Faye Magic: The Othala Witch Collection - Sector 16

Faye Magic

Othala Witch Collection – Sector 16

by Jo Michaels

***

Faye Magic

Othala Witch Collection – Sector 16

by Jo Michaels

Copyright © 2016 Jo Michaels

All Rights Reserved

First Digital Edition

Published December 15, 2016

Smashwords Version

License Notes:

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or re-distributed in any way. Author holds all copyright.

This book is a work of fiction and does not represent any individual living or dead.

Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

Typeset for print and web by Jo Michaels

Edited by Tia Silverthorne Bach

Both of INDIE Books Gone Wild

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by fines and federal imprisonment.

***

Faye Magic

Prepare yourself. It’s a competition like no other.

Think: The Hunger Games meets The Selection.

The last one standing wins the man.

Meet Morgan LeFaye Woodenson. She has her life planned out. She’ll marry Sawyer, the love of her life, and they’ll run into the sunset to be nomads, surviving off the land, not reporting to anyone, free to live their lives as they see fit.

At least, that was the plan until the imprisonment.

When reagent Orinthal’s wife dies suddenly, Faye is forced from her home and thrown into an arena to compete with every other nineteen-year-old girl in Sector Sixteen for the highly coveted place at his side. If she doesn’t win, she dies; if she does win, she loses everything she loves.

Deception and ruthlessness fill her, and she’s determined to find a way to hold on to her dreams—even if that means becoming someone she never thought she’d have to.

