Witchling: Curse of Kin

By Ann B Harrison

From Best Selling author, Ann B Harrison comes a paranormal series for younger readers originally published under the pen name Ari Harper.
Nera is a normal teenage girl living in Ireland, or so she thought until she discovers the family secret. Now her world is forever changed.
Descended from a long line of witches, she discovers she is the one who has to stop the curse that has taken the life of every girl before her.
And if that isn't enough, she must learn to use magic from the man called Bones. He is the son of Mari, Queen of the Witches...and a god. It is Bones who has been entrusted to teach her the skills she needs to stay alive, which wouldn't be so bad if he didn't have an uncanny knack for pushing her buttons.
Can Nera succeed and resist the charms of the man who gets under her skin at every opportunity?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ann B Harrison
• Release date: Feb 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201648800

Book preview

Chapter One

The smell of smoke pricked at my nostrils and dragged my concentration away from my math test. I looked sideways as it swirl over the floor like a silent, deadly serpent, coiling around the desks and feet of my classmates. I listened for the crackle that accompanied the smoke and the flames licked along the floorboards. Cold sweat broke out on my neck and ran down my spine, galvanizing me out of my chair.

I tried to call out, but my throat locked. No one seemed to notice the flames creeping up the walls toward the ceiling. I shook so hard I could hardly walk. Struggling, I pushed between the desks toward Mr. Devon at the front of the class. Surely he could see the flames creeping up the walls by now.

He looked up. Nera, please go back to your seat and finish your test. His brow wrinkled in a frown.

My mouth worked as I tried to get the words out, but they refused to budge past my burning throat. Changing track, I turned toward the door in a blind frenzy. I had to get out! Tears blurring my vision, and I could hardly breathe for the smoke that surrounded me. I reached for the door handle and jerked my hand away as the hot metal burned my palm.

Nera, what are you doing? Mr. Devon hurried toward me.

I slumped to the floor, burned and struggling for breath.

Brie, get the headmistress!

I pulled my body into a ball and opened my mouth in a halfhearted attempt to scream. Somehow I knew that the pain in my throat would only get worse if I tried, so I closed it again. The kids crowded around me, oblivious to the flames engulfing the room. Their voices faded away, and I sank deeper into my own little dark hole.

When I resurfaced from my inner retreat, I forced my eyelids open a crack. The voices in the room were loud after the silence of my own mind. I was in the headmistress's office lying on my side on the old threadbare brown couch, its scratchy fabric prickling my cheek. Dad knelt down beside me.

Nera, honey, are you okay? He stroked my hair from my eyes.

I don't know, I whispered, my voice cracking. I was doing my math test, and things just went a little fuzzy. I couldn't get out of the classroom.

I looked at the floor, unwilling to meet his gaze and reveal the untruth of my words. The smell of smoke clung to my hair, and my throat was raw. My hands were red and angry. I hugged them close to my body so he couldn't see the blisters.

You know how teenage girls are now, Mr. O'Reilly, Mrs. White said. So dramatic, and it was only a test. Nera could well do with some breathing exercises to calm her down a little. So over the top. A frown marred her face.

I know my own daughter, and she is not dramatic. Now, if you will excuse us, I am taking Nera home. Dad leaned down to pick me up off the couch. The headmistress was brushed to one side as my father walked out the door with me hugging into his chest, the safest place I knew.

Dramatic, my ass. I chewed over her words. I was anything but dramatic, and even if I hated to admit it, I really needed to sort this out. Nightmares in the privacy of my own room were one thing, but having them during the day scared the crap out of me. For more than three years I had almost talked myself into being used to them but not after today.

Brie and Sully, my two best friends in the world, were hovering outside the school building waiting for us. Brie fluttered around me making soothing noises while Sully followed quietly.

Guys, why don't you give Nera a call a little later this afternoon, Dad said, looking over his shoulder at them. Let me get her home to rest, and we can take it from there.

They stood looking at me, pale and silent while he belted me in. I saw them get smaller in the side mirror the farther we drove away. I snuck a glance at my father from under my lashes. His mouth was tight, and his eyebrows were drawn together in thought as he drove. He knew I was the level-headed one in the family. Not that I couldn't throw a hissy fit every now and then, but generally I was a stable type of person, always had been. I could tell he didn't know what to say to me.

Same here. My God, what am I going to do?

