Bound To Darkness: Excalibar Investigations Series, #2

By Tiffany Shand

An elemental, a witch, and a new case that threatens to tear their world apart at the seams.

Cate McCray has relied on her resilient nature to get her through the worst of times and so far, it's worked. Ready to start over after a rough patch, this witch and her new elemental husband are excited to spend their lives together.

Putting the courtship that risked both their lives behind them won't be easy, but both are ready to start fresh.

Their new beginning leads them to a new city along with a new case. The dangerous connections to their world's most powerful elites begs the question, does the past ever really die? The pair must work with Cate's strongest enforcers to end this threat and save humanity. There's one small problem; bodies are piling up, alliances are falling apart, and Cate and Jason don't know who they can trust. Well, maybe it's not a small problem… but they can still trust each other, right?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tiffany Shand
• Release date: Jan 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201112967

Tiffany Shand

Tiffany Shand was born in Essex, UK and started writing short stories when she was a child. She has always done writing in one form or another and started writing novels in her early teens. She writes both non-fiction and fiction, but mostly fantasy and paranormal romance. After doing a creative writing course in her early 20s she is now a freelance writer and professional proofreader. Tiffany lives in Essex with her two spoiled cats and one very nutty hamster.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The honeymoon is definitely over, Cate McCray thought as she engaged her car’s protective shield and a blast of kinetic energy battered against it. It doesn’t look like we’re going to make it to the temple on time either. They pulled up on the side of the road, gravel flying as the car screeched to a halt and prepared for battle.

She didn’t know how the Devas had found them, but they were getting more persistent. She looked over at her husband, Jason, who smiled at her as he climbed out of the car. He was enjoying this.

Hell, nothing like a good battle to start off your morning. Cate raised her hand to deflect the next blast of energy, the star birthmark on her wrist glowing brightly.

Jason leapt forward and shot out a bolt of lightning, hitting the first Deva, who staggered backwards.

She closed her eyes, trying to summon her own powers, and felt her magic stir. She tried to conjure her new ability, imagining the silver fire form. Nothing happened, and she gritted her teeth.

She brushed her long, blue hair off her face and pulled her knife out of her belt; then moved from the safety of her car’s shield and headed towards the nearest Deva, who was a female. Ready to die witch?

Unusual to have a female Deva, Cate thought. Bitchy, too!

Cate’s sapphire blue eyes narrowed. Not today. Are you? 

Bitchy smiled and unleashed another violent burst of invisible power. Cate let the energy wash over her and raised her senses to shield herself against the brunt of the blast. She resisted the urge to give in and let her powers take full control. The female attacked again, but seeing her power was having little effect, she marched towards Cate.

Cate blocked the first blow, stepped back as Bitchy tried to strike her again, and grinned. Wow, for all your powers, Devas don’t fight well.

The Deva lunged at her and Cate spun into a roundhouse kick, then thrust her knife into the woman’s abdomen.

Bitchy grunted and Cate wished they experienced pain for longer than a few seconds. The woman struck her hard across the face; the blow was so powerful it knocked her to the ground.

Cate’s power flared once again, and her eyes flashed bright silver. The knife flew back into her hand as she dodged another blow and scrambled up. She raised her senses; power shimmered in her eyes and matched the woman blow for blow. With another sharp kick, she sent the woman crashing to the ground.

Cate focused her power on the knife and directed it to her intended target. The blade buried itself in the Deva’s chest and flashed with silver orbs. A look of what seemed to be surprise showed on the Deva’s face just before her body exploded in a violent rush of energy that shook the air.

She let out a sigh of relief and watched the male Deva meet the same fate as his partner as Jason incinerated him.

Damned Devas, she muttered and sheathed her knife, then leant back against the car’s bonnet. They’re like gnats. Are you alright?

I’m fine. Sorry about the Death Dealers. Jason slipped an arm around her shoulders. I hate putting you in danger.

Cate waved a hand dismissively. That’s sweet, but if it leads us to your dad, then I don’t mind killing a few of the buggers. She reached up and gave him a quick kiss.

It still amazed her that he could make her feel so complete. Even after being married for a few months, he still made her heart melt.

Jason smiled and brushed her hair off her face. We’ll have to head back to Lorden soon.

