The Calamity of a Reborn Witch

Book 2: Chapter 67: The Promise of a Reckoning

The frantic thud of the marble floor beneath her heels echoed in Carinas ears as she raced down the hall towards the foyer. The attendant caught the stairwell's corner post, spun around it, and sprinted up the stairs at breakneck speed. Her mind felt smothered beneath the weight of panic. The only thing Carina could focus on beyond her feet and sharp panting breaths was Mauras specter, which glided ahead of her like a dark vapor. The ghost solidified at the end of the hall in front of Hanas open door and pointed a pale, trembling white finger within.

As Carina slowed down, she heard another sound between her footsteps. Muffled scrapes and bumps that only multiplied her confusion and fear as she crashed into the partially open doorand froze in place the moment Hanas room came fully into view.

Four men, dressed in dark hooded garments and black masks, stood around the curtained four-poster bed. Hana hung between them, her hands tied behind her back, her neck constricted by a knot made from her own bedsheet. The silk fabric was strung and twisted over the bedpost like a noose, with one end tied around Hanas neck and the other pulled taut by one of the masked intruders.

Two other masked men pulled on the attendants feet as she struggled and kicked against them flutilely. Hanas strained face turned a dark red and purple hue as she clung to the last strands of life that were rapidly slipping away.

Lumi! Carina cried out the scrivas name in a desperate, strangled gasp, and the men turned. A cold blast swept from the hall into the room as the wolf materialized. A blur of white fur and jagged teeth tore into the man holding the silk noose as the scriva knocked the assassin off the bed and onto the floor.

Sounds distorted as the mans death shrieks cut off almost as abruptly as they had begun. The three remaining assassins staggered away as Hana fell. The bound attendants head thudded loudly against the footboard of the bed before she tumbled out of sight onto the floor.

Lumi lifted its head over the bed. The wolfs frozen fangs now covered in dark crimson blood as it advanced, snarling at the closest attacker, who hurled a bolt of fire directly into the scrivas face.

Witches?! Carina barely registered this blatant show of magic before another man pulled a sword that ignited into flame as he leapt over the bed to pierce it into Lumis ribs. The wolf twisted with a pained yelp. Then the scriva ripped the blade free with its fangs, yanking the assassin off balance. The witch hastily scrambled and rolled off the bed away from Lumis avenging claws.

The rest of the scrivas battle was obscured as the other two witch-assassins turned on Carina. The first attacker pulled two swords from beneath his robes and charged towards her as the blades ignited. The second witch sent a bolt of fire over his comrade's head.

The twisting, howling magic roared as it raced towards Carina, who dropped to her knees and rolled beneath the blazing sword. Her gown tangled about her legs as Carinas fingers glided across the marble floor. A moment later, a coat of ice quickly engulfed the entire end of the hall.

The sword-wielding witch redirected his swing then stumbled as his footing slipped. The assassin snarled as he twisted his body and stabbed one sword into the floor to regain his balance.

Carina turned her attention to the fire casting witch, then felt a stab of warning spark from her chest. She dove instinctively as one of the witchs twin blades sailed past her and clattered across the floor towards his comrade, who sidestepped the weapon as he sent a wave of fire magic towards Carina.

A dark shadow appeared at the edge of the stairs beyond the roaring flames as Carina covered herself in a protective sheet of ice seconds before the hellish flames engulfed her.

Burn the ice witch! the sword-wielding assassin bellowed in the Ventrayna tongue as the scorching flames around her increased. The destructive magics heat licked against Carinas cheek and arms even as the shield she hastily erected around herself began to waver. Panic filled Carinas chest as her lips drew in the sizzling thin vapor. The air around her quickly consumed by the witchs flame. No, no. Stay focused. What did Viktor say? Fire requires oxygen, but if I freeze the air, I can deprive them of it.

Carina closed her eyes as the frozen heart inside her chest flared with a pulse of blue light. Sharp, jagged frost coated the floor around her and spread towards the Ventrayna witches as the air grew frigid and dense.

