The Twelfth House: Turn of the Zodiac, #3

By Ashley R Scott

1 missing Zodiac. 3 realms fighting for him. 1 chance to find him first.

 

Where would you look for a missing Zodiac?

 

As the mages continue their quest for the birthstones, Ciara must do everything she can to keep that from happening. To make matters worse, a Zodiac is missing.

 

That isn't her only problem. Ciara struggles to hold the Guardians together, but tensions are high as the mages grow closer and their moves more daring.

 

The hunt for Pisces and his birthstone heats up as the wheel of the Zodiac shifts into his house, and Ciara finds herself in a race to find him.

 

Pisces is hidden by the magic of the mages and he's closer than she knows. Will Ciara find him before the mages disappear with him for good?

 

The Twelfth House is the third book in the thrilling urban fantasy series, Turn of the Zodiac. If you like supernatural adventure, a mystery that you can't put down and diving into a unique world full of magic and Zodiacs, then this book is for you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashley R Scott
• Release date: Apr 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9781951427979

Ashley R Scott

Ashley R Scott lives in Reno with her boyfriend and furbaby, Zeus.  Even though she misses certain things about her home state of Texas, she loves the area and everything it has to offer.  When she isn’t writing or making local commercials at her day job, she spends her time reading, working on video projects, and enjoying adventures and travel with her two favorite boys.

Book preview

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE ZODIACS

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THE HOUSE OF PISCES

A drop of water, if it could write out its own history, would explain the universe to us. Lucy Larcom

In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time. Leonardo da Vinci

Each house corresponds to one of the Zodiacs. The Twelfth House is ruled by Pisces, and the planets Neptune and Jupiter.

It is commonly known as the House of Self-Undoing and focuses on the hidden self and the subconscious. It includes what takes us away from everyday life.

It is the most misunderstood house.

It is thought to include the collective unconscious of humanity. The Twelfth House is the house of institutions, secrets, grief, seclusion and unknown enemies. It's also the house of reflection, self-sacrifice, and dreams.

1

There’s a pounding in my head, and I squeeze my eyes shut, waiting in the darkness as my chest tight with a full breath. The silence returns and I let it out in a sigh of relief, settling back into my pillow and drifting into an uneasy sleep.

The banging returns.

A growl escapes my throat as I roll over, peering at my clock and blinking rapidly to bring the harsh light of the glowing green numbers into focus. It’s four o’clock in the morning. No way am I getting up.

I snuggle down into the sheets, bringing the blankets all the way up under my chin, and close my eyes. My body jolts into a sitting position as frantic knocks echo through the house from the front door. I sit, listening intently, my breath quickening in my throat.

What the hell is going on? The pounding on my front door continues, growing faster and louder. My feet hit the floor, wincing at the cold wood. I rush out of the room and down the stairs, my steps beating in rhythm to the banging on my door and racing heart.

I stop just short of the door as the noise stops, my hand hovering centimeters over the handle, and I peer out the peephole. My breath whooshes out in a sigh of relief.

Jocelyn stands on my front porch, her flaming red hair a bright orange in the yellow glow of the porch light. She folds her arms across her chest and her hazel eyes narrow as she glares at the peephole. The brief thought crosses my mind that she knows I'm standing there.

Taking a step back, I twist the lock and pull the door open, greeted by a blast of cold February air. What the hell, Jocelyn? Do you know what time it is?

What the hell yourself. Do you know how long I’ve been standing on your porch? It’s cold out here. What took you so long? She brushes past me, stopping just inside the living room to shed her cobalt puff coat and matching hat, tossing it across the back of my couch.

Rolling my eyes, I shut the door, making sure the lock is firmly in place, and follow my friend as she disappears into the kitchen. What are you doing here?

Jocelyn flips the switch, and light floods the room, causing both of us to squint. You don’t have any coffee on? I’m shocked.

Why would I have coffee made? You woke me up. Are you sure you know what time it is? I frown at my friend, both concerned at her visit and irritated that she got me out of bed.

It’s early, I know. I’m making coffee. Jocelyn flits around the kitchen, starting the pot and grabbing mugs and creamer.

