Blood of The Priestess

By Zivah Rose

The Nature of Witches Meets A Court of Thorns and Roses

Jaci, a headstrong witch, is faced with a daunting task when she is chosen as one of the next High Priestesses. She must accept her responsibility and join her newfound sisters, even if that means being paired with a mate she doesn't know or want while giving up the love of her life.

But that is just the start of her troubles. when an evil demon threatens to wipe all magic from the realm. Armed with courage, wit, and a little bit of magic, Jaci and her friends must face a dark force that could trap her in the kingdom's darkest depths forever.

You may also be interested in other books within the world that include some of the very same characters in this book.

Brimming with fae, dragons, and witches, with Steamy Slow-Burn Enemy-to-Lovers Romance, Ancient Magic, and an Evil Sorceress Hell-Bent on Revenge.

Kingdom of Shadows - Death of Love
Kingdom of Shadows - The Crimson Eye
Kingdom of Shadows - His Dark Embrace - Coming 2024

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zivah Rose
• Release date: Sep 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218238704

Book preview

Chapter one

In the moments I cherished most, I was everything Mama hated. But here, in his arms, as the crisp wind pushed away the scent of fresh hay and horse, I was his everything, and I didn’t want to give it up. I didn’t want to be their priestess.

Wyatt trailed his fingers between my breasts absently as he caught his breath, his eyes trained on the barn ceiling as the rough calluses of his fingers sent a tingle through my body.

The sight of him always made my knees weak, but the way the golden glow of sunrise warmed his muscled chest made it even harder to leave. Not that I had a choice, I was meant to return with water over an hour ago.

I shifted onto my side and took in the most beautiful man I’d ever seen with a grin. Hay stuck to his messy brown hair, and he pulled a long piece out and popped it between his lips. The muscle in his jaw rippled as he sucked it, and the bob of his throat made my stomach flourish.

Oh, no. I couldn’t go there again. I’d already pushed my luck today.

Spitz, my blouse, I said to the black cat that sat on the barrel my clothes were draped over. Spitz let out what I understood as an annoyed yowl, picked up the cream cotton between his teeth, and hopped down, setting it at my side.

How you get animals to do whatever you want will always amaze me, Wyatt said, before planting a kiss on my nose.

It’s how my bloodline’s magic works, it’s nothing special.

He fixed me with a hard stare and rolled on top of me. None of them can do what you can, Jaci. A strange look passed over his face, and he grinned wide. I bet you could even do it with one of the Golden Owls.

They’re sacred! Besides, you move things with your mind, that’s way more interesting than what I do.

Yeah—when it works, he said with a chuckle and leaned in for a kiss. His body pressed down on me like a blanket of warmth, and tingles moved through me and pooled between my thighs.

You’re so beautiful it hurts. He groaned, kissing my neck. I felt him stiffen against me.

We can’t—not again! I’m supposed to be at the river collecting water with the others. A long sigh left his lips, and he rolled off me and stood.

Every muscle in his body was tense and flushed with sweat from the last hour we’d spent together. I could stare at him forever. His shoulders were broad, and his body was strong from working with horses. The way the sun bronzed his skin over the years made my insides clench.

His only flaws were the scars that lined his calves from where his father used to whip him. The day that man died was a day I silently celebrated. Wyatt mourned him, but his entire family was better off.

When will I see you again? he asked as he pulled his shirt on without fastening it.

That was always the question I dreaded most. When? How long could we get away with this now that I’d been chosen?

It wasn’t like when we’d snuck out here as kids to ride and catch Starflies. His question held more weight than I could carry right now. I stood, pulled on my pants, and shrugged my shoulders. With a soft smile, I watched as he dressed, hoping he wouldn’t ask again.

He pulled on his hide-skinned britches and stopped in front of me, grabbing the button I was fastening and finishing it for me. He brought a strand of my hair to his lips and sucked the tip of it into his mouth.

