spinning me around in a circle whooping and laughing with joy. He lowers my feet back to the ground and looks down at me. I have never seen so much excitement in another’s eyes. I’ve never been so happy myself.

‘I’m going to be the best husband to you. Just wait and see,’ he tells me. ‘Just you wait.’

‘I don’t need to wait and see. You’re already the best thing that could have ever happened to me. God, I wish I could make love to you right now.’

He lands me with a kiss, pushing me down onto my back. ‘Your wish is my command, future wife.’

∞∞∞

The rest of the day is a blur of bliss. His arms are always around me, like he can’t keep me close enough. And I’m no better. His face shows me nothing but joy. His eyes shine with happiness and his words are full of playfulness and love. There’s no mention of the spell. No worries of everything that awaits us beyond our day. Of the chaos going on beyond the Nomad camp. Everyone else disappears. Everything else. All there is, is us, the sky, the trees, our future. We talk about our wedding.

‘I want to keep it small,’ I tell him. ‘Just our friends. And none of our real family.’

‘Oh shame. I was going to ask Grayson to be my best man,’ he says with a comical eye roll. ‘A wiccan wedding is really beautiful. There hasn’t been a real one for over five-hundred years.’

‘Wiccan wedding?’

‘In a witches wedding ceremony, we link our magic and swear that we’ll never do harm to each other. It ties us together spiritually and marks us.’

‘Marks us?’

‘Our magic kind of seeps into each other and marks our ring finger with a unique pattern. Like a ring. When Collins’s niece got married all those years ago, she said it felt like washing away everything old and nasty, and replacing it with something fresh and hopeful. She felt how much she was loved and that made her love him even more. Collins actually married them. Any witch can marry another witch but it’s best if someone who loves you and cares about you does it. Makes the bond stronger. You make promises to each other, and put forward your offer. Like… will you let me share my secrets with you… or… will you let me love you for the rest of your life? That sort of thing.’

‘We should ask Collins to marry us.’ I lay my head on his chest as he kisses the crown of my head. ‘It all sounds so perfect. I wish that Amara and Collins were here. She would be so excited for us.’

‘They’ll be back soon. I’ll make sure of it.’

‘If they’re here, Grayson can hurt them.’

‘He can hurt them no matter where they are. No, we need them here. It’s really important.’ He leans in closer and lowers his voice. ‘Things are in motion.’

‘Things? What things?’

‘If you trust me, just do as I say over the next few days and I promise you, everything will be okay. We’ll get our friends back and everything will be okay but you must, must trust me and not ask me anything more about it. Can you do that?’

‘If I know, maybe I can help.’

‘If you know, that makes you accountable. Just trust me, okay?’

I nod, sealing my lips together as anxious wasps start buzzing inside my belly. What is he going to do?

‘But first things first. We have a party to get to. Remember, no matter what happens, trust me. And go with it, okay?’

‘Sure,’ I sigh. ‘Why not.’

∞∞∞

The sun has almost set and the camp looks very different when we return. There are small fires lit here and there with pots and pans suspended over the flames. The air smells of delicious food, it makes my stomach rumble. There’s a large fire in the very centre of the camp and that’s where most of the Nomads seem to have congregated. Long logs have been laid down to be used as benches. A few of the women are busy cooking and making sure everyone has drinks, as the children sit with marshmallows on sticks by the fire. Most of them have daisy chains dangling around their necks. A huddle of five men and two women are fiddling with instruments, and perched on one of the logs, all alone, is Connor with his head stuck in a book.

‘Connor!’ I bellow across the camp, making everyone stop what they’re doing and watch in stunned silence as I wave enthusiastically. Connor lifts his head, beams at me and runs over. We share a hug. I’m so thrilled and relieved to see him.

‘How’s it goin’?’ he asks, squeezing me tightly. ‘Are yer alright?’

‘Better now I’ve seen you. What’s happening? And why is everyone starring at us?’

He loosens his hold on me and tells me, ‘They’re putting on a show for yer. A kind of party. The Arcane Witch at their camp? They’re gonna celebrate.’

‘LILLY!’ I turn and see Grayson beckoning me over, wagging his finger like I’m a dog.

‘I’ll be right back,’ I sigh, heading over to Grayson. I do my best to ignore the glaring the brothers share. ‘What can I do for you, Grayson?’ I ask when I reach him.

‘You’re staying by my side tonight,’ he orders. ‘The Nomads and I are going through a lot of effort to make you feel welcomed and relaxed here and I won’t have you cut yourself off with your little gang over there.’