I wouldn't exactly call this early. More like the middle of the night. I settle into a heavy wooden chair at the table, sighing as I resign myself to the fact that I’m probably done sleeping for the night. What’s going on? Not that I don’t love your visits, but why are you here right now?

She stops for a second, watching me closely, her brows knitted in a slight frown. I just finished hiding both of my pieces of Leo’s birthstone. They’re in separate places, but I believe they’re safe.

She pauses, wringing her hands. I’m sorry, but I’m not going to tell you where I hid them.

I wave her off, leaning back in my chair. Don’t worry about it. I don’t want to know. It's one less thing to worry about, and I’m sure you did fine. It’s probably best if you don’t tell anyone.

Jocelyn hesitates for a second then nods, returning to the coffee pot as it sputters the last of the water through the machine. Thanks. It’s weird, keeping a secret from you, but I also don’t want to put you in any more danger.

There’s enough trouble without all that. I roll my eyes, sighing as my mind wanders to the fact that Pisces is still missing. I've fully embraced my new life, but I secretly long for the day that those I love will no longer be in danger.

Jocelyn snorts as she sits down across from me, pushing a steaming mug in my direction. What’re you thinking about?

I shake my head to clear the thoughts that are quickly turning bleak. Pisces.

Oh yeah. Any word on that? Do you know what you’re supposed to do? Jocelyn takes a cautious sip, careful not to burn herself.

Left in the dark as usual. I know the wheel of the Zodiac has turned again and I know they’re getting desperate to find him, but they haven't given me any more instructions. They’re just going to show up at my door and send me out on another emergency mission. I chew on my bottom lip, staring at my friend. The question is, where will they send me this time? I'm not interested in another trip to mage land.

I guess that’s what we do now. Jocelyn snickers, then she bursts out into full laughter.

A second passes, but I can’t help myself as I join in, relieving some of the stress. Lifting the mug to my lips, I close my eyes, enjoying the sweet taste of chocolate and caffeine. Have you heard from Mierna lately?

No. I don’t even know how to get in touch with Mierna if I need her. She’s supposed to be helping me. Jocelyn slumps into her chair, her lips in a pout as she toys with the handle of her cup.

I think she’s just supposed to be your protection. Maybe she’s watching you somehow. I snicker as her face twists into a look of shock, her eyebrows shooting high on her forehead.

Jocelyn leans forward in her chair, resting her elbows on the table. That’s ridiculous and also a little creepy.

I shrug my shoulders. You never know with all this stuff. There’s still so much we don’t understand.

My thoughts are interrupted by a loud crash in my living room. Without hesitation, we both leap from our chairs, racing toward the sound.

We slow down as we reach the darkness of the living room, giving our eyes a second to adjust. Through the shadows, I see a dark figure slowly stand.

Jocelyn taps my shoulder, and I throw a glance at her as the years of our friendship allow us to communicate without words. We nod, understanding the silent plan.

I sneak around the edge of the room, sticking close to the wall as Jocelyn follows directly behind me. My heart hammers in my chest as the figure stands perfectly still, like a statue, beside my couch.

My hands reach back for the wall, and I brace myself, coiling like a snake and ready to strike. I take a deep breath and launch myself directly at the figure, and the man grunts as we connect. The force of my tackle takes us both to the floor.

Jocelyn cries out behind us as she adds her force to the fray. We roll around in a pile, knocking into furniture.

Hands fly as we work to subdue the intruder. Moments later, Jocelyn and I pin him down, with me sitting on his chest, his arms pinned beneath my knees and Jocelyn perched firmly on his legs.

Are you finished yet? The male voice is firm and grumpy. My stomach drops as I recognize it immediately.

He grunts as I scramble off him, dragging Jocelyn with me, and quickly flip on a lamp that stayed on the table in the chaos.

My dad blinks in the sudden light, rubbing his head.

As heat floods my cheek, I reach down to help him stand. Sorry about that.

