Saved by the Spell (Anna Wolfe Series, Book #2) (8 page)

“Ghosts have a tendency to hide when humans seek them,” Valen answers. “Most of the time, teenagers break in, armed with their Ouija boards and candles, trying to recreate séances,” he shrugs.

“I thought ghosts thrived on the attention from humans?” Janie asks.

“They want attention from people who can help them… people like her,” he answers, pointing to Kristy.

“Or something else could be keeping them away,” Roman interjects firmly.

Abruptly, the air in the cemetery transforms into something more sinister. Kristy, Janie and Martello huddle against each other like scared puppies. Roman, Valen and Brielle surround them, facing outward into the dark night, waiting. A dense, murky fog lurks on the ground, slithering between the cracked tombstones. The savage harmony of dogs growling and snarling shatters the dense stillness. Eyes dart between the granite stones and pockets of shadows littering the cemetery. An overpowering smell of burning brimstone permeates Janie’s nostrils, making her cringe.

“Do you guys smell that?” she whispers.

Everyone nods, fanning their noses. “Yes,” Roman replies sternly. “No one move,” he instructs.

Valen shifts his weight and Kristy watches his fists ball at his sides. “Hellhounds,” is all he says.

Martello’s eyes grow as large as saucers. Janie and Kristy cling to one another firmly. “I can’t sees shit!” Martello yells.

“Martello, keep quiet,” Roman snarls.

“There’s two to the left, four out in front, and two to the right,” Brielle states.

“I see them.”

Kristy never thought fear could be converted into a tangible thing until right now, as she gawks at the hellhounds in front of her. Eight gigantic beasts are standing in formation, glaring at them. Flaming, red eyes soaked in hatred hang under their thick, hooded eyelids. A slimy string of drool dangles from the largest beasts pointed canine tooth. Its coarse skin is black as coal, with sporadic patches of wiry hair sprouting up like coils. Kristy swallows the extra-large lump of dread back into her stomach. Her gaze jumps to Janie, whose eyes are tightly shut. She searches frantically for Martello, only to find his face burrowed in her sleeve.

“Holy crap, they’re sickening,” Kristy murmurs.

The leader growls in response.

Roman cocks his head towards her. “You can see them?”

She signals a quick yes with a nod of her head.

“
Whatever you do, don’t move. Movement attracts them. Valen, you and Brielle divert the ones on the side, I know the four in the front line will stay fixated on me,” he instructs, pointing to them.

Valen and Brielle shift swiftly into their magnificent wolf forms. Valen’s striking onyx coat glosses under the moonlight. His deep yellow eyes stare at the hounds, unwavering. Kristy turns to Brielle, watching her glow in the night, thanks to her snowy fur. Without hesitation, they shoot off in different directions. Just as Roman predicted, the hounds on the flanks follow, leaving the four directly in front. He cracks his knuckles before extending his arms out before him. The hellhounds sink lower, preparing to pounce. Simultaneously, they paw the ground, leaving charred trails of
crimson, glowing dirt. Orange orbs appear in Roman’s hands, just as the hounds charge. They barrel through the dirt, jumping over the headstones and lofty statues. Their bulk does an impeccable job of hiding their otherwise graceful movements.

Roman flings
the orbs at the beasts. Kristy watches as another orb quickly materializes. One after another, he hits three out of the four. Loud whimpers rumble off the marble when the hounds crash into the ground. The largest beast maneuvers through them eagerly, and continues to dash towards the group. The beast looks directly into Kristy’s eyes, filling her with a raw sensation of dread like she’s never experienced. Just as it begins to take flight, Roman races beneath its underbelly and punches its thick skin with his two brawny hands. A yellow light emanates from his fists, covering the beast’s belly in it. The hound falls to the side as Roman wields another orb. Without hesitation, he pitches it at the beast, hitting it directly between the eyes. It unleashes an earsplitting whine, forcing Kristy to cover her ears. Orange smoke swirls around its lifeless body, before it vanishes into thin air.