Stop! I squealed.

But you taste so good. A crooked grin spread across his lips.

Hush! I shoved him and snatched my hair free.

He pulled me into his chest and dropped his brow to mine, staring into my eyes. I was floating, lost in his hazel gaze, somewhere between a dream and reality.

When I hold you like this, it’s like I’ve fallen into the bluest sky, he whispered.

I felt that in my core. It was like flying when I was in his arms. Flying away from it all. If only I could fly away from the ritual tonight.

I was going to be one of the new High Priestesses and would be paired with a mate tonight. Not a husband or a lover. Nothing more than a magical stud. One I could only lay with to produce a child. It was an empty, loveless future that I wanted nothing to do with.

My mother, on the other hand, was over the moon about it. She couldn’t understand why I wasn’t excited, honored, even. But I had lived my entire life watching her with Papa, the love they shared, and I wanted that, not the empty future that awaited me.

Scarier was what they tasked us with. All because of some vision that me and the other girls would be responsible for the fall of the false gods Sha and Dune. A shiver ran through me, and I gripped Wyatt’s hand.

A squeal ripped through the air, and I jumped back into the barn wall with a thud. My soon-to-be Sister, Ravina bounced on her heels with Lamaria at her side.

He’s beneath you, Jacqueline, Lamaria snapped.

I’d like to be beneath him, Ravina said, and her pearly cheeks flushed red.

Lamaria rolled her eyes. You’d like to lay beneath everyone, Ravina.

Ravina giggled. Not true! Only the handsome ones.

They stood on the dirt path that led to our city, Tithe, wearing cream-colored dresses embroidered with flowers, their hems soaked from ankle to knee. They were both descendants of the current High Priestesses and next in line for the honor, like me.

We’d known each other all our lives and had been training together since birth following The Bloodrite. Each of us carried more magic in our blood than a hundred witches right from the first day we’d drawn breath.

Come with us before your mother finds out, Lamaria said.

Wyatt stepped in front of me. His tone was sharp enough to cut ice.

She doesn’t have to go anywhere!

Lamaria frowned and hooked her arm on Ravina’s who’d bent down to set her full water bucket in the grass. Lamaria pulled her upright and Ravina mouthed the words for you, at me, tapping the pail with her toe with a grin.

Help her if you want Ravina, but they are both fooling themselves.

Screw you! Wyatt growled.

Lamaria’s chestnut hair glowed like fire in the sun’s rays as she stomped toward the barn, blowing the doors wide open with a flick of her wrist, and stopped an inch from Wyatt. How will you handle tonight, horse boy? When she’s paired with one of the Nightbloods and ridden till dawn?

He thrust his open palms forward on either side of her head. "Shut your mouth! The barn doors cracked back in the opposite direction with a wood-shattering crack.

Enough! I stepped between them, my hand on his chest and the other on Lamaria’s shoulder. I’ll meet you two later, okay? Goddess, why were they always like this with each other? I widened my eyes at her and ticked my chin back towards the dirt path that led up the tall grassy hill back to Tithe.

Fine, Lamaria said, leaving Ravina in the dust as she stomped up the dirt path.

She just doesn’t want you to get caught, Ravina said and rushed after her.

Wyatt’s back was rigid, and his nostrils flared with every breath, his eyes fixed on the other future High Priestesses.

Hey, look at me.

He broke his glare from them as they disappeared over the grassy hilltop. Tell me you don’t want this . . . tell me and we’ll go now. I can have the horses saddled and packs ready within the hour.

He held my arms tight and pressed me against the wall, his kiss filling with more need than I’d ever felt before. I wanted to say yes. I wanted to run with him and never look back, but I couldn’t.

You know I can’t leave Papa alone with Mama, he depends on me.

He reached for my hand, and I pulled it away, but he gripped my wrist. His eyes glossed and his breath was ragged. "He can handle your mother Jaci, I’m talking about our future! You’ve been mine for as long as I can remember, and I can’t just let you go."

