Poltergeists & Change of Life (Mystical Midlife in Maine #15)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

“ W hat?” I asked. My mind was a jumbled mess. I couldn’t be sure that I heard her right or if it was wishful thinking. My gaze skipped around the room. All of my loved ones except for my son Jean-Marc were in the house.

Nana was sitting on the arm of the couch and watching with keen interest. Mom was wringing her hands. Nina, Stella, Aidon, Tseki, Layla, Selene, Mythia, and Murtagh formed a protective barrier at the other side of the room. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and concern.

Persephone sat on the coffee table in front of me. Her ethereal presence was both calming and intense. She was the reason I was pregnant in the first place. She’d given me something to boost my fertility when I was in the Underworld. She and Hades had balked at me being with their son, but they knew we were Fated for one another and decided to take matters into their hands regarding grandchildren.

“Phoebe,” Persephone began, “I said there is a way to counteract the Dark magic injury to your spleen, but it comes with great risks.”

She snapped her fingers and several papers appeared in her hand. They looked like they were old which meant they were likely vellum. Aidon helped me sit up and I looked at what she laid on the table between her and Hades. There were ancient runes and diagrams on the sheet. Everyone leaned in curios about what she had. “The potion required to neutralize the dark spell is incredibly complex,” Persephone explained. Her finger traced the intricate symbols. “It needs the essence of a shadow orchid which is a rare ingredient found only in the Underworld.”

A hushed silence fell over the room as her words sank in. I felt Aidon’s hand tighten around mine. His support grounded me as the gravity of the situation became clear. “This potion,” Persephone continued, “can neutralize the dark spell. But its effects are unpredictable. It might save you and the triplets. But it could also harm all or some of you.”

Aidon shook his head. “We cannot risk my mate,” he insisted. The torment in his eyes when he looked at me nearly killed me. My hand went to my stomach where the babies rolled. He put his hand over mine.

“This is our only chance, son,” Persephone said getting our attention. I blanched when I looked over. Her gaze penetrated my soul. “They will all be lost if we do nothing.”

I swallowed hard. My worry wasn’t for myself. I was frightened for my unborn children. I might not have chosen to get pregnant. but they were mine. I would do anything to protect them. The thought of our triplets, so tiny and vulnerable, fueled my resolve. “We have to save them. What do we need to do?” I asked.

Persephone nodded, acknowledging my determination. “Aidon,” she said, turning to my mate, “you must journey to the Underworld to retrieve the shadow orchid. Only you can retrieve this for your mate. And time is of the essence. The longer the dark magic remains, the more it endangers Phoebe and the babies.”

Aidon cupped my cheek making me look at him. I allowed everything I was feeling into my eyes for him to see. His face hardened with determination and he inclined his head. “I’ll go,” he said as he held my gaze. “But Phoebe, you need to promise me you’ll stay safe while I’m gone.”

“I promise,” I replied, squeezing his hand. “I won't leave the house until you get back.”

“That is best, Phoebe.” Persephone grabbed my hand, snagging my attention. "The process of extracting and combining the essence of the flower with other rare ingredients is delicate and fraught with peril. I will need to use your sanctum once Aidon returns with the ingredients.”

“What else so I need to get?” Aidon asked his mother.

“I will make you a list. You can find most of it in my garden at the house.” As Persephone spoke, Nana reached out and placed a comforting hand on my arm. “We’re all here for you, Phoebe,” she said softly. “You’re not alone in this.”

Mom nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with determination. “We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you and the babies safe,” she said, her voice firm.

Stella gave me a smile from where she was hugging Nina. “We’ve faced so much together, Phoebe. We’ll get through this too.” Her voice was filled with confidence and strength.

I nodded to them and listened as plans were made. It felt like I was in a nightmare and just needed to wake up. Unfortunately, this was my reality. Aidon would soon depart for the Underworld and I would have to prepare for the risks of the potion. It was comforting to know I had my family and friends by my side. Knowing I was not in this alone made all the difference in the world.

The Underworld was a place of shadows and danger, even for the son of Hades. Aidon’s eyes were usually so warm and reassuring. Now they reflected a steely resolve that made my heart ache. His brow furrowed as he met my gaze. “I’m worried about leaving you here, especially with Lyra still a threat,” he admitted.

