Tainted Magic

By Karen DuBose

The truth always comes out. Whether you want I know it or not. New enemies surface while old ones become your family.

Finding out what you were never meant to become, is something that took me by surprise. To top everything else off, I didn’t see what was happening in my own home. If it wasn’t for Skye being my soul mate, my li

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kingston Publishing Company
• Release date: Oct 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781645332176

Book preview

Prologue

There is power in the darkness.

But the cost is your soul.

Darkness lays and waits for you to embrace it.

Before you know it, you are lost to the power.

Never again, do you think you can see the light.

For you have given yourself over to the power that corrupted your heart.

Darkness swirls inside and out as you accept its wicked caress.

You listen to it telling you everything is alright.

You hold it close, thinking it’s the only way of life.

Until the one person you thought was set to destroy you, becomes your light.

In the forever darkness, you thought you would live in forever.

Chapter One

Walking back into the palace after finding out the truth, makes my blood boil. The only reason I am even here is to kill my father. All of this is his fault. Because of him, I’m evil. I lost my birth mother, and for the hatred that courses through me, he will pay for everything he has ever done in his life.

The rage that is coursing through me is like nothing I have ever felt before. It’s consuming me. I’m afraid that if I don’t let it out soon, I will never come back from it. I can’t do that to Skye. She’s opened my mind and eyes to a life I didn’t even know I was craving.

The Prince has returned! Did you kill her?

I stop dead in my tracks when I hear my father’s voice. It takes everything in me not to kill him where he stands. I slowly turn around to face him. I didn’t kill her, but I do plan on killing someone else today.

He looks at me with his soulless eyes before it dawns on him. You think you are more powerful than me, son? I knew there was something different about you. Did that little witch cast a stupid spell over you?

I guess we will just have to find out. So, tell me, father, when were you going to tell me your filthy whore of a wife wasn’t my real mother? I don’t know why I’m stalling. I think deep down; I want to know all I can from him.

I see the look of shock before he hides it again. Did your little light witch tell you this? I can tell you it’s a lie. She is your mother. He leans against the wall and crosses his arms. Like the lie he is telling is too much weight for him to carry.

I roar loudly. Don’t take me for a fool, father. I know that woman is not my birth mother. I had the pleasure of actually meeting my real one, I watch his reaction as I say this.

His eyes become blacker than they already are, and the emotions course through them are longing, fear, anger, and rage. I almost didn’t block in time before he attacks me. The orb bounces off of me just in time.

He blasts me with more magic, which misses me by a hair. What he doesn’t realize is, I’m immune to his magic. I’ve never let him know that. I was afraid he would find other ways to punish me. Not anymore. I raise my hands up and push all his magic back to him. He stumbles as it hits him. I can see the fear in his eyes. Walking closer to him, I reach deep inside for my own magic to end his life. The rage I felt earlier is no comparison to what it is now. If I don’t release it soon, it may kill me.

He slowly walks backward away from me. Holding his hands in front of him, he says, Son, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take it out on you. Let’s talk this over.

Now he wants to talk. It’s a little too late for that, don’t you think? I will no longer be your weapon or allow you to use me anyway you like. This ends now! I seethe.

My magic is at the surface waiting to be used. I’m about to let it go and end him once and for all, until he vanishes into thin air. What the fuck? I search all around me waiting for him to reappear.

How can he just vanish like that? He doesn’t have the power to do that. I let out a roar and punch the wall next to me, pushing my magic into it. It makes the castle shake and breaks away the marble wall that surrounds my fist.

I need to find him before it’s too late. I can’t have him going after Skye. Not after I just found her. I think I’m going to need some help with this. I have to find him soon before it’s too late. The idea of finding someone I trust is pretty much null. I only trust one person.

I reach out to Eli’s magic to see where he is. I’m going to need his help whether I like it or not. I’m sure he’s going to drill me for all the details that I have right now. I’ve been keeping this from everybody, even him. I’m not sure what his reaction will be. But, I’m about to find out.

