Page 5 of Fallen Demon

Witch magic and angel magic were like water and oil, but it was probably better than staying seated in a room, waiting for time to pass.

“Sounds like a plan,” I said.

“For now, do you want to rest?” Thea asked. “I asked your previous room to be prepared. It should be all ready for you.”

A soft smile adorned my lips. I had a room in the famous DuMoir Castle. It was heartwarming.

“I’m fine, no need to rest, but I think we should talk to Drake,” I said. Drake was the lord of DuMoir Castle, sort of the king of the vampires, and also probably the most badass supernatural I knew. He and DuMoir Castle oversaw everything that happened in the supernatural world on this side of the globe and interfered if necessary.

Of course, they didn’t know abouteverythingthat went on, but what they knew? They fixed.

Thea nodded. “He wanted to talk to you too, but suggested we gave you some time to rest first. But if you don’t want to rest …”

“I’m fine. If he’s free, we can go to him now.”

We turned toward Drake’s office on the second floor.

At the stairs, Thea glanced up and smiled. “Sweetheart, shouldn’t you be in class?”

I almost flinched when she said sweetheart, the word causing a slight pain to fill my chest.

I followed the queen’s gaze and saw little Aurora standing at the second-floor landing. That kid always took my breath away. Her parents, Drake and Thea, were beautiful and she managed to get the best features of each and mix them together, creating the most stunning person I had ever seen.

In a way, she reminded me of Snow White: white porcelain skin, puckered red lips, bright green eyes adorned by dark lashes, and luscious black hair with coils at the ends.

Sometimes, when looking at her, I forgot she was a little kid. Eight years old now, if I was not mistaken. In a few more years, she would be breaking hearts across the globe.

She would also be one of the most powerful supernaturals ever—half vampire, half witch, Aurora was destined to become the Queen of All Witches.

“I should, but I wanted to see Ariella.” Aurora turned to me, her eyes seeing into my soul. “Are you okay?”

I offered her a soft smile. “I am.”

“Are you sure?”

I reached the landing and stopped right in front of her. The top of her head hit my chest. “I think so. Why?”

She frowned. “I had a dream about you last night. You were enveloped by shadows, and you fought against it, but your light magic wasn’t working.”

“Well, I am having trouble with my magic. That’s why I’m here.”

“I know, but in my dream, the shadows pressed against you, until they were inside of you. Slowly, they filled you completely and they drained you of everything. Magic, blood, energy, life. You became ashes and were taken by the wind into the darkness.”

I stared at the girl, shocked. Was this some kind of vision? Did she have that kind of magic?

“It was just a bad dream, sweetie.” Thea put an arm around Aurora’s shoulders and looked at me. “She overheard us last night when we were talking about your magic. Her dreams … they can be quite vivid.”

“But no premonitions related to them, right?” Lavinia added quickly.

“Right.” Thea nodded. “None of her dreams have come true.”

Yet.

I shook my head. No, I wouldn’t go down that rabbit hole. I reached for Aurora and twisted one of her soft curls around my finger. “I’m okay. My magic will be okay. But I appreciate the concern.” It meant she cared, right? Such a kind, unique child.

“There you are,” a voice came from my left. A witch I had seen before, but didn’t remember her name, ran down the hallway. “I was looking all over for you.” She glanced at Thea. “I’m so sorry, my queen. I told her to keep reading the book while I gathered supplies. When I came back to her room, she was gone.”

“I wanted to see Ariella,” Aurora said.

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