Crypt

By Lacey Weatherford

New places and old demon faces. Evil has risen again, partnering with new horrors and leaving everyone grasping at straws as they struggle to survive. Lost in a time where they don’t exist, the coven is separated, their numbers threatened. Worn and battle-weary, will this band of witches be able to escape both the mental and physical prisons that hold them? And even if they do, will they be able to put all the pieces back together? Find out in Crypt, book 3 in the Of Witches and Demons series, by #1 International and USA Today Bestselling Author, Lacey Weatherford!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lacey Weatherford
• Release date: Jun 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9780463582473

Lacey Weatherford

Lacey Weatherford was born in Ft. Meade Maryland while her father was serving in the military. She has been a life long resident of Arizona, spending most of her time growing up in the small rural town of Clay Springs.It was while she was attending the small country school in Clay Springs, that she read her first "big" book at the age of eight. It was a Nancy Drew novel and Lacey was instantly hooked. She read every book that she could find in the series and decided that she wanted to write stories too.Lacey spent a lot of time at the library from that time forward, even volunteering in her later teen years and early twenties. She would don a crazy clown outfit for the Friends of the Library fundraisers in an effort to help get the new town library built.When she and her husband moved away from the area, Lacey took the opportunity to take some creative writing classes at the local college to help further along her interests. Several years later, they were blessed with the opportunity to move back to Clay Springs with their family. The town had finally succeeded in building their library and Lacey had the opportunity to be President of the Friends of the Library for a very short time, before relocating.Lacey and her family still live in the White Mountains of Arizona, where she continues to write young adult novels that have a fantasy/fairytale or paranormal bent to them, as well as being sure to include a great romantic storyline

Book preview

1

Kenna-

---

It was so dark I couldn’t get my bearings. All my senses were on alert as I tried to figure out where I was being held captive. Gingerly, I probed my mind before risking an attempt at moving my fingers. They responded instantly to my command, and I sighed. Thankfully, I didn’t appear to be possessed by my not-so-lovely ghost friend, Dee Dee, anymore.

Waves of discomfort washed over me as I remembered the strange sensation of having someone else in control of my body. I shivered, feeling like I needed a good scrubbing from the inside out. It was as if some kind of sticky residue from her still inked around every cell.

Shifting, I held my hand out, trying to call my magic, but nothing happened. I must’ve been drugged with something, but what?

Seth? I called, my voice sounding raspy. I needed a drink of water. When there was no answer, I tried again a bit louder. Seth?

The only sound was that of my own breath. Worry for him filled my heart.

Closing my eyes, I saw images of Rowan’s sword being driven through Jett’s chest horrifically in my mind. I couldn’t help the tears that slipped out nor the soft gulping sob that escaped.

Jett, I croaked. The name sounded so broken on my lips, just like he was now.

Jett was dead. My beautiful husband was gone after just one glorious day together.

I tried to remember it all now, the room he’d created for us in the cave, the way he’d looked at me, the way he’d touched me. My fingers drifted to my lips, brushing them as I recalled him doing the same. I needed to keep every precious second we’d spent on our honeymoon night alive in my heart. Not one moment could slip from my grasp. These memories were all that was left of him. They had to last me a lifetime.

Sorrow overwhelmed me, and I wept for my loss, curling into a ball. I didn’t know how to go on without Jett. Even breathing without him hurt too much. I should’ve been by his side and tried to protect him better.

My tears fell to the earthen floor beneath me, and I lightly grasped at the dirt, wishing I could claw my way out of wherever I was. Escape should’ve been my priority, even though my battered heart simply wanted to lay here and die. It was time to find Seth, though. I couldn’t leave him in the clutches of my evil grandpa, Damien.

Slowly, I sat up and began crawling on the floor as I felt around me with my hands. It wasn’t long before I encountered a set of bars. Groaning, I stood, following them up as high as possible, unable to connect with the top. Next, I moved to the right, grasping one bar after another, until I was reasonably sure I’d made a square. I was in a cage, a cell of some sort in a larger room.

So far, I wasn’t caring for my grandfather’s hospitality, not that I expected much better from him. My parents had told me of horrible things he’d done to them in the past. I also knew about his sick obsession with my mother, Portia. She’d been his prisoner before me. At least I knew my dad, Vance, had her now. They were together again, but she’d been unconscious when I found her. What awful things happened to her while she was possibly imprisoned here?

I didn’t want to think about that.

Slumping to the floor, I leaned against the cold bars.

