Chapter Seven: Blood Magic

“I know it is here; where are you?” Astra stood in her library searching for a particular book. She searched the shelves till she saw it. “There you are.”

“I found it!” Astra called as she read the pages. “Ok, so there is a problem.” Astra wasn’t sure how to explain this to a newbie. “Alister’s mausoleum has a blood seal on it.”

“Meaning…”

“Only a relative of the caster can open the seal,” Astra said as she snapped the book shut and placed it back on the shelf.

“That complicates things. Is there a way to figure out who placed the seal?” Angelica asked, trying to come up with a solution.

“My contacts might know who placed it. They should be arriving after sunset.” Astra said as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Say they do know who placed the seal; how do we find one of their relatives?” Angelica asked, not sure how that would be possible.

“I haven’t thought that far yet. Go practice till they get here.” Astra instructed before continuing her research.

******

The forest began to settle as the sunset. Angelica was practicing her magic by moving a chair across the floor. Astra wanted her to practice with larger objects as she progressed.

“Astra, can I move on to something else? I am getting bored.” Angelica said, frustrated with moving furniture.

“How about you conjure us some food?” Astra suggested as a knocking came from the door. “It looked like how help is here. How about three burgers?” Astra added as she opened the door.

“Devon, Adric, good to see you both, and please, no fighting in my house.” Astra said as she let them in.

“Angelica, this is Adric and Devon; they are my contacts. Guys, this is Angelica.” Astra said as she introduced the two guys.

Devon's tan skin matched his honey color eyes. His dark hair was shaggy and tussled and blended into the stubble on his face. He stood six feet tall with a lean body.

Adric was pale with dirty blond hair and piercing blue eyes. His face was clean-shaven with no trace of stubble. He stood taller than her at five foot ten compared to her five foot five. They were handsome in their own right, and that made her nervous.

“We came as soon as we got your message.” Devon said as he stepped forward.

“We are here to help.” Adric spoke next.

“Angelicas was about to conjure some burger. Do you want one, Devon?” Astra asked as she closed the door.

“No thanks, I just ate.” Devon said, holding his hand up.

“Adric, can I speak to you privately?” Astra said as she moved to leave the room.

“Sure, any excuse to be away from the mutt.” Adric said as he followed Astra.

“I would rather be a mutt over a glorified mosquito.” Devon fired back before spitting at Adric's feet.

“Hey, no spitting in my home!” Astra said as she hit him with her broom.

“Damn, woman, I’m not a dog; don't hit me with a broom!” Devon exclaimed as he rubbed his new knot.

“Then don’t act like one!” Astra scolded Devon like a misbehaving puppy. “Behave yourselves for once!”

“Adric, follow me now!” Astra stormed off to the library with Adric in tow.

“She wasn’t kidding about the two sides not liking each other. You two almost seem petty.” Angelica said before she took a bite of her cheeseburger.

“It goes way beyond that; the only reason I am here is for Shayla.” Devon said as he took a seat on a cushioned couch.

“So, you know my mom?” Angelica asked in between bites.

“Yeah, she was like my little sister.” Devon said as he rubbed his head. “I miss her a lot. The last time I saw her, you were just a baby.”

“I made a mess of everything by just being born.” Angelica muttered, looking down at her food.

“You have no idea what your birth means to those of us who want this damn war to end.” Devon exclaimed as tears filled his eyes.”

“You lost someone?” Angelica asked as he looked away.

“Those bastards murdered my mate. She was pregnant, and they killed her for just existing. Our kid would be your age now.”

“Oh, I am so sorry.” Angelica could see his pain all over his face. She saw the same look on her mother's face when she would ask about her dad.

“It was a long time ago, but I did get my revenge.” Devon smiled a sly smile as he thought of ripping the bloodsuckers apart.

“That’s good,” Angelica said before looking to the library. “What do you think they are talking about?”

“You mean you can't hear them?” Devon asked, confused.

“I am still learning how to use my powers.” Angelica blushed and looked away. “They have been locked away till now.”

“That’s understandable, and honestly, I am not surprised. Closed your eyes and focused on the sounds around you. What do you hear?”

“I hear birds on the roof….” Angelica listened as they squawked at each other.

“ok, pull back a little focus more to the location you're trying to hear.” Devon instructed as he listened with her.

“I can hear them….”

********

“I need your help with something,” Astra said as they stood before the map. “We found Aleister's location, but the tomb he's being held in has a blood seal.”

“They must want to keep him there,” Adric said as he looked at the map. “Gramps has always been chummy with this warlock Azrael.”

“You think he is the one to place the seal?” Astra asked in a hopeful voice.

“I don’t see why not.”Adric said as he scratched his chin. “Gramps consults with weekly.”

“Does he have any children?” Astra asked, praying to herself.

“The guy was a major player; it may not be that hard.” Adric replied, rolling his eyes. “but we won't need them.”

“We need one of his relatives to break the seal.” Astra stated, looking at him confused.

“We just need his blood,” Adric said as he pulled a vial of blood from around his neck. “I have some right here.