We pulled into the driveway, and Dad parked in the carport that was built on the side of the garage. Dad had renovated the garage into an office after he moved here from Dublin so he could work from home. It was nice to have him around whenever we need him.

He came around to my door to help me out. When he slid his arm out to support me, I stumbled against the door, putting out my hands automatically to stop my fall. I grimaced as my blistered palm made contact with the car.

Are you okay, honey?

Fine, just a little fuzzy still, I mumbled. I hugged my sore hands to my body while he helped me into the house.

He fluffed up a couple of pillows and settled me on the couch before ducking back into the kitchen. Moments later, he returned with a glass. Water in case you get thirsty, Nera. Stroking my head again, he dropped a kiss on my hair and promised to check on me later.

I leaned back against the pillows, closed my eyes, and let my mind wander over the morning's episode. As I waited for Brie and Sully to finish school, I tried to work out how this last episode unfolded. All I could remember was the headache and the smoke. I couldn't wait until they came over to find out what they saw. From what I could tell I had two choices. It was either talk to them about it or let things go on as they had been. But that would mean slowly going insane by myself, and to be honest, I'd rather tell them everything and feel like I was going insane with my friends instead. I really shouldn't drag them into this. It's selfish to tell them just because I don't want to deal with it alone anymore.

The clock ticked on the wall, and I sat quietly a little longer, willing it to move faster. I realized then and there that I was going to tell the truth, regardless of how selfish it felt. Stuff like this was just too big to handle by myself, whether I liked it or not.

They arrived after school like a small whirlwind. Brie ran in and grabbed me in a big hug, squealing as if she hadn't seen me for weeks. Her eyes shone brightly, and she held her head tilted to one side while she waited for me to spill my guts. Sully was picking at the skin around his fingernails, watching me from under his lashes. His forehead was tight, and he was giving me sympathetic looks.

Brie stroked my arm; that irritated me half to death. She was honestly a sweetheart, but some days she just overdid the whole let-Brie-look-after-you routine. I much preferred to be snapped out of it, not pampered as she was doing now.

Nera, what happened? Brie ran her hands down her skirt, smoothing the material over her knees before meeting my gaze again. We were all doing our test, heads down and really into it when you started acting all weird and tried to get out of the classroom. You had a really desperate look on your face. She was watching me closely.

I had never been the nervy type, so I knew my behavior was totally out of character and I could tell she was itching for me to fill her in. Brie hated missing out on anything. I hadn't told her about any of the nightmares. I hadn't had a good enough reason to until now.

I really don't know. I ran my fingertips through my hair before tugging hard on a lock. This is the first time I have had one of these dreams during the day. I glanced between them for signs of disbelief. "But it wasn't a dream, it felt real."

Brie's mouth fell open. Sully shook his head and mumbled to himself.

What, Sully? Spit it out. I swung my feet down to the ground.

It's just that, well I…um, I think I know what it could be. He looked at his hands, then his gaze found mine.

What? Tell me. I stood up and started to pace the floor.

I think you are having premonitions. You know some people can see into the future. Maybe that's what you are seeing.

Don't be ridiculous, Sully. A small chill ran down the back of my neck. That's the sort of thing Brie would come up with, not you. And even if it was, I could maybe understand the fire, but the other dream, the one that I have when my throat is cut with a sword? That wouldn't happen these days. No way. You are reaching there, I said in reference to the other dream that plagued me.

It's not like I don't believe in magic. I'm Irish too, you know. Sully crossed his arms and turned away from me, his back straight and stiff.

Nera, it's quite possible, you know, what he is saying. You don't have to be a witch or going insane, Brie interrupted looking back and forward between us, her voice rising. You hear of people who can see the future, and they seem normal enough. They don't have pointed hats and broomsticks or anything. It's just a gift.

Why don't we go and see Jasper? Sully turned back to me, his eyes lighting up at the thought of going over to my uncle's castle on the headland. I'm sure he can help. He knows about most things. You know he won't say anything to your folks about it.

Maybe. I chewed on my bottom lip while my brain kicked into gear. We could go tomorrow, it's Saturday. Dad wants me to stay home today to get over the shock, but it's more so he can keep an eye on me until Mom gets home. I considered whether or not to tell my Uncle Jasper while they both looked at me with expectation lighting their faces. Yeah, why not? You guys come over early so we can have the day with Jasper, rummaging through his library and picking his brain. He's sure to know something. He always does.