‘But-’

‘Argue with me,’ he warns, leaning down. ‘I dare you.’

His eyes bore into me. I nod, knowing there’s no point in arguing.

‘Good girl. Now, be a sweet thing and pop into your cabin. I’ve left out a dress for you to wear.’

‘What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?’ I ask, looking down at the plain grey t-shirt, baggy jeans and my usual elbow-length fingerless gloves, which I’ve made sure covers the engagement ring currently sitting on my left hand.

‘You look like a tramp.’

‘Everyone looks like a tramp,’ I argue. ‘Because we are tramps.’

‘The girls don’t,’ he corrects me, nodding to a group of young women gathered across the way. They look stunning. Dresses. Heels. Perfectly curled hair and flawless makeup. And a few of them are making eyes at Gabriel which makes me laugh.

‘I don’t care what they look like. I’m happy in what I’m wearing. Plus, I don’t see the men dressed up.’

‘I won’t have my Arcane looking like a destitute. Hendrix, take Miss Hooper to her cabin so she can change. And if she refuses, strip her down and dress her yourself, would you?’

‘Yes boss,’ he replies. ‘Come on, Little Witch. This is an argument ya ain’t gonna win.’

∞∞∞

Wearing a beautiful gown made of red silk that comes to a stop just above my knee with a layer of chiffon trailing to the floor, I return to a very lively and bustling scene. It’s a lovely dress to be fair. I wouldn’t have thought Grayson would have chosen it at all. I’ve turned the ring upside down so the stone is hidden, and I hold it tightly in my palm. The music is in full swing. It travels through the air, as does everyone’s joyful chatter. There must be over a hundred people here. Eating. Drinking. Standing. Sitting. Singing. Laughing. It’s lovely. In the crowd, I spot Gabriel with Connor and a few other people I don’t recognise.

‘You okay?’ Gabriel mouths. I nod and show him a smile, gesturing to the dress and giving him a little twirl. ‘You look stunning,’ he adds, giving me a thumbs up. His smile disappears and I know it’s because Grayson has started to make his way over.

‘What are you wearing?’ he asks, handing me a glass of wine.

‘What you left out for me.’

‘That’s not what I left out for you.’ He looks over at Gabriel who looks a little smug.

left it out. ‘I suppose you look presentable enough,’ he groans, resting his hand on the base of my back.

Making sure I keep on my smile, I tell him, ‘Take your hand off me.’

‘No,’ he grins back. ‘I’ve had an idea.’

‘Did it hurt?’ I ask, handing my untouched wine to a passerby. No way I’m drinking anything he gives me.

‘You are funny, Miss Hooper. And no. It didn’t hurt. Not me at any rate. I’ve decided that in order to show a united front against our enemies, to inspire confidence in the Nomads and to make sure that everyone knows that you are fully protected by me, you and I will present as a couple.’

My insides run cold as I stare at him lost for words.

‘Of course, it’s only in public,’ he adds. ‘Behind closed doors, you and Gabriel may continue being whatever it is you two are.’

Engaged.

‘No,’ I almost plead, because in actual fact, if that’s what he wants to do, there’s nothing I can do about it.

‘No, you don’t want to continue with Gabriel?’ he asks, knowing full well that’s not what I mean at all. He turns me to face him, his hand settling on my hip. ‘The deal was that behind closed doors, you can be what you like together. As long as it doesn’t interfere with me, the coven or the spell, I don’t particularly care. However, in every other respect, you belong to me. Your magic. Your safety and your obedience are mine.’ He looks so conceited as he tells me his plans. ‘It will throw off the girls too,’ he adds. ‘They can carry on thinking that Gabriel is free and single so none of them will give you any trouble.’

‘You think I can’t handle some jealous girls?’ My outburst makes him twitch and I feel a short sharp burst of his lightning on my hip. I flinch and jump back but he grabs my arm and holds me in place, all the while keeping his fake smile. To anyone else, it looks like we’re having a pleasant conversation. But nothing with Grayson is ever pleasant.

‘Do you need reminding of our deal?’ he warns. ‘Because one word from me and I’ll have Amara taken to pieces. You will talk to me with respect. You will do as I order you to do. And you will smile as you do it.’

‘I don’t need reminding, Grayson. I’m doing everything you want, and in exchange, I get Gabriel and he gets me. And everyone is safe. You can’t demand for me to pretend to be your girlfriend. If nothing else, it’s pathetic.’