I can’t, not after what happened to Leanna. I couldn’t leave little Ulric alone. He held my face in his hands and every part of me wanted to fall into the safety of his arms and forsake everything I had trained my entire life for.

What happened to your sister was horrible, but it was an accident. You said your mother didn’t mean to do it.

Mama needs me, little Ulric and Papa need me. I grabbed his wrists and leaned against his body, breathing in the scent of leather and sandalwood. It would break her heart, Wyatt. I’ve already disappointed her so many times. I can’t do that to her again.

She’s never going to love you, Jaci! When are you going to accept that?

It was like he’d kicked me in the stomach. Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them away, my words firing out like daggers. My mother is not your father. She loves me . . . she’s just sick. She can’t help it.

He sighed and leaned his forehead against mine. Our breath intertwined, and he kissed me, apologizing in between each soft press of his lips. I’m sorry. His lips pressed to mine again, and my hurt lessoned. I know how much they mean to you. I just don’t want to lose you, you’re the only thing I have, he whispered.

I held his face in my hands and the scruff of his beard prickled in my palms. The smell of his kiss was torturous. It made it hard to move. Impossible to think, but I had no choice. I hadn’t had a choice my entire life, and if I had, Priestess training was the last place I would be. I sucked in a ragged breath and forced out my answer.

I can’t go.

He recoiled from my touch and grabbed his boots, yanking them on. Forget I asked. He grabbed the saddle from the hook and hurried into the stall. Within moments he burst out the wooden gate and ran off on his silver stallion without a single look back. A wave of nausea washed over me, and I grabbed the wall at my side as I heaved in a shaky breath.

Goodbyes were never easy, but this felt worse. Like it wasn’t a goodbye at all. Instead, it felt like a betrayal. Mine. and I wasn’t sure what to do. I wanted to follow him; tell him I loved him. Tell him that I wanted to go with him, but I couldn’t. If I did, I would just have to break his heart all over again when I was made High Priestess.

I swallowed the thick lump that rose in my throat, picked up the pail of water Ravina had left me, and headed home to Mama and little Ulric.

Chapter two

Ihurried up the hill towards home trying to calm my mind, but it was impossible. All I could think about was what Wyatt looked like as he rode off, and how much I’d hurt him.

Mew!

Spitz rushed between my ankles and wrapped himself around me several times, nearly tripping me. He was the grumpiest cat I’d ever seen, but he always knew when I was upset. He tried to help in his own way, but there was no help for this. It was either go through with this and keep Mama from having a breakdown or run and be hunted by the Elders. And watching them burn Wyatt at the stake for helping me was not something I could survive. I’d rather suffer a thousand miserable lifetimes than see him killed because of me.

Yet still, the look in his eyes, as he understood I wouldn’t leave with him replayed in my mind on a painful loop. I fought back the hot tears that tried to break free and forced myself to think about something else. Tonight’s mating ritual surged forward in its place. My body trembled, and It took all my strength not to cry. That would be useless. This was something I had to face just like every other High Priestess before me had done. A bead of sweat ran from my hair into my eyes, and I wiped it free as my house came into view.

Located at the base of Ilias West Mountain, our home sat in the center of a lush green lawn surrounded by a sea of yellow and orange flowers. Moss and vines covered the white stone walls laid by my father years ago, and a willow taller than its second floor swayed beautifully in the summer winds at its side. 

The buzz of bees greeted me as I stopped on the front stoop, and I breathed in the floral scents, desperate to calm my nerves. Already, I could see that was pointless. Mama’s emotions affected the bees, and It was obvious she was in an agitated state already as they buzzed around angrily. I straightened my back and pushed my pain deep inside, ready to diffuse whatever awaited me on the other side of the door. I knew Papa was busy in the Market Square selling flowers and honey, our family’s primary source of income until I was made High Priestess, which meant calming Mama would fall on me today.

