The Vaga Read online

  I feel myself blush. ‘Um…some of them are…’

  ‘Sexual?’ she blurts out.

  ‘Ama!’

  ‘Elena!’ she mimics me.

  ‘Well you can’t just blurt out something like that. You have to work into it,’ I respond, embarrassed.

  ‘Shem, it’s just s—’

  I cover my ears quickly. ‘No, don’t say it. I get it. Just please don’t say that word. It’s a tad creepy.’

  She does her best to hide a smile and folds her hands neatly into her lap. ‘Very well, Elena Prude. But just so you know, it is very normal to have those dreams sometimes.’

  Elena Prude? I rub my face, stifling a laugh. ‘Okay, well good to know.’

  Her smirk fades quickly and is replaced with a seriousness that only comes when talking about our family and my survival. ‘My next question to you would be…who is with you in these dreams?’

  I know once his name comes out of my mouth that it will change everything. I take a deep breath, finding the courage to say it after all this time. ‘It’s Julian.’

  The arcs of her eyebrows rise ever so slightly and her mouth hardens. ‘I see.’ She clears her throat. ‘And how long has this been going on?’

  An itch starts to spread across my body and I scratch my arms irritably. ‘Do you mean the dreams, or my feelings for Julian?’

  Her almond-shaped eyes narrow and she stands up, walking towards me slowly. ‘Shem, calm down. You’re glowing like an aurora borealis.’

  I look down and notice that my skin is glowing, tiny speckles of light dancing across it. My head shoots up. ‘What is this?

  She puts her hands on my arms and looks straight into my eyes. ‘Sweetheart, you’re experiencing Luxus.’

  Magi sends me a mirror image of myself. My long, chocolate curls are framing my face that is glowing like a multicoloured Christmas tree, there are waves of light emanating from my body in all directions, and the palms of my hands are covered in gold sparkles.

  My hands find their way to my face, feeling the speckles of dancing light under my skin. It feels as though popping candy has invaded my body in an invisible attack.

  And then her words hit me.

  ‘Wait, what did you say?’

  She takes a step back and clasps her hands together calmly. ‘I said, you’re going through Luxus.’

  ‘Luxus?! What do you mean?’ My voice rises.

  She splays her hands. ‘The dream fantasies, the feelings, your obvious mood swings.’ She arcs her brow. ‘They are all because you, my love, have reached the age of sexual awakening that we Cole women call Luxus.’

  Magi looks between us and snorts.

  Ama turns on her. ‘I wouldn’t be laughing if I were you, Magi. You’re in heat as well, I can smell it.’ Ama wrinkles her nose in Magi’s direction.

  Magi’s eyes widen in surprise, causing me to smile. So that’s what she’s been up to when she sneaks off. Has she found a mate?

  My thoughts quickly turn dark. The only time our wolf dogs breed is when the female senses her demise.

  Is that what this is about? Are we supposed to breed and then die? Is this the end for us? I push the thoughts aside violently, not willing to believe that it will end like that. It can’t. I won’t let it.

  My hands clench tightly against the rippling anxiety that threatens to engulf me, but I force myself to focus on the here and now. ‘So…this Luxus, it’s just a hormonal shift?’ I ask, hoping that she’ll say yes. If she does then these feelings for Julian may just go away, and with them, my guilt.

  Without hesitation she says, ‘No.’

  ‘Then…’

  Ama’s ethereal body shimmers. She doesn’t have long before The Other Side pulls her back to its realm. ‘Elena, listen.’ She moves towards me. ‘These feelings you’re having, do they involve Isis?’

  Isis—Queen of Ancient Egypt and the first witch of our bloodline. Through me she will be born again, ridding Earth of the darkness that lay buried within its walls. Isis has been waiting centuries for a human vessel strong enough and gifted enough to carry her essence back into the womb so she can bring forth the “light”—a child destined to be the New Coming, and the ultimate savior of humankind as we know it.

  Ending the curse on our bloodline, and her ultimate resurrection, was dependent on me agreeing to be that vessel. After finding her tomb in the belly of Egypt, and drinking her ancient blood, a part of her spirit merged with mine, and with it, elements of her magic. The merging of our powers is what keeps me from using my gifts very often. Every time I do, I run the risk of allowing her magic to dominate mine, and with that risk comes a deep-seated fear of losing myself in it.

