The Moonstone (Enchantment Book 1) (30 page)

"My chauffeur said there were quite a few caramel wrappers in your room, so I asked him to get some for you. Make yourself at home, Lou. If you need anything, just ask my chef Justin and he’ll make it for you."

Why is he doing all this? I imagine he’s afraid I’ll refuse to do what he asks and he wants to try to get me on side.

"I think we should leave now," I say, uncomfortable with the situation I’ve been thrown into.

"Ok, Miss Mills, let's go."

"
This dilemma, destruction or salvation, no fate proposes more inexorably than love."
  
Victor Hugo

We arrive at the Academy at around 11:45 pm, the same time Zach shows up on his motorcycle. He takes off his helmet and I can see by the look on his face that he isn't pleased to see me sitting there with Black. I wave goodbye to my host and join Zach on his motorcycle.

"What are you doing with that sociopath? Didn't you go to supper with Bethany?"

"I'll tell you all about it, but first let's go to this place you were telling me about."

I look at the device on the back of the antique watch Black gave me. It indicates the distance between us and the number of feet increases as Black walks away, giving Zach the impression that he’s going home.

We drive for a few minutes and cross a maze of roads. I wonder if Black is following us. I assume this watch also serves as some kind of GPS to help him keep track of where I am at any given moment. Zach drives towards a small wooded hill and then we ride all the way to the summit. The view from up here is gorgeous; we can see all the lights and the immensity of the park that hides the city. Zach gets off the motorcycle and offers me his hand. He then keeps a hold of me and guides me to a small rock where we sit down. My friend takes a few chocolate caramels from his pocket as well as two cans of root beer. The combination is more than delicious and with the starry sky to look at, the moment is perfect.

"I hate to see you with him," he starts, taking a swig of his root beer and crushing a few weeds with his foot.

"I have to tell you something you won't like. He asked Bethany if he could be my professor because he sees a lot of potential in me. I’ll also have to go and live at his manor." I say it all in one breath, hoping he'll absorb the shock more easily that way. What a mistake!

He spits out a mouthful of pop and stands up.

"I hope you refused him!"

I don't answer because I don't know what to say. I can't tell him any of the details of the spell Black cast on me. Zach would go nuts and probably search for Black to challenge him, or complete some other sort of testosterone fueled duel that men just love to do.

He starts pacing and pulling at his hair with agitated hands.

"He knows, you told him about your amulet. You told him you’re a Moonchild."

I can't lie to him, sorry Mr. Black, but Zach is my friend.

"He saw us in the field today. I wasn't sure, but I thought maybe he had and he confirmed it later."

"Shit, Lou, you can't stay at his place. He's just going to use you. He's an egocentric jerk, ready to do anything to get what he wants."

"He promised to be the sponsor for our mission. He'll cover all the costs."

"And you believe him? Incredible. You fell for his charm."

"Listen to me, I don't like Bethany and I think he could be a good teacher for me. And we really do need to have a sponsor willing to pay for our mission. Are you going to pay for it?"

"We'll find some other solution! Black is completely nuts, Lou. Do you really think he'll let you use the Emerald Tablet, if that's the mission you're talking about? Once you have it, he'll rip it right out of your hands. You are the key for him, Lou, and nothing more. Let me take care of you."

He steps closer to me, imploring me with his eyes.

"You and I, we can't..." I murmur.

I can see the fury in his eyes. He pushes me away and walks away, looking at the horizon.

"I'm not good enough for you, Lou. I'm just a simple human. You see, he's already rubbed off on you! Soon, you'll be going off to battle against us. I don't want to be a witness to that. Go and live with that maniac. I quit."

Zach looks at me one last time, gets onto his motorcycle and leaves me alone on my rock. Oh my God! He abandoned me. And where am I? It would have been so much better if I could have told him everything, but even then he still wouldn't understand.

Once the motorcycle is far in the distance, I suddenly feel as if there’s nothing between the starlight and me. The sky darkens and is soon completely black. I look at my watch and see the numbers changing, getting smaller and smaller. At the end of the road, I see headlights. Black.