“She can’t get past the wards,” I reminded him. “We’ve boosted them many times and we have pixies patrolling the entire perimeter. This is the safest place for me.”

He took my hands in his. His grip was firm, grounding me amidst the swirling emotions. “I know. It’s impossible for me not to worry, though. You need to stay safe, Phoebe. And protect our children. I’ll return as quickly as I can.”

The warmth of his touch was a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in my bones at the thought of him venturing into the Underworld alone. “I will,” I whispered, my voice catching. “Just come back to us.”

He kissed me gently, his lips soft against mine, but the kiss was filled with an intensity that conveyed everything he couldn’t put into words. His eyes were filled with love and resolve when they locked onto mine for a moment longer before he turned away. Hades stood up and did something with his arms then.

A swirling vortex of darkness materialized in the middle of the room. It was a portal to the Underworld. Aidon stood up and stepped toward it without looking back. When he crossed the threshold, the darkness seemed to swallow him whole. My heart lurched when he disappeared. I had to bite back my sob. I was being ridiculous. Yes, it was dangerous, but he was the son of Hades and he had a contingent of UIS agents who would be by his side protecting him.

The silence that followed was deafening. I sat there, staring at the spot where he had disappeared. Fear and hope churned in my chest. Remembering he went to save me and the babies helped to ease the ache in my heart making it bearable.

With Aidon gone, a fierce determination welled up inside me. I placed my hands on my growing belly, feeling the life within me. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” I vowed quietly, sensing their faint movements in response. Despite the dark magic threatening my life and the relentless danger posed by Lyra, I had to stay strong.

Nana moved closer and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “He’ll be alright, Phoebe,” she said softly. “He’s strong, and he loves you more than anything.”

I nodded, trying to muster a smile, but it felt hollow. “I know, Nana. I just hate that he has to do this alone.”

Mom stepped forward and took Aidon’s vacant spot on the couch. “Everything will work out, Phoebe. You need to think about you and the babies. They need your full attention right now.”

The room seemed to come alive with the collective resolve of my family and friends. The unity and love that surrounded me bolstered my spirits. As my swirling emotions settled, I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders. “You're right,” I said, my voice stronger now. “Let’s get ready. What can we do while he’s gone?” I asked Persephone.

“Prepare the sanctum by cleansing it so the ambient magic doesn’t fight against me when I get to work. Normally, a witch’s energy won’t bother me, but you’re a Pleiades, as was the witch before you. Most importantly, I do not want to take any chances with this process. Too much is riding on my successful endeavor.”

Hades placed a hand on Persephone’s shoulder and interrupted before I could agree to ensure the sanctum was cleansed. “My wife is right. There is too much on the line. I want to go and explore every possible avenue to minimize the risks this potion poses to you and the babies. Persephone will help. Trust that we won't leave anything to chance," he assured me.

The temptation to ask for clarity was overridden by the desire to have Aidon’s parents out of the house. They’d been frosty with me at the beginning and I had a hard time getting past that. It would be good not to have them hovering over me, so I nodded in agreement. Hades opened another portal and the couple left without delay.

The room around me buzzed with activity after that. Nana said something to Mom about brewing one of her many herbal concoctions. I lost sight of them when they went into the kitchen. Nina grabbed a pillow and put it behind my back then grabbed my favorite fluffy blanket. “Lay back, Mom. Can I get you anything?” My daughter asked as she tucked the soft fabric around my legs.

Shaking my head, I smiled up at her. “No, thank you.”

“This tea will help keep you calm, Phoebe,” Nana said as she and Mom returned to the living room. “You need to stay relaxed for the babies.”

Mom had a tablet and pen in hand and sat on the table where Persephone had been. “We’ll make sure you have plenty of rest and minimal stress," Mom promised as she scribbled down a detailed schedule to help manage my days. "You need to let the rest of us help with anything you need and stay off of your feet.”

“I can still do stuff, Mom,” I objected. “Making a sandwich isn’t going to hurt me.” I was surlier than normal thanks to my situation, but I couldn’t seem to help my attitude.

Mom scowled at me. “Clio recommended you remain off your feet as much as possible.”