She groaned, the bliss of the moment fading. I know. Let’s get moving then.

As they pulled up, Cate glanced down at the map on Ruby’s onboard computer. It showed only a mass of green. No street names or signs of any buildings appeared within a two-mile radius. Are you sure this is the right place? She touched the screen to expand Ruby’s sensors. There are no life signs in this area.

When she tried to cast her senses out, Jason gripped her wrist. It’s safer if we don’t use our powers. Less chance of the Devas finding us again.

I hope the Nuardan who contacted you is still here.

Cate and Jason climbed out of the car, and he took her hand. Leaves crunched under their feet as they moved through a glade of trees. The bare branches snaked across the clearing, forming an archway above their heads with pools of sunlight streaming through. The sounds of rustling leaves, birds singing, and the scurry of wildlife made Cate long for the drone and buzz of the city. 

Yet Jason looked perfectly content and at home in this natural element. Although somewhat out-of-place wearing jeans and a grey shirt and leather jacket.

Cate was glad she’d dressed in jeans, a black t-shirt and boots. She’d expected to teleport to the temple, not to hike there. But her car, Ruby, was too big to get through.

Jason stopped and glanced around. His silver eyes scanning every inch of their surroundings.

Cate tensed and reached for her power, then let it go again. The last thing they needed was for the Devas to find them again. Instead, she focused on using her natural senses. The smell of moss and pine filled the air, but it suddenly became very quiet.

Jason let go of her hand and moved around in a circle. I know it’s here somewhere.

She narrowed her eyes and looked around at the endless array of gnarled trees and creaking branches. Then spotted a branch twisting off into a different direction. I think I see something. She moved closer and felt the ground beneath her feet vibrate with energy. A definite sign she now stood on holy ground.

Jason came over and the branches twisted and groaned, moving aside to reveal thick, grey rock and an entrance to the temple. Runes were etched into the stones and vines covered the rock face of the ancient doorway. The rest of the temple lay hidden under the thick mass of trees and foliage, making it impossible to see how large the building was.

At six foot six, Jason had to duck to get through the door and at six foot herself; Cate bumped her head on the door frame and cursed.

They headed inside the temple to see a couple standing by a large Silveron circle engraved into the wall. A stone altar sat off to one side. The air smelt of dampness and age. Dead leaves covered the dirt floor, and echoes whispered around the room of days long past.

Ah, you are here. The old man smiled. It’s an honour to meet you both. I’m Emrys, and this is my wife, Vivienne.

Nice to meet you. Cate sent her senses out now and realised Vivienne was a Denai. She felt waves of power coming from the elderly couple and wondered if they were indeed friend or foe.

Emrys was a Nuardan who stood over six feet with long, grey hair and crystal blue eyes, and a weathered face. Vivienne had green eyes and her silver hair fell past her shoulders. Jason had heard about them from a contact during their search to find other Nuardans. They’d never met the couple before and had been surprised when Emrys had contacted them.

Vivienne rose from her position on the floor and dusted off her long, blue robe. We must be here for when they come through the portal.

Who is coming? asked Cate and raised an eyebrow. 

Refugees from Setara. Witches escaping from the Ashrali’s rule.

Are they Denai?

Vivienne shook her head. No. They’re witches, but not descendants of Denai.

Jason paced up and down, his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

Relax, boy, said Emrys and picked up a long wooden staff. We are safe from the Death Dealers while on holy ground.

Devas were beings created by the Ashrali in Setara. They possessed strong telekinetic powers, were immune to most weapons and magics, and hunted anyone who their leader Oberoth viewed as a threat.

Death Dealers? Cate’s brow creased in confusion.

It’s what Devas are called in Setara. A fitting name, said Emrys and stared at Jason. You look just like him.

With short, black hair, dazzling silver eyes and Jason was all rippling muscle and looked like a fallen god. As a Nuardan, he had power over the earth and all its natural elements. As the prophesied Goddess Marked, Cate had the abilities of all Denais, along with other talents thanks to her being half Ashrali fey and part elemental Phoenix.

Jason frowned. "Who?

Your father, Jalen.

Is he alive? he stuttered. We’ve been trying to find him for the past few months, but it’s hard.

