Wicked Magic

By Sandra Madera

Just when Willow and Nalin were ready to bind their life forces in a marriage ceremony, their time of peace has ended.

Willow finds out a secret that is both the cause of their union and exile. Daphne, Nalin’s evil sister, has gathered a group of powerful allies in her quest to regain the Ljósálfar Kingdom and overthrow their newly formed government. Hoping to separate Willow and Nalin forever, Daphne casts her brother into the darkest and deadliest realm imaginable... Hades.

However, Daphne never expected Willow to delve into the depths of hell to reunite with her lost love and try to set things right. Rules have been broken... Deals have been made... How much is Willow willing to risk to save Nalin’s soul?

Suggested Reading:
Weeping Willow (Part One)
Weeping Willow (Part Two)

Wicked Willow Series:
Book 1 - Wicked Chemistry (Original Weeping Willow Shorts in PAPERBACK)
Book 2 - Wicked Magic
Book 3 - Wicked Love
Book 4 - Wicked Voices (Coming Soon!)

Reviews:

"I enjoyed this book! This is such a different twist on elves and the rest of the fantasy world...Sandra Madera's writing is easy to follow, and it flows real well! I love reading books where I'm transported to other worlds, even if they tend to dip into the human realm too!" - Nicole, Books Complete Me Blog.

"Wicked Magic was quite the ride. This book did not disappoint me at all. I found myself going through an emotional roller coaster. I am so amazed by Sandra's writing. This story is very suspenseful and tugged at my emotions constantly" - Josie Epping, Josie's Haven Blog.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra Madera
• Release date: Jul 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781452438184

Sandra Madera

Sandra Madera currently resides in New York and is a college graduate, obtaining her bachelor's degree in science. However, her true passion has always been reading and writing. She has been writing short stories since she was a child. Upon publishing a number of free short works, she published full-length YA works; the Restraint Trilogy and the Wicked Willow Series. She is currently working on her next novel. For free YA short story downloads and for information on upcoming novels visit www.sandramadera.com and http://sandra-madera.blogspot.com.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

WILLOW:

Needing to feel fresh air upon my face, I reached for my winter boots, putting them on my feet as quietly as possible. Realizing my tights and T-shirt would do little to protect me from the cold, I reached for a warm cape that Rosalyn had gifted me. It was customary for our kind to wear capes in this realm. Only in the realm of humans would a parka be appropriate, and although the idea was still foreign to me, I was not human.

Nalin told me I was a part of him so that means I would be Ljósálfar. However, the oracle said I was neither Ljósálfar nor Dökkálfar. I seriously doubted either of which would claim me as theirs anyhow.

Although we lived in a time of relative peace, there were still deep racial hostilities that were hard to abolish. Nalin hoped a union would unite both kingdoms and do away with the fighting, but I really doubted that a marriage could do away with centuries of ill will. No, that was something that only time and a weak memory can heal.

Adjusting my cape, I crept out of my room soundlessly and wandered down into the secret tunnels which led outside. Walking briskly, I hoped I wouldn’t be seen. The last thing I needed was to be reprimanded on the eve of my wedding day.

Making my way outdoors without detection, I ran for the tree-line under the cover of night, hoping to avoid the guards that roamed the vicinity.

Once I was safely covered by the trees, I used the moonlight that seeped in between the gnarled branches to light my way. I knew exactly where I was going, and I knew how to get there. I made the trip several times a week.

Trekking through the snow-covered earth, I saw the structure, drawing nearer in the distance.

It is not safe for you to be out of bed, mistress, a voice told me from somewhere hidden in the trees.

Spinning around, I summoned blue fire, levitating a fireball over my right hand to light the darkness.

Suddenly, a shadow flew out from the trees, grabbing hold of my wrist.

The action was enough to send the fireball sailing through the air, causing it to crash in a nearby mound of snow. After a sizzling sound and the release of some steam into the atmosphere, the fire fizzled out, and we were surrounded by darkness once more.

You could have killed us both! the figure told me angrily, removing his dark hood to reveal his identity.