Just as the fire began to weaken, a sword clattered to the floor beside Carina. She turned, looked up, and flinched as the witch, who loomed over her with arms raised above his head, coughed up blood that splattered against her cracked ice shield. The twin sword the assassin had flung at Carina moments ago now sprouted from his chest and pierced through the barrier of ice as the mans knees buckled and he crumbled. His weight shattered the shield as Carina scrambled away. The assassins outstretched hand grasped the back of Carinas dress as he fell and pulled her down onto the frost-covered floor beside him.

A broken shriek followed as the second witch flew past them and slammed against the wall. The mans amber eyes flickered in surprise as the magic in them died. The assassins quivering hands grasped at the long bastard sword that pinned him to the wall then fell limp.

Beaumont strode past Carina and pried his weapon loose. The witch collapsed against the floor like a lifeless doll, leaving a trail of blood upon the wall behind him. The knight captain turned, his violet eyes hovering over Carina for a moment before he quickly strode inside Hanas bedroom.

A moment later, the sound of shattering glass filled Carinas ears, accompanied by another distorted scream that seemed to fade away in the distance before it was permanently silenced.

Shaken but still conscious of Hanas safety, Carina rolled away from the dead witch and yanked her gown from his death grip. The hem of her dress ripped as it pulled free from the blade buried in the mans back. Carina stared at the torn, blood-soaked hem and staggered back. Then she shook her head and spread shaking hands across the floor as she willed the ice to retreat. Her cold magic evaporated into ghostly wisps of air that filled the hallway as Carina rushed into the room. She noted Lumis absence as she circled the bed and avoided looking at the splatter of blood that covered the wall on the other side.

Hana remained unmoving upon the floor. Her pale face buried beneath her disheveled blonde hair. The silk noose still wrapped tightly around her neck.

Hana! Carina dropped to her knees beside the unconscious attendant and yanked the knot loose. Hana! Shaking hands pulled the noose away and fumbled through the blonde hair that covered Hanas closed eyes. Hair that was too still as the unconscious woman showed no signs of breathing. Please Carina pressed two fingers against the attendants neck and swallowed back a sob of relief at the faint pulse of life she found there.

With careful attention, Carina laid the womans limp body across the floor. Then she tilted Hanas head back, pressed her fingers down upon the womans chin, and began CPR. Her hands trembled as she shifted from breathing to compressions.

Am I only supposed to do mouth to mouth if she has a pulse? Fuck!

She pressed her mouth against Hanas still warm lips and breathed. A frightened whimper slid through Carina's clenched teeth as she pulled back and tore her eyes from Hanas pale face to glance around the room.

Not only was Lumi absent, but the fourth assassin and knight captain were also gone, leaving only a shattered, broken windowpane that opened out into the silent night air. Carina forced another breath of air into Hanas mouth and shifted back to compressions against the womans chest, determined to keep Hanas heart beating.

Why?

The single word burned through Carina as she wiped away a tear and breathed into Hanas lips again. Why would they try to kill her?

The garments, fire magic, Ventrayna language, and even their accentthe assassins had come for Hana, and Carina could only think of one person bold enough to send them.

Im so sorry, HanaI didnt see this coming. I should have protected you.

A tear dropped onto Hanas cheek as Carina shifted from compressions to mouth breathing. This time she was rewarded by a sudden burst of air as Hana gasped.

Ahhhthank the gods, saintsthank you, Hana! Carina covered her face for a moment as she leaned back and took in a quick breath to steady herself. Then she quickly refocused on the still unconscious woman. Hana? Hana, please wake up.

For a moment, Carina thought she saw Hanas eyes move, but the golden iris that blinked up at her did not match the turquoise-blue eyes that belonged to her friend. Carina rubbed away the tears in her own eyes as she blinked, but Hanas eyes closed once moreand did not open again.

Footsteps in the hallway sent fear plummeting through her gut as Carinas eyes whipped towards the door. Numb relief followed as Percy appeared in the doorway. The Earls winter grey eyes quickly focused on her. Then he glanced around the room sharply, taking in the blood and broken window before he knelt beside Carina. Whatever words Percy spoke to her then were muffled behind the heavy fatigue that weighted down upon the attendants body.

