“Hygiene should be the last thing on your mind right now.”
I opened my mouth, allowing her to lay the hair on my tongue. I almost gagged.
She placed her hands on my head and began muttering some kind of chant. She continued for five minutes before letting go.
I looked at her nervously, waiting to feel something. Anything. Ten minutes passed. I was beginning to think the spell had failed.
“Mona, are you sure—”
And then I felt it. A strong tingling at the tips of my fingers, spreading through my arms toward my chest, then neck, face, stomach. Soon my whole body prickled. It wasn’t painful, just an odd itching sensation. I began to rise inches above the floor. Whereas previously Mona was taller than me, now I towered over her. I reached up a hand to touch my face but Mona stopped me.
“Wait,” she said. “Don’t touch yourself until the transformation is complete. I’ll tell you when.”
I waited for ten more minutes until finally Mona nodded. “You’ve changed as much as you’re going to change.”
I looked down and saw a muscular chest and powerful arms. Thankfully, I couldn’t see further than that. I was still holding the sheet tight against me. I became suddenly aware of all the extra weight I was carrying.
Crap. I really didn’t think this through.
I held the sheet tighter against me, looking at Mona in despair.
What have I done?
“I’d better be able to change back,” I croaked.
Mona chuckled. “You will.”
This was perhaps the most bizarre experience of my life. The only thing I could think of that came close to it was when the Elder had possessed me and taken control of my body.
Mona approached and to my horror, yanked the sheet away from me.
“No!” My eyes shot up to the ceiling. “Give it back!” I reached out my hands desperately.
Mona broke out laughing.
“It’s okay,” she chuckled. “I’ve see Kiev before. Just keep looking at the ceiling while I help you change.”
She grabbed the clothes she’d brought with her. She pulled my arms through the shirt and buttoned it. My eyes followed her as she reached for Kiev’s pants.
“No sneaking a peek at my man, girl.”
I glared at her. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” My gaze shot back up to the ceiling as she helped me step into the pants.
I hope Derek will forgive me for this when he finds out…
Chapter 5: Sofia
I ran my hand along Kiev’s rough stubble.
“Okay,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I have to go now.”
Both of the witches were still eyeing me with amusement.
“Good luck,” Corrine said.
I left the room and made my way toward the exit. I stopped short a few feet away from the front door. I’m making Kiev walk like a girl. How do guys walk?
I slouched slightly, let Kiev’s arms swing more loosely at my sides, and spread out my feet. I tried walking again. Although I felt far from confident, I didn’t have time for more practice. I’d just have to stand still in front of Derek.
I walked out the door and scanned the courtyard. I was terrified that I might bump into Kiev on the way. I jolted forward and flew across the clearing, into the woods. I avoided the main pathway as I made my way toward Derek’s and my penthouse. Kiev was at least twice as fast as me. Underestimating the speed at which I was traveling, I almost collided head-first into a tree. It took a while to get used to his agility.
I arrived at our tree and took the elevator up to the verandah. I walked to the front door. Clearing my deep throat, I wiped sweat from my brow with the bottom of my shirt.
Then I knocked. Again, not being used to Kiev’s strength, it was far louder than I’d intended. It sounded almost aggressive. Not a good start…
I held my breath as footsteps approached. The door unlatched and Ben appeared in the doorway.
His eyes darkened.
Great, now I have two Novak men to deal with. Ben was supposed to be in school.
“What do you want?” Ben asked, leaning his arm against the door frame.
It was unsettling having my own son stare at me with such disdain. I supposed that Kiev was used to everyone looking at him like this.
“I’m here to see your father,” I said.
I was horrified by how off Kiev’s voice sounded from what I was intending. I’d been trying to adopt a more docile tone of voice, but it came out far too soft and husky. It sent chills down my own spine. Christ. If I keep this up, Derek will think Kiev’s come to seduce him.
Ben raised a brow.
“For what?”
Nosey child. Just bring your father.
