War of Wizards

By S.P. Cervantes

Ava and Dalton want nothing more than to forget about the danger their love puts them in, and live peaceful lives in Shadow Hill; but that is not their destiny. Evil continues to haunt them, threatening to destroy everything. Volikai’s determination to summon the dark powers that the Originals have kept hidden for centuries before the Prophecy can be fulfilled.
When Patrick finds a new love, and learns of the reason for his powerful connection with Ava, he will stop at nothing to protect those he loves and destroy the evil that has plagued the world since the beginning of time.

Together, they will be faced with unimaginable choices to save the one’s they love as the final secrets of Shadow Hill are revealed.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.P. Cervantes
• Release date: Aug 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536518160

Book preview

Chapter One

It was a humid summer day in Ireland in July, my wedding day. I awoke in my mother’s cottage to the welcoming smell of bacon and coffee tickling my senses. Today was the day I waited for, the day I married Dalton. I smiled broadly as I sat up in my bed. Butterflies already fluttered in my stomach and reminded me of the thousands of eyes that would all be on me today. I was happier than I ever imagined I could be. It didn’t seem fair that I could actually be this happy! Hannah, my mom, and I planned every detail of the wedding with the expert help of my grandmother, Francesca, and Maureen since Dalton proposed.

Growing up, I always imagined Hannah would get married first. Every time we played as little kids, she always wanted to be a bride rather than a princess. We would line up all of our stuffed animals as the groom and witnesses; I was the preacher and Hannah, the bride, married our Ken doll. I never really had that dream the way she did, but once I met Dalton I realized the kind of love that Hannah had always imagined.

Dalton was amazingly patient. He let me wait until the summer to get married rather than have a hasty wedding after my rescue from the Sabatino Mountain coven. I was filled with guilt about my relationship with Patrick in so many ways; I needed time to work through everything. Connor and Dalton luckily both also realized that our coven would face a much more powerful danger when the Prophecy was completed now that we knew about Volikai and his creation of wizard demons. Patrick called them Gremlins because of the way they multiplied when magic was used on them.

Patrick had successfully protected the Manihi coven in Tahiti and kept Volikai and his Gremlins away from the magical lake. He was certain that Volikai was after more than the water in the lake, but no one knew what. I worried for his safety all of the time, even though there hadn’t been any sign of Volikai in a few months. Patrick and I have had little contact since we left our prison; that was for the best, given our situation. Still, I missed him. It made my heart ache to know that he would not be with me today, although I could understand his need to be absent. I had to admit to myself it would also be hard for me to see his face as I promised my undying love for Dalton in front of our entire coven.

I took my half of a heart necklace in my hand, my only connection to Patrick. I looked into my full-length mirror to contact him before I started getting ready for my big day. I wanted Dalton to be the only thing on my mind today and Patrick’s safety weighed heavily on my mind right now. The familiar white smoke slowly filled my mirror as Patrick appeared.

I sure hope that’s not what you’re wearing today. Patrick smiled broadly and teased me as usual.

I looked at myself. My hair looked as if I just went through a wind tunnel and the Giants t-shirt and shorts I wore were badly wrinkled from my sleep.

Obviously not. I have a fancy dress from France waiting for me in my mom’s room. I smiled, glad that he decided to answer my call today.

I’m sure you do. He knew the swarm of family I would have doting on me today.

I haven’t talked to you for a while and just wanted to see your face and know you’re okay.

"I am really good Ava. You need to have the wedding of your dreams today. I am sorry to miss it." Patrick looked as if he was truly okay with everything and that filled me with peace.

Me too. I hope you can come back to Shadow Hill soon. I was relieved to see Patrick really did look good. He had no visible scars left from our time with Sergio, and was back to his muscular build.

Don’t worry about me Ava. Go and enjoy your day. You shouldn’t be talking to me on a day like today anyway. He looked almost annoyed now, the way he shifted nervously back and forth and tried to do anything but look me in the eye. This behavior was so unusual for him; he was always so confident in front of me.

Maybe he was right. Maybe it was selfish of me to contact him today of all days. But I wasn’t going to be able to rest if I was worrying about him today. Dalton and my marriage meant so much more for Patrick. Our worst fear was that our marriage would complete the Prophecy and invoke Volikai to attack Lake Notu and the Manihi coven in retaliation.

Sorry, Patrick. You’re right. I hope you’re not upset with me. I just needed to know you’re okay.

I am okay; we all are for now. I will let you and Connor know if there is any sign of Volikai or his Gremlins tonight. We are prepared if he does come here. You will be safe in Shadow Hill. Patrick spoke now like the unbreakable soldier that I knew him to be.

Thanks Patrick. Just promise me you’ll be careful.