Sighing, I nodded in agreement. With luck, Aidon and his parents would return and this wouldn’t last long. Nina waved her phone at me. “And I’ve got a few people who can help with security outside the wards,” she informed me. “They’ll make sure no one gets close to the property.”

Tseki, his eyes sharp and vigilant, spoke up from his place near the window. "I’ll keep watch from the skies. Nothing will get past me.”

Layla nodded in agreement. “Murtagh and I will increase our patrols. And I can have Clio here in under ten minutes if you need her.”

Selene was always a calming presence. She approached with a gentle smile. “I’ll fill in anywhere I’m needed. I’ll handle any cases that come in. You just focus on taking care of yourself and those little ones.” That was the kindest offer she could give me. The calls hadn’t stopped coming in since the day I received Hattie’s powers and that wasn’t going to change.

“Every call needs extra screening. If the case involves Lyra or if we even suspect it, no one will be responding. I’m not taking any chances while I am down,” I told Selene loud enough so everyone heard me. “Knowing that Dark witch, she planned this and we will receive a rash of emergencies any second.”

Mythia, the pixie who had become an integral part of our household, flitted over with a determined look on her tiny face. “I’ll make sure there are no gaps in the border patrols,” she said as her wings beat so fast behind her back they were a blur. "If anything unusual happens, you’ll be the first to know."

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over me despite the turmoil. "Thank you, everyone," I told them honestly. “I couldn’t imagine facing this without you all.”

Over the next couple of days, we settled into a routine. Every decision I made was with my babies’ safety in mind. I rested as much as possible and avoided anything that might cause undue stress. Mom’s teas helped soothe my nerves. And her schedule ensured I wasn’t overexerting myself.

Each morning, Nina would update me on the security measures in place. My daughter was seventeen going on thirty. But her reports gave me peace of mind. Stella and Selene were always nearby and ready to offer a comforting word or a helping hand. Tseki, Layla, and Murtagh took their patrols seriously. In fact, I only saw them through the window. Nana or Mom took meals out to them.

I was already going stir crazy on the second morning so I took my mid-morning tea on the back patio. I had just sat down and hadn’t had a chance to begin enjoying the fresh air when Mythia flew to me. “I’ve been keeping watch with my clan, and so far, everything seems quiet,” she said, landing lightly on the armrest of my chair.

I nodded, grateful for her vigilance. "Thank you, Mythia. I appreciate the update."

The connection to my babies was growing with each passing hour. Every flutter and kick reminded me of why I had to stay strong. The dark magic and the danger lurking outside our wards threatened to close in on us, but I was stronger than Lyra knew. She was not going to win this one.

On the second evening, I was sitting by the fire with Stella and had to confide my fears to her. "I’m so scared, Stella," I admitted, my voice trembling. "What if something happens to Aidon? What if I can’t protect the babies?"

Stella wrapped her arm around me, pulling me close. “Your mate is an honest-to-goodness god. He can protect himself. And you’re one of the strongest people I know. And you’re not alone in this. We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you and the babies safe."

I leaned into her embrace, feeling a surge of gratitude and love for the support I had. I made a silent promise to my babies. “ We’ll get through this. " I rested my hand on my belly. " I won’t let anything harm you. We’ll be a family, and we’ll be strong together. "

Later that evening, we gathered around the kitchen island, the heart of our home. Mom made multitasking look easy. She was busy at the stove, preparing my favorite comfort food. The smell of freshly baked bread and simmering stew filled the kitchen and wrapped us all in a comforting embrace.

“Mom,” I began, watching her deft movements, “how are the tribred victims of Lyra handling things at the halfway house?” She hadn’t been able to get there over the last couple of days.

Mom paused with a ladle in hand and turned to face me. “They're doing as well as can be expected, given the circumstances,” she explained and then grabbed some spices and added more to the pot. “It's been tough for them not seeing me in person the past couple of days. They miss the direct contact, but we’re managing with calls and video chats.”

Nina looked over from her makeshift command center on the kitchen table. She had set up the hotline at the desk built into the side of the kitchen, but she needed more room for this. Her laptop was open and papers were spread around. “I've been coordinating with the halfway house staff,” she added. “We’ve set up regular check-ins and support groups. They know we're all still here for them.”