Hard was an understatement. Every time he tried using his senses, the Devas picked up on it and soon arrived.

He was the last time we saw him. You know it’s more dangerous when Nuardans are together.

I know.

Cate took his hand and squeezed it. Jason smiled and wrapped an arm around her, kissing the top of her forehead.

Are you soul bonded? Vivienne asked.

They both nodded. They had only been married a few months since Cate had almost died during her ascension into immortality. Being soul bonded meant they were bound to each other for eternity and could pick up on each other’s thoughts and emotions.

I thought so. That can’t have been easy given who you both are.

How...? Cate asked.

Vivienne smiled. I can sense the power of our coven’s high priestess. The Grand Mistress has always been a powerful force.

I’m just the Second Grand Mistress – it’s complicated, she replied. I thought Jason and I were the only witch and Nuardan to be bonded.

We have been together for eight thousand years now. Emrys clutched his wife’s hand and smiled.

How or why did you age? Cate asked and shook her head. Sorry, enforcer habit of asking questions.

At that, she thought about the rest of the team and felt a pang of guilt at not being there for them.

We decided to age hoping that the Death Dealers would no longer come after us, said Emrys. I thought an old Nuardan would be of little interest to them.

Have you been running all these centuries? asked Jason.

Our plan worked to an extent, but I could never regret bonding with Emrys, Vivienne said. No race should be a slave to anyone’s will.

The temple trembled, sending dust flying everywhere as the stones groaned from the sudden onslaught.

Cate raised her mental shields and the icy presence she’d been dreading crawled across her senses. Devas.

Damn it, they must have followed us here, Jason groaned.

What’s to stop them from destroying the temple? she asked. I know Devas can’t set foot on holy ground, but...

Their power can’t destroy anything on hallowed ground, said Emrys. They can try, but we’re safe inside these walls.

You’re welcome to come to Lorden with us, Cate added.

It would be good to see the Serenity again.

I– Another tremor cut her off as power stirred the air.

The portal! Emrys grinned. Someone is trying to open it.

They must be having trouble getting through. Vivienne touched the wall where the large circle of Silveron stood.

Can’t you open it? Jason prompted.

Not from this side, no, replied Emrys. If the Devas on their side catch them, they are as good as dead.

Devas can come and go through the old portals, explained Vivienne. Only the Ashralis have power over them.

I’m half Ashrali. What do I have to do? Cate stepped forward and rolled up her sleeves.

It’s not something that can be taught. Few ever have the ability to open the ancient doorways, said Vivienne. You are the Goddess Marked. Focus on the portal and try to imagine one opening.

Try placing your hand on it, Emrys suggested.

Cate placed her right palm on the ancient stone and tried to imagine a door opening. I’m not very good at this kind of thing, she said when nothing happened.

You’re young. Control will come in time, the old man reassured her.

Jason, perhaps you should help. A bond binds your powers to each other, Vivienne added.

Jason touched the other side of the circle, staring at the strange runes etched into the metal. Now what?

I don’t know. How about a spell? She yelped when she felt a violent jolt. Bright blue light burst through and formed into a glowing portal.

Jason and Cate both backed away as four women came falling through the portal. They all wore dark black dresses with square necklines. Next came a dark-haired man dressed in a red uniform. The portal snapped closed behind him.

Whoa, that was close! remarked one witch.

Cate frowned, instantly recognising the brunette with green eyes. Murphy? What the hell are you doing here?

Murphy grinned and threw her arms around Cate. Hey, cousin, she said. Hi, Talbot.

Murphy, Jason replied, raising an eyebrow at her.

Cate turned her attention to the guard, noticing the diamond sigil on his tunic. He introduced himself as Captain Daniel Ethan, an enforcer from Lorden.

Cate, these witches are from Setara, Murphy told her. This is Zara, Mali and Elsa.

The three women all had short, dark hair which looked like it had been hacked off. Elsa had dark eyes, and the other two blue ones. They clung to each other, shaking.

Elsa sagged against the other two witches.

Elsa, this is my cousin. The Denai I told you about, Murphy went on.

Is anyone hurt? Cate asked, then noticed the blood seeping from Elsa’s chest.

One of the Death Dealers struck her, said Zara.