“It is a private matter,” I said, relieved that Kiev’s voice sounded more balanced this time.
Ben stepped back and allowed me entrance. His eyes followed me as I approached the center of the room. I was about to head directly for Derek’s study when I remembered that Kiev didn’t know his way around our apartment. I looked at Ben. He seemed to be enjoying making me feel uncomfortable.
“Where might I find your father?”
“In his study.”
“Which is where?”
He glared at me once more before leading the way to Derek’s study. He rapped on the door.
“Dad?”
“What?”
“Someone’s here to see you.”
“Who?”
“Kiev Novalic.”
There was a pause.
“Tell him to go away.”
Damn you, Derek.
Ben turned to me, raising a brow and shrugging. “You heard him.”
I approached the door myself. “Derek. I need to talk to you.”
More silence. Then the scraping of a chair. The door opened and Derek’s unshaven face appeared in the crack, his blue eyes burning into mine.
“Well?”
“May I come in?”
Derek looked at me witheringly. But then, to my surprise, he conceded. He opened the door. I stepped into his study and stood at the end of his desk.
Derek too remained standing, still staring at me, his fists clenched.
I felt intimidated by his stare. The hair on Kiev’s arms prickled.
Chill out, Derek. Geez…
I took a deep breath before beginning. “I’m not a man of words, Derek. I speak through action. I had hoped that you might read into my actions, and not require me to articulate them. But I suppose sometimes words are more direct.” I paused, waiting for Derek’s reaction before continuing. His gaze remained steady. “You’re a busy man and I don’t intend to keep you. So here it is: I’m sorry.”
I held my breath, scrutinizing Derek’s face for any hint of acceptance. Of reconciliation.
Although he still kept a poker face, his fists loosened. I reached out my hand.
Come on, Derek. Take it.
He stepped forward and gripped my hand. Hard. I wasn’t sure whether this was more passive-aggression, or whether Derek always shook hands like this with men. Whatever the case, Kiev’s visit had been a success. A handshake was more than I’d been expecting to get.
As we stepped apart, he gave me a nod. I couldn’t keep the smile from my face. I hoped it didn’t look goofy.
Although I could have prolonged my stay to seal the deal further, since I now sensed a fair amount of leeway with Derek, I didn’t want to run the risk of the spell wearing off.
“I’ll be on my way now,” I said and backed out of the room.
“Ben,” Derek called.
Ben appeared in the doorway—too quickly. I suspected that he’d been eavesdropping.
“Show our guest out.”
Guest. Another grin split my face.
I followed Ben through the glass-covered walkways to the main entrance hall. He eyed me curiously as I exited through the door. Before he shut it, I turned around and gave him a small smile. Reaching out, I patted him on the shoulder.
&n
bsp; “Thank you, Benjamin. And… I’m sorry.”
He looked at me, confused, as though unsure of how to react. Then he returned a smile, nodding like his father.
Once the door had clicked shut, I rushed into the elevator.
Now I’d better hurry and find the real Kiev before he shatters my illusion.
Chapter 6: Sofia
I raced back to the Sanctuary. Corrine kept me locked up in her bedroom until the spell wore off a couple of hours later. It was a relief to be out of Kiev’s skin and back into my own.
Kiev’s clothes baggy around me, I changed back into my own clothes before hurrying back to our penthouse. Now, it was time for Derek to bite into some humble pie.
“Derek?”
Silence. It seemed that Ben and Rose weren’t in either.
I headed straight for my husband’s study. He wasn’t there.
“Derek?” I called again.
I tore through the apartment. All the rooms were empty. My heart sank.
I hope he hasn’t gone to visit Kiev.
I hurried out of the penthouse again and headed for Eli’s tree. Derek might have gone there to discuss the plans he’d been reviewing. I raced up to his penthouse and knocked on the door.
Footsteps sounded and Adelle appeared, wearing a dressing gown. I stepped back, momentarily speechless.
“Um, hi, Adelle. Is Derek here?”