Patrick smiled once again to let me know I was forgiven. You know I will Ava.

Goodbye. I smiled and held my necklace.

Patrick took his half of the heart and gave it a kiss. Goodbye. He was gone.

I took one last look at my room before my day of preparation began. It was the last time I would be living in a house with my mom and sister. The three of us have been through so much together. It was going to be hard to say goodbye to this part of my life. I would miss our girls’ nights, staying up late gossiping and eating junk food. I tried to quell the ping of sadness that fell over me. My eyes met the large picture of Dalton sitting on my dresser. My heart skipped. His dark brown hair, unruly as usual, accented his deep blue eyes with an intensity that made me weak. Dalton would make the sadness of leaving my mom and Hannah melt away the second we were together as husband and wife; I had no doubt of that.

Hannah and my mom sat quietly talking at the kitchen table when I walked out, ready for all the primping for my wedding. They both greeted me with enormous smiles. I laughed. Hannah was almost as excited for me to be married as I was. She and Aiden were now engaged too, and Hannah was taking notes on everything she liked and didn’t like about my wedding. I was sure it would be close to impossible for her to find anything she didn’t like though. My grandma and Maureen seemed to have read my mind when showing me table settings and flowers for the decorations. They, of course, tripled everything I had in mind and made this an over-the-top, extravagant affair.

My mom was first to get up and give me a strong hug. My little girl is getting married. I just can’t believe it!

Mom. I’m almost twenty-one, not such a little girl. I had to smile back at her motherly face trying to embrace my last moments of belonging only to my mom. But I’ll always be your little girl.

That’s more like it, she responded victoriously.

I was glad my mom’s somewhat cold, distant relationship with us had changed into a loving and affectionate one once we joined Shadow Hill. It was as if she had a cloud of worry over her all of our lives before moving here, too afraid we would be discovered. Once Hannah and I made the decision to remain in Shadow Hill for good after my rescue last year, she seemingly let go of all her anxiety.

Hannah brought me a fresh cup of coffee and a plate of eggs and bacon. I looked at the heaping plate of food that would have normally been gone in seconds and knew there was no way I could eat a thing.

Hannah noticed my hesitation and dug into my plate. I told Mom you wouldn’t be able to eat, but she wouldn’t listen.

I’m sorry, Hannah. I feel like there are a thousand butterflies battling it out in my stomach right now. The coffee looks heavenly, though. I took my cup, sat at my sister’s side and waited for my schedule of the day.

Grandma Fran and Maureen will be here soon to take us to get our hair and make-up ready. Erin will meet us there, too. Hannah read from her schedule of events and I drifted back into my thoughts.

I was glad that Erin agreed to be one of my bridesmaids. I didn’t see her until after the New Year once I was rescued. At first she blamed me for Patrick’s decision not to return right away to Shadow Hill. I couldn’t blame her because I knew I was the reason for his decision. In her eyes, I had taken away the two loves of her life. Soon after Patrick joined the Manihi coven, he made clear to Erin that when he does come back, it wouldn’t be to her. He had found someone else and had moved on from us both. I worked hard to earn her friendship back and was glad to see that she was moving on with her life now.

Erin had even begun to see Eric, a strong and well-respected wizard here; he’d been madly in love with her since he was a kid. His unabashed courting of her was something she had never really experienced before, and she fell fast and hard for him.

Hannah flicked water in my face. My daydreaming ended and I shot back to reality. I had no interest in her schedule for the day, so Hannah took my hand and led me back to our room to change into something more comfortable and suitable than my wrinkled shirt and shorts.

Hannah and I quickly got dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt, even though we would soon be in elegant designer dresses. My heart raced as I imagined Dalton at the end of the aisle as he waited for me to be his wife. His scorching blue eyes meeting mine as I walked down the aisle was something I have dreamed of since the day we met.

So are you going to be able to relax today now that you know Volikai isn’t on the island with Patrick yet? Hannah already knew I had spoken with Patrick this morning. She had no boundaries when it came to reading my thoughts, which I had thankfully gotten over.

Yes Hannah, I will be able to relax for now, I answered defensively. You know that after the ceremony today, our time of peace will once again be threatened.

Yes Ava, I know…we all know. It’s all you have talked about since you came back to Shadow Hill. Enough of this ‘our time of peace will be threatened.’ Are you living in medieval times or what? If people want to destroy you or Dalton, they will try to do it whether or not you’re married. Getting married will at least give us the power to be able to defend ourselves when Volikai and his Gremlins do attack. Hannah lectured me, clearly frustrated with my concerns.

I just wish Connor or Dalton were able to figure out the key as to how Volikai was able to create the Gremlins…or if Volikai is working with any other wizards. There is a lot at stake for all of us, I added, trying to defend my feelings further.

