Conjuration: Rivers Sisters, #2

By Crystal Inman

Heather Rivers is brilliant. Academically gifted, she spends her days studying the stars and looking for a connection between her father's disappearance and the heavens. The massive solar system? No problem. People? Not a fan. The multitude of voices in her head? Over it. Montgomery James makes a living carving out places for other people. He can draft and design down to the last inch by simply looking at a space. He's a man who follows his instincts, and those are leading him directly to Heather. But she would rather they lead him to someone else, anyone else, because her priorities don't include a smug mortal who knows nothing of curses and witches and dragons. Except the voices are becoming louder, and Heather's control is slipping. She disappears while searching for answers, and Montgomery pleads with her family to let him help. He's used his intuition to avoid trouble his entire life. But these stakes are higher, and he won't be able to avoid what's coming for them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crystal Inman
• Release date: Sep 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988322368

Crystal Inman

Crystal Inman is an eccentric and eclectic author of more than two dozen novels. She delights in writing Romance, Fantasy, and LGBTQIA+. Her first Erotic Romance, What He Wants, was the number one bestseller for her publisher three years in a row. Crystal read romance, Fairy-Tales, and Stephen King in her early adolescence. She is their unruly love child. You can keep track of Crystal on her website at www.inmanbooks.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Heather began rubbing her forehead as soon as they entered the tunnel to head back to Spencer’s house.  Grace threaded her arm through her daughter’s, and they walked behind the rest of the group.  Every once in a while, the others could hear the slight murmuring of their voices but could not make out any words.

They reached the room they entered through in record time.  The large dragon on the wall moved forward at Spencer’s command and took his place over the portal once more.

Grace moved forward with a smile.  Now that we’ve conquered that obstacle, I believe we have a witch to free.

They all moved back into the first room, and Grace laid the bracelet on her right palm again.  She passed her left hand slowly over it and sighed.  She looked up at her offspring.

I will need all of your help, daughters.  They moved forward and joined hands to form a small circle.  While still holding each other with one hand, they placed their other hand on the sapphire stone in the middle of the onyx bracelet. 

A bright white flash washed over the room.  Heather watched as the witch appeared before her.  Her long platinum hair blew softly in a breeze that Heather could not feel.  Silver eyes studied her carefully while a small smile played about her mouth.  Alabaster skin covered in a long midnight blue robe shone brightly.  She stood tall and proud next to Heather.

Welcome.  Heather started to take her hand from her family, but the witch shook her head.

Do not move your hand yet, child.  The others need not hear this.

Heather frowned and looked back at her family in disbelief.  They stood stock-still frozen in time.  She turned her head quickly.  What’s wrong?

Nothing, daughter.  Calm yourself.  I simply wished to speak with you.

It’s about the voices, isn’t it? Heather whispered.

The witch reached out and touched Heather’s forehead.  You are marked, child.  Marked by those stronger than I.  It is a burden that is not easily carried alone.  You are trying to protect them, but you can only do so much.  The weight of the world is heavy.

A tear slid from Heather’s left eye down her cheek and onto the floor below.  I don’t know which voices will harm and which will help.  There are times I cannot hear myself for the words of many in my head.

You must learn to trust yourself.  The witch sighed.  This is a tangle that I cannot stay and help with.  Now that I am free, my time here is running out.  She paused.  But I can give you a semblance of peace.  She touched the bracelet that Heather and her sisters still held in the center of the circle.  You will keep this bracelet, child.  Wear it and remember my words.  The witch cocked her head to the side with a small smile.  Ah.  My love.  He has waited for so long for me to join him.

Please, Heather implored.  Can you tell me anymore?  I feel so lost.

My love calls to me.  He calls to me as your man one day will call to you, child.  I gave all I had for love.  And I spent centuries apart from him for it.  She paused.  I would do it again and again to know he is safe.  She shook her head.  They will tell you that love heals all wounds.  Love makes everything better.  Love.  Love.  Love.  But they won't tell you the price of it.  They won't tell you how much it hurts, or how much you have to give to even touch it.  They never tell you that.  And that's a blessing.

Air suddenly rushed back into the room, and Heather watched as her family came back to life and looked at the beautiful witch in front of them.

Grace bowed her head, and her daughters followed suit.  Spencer inclined his head, also. 

Raise your head, dear ones.  I am in your debt.  The witch’s musical voice washed over the group.  None will be able to pronounce my name in the ancient tongue, but you may call me Adriadna.