She looked bashful, her cheeks flushing. “No, he’s not. It’s just, uh, Eli and me. I can fetch Eli if you want.”
“No,” I said quickly, “don’t worry. I’ll look elsewhere.”
What business would Adelle have in Eli’s apartment, dressed like that? While I was happy to assume that Eli had finally found himself a girlfriend, I was also saddened. I knew my father liked her. I hoped their new relationship wouldn’t crush him. But I had no time to fret over this now.
My heartbeat doubled as I descended Eli’s apartment back to the forest ground.
Where could he be? Think.
The truth was, as king of the island, he could be anywhere. Our assistance could be required at any time, on any part of the island.
I decided to check Vivienne and Xavier’s apartment first. Perhaps his sister would have a better idea where he’d gone.
Thankfully, I didn’t need to travel that far. I caught sight of Derek strolling through the woods with Matteo.
I caught up with them.
“Hi, Matteo,” I said.
He smiled back. I turned to my husband.
“Derek, I’m in a hurry,” I said, “Ashley invited me over to her place and I’m late. I’ll catch you later, okay?”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. Reaching my hands into his hair, I plucked a strand as I drew away from him.
He winced.
“Sorry, my bracelet got caught… I’ve got to go. I’ll catch you later. Bye, Matteo.”
“Bye, Sofia.”
I hurried off, clutching Derek’s hair triumphantly in my palm.
* * *
I returned to the Sanctuary to find Corrine still waiting in her bedroom.
“You said you’d be gone fifteen minutes.”
“I’m sorry. Derek wasn’t in the apartment,” I said. “Anyway, here’s the hair.”
I placed it down on the wooden table. Corrine picked it up and we headed back to her potion room.
“We’ve no time to lose now,” she said, tipping ingredients hurriedly into a black cauldron and bringing it to a boil.
“Oh, no,” I blurted out, realization dawning on me. “I forgot to bring Derek’s clothes!”
“We’ll just have to borrow some of Ibrahim’s. If they don’t fit, it won’t take long for me to tailor them.”
She was right. I didn’t want to risk going back to the apartment in case Derek was back by now and wanted to talk. I removed my clothes and once again wrapped a sheet around me.
“Where’s Mona?” I asked.
“She’s back home,” Corrine said, handing me the goblet. I swallowed it more confidently this time, downing it all in one gulp. Then I opened my mouth. Corrine placed the hair on my tongue, reminded me not to swallow—as if I needed to be reminded of that—held my head in her hands and muttered the same chant Mona had. The tingling sensation spread across my skin again. And then my body once again expanded, growing heavier and taller until Corrine’s hands could no longer reach my head.
I stared down at Corrine, waiting for her to inform me that the transformation was complete. Finally, she nodded.
Keeping the sheet firmly around my—Derek’s—body, I returned with Corrine to her and Ibrahim’s bedroom.
Corrine swore beneath her breath as soon as she stepped into the room. My eyes fell on Ibrahim.
His jaw dropped as he saw Derek wearing nothing but a thin white sheet, entering his bedroom with his wife.
“Ibrahim,” I blurted out, my voice rumbling through my chest, “It’s not what you think. I’m not Derek. I’m Sofia.” I walked forward and placed a muscular hand on his shoulder, gripping him perhaps a little too desperately. Ibrahim winced. “You can go and verify it for yourself if you don’t believe us—Derek is likely back at our apartment now. You can go and see him.”
Corrine reached up and kissed him. “You didn’t really think I’d cheat on you, did you, honey?”
Ibrahim’s fists loosened. He stared at the two of us, bewildered. “What the hell are you two girls up to?”
Corrine and I eyed each other and burst out laughing.
“Good question,” she said. “One that has no simple answer. I’ll tell you as soon as Sofia’s out of here. We don’t have time to waste. Oh, she needs to borrow some of your clothes, by the way.”
Ibrahim watched in bemusement as Corrine whipped around the room, rummaging in drawers and cupboards, finding suitable clothes for me to wear. In the meantime, I walked over to the full-length mirror in the corner of the room.