I traced his visible features with my eyes, recognizing the outline of my beloved’s face. With his dark cloak, he seemed to blend into the night, melting into the shadows. Yet, when his hood was removed and his silver hair was allowed to blow in the cold breeze, he seemed luminescent. Each strand of his silky tresses caught the moonlight, giving him the appearance of an angelic being.

You’re the one that knocked it out of my grasp! I argued, smiling inwardly. It was impossible to be angry with Nalin. Every time I gazed upon him, my heart fluttered within my chest uncontrollably, and my cheeks blushed like a school girl.

If I did raise my tone at him, it was only in jest for he would never accept such disrespect. He would sooner break his heart in two than to be disrespected. He was not to be trifled with. Everything about him demanded respect... from his demeanor to his confident stroll.

I loved him so much I would never want him to look upon me with the disdain that other couples had for one another when they argued. I wanted our relationship to be pure and uncomplicated like a first love should be.

Would you really have fired upon me? he asked with a quizzical brow.

No, I replied with a broad smile, unable to continue the argument. If I did, then I would have to do the same to myself.

Nalin smiled, warming my heart instantly. Come on. Walk with me.

Taking my hand in his, we walked towards the cabin Nalin had constructed for me at the time of my creation. The structure was built from the twisted branches of a willow tree which would have been quaint if it had not been nearly burned to the ground. The remaining structure was a shell of what it would have been. The walls, which had been constructed of branches and insulated with leaves, were virtually nonexistent as the cabin had collapsed upon itself when it had been set ablaze. The roof had been badly charred and was nothing more than a large, gaping hole rather than insulation from the elements.

Nalin led me inside the structure, having me take a seat by him on the floor and looking up at the stars through the nonexistent roof. So, why are you out of bed on the night before our wedding?

I couldn’t sleep, I answered, leaning against his strong chest as I gazed upon his handsome face. I have you to thank for that.... I could feel you wandering the night, and I just had to join you.

Ahh, I see, he smiled, nodding. I will do my best to try to guard my mind.

Meeting his eyes levelly, I pointed a finger at him in warning. Don’t you dare! I told him sternly. Promise me you will never try to deny our connection.

Nalin gazed into my eyes deeply, nearly taking my breath away as his gray eyes burned into mine. Never, he responded, running his hands along the loose strands of my black hair in an affectionate gesture. I only wish that my thoughts wouldn’t interrupt your rest. I can’t stand the idea of burdening you with my rambling mind. Tomorrow is a big day. It is the beginning of the rest of our lives.

It is... and I am ready for it, I told him sincerely. Perhaps my restlessness is my own anxiety over the ceremony.

Nalin leaned forward, his expression serious. Are you having second thoughts?

No, I answered adamantly. Never. My only concern is that everything goes perfectly.

Good, he said, letting out the breath he held in anticipation of my response. This union is for the betterment of all Elves, but first and foremost, it is for us. I want you to marry me, because you love me and can’t envision your future without me in it.

Bringing my hand to his cheek, I traced the outline of his jaw gently. It is so, I said, looking into his eyes like the starry-eyed Elfling that I was. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Leaning in, I brushed my lips against his teasingly before going in for a kiss. It was short but sweet. A precursor of what is to come, I thought.

Clutching onto him closely, I still felt his lips on mine, feeling my heart flutter in my chest. I want it to remain like this... for always, I said dreamily.

Wrapping his arms around me, he said, It will. Of course it will.

Being so close to Nalin made me feel as if we were melting together into one, giving me a sense of warmth in my soul.

These past few months since Nalin ascended to the throne had been a time of peace between the Ljósálfar and the Dökkálfar. Although there had been a few instances of violence, most Ljósálfar seemed to accept Nalin as their rightful king. Especially, after Daphne was jailed for her crimes.

Rosalyn, however, had to enforce her power to great extremes to prevent outbreaks after accepting me as her child and heir to the throne. Yet, things began to improve socially and the Elves were reaching some sense of normalcy after years of battle.

It was Nalin’s hope, that with time, many Elves would forget the past and see our union as the bridging together of two different races. Still, I wasn’t so sure. Could I ever really be an Elf? My mind rebelled against the very thought. I was raised as a human, and social unrest was the norm in my world. It was hard to imagine a world in which I would be accepted completely. I still saw myself as human.

