Page 10 of Saving Dakota

"Kass is a hellhound. He knows when someone has passed over, and he said that Eric was still there, but he was bound by the darkness that touched him." It made sense now that Eric was being brought to the coven house rather than the hospital.

“Does this darkness have a name?”

“Blood witchery.” That was a shock that Dakota had not expected.

"Witches?" He said the word with disgust, and Terrance nodded.

“A witch doing blood spells of some sort. Our experts are not completely familiar with what is being used or why your friend was targeted.” Terrance elaborated. Dakota shook his head and remembered Able telling him that there was trouble in Mt. Pleasant hard and terrible trouble. He fully understood now all the precautions that Able had put in place and all the purifications and protections he’d laid down.

“Crime of opportunity most likely.” Dakota offered. “Eric is a good kid with a very big heart. He would graciously help anyone who needed help.”

“We’ll figure this out.” Terrance assured. “We have some of the best people and have virtually unlimited access to whatever we may need. He’ll get through this.” Terrance was making a huge promise, but his confidence touched Dakota who was also sensing that Eric would come back from this. Heheld fast to Terrance’s hand channeling his own certainty while gaining support from Terrance as well.

He was suddenly struck silent when they entered a gate nothing extravagant and rather out in the open, but it was clear that eyes were everywhere. Dakota could feel the scrutiny touching him and then they came to the main gates, the true gates of Coven DuCane. They were massive and menacing and sent a clear message of stay out or deal with the consequences. Terrance spoke briefly with a man tall, muscular and threatening. He was pleasant to Terrance but cut a suspicious glance at Dakota before sending them on.

"He was very intimidating," Dakota commented.

“That’s his job.” Terrance turned to him and smiled, and it was an expression that went straight to Dakota’s heart. The sensation of connection and caring was washing over him just as the previous feelings of protection had touched him. This thing that existed between them was potent.

It wasn’t long before the majesty of the gates gave way to the grandeur of the Palace. “The title of Palace is quite apt. Such a structure as this existing hidden in the back woods of this small town is incredible.”

"The Master enjoys a regal existence but also values his privacy." Terrance smiled, and Dakota melted once again. "He built this place to somewhat mirror the grand luxuries of his homeland."

"His people are very lucky to have such a leader," Dakota commented.

"He's an excellent leader and a good man," Terrance spoke from a place of loyalty, but Dakota remembered the look in Master DuCane’s eyes when he stood in Dakota’s motel room and looked right through him. The man possessed a darkeningand a fierceness that he held in check but was it was always there pressing on the edges eager to be released.

It was very clear that none could compare to the DuCane Coven in terms of its size, capital and competency. This place was a mighty city all unto itself and the feeling of the supernatural gradually became heavier as Dakota drew closer. Dakota took a deep breath and was filled with the soothing scent of cedar. “I love the way you smell . . . fresh cut cedar . . . it is amazing.” Dakota commented.

Terrance parked in a back lot and turned off the vehicle before responding. "You smell like sweetgrass and honey, and it is absolutely delicious." Dakota stared at him, holding his gaze, and the exchange was charged and emotional.

"What does it all mean, Terrance?" He wished he could have taken the question back as soon as it left his lips. He didn't want to get into whatever this was right now. He had Eric and the vampires and this cursed supernatural place to deal with. His mind was reeling, and his body was feeling all kinds of reactions to the oddities that were swirling around him.

"Let's speak with the Master and see about Eric's situation, and then we will talk." It was curt and blunt but did not feel dismissive. Terrance had something to say but wanted to wait, which was good. Dakota did not have the headspace to deal with whatever the issue was on top of everything else.

Clearing one problem before moving to the next was a good policy. Terrance leaned over and placed a hard kiss to Dakota’s lips and the move was unexpected but welcome. “I’ll explain everything.” Dakota smiled and nodded completely under the spell of Terrance Collins.

The minute he stepped out of the vehicle the elements of the preternatural assaulted his senses. The protections hewore minimized their effect, but the presence of such power was tremendous. The strength of the Master was everywhere and was compounded by the energy and force of his people. The weight of it took his breath away for a moment.

Terrance came over to stand beside him. “You okay?” He asked and cupped the side of Dakota’s cheek in the palm of his left hand. “There is a lot of energy pumping in this space, and it can be overwhelming if you’re a sensitive.” He understood and Dakota simply nodded. He then took him by the hand and led him to a side door of this colossal mansion.

Once inside, he released him, and Dakota stood and looked around. The door opened to a grand entryway, and beyond that was a wide hall and an imposing staircase. Terrance led him to the staircase.

"The elevators can be rather constricting for someone as sensitive as yourself. The open air of the staircase will lessen the pressure of the supernatural that you are feeling right now." They went up two flights and down a long corridor and ultimately arrived at a pristine white door. Terrance knocked once and then entered, holding the door open for Dakota.

He stepped cautiously inside noticing Master DuCane first since his presence filled the space. Next he saw Deputy Lawson standing off to the side with another officer that he did not recognize. The presence of Lawson filled him with a sudden animosity that was not missed by anyone especially Lawson. After the Master cut him a quick glance, he stepped back and left by a side door.

They stood together in this clean white room, and introductions were made. Terrance stayed close to him and at times took his hand or placed his hand on the small of his back. The contact coincided with each emotionally laden statementthat was made, and there were plenty. The officer with Lawson was introduced as Sergeant McShane, and the other two people present were medical personnel Dr. Axel Faraday, and a medical researcher named Dr. Julian Mane.

"Eric Blackbird is in the connecting room. He has been examined by Dr. Faraday, who is a specialist in the supernatural, specifically magic, curses, hexes, maledictions, and every derivative thereof. Dr. Faraday and his assistant, Dr. Mane, are our best." Master DuCane was careful and complete in his description of those who were overseeing the case. They clearly were preparing him for the outrageous and fantastical things they were about to tell him regarding Eric, and Dakota was listening closely.

The room was charged just like the entire land but with so many powerful individuals in one room the pressure was substantial. But Dakota was not going to show them his weakness and drew on the energy imparted to him by Able. He also touched Terrance’s hand with the back of his just needing the contact for support. Terrance immediately took his hand holding it loosely in his.

Dr. Faraday stepped up. "The patient shows no signs of serious injury but was unresponsive upon arrival. Our examination indicates an external cause for his malady, and we have determined that cause to be supernatural in nature." He was very academic about it, and Dakota just wanted him to get to the point.

Terrance must have sensed his agitation because his grip tightened, and he took a half step to the side putting himself closer so that their bodies were nearly touching. The move calmed him, and he took a deep breath as he continued to listen to the doctor.

"He's been infected with a type of witchcraft referred to as blood witchery, and it takes on a form similar to possession. It interferes with the chemical balance in the brain, rendering the victim unconscious at first and then progressing to a frenzied hysteria, and then ultimately they become mindless and thoroughly under the control of the witch involved."

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