He leans in and pecks my cheek. But when he speaks it’s with venom. ‘Last time Theo discovered your relationship, he used my brother to lure you into a trap and made him watch as he hacked little pieces off you.’ He nods to a gaggle of girls. ‘He’s slept with all of them. They all love him, you know. And for a while, he loved them too.’

‘You just want to get between us. Well, you can’t. And you won’t.’ I yank my hand free. ‘Just because we’re staying quiet doesn’t mean you get to put your grubby hands all over me and call me yours. How about you pour your energy into the spell rather than your useless and sad attempts at trying to break us up.’

I look over to Gabriel who is on his feet, mid-conversation with a couple of Nomads I don’t recognise. They’re not the ones who’ve been to the house. They look about his age and seem very friendly. But whatever it is they have said has Gabriel frowning and looking in our direction.

‘Excuse me, Miss Hooper?’ A woman in her early forties says kindly, approaching us in a bow and speaking with the upmost respect. ‘I am very sorry to disrupt. But I simply had to talk to you.’

‘You did?’

‘Yes. I wanted to give you my thanks.’ She points to two young men standing close to the table with the food. ‘My sons are over there. Sid and Josh. They were at the Traitor camp a few months back. They were among the volunteers that came to rescue you and Mr Kendryk.’

‘Oh, I’ll be sure to thank them.’

‘No. No please, it’s me that owes you thanks. Sid was injured and a Traitor was about to finish him off when you intervened and saved him. I would have lost my youngest boy if it wasn’t for you.’ She takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. ‘You saved my children that day.’

‘To be fair, they wouldn’t have needed saving if it wasn’t for me.’

‘Oh no, Miss Hooper. You couldn’t be more wrong. Without you, we’re all as good as dead. You are the one that will save us all.’ She gives another small bow, both to Grayson and I. ‘Thank you. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please, please let me know. You have our gratitude and our loyalty, Miss Hooper.’

‘Did you stage that?’ I accuse as she leaves.

‘No,’ he replies, sipping his whiskey. ‘Look around you, Lilly.’ He points to the many men and woman surrounding us. To the children toasting marshmallows and dancing to the music. ‘These people have had to hide from the day they were born. And because of you, soon the hiding will end. And we can finally be free.’ He looks behind me, and another woman approaches. She tells me her son was also at the camp. And that I saved his life too. She’s followed by a man who tells me his grandson was only fifteen when he was caught, tortured and executed by Hunters three years ago.

Fifteen!

And that he wishes he had lived long enough to see the revolution. The hours pass and I’m led from group to group, listening to anecdotes, being introduced to people who look at me with wide eyes, and every single one bows and shows me complete respect. They’re not like the Nomads who carry the guns. They’re… nice! Normal. Sweet and funny. Grayson insists his hand stays on my back as he guides me from place to place. I hate the feel of his hand on me. I hate how he enjoys it. And when a brunette slides her hand down Gabriel’s arm, I have to fight the urge to throw her off. Gabriel swiftly removes it and steps away before turning his back on the girls altogether, and talks to Connor instead. Grayson’s arm snakes around my waist. I can’t hide the shudder.

‘Lilly, everyone here adores you.’ He turns me so we’re face to face and he pulls me flush against his body. ‘

adore you,’ he whispers. Only now do I realise he’s had a bit too much to drink. He leans in, his mouth going for mine. Before I can slap him, a voice bellows across the camp.

‘CAN I GET EVERYONE’S ATTENTION PLEASE?’ Gabriel suddenly calls out into the crowd. Grayson remains holding me but stops his attempt to kiss me.

Gabriel is watching us both. His eyes are narrowed, but he has the lightest smile pulling at his lips. Grayson releases me. The Nomads fall silent and all eyes turn to Gabriel. Grayson heads forwards with the intention of intervening, but Gabriel carries on talking, so he lingers at the side so as to not look foolish. Connor takes his place beside me to watch.

