Return to Wisteria (Book Three of the Wisteria Chronicles)

CHAPTER 16~In and Out~

Nova

     I stood in terror, watching the fight unfold before me. Summer had blocked Zaida’s first blow, but she was a little slower to catch the second one. Summer cut her herself as she caught Zaida’s wrist. I gasped, a fireball already forming in my hands. Summer growled at me, “Stay out of this.” She shook Zaida’s hand, forcing her to drop the broken bottle. “Please listen to me.” Summer hissed as Zaida struggled against her hold. Summer stepped forward, stretching Zaida’s arm out. 

   Zaida didn’t even blink as she head butted Summer, busting her nose. Summer’s head snapped back and loosened up her hold. Zaida dropped down and swept out Summer’s feet, making her body crash down to the ground. Summer groaned then kicked out her legs, bringing Zaida down with her. The two of them started to grapple, both taking nasty hits to the face and abdomen.

   I was proud and terrified for Summer. I’ve seen Zaida fight bigger and stronger people, their fights ending within seconds. Summer was able to keep up with her and she was able to inflict damage. She really has gotten stronger. I stepped back as the two of them rolled around on the floor. The patrons of the bar were unbothered by the commotion. 

     Summer rolled on top of Zaida, blocking her angry fists. Summer had blood running from her nose as she tried to speak. “STOP! I WANT TO HELP YOU!” she screamed. Zaida continued to fight, “I’ll never accept help from the people who murdered my family!” Summer managed to catch her opponents fists, rearing her head back to deliver her own head butt. Zaida was stunned by the impact, her head slamming into the floor. Summer held Zaida’s wrists above her head and waited for her to refocus.

     “I believe you. I want to help you bring justice for your family.” Summer murmured, an angry knot forming on her forehead. Zaida laid still, her murderous gaze softening. “You believe me?” she asked quietly. “I do. There is someone who is corrupt within the Council, and we need to expose them.” Summer answered, cautiously letting go of Zaida’s. I helped the both of them back to their feet. Zaida dusted her dress off, her groans of discomfort echoing Summer’s.

    “How will you help me?” Zaida asked. Summer limped over to the bar and ordered three shots. She handed one to each of us, hissing as she slammed hers back. “I can offer you resources, money, and a safe place to hide until we can bring the traitor to justice.” Summer offered proudly. Zaida scoffed, “What makes you think I need any of those things?”

    Summer smiled confidently, making Zaida nervously bite at her swollen lips. “I’ve done my homework. All of your assets have been burned down, your family accounts are frozen because of the Council. You are constantly being hunted by the Council’s veteran teams as well as other experienced bounty hunters. And the fact that you’re hiding in Bayliss, a city where it's difficult to survive even for the most ruthless criminals means that you have nowhere safe to go.” Summer answered.

    Zaida paled at her words, “How do you know all of that? It doesn’t matter. Nova has told me all about you. You offer things you do not have. You have no pack, no money and no connections.” Summer winced as Zaida stated the facts. “That’s true. I don’t have any money or a place to call mine. But I do have connections.” Summer admitted, pulling out a thick envelope. She handed it over to Zaida who accepted it with caution. 

   I tilted my head, confused on where Summer was going with this. Zaida opened the packet, her eyes growing wide. I hovered over her shoulder to study its contents. There was a one way first class ticket to Greece, a fake passport with a new alias and a letter of admittance to the Hesoteus family villa. Zaida stared at Summer with wide eyes, “How did you get this?” Summer shrugged, “The heir to the Hesoteus family is like a little sister to me. She was more than happy to help.”

     “Isn’t that great Leo? You finally have somewhere safe to go!” I gushed with excitement, making Summer smile. “What do you want in return?” Zaida demanded. Summer moved closer and lowered her voice, “Information about mermaid scales and who’s been trying to collect them.” Zaida hissed as she took a step back, “Absolutely not!” Summer shrugged her shoulders then snacthed the envelope away from her. 

   Zaida cried out as Summer grabbed my hand and started to walk away. “Wait! Please don’t go. I’ll… I’ll help you.” Zaida whispered in defeat. Summer grinned as she handed the package back. The crowd in the bar was becoming bigger, making it harder to hear. “I think we should talk somewhere more private.” I advised them. Zaida nodded in agreement, leading the way out through the back door. 

    We followed her down a dark alley that led to a small shed on the outskirts of town. Zaida lifted the broken door and ushered us inside. There was a small cot neatly made in the corner along with food supplies and candles. “I’m sorry it’s so cramped in here. This was the only place I could find.” Zaida said bashfully. I clenched my fists, I had no idea that she was living like this. Summer plopped down and crossed her legs, patting the floor next to her.

   Zaida and I followed suit, bringing up our knees so that there could be room. I reached over and held Zaida’s hand, “Can you tell us about the scales?” Ziada sighed, “Yeah. Mermaid scales hold a lot of residual magic. Each scale is refined down to pure magical energy. It can be milled down into powder and used for many things. You can put it into potions, food, spells.” 