I couldn’t help but grin as I caught sight of Derek’s reflection in the mirror, that cute boyish grin I loved so much. I flexed Derek’s biceps. I stroked his jawline. I ran both hands through his thick hair. I frowned, glared and bared his fangs.
Hm. So this is what it’s like to be Derek Novak.
“Finished?”
I turned to face Corrine, who was looking at me in amusement.
I chuckled. “Yes.”
Ibrahim was shorter and less bulky than Derek, but it was nothing Corrine couldn’t handle quickly. She took Derek’s measurements, then lengthened the trousers and widened the shirt until the clothes fit Derek’s physique perfectly.
Corrine handed me the clothes. Still holding the sheet around Derek’s body, I took them with one hand.
“I don’t need help getting dressed this time. I can handle my husband…”
Chapter 7: Caleb
I’d been desperately trying to forget the princess. But Annora’s revelation had planted her right back in my mind again. And no matter what I did, I couldn’t get rid of her.
I have information that could save Rose from the pain of losing her parents, yet I’m choosing to sit here and do nothing.
I couldn’t stop thinking about what she’d think of me if she ever found out. Even though the thought was nonsensical—Rose would have no way of finding out—I couldn’t stop the guilt clawing at my chest. It scared me. It wasn’t even Rose’s life at risk here. It was her parents’. Can I really have fallen that hard for her?
I tried to shake myself to my senses. There was no way I could risk meeting her to warn her. I’d gone out of my way to be as cold with her as possible the last time I saw her. She might have even moved on from me by now. Saving her parents would only strengthen her attachment for me again. Something that would ultimately be fatal.
Unless there’s a way I could send a warning without her ever knowing that it was me…
I stalked onto the balcony, staring out at the ocean as I racked my brain.
Then it hit me.
<
br /> Mona. A witch I desperately want to speak to anyway. What if there’s a way to contact her, make her swear confidentiality, get the information I want from her concerning Annora, while also warning her about Rose’s parents?
I began pacing my room furiously as a plan formulated in my mind. I had no idea how many days had passed since Annora had cast the spell on them. If I was going to go through with this, I had not a second to lose.
Even though my plan was reckless and downright insane, something told me that if I wanted to ever find a semblance of peace within myself again, I had no choice but to at least attempt it.
Since Annora had failed to gain entrance to The Shade and we were almost out of humans, we were due to leave late the next evening to collect more humans.
I just had to hope I wouldn’t be too late by then. I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t propose we left earlier without arousing suspicion from Annora once she discovered Derek and Sofia had survived the curse.
I spent the rest of the day trying to distract myself with books in my study, but all I was really doing was thinking about Mona, and how I would go about this without her blasting me out of the water the moment she saw me—that was, if I even managed to catch her attention.
I knew it wasn’t as impossible as it sounded though. Even though I had no idea where she was staying on the island, I’d spent enough time around witches and this island to know that there were ways of calling attention to the caster of a protective spell. If Mona was the same breed of witch as Annora, which I was confident she was, the spell she’d put around the island would be similar.
I recalled a time, soon after we’d first arrived on this island, when we hadn’t had the systems in place that we did now. Annora had still been getting used to the spell as a newly turned witch, and she hadn’t yet set up a system whereby we could enter and leave the island without her assistance. I remembered we’d had to attract Annora’s attention first to be able to gain entrance. I was willing to bet that the same method could be used to call Mona’s attention.
An hour before we were due to leave, I climbed the stairs to Annora’s apartment. I eased the door open. She wasn’t due to be around at this time. I had to hope that her plans hadn’t changed. Hurrying from room to room, I stopped in her study. In the far end of the room was a chest of drawers. I bent down and opened the bottom drawer. I breathed out in relief on seeing its contents. Apparently untouched even after all these years, the drawer was filled with small conch shells. But no ordinary conch shells—a charm had been cast on these. Once blown, they emitted a sound audible to any witch within a hundred miles.