For more from Fallen Sorcery, visit the website at http://www.FallenSorcery.com

~~~

Other books in the collection:

Sector 1: Origin by Rebecca Hamilton

Sector 2: Mystic Storm by Bella Love-Wins

Sector 3: Hybrid by Apryl Baker

Sector 4: Immortal Winter by N. R. Larry and Rainy Kaye

Sector 5: Under by Conner Kressley and Rebecca Hamilton

Sector 6: Red Magic by J. C. Andrijeski

Sector 7: Savage by Conner Kressley

Sector 8: Dark Elements by L. J. Swallow

Sector 9: Alchemy by Noree Cosper

Sector 10: Winter Souls by Angela Fristoe

Sector 11: Star Crossed by J. E. Taylor

Sector 12: Forbidden by Shannon Eckrich

Sector 13: Sea Cursed by Amy Lee Burgess

Sector 14: Forgotten by Heather Marie Adkins

Sector 15: Wildfire by Jaret Martens

***

A large television connected to the Mainstream flickered to life, and a face swam into focus. Necro Manster’s deep frown was only overshadowed by his wide eyes.

Faye groaned, but she turned the rest of her body toward the newscaster to find out what could be so important he felt he had to interrupt the entire sector’s dinner hour. Several moments of silence later, she sighed loudly enough to earn a reprimand from her father.

Citizens of Sector Sixteen, it is with great sadness that I bring you this news. Our reagent’s wife, Seren, has passed. No one knows the cause, but it’s imperative she’s replaced as soon as possible. Reagent Orinthal will be making an announcement on this channel tomorrow to let you know how we’ll proceed. Until then, please dispense a little magic tonight in Seren’s memory. She was loved by all. Thank you for your time. Necro’s face brightened and then disappeared, returning the TV to black.

Daddy? Chills ran up and down Faye’s arms, and her voice squeaked. When her father didn’t answer, she turned to look at him.

His narrowed eyes were glued to the dark television, and his fork shoveled food into his mouth in a steady stream.

Daddy?

Mmm?

Do you think they’re going to do it early?

He swallowed and turned his gaze to meet hers. I don’t know. How about we finish this delicious meal you made before we talk about it?

Yes, sir. Unable to eat because her throat was threatening to close, she pushed the chops around on the plate while she waited for him to finish.

After he put his fork down, they both sat in silence for a long while, Faye’s heart racing, causing sweat to break out on her forehead and her fingers to keep up a steady tapping rhythm on the table. Each click of her nails only serving to heighten the anticipation building inside her.

Faye. Torna rested his forearms on the table around his plate and clasped his hands. If Necro meant there will be an early trial, yes, that means you’ll have to compete. You’re of age.

It was the exact thing she didn’t want him to say. As fear tried to grip her, rage bubbled from her heart, extinguishing the jitters to replace them with crimson indignation. Her hands curled into fists.

Now, Faye—

No! She slammed her fist on the table, making the dishes jump and clatter together. One of the glasses toppled and rolled off, shattering as it impacted the terra cotta.

Young lady, stop that. His voice wasn’t loud, but it had an edge to it—a deep, guttural growl—that conveyed he was getting angry.

He blurred as tears welled in her eyes, and she sagged in the chair. It’s not fair! Why did she have to die right before I turn twenty?

Slowly, his shoulders and face relaxed, and he shrugged, shifting his gaze to the floor.

I thought the trials would be three years from now, and that I’d be way too old. Her life was unravelling before her eyes, and she was powerless to stop it. There was no telling the reagent she didn’t want to be his stupid wife, and marrying him would only happen if she survived the trials in the arena. A tear zig-zagged down her face and dropped off her chin to her hand. She stared at the little ball of water, thinking how her life was just as fragile in that moment. Angry, she swiped the moisture away and glared at her dad. I won’t do it.

I know you’re upset. This isn’t something we could’ve planned for, baby. Death happens to us all at some point. Do I like it? No, but there’s no way to hide you from Orinthal. Even if I took you to the far reaches of the sector, he’d find you eventually. If we run, you won’t have a chance. He’ll kill you—and me, for helping you—when he catches us. I’m sure you remember the Halberth girl from last cycle. It seemed her father was unable to look at her. His head stayed down, and he picked at his fingernails as though trying to dislodge phantom dirt.

"Of course I remember her. Every girl in the sector was talking about how gruesome that rape and beheading were. But there must be something we can do." Hating how whiny she sounded, she clamped her lips shut to avoid disgracing herself further.

I’d do whatever it took if I thought for one second you’d be spared.

We can just hide until I’m too old! It’s only a few months off. Hope sparked. Please, Daddy? Can we?

No. I won’t risk your life that way.

My life will be at risk the moment I step into that arena. You’ve seen what happens to those girls! Ravagers, freak lightning, competitors, and Odin only knows what other kind of creatures or situations Orinthal has managed to cook up for the next round. It was her best attempt to turn the tide in her favor.

"But you’ll have a better chance than you would if you ran. He will find you, and he will kill you for running. Torna sighed. There’s nowhere in all of Othala that you could hide. Even if you managed to make it to another sector, the other reagents would find a way to turn you in or kill you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to pay homage to our lost consort." Without arguing further, he stood, walked to the door, and cranked the handle in the center. Loud thunks indicated the pistons were disengaging from their housings, and the three-inch-thick steel swung open a moment later as though it weighed no more than a feather. Though the reagent was tasked with keeping the ravagers out, a few managed to sneak through now and then, and it was better to be safe than sorry.

You should come with me. Torna stepped out on the porch and lifted his right hand.

Resigned, Faye got up and plodded out behind him, raising her arm toward the sky, palm up, whispering the words that would draw on the magic. A familiar tingle worked its way up her torso to her hand, and she spoke a blessing as white light in the shape of a calla lily rose into the night air and floated gently in the direction of the palace on a breath of wind.

Your magic really is beautiful. Torna’s tiny red dragon lazily flapped its wings to carry it toward the same destination.

She nudged him. Yours isn’t so bad either. That dragon is cute. If he were real, I’d cuddle him, and love him, and pat him on the head, and name him George.

What began as a chuckle turned into a full belly laugh as he led his daughter back inside and locked the door.

Too much? she asked.

Too many of those old cartoons, I think. He scratched at his short beard. You know, I’m positive you’ll win if you end up in that arena.

How could you know that? Their jovial moment was broken, and worry gnawed at her again.

I just do. With a wink, he turned his attention to cleaning up their dinner mess and the broken glass.