  My feelings for Julian ignite her spirit in a way that I don’t fully understand. Why is she drawn to him? Is it because her ancient blood runs through his veins as well? Could those couple of drops that I placed into his mouth have been enough to connect us in some small way?

  The spirit of Isis stirs within me at Ama’s question. I hesitate before saying, ‘Yes.’

  Her form shimmers erratically. ‘Elena, protect yourself now. Don’t do anything until I get back. I’ll find some ans—’

  She vanishes suddenly.

  ‘Answers,’ I finish for her, staring at the empty spot with a heavy heart.

  I hear Phoebe’s feet on the gravel driveway outside before the sound of her knocking reverberates through the old creaky house. Grabbing my jacket, I head towards the front door.

  ‘Hi, Mrs. O,’ Phoebe says as she crosses the threshold and hugs Aunt Lily.

  ‘Hello, Phoebe. How’s things?’

  ‘Fantastic. How’s the shop going? Has Mum been in for more supplies?’ she asks.

  Aunt Lily chuckles. ‘As a matter of fact, she has. Apparently your father has had some problems with his knees recently.’

  ‘Yeah, they’re getting old.’

  ‘Seems to be a running theme lately,’ Uncle Jo grumbles from the lounge, his eyes never leaving the book he’s reading. Aunt Lily throws him a curious glance.

  ‘Okay, well I’m ready for this fiasco,’ I say shrugging on my jacket.

  ‘It’ll be fun, E. Testosterone flying around, lots of sweaty men throwing their balls in the air.’

  The wicked look on her face isn’t lost on Uncle Jo whose face is straining to remain neutral under her goading techniques. His lip twitches and he turns another page in silence. Aunt Lily and I exchange humorous smiles.

  ‘Well, you ladies have a fun night. Be safe, and ring us if there is anything…you know…out of the ordinary,’ she says, gently touching my shoulder.

  Uncle Jo puts his two cents in as well. ‘Are you taking Magi?’ His hazel eyes narrow as he waits for my response.

  I shrug. ‘I wasn’t going to. She seems happy and I won’t be gone that long. Besides, she’s safer here,’ I say, knowing that the warding around the house is bigger and better than previous attempts.

  The years have strengthened my magic, allowing me to fine tune the elements, but because using it poses a power struggle within me I don’t use my magic often unless it’s completely necessary. Phoebe calls me a mundane lover.

  He places the book down slowly and pushes off the lounge. Walking towards me, his aura emits an anxious array of colours. ‘I know you’re twenty now, okay. And I know that me being here is cramping your style. I get it.’

  I open my mouth to protest but he silences me with his hand.

  ‘But let me be really clear.’ His cool gaze sends an uneasy vibration across the room. ‘You can either take Magi with you, or I’ll be going. Either way it’s your choice.’

  Anger burns within me. I am so sick of people telling me what to do. Who does he think he is?

  I turn on him. ‘You’re not my father, and you don’t get to tell me what to do,’ I say hotly.

  ‘Ellie!’ Aunt Lily says shocked.

  Uncle Jo’s eyes glow fiercely for a split second. ‘I see. Well, that may be the case, but you still need to pic
k an option.’ He places his clenched fists inside his pant pockets and all eyes fall to me.

  Grabbing my bag from the coat stand, I storm out into the night and stride across the lawn. I keep walking until my breath catches up with me and I don’t stop until my feet reach the campus border. I choke back hot tears.

  What did I just do? I’ve never spoken to him like that before. The hurt in his eyes was evident. What is going on with me?

  Magi’s wet nose nuzzles my hand and I let a tear fall before wiping it away roughly.

  ‘E, are you alright?’ I hear Phoebe ask behind me.

  I turn towards her, thankful that the night is covering my face. ‘Yep. Let’s get out of here.’

  ‘If you want to ta—’

  ‘No, Phoebs. I don’t want to talk. Let’s just go.’

  I cross the warding, feeling the tingle of magic disappear as my legs carry me in the direction of the campus stadium.