Seth? I called again, hoping he was nearby. I listened intently, but there wasn’t even a rustle. I hope you’re okay, I said aloud. I may have chosen Jett, but Seth held a considerable chunk of my heart. It hadn’t been an easy choice, and I didn’t want him harmed.

For now, it appeared there was nothing to do but wait. Even though I dreaded it, I hoped my captor wouldn’t take too long to make an appearance. I had a lot of questions for my undeserving grandpa.

Closing my eyes, I began replaying the reel of my life with Jett in my head, from the moment we first met until the end. When it was over, I started it again. I treasured every moment and emotion he’d made me feel, from anger and irritation to confusion, happiness, love, ecstasy, and completion. He’d made me feel more alive than anyone I’d ever known.

When the memories ran out, I started them over again, reliving and replaying every second until sleep finally claimed me and dried my tears.

Kenna?

Jett? I mumbled groggily, his face floating above me with a smile.

Kenna? he said more urgently.

Instantly, my eyes popped open, only to be met with darkness.

Kenna?

Brushing my tangled hair from my face, I blinked several times, trying to grasp reality.

Seth? I asked, my heart rate suddenly increasing. I heard an audible sigh in the darkness.

Oh, thank god. You’re here. I can’t see a damn thing, and my magic isn’t working. Frustration was evident in his voice.

I couldn’t help the tears that sprang into my eyes. Overwhelming relief filled me, just hearing Seth’s voice. Are you okay otherwise?

Near as I can tell. I have some achy joints and muscles.

Well, you were pushed down a flight of stairs.

A grumble sounded. About that. I don’t think I like your grandpa very much. He seems like an ass.

That would be a compliment compared to the things my dad has told me about him.

I assume it’s wishful thinking to hope that you’ve somehow been able to connect with Vance through your shared mental connection?

Actually, I hadn’t tried since previously being possessed by Dee Dee, my thoughts being hung up on the loss of Jett instead.

Dad? I said internally, concentrating all my energy on him. Holding my breath, I waited. Dad? Can you hear me?

Nothing.

Sighing heavily, I slumped back against the bars of my new home. Sorry. Either something is blocking us, or he’s just as incapacitated as we are somewhere.

Don’t say that, Seth replied.

Why? I asked, confused at his meaning.

Because if Vance Mangum is alive and well, nothing will stop him from moving heaven and earth to find you. Right now, he’s all we’ve got.

I’m sorry, Seth. I didn’t mean for you to get dragged into this mess.

You didn’t force me into anything. If anyone is to blame for me being here, it’s Jett.

Stop, I said before he could go further. Please. I just can’t do this.

Seth shifted, and suddenly his voice sounded closer. Forgive me, Kenna. I’m upset about what’s happened to him. He was my best friend, but at the same time, that just makes his betrayal worse.

Then, you have to hate me, too. Sadness filled my heart. I chose to go—and to handfast with him.

A moment of silence floated between us before he replied. I could never hate you, Kenna. Was I hurt? Yes. Incredibly. Did I want to hunt Jett down and beat him to a pulp? Maybe. But that being said, I would’ve done the same thing if it had gotten you safely away from Rowan’s castle. He saw a way to get you out and did it. Your escape allowed the rest of us to get away during the confusion.

How’d you find us? I asked.

Initially, the bond between Jett and me pointed us in the right direction, but my connection was suddenly severed once we’d managed to escape. I don’t know how Rowan has the power to interfere with that, but it just stopped. After that, we just continued toward the initial direction I’d felt you in, with Rowan pursuing us the whole time.

His words made me pause. So, did you know. . . I wasn’t sure how to phrase the rest of my question without hurting him.

I knew enough, he answered, anticipating my meaning. But if you’re asking if it was like I was in the room with you, then no, thank god. It was bad enough as it was.

Please believe I never wanted to hurt you. Neither did Jett. We even spoke about it, and what he hoped might happen when he saw you again. He wanted your forgiveness and understanding—your friendship.

It was quiet for a moment. Jett had my understanding from the start. He earned my forgiveness when he gave his life fighting for yours. As far as friendship, it would’ve been tough to stay around and watch the two of you go on living your life together. I would’ve always considered him my brother, but I don’t think we’d have been able to be friends. Not like we were, at least. I’d be too . . . jealous.

I took a deep breath, dragged my knees to my chest, and hugged them tightly. Well, none of that matters anymore, I guess. A wobbly sob escaped me as a batch of fresh tears hit me.

Kenna. Seth groaned. Come here.

I chuckled. I don’t know where you are, and I’m in a cage.

Just follow my voice. I’m in a cage too, but maybe we can reach each other.

Slowly, I crawled in that direction.

I’m sticking my hand through the bars near the floor, he encouraged me.