Mama was always home taking care of my little brother Ulric, bottling honey and trimming flowers, but I knew she wanted more. Her eyes lingered on the Priestesses every time we brought Papa honey to stock his shelves. Her smile faltered every time they walked by. Their white gowns were always pressed and pristine, and their golden jewelry always shimmered from head to toe. One day you’ll be like them, she’d say. But I saw it differently than she did. It was a life void of love and leisure, and the emptiness in their eyes terrified me to my core. 

I swallowed and pushed the door open, ready for whatever awaited me inside. The scent of freshly baked lavender bread washed over me as I stepped through the door. I wiped my slippers on the rug protecting Mother’s beloved wood floors and walked over to the kitchen fireplace. The bucket clanged on the stone hearth and echoed into the silent house as I set it down. Where are they?

Mama? 

Smash!

I spun toward the sound of shattered glass to find Spitz on the counter, nose-deep in a puddle of milk.

Dammit Spitz, Mama will have your head. Git!

I wiped the mess from the floor and dropped the broken saucer in the trash bin. The whistle of the teapot hanging in the hearth made me jump. I lifted it from the hook and set it on the table. Mama?

Bang!

The back door slammed into the wall and a trample of feet and a glint of blonde hair rushed past me and up the stairs. 

Ulric! Bring that back right now! Mama shrieked and ran past me and up the stairs in his wake. A door slammed, and a thunder of bangs shook the ceiling above my head.

I ran after them and skidded to a stop on the landing. At the end of the hallway, a stream of light filtered through the circular window, bathing Mama in it. Dust shimmered around her as she sat crumpled outside Ulric’s door. Dirt covered her dress and a handful of rose petals was scattered around her on the wood floor. Light brown eyes peered up at me through dark bangs that surrounded her tear-stained cheeks.

He took them, and he won’t give them back, she sobbed.

I approached her slowly. Each step was soft, careful not to startle her. I’d become good at calming her in moments like these. Although this seemed different. My brother definitely seemed guilty on this occasion. I kneeled at her side and worked her soft hands into mine.

Mama, what did he take?

They’re all I have. 

Her hands trembled in mine, and she lunged at the door. She banged with ferocity and slumped against it again.

I need them! Ulric’s tiny voice called back from the other side. Please, Mama!

Whatever it is, I will get it. All right. I lifted her from the floor. Her body shook, and her hair was a wild mess. I brought her to her room and helped her onto her dressing table bench. A soft bristle brush sat in front of her, and an oval mirror reflected us back. We looked so alike with our oval-shaped faces and almond-shaped eyes. Except for little Ulric, and I both had fathers’ bright blue eyes and platinum hair. Otherwise, you would have thought Mama, and I were twins. We both even had the same funny little heart-shaped freckle at the corner of our right eye.

What if he runs? I should stay by his door!

I caressed her shoulder and lifted the brush. Mama, I promise he won’t make it past the landing. Let me brush your hair. You always like that.

He’s so fast.

He’s seven, Mama. I’ll get him.

Her hand covered mine, and she met my eyes in the mirror. Of course, you will. How could I doubt a future High Priestess? A smile brightened her gentle features, and she dropped her hands into her lap. Your life will be so much better, Jacqueline. There will never be a need for you to worry over one possession like this. You’ll have everything.

Yes, Mama.

I gathered four thick sections of hair at the crown of her head, weaved them down the nape of her neck, and tied it with a blue ribbon. A hairstyle my wiry thin hair could never achieve. 

She was the most beautiful and gentle person I had ever met when she was having a good day, but when despair hit her, it was like the darkest clouds in all the realm had settled in her heart, and it was almost impossible to get them out. The ritual is tonight. Aren’t you excited? I asked, hoping to pull her out of wherever she had gone in her mind.

She turned on the bench, pulled the brush from me, and set it down. She stared up at me and her tears cleared away. Her pink lips spread wide and her eyes lit. You’re right. Today is a day to celebrate!

