Echo, p.1
Echo, page 1
ECHO
The Curse of the Blackwood Witches
Yasmine Maher
www.fablesandfacts.com
Fables and Facts publishing
Copyright © 2022 by Yasmine Maher
All rights reserved. Published by Fables and Facts publishing house. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
Edited by Borbala Branch
Cover art by Ivan Zann
Paperback ISBN: 979-8-9859946-3-6
Hardcover ISBN: 979-8-9859946-6-7
E-book ISBN: 979-8-9859946-4-3
To my parents
To my brother and sister, who supported me endlessly
To Yuki-chan, my ginger cat, my muse, and personal assistant
Table of Contents
Arc 1: The Making of a Witch
Chapter 1: The Wedding Crashers
Chapter 2: The Prophecy
Chapter 3: By the Book
Chapter 4: Intuition VS Instincts
Chapter 5: The Sixth Element
Chapter 6: Finding Faith
Arc 2: Allies
Chapter 7: The Land of No Return
Chapter 8: Hellos and Goodbyes
Chapter 9: The Accidental Hostage
Chapter 10: Reasons
Chapter 11: The Vision
Chapter 12: The Oasis
Chapter 13: Insanity
Arc 3: Insanity
Chapter 14: The Killer You Made Me
Chapter 15: Viessa in the Wonderland
Chapter 16: The Baby, the Salt, and the Spirits
Chapter 17: Revealed
Arc 4: The Truth
Chapter 18: One Side of the Story
Chapter 19: The Other Side of the Story
Chapter 20: High-Spirited
Chapter 21: The Name is Nora
Chapter 22: Birthday Girl
Arc 5: Falling Apart
Chapter 23: Locked In
Chapter 24: Two Faces, Same Coin
Chapter 25: Mirror, Mirror
Chapter 26: The Little Pieces of Us
Chapter 27: Becoming Whole
Chapter 28: Reunited
Chapter 29: Second Chances
Chapter 30: Heal the World
Arc 6: Recreation
Chapter 31: Soulless
Chapter 32: Mind Games
Chapter 33: Fervent Faces
Chapter 34: From the Unknown
Chapter 35: New Beginnings
A Message from the Author
About the Author
Arc 1: The Making of a Witch
Chapter 1: The Wedding Crashers
I always thought the sky was made of glass. When I was young, my grandfather taught me not to believe in magic. "If you have a wish, don’t wait for a shooting star," he said. "Work for it. Make it real."
I grew up a skeptic.
I never believed in what I couldn’t see nor imagined what dwelled beyond the clouds. Little did I know one day, the glass would shatter, revealing a blood bath behind it, one that traced back a thousand years.
I discovered the truth on the day of a wedding.
The pre-evening sun beamed down on the stone-tiled aisle, shining through the scattered rose petals. At their tables, the guests sat, flanked by trees and lush greenery, and ceiled only by the sky.
The sweet smell of the garden drifted through the gentle summer breeze that touched my neck. A few steps away, the groom waited under the floral arch, stunned and a bit nervous. I wasn’t a big fan of weddings, but that part made me smile. Jackson had always been the funny, outgoing guy. I never expected to see him blush.
Here Comes the Bride started to play. All heads turned, waiting for my sister to make her entrance. She walked in, escorted by our grandfather and clutching to her bouquet of blush and cream roses. Her brown hair gave off a ginger glow in the soft sunlight, and her angelic smile adorned her heart-shaped face. Many people said Tara and I look alike, but I never lit up the room the way she did.
Ahhh. I pressed my fingers to my temples when a horrifying image barged into my mind. I saw Tara, standing near a broken altar. Flooded with despair, she glanced down at her bloodstained dress.
What the hell is this? The intrusive vision forced me to flinch and shuffle back.
"Watch it." Heidi caught me before I tripped. She was my sister’s best friend, who lined up next to me and the other bridesmaids. "Are you trying to steal Tara’s thunder?" she whispered, giving me her condescending glare. Even in a pink dainty dress, she still managed to show her bitter nature.
I ignored her and calmed myself with a breath. Heidi and I never got along, but I had promised Tara I’d be nice. Turning back, I was relieved the frightening image was gone, and my sister walked down the aisle with grace.
It’s just in my head. It’s just in my head.
***
Tara and Jackson exchanged their rings. The guests cheered and threw rice, yet I couldn’t help but feel heaviness in my chest.
"You look beautiful today," Joe told me as I sat at the table with him. My sweet fiancé was a pediatrician at the City Hospital. He was easy on the eyes, with a soulful gaze and a gentle presence that could soothe a crying baby. No wonder he was great at his job. "I have known you for two years, and this is the second time I’ve seen you in a dress."
I was more of a ‘jeans and a plaid shirt’ girl.
"Tara transformed me." I tittered. "But look." I removed the hem of my dress to show him the sneakers on my feet. "She didn’t even notice I took off the heels."
He gave me his 'how cute' smirk that turned into a coy grin when I leaned in to sniff his citrus cologne.
"How are the summer classes?" he asked.
"I hate them." I pouted. "While my classmates are at the beach, I’m writing a paper about environmental law and property rights."