Okay, I replied, hoping I could reach out enough to touch him.

Ouch! he said suddenly, then chuckled. I think you’re kneeling on my hand.

What? Were we simply separated by a set of bars? Seth? I gasped reaching through the barrier. Instantly, he enveloped me in his embrace, and I slipped my arms through to hug him as tightly as possible.

Unable to hold back the hysterical crying, I let the floodgates loose. I’m sorry, I hiccuped out. I’m so sorry.

Just let it go, Kenna. Get it all out.

Resting my head against the bars, I wished I could lay it against his shoulder. I’m broken inside. I love Jett so much. I don’t know how I’m going to live without him. I hated myself for having to tell these things to Seth, of all people. I knew my words hurt him. I just can’t believe he’s gone.

I love him too, Seth said. His warm breath brushed the hair near my forehead. His grip tightened, and he rubbed my back. I didn’t care that we were both smashed against the bars. I needed this contact so badly. I’m sorry, Kenna.

We both loved him, I said, stating the obvious but knowing Seth probably needed as much comfort as I did. He’d known Jett and been close with him much longer than I had. You lost your best friend. I hate that.

Me too, he whispered. But at least I still have my other best friend.

It took a minute for his meaning to sink in. He meant me, and I needed his friendship now more than ever. You still want to be my friend? I asked in a shaky voice.

A strangled laugh escaped him. Of course, I do. You mean everything to me. Kenna, I’d die to protect you.

No! I practically shouted. Releasing my grip on him, I jerked my arms back through the bars before readjusting them to the sides of his face. I stared where I assumed his eyes were. No one dies! You hear me, Seth? I can’t lose you, too. We both get out of this mess alive. There will be no more dying. If I lost you both, I wouldn’t be able to breathe. I can’t live in a world where neither of you exists. Do you understand? Panic filled me as I waited for his reply.

He simply nodded, letting me feel his answer. I heard him gulp then. I still love you, Kenna. I know you probably don’t want to hear that, but I do.

Sighing, I let my hands fall to his shoulders as I rested my head against the bars. His words were such a betrayal to Jett’s memory, but so were my feelings for Seth. Just because I’d chosen Jett didn’t mean my affection for Seth had ceased to exist. It was still there but buried under a mountain of pain—a mountain of pain I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to dig my way through.

I know you love me, Seth. I couldn’t say the words back to him, even though the emotion was there. I was too wrapped up in the loss of Jett. But I need time to mourn. Honestly, I don’t know if there will ever be enough time for me to get over losing him. Right now, I just need you to be here for me. Damn, that sounds so greedy. I’m here for you too, of course. Whatever you need. I let my hands drop down the bars to his and squeezed them both. I hope you understand.

I do. You take all the time you feel is necessary. Just know I’ll always be here for you.

He was still the same old Seth, always gracious and giving when it came to my needs. I hated that I couldn’t give him more.

Glancing around the darkness, I changed the subject. I wonder how much time we actually have. I’m sure my grandpa has something terrible planned for us if history is to be relied on.

Seth squeezed my hands tighter. Don’t lose that famous Mangum resolve already. I have every intention of escaping this place.

I couldn’t reply because the knot in my throat was too big. Just like that, I’d gone from being Kenna Blackstone back to Kenna Mangum. I was a widow.

My heart was crushed to dust.

2

Seth-

---

Kenna was asleep. Even though I couldn’t see her, I could hear her breathing, deep and even. She still held my hand between the bars of our cells as if she were terrified I might disappear if she let go. I understood how she felt. It was the same for me.

She shifted, curling her fingers tighter around mine. Jett, she whispered in the most mournful sounding tone. Even dreaming didn’t allow her to escape this awful reality. I squeezed her reassuringly, wanting to offer some kind of comfort. If I’d been the one to die, I was positive Jett would’ve consoled her over my loss. I’d do the same for him.

My insides twisted painfully, a constant dull ache seeming to have taken residence inside me. Jett and I may not have always seen eye to eye, especially when it came to Kenna, but I loved him like the brother I never had. I couldn’t imagine a life without his snarky, overbearing presence.

A small snort escaped me as memories of the two of us flitted through my mind. Jett was an asshole most of the time, but that’s what made him so fun. He didn’t care what anyone else thought of him—at least he hadn’t until he met Kenna. She transformed him completely, from dickwad to lovesick puppy. I chuckled again. Kenna had him eating out her hand from day one—hell, minute one. Not that I could blame him. She’d done the same to me.

