“Calder, I am sorry I left you in the clutches of Cyrus. I see now that you needed me.” Icarus’s voice was as gentle as Cal’s had been with Seren when she was gripped by her darkness. “I am here now though, brother, and together we can fight whatever hold he has over you.”
“I needed you then. When Cyrus didn’t speak to me for months on end for showing any sign of emotion when you left. When he subjected me to hours of private lessons to strengthen my mind.” His lips twisted around the words. “I needed you, but I do not need you now.”
He didn’t turn to his brother, keeping his eyes locked on Ara’s. His voice echoed through the silent trees. His dark green magic skated across his and Ara’s skin, seeming to answer the call of the anger in his voice, though it appeared to be harmless to them both. Ara’s answered in kind, soothing him.
Seren’s own magic answered the perceived threat to her sister, her hands crackling with black lightning. The snake coiled at her feet, ready to strike. Horacio and Eiridis took off, circling around low overhead. Icarus leaned against the trunk of a tree, pale and sweating. It appeared Roxie was now the one attempting to pull Lily back to the towers and away from the madness happening.
“If you hurt my sister, I will rip your soul from your body,” Seren said, and Cal believed that was well within the realm of possibility.
Ara’s voice was strong. “I am not a broken fragile creature unable to think for herself and in need of saving. This magic is mine, and I am not broken.”
Seren nearly sputtered. “He tricked you, Bella. He lured you out into the courtyard and look at where we are now.” Seren gestured around them and Cal had to admit they were a sight to be seen. Icarus looked very near death despite being healed and his own clothes were unsalvageable which was regrettable as they were bespoke. His list of damages grew still.
“Did he?” Ara countered, her body leaning into Cal’s as if to push past him to confront Seren. “Or did he trick you? I only met him in the courtyard because of you. Because I was protecting you yet again. We are only out here now because you wanted to follow Professor Atwood when Roxie saw him from my window. Not once did you stop and ask me what I thought or how I felt. You think the rules do not apply to you and then are surprised to find me sweeping up the mess you leave in your wake.”
Cal found he was now holding Ara back from storming to her sister and wondered if he let her go what might happen. Would Ara attack Seren as he had attacked his brother? He glanced over at Icarus and saw with satisfaction his jaw was swollen and bruised. He winced as Ara put her hands on his ribs. They were definitely broken.
Ara noticed his pain, her anger leaking from her immediately. “Are you alright? You look terrible.”
“You know just what to say, love.” Cal took a shallow breath, even more sure of his broken ribs now.
“His ribs are broken,” Lily said, crossing her arms. “And so is Atwood’s jaw.”
Cal noticed a trickle of blood running down her palm as she made her assessment of their injuries. He wondered if she might heal them, but a second look at her told him she would rather see them suffer for their hubris than take away any pain.
Seren shook her head and turned to Icarus, affronted. “I healed him.” Her voice was sure and steady.
Icarus ran a hand over his jaw and winced. “Likely a hairline fracture. You’re still very new at magic, despite your prowess.”
Cal knew his brother had meant those words to reassure Seren, but she took them exactly as he knew she would. It was a judgment of her ability as a witch and she was found wanting.
Seren turned on her heel, stomping towards Calami, her snake slithering behind her, and grabbed Ara’s hand, tearing her away from him and pulling her back towards the towers.
Ara ripped her hand away, rubbing it gingerly. “I can escort myself, Seren. I am not a child.”
“Then stop acting like one,” Seren retorted, her eyes flashing back at Cal. “Mooning over the first boy to show you any sort of attention.”
Ara’s eyes narrowed and if she had looked at Cal the way she was looking at Seren, he would have been terrified, but Seren almost smiled, as if eager for a fight. He shook away the thought that perhaps he and Seren were more similar than he realized.
“Goodnight, Seren.” Ara tucked her arm into Roxie’s and turned her back. The moonlight glinted off her hair and colored it silver.
“Goodnight, Cal.”
“Dream of me, Ara?” He called, feeling a little woozy.
“Take the hint, Calder.” Seren looked at once furious and satisfied as she turned to Lily. “You were right. We shouldn’t be here. Let’s go.”
Lily nodded but turned to Cal, those strange purple eyes peering into his soul. “Atwood mentioned your father was searching for the grimoire. Did it ever turn up?”
Cal gave her a winning grin. “Nah, just a myth. Like you said. Run along now, I have a few things left to discuss with my brother.”
Lily glared at him and he knew she didn’t believe him, but she turned and walked with Seren. When they were out of sight, he faced his brother.
He glanced down at himself, covered in mud and blood, and shook his head. Glaring at Icarus, he said, “Yet another outfit to add to your growing list of damages, brother.”
“Cal.” Icarus pushed himself off the tree and walked to him. “Please, I can help you. Whatever scheme Cyrus has involved you in. This obsession you have with the grimoire. It isn’t healthy. Let me help you.”
It hurt to hear his nickname coming from his traitorous brother’s lips and if he stayed any longer, he would do or say something there might be no coming back from, and despite what he might tell Cyrus, a part of him longed to have his brother back, even if he couldn’t admit it out loud.