I follow Eli’s magic to the other side of the castle. Here goes nothing.

I walk in the room where Eli is. Are you ready to have some fun?

He looks up from what he is doing and gives me his famous, evil smile. The gleam in his eyes reminds me of how mine used to be. I can’t believe I was headed down that dark path willingly. All just to make my father proud of me. I shake my head at the thought. I should have seen what was happening a long time ago.

You know I’m game. What are we doing, and who is the lucky person?

All I say is, My Father.

The gleam leaves his eyes, and fear replaces it. Have you lost your mind? He will kill us both.

I stare at him for a brief moment, considering his words. If I have to die to kill my father, so be it. There is a lot you don’t know. I will fill you in on the way.

I turn to leave, hoping he will follow. When I get halfway down the hall to my room, I let out a sigh of relief when I feel him coming after me.

Dude! You know I will follow you anywhere, but have you thought about this? Is this about the light witch? Does she have you under a spell or something?

I whirl around and face him, my anger boiling to the surface. She has done nothing to me. This is all my father’s doing, and I plan on ending it.

He puts his hands up in surrender. Hey man, I’m just trying to get all the facts. Chillax, bro.

Walking into my room, I take a seat at my desk. I rub my hands down my face. You may want to sit down for this. I rest my elbows on the counter. Resting my face in my hands, I rub my eyes before I turn to face him again.

He stares at me before he takes a seat on the other side of the desk. What’s going on, man? You don’t seem like yourself.

I’m not, at least not anymore. When you learn the truth about who you really are, it tends to do that to you.

He cocks his head to the side. What truth?

I look him dead in the eyes as I answer him. How about I start from the beginning after I asked you to leave me alone.

He gives me a nod but doesn’t say anything.

I take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. He is the only person that can help me. He isn’t under my father’s dictation like the others. Skye and me are soulmates. She wasn’t sent to destroy me as in kill me. She hasn’t destroyed me at all. Unless you ask my father, he will say otherwise. We are bonded to one another; our souls are one. I also found out why my mother never showed me the love she should’ve-- she isn’t my real mother. I met my birth mother, and she told me everything. How she left when I was born. She tried taking me, but the goddess wouldn’t allow it. She left because of my father and his evil ways. I’ve turned into him because I have been looking for approval or any kind of emotion from him. To find out you were born to be used as a weapon because your own father wants revenge on the goddesses who took my mother away, is not something I ever imagined.

He rubs his chin for a few seconds before he says anything. Wait, so you are telling me you’re no longer evil because you bonded your soul with Skye?

I let out an annoyed sigh. No, that is not what I’m telling you. Out of all that I’ve said so far, you are worried I’m not evil anymore. What the hell is wrong with you?

He looks away from me as he tells me this. I heard it all. I just… well… ok look, I don’t like being evil. Yes, most parts of it are awesome don’t get me wrong, but something changed in me when I was saving Skye. It’s like the dark veil I was under left, and I could see clearer.

His demeanor has changed. I had noticed it when I saw him last. I think Skye is right. We are meant to balance good and evil. Maybe, just maybe, I can be the person she sees in me.

I laugh inside. You know man; I hate when other people are right.

His eyes crinkle up in confusion. What do you mean?

Skye! She said we are supposed to balance the world again. From dark and light.

He tilts his head. What does that have to do with me?

Everything and nothing.

He rolls his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest Now who is being cryptic?

I laugh at him. Let’s just focus on one thing at a time. We need to get to my father before it’s too late. I know he is going after Skye. I won’t let him hurt her. He needs to be disposed of. Him and his plaything of a wife.

What did you mean, you met your mother? How, if the goddess took her? At least, I think that is what you said.

The goddess brought her to my realm. Caireen is a lot stronger than my father thinks.

His mouth hangs open. He recovers quickly as he shakes his head. Well, I guess we learn something new every day. I’m sure your father is here somewhere in the castle. I felt the castle shake before you got here. He is pissed about something.