Sighing heavily, I stared unseeing into the darkness, the intensity of my feelings overwhelming. I’ll protect Kenna, Jett, I spoke softly. I swear on my honor, I’ll do all I can to keep her safe. I’ll give her time to grieve your passing. We both need time for that, but I love her, man. I love her like you loved her. I won’t pass the opportunity if she ever decides she’ll have me. She’s the one thing I’ve wanted most.

Sighing heavily, I dragged a hand over my face. I was so angry with you for taking her but strangely grateful at the same time. I wanted you to escape, but the two of you ripped my heart up badly. Still, I would’ve never wished this outcome on either of you.

I paused, half expecting to hear his voice in the darkness threatening me to stay the hell away from Kenna. Jett had always been confident he’d win her over. In the past, he almost always got his way. There were very few instances where we’d competed for something, and the outcome had gone in my favor.

Remembering back to tryouts for this year’s quarterback brought a smile to my lips. I’d won the spot over him, but it had been mine from the previous year. Jett decided to challenge me for it. When the roster was posted, and he’d been listed as a backup, Jett had been furious but graciously tried to congratulate me at the same time.

What the hell? he’d yelled as he stared at the paper on the locker room wall. Mother effin son of a bi— Turning away, he caught me staring and stopped his tirade. Good job, Seth, he muttered before pushing past me and leaving the room. He was pretty hot about it for days, especially when he was sent back to play defense until our best receiver got injured. Coach tried Jett out in the position and realized we made an excellent combo. I threw the ball, and Jett caught it and ran it in. He got all the end-zone glory. That appeased him a bit.

We always played the game according to the rules, without any magick added to our skill. That wouldn’t be fair to other players, and the two of us enjoyed the physical competition. In fact, most of our sparring happened during sports. If it wasn’t football, it was basketball or baseball. We often tried out for the same positions, and it was always a toss-up as to which one of us would get it.

Girls were a different story. Our tastes generally didn’t run the same. Jett had always been into girls who liked to party. I was more into the girl-next-door. Kenna was the first girl we’d ever competed over. Kenna definitely fit my type, but there was that extra special spark to her character that other girls didn’t have due to her magical upbringing. She was tough, unafraid of a good challenge, and willing to stand up to anyone who got in her way. It still irritated me that Jett had swooped in and tried to take her. I had clearly claimed my intentions first. But then again, he’d had the same vision about her I had. Fate clearly had some kind of plan for the three of us.

That thought gave me pause now. Maybe we were both meant to have her, just at different times. Never once had I considered the dream might be predicting that one of us might die. When Jett said maybe the dream meant a marriage of our magic, it seemed plausible, but we didn’t even have that anymore. I still had no idea how the Fae had managed to break a supposedly unbreakable binding spell. Of course, being a long-living ancient species, they must know a lot more about magic than mere humans did.

It made me wonder why they’d chosen to step away from the mortal world back in our time. Obviously, some Fae and Witch relationships existed throughout history if Kenna and Vance had it running through their genealogical lines. But why leave and not help with the growing demonic turmoil? Did they simply not consider it their mess? Were they afraid of being the blood of choice if demons knew about them?

I had so many questions that I might never have the answers to. All I knew was that my best friend was dead because of their interference, and the girl I loved was devastated. If we ever managed to escape and return to our time, it would be with one less person.

A groan escaped me. How would I ever explain this to Jett’s parents without starting a war? They wouldn’t take this news lying down. We might leave this place just to return home and start another fight there.

Jett, buddy, I whispered. Wherever you are, I’m gonna need your help. Don’t ditch me just yet.

I wondered if time was still moving in the future or if it had stopped once we’d come to the past. Did my parents know I was gone? Was anyone worried about a whole group of people who just suddenly disappeared?

The image of my mom crying at the kitchen table while my dad tried to comfort her filled my mind. I hoped time had stopped because I couldn’t stand the idea of them suffering. I wished I had some way of knowing how they fared or even a way to send them a message. If we ever got out of here, maybe Brigid would have the answers to my questions.

What if we were stuck here forever, though? What if our future was here, in the past? Would we change the future because we’d been here? I didn’t think we’d affect time as long as we were in the magic of the Faery Realm. But unless something had changed while we were asleep, we were no longer in the Faery Realm. This was a crypt in the natural world.

My musings turned to Damien Cummings. Kenna had told Jett and me things about him but never went into much detail. It seemed like the Mangums’ didn’t like talking about him, so I’d never pressed the issue with Kenna. I remembered her saying that all the fight training Vance made her do was geared to protect her against someone with the same threat level as Damien. Vance was the strongest demon warlock I’d ever known. He’d trained her to be able to fight him in case he ever became a risk to her. Hopefully, that training would pay off for us now.