What are you thinking of? Nalin asked, his voice invading my thoughts.

Nothing, I lied, looking up at him. I wish there were more seasons... other than just winter in this place. We could have had a spring wedding.

Each realm has its own variation of the seasons. In this one, winter is the most prominent, but we do have two months of what you would call spring. In the realm of the Fae, it is spring all year round.

How do you know? Have you ever visited the world of the Fae? I asked absentmindedly.

Nalin didn’t answer.

Concerned, I looked at him intensely. Nalin?

Do not worry, my love. Everything will go according to plan, he said as if reading my concern. I promise.

What will?

The wedding, of course, he told me plainly.

Feeling my tension evaporate with his words, I said, I believe you.

Shifting his position, he rose to his feet and brought me up with him. Now it is time for you to rest.

Why must I rest when you can roam about?

Because my insomnia is caused by my need to protect my people, he told me thoughtfully. Yours is over a needless concern.

I nodded in understanding.

Off to bed with you, he said, giving me a playful shove out of the cabin. I trust you can find your way without killing someone.

Of course, I responded sweetly. But there are no guarantees if anyone should jump out at me. I cannot control my powers as of yet.

Suddenly serious, Nalin looked about the perimeter. Please do not burn down the forest, Willow.

I won’t, I answered softly, noticing his inattention. What is wrong?

Nothing, he replied, shaking his head.

Yet, I felt he was hiding something from me. I closed my eyes and tried to be receptive to his thoughts, but he took my shoulders into his strong hands and shook me.

Do not try to read my mind without permission, he told me sternly. Please, Willow. Go.

I nodded, walking out of the cabin and began to make my way through the forest. When I was a few yards in, I felt a horrible dread in the pit of my being. I didn’t like Nalin’s demeanor and the way we parted. I doubled back towards the cabin, following the tracks I had made in the snow.

It was upon my approach that I heard scuffling in the distance, and eventually saw a light that was bright enough to illuminate the heavens in a greenish hue.

Nalin! I screamed, my heart pounding in my chest uncontrollably as I realized something was wrong. Nalin!

No reply.

Nalin! I shouted, reaching the cabin and searching within.

Nalin was nowhere to be found which wouldn’t have been so concerning to me had his unsheathed sword not been in the middle of the room. I immediately took notice of a new, large scorch mark, sizzling in the middle of the floor.

As panic flowed through me, I closed my eyes and reached out with my mind, hoping to sense where he went.

I felt nothing!

Terrified, I realized I couldn’t sense his life force.

Shaking, I put all of my energy in trying to locate him with my mind once more, but such a power was new to me, and I could not feel him.

A door has been opened, I thought as tears flowed freely down my cheeks, realizing this was the scene of a struggle. Nalin has been taken from me!

CHAPTER ONE

WILLOW:

Tears flooded my vision until I could see no more. I wiped my cheeks only to have them newly tear-stained.

My heart began beating erratically in my chest cavity.

My sinuses were obstructed, and I was forced to breathe through my mouth, causing my breathing to become strained.

Sobbing, I ran out of the cabin, stumbling over my own boots and crashing into the snow-covered ground. Rising to my feet, I struggled to increase my speed, but I couldn’t prevent my tears from falling, causing my vision to become clouded.

Oh, Nalin! If only I knew you were okay, I thought frantically. If only I could reach you, then my heart could be... still.

With tears distorting my vision, I sprinted until I reached the palace, stumbling through the halls until I reached my mother’s bedchamber door.

Mother! I cried, barging into her bedchamber like a wild animal.

I watched my mother jump up from her sleep. She peered at me inquiringly before rubbing the sleep from her eyes. What is the matter? she said, appearing to still be half-asleep. Why would you barge in here like this?

Out of breath, I struggled to speak. Nalin... has... been taken, I said, taking jagged breaths.

Taken? my mother questioned, snapping her fingers to light the torches in the room at once and illuminating the darkness. How do you know?

I started, I went to see him tonight....

You, what? Rosalyn questioned, appearing angered as she rose from her bed and walked over to me.

Rosalyn’s blue eyes pierced my soul. Her jet black hair fell limply down her back, each strand catching the light with a type of luminescent quality. As an Elf, she was tall and thin.