Kristy lowers her hands. “Is it dead?”

Roman walks over to where the hound was, sliding his foot over the glowing garnet-colored dirt. “No, most creatures from the Netherworld don’t die; they simply retreat to recharge for a few days. It’ll be back.”

Janie releases Kristy’s arm and walks over to him. “What did it look like?”

He turns to her. “It was a hellhound. Did you steal a glimpse at all?”

“I opened my eyes a few times, but I couldn’t see anything.”

Roman chuckles. “I forgot. Humans that lack supernatural abilities are unable to see some of the supernatural world’s inhabitants.”

Janie turns to Kristy. “Did you see them?”

“
Did I?
” she utters sarcastically. “They were the foulest things I’ve ever seen…” she trails off, shivering at the thought of what other
creatures
might exist in the Netherworld, all of which she hopes to never encounter. “Martello it’s over, the dogs are gone.” Kristy shakes his head off her arm.

“Damn, girl. I
s you sure?” he asks, his eyes flicking around the cemetery.

“Yes.” Her tone drips with irritation.

“Whew. I thoughts fo
r sure we was as good as dead.”

Kristy rolls her eyes. Jealousy trickles through her, wishing she were granted the gift of blindness when it came to all things paranormal. Now she’s beginning to understand how Anna feels. 

Roman strides over to her, gently laying his palms on her shoulders. The air between them vibrates, causing her to take a step back. “Are you okay?”

She nods her head shyly. “I’m fine.”

“I know it’s a lot to take in, but we’re safe now. The hellhounds are gone and won’t be returning tonight,” he adds.

Martello clears his throat purposely. “What was they doin’ here anyways?”

He releases Kristy, turning his attention to Martello. “Hellhounds guard special cemeteries. Special, meaning this area is a hot spot for supernatural gatherings and portal travel. I’m guessing Lucifer or Micah put them here on account of Anna’s kidnapping.”

“It would make sense,” Janie chimes in. “I guess he assumed we would try to access a portal here.”

Two figures slowly make their way back to the group. Relief floods Janie, seeing Valen and Brielle uncompromised.

“Man, those hounds sure
are getting smarter,” Brielle says, wiping down her arms.

“Yeah, but
they’re still no match for us,” Valen beams. “I took one down in less than twenty seconds.”

Roman studies both Valen and Brielle, assessing them for damage. Seeing none, he turns to Kristy. “Now, try to find us some ghosts.”

Kristy swallows. After the hellhound incident, her faith in her ability is standing on some seriously shaky ground. She steps away from everyone and towards a prestigious mausoleum ten feet away. Something is drawing her toward this grave although she doesn’t have the slightest idea why. She stops in front of the dense steel door, glancing upward at the last name carved in the smooth marble… DEVLIN. The name doesn’t ring a bell. A ripple in the door diverts Kristy’s attention. She watches patiently, as the waves follow one another in a quick succession. She’s never seen a ripple so powerful before. Her throat seizes as she watches a woman pass right through the steel without a problem.

Kristy takes a few nervous steps backwards on instinct. The woman’s scanty, emerald eyes study her intently. Her hair is as dark as midnight and gleams ethereally under the small rays of the pale moon. Her pastel, creamy skin is as smooth as the marble surrounding her. An elegant,
amethyst dress hangs loosely on her petite frame. The delicate woman moves towards Kristy, gliding effortlessly above the ground. Kristy’s heart pounds in her chest, urging her to run, but she doesn’t. She remains motionless, not wanting her foolishness to be the cause of this woman disappearing from sight and memory.

“Do not be scared, my child,” she says in a soft-spoken tone. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Kristy stares in shock. “I…I… don’t know what to say.”

The ghost smiles politely as if she’s heard this
shocked response a dozen times. “Not to worry, I will help you find whom you’re looking for.”

Kristy swivels her neck, looking back at the group. Their clueless eyes meet hers, not offering any assistance. She turns back to the ghost, confused.