"Remind me again, why do you have to take summer classes?"
"Cause I’m unable to relax, that’s why." I rested my head on my fists. "Am I crazy?"
"I have heard rumors," he teased.
"Seriously, why do I push myself so hard? I should be having fun and going on dates with you. I don’t even remember what that’s like."
"How about I remind you?" He leaned forward. "I’ll take you out tonight after the wedding."
"This would be nice, but..." I cleared my throat. "The paper is due Monday."
"God, you are crazy," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Why am I marrying you?"
I tossed my hair over my shoulder. "Because I’m adorable?"
He gave half a laugh. "Seriously, Echo. You seem off today. Is it because of London?"
"Hmm, no," I said casually. "I made peace with my sister moving to London. It’s her life, and I want her to be happy. I’m not even going to cry at the airport. Maybe afterward."
Joe laughed but didn’t stray from the point. "Then what is it? Is it the park?"
"The park?" I raised my brows, intrigued by his conclusion. "Maybe. This place gives me the creeps."
"I wonder why you hate it," he said. "Tara told me you used to come and play here when you were kids."
"We did, didn’t we?" I tried to recall why we stopped, but the memories were hazy. Oracles Park symbolized everything I didn’t believe in; magic, fortune, luck, and other shenanigans. At the entrance was a statue of a green witch on a broom—a symbol so popular on Oracles Island, I was surprised it hadn’t made it to the flag. Outside the venue sat a wishing well where guests sent their blessings to the newlyweds. And worst of all was the psychic that walked around in her black cloak, offering to read everyone’s palms.
Like many people, Tara believed witches used to live in that park and their lingering magic would bless her marriage. I thought she was crazy, but I kept it to myself. Never mess with the bride, right?
A ringing sound interrupted our conversation. Joe reached for his phone.
"It’s the hospital." He stood. "I have to take this."
"Sure. Go ahead."
As he walked away, I watched my sister and her groom dancing. She laughed when he whispered something in her ear. My lips curled into a wary smile, disturbed by the image from before. It’s just in my head.
"Do you want to know your fortune?"
"God." I smacked my hand at my chest. "You startled me." I hadn’t noticed when the psychic took Joe’s seat.
"Do you want to know your fortune?" she repeated. The hood of her black cloak covered her eyes.
"Thanks, not interested." I wanted to shoo her away.
"But, dear, what you don’t know can hurt you," she said.
"I’ll take my chances." My cracking voice showed an edge of anxiety.
"It’s too late anyway." She frowned. "It’s already started."
What’s she talking abo—? Before I formed the question, the psychic grabbed my hand and stamped it with ink.
"What the—?" I pulled away. "What’s wrong with you?"
"My apologies, Ms. Blackwood." She didn’t sound apologetic. Rising from her seat, she gave me a warning. "Keep an eye on your grandfather."
She moved away before I could respond. I tried to wipe the stamp off, but the ink burrowed into my skin like a tattoo and settled in the shape of a triangle, intertwined with a wave and a circle.
God, I hate this park. I got to my feet and scanned the place. My gaze swiveled among face s, both familiar and not. They ate, danced, and took pictures, unaware of my growing panic.
I spotted Grandpa outside. He was standing near the wishing well when I made my way to him. "You’re not making a wish, are you?"
"I would never," he said, turning to me. A genuine smile touched the corners of his tired eyes. He had pulled another all-nighter working on a client's case, yet he showed up at the wedding all compact and dignified, his salt-and-pepper beard well-trimmed and kempt.
"I thought so too." I gave an awkward grin.
Grandpa seemed to be waiting for me to say more, but I could only stand there with a worried face. There was no way to tell him about the psychic’s warning or the unnerving image I had seen. He would’ve thought I had lost my mind.
"Doesn’t Tara look wonderful?" I asked, trying to break the silence.
"She has your mother’s beauty."
"Oh." I glanced down and scuffed my shoes.
"But you, sweetie," he added. "You’re a hundred percent Leo."
I raised my gaze to meet his, eager to hear more of what he had to say.
"The way you try to make everything perfect, to take care of everyone. You’re everything your father was."
Tears welled up, and I reached for the handkerchief in Grandpa’s pocket. "Do you miss him?" I asked.
"These are the times I miss them the most, both of them. I can imagine your father walking Tara down the aisle, and Lillian...walking all over Jackson."
I chortled. "Well, Tara was lucky to have you walk her down the aisle, and I guess I have to be Jackson's monster-in-law."
Grandpa smiled and leaned forward to kiss me on the forehead. As he stepped away, I felt a sudden urge to stop him.
"Look out," I shouted, not knowing why. As soon as I pulled him away, the ground erupted.
With a hellish rumble, the earth shuddered and burst open. Dust sprang, bringing on a coughing fit.
"Wha-what’s happening?" Grandpa held onto my shoulder.
"A-ah." I coughed, failing to form words.
As the guests hollered, the shaking intensified, and the floral arch collapsed. The ground was ripped apart, swallowing the swath of green into a hole. Everyone tried to flee, but Grandpa and I were paralyzed. A step away from us sat a pit to hell, swirling and roaring.