  We walk in companionable silence across the open parkland, Phoebe knowing me long enough to know when to leave me alone. The breeze blows through the trees and the surrounding dark recesses of the park, causing shadows to move like sinister silhouettes, leaping around like puppets caught in a demonic Punch and Judy act.

  I lift my eyes heavenward, and for the first time notice that a pale orange glow encircles the Waning Gibbous moon. I was taught to believe that the Moon holds great power over the earth, and is central to spell-casting and understanding the intricate workings of the universe. I was also taught to read the lunar cycles, to know what their phases and colours mean.

  As I look upon its cold light, shining down upon the earth in warning, a deep chill sets into my bones. This moon is not a good omen.

  Magi’s sudden growl alerts me to danger.

  ‘Galahatha mara.’ I feel the change in the air wash over me as the spell takes effect.

  An invisible shield surrounds us as we stand exposed in the middle of the darkened park.

  ‘What is it?’ Phoebe whispers, grabbing my jacket tightly.

  My eyes scan the area, honing in on the spaces that are unseen to the naked eye. I catch a flicker of a dark shadow off to my right. Magi sees it through my mind and gets ready to launch towards it.

  I grab her collar. ‘No, Mags. We need to move. Now!’

  I reach for Phoebe’s hand and she screams, pointing towards a silhouette walking straight for us. I push her behind me, feeling the magic rush to the surface.

  ‘Where have you guys been?’ Sam asks, striding towards us with purpose. ‘And why are you screaming?’

  We let out a collective rush of air.

  ‘Holy crap, Sam! Ever heard of not sneaking up on a girl?’ Phoebe yells, exasperated.

  I lower my hands swiftly, hoping he didn’t see the blue light that was crackling within them only seconds ago.

  He holds his hands out. ‘Sorry, but you took too long and I got worried. So I came looking for you.’

  He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. Even from here I can see that they have taken on a nocturnal gleam and are moving swiftly back and forth across the parkland, as if they are searching for something. Or maybe the moonlight is just playing tricks on me.

  As he passes through the shield he pauses mid-stride, just long enough for me to notice, before wrapping his arms around our shoulders. His touch is light and comforting.

  ‘If we don’t hurry we’re going to miss the game. So let’s move ladies.’ He ushers us forward and I feel better for having him here. Magi brings up the rear, her animal instincts on edge.

  We pass the deserted playground where the dull lamplight is shining off the shabby merry-go-round. A gust of wind causes it to move slightly, the grating steel sound sending chills up my spine.

  ‘Okay, that’s it. I am officially freaked out!’ Phoebe cringes, grabbing Sam tighter. ‘If this was a movie this is where I would run my ass off.’

  Sam pulls us in closer. ‘Well lucky for you this isn’t a movie. Why are you two so jumpy anyway?’

  Phoebe cranes her head to look at me across Sam’s chest. I shake my head softly.

  ‘Look here we are, all safe and sound,’ he says suddenly, thankfully diverting off the topic of our scaredy-cat behaviour.

  As we walk towards the bright lights of the stadium, I can’t help but think that someone was watching us back in the park. I wasn’t able to pick up on much, as there wasn’t enough time, but if I had to guess I would say that it was almost like something was…stalking us.

  Chapter 5

  The stadium is jam packed with spectators. The bright overhead lights illuminate the scoreboards standing at either end of the field where Eye of the Tiger is playing loud and clear. I shudder at the clichéd music and vow to at least give this game a fifteen minute window before leaving with a sudden headache. We push through the excited crowd, heading into the upper level stands. I lead the way, moving us up towards exit door nine where we find a row of spare seats.

  ‘Man, this stadium is pumping,’ Phoebe declares, taking off her jacket and throwing it over her chair.

  ‘There are so many people,’ I comment nervously, feeling my anxiety creeping its way in. Even though instinctively I’ve already mapped out an escape plan—the exit doors off to our left and the fire escape that leads down from the facility chute behind us—none of this stops the pounding of my heart.

  Phoebe throws me a compassionate look. ‘Everything is alright, E.’

  I nod and smile unconvincingly, years of wariness having played torture on my nerves.