We need to get out of here, said Jason. Captain, are you able to fight?

Daniel glanced at Jason, no doubt wondering who he was.

Commander Talbot is my husband and the Grand Master of the Mavis Order, explained Cate.

Daniel straightened. Yes, my lord.

Good, let’s go. We’ll distract the Devas while you get them to the car.

We need to treat this wound first, Vivienne remarked.

Do you know how to fight? Cate asked the other two witches.

Witches don’t have any kind of combat training in their world, Murphy replied and hitched a backpack over her shoulder.

Right, and you have a lot of explaining to do as to why you were in Setara, Cate said to her cousin in thought.

I was working...

Later, Murphy.

I’m not much of a healer, Cate said as Elsa sat down. Maybe if you feed from...

Elsa shook her head. It’s too late for that. This is a mortal wound.

Nonsense, we’ll get you to Lorden and find a healer, said Murphy. Won’t we, Cate?

But Cate knew the wound was close to the witch’s heart, and she felt Elsa’s life force ebbing. Emrys, can you do anything?

Alas, my dear. I am no healer. Emrys sighed. I’ll be outside with Jason.

You must listen, Elsa said. I have little time left. Something is coming. Something old and powerful.

You should rest, she suggested. Save your strength. Murphy’s right, we have good healers...

Child, we both know I’ll die. Be truthful, one priestess to another.

I’m not a priestess, she insisted.

The Grand Mistress is the high priestess to all of our kind. I sense the power, so don’t deny what you are.

She pressed her lips together. What’s coming? Cate prompted.

Elsa breathed heavily. Need more – time... She reached up and grasped Cate’s hand.

Cate gasped as her eyes snapped shut. Lightning flashed across the sky and turned it a dark shade of red. Thick smoke filled the air, clogging her lungs and making her cough.

The – gathering storm is coming – you are part... Elsa’s eyes widened as she let out one shuddering breath. Light exploded around her body in a blinding burst as her soul departed.

Mali let out a sob and Zara put an arm around her.

May the goddess be with you when you reach the heavens, Cate murmured as her hand fell away.

What are we going to do with her body? asked Murphy. We can’t just leave her here.

We don’t have time to bury her either, Cate pointed out.

Inferno, said Vivienne. Her fingers sparked with fire and flames engulfed Elsa’s body. The acrid scent of burning flesh filled the air. Something I learnt from the Ashralis.

Mali and Zara clung to each other and sobbed quietly.

Come on, we need to go, Cate told them.

Ice swept over Cate’s senses, signalling more Devas outside.

Jason cursed, peering outside. What’s wrong? Cate asked as she became aware of his fear.

That’s Vicus, the leader of the Devas. He’s stronger and more powerful than any Deva you’ve met. Jason cursed again. We need to leave. Now.

Captain, can you fight? she asked.

Yes, Daniel replied and drew his gun.

We can’t teleport out of the temple, said Jason. The Deva’s magic will repel ours.

I was afraid of that. Cate sighed, knowing even Ruby’s tech wouldn’t be powerful enough to get everyone out either. Let me worry about Vicus. My husband and I will distract the Devas, she told them.

Ruby, engage weapons, Cate instructed her car. Built like a tank and made from infused Silveron metal, Ruby was almost indestructible and crimson red in colour. It was equipped with its own shield, weapons system and other high-tech equipment that could handle any situation they might face.

A round of energy balls hurled from Ruby’s weapons. Both Devas spun around and bombarded the shield with kinetic blasts.

I’ll keep Vicus busy, said Jason. You get the others out of the temple.

Be careful, she told him.

Cate dodged a kinetic blow as she ran out of the temple. All five car doors including the entrance to the boot flew open. Everyone out!

Daniel came rushing out, weapon at the ready.

Go. Get everyone inside my car. Now!

Daniel looked like he wanted to protest, but motioned the witches towards Ruby. Murphy ran with them and jumped into the car, and Emrys followed behind Cate.

A kinetic gust of energy hurled them both to the ground. Oh, I bloody hate Devas! she thought, the blast faintly burning her skin. She raised her palm to deflect the next blow.

Come on, take my hand! Cate held out her arm to help Emrys to his feet.