What did he take, Mama? She reached for her neck, and I realized what was missing. Did Ulric take your necklace?

She nodded and lifted herself up, taking a cloth from the wicker basket. She poured a small bit of water into a bowl, dabbed the dirt from her chin, and washed her hands.

I’ll get it from him before I meet the sisters, don’t worry.

I couldn’t believe it. Ulric had always been mischievous, but he was a good boy—mostly. What drove him to take Mama’s most cherished belonging?

I knocked on his door and called inside, but got no answer. I pressed my ear to the wood and heard sniffles. Ulric let me in. I’m not mad. I wanna help, please? There was a shuffle, and a drawer closed, followed by the slow squeak of the copper knob as the lock clicked. Bright blue eyes peeked through the opening before waving me inside. Ulric thumped the door closed behind me and turned the lock. Ulric? I sighed.

He slid down the door and thudded on his rear, hugging his knees, careful to avoid my eyes. It took all I had to keep my expression serious.

Why’d you do it? You know how much she loves it.

He squirmed and rubbed his dirt-stained britches anxiously before he met my gaze.

Cinna said if I had them, I could do magic too.

The Tanners boy?

Yeah.

I slapped my hands on my leather leggings and rolled back into the wall with a thunk. Laughter filled the small room before I had the time to rein it in. I’m sorry Ulric. I don’t mean to laugh, but the Tanner’s son doesn’t have magic either. You know how rare it is for boys to have it and the ones who do get taken as Nightbloods. You don’t want that, do you?

I don’t want a lot, just a little, like Papa and Wyatt. Tears ran down his rosy cheeks.

Oh, Ulric. I grabbed his arm and pulled him across the floor into my lap. There are things in this world more important than magic.

Mama doesn’t think so.

I twisted him toward me and held him firm. Yes, she does. Where are they, buddy?

He didn’t answer, but the quick flick of his eyes to the drawer at my side was all I needed. I pulled the strand of pearls from inside and rolled each one between my fingers. The sunlight from the window caught them, setting their rainbow hues alight.

He wouldn’t lie!

I didn’t want to argue or get into why people lie, cheat or steal . . . or sometimes even hurt each other. That was a conversation for another day—hopefully far in the future.

Did Mama ever tell you the story of this necklace?

He wiped his sleeve across his nose. No?

It’s magical in a way you’d never expect. Do you want me to tell you?

He nodded, and a teardrop rolled free from his lashes that he batted away.

All right then. I settled in and sucked in a long breath. Long ago, right after Mama was removed from priestess training, she was very sad. She liked to go to the lake and sit with her thoughts. But one day a man with blond hair came, and invited her on a picnic.

What did she say?

Well, you know Mama when she is sad. She said no, of course.

His brow furrowed, and he slumped in my lap. I wrapped my arms around him and set the rose-colored pearls in his palm. How many pearls are on this necklace?

He shrugged and pinched each between his fingers. I don’t know, there’s too many.

Yeah, there’s a lot, huh? I ruffled his hair. Eighty-five to be exact.

That’s a bunch! How’d Mama get so many?

She got them from the man. See, every day she would go to the lake and every day the man would talk to her. He could control the little fish and each day at the end of their talk he would have them bring a mussel from the bottom. Then he would open it and give Mama the pearl inside, and invite her again.

Did she say yes?

No . . . not right away. I hugged him and kissed his cheek. Not until the eighty-fifth day, that is.

He looked at me and beamed. So, she finally said yes? Did it make her happy? Having all these pearls?

Mama told me once that each one held a memory much stronger than magic itself.

The memory of what?

Falling in love, I whispered in his ear.

He wrinkled his nose and dropped them back in my hands. Gross! Really?

Yes, Ulric. I giggled.

He jumped up and grabbed a stick from the corner, brandishing it in the air. I don’t want magic for love! I wanna fight bad guys and protect our people from demons.