The car door opens and he’s next to me in a flash.

"What a cad! He left you here all alone! What happened? I saw him drive off alone on his motorcycle and that made me completely crazy."

He seems so upset. I can't figure out why he appears to be so distraught.

"I told him that you’re planning on financing the mission. Don't worry, he knows nothing about the spell you cast on me."

"Why did you tell him?"

Now I can see I’ve really upset him.

"Because he's my friend."

"Apparently not anymore. Otherwise, he wouldn't have left you up here alone."

"He's mad. He’s convinced that it’s dangerous for me to live with you and he’s afraid for me and angry at my stubbornness."

Black seems to calm down a little.

"Anyways, why are you so upset? He's not the one putting me in danger, you are. It's you that deprived me of my powers."

"Not as long as you stay with me, I’ll make sure I always stay near you so that I can be close by in situations like this one."

"He didn't put me in danger. We're only in the woods. We're still within the city limits, aren't we?"

"Just keep defending him. He's not worth it, Lou, he's only a..."

I cut him off there.

"A human? That's enough Black; humans have more redeeming qualities than you do. Zach only wants what's best for me, unlike you. He's only thinking about me."

"I don't wish to harm you."

"You aren't trying to help me, either."

"Good and evil are just a matter of perspective. They’re opposites that are separated by a fine line. Your friend is angry because he's not getting what he wants."

"And what is it that he wants? Do tell..."

He gets closer to me and murmurs:

"He wants you, Lou."

"I think you made it very clear about the two of us and that it will never be possible. I'm not interested in letting you do the same thing to me you did to Gertrude."

"Is that the only thing that's stopping you from giving yourself to him?"

Giving myself to him? He certainly has a strange way of putting things.

"Why do you even ask the question when you know it's impossible? We're talking about something hypothetical."

"Answer me, Lou."

He’s so bossy. I cross my arms across my chest and answer him as drily as I can.

"No, it doesn't change a thing."

I’m under the impression he’s a little more relaxed, but I don't see why...Why is he so concerned? Doesn't he have a fiancée who's just waiting for him to come and save her? The image of Black wanting to save a loved one makes me feel like smiling and crying all at once. I would’ve liked to know that side of him.

"Ok, now let's go home."

It's so strange to hear him say that. As if his house could ever be mine.

We drive along without saying a word until we get to his house and then he leads me to my new room.

"Don't hesitate to ask if you need something. I won't be far away," he says, tilting his head in the direction of his room. As he is on the verge of leaving, I ask him the burning question that's been on the tip of my tongue since I met him.

"Black?"

He turns back towards me and leans on the doorframe, waiting for me to speak.

"I was hoping that since we’re going to be spending a lot of time together, well...you would tell me your real name."

"That's a part of me that doesn't exist anymore."

"You know all my secrets, you could, at least, tell me that little bit of information, couldn't you?"

He shakes his head and sighs, then walks towards me.

"Nobody knows this information, Lou. I told you, I don't trust anyone. I’ll make an exception this time, but don't cross me. I could decide to reveal your secret if you betray me, and believe me, you wouldn't be safe anywhere if that happened. There are enchanters much more evil than I on this planet, even if you find that hard to believe because you hate me so much."

"I don't hate you."

It's the truth, despite myself. I think there's more to Black than meets the eye. I think what I said surprised him. He looks me deeply in the eyes as if to dare me to contradict him.

"I promise, I'll never tell a soul." I extend my hand to him to seal the deal.

He looks at me, confused.

"When two humans want to conclude a deal, they shake hands to show good faith."

He raises an eyebrow, but takes my hand delicately, then, without letting go, he pulls me toward him and brings his mouth to my ear, whispering softly:

"Orpheus." Then he leaves the room without looking back, closing the door behind him.

I stand there, dumbfounded in the middle of the room. Orpheus, of course, I should’ve known. There were so many clues. The tapestry above the fireplace with the musician and the woman who he was holding is a portrait of Orpheus and Eurydice. There’s also the fact that Black's gift is to control matter with music, and that’s also Orpheus' gift. And finally, his woman is lost in the Underworld. I should have known, she's one of the characters from Greek mythology that fascinates me the most.