Kenna moaned and shifted abruptly.

Hey, hey, I said softly, gripping her hand slightly tighter. It’s okay.

She relaxed, but then she pulled her hand from my grasp. I missed the warmth immediately.

I need to sit up, she groaned. The hard floor is killing my hip and shoulder. I heard the rustle of her clothing as she leaned against the bars. A frustrated-sounding puff of air escaped her.

What’s the matter? I asked, concerned.

I was just trying to call for my magick again, but still nothing.

Yeah, I’ve been doing the same.

I hate this! she snapped rather loudly, causing me to jump at the unexpected change in her tone.

Moving to lean against the bars near her, I rested my arms on my knees. What can we expect from this guy? I need any information you can give me. Knowledge is power for us, and at this moment, it’s the only power we’ve got.

Kenna sighed heavily. I have no idea what he wants. Since I never met him before, I can only tell you what I know about him from my parents.

Anything is better than nothing.

I know he’s big on the mind games. Everything is like a big chess competition to him. It’s all about outsmarting his opponent while delivering maximum pain to them and the same amount of pleasure to himself. He doesn’t care who he hurts as long as it gets him to his desired end.

So, he’s a true psychopath. Great. This wasn’t sounding like the odds were in our favor.

Yes. Damien’s also an accomplished fighter and warlock with many abilit— She gasped. Oh my gosh!

What is it? I asked, hearing the fear in her voice.

He can perform a demon kiss. She shifted and reached through the bars, grasping me. Seth. What if he stole our magic, and that’s why we can’t use our powers?

Despair coiled through me, settling like a rock in my stomach. Surely, he wouldn’t do something that extreme? I wanted to comfort her, but I had no way to disprove her idea. You’re his granddaughter.

He killed my dad and sucked his powers from him—repeatedly—as an experiment on whether or not he’d resurrect with his magick intact. Once he figured out the answer, he kept doing it, just for fun.

Shit. It was the only word I could manage. This guy was a monster. If he could control Vance in that manner, we were in a crazy world of hurt. I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge the bit of panic I felt. I didn’t want a life without my gifts.

Exactly, Kenna agreed. If we get to live, we need to constantly be on our A-game. Never let your guard down. He’ll always be pulling our strings. My dad even called him the Puppet Master during some of our training.

You’re not helping me feel any better, I said, taking a deep breath and trying to calm my own nerves. If what she said was true, we might reunite with Jett much faster than I’d hoped. While I missed Jett, death wasn’t high on my list of priorities.

Kenna slid her hand down my arm and squeezed my hand. I’m sorry you got dragged into this because of me.

No, I said, her words snapping me out of my moment of anxiety. None of this is your fault. You’re the victim just as much as any of us. The important thing here is that you and I need to stay alive at all costs, whatever that takes. I’m assuming that since we’ve been locked in cages, your grandfather doesn’t intend to kill us—at least, not yet. If he wants to play games with us, we need to have the same mentality. We need to play to win.

"So, we’ve entered the Labyrinth, so to speak?"

I chuckled. "I was thinking more like Jumanji, but the Labyrinth works too."

A loud breath escaped Kenna, and her hand dropped away. So now we just need to figure out how to survive the seven levels of Hell.

Retaking her hand, I gripped it in both of mine. If we intend to beat the Devil, then AX.

3

Kenna-

---

Seth had gotten quiet over the last several hours. At first, I wondered if he’d fallen asleep, but then I would hear him shift or sigh in frustration. I knew we were both lost in our thoughts of what the future might hold. To be honest, the worst part was the waiting. If my insane grandpa wanted to torture us, I wished he’d get on with it so we could just be done already.

Be careful what you wish for, a soft voice whispered inside my head. It sounded strangely like my dad. I’d give anything to see him burst in here with fireballs a-blazing. I’d been mentally rehashing all the lessons he’d taught me, trying to prepare for a battle I knew was coming, but I didn’t know what form it would take.

Dad? I probed the sheet of darkness cloaking our mental connection for the millionth time. I couldn’t help it. I kept hoping he’d suddenly be there.

I wondered how the battle turned out, a wave of concern washing through me. Had they won? Were they recaptured by the Fae? Were others killed in the fight? So many of my questions were left unanswered.

Dad had moved Mom to another location before returning to the brawl. Was she okay? She’d appeared dead when I saw her lying on the road. Even though I’d since figured out Dee Dee had staged her that way to get inside me, my mom hadn’t moved afterward.

Speaking of Dee Dee, I wondered where she was, not that I was eager to be