I apologize for not realizing there was a treasure in the treasure.  Spencer lifted his head and held out his hands.  My humblest of apologies.  Please forgive me.

Adriadna came forward and clasped his outstretched hands in hers.  You are forgiven, Sir Dragon.  There is no need for further apology.  She turned and took the bracelet from the women.  Adriadna ran her thumb over the gem in the middle.  But I do ask that you give this bracelet to one of my daughters.  It’s meant to be loved and cared for by a witch.

As you wish.

Adriadna walked over and opened Heather’s hand.  She curled her fingers over the precious jewelry and smiled.  Be at peace, daughter.  Your journey is just beginning.  She stepped back and bowed low to Grace.  Your sacrifice honors our kind.  We pray for peace and joy to you and yours.  Her smile widened, and she turned to face the wall where they could see no other.

I am coming home, Gareth.  I am coming home at last.  She walked toward the wall with outstretched arms and faded into thin air.

Megan rubbed her arms briskly.  Well.  This day has been another adventure, hasn’t it?

Yes, Heather murmured.  She absently polished the bracelet with her thumb.

Grace reached over and fastened the bracelet around Heather’s wrist with a snap.  I have no doubt that this will help with the voices, love.

Heather smiled gratefully.  I hope so.

Megan walked over and ran her fingers over a stunning ruby and diamond necklace that dripped one fat brilliant diamond in the middle.  I don’t suppose there’s anything trapped in here that we can free, and I can go ahead and take this?

Spencer shook his head.  I rather doubt so, sister.  But I bow to your mother’s knowledge.

Grace tilted her head to the side.  I will examine other items as Spencer and time permits.

Paisley sighed.  Megan.  What would you do with gems and jewels?  You don’t hobnob with the rich and famous.  You don’t work with the higher echelon in any capacity.  There’s no need for wearing a diamond as big as a baby’s fist.

Still raining on my parade.  Megan stuck out her tongue.  They’re pretty and shiny.  I like pretty and shiny.  She looked around, and her mouth opened in an O.  She walked over to the large opalesque globe and stroked it softly.  This is gorgeous.

Colleen glanced at Spencer who grinned.  I thought it was some sort of witch-detector, she admitted.

He threw back his head and laughed.  Not quite, my love.  Spencer strode forward and picked up the globe.  This was given to my family at my birth.  It was a gift to mark the blessing of the son who would be king.  He smiled again.  No mortal may touch it.  It would burn the flesh from their bones.

Megan shivered.  You need a sign around here.  ‘Do not touch.’

Paisley rolled her eyes.  Because you’re just the type to pay attention to any sign.  Especially one that advocates not touching.

You talk, and I hear blah blah blah.  Megan motioned with her hand like it was talking.  You hobnob all the time, and I don’t see you wearing any jewelry at all.

Paisley rubbed a place over her heart with a frown.  I have no need for jewelry, Brat.  I help those who have nothing.  The last thing I need is a piece of jewelry that cost more than a small house.

Point, Megan admitted.  But I don’t have that problem.  She turned to Spencer again.  So.  In case something else is trapped in a gorgeous piece of jewelry, give me a call.

He chuckled.  You’ll be the first.

She nodded.  As it should be. 

Colleen laid her head against Spencer’s chest.  It’s been an eventful day.  I think it’s time for us witches to rest our heads this evening.

He kissed her forehead and put his arms around her.  You’re right.  I’ll drive everyone home.

Megan snorted.  Sometimes you’re a bit slow, brother.  As soon as we exit the house, we’ll be able to pop wherever we need to pop.

I don’t mind, sister.

Heather shook her head.  I’m good with popping this evening.  My head is beginning to ache.

Grace frowned and moved forward.  We appreciate the offer, Spencer.  But I believe we’ll all be fine.

He inclined his head.  As you wish.  He pulled Colleen tighter against him.  And you, my mate?

Colleen blushed.  I’ll stay.

Like that was a tough decision to make, Megan mumbled.  She blew kisses to everyone and walked out the front door.  The second she hit the outside air, she disappeared.

Grace walked over and kissed both Spencer and Colleen on the cheek.  Goodnight, children.  We will talk more later.  She looked over at Heather who was currently staring off into the night.

Heather?

She turned, and Colleen gasped before she could pull it back.  Heather’s eyes swirled with a deep blue that seemed to stretch on forever.