She wasn’t like any of her human counterparts. Any man would have been taken aback by her physical beauty, but she also possessed the qualities that made her inwardly attractive. She was well read and could hold an intelligent conversation. Her personality was warm and gentle. She could make anyone feel instantly at ease. She carried herself with all the grace of her position as Queen. She walked as if floating through the air like some ethereal specter.

I couldn’t sleep so I went for a walk in the woods. Nalin was there, and we went to the cabin, I explained, rushing to get the words out. When we parted, I knew something was wrong, and I went back.

You should not have been in the woods, Rosalyn admonished, shaking her head at me. Nowhere is ever going to be a hundred percent safe for you, Willow. You continue to make bad decisions when it comes to your safety.

I was safe, I told her. I was with Nalin. He would never let anything happen to me.

I know he wouldn’t, darling, she said, appearing weary.

Taking her hands into my own, I pleaded, You must help me find him! A doorway to another realm was opened in that cabin tonight, and Nalin went through it. I have no idea where he is, and he has no means to protect himself.

Rosalyn arched a brow. Why would you say that?

I found his sword in the cabin, I told her. He is unarmed.

He may be unarmed, but Nalin doesn’t need a sword to inflict injury, she told me matter-of-factly. He is a trained killer. If he needed to, he could be just as effective with his hands than with a sword.

I know something is not as it should be, I told her, placing a hand on my heart absentmindedly. Please, help me find him. I know he has been taken from me.

Rosalyn cupped my cheek. Nalin is fine. He told me of business he needed to attend to in another realm, she said with a comforting smile.

Surprised, I looked at her incredulously. He never spoke of it.

He informed me himself that he needed to do this before the wedding, but he never told me when. I assumed he would have told you.

I shook my head.

Rosalyn sat down at the edge of her bed and said, He will return by morning, and then the wedding will go on as planned.

No, I told her, shaking my head. Something is wrong. I feel it.

You are stressed, my dear. Everything will be fine in the morning. He will return, and you can stop worrying, Rosalyn told me reassuringly, grasping my hand and sending waves of soothing energy through it.

I snatched my hand away from her grasp. Show me.

What? Rosalyn questioned, obviously surprised by my resistance to her calming forces.

Show me where the door was opened and where it leads.

Flicking a few strands of hair away from her face, Rosalyn appeared bothered by my insistence but nodded in agreement. As you wish, my dear.

She stood up on her feet, walking across the room towards a brown globe with a worn leather surface that depicted the Elven earth. When my mother waved a hand over it, the globe opened. A large ball of light rose from its depths, growing into a pulsating orb. This new sphere was entirely made from light-wielding magic and had the ability to find doors that had been opened across the earth, showing them as red scorch marks. The oceans glowed light blue, and the earth was as white as the snow which covered the ground.

Rosalyn moved her hand over the orb, and it began to slowly rotate. With inquisitive eyes, she looked over the globe, searching.

I stood by her side, seeing the holographic images of the Elven world. Each structure was depicted in white light. Noticing the castle of the Ljósálfar, I shifted my gaze to the forest which surrounded it, looking for the willow cabin. I spotted the hologram which depicted the Dökkálfar fortress.

Glancing at my mother’s face, I recognized her look of perplexity.

What is it? I asked worriedly. What do you see?

My mother shook her head. It is not what I see, but what I don’t....

What do you mean? I questioned, staring at her.

Her eyes met mine without blinking, and she said, If a door was open, then it is undetectable by magic.

So? Couldn’t have Nalin covered his tracks? I asked, confused. Isn’t moving through the realms forbidden? He may have conjured magic to cover his movement.

No, he was invited to the other realm. Or at least, that was my understanding, she told me firmly, shaking her head as if trying to make sense of what was happening. All magic leaves a trace.... I have never heard of masking movement. If there is such a thing, it is not Elven magic.

What are you saying? I asked nervously.

I don’t know, she responded, still shocked. I have not come across this before.... Perhaps whoever Nalin was meeting opened a door with their magical power. I will question him about this tomorrow.

