The Keepers: Archer

“The reason witches have that connection to their Keepers is for that very reason, Sienna. We’re supposed to be able to draw energy from each other.”

“Not to the point that I kill them. I couldn’t stop,” she said, her voice filled with the anguish that had taunted her for years. An image of Archer trapped in the fire in the tomb whilst trying to stop her came to mind, ripping open old wounds. “And Archer was burned in the fire I created. His hand still carries the scars.” Unlike the rest of his scars, this one would never disappear as it was caused by a witch, by her.

Rose’s hands came up to cup Sienna’s face so that they were facing each other. “Sienna, you made a mistake. One that you can’t change but eventually, you’ll learn to live with it.”

“I wasn’t ready.”

Everything fell quiet, the elephant in the room having reared its head. For a moment, neither of them spoke, but when her grandmother wrapped her arms around her, Sienna couldn’t help but let her.

“You have to trust me, Sienna,” Rose said quietly against her granddaughter’s hair. “Receiving such power is enough to frighten anyone. I know because I was also once in your position.”

“How did you learn to control them?”

“With practice, a lot of whiskey to numb my nerves, and plenty of time spent alone in nature.”

Sienna gave her grandmother a brief smile. Rose might be heading toward seventy, but the old woman still loved her whiskey.

“You simply need some time, Sienna. Play with your magic, practice your skills, and embrace them. They’re a gift.”

“They’re nothing but a curse.”

“Sienna, don’t say that.”

“Magic destroys, Gran. My parents, Sarah, the way I harmed my Keepers.” Sienna pulled back, the familiar urge to run making her feel agitated. “I should leave before Archer comes looking for me.”

Rose placed a gentle kiss on Sienna’s cheek and pulled back to look at her. “You don’t understand why I transferred my powers to you, Sienna, but one day you will. You have your own destiny to fulfil, just as I did. But it’s your journey to discover.” She pulled away, offering a weak smile that was oddly comforting. “Your Keepers are waiting.”

Sienna glanced outside at the fading afternoon sunlight and nodded. “Yes, I should go.” She hugged Rose one more time before making her way to the door. She hesitated in the doorway and turned to look at her grandmother. “What would it take to break The Circle’s curse on a Keeper and his witch?”

Rose met her gaze, her own eyes flashing with a brief glimpse of sorrow. “It’s complicated.”

“But it can be done?”

“Yes.”

Hope fired, despite the warning voice that niggled. “How?”

“With a counteracting spell and a blood sacrifice. A death.”

And just like that, all Sienna’s hopes went up in flames. There was no way she’d ever offer a blood sacrifice if it meant death. Sienna bit back a response and simply nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

By the time Sienna made her way through the forest toward the Manor House, the sun had begun setting at a rapid pace. The fading light didn’t worry her; the darkness was well suited to her mood.

Archer. Sarah. Her parents. Rose.

Not a day went by that she didn’t think of her parents or Sarah Bennett, her fourth Keeper. And every day, the pain that came with the memory surrounding their deaths still twisted her soul. She’d simply discovered how to muffle the pain and move on.

Her parents, solid and kind, full of wisdom and love. They’d made her feel safe, treasured, and she’d blossomed under their care. Her father had been the town sheriff of Rapid Falls, her mother a Beckham witch. An odd couple but together, they’d fought for order and harmony in their town.

Sadly, it was their quest for peace that had eventually destroyed them.

Sarah too, with her kind eyes, contagious laugh, and endless chatter. She’d been like a sister to Sienna and living in such close proximity with three strong males had called for some female companionship to balance the odds. They’d shared so much love and laughter and losing Sarah was like losing a treasured part of herself.

Sienna swiped at her tears, cursing them. She’d be damned if she’d put Rose or another one of her Keepers in danger protecting her. They were all she had left.

But Archer was right.

She did need the Bennett brothers and the protection they offered. She’d missed them and a small part of her was thrilled they’d found her. The thought unsettled her and she frowned, rubbing her arms with her hands to ward off the chill.

The snapping of a nearby twig had her whirling around.

“Hello?”

Silence greeted her and she swallowed, trying to ignore the sudden uneasiness that had taken hold of her. Her instincts prickled, and she cast a quick glance toward the Manor House. She was close but even at a fast run she would never reach it in time.

In time for what?

Before being mauled by the likes of Harper? A wolf? Before she could contemplate which option would be the lesser evil, two dark shadows stepped out from the shadows of the night.

Senses in prime form, Sienna heard the soft whoosh of the dart gun before the dart reached her. She dropped to the ground, out of its lethal aim, and grunted with satisfaction when the dart disappeared in the darkness. With the skills of a trained warrior, she sprang to her feet, her eyes pinned on the men.

“Rose Thorn?” she asked, glancing at the offensive gun. A rumble of powers stirred inside as her body went into defensive mode. In response, the trees began to rustle around them.

“Worked last time.”

Sienna’s stomach rolled as she recognized the voice. “Harper. Back so soon?”

Harper stepped forward, wearing a leather jacket and a wicked smile, and reloaded. “I would’ve thought you’d be expecting me.”

“On the Bennett property? You must have a death wish.”

His brief laugh sounded more like mockery than amusement. “What better plan than to steal their witch from right under their nose?”

“Ah. There’s only one problem though.”

“And that would be?”

“You’re fresh out of Rose Thorn,” she replied, raising unsteady arms in his direction. A strong gust of wind rose up around them but vanished before she could channel it.

Harper gave her a satisfied smile. “Is that all you have, witchy? Even without the Rose Thorn, your powers are still sketchy.”

With shaking hands, Sienna tried again. The air shifted again, creating a slight whirlwind of forest debris. She raised her arms and sent the whirlwind their way but it whooshed past them, missing them completely.

Harper laughed and edged closer, raising the gun in her direction.

Sienna dragged in air, as the stupid tears welled in her eyes. This is what her fears had reduced her to?

His accomplice broke away to circle her, the motion sparking her defences all over again.