She’s getting worse, Colleen murmured.

Grace sighed.  I don’t know where she goes or what she sees.  I hate not being able to do anything to help her.

Spencer moved forward and gently took Heather’s hand in his.  What can I do, sister?

Heather tilted her head to the side.  So much loss.  She shook her head.  How do they deal with so much loss?  She sighed and grasped Spencer’s hand.  Your mother.

Spencer’s head snapped.  My mother?

Irissa.  Heather nodded.  Irissa is your mother.

Yes, Spencer whispered.

Suddenly Heather’s head jerked back, and she blinked.  Her eyes turned back to their normal green.  She looked up at the shock on Spencer’s face and her hands in his. 

Colleen rushed forward to put her arms around her mate.  What’s wrong, Spencer?

My mother.  He cleared his throat.  She was lost to us on a scouting party when I was a young boy.  My father believed for many years she lived, but now he has come to trust she has crossed over to the other side.  Spencer rubbed his hands across his head.  I’ve not heard her name spoken for centuries.

I’m so sorry, Heather murmured.  A lone tear slipped from her eye and down her cheek.  I don’t know why I said anything.  I don’t understand... she trailed off and looked helplessly around.

Oh, love.  Grace hugged her second oldest daughter tightly.  We need to go.  You need rest, and I think we need to leave Spencer and Colleen to their evening.

Spencer kissed Heather on her forehead.  Rest, sister.  Peace be with you.

Colleen hugged both her mother and sister at once.  I love you both.  We’ll talk again at our weekend dinner. 

Grace helped Heather outside, and they stopped in the driveway.

You’re more than welcome to come back to the house with me, darling.

Heather tried to smile.  No, Mother.  I’m going home.  But thank you.  Before Grace could utter another word, Heather reappeared in her living room.

She leaned weakly against the nearest wall.  It would take too much effort to move right now.  Heather waved her hand, and her clothes disappeared in an instant replaced by black yoga pants, and a black T-shirt.  Yet she still didn’t waver from the wall.

The waxing moon shone through the skylight into her living room highlighting the stone fireplace and surrounding furniture.  Two umber overstuffed chairs with an ottoman between parallel to the fireplace with a lighter sienna loveseat facing it.  Throw pillows of various brown tossed on all chairs.

Shelves stacked with books from floor to ceiling took up most of the wall to the left of the fireplace.  There was a television above a stack of firewood right beside the fireplace.  Heather shivered and flicked her finger toward the dry wood.  It roared to life with hungry orange and red flames flickering greedily in the darkness of the night.

The smell of burning wood soothed her.  There were many nights in their youth she and her sisters’ enjoyed rites of passage in the woods behind their house on evenings such as this.  She missed those days.  She missed a lot of things.

Heather walked slowly, as if a woman in her eighties, over to the loveseat.  She hugged a pillow to her chest and watched the flames as they reached for the air.

The bracelet on her wrist shone in the light of the moon, and she looked at it in wonder.  It helped quieten the voices a bit.  They were never silent, but the bracelet helped to mute a few.

Heather had no idea how to deal with the voices.  One minute there were none.  The next minute, there were many.  They spoke in so many languages and tones.  The older she became, the louder they seemed to be.

Sometimes when she worked, they would ease back for a bit.  But then there were times she felt herself slipping into the middle of them and lost all conscious thought.  It scared the hell out of her.

What if she slipped off into a fugue at work?  Or when she was driving?  It hadn’t happened yet, but there was nothing to assure her it might not in the future.  And wasn’t that a cheery thought this evening?

Heather closed her eyes and rested her head back against the loveseat.

Sometimes she knew things before the others did.  That didn’t bother her.  But when she began to spout advice about things she knew nothing about, she almost went into seclusion.

Megan teased her about her massive brain and intellect.  It was amusing until the menagerie of voices took up residence.  Now it seemed like the fourth level of hell on a daily basis.

The voices were important.  She knew that as surely as she knew her own name.  But some spoke of darkness and death with a glee that made her fear to sleep at night.  They spoke to her non-stop.

She took off her glasses and placed them on the end table to her left.  Perhaps she would sleep on the loveseat tonight in the flickering light of the fire.  The day’s events unfolded before her.  It felt...right.

Her oldest sister mated to a dragon.  Heather smiled in the dark.  Didn’t see that one coming.  The smile faded as she recalled slipping away near the end of the visit.  Adriadna’s words echoed in her head.  Some nonsense about trusting herself and more nonsense about a man calling to her.