“They can’t see me, my child; only you can.” She floats to one of the cracked headstones behind her. A light mist peeks out from the granite, crouching underneath her feet. “You see, you are a psychic and that allows you the advantage of seeing the ghost realm as well as the human one. Those three,” she says pointing to Valen, Brielle and Roman, “may be supernatural, but they can’t see ghosts. My name is Luna. I am the overseer of the Planewalker realm.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.
I’m Kristy,” she responds uncomfortably. Normally, she would shake the stranger's hand, but seeing she's transparent, it would be a wasted effort.

“I know who you are my dear and the pleasure is all mine.”

“How do you know me?”

Luna smiles patiently. “There is much you need to know, but I am not at liberty to
share.”

Kristy furrows her brows. “What is that supposed to mean?” she asks, frustration highlighting her words.

“Your calling will be revealed to you in due time. That is all I can answer regarding your life. If you proceed to question me, I will leave,” she graciously threatens. “Now child, tell me how can I help you?”

Kristy swallows hard. “My friend, Anna... she was kidnapped by Micah and we need to find her,” Kristy blurts out.

Luna’s face crinkles in confusion. “Anna, the Grand Witch? She’s your friend?”

Kristy nods a quick yes, growing impatient. “Yes, she is
and Micah plans to use her powers to locate The Scholars and a very important book. It's vital we find her before he discovers both of them.”

“I don’t see how that is possible. None of you will be able to
gain entry to Ignis.”

“We understand. Actually, we were hoping you could help us find a Shadowalker by the name of Landon. Do you know where he might be?”

Luna laughs heartily. “Landon? What makes you think he will help you?”

Kristy shrugs. “I’m not sure he will, but he’s the only person who
can at this point.”

Luna furrows her eyebrows. She sighs heavily, placing her transparent fingers through the bridge of her nose. Literally.

“He doesn’t help everyone, you know. I can call out to him, but I make no promises.”

“That’s all we can ask for,” Kristy replies. “Thank you so much for your help. How can I get in touch with you?”

Luna grins with a look of triumph. “Not to worry my dear, Landon or I will find you.”

As soon as the last word leaves her mouth,
she evaporates into the night. Kristy searches the cemetery for any sign of her, only to find emptiness. She turns and walks over to everyone.

“Well?” Valen asks desperately.

“Her name is Luna,” Kristy begins. “She’s a ghost. I mean, she’s the overseer of both Plane and Shadowalkers or something.”

“
Ah, Luna. Yes, I'm familiar with that name. She watches over the Planewalker realm, seeing that no trafficking occurs. I was hoping we’d speak to her,” Roman adds.

Kristy’s eyebrows wrinkle. “Trafficking?”

“Yes, trafficking. It's not unlike your human drug trafficking. The only difference being that ours consists of magic. Demons aim to import magical potions and spells into the human world by using Planewalkers, or as we call them, Runners.”

“
What the hell does you mean ‘magic drugs’, Warlock? You talkin’ ‘bout ‘shrooms?” Martello inquires.

“
No. What I'm talking about is magical drug trafficking. Demons use Runners to export potions and spells for human consumption. Where do you think dark magic comes from? Humans ingest these potions or chant ancient spells, unaware of what they're doing.”

“
What exactly are they doing?” Janie inquires, raising her eyebrow.

“
They're allowing demons to possess them.” Roman's eyes grow dark. “When a human opens the spiritual door, they’re welcoming spirits inside to possess their souls. Normally, acknowledging your spiritual side isn’t a big deal, but when you play with dark magic, your visitors tend to be of the demonic variety.”

Kristy's rationality is overthrown with unease.
Will this happen to her? Did she open her spiritual door by acknowledging their presence?

“
Hate to break up Supernatural 101, but what did Luna say in response to our search for Landon?” Valen asks, turning everyone's attention back to the ghost.

Kristy shakes the fog from her mind.
“She said she’ll call out to him, right after she laughed at us for expecting his help.”