That’s quite the welcome. He frowns at me, but I detect a hint of pride in his voice. He struggles to his feet, standing straight, several inches taller than me but still under six feet. He watches me with eyes as green as my own beneath dark hair that’s graying at the temples and straightens his brown leather jacket.

What are you doing here, Dad? And how did you get in? The door is locked. I glance at the door to make sure.

Dad stretches his body, rubbing his arms where my knees had been.

How do you think? He can do the magic poof thing, Jocelyn says as she lowers herself on the couch.

I roll my eyes. Alright. What are you doing here?

Are they ever going to teach you to do that? Can you do that? Why can’t Aidan do that? Jocelyn asks, bouncing lightly on the cushion.

She slowly stops as my dad and I both fix her with a glare. We came to deliver a quick message.

We? I ask.

Yes, we, another familiar male voice says from behind me. I spin around to find myself staring up at Capricorn, and the sight of him still fills me with awe.

Capricorn tucks his hands into the sleeves of his pine- colored robes, hiding the ghostly outline of gray fur. His silver goatee swings with the movement, and the horns of the goat stick out from the sides of his head. He carries himself with the air of royalty as head of the Zodiac Council, but tonight his eyes are shadowed and tired.

I take a step closer, locking eyes with him to keep myself from staring at his horns. The green and gold rings of his eyes mesmerize me.

He dips his head, the barest hint of a smile brushing his lips. I’m glad to see you are already up.

Apparently we’re having a slumber party. My words are grumpy because I’m convinced terrible news is coming, and I move over to the couch and sit next to Jocelyn.

Capricorn tilts his head to the side, watching me as his gray brows blend in a frown.

I sigh. Never mind.

My dad gives me a stern look, and I turn my eyes to the floor. This is important, he says.

It’s always important, and it’s always something that I don’t understand. It’s always dangerous, and I never have any information. I fold my arms, fighting the tired tears that pool in my eyes.

It’s okay, girl. Capricorn’s voice is soft, and slowly I raise my eyes from the floor to meet his. Normally, I hate when he calls me girl, but tonight there's comfort in his voice.

His eyes look sad, and the corners of his mouth tip down. We’re not sending you anywhere just yet.

My heart sinks, and I suddenly feel for the Zodiac. We’ll probably never have an actual relationship, but I’m surprised to find that I already look at him as a father figure. You look tired. What is it?

Capricorn hesitates for a second.

Too many trips to Earth. Donnelly. He gestures to my dad even as he continues to hold my gaze.

Dad steps closer, shoving his hands in the pocket of his brown leather coat. Call a meeting of the Guardians now. More mages are arriving on Earth, and everyone is in danger.

My heart sinks. I’ve been trying to put together a meeting for a month now. Everyone is afraid, and the Guardians don’t want to go to Mt. Rose.

I’m afraid they don’t have a choice. You need to get together and devise a plan. Everyone needs to know the facts, and you need to figure out how you’re going to fight against the mages. Dad paces as he talks.

I frown at him. Then someone should tell them that. They don’t want to listen to me.

A light breeze ruffles my hair, and I look up at Capricorn.

The other Guardians are receiving their messages at this very moment. They will obey. Be there tonight, Capricorn says.

Tonight? My voice comes out a little higher than I plan. What exactly am I supposed to say to them?

Capricorn stares at me, his demeanor stiff and back to business. I have no doubt you’ll figure it out. Take your friend to assure the Guardians about the broken stone.

He glances at my dad. It’s time.

Time for what? I look from Capricorn to my dad.

Dad presses his lips in a thin line as he stops pacing. Aidan and I will be there tonight for some added security. See you then.

My heart skips a beat at the sound of Aidan’s name. Aidan’s coming?

I catch a glimpse of my dad’s smirk as he and Capricorn pop out of sight.

That’s so cool that they do that. What’s the matter? Jocelyn matches my frown as she turns to look at me.

Nothing. I’m super excited about more riddles. I glare at the spot where Capricorn had been standing moments before. And why are you excited? You’re going with me.

Jocelyn’s eyes widen. I guess we better go finish that coffee.