I have a feeling we will find out sooner or later. But let’s just relish today and enjoy our hot men in tuxedos! Hannah changed the subject.

You’re right. I will. I promise. I just hate thinking of putting anyone in danger because of me.

Ava! Stop it! Hannah ordered. This is our life now, and danger is part of it.

She was right. I didn’t mind the danger when it meant I protected those I love and have sworn to protect. I was confident in my abilities, as well as Dalton’s. It was the idea of others fighting for our love that made me feel uncomfortable. But Hannah was right; it was our destiny to be together. Our marriage would bring unimaginable power to our coven if the Prophecy was correct, and Shadow Hill will gladly make sacrifices to see that happen.

Over time, Dalton and I have become leaders of our magical coven, alongside Connor; we attended all council meetings and made decisions on our interactions with other covens. Cleo and her sons who were pivotal in my escape last year have been a lifeline for our coven and other rogue wizards who were still uncertain of Shadow Hill’s intentions once the Prophecy was fulfilled. Cleo was well-respected by covens that practice black magic, even after the conflict in the mountains last year. No one knew of her involvement still, which made her able to convince others of the truth about Shadow Hill. There was still no intention to destroy all other covens, but to protect the world from the evil that lurks and torments our planet. That has always been Shadow Hill’s mission. Only now we would have the power to accomplish it.

Chapter Two

This is it. It is finally the day that Ava is mine—all mine. There is no doubt in my mind anymore that I am the only one she loves. When Ava started to heal after her return to Shadow Hill last winter, I began to understand her love for Patrick. It no longer threatened me. Her love for him was something I have never experienced myself, but I just knew it was not like my connection and love with Ava. I don’t think there has ever been a love like ours before. Every time I look into her powerful, sparkling blue eyes, I feel as if I am floating through the heavens, completely mesmerized.

I pulled back my heavy curtains covering the windows in my bedroom to check that the weather had held up and our outdoor ceremony wouldn’t be dampened by the ever-present Irish rain. I flinched with a smile as bright streaks of light assaulted my eyes. I took a deep breath of relief that Francesca and Maureen would not be scrambling with worry if it were to be a dreary day. I knew Ava wouldn’t mind what the weather was; she had been so easygoing through all of the planning for the wedding, not at all like her other family members.

I had to give her credit: I watched her sit at my dinner table, surrounded by swatches for table linens and flower arrangements and smiling politely to her family as they enthusiastically planned our big day. Ava was as easygoing as I could have ever imagined. She said she never dreamed of her wedding day before meeting me, and just wanted something simple and whimsical. With Hannah directing the fine details, I was sure Ava knew she had nothing to worry about. Hannah and Ava’s connection with each other had become so powerful since Ava’s return. No words need to be spoken between the two; they just know each other’s thoughts.

I walked out into my kitchen to grab a cup of coffee and sat outside before preparing for this evening. I was glad I didn’t have to go through all of the ridiculous fuss the girls were today. Honestly, I like Ava best with hardly any make-up, and dressed in sweats. As I sat there thinking of Ava, and her smile that melted my heart, Aiden had me up in his burly arms.

How you feeling big guy?! He put me back down and patted my back.

Um, great. Tired. How long have you been here? I tried to figure out what time it was.

Aiden sat down next to me at the kitchen island and placed a large cup of coffee in front of me. I smiled at the nutty smell that woke me up. I reached for it immediately and took an invigorating taste. I only used to drink tea—I never really cared for the bitter taste of coffee—but Ava insisted I try it, and now I’m hooked.

I came over about half an hour ago but let you sleep a little longer. Hannah called me and told me to come over here and get you up. It’s almost eleven mate. Aiden winked at me; he knew Hannah was right.

I had never been a good sleeper, but after Ava’s return, I slept like a log. It’s as if my body was catching up from all the lost hours of sleep I have had over the years. The lead-filled cloud that had always loomed over me growing up had finally been lifted. I was free. I was in love. I was complete.

I headed out to the deck to hear the peaceful sound of the river. So what are our directions for today?

Just be at the base of the Great Hill by seven fifteen p.m. Liam will be here at five with our tuxedos and cloaks. Aiden knew how easy we had it compared to the girls.

Aiden had always been like a brother to me, and after I married Ava and he married Hannah, we will officially be family.

Hey Aiden. What do you say we head out on the lake for a little fishing? I knew I would need to keep busy or this day would drag on.

What kind of fishing are you talking about friend? Aiden’s eyes glimmered with mischief.

Squatter fishing of course my friend. Squatter fishing was one of our favorite things to do. Nothing was more relaxing on the river than hunting magical fish.