Carina barely registered Sir Jordan as the knight rushed past them towards the bedroom window. A shrill cry pulled her sluggish gaze from the knight to the door just before the maid, Tilly, rushed away.

Maura, you can let go, Percy's voice pierced through the sound of waves that filled Carinas ears as she drew in a strangled breath. She looked down at his hands that were struggling to detangle her grip on Hanas shoulder and right hand.

A cold numbness swept over her as Carina relaxed her grip, but the moment the Earl pulled her hands away from Hana, a sudden panic filled her chest. Without thinking, Carina shoved the Earl aside and pulled Hana into her lap. She wrapped her arms around the unconscious womans head and shoulders as cold anger ached through every joint in Carinas body.

Percy shouted something at Sir Jordan, who promptly left the room. The voices around Carina resumed their distorted vagueness as if blocked by a thick sheet of cold glass. Carina ignored them as she closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to Hanas.

Ill make him pay, Hana. I promise you. I will kill that fucking bastard myself.

Carina didnt feel the Earls touch as Percy gripped her shoulders gently and brushed his lips against her ear. The whisper that followed was like a calm breeze amid a raging storm. The strange soothing melody filled her ears as Carinas taut muscles relaxed once more.

The last thing she saw before darkness claimed her entirely was the ruby crown above Eleanoras stricken face as the crown princess rushed into the room.

Lumi waited for Carina in the cold dark room that reminded her of Viktors tomb. The pale snow wolf greeted her as Viktors magic built a cold wall of solitude around them. Carina curled up in the scrivas soft fur and welcomed the numbness of sleep that awaited her there.

All too quickly, the harsh light of day broke through her frozen barrier as a persistent pair of hands dragged Carina back to reality.

Maura. Maura, wake up! What happened? Eleanoras voice was brittle with fear and anger as her hands shook Carinas shoulder. Maura, I need you to wake up!

Carina blinked and groaned as she took in the crown princess's blurred image surrounded by the bright glare of sunlight.

Who were they? Why did they attack Hana? Eleanora repeated impatiently.

II dont know, Carina answered groggily as the crown princesss haggard face came into focus. Could youshut the curtains, please.

A soft snort came from behind Eleanora and Carina saw someones shadow move towards the blinding windows. A moment later, the curtains swished shut, and the attendant sighed in relief as she lowered her hands.

I didnt even drink last night, so why do I feel hungover.

How did you know Lady Hana was in danger?

Carina stiffened as she identified the voice of the crown prince. Nicholas soon came into view as he sat down in the chair in front of a familiar writing desk. It was only then Carina realized they were in her bedroom.

Fear and caution snapped Carina fully awake as she took in Eleanora, seated on the edge of the bed. The crown princess wore a purple day dress that sparkled with pearls, which matched the adornments in Eleanoras pulled-up hair. Shes not wearing blackthe color of mourning. That meansHaemish is still alive!

Carinas hands tightened into fists around the bedsheets. Hanas struggling figure as she hung from the make-shift noose pulled tight by the witch assassins flashed behind Carinas eyes.

We saw you runoff from the banquet, Nicholas said, pulling Carinas attention back towards him and the economics book the crown prince had pulled from her bookshelf. Thats why Captain Beaumont followed you to make sure everything was all right.

The Captain Carina cut in quickly is he alright?

Nicholas frowned at the page he was looking at and then shut the book with a sigh. Just a few scrapes and bruises from jumping through a window. I cant say the same for the assassin Captain Beaumont landed on, however.

Carina grimaced. A two-story fall might not have killed him, but if Beaumont landed on top of him.

What about Hana? Carina turned back to Eleanora.

Hana isstill unconscious butout of danger, Eleanora murmured with apparent fear and concern. The crown princesss red eyes and pale complexion foretold the toll last nights events had taken on Hanas secret lover. According to Captain Beaumont, shes very lucky to still be alive, Eleanora added with a brief smile as she took Carinas hand and held it tightly. Thanks to you.