‘I just wanted to say, thank you.’ Gabriel looks around at them all with extreme humility. ‘Thank you so much for taking us in and looking after us with such short notice. As you know, we lost The Orchard. As well as some very good men.’ The crowd all murmur, shaking their heads and cursing Theo’s name. ‘I know. I know. The whole thing is made so much worse by the fact that it was one of our own that attacked us.’ He looks to Grayson solemnly. ‘Our own father, nonetheless.’ He shakes his head, giving them all a chance to say a few words on the subject of betrayal and villainy. ‘The reason they attacked us was simple. They know that we seek our freedom. They know that we have had enough of hiding in the shadows and cowering from the world. They know that our time has come to stand tall. To claim our freedom. Our magic. To be what we were born to be. Witches!’ The crowd cheers. They clap and whoop at the word. ‘Five-hundred years we’ve been hunted. Tortured. Murdered. Not only by those beasts that call themselves Witch Hunters, but by our own kind who have turned their back on their powers and given way to fear and oppression. They hope that by renouncing what they are, they will be spared. They’re wrong. Five-hundred years, Descendants have lived without magic. And we are still being executed because of what we are. We have all lost people we love,’ he adds. The crowd goes deadly silent. ‘Let’s not forget what happened to the Camp on the Isle of Mull.’

‘What happened?’ I ask Connor in a whisper.

‘Three years back. Hunters found it. Torched it. Along with everyone inside,’ he tells me sadly, coughing to clear the lump that has formed in his throat. ‘Flew overhead and doused them in petrol. Took three days for the flames to die out. It was a bigger camp than here.’

‘Christ!’ I gasp. That is truly horrific.

‘Three-hundred and fifteen souls. Gone.’ Gabriel clicks his fingers. ‘Just like that,’ he says with a distinct strain in his voice. ‘And of course, the destruction of our centre in Kerry, Ireland.’ He looks straight at Connor. ‘We lost a lot of good people that day. Sweet children.’

Connor lowers his gaze.

‘What happened?’ I ask in a whisper.

‘Six years ago, my parents ran a school for the children who wanted to train up as doctors, academics, politicians. That sort of thing. Hunters found us. My parents and I got some of the kids out.’ His fingers linger on the scaring that marks his neck. ‘Not enough. Not by a long shot. My parents died in their efforts to save them.’

‘Oh, Connor.’ I lean over and kiss his shoulder while gripping his hand tight. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘We have suffered too much loss for far too long,’ Gabriel says. ‘And one of us has suffered much more than most.’ He gestures to me and I feel myself redden in a second. My body goes heavy as I’m doused head to toe in dread. ‘You have all heard of our newest member of the coven. Miss Lilly Hooper.’ All eyes turn to me.

What the hell is he doing? Is this part of his plan to get us out of here?

‘You have all had a lot of questions about the very sudden appearance of the Arcane Witch. And rightly so. After all, she is in her early twenties and has only just made herself known to us. Where has she been all this time? Well, it is only right that you learn a little bit more about her.’

‘Connor, please tell me I’m having a nightmare,’ I whisper. Especially as Grayson’s entire demeanor screams anger and wrath as he watches his brother enthrall hundreds.

‘I wish I could,’ Connor replies. ‘But this is really happening.’

‘For the past fifteen-years, Lilly Hooper, your Arcane, has been a prisoner. She was in chains when we found her.’ The murmurs increase as I keep my eyes on him. And he keeps his eyes on me. ‘Fifteen-years. Locked up. Beaten. Starved. Tormented.’ The crowd gasps. The women cover their mouths as the men shake their head in disgust.

‘Hunters had her?’ Someone asks.

‘Theo?’ Another voice calls.

‘No,’ Gabriel says. ‘Her uncle. Her own flesh and blood. A man who despised our kind and feared her power. A man who would beat her to the point where it scarred her body and left her with a fear of touch.’

I can’t help the betrayal showing as he spills my story to the ears of hundreds of strangers.

‘Now, there are some things that I believe you should know. Painful and frightening things.’ He takes a deep breath. ‘The world knows that witches are here. And they know that we mean to return magic.’

There’s a collective gasp throughout the crowd. Mothers and fathers hold their children closer. Couples hug tighter.

‘There have been several attacks made by Hunters. Humans have been killed in their efforts to catch and kill us. And they are blaming it all on us. But know that we have not hurt anyone. No innocents have died by our hands. But the news is spreading and the outside world is no longer safe for any of us to venture into. Hunters are here. More come to England every day. Our faces are all over the news and humanity is afraid. Which means they are unstable and unpredictable. They are violent.’

Everyone looks terrified. People have started crying.