Squatter are similar in size to your average catfish, but use camouflage in every way imaginable. They can easily anticipate your every move, are able to swim in every direction, as well as leap out of the water and into the sky to avoid capture. It takes astute concentration, which would help me keep my mind off Ava for the day.

Aiden went to the boathouse to gather the supplies for our outing while I went back to my room to go over my vows one last time. I couldn’t believe I let Maureen talk us into writing our own vows. I initially agreed without much concern. It had always been easy for me to express my love for Ava. I was not much of an emotional guy before meeting her. I was logical, always using my head. Since I met her, it seemed all that led me was my heart. As the wedding drew closer, the reality of what I was going to have to do set in. I wasn’t professing my undying love just to Ava, but also doing it in front of thousands of wizards.

I carefully pulled out the folded piece of paper I had hidden under my wand case in my dresser. I opened the delicate corners; the deep creases on the edges showed how many times I had opened and closed this important document. I knew everything I wanted to say by heart, but there was always the fear my nerves could get the best of me today. It embarrassed me to think there have been times that I have actually had to stop writing my vows because I got choked up and I didn’t want that to happen tonight. My normally stoic demeanor turned to putty when it came to Ava.

Writing and thinking of what to say was an easy thing to do. It was easy for me to promise to be faithful and honest, to love her for better or worse, in good times and in bad. We have been tested—our love, our trust, and our faithfulness, all of it—and through it all, our love only grew stronger and cemented the reality of our connection and our everlasting love. The best part of it all was we were still so young. We have centuries ahead of us to love and grow together—an eternity to experience this kind of love and power together seemed like an unimaginable dream after the empty life I led before I met Ava.

I couldn’t help but think of my parents, of what they are thinking of me, of us, right now. So many of my memories of them are clouded. Over the years, I developed such a strong sense of abandonment and resentment towards them. After Connor rescued me and brought me to Shadow Hill, I always kept an emotional distance from everyone, even Connor. I never let myself love. I now know it was to protect myself from ever again feeling the kind of emptiness and pain I felt when my parents died.

I remember coming home from school the day I found out they were killed. Connor stood in my living room and looked at pictures on the wall as I walked through the front door. He was a virtual stranger to me at that time; the vague memory I did have of Connor was one of reverence mixed with intimidation. Back then, I never questioned what happened to my parents, or why I was taken away from the only life I had ever known; I just accepted that he was who I belonged with and Shadow Hill was going to be my new home. When he opened my eyes to the world of magic, I was mesmerized and enchanted. It instantly became my love, my only focus in life. I had no idea of my family’s involvement in magic until Connor took me to Shadow Hill as a child. I had no other family that I knew of and was too young to think to question things. As I got older, I began to wonder about my parents…about my heritage. Connor never told me about them other than their relationship with Ava’s parents. He spoke about them as if they were heroes. But he never told me about any other family I had other than Liam.

I opened my wand case and pulled out the small silver box I had stored inside. I pressed the cool silver against my lips. I wanted to think only good thoughts today—good thoughts about my family, Connor, and most of all, Ava. I opened the box and smiled as the creaking lid revealed our two claddagh wedding bands. The claddagh was the symbol of Shadow Hill, so naturally we would also have our wedding bands use the symbol of our coven, as well as the Irish symbol for love, loyalty, and friendship. Mine was a thick golden replica of the design, simple and masculine, the way I like things. Ava’s was a beautifully designed golden creation: the Celtic knot led to two hands that held an emerald heart, topped with a diamond crown that perfectly accented her spectacular engagement ring.

The sliding door from my dock slammed. Aiden was packed and ready to go for our fishing trip. I carefully put my vows and the rings into my wand case and grabbed my phone. I tried to sneak out a text to Ava before Aiden made it to my room and caught me.

Ah, ah, ah…no contact with Ava until tonight. I am under strict orders. Aiden stopped me just before I had a chance to hit Send. I quickly wondered whether she would listen for my thoughts today, but knew Hannah would have that area covered.

Let me just send her a quick text. We promised no talking. I felt like a child and began to get irritated.

Noticing my disdain, Aiden agreed to my plea.

Give me a minute then Aiden. Or are you going to be looking over my shoulder?

Aiden walked out of my room and shut the door behind him. I wished Ava and I could spend the day together. I had no idea what the purpose of keeping us apart truly was, when she was the only person who could actually keep me calm on a day like today. I took out my phone. I knew Hannah would be over Ava’s shoulder and read every word.

I quickly typed:

Missing you right now. Can’t wait to make you my wife. I love you, forever.

Just as I walked out to meet Aiden, my pocket began to vibrate. I pulled out my phone to see Ava’s reply:

I have decided to make everyone address me as Mrs. McGregor from now on. I love you forever…and ever…and ever…

I couldn’t help but grin