Magister's Bane Read online

  Magister’s Bane

  Book 1

  Call of the Elements Series

  Copyright © 2019 by Yvette Bostic

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Acknowledgement

  I’d like to start by saying, while there are some references to places and events, any similarities to specific people are purely coincidental.

  I hope you enjoy the beginning of the Call of the Elements Series. I had a blast writing this tale and allowing the characters to run wild with their own stories.

  Book 2-Vampire’s Crucible will be released September 16, 2019, and Book 3-Elemental’s Domain is scheduled for October 2019.

  I want to say thank you to the people who’ve helped me throughout this process. My husband has been my encouragement, as well as the perfect sounding board and first-draft proof reader. I could not have done it without his positive attitude and patience. Thank you to my wonderful editor, Hannah at Between the Lines Editorial (www.btleditorial.com). She is an extremely talented young woman who’s also a joy to work with. Also, a huge shout out to my proofreader, Aryl Shanti (https://www.facebook.com/ArylsAuthorServices/). And thank you to Aleksandra Klepacka (https://www.facebook.com/AlissandraArt/), the very gifted young artist who created my cover art. Thank you to my very gracious beta readers. Your comments and opinions about the characters, events and time lines make all the difference!

  And last but not least, thank you to my readers! You’re the reason I continue to write.

  The Light in the Darkness Series:

  Light’s Dawn: A Novella https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C1WNLJ8

  Light’s Rise-Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0762Q52DP

  Light’s Eyes-Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079GHC3CD

  Light’s Fall-Book 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CV5QQMY

  Table of Contents

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  I shuffled up the last flight of steps to my fourth-floor apartment, exhausted from the hours of endless walking through the streets of Vegas. The apartment complex had an elevator, but I’d already been stuck in it twice and had no desire to experience it again. Reaching my oh-so-cheap paradise, I slid the backpack from my shoulder, digging around until I found my keys.

  Locking the door was truly pointless. The flimsy thing wouldn’t keep out a determined burglar and my building had several, but the false sense of security was born of habit. I kicked the door closed with my foot and tossed my keys on the counter in the small kitchen.

  Two rooms defined my apartment: the living room and the bathroom. A second-hand day bed filled the far wall, serving as both a bed and sofa. The building’s maintenance guy who lived next door surprised me one day with four old crates and a wooden door that he fashioned into a desk. It was also dual-purpose, masquerading as a dining table. My budget didn’t include money for cable or internet, so the old tube-style television, also supplied by my friendly neighbor, sat silent on one corner.

  The only extravagance I allowed myself was my trac-phone. I’d upgraded it to a smartphone from the old flip-style I’d kept for the last four years, not caring that the model was already three years old. It was cheap and a smartphone. It was also before I lost my most recent job.

  One of the customers caught a glimpse of me when my scarf slipped off my head. His look of revulsion sealed my fate. Ten minutes later, my boss’ voice boomed from the walkie-talkie hanging on my belt, telling me to meet her in the office. I knew what was coming. As long as the customers didn’t see me, I could keep my job. But when the first one complained about the ugly, deformed girl touching their precious stuff, it was over.

  That was a week ago. Today, I spent five hours applying for every open position that didn’t require face-to-face interaction with Vegas’ massive tourist population.

  My favorite artist’s song startled me from my self-pity, until I remembered it was my new ringtone. I didn’t recognize the number on the screen, but I answered it anyway figuring what the hell, if it was an answer to one of my applications, I'd be cheery and agreeable. If it was a telemarketer, I'd invite them into a dark ennui to leave him wishing for death. I was nothing if not adaptable.

  “Hello?”

  “Ms. Johnson?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is Jack, from The Sanguis Casino. We’d like you to come in for an interview.”

  I could barely contain my excitement. I’d never got a call the same day.

  “Of course,” I squeaked. “When do you want me to come in?”

  “Can you be here in an hour?”

  “Absolutely!”

  “One of the girls will meet you at the employee entrance.”

  “Thank you, very much!”

  A soft click ended the call without the traditional, ‘You’re welcome’ or ‘Good bye’, but I didn’t care. It was an interview. My rent was due next week, and my empty bank account screamed to be fed.

  I immediately called my only friend.

  “AJ, I can’t really talk right now.”

  “Guess what, Sharon?” I said, not allowing her to stifle my enthusiasm. I knew she was at work, but her job revolved around being on the phone. One more call wouldn’t really matter.

  “The maintenance guy brought you a working TV?” Sharon asked.

  “I have an interview at The Sanguis,” I replied, ignoring her question.

  “Oh my God, AJ! That’s great!” Sharon squealed. “You can do this, girl. Don’t let them talk down to you. Stand your ground, and tell them how hard a worker you are.”

  Tears pooled my eyes and threatened to spill.

  “Thanks,” I replied. “You always know what I need.”

  “Call me as soon as you’re done, girl.”