I’m sure you will have your chance, I laughed.

He set the stick back down and squinted. His attention was on the necklace again.

How’d they get them on the string?

"Well . . . the day Papa married Mama, he had them made into a necklace as a gift for her.

Papa was the man?

Yes, silly. Now you see why they are so special?

Yeah.

Can you take them downstairs and give them back to Mama and apologize?

Yes. He took them from me more gently than before and rushed out the door.

I pushed myself up off the floor and ran my fingers through my tangled hair. My chest tightened as the memory of Wyatt, and I riding under the stars sliced through my chest like a knife. I’d never have what Mama took for granted . . . I squeezed the knob and turned it as my mind slipped into a memory that lessened the pain ravaging my heart. Wyatt’s hazel eyes peered up at me as he hefted me onto a chocolate mare for a midnight bareback ride. When’d you get so heavy, he grunted. A small smile played at the corner of my mouth before I shook the thought from my head. Those days were gone, I needed to accept that. My entire life was about to be dedicated to the people of Tithe.

The door clicked shut behind me, and I stepped into the hall where Mama’s rose petals were scattered around the floor. I sighed, bending to pick them up. I wouldn’t be here to help Papa with Mama anymore, or protect little Ulric. But at least if nothing else, the families of the High Priestess were always provided for financially. Papa would get to stay home with them now, and I wouldn’t have to worry as much. That was something at least.

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Mama had changed into a clean pink dress and wore her pearls. She sliced the warm bread and buttered it for Ulric, who sat in silence as he stuffed his face with Spitz curled in his lap. Everything seemed calm again. Now, I had to get to the gardens and make sure Lamaria hadn’t told all the girls about me and Wyatt.

Mama, I’m going to head over to the gardens, I’ll be back later, okay?

She froze where she stood; her smile faded.

What’s wrong?

I’d hoped you would stay with me today. I wanted to help prepare you for tonight.

How could I say no when she was like this? But Lamaria? Who was I kidding—the damage was already done. An hour or more had passed since I’d been home.

All right, I’ll stay. Help around the house a bit, and then you can paint my face and do my hair?

She pulled a plate from the cupboard, poured tea into a glass, and set it on the table for me. I’d really like that, Jacqueline. Her smile could have lit the room.

If only I felt the same way . . .

Chapter three

Spitz licked his paws and purred loudly from below my chair, his belly full of my chicken dinner, though I couldn’t convince him to take any peas. I spread them as far from each other as I could, hoping Mama would think I’d eaten enough of them. The last thing I wanted was to throw her into another fit, but even the thought of food had me ready to vomit.

The door clicked open, and Papa came in with a bunch of wildflowers from the yard and his bow strung over his shoulder. He kissed my head and split the bunch in half, handing me one. His blue eyes searched mine to get a feel for how Mama was doing. Every day was like that. Papa, and I were the team that held Mama together, working to give Ulric a better life. I gave him a half nod down toward the table letting him know to tread carefully. He gave me that knowing smile and turned on his charm with the warmest smile anyone could ever see.

Mama leaned back on the counter with a smirk as he approached her with her bouquet. They’d last longer if you’d quit picking them, she teased and took them from him and placed them in a vase.

You should be able to enjoy them wherever you are, Papa said, and he set several arrows with tips seeped in honey on the counter for Mama to clean. I noticed several bee stings on his neck and arms as well which meant he had been moving hives without me.

You should have waited for me. I eyed the bow and arrows, but he just smiled.

You have an important night ahead of you. He pulled Mama into his arms, and she giggled. Besides, I think there is enough pain involved with that damn ritual, the last thing you need is a bunch of bee stings.

We don’t get stung when I shoot down the hives Papa . . . because I don’t miss! I raised my brows at his fresh stings and shrugged my shoulders.

And where’d you learn to shoot like that? He laughed.

"You, when you