Wait. What if he can’t be found tomorrow? I asked, feeling on edge as a horrifying sense of dread as it rose from my stomach and seeped into my chest. What if he is gone for good?

Be calm, Rosalyn told me, clutching my shoulders and releasing her calming energies through her palms. If he is lost, we will find him.

I nodded, giving into the serene feeling that Rosalyn radiated and falling willingly into unconsciousness.

CHAPTER TWO

WILLOW:

I had horrible dreams from which I could not rouse myself. I heard Nalin’s screams, echoing in my head like sirens, but in the void of my mind, he was no where to be found. He was lost to me. Our connection was being painfully severed, and there was nothing I could do about it.

When I awoke the following morning in my bed, my head was spinning with thoughts of my beloved. I sought him with my mind, but the search was fruitless. He was not to be found in the realm of the Elves.

Searching my mind for answers, I questioned Nalin, using my mind to send y thoughts outward to him. Where are you Nalin? Why have you not returned?

But there was no reply.

Tears rimmed my eyes as I sat up in bed, cradling my legs. I tried to cry silently, but every once in a while, a sob would pass my lips.

Hearing a knock on my bedchamber door, I wiped my tears, wanting to appear stronger than I actually was. Come in, I called, combing through my tousled hair with my fingers.

With a frown upon her lips, my mother entered. You have not dressed, she commented, glancing at the gown that hung from the bathroom door.

The white gown was breathtaking, containing just a hint of lavender-coloring. It was A-line with a flowing skirt and corseted top. The front of the corset was sweetheart cut. In the back of the dress, pearl buttons were fastened along the entire length of the top.

Looking at the gown, I seethed within. I had looked forward to wearing the dress, but now, I couldn’t even stand to look at it.

You know as well as I do that he will not show, I told her matter-of-factly.

Don’t say that, darling, Rosalyn said, walking towards my bed and taking a seat beside me. Nalin loves you. He wouldn’t miss this wedding.

Of his love, I have no doubt, I told her, looking at her squarely. But I don’t feel him. It is as if our connection has just evaporated into nothing.

Rosalyn gazed upon me worriedly. She was obviously trying to make sense of my words, wondering if she should have me committed to a place for the mentally disturbed.

Clutching my heart, I told her, I feel as if a part of my very being is fading.... I—I don’t even know who I am without him.

You were whole before him, she told me, her eyes wide and frightened by my demeanor. He didn’t make you whole.

You’re wrong, I said angrily. I was empty before he found me, and I feel empty once more. My heart is restless... and I can feel it quivering in my chest erratically. What if he doesn’t return? What will happen to me?

Nothing, darling, she said, forcing me to look at her.

Will I cease to exist? I asked myself, wide-eyed.

My mother cupped my cheeks, looking into my eyes deeply. Stop this, Willow, she told me sternly. This form of thinking is madness. Do you hear me? You are going to drive yourself insane!

I heard her words, but I couldn’t stop my mind from racing.

What if Nalin never returned to me? What if he was killed? If he ceased to exist, would I die as well? Will killing him kill me as well? Or would there be an unbearable emptiness?

Are you hearing me?

I snapped back to attention, hearing my mother’s voice break through the void of my mind. I hear you, I told her, seeing Nalin’s face floating in my thoughts.

Be calm, Willow, she said, placing her hands on either side of my shoulders. He will reappear.

Tears began to flow freely from my eyes once more. Not if he has been taken. They could have killed him already, and I may never know what happened to him, I said, sobbing. I feel broken. My heart is broken... You must help me find him!

Rosalyn didn’t understand the connection I had with Nalin. She had never had her soul ripped apart. I felt lost. I felt empty. The telepathic connection, which had been established in the past few months, only helped to aid in cementing our bond. We were as one soul... one spirit. His disappearance severed that connection. I would have rather severed an arm than to lose my love.

It’s alright, my darling, she told me soothingly, wrapping me in a hug.

I felt my muscles begin to relax as if being soothed by a warm energy that surged through me. I felt my mind stop racing and drift peacefully until an image flashed in my mind. Nalin.

No, I need to find him, I insisted, denying the ability of her powers to influence me. Help me, Mommy. Help me find him.

With her blue eyes wide, she appeared stunned at my ability to