  “I will.”

  “Good luck!”

  “Thanks.”

  I dropped my phone on the counter next to my keys. I had half an hour to try to make myself into something I wasn’t.

  I pulled down the large piece of cardboard covering my bathroom mirror, my hand shaking wildly.

  “Don’t be stupid. It’s the same image you’ve lived with your entire life.”

  I snorted at my fears and snatched the cardboard from the mirror. Small, icy blue eyes stared back at me, peeking out from behind the multicolored scarf wound around my head. I pulled the corner of the colorful fabric, revealing my bulbous jawline and features that were so close together they could fit inside a coffee cup. My large nose sat on top of lips so thin they were barely there. My long, pale forehead ended in p
ure white hair that I cut short every few weeks. I didn’t bother trying to style it when my scarves always covered the tangled mess.

  “There’s no point. I’ll just keep the scarf.”

  Tears pooled in my eyes again as I replaced the cardboard, hiding the monster in the mirror. I hated that even I couldn’t see the person behind my scarf.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  I tentatively knocked on the door to the employee entrance of the Sanguis Casino, waiting several moments before it silently swung open. A tall, thin woman with dark, loose curls and deep brown eyes stood in the open space. I cleared my throat and straightened my shoulders, trying not to feel inferior to the tall beauty looking down at me.

  “I’m here for an interview,” I stated, my voice quivering with uncertainty.

  The woman looked down her pointed nose, but didn’t move.

  “You’re rather short for an entertainer,” she said in a high-pitched tone. “I didn’t know we had any other positions open.”

  “I applied for housekeeping assistant,” I explained, craning my neck to look up. I was used to it, but it was never comfortable. The only reason I reached five feet tall was because of my shoes. “Jack called and said he wanted to meet with me.” I realized Jack never gave his full name; just Jack. I should have been addressing him as ‘Mr. So and So.’

  “I see.” The woman turned and disappeared into the darkened hallway.

  I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to follow her or not. She seemed to dismiss me, almost immediately, leaving that all-too-familiar sense of rejection hanging between us. I threw back my shoulders in defiance. I wouldn’t be rejected today, so I followed her, pulling the door closed behind me. Soft lights lined the floor, illuminating the plush carpet beneath my feet, but not providing enough light to see the art on the walls as I passed by. Who would hang pictures on the wall that no one could see? Maybe the same person who went out of their way to elaborately decorate the employee entrance.

  My escort stopped at a large, wooden door and tapped lightly. Without waiting for a reply, she pushed it open and stood back.

  “Enjoy your interview,” she said, baring her bright, white teeth.

  “Thank you.”

  I slid past her and into the room, and my mouth dropped open. I was immediately grateful for the scarf that covered it. Low lighting circled the room, but didn’t hide its extravagance. The same thick carpet from the hall covered the floor. Small groupings of artwork decorated the walls, and every surface supported an intricately designed sculpture. I felt like I’d stepped back in time a hundred years. Everything had to be a priceless antique or an expensive replica.

  My gaze finally settled on a large, ornate desk occupying the center of the room. My face flushed with embarrassment as the man behind the desk stared at me. He was incredibly handsome with carefully combed, dark brown hair and equally proportioned features, so unlike my own.

  “Sorry,” I stammered. “Your office is beautiful.”

  “Yes,” his low voice drifted across the space between us, drawing me towards him. “Everything I keep is beautiful.”

  His voice was rich and hypnotic. I stopped at the low-backed chair in front of his desk, not realizing I’d even moved. But I hadn’t lost all my senses. I knew what I was, and he said he wanted beauty. “Then I should leave,” I mumbled.

  “No, you are exactly where you’re supposed to be Ms. Johnson,” he replied, indicating the chair. “Please, sit down.”

  I sat on the edge of the flowered fabric covering the seat, uncomfortable under his gaze.

  “You’ve applied for the housekeeping assistant position,” he continued. “Do you have any training or experience?”

  I looked down at my shaking fingers and took a deep breath. “Yes, I’ve worked in several of the hotels here in Vegas.”

  “And why are you not still with them?” His tone didn’t carry an accusation, just curiosity.

  I heard him shift in his chair, and I looked up. Eyes the same color as the woman who escorted me held mine for several long moments. I tugged at the scarf that concealed all but my own eyes.

  “My appearance upsets the guests,” I replied reluctantly, knowing I couldn’t avoid it. “But as long as I remain out of sight…”

  He held up one finger, and I snapped my lips shut. “Can you start tomorrow?” he asked.

  This was too good to be true. Was he really offering me a job without calling references or a background check?

  “Of course. Just tell me what time to be here,” I responded before he changed his mind.

  He raised an eyebrow as he pulled a folder from the drawer to his left. He pushed it across the desk and leaned back. “Fill out these forms. Be back at six tomorrow evening. I’ll tell the staff to be expecting you.”