His story is so tragic. Orpheus was the son of the muse Calliope and the God Apollo. He fell head over heels for a dryad, Eurydice, who was bitten by a snake on their wedding day. That explains Black's obsession with the reptile, and how he has them all over his office.

At her death, Eurydice descended into the Underworld. Orpheus, crazed by the loss of his love, decides to go and find her. He convinces the ferryman to take him to the entrance of the infernal world and even manages to put the Cerberus to sleep with his music in order to get to Hades and his wife, Persephone. Orpheus manages to charm the Gods with his music and convinces them to let him leave with his wife, Eurydice. Hades agrees, on one condition, that he never turn to look back before being completely out of the Underworld, on the threat of losing the love of his life forever more. Orpheus starts his trek out of Hell holding tightly to his wife's hand. Almost at the end of his journey, not hearing his wife's footsteps anymore, he is panic-stricken and, by reflex, turns to look for her. He sees his wife at his side for one last time before she disappears before his very eyes.

Oh my God! I can't believe that Black is Orpheus. How can he live knowing that she’s down there suffering because of him? Now I understand why he was so anxious to have me under his spell. Poor Black! It's so tragic. I feel like I want to go to him and give him a big hug. I'll tell him that I’ll do everything possible to save her, even if it breaks my heart in the process. A love that has lasted for more than four millennia will never change on my account. But, I stay in my room, uncertain of the welcome I would receive if I took pity on him. There are certainly reasons why he kept his identity from me, and not wanting my pity is one of them. I stretch out on my bed, thinking about all that I’ve learned. It’s true that you can't judge a book by its cover. I quickly fall into a deep sleep.

"If you tame me, then we will need each other. You will be unique in the world to me. I will be unique in the world to you."
The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I get up early the next morning and am suddenly overcome with a strange feeling. Turning my head, I notice Black sitting on a chair at the other side of the room. He’s sitting there, staring at me in silence, something I find strange and unnerving. I try, in vain, to subtly pat down my hair.

"Get up little rabbit, we’ve a long day ahead of us!"

"Have you been there for long?"

"Long enough to know that you snore and drool when you sleep. Charming...Get up!"

I wipe my mouth as well as I can, too embarrassed to respond to the insult.

"Join me downstairs in the dining room. Justin is making homemade waffles."

Wow! I want Justin to follow me everywhere...home made waffles, yummy!

I dig through the outfits Flicka has already given me for the week and I suddenly remember that I never called her last night as promised. I grab my cell phone and notice that there are several missed call and text messages. The first are from Flicka.

*Lou! Where are you?*

*Answer you goof!*

*How was your evening??? Why aren't you answering me??!*

I send one right back. I guess I forgot her with all the activity of the day before.

*I'm okay! Can we get together for coffee tomorrow and we'll have a chat?*

Instantly my phone signals an incoming text from what looks like an impatient Flicka.

*Oh, no! You can't leave me in the dark for an entire day and make me suffer for another one! I want to know NOW!*

Poor her, she’s so curious; I'll make sure to contact her tonight.

*I can't talk at the moment, I 'll call you back, I promise.*

Flicka answers back in a flash.

*Ok, don't forget about me. Otherwise, I'll send Mr. Merlin after you! Have a great day!*

Before turning off my cell, I notice another text, but this time from Zach.

*I'm so sorry about last night. I went back up the mountain five minutes later, but you were already gone. I'm so sorry...be careful, ok? Call me today when you have time.*

I text him right back.

* I forgive you! I’m always careful and what's more, I have a great combat teacher who transformed me into a real ninja!*

*So, I'm still your combat teacher?*

*Of course, you big goof! I've got to go. There are waffles waiting for me. Can I meet you at the stables?*

*Sure, it's your chore now too, isn't it?*

*Ok, talk to you later.*

I leave, simply dressed in my black laced-up pants and my green sweater to go meet Black in the sumptuous dining room.

He pulls out the chair facing an enormous pile of steaming waffles and invites me to sit. I take a mouthful and look up at the portrait of Orpheus and his wife. I guess Black recognizes my pensive look and he snaps me out of my reverie.