I look at my fist and see the dried-up blood on my knuckles. That wasn’t my father.

Eli looks at my hand and whistles. What’s the plan? I sure hope you have a plan because going in to kill your father without a plan is a big mistake. He’s had how long to plan? I don’t know about you, but I would like to stay alive for a while longer. Just saying, bro.

Eli stands up and walks over to the wall. He leans against it with his arms crossed over his chest, staring at me. What can I tell him? I’ve got nothing, except go and protect Skye and hope my father shows himself. We can figure it out from there.

He pushes off the wall and gives me an, ’are you serious look.’ I think that will be a death sentence!

I sigh heavily. All the planning in the world will not make us get that much closer to him. I have no idea what his plans are or how far he can reach. I can’t let Skye get hurt. She will be getting her full power tonight. She will need to practice her magic before she can take him on alone.

He rubs his hand through his hair and stares at the ground. Fine! I’m in, but if I get killed, I will haunt you for the rest of your life.

He looks at me, and I actually smile. Thanks, man! I will owe you one.

He gives me a weird look. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile like that before. It’s weird and disturbing at the same time.

I stand up and pat him on the shoulder. Get used to it my man, because it’s not going anywhere.

He shakes his head and turns toward the door. I clear my throat to get his attention. It’s faster to go through my realm than it is your normal way.

I can see him shiver. He hates going to my realm. He told me once it felt like his body didn’t belong there and was trying to find a way out.

He gives me a fowl look. You know I hate going there!

I laugh at him and grab his arm before we enter my realm. This place is home to me. I feel like myself here.

I let go of his arm as soon as we arrive. I can see he is feeling sick. He never shows it, but he is a little paler than usual. You ok over there? I chuckle

He turns to me with a sour look. I’m just dandy, thanks. Now that we are here, what are we going to do? Pray she is asleep to warn her or what?

I walk away from him to see if she is asleep. I don’t need her to be asleep anymore; I just call her to me. She will feel it, and she usually would make up an excuse to leave or take a nap.

I’m nervous because I haven’t seen her in a few days. I hope she isn’t too mad at me. I needed to get to my father and end his life. I don’t know how I can tell her. I have failed. I have never failed before, and this is something that isn’t sitting well with me.

I close my eyes and tug at her essence. I hope she answers the call.

What are you waiting for? I would much rather not be here any longer than need be.

I whip around to face Eli. I am waiting for her to answer my call. Sit down and shut up. I can’t think with you babbling.

I didn’t mean to snap at him. I know he is used to it, but still, I need to learn to control myself. I pace back and forth and lose myself in thought. My temper flares as I think of all the crap my father has done to me. The magic is begging me to release it, and then I feel her enter my realm. I take a few deep breaths before I open my eyes. Turning around, I see her shy away from me. I look down to see dark shadows clinging to me. I take a few more deep breaths to make them go away.

Eli is looking between the both of us to see what will transpire. Hello, again, little witch. I see you are looking rather well.

She looks over at him with disgust. Well, if it isn’t the asshole. How are you doing? You’re looking rather green.

I bust out laughing at them. You would have thought they were brother and sister with their bantering.

She looks at me with relief in her eyes. I stride to her in five long steps. I couldn’t take the distance anymore. She opens her arms and welcomes me home. Lifting her up, I kiss her deeply. My soul settles, making the rest of me calm down as well.

If I only knew then what I know now, she would have been mine a long time ago.

I break the kiss leaning my forehead against hers. I’ve missed you more than you know. I take a deep breath, breathing her in. She has a vanilla scent with a touch of cherry.

I thought you left me for good. I was so worried about you. She looks me in the eyes, searching for something. You ever do that again, and I will hurt you worse than you’ve ever been hurt before.

I chuckle at her. "I have no doubt you will. I’m sorry, I needed to take care of my father. I’m sorry to report I have failed you. He