The light slips from the late gray afternoon sky as I watch from the kitchen table, my hands wrapped around my fifth cup of coffee. I yawn so hard that my eyes water. It’s been a long day, and my mind is a whirlwind of thoughts about tonight.

Jocelyn went home early this morning to get some sleep before the big meeting. I tried to stay busy, to make a plan for tonight, but I couldn’t concentrate with all the questions.

A knock on the front door shakes me from my thoughts, and I slip from the table, knowing it’s Jocelyn. I twist the lock and open it, stepping aside as she rushes inside, shaking off the cold.

She’s wrapped tightly in a heavy coat, scarf, and matching hat, all shades of purple. Jocelyn rubs her hands and gives me a half smile. Are you ready for this?

I shrug my shoulders. Are we ever ready for any of this? We’re heading out with more questions than answers.

Jocelyn snickers. Thanks for that cheery thought. Should we go?

With a sigh, I head to the closet and grab my jacket and scarf, and follow Jocelyn out of the house.

Most of the snow in the city has melted, even though the temperatures are still chilly. The Sierra Nevada mountains that circle the Washoe Valley are capped with snow and as majestic as ever. My eyes land on Mt. Rose as our boots squish through the soggy ground, and I wonder how much trouble we’ll have getting up to the snowy peak.

Jocelyn walks up to the passenger side of my Jeep, waiting patiently for me to unlock the doors. Are Aidan and your dad meeting us up there?

I hit the button on my keys, and the lights flash with the click of the locks. Yup.

It feels weird asking about your dad. Jocelyn scrunches her face.

I nod as we slip inside the vehicle, and the engine hums to life as I turn the key. Only a few months ago, I had no idea who my father was or even if he was alive, and now he’s around whenever the Zodiacs let him. We’ve forged an easy relationship, but sometimes it still seems strange to talk about him.

Jocelyn glances over at me. Are you excited to see Aidan? Mischief sparkles in her eyes as she waggles her eyebrows at me.

My heartbeat quickens, and I can’t hide the smile on my lips. Of course. I just hope that someday I can see him when we aren’t in immediate danger.

Someday. Jocelyn snickers.

Rolling my eyes, I put the Jeep into gear and back out of the driveway, navigating the city streets until we reach the highway. I take the ramp onto 395 South and head toward Mt. Rose.

We ride in silence for a while, with me guiding the Jeep in between the traffic on the highway, and Jocelyn staring out the window, watching the buildings slide by.

I shoot a quick glance at her. Do you know what you’re going to say tonight?

She shrugs, keeping her eyes focused out the window. No. I still don’t know what it means to me. Who I am now and how I’m supposed to learn everything. I guess that’s how you feel too.

I nod slowly, chewing on my bottom lip. I don’t know very much either. Every time I think I learn something, I end up with a dozen more things that I didn’t know.

A deep sigh escapes me, and I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders.

How’s your magic? Jocelyn asks, adding cheer to her voice to lighten the mood.

I roll my eyes. I’m still trying to get a handle on that, too. When I practice, it doesn’t seem to go right. My best magic comes out with my emotions or when I’m in trouble.

Jocelyn snorts. I can’t wait to see what happens next. That’s alright. Make jokes. You wait until you have to learn whatever magic you have. I snicker.

She groans, leaning back in her seat. I can’t believe we’re actually talking about this. It seems so crazy, but it kinda feels right, too.

I take a moment to think about that as I take the Mt. Rose highway exit. She’s right. It seems like a missing piece has finally been put into place.

Do you remember how to get to the meeting place? Jocelyn asks.

I hope so. I’ve only been up here once, Mom was driving, and I was terrified about the ritual waiting for me. I chuckle.

I let my foot off the gas as we climb higher up the mountain highway. The snow has returned this high up, and the roads are slick. My grip tightens on the wheel as I concentrate on my driving. The back of my neck tingles and I know our turn is coming up.

A moment later, I barely see the side road that leads to the Guardian meeting place. I take the turn a little sharp, guiding the Jeep through the tire tracks on the snowy gravel road, swinging in and out between the trees.

Jocelyn hangs on to the door