A ball of glowing white fire shot from Emrys’s staff, making the second Deva stagger backwards. Emrys grabbed onto Cate and she pulled him up. Thank you, he breathed.

She turned and dragged him towards the car. They were almost within the safety of Ruby’s shield when another Deva appeared.

Witch, give me the Nuardan. His gaze swept over them before fixing on Cate.

Not bloody likely, she replied. Come on, I’m much more valuable than they are.

Hurry, get inside the shield, Cate said, hoping Emrys could hear telepathic communication.

You’re right. The Deva smiled. I’ll take you all.

Cate flung out her arm, using her own kinetic energy to hurl the Deva against Ruby’s shield. He screamed as the energy scalded him, then slumped to the ground, unmoving.

She pushed Emrys towards the car. Then he was finally within the safety of the barrier. Daniel was bundled into the boot with Vivienne, and Emrys scrambled in beside him.

Sit on the back seat, Murphy told the other witches and grabbed a seat belt. Put this around you.

Two Devas battered the barrier with kinetic energy, and a glance at Ruby’s screen warned Cate the shield was starting to fail.

Jason, come on. We need to get out of here!

Cate turned and saw Jason and Vicus locked in a deadly dance as the air flashed with fire and lightning.

Damn it! She had to do something. If Ruby’s protection failed, there wasn’t much standing between the Death Dealers and their intended prey.

Cate’s own magic flared; she raised her senses and closed her eyes, then gave into her power. Fire burnt through her as her eyes glowed silver, blue and then black. Both the witch and the fey within her were awake. She heard the other witches gasp, and Emrys murmured something.

Ruby, disengage weapons and direct all energy to the shield, she said, her voice harsher now.

Silver fireballs formed in Cate’s hands, and the smell of sulphur filled the air. She hurled one at each Deva, instantly incinerating them both. Turning her attention to Vicus, a wave of cold fury washed over her as Jason was struck to the ground.

Cate, don’t! Jason warned. Your powers don’t work against him.

He’s not immune to all my abilities, she reminded him as silver flames shot out through her hands.

Vicus spun and raised his hand, caught hold of the fireball and extinguished it.

Jason cursed, teleported and grabbed hold of Cate, narrowly dragging her out of the way before the kinetic blast could strike. A violent gust of wind whipped across the field, pounding Vicus as a lightning bolt shot down, and made a loud boom as Jason used the elements to hold the Deva back. Cate struggled against his embrace as he carried her towards the car.

Stop! Jason told her and touched her cheek. Cate, come back to me.

Cate snarled, but her power retreated back inside her. She sagged against him.

He shoved her inside the car. Ruby, engage auto-drive. Get us to Lorden now! Jason slammed the driver’s door shut.

Tyres screeched, and the engine roared to life as Ruby shot out of the clearing.

My lady, are you hurt? Daniel asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.

She’ll be fine. Jason took manual control of the car. You shouldn’t have given into your power again, he snapped. Remember what happened last time you did that.

Cate rested her head against the seat, feeling drained. Yes, I almost killed you. But this was different. It’s the only way I could summon the silver fire.

My fire didn’t work on Vicus, she said aloud.

Vicus is different from other Devas. He’s immune to all magics, said Emrys. Except for Ashrali power, but that has limited effect. Was that Phoenix fire I saw you use?

Her lips twitched. Yeah, you could say I’m unique.

Are you alright? she asked Jason. I felt you get hurt.

I’m fine, but I’d say we’re way overdue in getting back to Lorden.

Another blast of invisible energy made the car shudder and groan. Cate touched the dashboard and silver orbs sparkled around them.

They instantly reappeared outside the gates of the huge, towering city. Its spiralling spheres glistened brightly, and the air hummed from the enormous invisible ward which surrounded Lorden. Two Devas dressed in uniforms similar to Daniel’s stood guard, both bearing staff weapons.

Cate rolled her window down. Open the gates, she commanded and heard one of the witches scream from the backseat.

It’s alright. They won’t hurt us, Daniel assured them.

Step out of the vehicle and identify yourself, said the Deva guard.

Vicus is right behind us, muttered Jason, glancing in the rear-view mirror and revving the engine.