Any men she had dealings with made her eye twitch.  Her few co-workers she talked to knew her boundaries and respected them.  She told everyone who would listen that she needed to be left alone for her research.  Throw out the big R word, and she could guarantee all the time she needed to herself.  Because research brought in funding.  And Heather’s research was the biggest source of funding they had been privy to.  It stopped interested males in their tracks.

Heather would appear at work in the early morning and hole up in her office.  Any information that needed to be disseminated would be encrypted by a program of her making and sent to others with the necessary key.  Who needed face-to-face interaction when there was technology?

She would occasionally visit some of her co-workers when she needed to stretch her legs.  They called her Dr. Rivers which she found ludicrous, but let them as it kept many from intruding on her time.

How many others had their doctorate in both Astrobiology and Astrophysics with undergraduate studies in Astronomy and Geosciences?  She had always been the brain of her family.  Megan loved to tease her about her degrees.  Heather knew that if the flighty redhead applied herself, she could have a degree or more of her choosing.  But Megan could never sit still long enough.  She seemed content with her high school diploma.

The lab at work was a monster.  It was nearly half the size of a football field with telescopes, spectroscopes and various computers to measure models and analytics for further information concerning astronomical objects and phenomena.

The night was her friend.  Because somewhere out there...somewhere out there was her father.  She knew it.  She felt the truth in her bones.  The voices knew it, too.  So, she let them alone for the most part and hoped that someday they would lead her to the man they all loved and missed.

The only time the voices were nearly muted the entire time was when she visited her mother.  Something about her childhood home blocked the many that strained to speak through and to her.

Even now, as she lay on the couch spent with the activities of the day, the voices spoke of the dark night and loss.  She both loved and hated the night.  It was as if she were a human conduit to other beings and their whims.  Really not a fan.

Heather closed her eyes and gently rubbed her right temple to try and ease the ache.  She had a whole work week in front of her with no respite.  She would bide her time and wait.  God knows she had enough practice at it.

Chapter 2

Heather woke at five the next morning and rubbed her bleary eyes.  The living room came into focus, and she sighed.  Her body lay stiff and unyielding.  She tried to unkink herself and cursed under her breath.  Bed.  Next time she would make it to bed.  She felt like a human pretzel.  It didn’t tickle.

She brought the newspaper in with a wave of her hand and placed it on her kitchen table.  The tea brewed on the stove while Heather changed into her work clothes of choice.  The black leggings and oversized brown and black sweater were perfect for the fall weather.  She slid on black boots and her black framed glasses.  She frowned at the length of her hair.  The mahogany mass now curled past her waist.  It was ridiculous.  She would need to cut it sometime soon.  It was impractical and oftentimes came loose out of the bun she habitually wore.

The tea kettle sang, and Heather walked back in to the kitchen.  She plucked two pencils from the mug on the island and slid them behind her right ear.  The tea was perfect, and she sipped it contentedly while the voices discussed the day and dragons and demons and death.  Wonderful breakfast white noise.

Heather turned to her horoscope and nibbled on a bagel slathered with cream cheese.  Many thought that horoscopes were trite nonsense broadly written to appease the superstitious masses.  She found that hers actually helped shape the day.  There were many times she wondered if other witches wrote the small paragraphs for their sisters.  Megan would have a field day if she ever decided to share that one.  It was one of many things that Heather kept to herself.

She glanced around the large kitchen and sighed.  It rarely, if ever, was used.  Most days she stood at the rectangular island in the middle, same as this morning, and had her breakfast.  Lunch at the office or at a coffee shop close to work.  Dinner would most likely be takeout of some sort.

It was a gorgeous kitchen with shiny granite countertops stretched out on three walls.  A beautiful skylight shone down on the island in the middle while a large three-pane window stretched above her sink.  Large rectangular cabinets above the countertops that opened with a latch and not a knob.  There were a few lights hanging down from the middle of the skylight with small blue skirts while recessed lighting lit the other areas.

She ran her hand over the countertop with a small sigh.  It was called Golden Galaxy.  Specs of brown and black and yellow speckled randomly through the golden background.  Seemed she couldn’t get away from the sky even if she tried, which she didn’t.

The sky was infinite.  And somewhere underneath the same sky lay the answers to all her questions.  That’s why she seldom slept well.  That’s why she worked until her fingers