Layla was leaning against the counter when she asked, “Do they need the potion to help them remain in control of all their sides? Or do they still have enough?” I prayed they were good. The last thing we needed was a bunch of tribreds out there hunting mundies when their vampire side took over.

Mom nodded thoughtfully. “There is enough for the next week. We've been working with Lilith to ensure everyone who needs the potion will always have it. It’s not easy, but she thinks she can brew it if necessary."

“I can take some when I go home if she can’t make it,” Stella offered and then squeezed my hand. "How are they handling the transition? They’ve relied on you a lot up to this point," she pointed out to Mom.

Mom sighed and placed a steaming bowl of soup in front of me. “It's been a mixed bag. Some are adjusting well, finding comfort in their routine and support. Others are struggling more with the changes and the loss of their former lives. It’s not an ideal time to be away from them.”

Tseki was standing by the window with his eyes scanning the darkening horizon, turned to add, “I’ll check on them tonight. They’ve gotten to know me, and I will be a familiar face for them.”

Selene dug into her bowl of stew. “Remind them that this won’t be forever. Aidon will be back and Phoebe will be healed soon.”

Just as we settled into dinner, Mythia burst into the kitchen. Her tiny wings were a blur of iridescent colors. Her panicked voice cut through the air. It was filled with urgency and fear. "Phoebe! Something’s happening in the woods!" she cried, fluttering around me in frantic circles. “I saw shadows moving and heard terrible noises. It’s not natural.”

My heart skipped a beat. The calm that had settled over our home shattered in an instant. I exchanged worried glances with Nana, Mom, Nina, Stella, Layla, and Selene. Something had gotten past our ward. It shouldn’t have been possible which meant whatever was out there was not to be taken lightly.

“We need to check it out,” I said. I was relieved my voice was steadier than I felt inside. I stood up and hid my trembling hands behind my back. I placed one on my belly and felt the reassuring movement of my unborn children. They seemed to sense the tension and responded with tiny flutters.

Nana scowled at me. “You need to stay here.”

I gaped at her and shook my head. “I’m fine. I have been sitting around for over two days now and I need to be there for this. Something got past our wards. You’re going to need me.” I didn’t let anyone argue further as I stood. “We will take the golf cart. Grab some potions. I’ve got my daggers,” I said snatching them from the table where I’d left them.

Mom moved swiftly, gathering supplies. A flashlight, some herbs, and a protective talisman while Nina selected our best offensive potions. Stella walked beside me and took the keys from me. "You will stick to my side and stay away from danger. Add your magic from there. You will not go charging in there or I will tie you to your bed right now.”

I gave her a solemn look. “I promise not to do anything stupid. My babies are the most important thing. But I have to be there for the rest of you, too.”

We squeezed onto the golf cart while Mythia fluttered ahead of us. She led the way to the disturbance. A chill wind whipped through the trees as Stella drove. It carried with it an ominous whisper. The woods were usually serene and welcoming. A shiver traveled down my spine when I took in the shrouded darkness and danger.

We moved cautiously, following Mythia’s guidance deeper into the woods. The moonlight filtered through the canopy above and cast eerie shadows on the forest floor. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, set my nerves on edge. Stella veered into the brush when a piercing shriek echoed through the night. Layla raced up to the cart and was growling low in her throat. Nina clutched my hand and whispered, “There’s something pissed out here.”

Ahead, the trees parted, revealing a clearing bathed in an unnatural glow. Shadows danced and flickered, taking on grotesque shapes that seemed to writhe and twist with malevolent intent. We got out of the golf cart and headed to the spot. My magic burned beneath the surface of my skin eager to combat the dark energy that was now thick and oppressive.

Nana stepped forward with her witch fire burning in her palms. “Stay at the back, Phoebe,” she instructed. “We don’t know what we’re dealing with.”

The sense of foreboding intensified as we cautiously approached the clearing. Mythia hovered nervously overhead, her wings fluttering erratically. “Be careful,” she whispered. Her voice was barely audible over the cacophony surrounding us.

I took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage I had. With my family beside me, we walked into the clearing and my heart stopped. “No fucking way,” I muttered unable to believe what I was seeing.