I don’t have time for this. Cate raised her hand, and the gates flew open.

***

Jason slammed his foot on the accelerator, shot past the Devas and into the city. He breathed a sigh of relief as they drew up outside the mansion that was home to Cate’s father. Thunder rumbled behind them and the disturbance in the air told Jason they had barely made it into the city in time. But neither Vicus nor the Death Dealers could step foot here.

He glanced over at Cate. She looked weak after using so much energy, so he sent out some of his own power to her through their bond, and she gave him a grateful smile.

His injured shoulder throbbed painfully as the adrenaline wore off, but it’d heal.

They both climbed out of the car as a woman wearing a long white dress came running down the steps and wrapped her arms around Cate. You’re back.

Jason recognised the tall woman with long red hair and sapphire blue eyes as Niara, the Serenity and lady of Lorden, and Cate’s grandmother.

Hi, Grandma. Cate smiled and pulled back. It’s great to see you.

Daniel emerged from the car next and bowed. Serenity. I’ve come with the refugees from Setara.

Niara studied both of them and turned her attention back to the car. Emrys?

The Nuardan emerged from the back. Greetings, lady Niara.

Cate, Jason, come inside, Niara told them. The refugees will be taken care of.

Jason glanced back at Emrys, reluctant to leave their friends, but knew he had to go.

Cate took his hand, and they followed Niara inside. Just being in this place made him uneasy. He had been to Lorden in the past, but he’d never get used to having Devas around, even if they were controlled by Cate’s family.

Niara glided down the corridor, her long pale, now pink hair trailing behind her like a cloak.

Cate squeezed his hand. Don’t worry, the Devas aren’t going to attack you.

No, but your dad might when he sees me again.

He can’t, or he’d be hurting me too.

That doesn’t give me much comfort.

Niara led them into a sitting room with a red and gold decor, gold carpeting, a settee and two armchairs. It’s good to have you home at last, she said. Are you both alright?

We had a few run-ins with some Devas, said Jason.

Nasty bugger named Vicus, Cate said.

Something flickered in Niara’s eyes at the mention of Vicus.

She must know him, Jason realised. After all, Niara was an Ashrali from the very race of people that hunted his kind. Yet he knew she was one of the few on his side and an ally.

Was Vicus after you? Niara asked Jason.

No, he was after Emrys and the refugees, he replied.

They said you know them, Cate remarked.

Yes, I have known them a very long time. You’re not the first witch and Nuardan to bond. I’ll check on them shortly, said Niara. We need to talk about...

Grandma, we’ve been through this, Cate grumbled. Jason and I are going to find his father and try to help free the Nuardans in any way we can.

Yes, and you’re putting yourselves in grave danger, her grandmother said. But first there’s another matter that needs to be taken care of. The council wants to see you both.

Chapter 2

The doors burst open as several people came rushing into the living room before either Jason or Cate had the chance to ask what the council wanted.

Baby sis! Cate’s brother, Ian, was the first one to throw his arms around her; next came her elder brother, Steve.

Ian’s bleached blonde hair was spiked back, his blue eyes smudged with green. His bright pink shirt and neon green jeans clashed with his royal blue trainers. Steve was tall and lean with a mop of brown hair, clear blue eyes and wore his usual rumpled checkered shirt and worn out trousers.

About time you two got back, said their friend, Jade, and hugged Jason.

Jade’s emerald green eyes and mane of red curls shone brightly. Her lilac silk blouse, blue skirt and purple sandals blended in with the colourful fashion favoured by the Ashrali.

Are Mum and Dad getting along now? Cate asked her brothers.

They’re – tolerating each other, said Steve.

Ian smiled. I’m working on getting them back together.

Steve rolled his eyes. I keep trying to tell him to stay out of it.

Ian, don’t go stirring things up, warned Cate.

So, what’s happening? Ian asked, changing the subject and wrapping an arm around his sister. To the team, I mean. Is there still a team?

Yeah, you’ve been so busy looking for Nuardans we’ve been wondering if there is still an Excalibar now. You’re the Grand Mistress, Jade pointed out.

Jason saw Cate flinch at the words Grand Mistress and knew she was still trying to come to terms with the reality of the situation.

There’s still a team, Cate assured them. "Just because the