"I don't want to talk about it, is that clear? I also don't want you to ever call me Orpheus, do we understand each other?"

From his tone of voice, I would assume he was a father lecturing his daughter.

"Understood...Black. What does his highness have planned for the day? I’m your servant...master," I answer sarcastically.

"Oh, really? My servant?" he says in an amused tone of voice, biting his lips.

I blush automatically. If only he didn't always have this type of effect on me. It's hard to deny.

"We’re going to see a friend outside the city. She might have some visions and might be able to help us find the tablet. But tell me, how far along are you on this mission? Have you had any revelations? Do you have any clues?"

"No, absolutely not. It's only been a week since I officially became and enchanter and Charles doesn't know any more than I do. We just know that my mother created me and that she lost her life as a result."

"That's at the heart of what a Moonchild is, Lou. A pure soul must be sacrificed under very precise circumstances and even then, it doesn't always work. If it hadn't been for that, I might’ve sacrificed someone long ago to achieve such a child."

I can't believe a word he says! I don't think he would ever go through with that. He likes to give off a Machiavellian air, but I can see his real personality and there is good in him."

"Did your mother say why she did that?"

"She was Ether sign as well and her gift was clairvoyance. She had a vision that told her she needed to create me and that I would find the Emerald Tablet when the time comes."

"And you, why do you want to find the Emerald Tablet, Lou?'

"That's personal."

I don't want him to know that I'm in it to go against everything he believes in, to create a bridge between enchanters and humans. If he suspects, he would be much less cooperative.

"Ok, that's your right."

Incredible, he doesn't even want to know why...

"Do you have any idea how we can discover where the Emerald Tablet is?"

"Not really. You'll know. My friend might be able to help us."

We finish breakfast quickly and Black's chauffeur is waiting for us at the entrance. In fact, it isn't the car he’s brought for us, but Black's impressive black horse.

"We're going on that?"

"Normally that's what a horse is for, so yes. My friend lives far into the park and it's easier to go this way, certainly faster."

"Did you prepare the basket the way I asked?" he inquires of his servant.

The chauffeur points to a wicker basket hanging from the side of the horse's saddle.

"But your horse hates me!"

Black laughs and turns to me.

"Why would you say such a thing? A horse can't have those kinds of emotions."

"The other day when I approached him, he started whinnying and his mane burst into flames. I thought he was going to swallow me whole."

"Fury was probably just trying to impress you. Horses do that to conquer females, so I think that it's quite the opposite, I think he likes you."

Wow...hard to believe.

Black takes me by the hand and guides me to the horse and in two easy movements he grabs me in his arms and hauls me onto Fury's back. The simple fact of being in his arms in an instant makes me feel small, as if I was a feather blowing in the wind. Black joins me shortly, putting his muscled thighs to either side of me, and his hand around my waist. He pulls me close until my back is completely pressed against his chest. I can even feel his breath in my hair. He leaves his hand tightly around me and I can sense him taking a few deep breaths. I'm under the impression his fingers tighten a little more. He lets me go and positions my hands on the pommel of the saddle while leaning into my neck.

"Ready?" he whispers softly.

"As ready as I'll ever be to ride a winged horse..."

"Fury...UP."

The horse does as he’s told and after a short gallop and a couple of beats of his wings, we’re suddenly in the canopy of the trees. The sensation is incredible, to be in the air, but not be protected by the metal armor of an airplane. It's as terrifying as it is exhilaratingly to be in direct contact with the world that surrounds us. I do, however, feel fully protected by Black's rigid body.

We fly over the forest, soon leaving the city behind. The view is breathtaking. I could stay up here with Fury all day long.

"So, you're enjoying this, little rabbit?"

"I adore this! I want my own winged horse!"

"They’re very rare, but I would be happy to take you for a ride whenever you want."

I don't know if he really means to please me, or if he says it out of obligation because of our current proximity, but whatever the reason, I gladly accept his offer.

After a couple of minutes of flight, we arrive next to a small cave located on a mountainside.