‘Lilly’s their number one target. They want to take away our one and only chance to free our people. To rob us of our right to exist. Hunters want to kill a girl who has suffered for fifteen-years at the hands of her own family. A girl who risked her life over and over to save To save each and every one of you. When Theo came to kill us, she risked her life to save ours. When told that the spell to lower the Veil was dangerous, she didn’t flinch. She has faced danger again and again, all in the name of saving us.’ He points to the crowd. ‘Saving you. Your children. Your spouses and parents. And she will never stop. Never! And neither will I. We will not fail you, but we need you to be strong and brave. To help us. Can you do that?’

They start to nod at his words.

‘Too long we have hidden. To long we have mourned the cruel deaths of those we love. It ends. It ends now!’

They start murmuring their support.

‘Tell me, do you want to be free? Free from the threat of execution?’

‘YES!’ The crowd cheers.

‘Free from the threat of captivity?’

‘YES!’

‘Free to be what we were born to be?’

‘YES!’

‘DO YOU WANT YOUR MAGIC BACK?’

‘YES!!’They roar and cheer, throwing up fists and pounding on their chests, looking at me with a fierce loyalty.

‘WILL WE LET THOSE WHO HAVE HUNTED US, KILLED US, TORTURED US, TAKE AWAY OUR ONLY CHANCE AT SURVIVAL?’

‘NO!’ They all roar.

‘WILL WE JUST LIE DOWN AND DIE? GIVE OURSELVES OVER TO THE HUNTERS LIKE SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER? OR WILL YOU FIGHT?’ Gabriel bellows at the crowd.

‘FIGHT!’ They all yell back.

‘IF ANYONE. I MEAN… ANYONE…’ His gaze settles on Grayson, and the corner of his mouth twitches in a stifled grin. ‘TRIES TO HURT HER, OR STOP HER FROM RETURNING MAGIC, WE WILL CUT THEM DOWN WHERE THEY STAND. YES?’

They roar like an army of ancient warriors.

‘He’s making sure that Grayson can’t hurt you without getting them angry,’ Connor whispers. This stunt is too dangerous. He may be securing my safety. But certainly not anyone else’s. Gabriel raises his hands and the crowd settles.

‘Tomorrow, Lilly will light the way to our salvation. It will take every ounce of strength she has. Every bit of courage. It will hurt. It will be frightening. It will be dangerous. So, while she puts her all into the spell that will bring down the Veil and reunite you all with your magic, it is our duty to protect her so she can focus on the challenges that lie ahead. Challenges that will threaten her safety and her life, make no mistake. Will you stand with me and protect her from anyone that would wish her harm?’

‘YES, SIR!’ They cry.

Gabriel looks straight at me and gestures for me to join him. Connor gives my shoulder a nudge, spurring me to move. As I walk, the silence is almost deafening. He has them absolutely riveted. As I stand before him, he smiles.

‘Are you insane?’ I whisper.

He gives a small, soft laugh before saying his next bit. ‘It must come of no surprise to you all, that I have become very fond of Miss Hooper. As has anyone else that has been lucky enough to meet her.’

The crowd cheers and the children whoop.

He looks right as his brother who has adopted that empty smile. The one that doesn’t reach his eyes.

‘I want to share with you all the news. To let you see that it is not simply me asking you to risk your lives while we sit back and watch. I assure you, I will be up front and centre in any battle we face. Because we are not just protecting a stranger. We are protecting family.’ He takes my hand, spins the ring around and holds it up into the air. ‘It is my absolute privilege to announce to you all, that earlier this morning, Lilly Hooper agreed to be my wife!’

The crowd simply explodes in applause and joyful bellows. All hands raise high in the air. Feet stomp in the ground. Connor is jumping up and down, clapping in utter joy.

Not Grayson though.

Gabriel rests his palm against my cheek and beams at me, pulling my attention away from them and back to him.

‘SO, BROTHERS,’ he calls out to the crowd. ‘SISTERS! FRIENDS! WILL YOU STAND WITH LILLY AND ME? WILL YOU HELP US RETURN MAGIC TO THE MODERN WORLD AND SAVE WITCHES FROM EXTINCTION?’

The intensity triples. The ground shakes. They start chanting our names.

Li-lly! Gab-ri-el! Li-lly! Gab-ri-el!

Grayson watches them, his name is not mentioned once, and he looks ready to kill us there and then. The music starts and everyone goes into full party mode around us.

‘Grayson won’t let you get away with this, Gabriel. What have you done?’

‘Trust me,’ Gabriel whispers, as he leans down to kiss me. ‘Please, just trust me. Okay?’

‘I trust you,’ I reply, kissing him back.