  Sam shrugs his jacket off and pushes his dark hair away from his face, his eyes scanning the crowd with intensity.

  What is he searching for?

  Before I can think any more of it, the loud speakers, situated in all four corners of the stadium, boom out La La by Shakira, and the Titan cheerleaders make their way out onto the field, their yellow and brown skimpy ensembles bringing the massive crowd to their feet.

  As much as it pains me to admit, I can’t help but be swept away by the enthusiasm and energy within the stadium. The vibration of the excited crowd, the upbeat music, and the sight of Phoebe dancing wildly to the beat makes my heart feel light. For a moment I could forget that history was repeating itself and that my life might again be threatened by my enemy. Only this time I wasn’t sure who that enemy was.

  The cheerleaders finish their routine and the football teams make their way onto the field one after the other in a spectacle of testosterone and muscle. Blake is among them, his strong frame and height easy to spot even in uniform. The number eight is scrawled across his back in large black lettering.

  Phoebe nudges me. ‘See. Told you there would be lots of sweaty men here tonight.’ Her cheeky smile holds mischief.

  ‘Hey, I’m sitting right here you know,’ Sam says.

  Phoebe giggles and grabs his arm. ‘Aw, are you jealous?’

  ‘Jealous? Of muscle bound footballers? Don’t be so ridiculous.’ Sam shakes his head and crosses his arms defensively.

  Phoebe glances at me and stifles a laugh.

  I shake my head and hear my phone ting with a new text.

  ‘Who is it? Phoebe asks.

  I text back. ‘It’s Rhianna. She wants to know where we’re sitting.’

  ‘Oh good. Tell her to get some hot dogs on the way up here.’

  ‘She’s sitting on the other side of the stadium. She’ll come over at half-time.’ Phoebe’s shoulders slump. Shaking my head I say, ‘I’ll go get you some.’

  Her face lights up. ‘Yay!’

  ‘What position does Blake play?’ I ask, grabbing my bag.

  Phoebe says, ‘Quarterback. One of the best the Titans have seen in a few years too.’

  ‘How do you know that?’ Sam asks, frowning.

  Phoebe shrugs and passes me a wide-eyed look.

  A laugh escapes me. What Sam doesn’t know about Phoebe’s history of dating men, especially macho men, would astound him.

  ‘What’s that laugh for?’ h
e asks me.

  ‘Nothing. I’m just going to get some hotdogs now,’ I reply quickly, wanting to avoid this conversation. Phoebe grabs my leg as I walk past and pinches it with force. I playfully swat her hand away.

  Magi starts to follow me out, but I stop her. ‘Mags, I’ll only be a few minutes. You stay here.’

  She stops and sits on her haunches, eyeing me with concern.

  Sam puts his hand on her head. ‘Stay here, Magi. Ellie will be back soon.’

  Immediately I see Magi’s aura calm and she lifts her head under Sam’s hand. How bizarre, Magi never responds like that to anybody. She continues to watch me, but sidles closer to Sam, who pats her head gently in response.

  I walk out the exit doors and make my way through to one of the many canteen style eateries that fill the stadium. Lucky for me the game hasn’t really started yet so the line-up isn’t too long.

  As I rifle through my bag for my purse a familiar deep voice whispers into the back of my head. ‘You need to be more careful.’

  Julian.

  My whole body goes into overdrive, a warm tingly sensation spreading from my toes to the top of my head. My blood ignites in a rush of desire, warning and fear all thrown into one. I struggle to keep my emotions in check but it proves to be more difficult than I ever could have imagined. It’s as if time has stopped and the world around me ceases to exist.

  The dreams, the feelings, the fears that I’ve been having for years all come rushing to the surface in a huge wave that threatens to engulf me, taking me into its watery jaws to be forever lost on the bottom of the sea bed.

  Hearing his voice I now realise the enormity of what these feelings represent, and yet…I don’t want to admit the truth. Admitting what they mean is like betraying everyone I’ve ever loved. It would change everything.

  No, I’m not ready for that.

  I push the feelings deep down, imagining them being forced into a large box, and I slam the lid shut. Staring straight ahead I swallow the lump in my throat before saying, ‘Careful of what?’