After Brie and Sully left, I went upstairs and snuggled on my bed while I let Sully's words churn over in my mind. Hugo, my big black Labrador and constant shadow, lay asleep on the rug beside me. The dreams were really starting to scare me now, and with Dad knowing something was going on, I had to find the answers before they thought I had lost my mind. Sometimes it felt like I had. If I was honest with myself, I'd admit that these dreams had not just started three years ago. I'd been having them all my life. Over the years, some of the dreams manifested themselves into my reality—something that I had brushed aside in ignorance or fear. Perhaps a mixture of both.

What if I can see into the future? Would that be a good thing? Or would it be too much for me to handle? Why am I getting these dreams anyway?

I woke up early the next morning as usual. Sleeping late was out of the question now that I'd decided how to tackle the problem. Curling up on the window seat in my room overlooking the front garden, I watched the neighborhood come to life. Dogs barked, and doors opened as the sun rose in the sky.

The dirty, white paper delivery van chugged slowly down the street, papers flying out of its window to land on manicured lawns. It slowed down when it came to our house. A stranger glanced up at my window, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I couldn't look away from the guy at the wheel. My heart missed a beat, and my breath caught in my throat while our gazes locked. Then he turned away and continued down the street, throwing papers as he went. I tried to breathe normally and watched at the window until he was out of sight.

What the frigging hell was that all about?

My skin was chilled, and when I looked down, I could see the goose bumps on my arms. I clutched at a blanket and wrapped it around my shoulders. The certainty that of someone had been in my head niggled at me. I had a sinking feeling in my gut that things were going so much faster than I could deal with. An irrational fear that Jasper wouldn't be able to fix this problem sprang to my mind. A dark and insidious form flashed before my eyes, and I jolted back in the seat.

Was that real, or had I imagined it?

All of my emotions were shot to hell. I blamed it on the guy in the newspaper van. The feeling had started the moment he had slowed the van and met my gaze. I looked down the road but he was gone. I shivered, my teeth chattering with each minute shake. I needed to get into the shower to get the chill out of my bones. I threw off the blanket and headed for the bathroom.

I told my parents of our plans over breakfast. Brie, Sully, and I are going over to Jasper's to study for the day. We want to use his library for a bit, and he's cool with that. I called him last night to make sure. We'll be there most of the day, I guess, I mumbled, eating my toast and talking all at once.

Sure thing, kiddo. Mom sipped her tea. Give him my love and tell him it's time he came over. I haven't seen him all week.

Will do. I rinsed my plate and leaned it in the dish rack before kissing my folks good-bye. I grabbed my backpack just as Brie and Sully ran up the back steps, and we left, Hugo at our heels.

You are so lucky to have someone like Jasper, Nera, Brie said, a moony look on her face. I wish I had a handsome uncle like him living close by.

Hey, what's with that creepy guy that's delivering the newspapers? I asked, interrupting Brie's romanticizing.

Don't you remember? Mr. Jakes fell and broke his leg two weeks ago. This guy just happened to arrive in town at the right time looking for work. Why do you ask? Brie kicked at the leaves from last fall that still littered the lane, which sent up small batches of brown and gold to flutter around her feet.

Nothing really, I replied putting my arm through Sully's. I just noticed someone different driving the van, that's all.

We walked through the park that boarded the River Laigin and crossed the centuries old stone foot bridge to get to the land that Jasper owned. His property went all the way up the coast past his house to the bluff and across the wooded hills on the western side. Jasper is my favorite uncle. Or I should say he is my only uncle. He lives in a beautiful old stone house—more like a castle really—on the outskirts of town, sitting on the edge of a cliff that overlooks the ocean. Surrounding it on the other side is forest. He is rather isolated, but that's how he likes it.

It's a fantastic place. Old buildings draw me in, and this one is like my second home. Two very ugly stone gargoyles guard the front door—creepy little buggers. They sit high on the parapet that runs around the roof of the house. That's probably why I always go through the back way; much more my style.

Brie has a huge crush on him, always has. Tall, dark, and handsome she tells me, with loads of sex appeal thrown in. I've never looked at him in that way, and it would be weird if I did, but he is tall, and yes, he is very handsome in a rugged sort of way, with his long, black hair tied back carelessly with a leather strip. His big, blue piercing eyes make Brie weak at the knees. She made the point of telling me that one day. Big mistake.

Maybe it's that square chin or the dimples when he smiles. Or even the way his eyes light up when he speaks to you, making you feel that there is no other person in his world at that moment.