  “Thank you very much,” I said, reaching for the manila folder.

  Jack’s hand was on mine before I realized what happened. A jolt of electricity sparked between us, and I snatched my hand back. A smile spread across his handsome face as he stood.

  “Sorry,” I whispered. “Too much static buildup from the carpet, I guess.” I stood, grabbing the folder. I sounded so stupid.

  “Yes, it happens frequently.” He moved from around his side of the desk and towards the door. “Let me see you out.”

  As soon as I emerged onto the sidewalk out front, I called my bestie.

  “Sharon, you won’t believe it!” I yelled into my phone as I walked towards the nearest bus stop. “I start tomorrow!”

  “AJ, I’m so happy for you,” my friend replied. “We should celebrate. I’m on my way home now, let’s meet at Sandy’s in half an hour for dinner. My treat.”

  I could almost hear the smile in her voice.

  “See you there.”

  I looked at my ten-dollar wrist watch. Six thirty. Instead of getting on the bus, I decided to walk the few blocks over to Sandy’s Diner. It was a small, local shop, not normally frequented by tourists. Its location on the northwest side of Vegas made it inconvenient for people who wanted to experience the more luxurious hotels and shows.

  It was perfect for me. Cheap. The owner knew my foster parents before they left me and Vegas behind. Sandy’s pity was irritating, but it kept me fed.

  “Hi, AJ,” Sandy’s voice greeted in a croak earned from decades of smoking. “Is Sharon joining you this evening?”

  “Hi, Sandy. Yes, I’ll have the usual.”

  Her bleach blond ponytail bobbed up and down as she wrote a ticket and hung on it on a peg behind her.

  I made my way to the smallest table at the far end of the bar, the one I felt most comfortable at, hidden from the rest of the customers. I dropped the folder on the wobbly table and hung my bag on the back of the chair. The waitress rounded the corner a few moments later.

  “So, what’s got you smiling today?” she asked, placing a glass of water in front of me.

  “Is it that obvious?” I asked, my hand instinctively checking to make sure the scarf was still in place; it was.

  She winked. “Only to those who look.”

  “I start a new job tomorrow,” I said, excitement bubbling in my core.

  “Good for you! Where at?”

  “The Sanguis,” I replied, watching her expression. It was one of the oldest casinos but still in good condition. “In housekeeping.”

  “I’m happy for you,” she responded, placing a hand on her hip. “Dinner’s on me tonight. I’ll bring you the special: chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes. You need more than two eggs and toast.”

  She walked away before I could answer, but I smiled. I might not have much in life, but I was grateful for both Sandy and Sharon. I turned back to the stack of papers and focused my attention on filling out the direct deposit form.

  “The most important one,” I mumbled.

  “I agree.”

  I jumped and looked up to find a man standing next to me. My small eyes widened as I took in his tall frame covered in black, skinny-jeans and a black t-s
hirt. The corded muscles in his arms flexed despite his relaxed posture. The stranger’s long, black hair fell to the left, revealing shaved sides beneath. He looked good in Goth, but what was he doing standing in front of my table? His thick, dark eyebrows shadowed the brown eyes watching me with curiosity.

  “May I join you?” he asked quietly.

  I shook my head, grateful for the scarf covering my reddening face. No one ever joined me except Sharon. “I’m expecting a friend.”

  “I’ll make room for her when she arrives.” He sat down in the chair across from me, uninvited.

  My discomfort turned to anger. How did he know I was waiting for a girlfriend and not a boyfriend? Did he just assume from my appearance that no man in his right mind would join me? I frowned and tugged at my scarf, making sure it was still in place. Why wouldn’t he?

  “I’m not really interested in company right now,” I said, shifting under his intense gaze.

  “I’ll wait for you to finish your paperwork,” he replied, leaning back in the old metal chair.

  I closed the folder and rested my pen on top of it. “What do you want?”

  “You, of course,” he replied candidly.

  I was speechless. It was obviously a lie, no one wanted me for anything, not even a bad thing. I shook my head. “Nice try. What do you really want? I have no money or anything of value.”

  “You have no idea how much you’re worth, princess.” He leaned towards me, resting his elbows on the table and intertwining his fingers. “My informant was fairly descriptive, but seeing you in person...”

  “I’m not…” I snapped my mouth closed when Sandy rounded the corner with a tray balanced on the palm of her hand.

  “Here you go,” she said, arranging the plates on the small table. “I swear, Sharon’ll be late for her own funeral.” She chuckled. “Do you think she’ll want the special?”

  I looked from Sandy to the man across from me, who was no longer there. An empty chair occupied the space. Had I imagined the conversation? How did he leave without Sandy noticing?

  “AJ, are you okay?”

  I swallowed hard. “Yeah, just overwhelmed and maybe a little nervous.”

  “You’ll do great.” Sandy’s genuine smile eased my anxiety a little. I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand and adjusted my scarf.