   Summer listened intently, “What is it used for?” Zaida shook her head, “It’s mainly used to increase one’s magical abilities, making them five times stronger, and that's with one scale." I shook my head, I can't even begin to imagine if someone used more. Zaida continued, "If you add it to a potion, it will become five as potent. And depending on the type of spell you are using, it will make it fives times deadlier.”  I frowned, “Why is there a sudden increase in demand for them?” 

       Zaida shrugged, “I’m not sure, but there’s rumors going around about a war. The black market has been trying to stock up on everything, including the scales. Everyone seems afraid and refuses to talk about who this war was supposed to involve.” Summer and I shared a look. Could this be our war with the Fallen? A shiver ran down my back, was this really going to happen?  

    Summer dug into her jacket and handed Zaida the pictures from the meeting. “Do you know which gang these men belong to?” she asked, Zaida studied them closely. I don’t know who they belong to but I know where they hang out.” she replied. Summer beamed as she wiped the dried blood from her face. “Perfect! Can you take us there tonight?” she asked.

    “Um, Summer, that wasn’t part of the plan.” I reminded her. “There are too many things that have gone unanswered. We need to identify this gang. We also need to know if they are working on their own or with the person we’ve been warned about.” Summer made it seem like it was an easy task, but I was starting to get worried. “Ok, they are located near the port.” Zaida said.    

    “Why do you live so far away from the water?” Summer asked. “Temptation and poachers. Siren scales aren’t as valuable as mermaids, but we are still being hunted. I try to avoid the water as much as I can. When I’m near it, I can barely resist its call.” Zaida replied, her face suddenly becoming serious.

    “I was spotted one time by a fisherman. He had promised to keep my secret but a few hours later he had sold me out. Three poachers came after me while I was on land. Before I killed the last one, I asked him who told him about me. He had admitted to paying the fisherman a large sum of cash.” Zaida shook her head as she stared off into the darkness. 

       “I was furious. That night I accepted the call of the water, leading me to the fisherman’s home. I sang for hours, bidding him to come outside. He had walked into the water, unable to take his eyes off me. I lured him to the deep end, the fool had a smile on his face while he drowned. It had felt good to serve justice on the one who wronged me. It felt too good; I wanted to drown everyone that I came into contact with. My family were assassins, but we only killed for those who deserved it. But I had wanted to kill in cold blood. After that incident, I’ve tried to stay away.” Zaida confessed.

     “Damn. Are you gonna be ok taking us there?” Summer's voice was concerned. “Huh? Oh, yeah I should be fine. I didn’t mean to get so dark there.” Zaida said with a bright smile; I chuckled nervously. What if something bad happened? I couldn’t use my magic again, especially in front of gang members who’d kill to have a lycan that could use magic. Summer patted my back, “It’s gonna be ok Nova. We’ll be in and out.”

Summer 

     Zaida was true to her word and led us to the main port in Bayliss. The gang we were looking for worked in plain sight. The black spiral marks that were tattooed on the men were plastered all over the docks. From shipping containers to the boats, the gang's presence was everywhere. Zaida motioned us towards a warehouse, its worn doors imposing.

     "I saw them coming in and out of this building, but it's been unguarded for a few days. I'm not sure what they are storing here if it will be helpful. But I still think we should check it out." Zaida whispered. "I think you're right. We can at least look for some type of paperwork that will give us a clue." Nova whispered back in agreement. I nodded, "We are just here for information. In and out." 

      The girls nodded then we started our slow descent into the building. Zaida was right, the building was empty. There were tons of crates and barrels. We quietly walked around, looking for clues. Nova kept staring at the barrels, her head tilted to the side. "What's wrong?" I asked her. Nova let out a deep breath then used her magic to pry a barrel open. 

     We stared inside in complete shock. This thirty gallon barrel was filled with scales, their iridescent light shone like thousands of diamonds in sunlight. "Holy shit." Zaida exclaimed. "I-I felt the pull of magic. The magical aura is ridiculously strong." Nova said. "Well, we know who's gathering them, we just need their name." 

   "The Tarragon Syndicate, love." A mild Scottish accent sounded off behind us. A short man with short blonde hair stared at us, puffing on a cigar. "I never expected to see three wee lasses out and about, digging through things they shouldn't be. You sure are an interesting lot. A wanted fugitive, a lady Alpha and the youngest is a lycan that can use magic… very interesting." he said, his eyes curious. Zaida stiffened up next to me, her fists clenched. 

      I grabbed Nova's shaking hand then pushed Zaida behind me."There are too many of them." I stated, I could feel the presence of over 50. Thugs started to appear from the shadows, their numbers larger than I anticipated. "Let's get this started, I hate keeping a lady waiting." The boss said. The men ran towards our circle, so much for in and out.