39. Evelyn
39
Evelyn
T he weeks merged into a rhythm of classes, training, and furtive glances over my shoulder. The warehouse incident had slipped under the radar, our involvement remaining a well-guarded secret.
Ryker was occupied with new tasks from his father, though nothing concrete. His father remained frustratingly vague about some new project, filled with cryptic remarks about an impending era of immense power.
Lucien had a few meetings with the Luminary coven, starting with simple potions, but as the meetings progressed, they began requesting more potent and dangerous concoctions, as if testing his skills and loyalty. They were gauging his ambition, watching closely to see if he would comply without question or push back against their increasingly risky demands.
He went on more dates with Miss Clarissa, which had me on edge. I didn’t want him anywhere near the bitch witch, but we had little choice.
I buried myself in midterm studies and training with the guys. The grind numbed my mind, a welcome distraction from everything, including the fated mates’ bomb I still hadn’t discussed with Chad and Rafe.
Coward.
Then there was Lia.
Every time I saw her during lunch, a knot of worry twisted in my gut. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, her once-vibrant aura now dull and listless. As always, Rick shadowed her every move, his presence more oppressive than protective.
One afternoon, I’d had enough.
I tailed them after class, cutting them off before they reached the dorms.
“Got something to say to you both,” I said, jerking my head toward the building’s rear.
Rick sneered. “We’re not-”
Lia was already moving.
“Trust me, Rick. You’ll want to hear this,” I said.
They rounded the corner. I whipped out a vial and hurled it at Rick. He crumpled, out cold before he hit the ground.
Lia’s face turned pale. “What did you do?”
“It’s a sleeping potion. He won’t remember a thing,” I explained. “Potion-making is starting to grow on me.”
“S-still…”
I was surprised by Lia’s reaction. Since when had she become such a coward? I didn’t know what was happening with her, but I wanted to help.
“Lia,” I began gently, “you don’t look good.”
She glanced around nervously before speaking. “I’m scared,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
My heart clenched at her words. “Lia, I know the truth now. About everything.”
Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she said nothing.
“I never knew the full extent. Even my mom didn’t know all of it,” I explained.
She leaned in closer. “My mother is up to something. You need to be careful.”
“What’s she planning?” I asked, keeping my voice steady despite the dread coiling in my stomach.
“I don’t know, but she’s completely obsessed,” Lia admitted, wiping away her eyes. “She says a new era is about to begin.”
Exactly like Ryker’s father had said.
“She’s…” Lia began but stopped, swallowing hard.
“What did she say?” I prompted gently.
“She thinks I am weak. She’s threatening to turn me like she did to Rick and Theo if I don’t shape up,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Rick is constantly watching me and reporting back. He’s their watchdog, but Miss Clarissa spelled him. You know they killed Theo… ” Her eyes met mine, glistening with tears. “Rick goes to her every Thursday. I think they are lovers.” She grimaced.
My stomach churned with a mix of anger and disgust. Rick was under a spell, which meant the blame lay entirely on Miss Clarissa. She would pay—that was a guarantee.
But for now, we had to help Rick.
* * *
“Where am I? What happened?”
Alister’s voice was smooth as silk. “You were just telling us about your family’s European trip, remember?”
Rick’s brow furrowed, then smoothed. “Right…yeah. We leave tomorrow.”
We were all in Lucien’s office, having just reversed the spell on Rick to ensure he was no longer being used against his will and as a puppet by the coven.
Then Alister had removed and modified his memories.
I held my breath, willing my face to stay neutral.
“For how long?” Alister prodded gently.
“A year,” Rick said, certainty growing in his voice. “Mom’s always wanted to travel around Europe to see the castles and the beautiful sights.”
“And how’s school been?” I asked, trying to keep my tone casual. “Anything exciting happened recently?”
Rick shrugged. “Same old, same old. Classes, homework. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
Relief flooded through me. I caught Alister’s eyes and saw the ghost of a smile on his lips.
“Speaking of which,” Alister said, glancing at his watch, “didn’t you mention needing to pack? Your flight’s soon, right?”
Rick’s eyes widened. “Shit, you’re right. I better get going.” He hurried off, muttering about suitcases and passports.
Lia’s shoulders sagged with visible relief as the door closed behind him.
“I’ll go visit the rest of the family,” Alister said. “They live not too far from here.”
I nodded.
“Thank you for saving Rick. I couldn’t bear it if someone else died,” Lia said with her eyes on the floor. “I might not like Rick, but he’s not at fault.”
“Yes, let’s hope that with him and his family gone, they’ll be safe,” I agreed.
“There will be questions and most likely retaliation from Miss Clarissa and your mother, though, so be careful,” Alister reminded Lia. “Do you need me to erase your memory?”
Lia raised her eyes to look at me. “I don’t want to forget this.”
“Miss Clarissa will look into your mind,” I whispered as I thought about all the possibilities. “If your memory is erased…”
Lia shook her head. “I’ve been practicing my mind block. She won’t be able to see anything.”
Alister gave me a warning look. “It’s up to you, my love.”
“Let her keep her memories,” I mumbled.
He nodded. “I’ll take care of the rest of Ricky’s family. I’ll text you when I get back home.”
In a split of a second, he was gone.
Lia walked to me and hugged me. “I’m sorry for everything, Evelyn.”
“Me too,” I whispered.
I allowed myself a small victory grin.
One problem down.