I guess I can understand her logic. Most of the ladies in town think so too. He's always got some female batting her eyelashes at him. Sickening really.

Dad said his wife died young, and he's never gotten over her. He doesn't talk about her very much, so we don't either, but that has never stopped me from being curious. Her portrait hangs in the gallery upstairs. I often see Jasper gazing at it when he passes.

To me, he has always been Jasper, the one person I can turn to for help. Don't get me wrong; I can talk to Mom and Dad—open family conversations and all that—but if it's something I don't want them to know about, that's when Jasper comes in. It's kind of like my very own living Dear Diary. Besides that, Sully, Brie and I love to hang out with him because he treats us like young adults, not kids. Well, that, and there is always something interesting happening over there.

Hugo raced ahead of us as usual to get to Jasper first. Brie wasn't far behind him. She stopped long enough to smooth her hair down and add a layer of lip gloss before she walked in the door.

Hi, Jasper, she whispered in a breathless voice. How are you?

Just dandy, Brie. How about you? Still fighting all those handsome young men off at school? he replied, glancing at me over Brie's head, his beautiful blue eyes twinkling.

Brie was the consummate vamp. She couldn't help herself. It was just what she was. You could tell when she was interested in someone—her voice turned into a breathy whisper, and she batted her eyes. Not that too many guys complained. She really was a looker. Petite little curvy body, rich dark-brown hair that settled perfectly around her heart-shaped face. Her baby-blue eyes with their dark lashes and cupid mouth had many a heart melting. But she kept the best for Jasper.

Let me put the kettle on, and you can tell me what you've been up to.

I took a seat at the table while Jasper filled the kettle. Sully jumped up on the bench by the window, and grinned at me as Brie hovered around Jasper. I often wondered how we ended up with Sully in our little group. I mean, Brie and I have been together since we were born—both on the same day in the same hospital, but I won the race by six minutes. It gives me the physiological edge which I use to my advantage when it suits me. Sully, on the other hand, comes from Dublin. His folks moved to our little town of Kilmuckridge a few years back, and being rich and cultured, the kids were all over him on the first day of school. Somehow he ended up with Brie and me, and we've been inseparable ever since.

Jasper collected the loaded tea tray and headed out of the kitchen, Brie by his side. Let's take this to the library, fellow sleuths, and you can fill me in on the reason for your visit today. I can show you my new project while we are there if you like. He grinned at us before making his way down the passage.

Oh, always, Jasper, Brie whispered, hanging onto his arm. Everything you do is so fascinating.

Down, Brie, Sully mumbled under his breath.

I giggled behind my hand and followed Jasper to the library. The huge room was warm and cozy with high ceilings and a massive fireplace on one wall. Books lined the rest of the walls, and antiques he had collected over the years were on every available surface. Several tables were arranged around the large room, handy to the overstuffed couches and chairs that randomly filled the space. Most of them were covered with Jasper's 'projects,' as he called them: antique telescopes in various stages of being restored and remodeled. He pointed with his chin to the table by the fireplace.

Look at this, kids, my latest project. It's a genuine Ramsden refracting telescope. I bought it last month through Sotheby's. Just look at the condition it's in. Hardly needs much more than a good clean. I probably paid too much for it, but they are so hard to come by. A huge smile lit up his face. It's the first one I have heard of for sale for ages.

He put the tea tray down and picked up a long brass tube. Look through here, Sully. And here, this signature proves it's authentic. Making sure we all gave it the attention it deserved, Jasper put it back on the soft white cloth on his work table among the collection of repair tools.

Sully and Brie walked over to the sofa, but I stood with my hands tucked into my back pockets. Now that I had made the decision to come clean I was unable to sit still.

Okay, I'll play mother, he said as he started to pour the tea. Here you are, Nera. He passed me a mug and stared at me, his gaze pinned on my face. Let's have it, girl dear. What is bothering you?

Oh God, where do I start without making an ass of myself? My face must have reflected more than I thought. So much for bringing this up casual-like. He knew me so well.

Come on, kiddo, you know I'll listen without judging you. Have I ever let you down in the past? No. And I won't tell your folks unless I feel that your life is in danger, or you are being bloody stupid. So, let's have it.

I tried to buy myself some time while I sorted through my thoughts. I dropped down onto another couch and put my mug on the side table. I dragged my fingers through my hair and struggled to work out where to start.

