Page 61 of Blood Illusions

“Where did you get the grass?” Justice asked. “It’s rare. The plant will only grow in the ashes of a phoenix.”

A sly smile crossed her lips. “Good thing I have one.”

My jaw dropped in shock. A real live phoenix? I’d only heard rumors and legends about the elusive creature that hid from any kind of contact with humans or supernaturals. “Seriously, you have a phoenix? They’re almost impossible to come by.” I sounded like a kid at Christmas.

She shrugged nonchalantly. “Not if you’re a witch and you have a super-duper crystal ball.”

I gave her a pleading look. “Can we please have some of the phoenix feather grass?”

She gestured toward the ornamental plant. “You would have to dry it out.”

“We have everything we need back at the safe house to do that,” I explained.

Justice flashed me a don’t-tell-her-that look, but I’d do anything to get that grass. It was the key to saving my dad.

The woman stared at me as if deciding whether she would help us. The silence was as frigid and biting as a winter wind. All I heard was the frantic thumping of my heart.

“Since it’s your dad, I’ll help you out. I’m Lisa.” She petted the German shepherd’s head. “And this protective girl is Morgan. Follow me.”

I knew witches could be either good or evil, depending on their use of magic. Dad had never mentioned anything about witches helping him, not even in his journal, but I wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

For some reason, Lisa didn’t lead us through the front door of her home. Instead, she brought us around the back of the house to a darkened sunroom. Although the room overlooked the backyard, I couldn’t see anything through the covered windows.

With the flick of a switch, light flooded the room, and my breath caught in my throat.

There, perched majestically on a stand at the room’s center, was a creature of such breathtaking beauty it seemed almost surreal. A phoenix. Its feathers were an intricate tapestry of fiery hues, with shades of crimson blending seamlessly into burnt oranges and edges gilded in brilliant gold. As it preened itself, even the slightest movement sent sparks of light dancing as if its plumage was woven from strands of pure sunlight.

Lisa beamed at me. “This is Aurora,” she proclaimed fondly. “She’s named after the Roman goddess of dawn, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings.”

I gazed in awe at the magnificent creature. “She’s beautiful,” I mumbled.

The phoenix stood tall on a perch, its fiery feathers shimmering. As it tilted its head toward me, I saw intelligence and ancient wisdom in its bright eyes. The air sparkled with mystical energy, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm wash over me in the bird’s presence.

With a graceful movement, it spread its wings, each individual feather resembling flickering flames. The room seemed to glow with warmth as the phoenix released a soft trill, a hauntingly beautiful melody that resonated through my being. In that moment, I understood the power and awe this mythical creature commanded, a symbol of rebirth, strength, and grace. Her ashes were key to my dad’s survival.

Lisa headed toward a cabinet and opened it to reveal Mason jars filled with what looked like glowing red ashes. “This is dried phoenix feather grass. Hopefully, it will help you take down those creatures and give me a little revenge.” She handed me two jars. “Is this enough?”

Greed flashed in my eyes as I stared at the jars. The dried grass was better than gold. “I hope so.”

Becky had been quiet since we entered the house. “Where is your dad being held, if I may ask?”

I sighed. “St. Marinus Abbey by the Lake.”

Becky and Lisa flashed each other an uneasy look.

I broke out in a rash of goosebumps and licked my dry lips. “What’s wrong?”

Lisa’s eyes held a mixture of fear and anger. “My coven has heard rumors about that place. Recently, there’s been talk of a shadow larger than the abbey itself moving across the lake. It acts as a guardian.”

Justice frowned. “The PMC hasn’t heard of a guardian.” A hint of disbelief entered his voice.

He’d definitely struck a nerve. Becky flashed him a murderous glare. “Just because the PMC hasn’t heard about it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”

“I didn’t say it wasn’t true,” Justice rushed out, backtracking. “I only said we hadn’t heard of these rumors.”

Not wanting to put a wedge between us and the witches, I changed the subject. “When exactly did this happen?”

“About three months ago,” Lisa replied, her voice trembling. “It only happens during a full moon, though.”

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