Faye jumped in to help, and it wasn’t long until the kitchen was spotless, dishes dripping on the towel next to the sink.

Next time, you clean up alone. Torna nudged Faye’s arm.

She laughed. What? Like that was hard? Come on, Daddy. You must be getting old.

Before she could poke him back, he pulled her into a hug and squeezed the air right out of her. After losing your mother, I don’t know how I’ll go on if I lose you, too. I love you.

I love you, too, Daddy. Warmth invaded her heart as she clung to him, letting her tears flow freely. It wasn’t long before she was sobbing. Snot clogged her airway, and she gasped, trying to catch her breath. When she pulled back, she looked up at him.

His hand moved to cup her cheek, and he smiled. Your mother would be so proud of the woman you’ve become.

How can you even say that? She hiccupped. I’m a whiny, juvenile mess.

You’re very powerful, sweetheart. Don’t ever doubt yourself.

If I’m so powerful, why can’t I stop this?

No one can stop this. Besides, we don’t even know for sure if there’s going to be an early trial. Our reagent may decide to wait the full ten years before taking a new bride, as the order says. As he talked, he moved toward the entryway table, where their lilac and honeysuckle plants—to remind them of Mom’s smell—thrived in small pots, and rummaged through a drawer. He handed her a handkerchief. Here. Dry your eyes, and blow your nose. We’ll wait until the address from Orinthal tomorrow. Then, if he says the competition is to commence early, we can start planning and preparing you for the possible hazards you’ll face.

I had it all planned out. Faye blew her nose. My life was going to be perfect. I was going to marry Sawyer, ha— her hand flew to her mouth —oh, Odin! Sawyer!

I’m sure he’ll be around in the morning. For now, go on to bed and try to get some sleep.

No freaking way was she going to be able to sleep. She was buzzing so hard she was surprised her hair wasn’t actually standing on end. Magic oozed through her, fighting to get out. Rather than upset her father by protesting, she kissed him on the cheek and nodded. Okay, Daddy. I’ll see you in the morning.

Sleep well, fairy princess.

She grinned. He’d called her that ever since she could remember. Every night, he said the same thing, and it always made her feel like royalty. Smile firmly on her face, she padded down the hall to her room, shut and locked the door, opened the window, lifted her ansuz rune, and cupped her hands in front of her mouth. Her words left on a whisper. Come to me, my love. We must speak. A bubble formed, the message swirling inside, and she released it into the wind.

While she waited, she adjusted herself in the mirror. There was no way she’d be able to hide the red rims on her eyes, but straightening her blouse and curly blonde hair were a must. She was halfway through a pull of the brush down the long strands when strong arms clutched her from behind. Brush discarded haphazardly, she turned and flung herself at Sawyer, drowning in the security of his embrace, refusing to release him.

He didn’t ask questions or push her back to find out what was wrong, he just held her and let her wallow in the emotional blanket tangled around her body. Calm eventually took over as his reassurance flowed into her, and she lifted her face to look at his once she thought she could stand it without bursting into tears again. Thinking about losing him made her ache all over.

How is it you always know exactly what I need? she asked.

I don’t. I just go with it. His trademark smile—one corner high, the other low—bloomed on his face. You okay?

Her heart melted. Sawyer was the one and only man Faye had dreamed of spending the rest of her days with. All her friends gushed over the latest celebrity in town or the high school star athlete, but Sawyer had been the one Faye loved since second grade. They were best friends. As she stared into his eyes, she remembered all the things they’d done together, the stolen kisses, and every time he’d rescued her heart or mended her booboos. He also knew when she was lying, so she decided to go with the full truth. Well, no, and yes.

One of his eyebrows rose.

Did you see the telecast?

Yeah? His hand rose and scratched at the spot on the side of his neck that he said always itched.

Lips trembling, she ensnared the bottom one between her teeth.

Am I missing something, babe?

All she could do was nod in response. She had no idea how to tell him their lives might be altered forever.

Rather than press her for information, he pulled her into his arms, stroked her hair, and told her everything was going to be okay.

She wriggled free and sat on the bed, staring at her fingers in her lap. It’s not going to be okay, but I appreciate you saying that. I can tell you aren’t fully grasping what all this means, so I’m going to lay it out there for you. Since Seren died, three years before she was scheduled to be replaced, it stands to reason Orinthal will hold the trials this year. As you know, all females of a certain age must compete. One deep, steady breath in and out, and she closed her eyes as she finished. That age is nineteen.

When he didn’t respond, she cracked one eye open to find out why. Frozen, his hand still in position to scratch again, he was staring, his mouth hanging open.

Say something! she whisper-yelled.

Are you saying you think they’ll take nineteen-year-olds if they hold early trials?

Of course. Why? What were you thinking?

I just assumed they’d still do the selection from the group of girls that have been preparing to compete in the next scheduled set of trials three years from now. They’re sixteen already; they’d be fine. He shrugged.

But that would upset the timeline. No woman can supply Orinthal more than ten years. If they take sixteen-year-olds, it’ll have to be done at that age forevermore. Besides, sixteen is too young for Orinthal to bed. She shook her head. No. If he wants trials right away, he’ll take the ones who are at the right age, and the girls who are nine now will be the ones to compete in ten years.

Sawyer paced, his fists tap, tap, tapping his thighs.

Faye watched, her head bobbing left and right. What are you thinking? Your pacing is driving me up a wall.

I think we should run away.

Tendrils of panic wove their way up her spine as she remembered her father’s words about Orinthal catching and killing her if she ran, and she remembered what was said about anyone caught running with her. Shaky, she wrapped her arms around her middle and tried to hold her insides still. Within a moment, she was vibrating so badly Sawyer had to add his arms to the mix.

We can do it, babe. They’d never expect you to have a wolf on your side.

"We’re not even supposed to be together. You know the ban on interspecies relationships. I thought, after we were twenty-one and legal, we could just leave. No one would’ve been the wiser. Plus, I don’t think you’d be okay with me being victorious. If I win, my glory will be supplying Orinthal with magic, and sex, for ten years, and then boring retirement on the old, used up bitty farm. If I lose, I die. If I run away with you and they catch us, I die. This is feeling like a hopeless situation, and it sucks major herbs."

He pulled her face up and gazed into her eyes. "But we’re going to run. I can’t see you thrown into that arena with those other witches. While you’d have a distinct advantage