Okay, Dad knows what happened yesterday at school, but that's all he knows. Sully and Brie don't really know all of this either, apart from what I told them yesterday, so I'm relying on you all to keep this quiet and don't laugh at me till I'm finished. I hesitated, raising my eyebrow as I gazed at them all for a moment to make sure they understood that I was serious.

A few years ago, I started having these really weird dreams. Actually, I'd probably call them bloody nightmares. Two of the dreams reoccur more than the others. In one of them, I go all clammy, and get chills down my spine that freaks me out. I can smell smoke and hear flames crackling around, but I can't breathe because the smoke gets so thick it chokes me. I know someone is there with me, but as much as I try, I can't find them. And the scariest part— I paused and took a deep breath while twisting my hands in my lap—I know who it is, but I just can't place them. I know there is someone there waiting, just out of reach, but why and for what? I can't see who they are, and it's really frustrating me. With each dream, more strange things happen and it gets scarier. When I wake up now, I can smell the smoke in my hair. It's like it really happened.

Jasper leaned forward, his gaze intent. He opened his mouth as if to speak when I took a sip of my tea, holding the cup tight between my tense hands.

No, don't say anything yet. Let me finish. I got up and placed my mug on the table. I tucked my hands into my back pockets again as I stood there and tried not to fidget or show my nervousness. It happened at school yesterday. It's the first time it has happened during the day. I felt like a fool. I made a real idiot of myself.

No, Nera, you didn't, Brie said as she rushed to my defense. No one really knew what was happening to you. I thought you were having a panic attack or something.

"I did, Brie! I made a complete ass of myself. That old biddy Mrs.White told Dad I had a hysteria attack because of exams, but we all know I can slam math anytime. Now he wants to know what's going on, and I was lucky he never saw my hands…" I trailed off, looking at them now again. The burn marks were still visible even though the angry red blisters had gone down.

What happened to your hands, girl dear? Jasper reached for my hands.

I held them out to him. He touched them gently as he studied the slowly fading blisters on my palms. Oh my, he whispered.

I burned them on the door handle when I tried to get out of the room, I told him. If Mom finds out, she'll have a fit, Jasper. How do we explain this?

Jasper gently ran his fingers over the marks. Oh my, it is true. I thought it could be you. I hoped against hope it would be so, but, oh my...

What? I snatched my hands back, looking at his troubled face. What are you talking about? I started to shake, and a cold chill ran down my back. No, not now, not again, I moaned, a loud thud started to pound in my ears.

Nera, calm down, Jasper whispered in my ear. He pulled me close and cradled my head against his chest. Just listen to my voice and relax. Go with the dream, try not to fight it.

My head felt tight, and I fought for control of my emotions, the panic rising in my throat. Still, I struggled through the fog. Jasper's quiet voice encouraged me to relax, until finally I slipped into the dark hole where it could no longer touch me.

When I woke, I was lying down on one of the overstuffed couches in the library with Brie hovered over me. Jasper was sitting opposite, Sully beside him, both watching me intently. I glanced around the room and took in all the things I had grown up with while my mind tried to settle. Huge stuffed animal heads gazed down at me with glassy eyes, looking more threatening than before. Everything seemed to have changed for me. I no longer felt innocent and carefree. Something sinister had encroached into my life and changed everything forever.

I sat up and brushed off the nausea that threatened. Shaking my head, I struggled to control my thoughts before I turned to Jasper. Are you going to tell me, or is it a secret? I hugged my hands around my stomach and willed my body to do what I wanted it to.

No, girl dear, I will tell you. His gaze dropped to his hands that were twisted together on his lap. I just need to find the right words, but before I do, you must realize, all of you, that your life will never be the same.

Jasper stood and paced the room in front of the fire while we grouped together on the couch, confused by his words. I stared at him blankly while Brie grabbed onto Sully for support. We waited for him to continue.

You talk in riddles, Jasper. Get to the point. I lifted my chin, terrified that his answer would be my undoing and I was going to fall apart in front of him. I held my breath while I waited for his answer.

This is a truly dangerous situation, Nera. I think that I'll make another pot of tea while I gather my wits about me. Won't be a minute, he said, he hurried out of the room before we could say anything to him.

Nera, what on earth is going on? I'm scared. Brie tucked herself under Sully's arm and looked at me with wide blue eyes.

"I don't know. I'm so confused and pissed off! I don't know what to think. Too many things have happened lately. I can't seem to get my head around it all. I think if he