"Isn't it dangerous to fly like that, in the middle of the day?"

"A bit, but Fury is able to detect human presence and we only need to give them a forgetful potion, it's very practical and that's actually how Charles made his fortune."

The horse lands right in front of the cave.

"You friend lives here? Since she isn't protected by the masters of illusion, isn't there a danger that we’ll be discovered?"

"One of her friends is a master of potions who created a sort of seed that grows flowers that give off a scent that is unbearable for humans. That keeps them miles away, and always without them being aware of it. For us, the scent is more like that of roses. You see, it's these little blue flowers that surround us."

"Ingenious!" I say, getting closer to sniff the flowers. In fact, they do actually smell like roses.

"Lord Black! To what do I owe the honor of your presence here today? It's been months since you've visited me."

A young woman with a crown of magnificent brown, wavy hair tumbling over her shoulders walks up to us. She’s wearing a long navy blue cape that covers her whole body like a hood. She walks forward slowly as if each of her steps was correctly measured and calculated. Her hood hides the top of her face, preventing me from looking her in the eye.

"Hello yourself, Malorie. May I present Lou; I need your skills to help us with a very particular mission."

Malorie calls for silence with her finger and comes closer to take my hand.

"I see a Moonchild. Incredible! Where did you find this one?"

"In fact, I feel more like it was she who found me."

What a lie! He was the one who stalked me like a predator does with his prey.

"Do you have what you need?"

"Yes, Malorie, the same as usual. I even added a little of the cotton candy that I know you're crazy about."

He comes closer to me and whispers.

"She’s as addicted to sugar as you are, but here in the woods, apart from wild honey, she doesn't have much variety."

"Ok, well follow me you two."

She walks into the cave and we follow her.

Inside, the decor is somewhat primitive, a solid wood bed, a few shelves filled with books and finally a kitchen table near a fireplace that’s letting the smoke out through a hole in the roof.

"Have a seat, but before we go much further, Black, show me the extent of my treasure."

Black sighs and spreads out the contents of the wicker basket. Hmmm, if I didn't hold myself back I would grab a large portion of this stash and hide it in the pocket of my jacket.

"Perfect!"

Malorie shoves a handful of gummy bears into her mouth. I still can't see her eyes, but from the large smile on her face, I presume she’s happy with the offerings.

"So, what do you want to know?"

"Tell me where the Emerald Tablet is."

"Are you serious? Nobody other than a Moonchild can reveal that sort of information. She’s the only one who can know the answer to that question."

"Do you know how we can go about finding its whereabouts?"

"Not so fast, Black. Everything comes to he who waits. Give me your hands, child."

I extend my hands and put them on hers. After a few moments of silence, she speaks.

"I see, incredible!"

"What do you see?" shouts Black, excited like a boy on Christmas morning.

"You’ll find out sooner or later, some things cannot be revealed until the right time. As for the tablet, Lou will find the answer in her dreams. I’ll give you an elixir and you should put it under her pillow. This should make her dreams clearer, but also help her to remember them when she wakes. However, I know that to have such dreams, she must be at her full magic potential. All her gifts, including those of the Moonstone, must be mastered. Also, she’ll need to have her entire team ready to leave on a mission. Then, when everything is in place, she’ll have her visions. Until then, keep a watchful eye for signs. I’m relieved that your mother had the gift of clairvoyance as I do. There must be at least a little of her in you! I would suggest you work on that side of yourself, because, if you ask me, the Moonstone will give you some access to that skill, which should help you to find the path to your quest."

Malorie stands up and walks over to a wooden box that’s sitting on her bookshelf. She brings it back to the table and opens it delicately.

"What I have to offer will cost you some more candies and I want at least ten baskets full. Oh, and don't forget the licorice! This is the last of my reserve of dream potion, my friend, so I won't let it go cheaper than that."

Black stands up and gives his friend a big hug.

"I’ll send you ten baskets full this afternoon, your help is indispensable."

"Good! Now it's time for you to leave. I'm sure you have a lot of work to do before the day of team selection."

We leave Malorie and go back to Fury, who is peacefully munching on blue flowers.