We were both lucky, Carina replied with a muted grin. And I am extremely grateful to Captain Beaumont for his aid. Please tell him so for me, your Majesty?

For a long moment, Nicholas stared back at Carina without comment. Then the crown prince nodded his head in agreement as he rose and returned the book to the shelf. But that still doesnt explain how you knew Lady Hana was in trouble, Lady Maura.

Right. Of course.

Carina took in a slow breath, keenly aware of the royal couple's intent gaze, as she exhaled. It wasa gut instinct, your Majesty. Carina lifted a hand to her chest and froze as her fingers brushed across the smooth surface of the Winter Rose. Ijust felt that something was wrong. I have no other explanation. She gripped the jewel tightly as she recalled the Earls swift arrival last night and how she had fallen unconscious in his arms.

Did Percy put the necklace on me then? But how did he know where I hid it?

I suppose that will have to do, Nicholas replied, clearly unconvinced as he turned towards Eleanora. We should let Lady Maura rest, your Highness. Im afraid today's negotiations cannot wait much longer.

Yeswemust continue our charade, Eleanora whispered with a bleak smile.

Carina glanced once more at Eleanoras light purple gown, her earlier realization coming into stark focus. The Ambassador? She asked hesitantly. Was hedisturbed by last nights events?

Fortunately, most of our dinner guests left completely unaware of the attack, Eleanora explained with a weary sigh. That would include the Ambassador and his family.

Indeed, Nicholas agreed, Captain Beaumont and the other knights on duty managed to clean up the broken window without arousing suspicion.

That hardly matters. The one who sent the assassins knows by now that he failed.

Carina nodded silently as she kneaded her aching forehead with her knuckles.

You need rest, Lady Maura, Eleanora murmured as she rose from the bed. I will send Tilly up later with some breakfast. Please feel free to take the day to rest. Our responsibilities are over, aside from the Royal Ball tonight at Lily Palace.

Ishould still like to attend

Nonsense, there is no reason for you to push yourself, Eleanora replied with a tone of finality as she turned and accepted Nicholass offered arm.

Carina watched them leave with a weak smile. At least theyre getting better at pretending to be a real couple. Maybe this cooperation will stickthen again, maybe not.

As soon as the door closed, Carina reached up and pulled off the Winter Rose. She tossed the necklace inside the nightstand, then slumped back against her pillows, exhausted.

A tingle from her bracelet preceded Viktors solemn words.

The Knight Captain knows you are a witch. He witnessed the magic you used last night as well as Lumis presence.

Carina closed her eyes and exhaled as she digested this new problem. Thenwhy didnt he tell the Crown Prince?

Perhaps you should ask him.

Carina groaned as she pressed both palms against her closed eyes. I need to figure out what happened with Lilaru and Griselda. The Ambassador is still alive andhe might try again She rolled over and buried a frustrated scream into her pillow.

Creating another opportunity for the twins to snag Haemishs attention at this point would be next to impossible. I should speak with them first. Perhaps the Ambassador was too drunk and tired from his journey last night.

She laughed at the idea of the twins extra efforts working against them, then pulled the pillow away from her face to stare up at the white ceiling of sculpted clouds filled with crows and the long serpent-like figure of a dragon.

Once more, Carina heard the assassins voice, shouting in Ventrayna, Burn the ice witch!

Haemish had clearly planned to murder Hana while the rest of the palace staff were distracted by the banquet below. The use of the noose suggested his men were instructed to make it look like suicide. No doubt to avoid arousing any suspicion from Eleanora.

Carina bit her lip as she sat up slowly.

But this didnt happen in the last timeline. Haemish only tried to drag Hana back to Lafeara when Eleanoras marriage struggles became apparent. Sowhy? What possible change could I have Cold fingers flew to Carinas lips as she thought of Stitchers investigation into Hanas past. Is it possiblecould I havetipped them off?

Carinas stomach flipped unpleasantly as her feet found the floor, and she staggered towards the closet.

NoI cant think of that now. I need to focus on finishing this. I will make Lord Hamish pay for what he did to you, Hana. One way or anotherthat fucking animal wont survive another night.