***
In a matter of seconds, the hole expanded to the size of a swimming pool. Tables and chairs toppled over and hauled into the abyss. The guests jumped off their seats, but some were too old to run. Jackson hurried to help his mother, who almost fell.
"Calling all units. Ambulance needed at Oracles Park," Heidi spoke through her police scanner.
"Copy that," the dispatch said. "Do you request backup, Detective?"
"Yes—" She glanced at the bride, who stared at the widening hole. "Damn it, Tara. Run," she yelled, but Tara wasn’t listening. She just stood there, eyes too open as if by force.
"Tara, you have to go." Heidi pulled at her shoulder, but Tara was frozen. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
Heidi followed Tara’s gaze, and the scanner dropped from her grasp. From the hole, two beasts emerged. They were ten feet tall with furrowed brown skin and claws too long for their size. Although they walked on two feet, their tails trailed into the pit. "This can’t be."
"Detective?" the scanner sounded. "Detective."
"Everyone, out of here now," Heidi shouted.
***
While two beasts appeared at the venue, a third one showed up where Grandpa and I were. Beneath our feet, it clutched the ground and climbed up, squeezing itself into the small space between us and the pit, like a person who didn’t understand personal space. Except, it wasn’t a person. It was some sort of dragon/human hybrid with a reptilian face and yellow eyes with neither lids nor lashes. And it had the scent of the Earth—dusty, wet soil.
A moment passed before I noticed my neck was stretched up. The beast and I locked eyes, studying one another. What the hell is this thing? I was stuck mid-gasp, unable to push the air into my lungs.
The staring stopped when the beast snarled. Grandpa and I backpedaled, our knees quivering. The beast seemed ready to pounce.
What are we going to do?
Grandpa tugged at my arm and brought his other hand to his chest. I worried the fear would kill him before the beast did.
The Jeep! I thought of a way out. Although no cars were allowed at Oracles Park, mine was an exception since I had driven the bride and groom. I had parked it right behind the venue, away from the pit.
If only I can get there with Grandpa.
What about Tara, Jackson, and Joe?
Will Grandpa be able to run?
Will he slow me down?
This is not the time for hesitation, Echo. Do something.
I peeked at my grandfather, unsure whether I was making the right choice or if I had a choice at all. "I’m sorry, Grandpa." I pulled away. "You have to make it on your own."
"Wh-at?" The confusion on his face heightened when I handed him the key.
"Get out of here," I said. "I’ll stall."
"Echo. What are you—"
"Go!" I jumped away and tossed my purse at the beast in an attempt to grab its attention.
The beast turned to me, growling, and with that, I ran.
I ran as fast as my dress and my short legs allowed me to, pushing past the venue and the scramming guests. Their cries seemed distant, masked by the heavy thuds of the beast chasing me.
The more I sped up, the faster I lost my breath. My lungs were on fire. Out of oxygen and ideas, I hid among a grove of trees and tried to vanish in their thick foliage.
As the thuds faded, a wave of relief washed over me, but soon, the leaves began to rustle. The beast had caught up. It flung its wolverine claws out like open scissors with my neck between the blades.
"Please, don’t." I was glued to the ground. Had I made a move, the blades would’ve sliced through me. A wail escaped my dry lips and tugged at my throat, breaking the rhythm of my racing heart and the beast’s grating breath. From the corner of my eye, I saw the wishing well. All I could do was pray Grandpa made it safely to the car.
That was in no way a heroic moment. Before giving Grandpa the keys, I thought about saving myself instead. I was younger and faster and had a long life to look forward to, but Grandpa was the only father I had ever known. He raised me and Tara, took care of us, kept us safe. He inspired me to become a lawyer and to follow in his footsteps. The arrow of my moral compass spun around as I wrestled with the choices, but now that I had made my decision, there were no regrets.
Shutting my eyes, I surrendered to the beast. Although I wanted to feign bravery, my trembling jaw gave away my fear. My life flashed before my eyes, and I saw how empty it was. Twenty-two years, and I had three memories to ache for—just three.
My first day at law school.
Joe’s proposal.
And the ice-cream place where Grandpa took us when we were young. All the time, we used to go there, order the same chocolate sundae, and listen to Somewhere Over the Rainbow on the jukebox. One time, we even carved our initials to the table.
Though my eyes teared up, my lips curled into a smile.
I wish I could go there one more time.
I don’t want to die.
"Hey, you," a familiar voice bellowed. My life montage popped like a soap bubble. I opened my eyes and tilted my head to the side.
The psychic heaved a rifle to her shoulder. She fired and something whizzed near my face, forcing me to hold my breath. It wasn’t a bullet, but a syringe that penetrated the beast’s skin.
The beast lowered its blades, letting me go and turning to the shooter, who reloaded her gun.
"I got this one," she told me.
She removed her hood, revealing her face. She had hair and eyes in the color of purple eggplant, and despite her innocent features, her gaze was vacant, impassive. An ice princess was the best description for her.
"Go back to the wedding and find Kirby," she said. "I’ll take care of this one."
Who’s she? I gawked, barely hearing her words, astonished by her unusual looks.
"What are you waiting for? Find Kirby."
"Kirby?" I murmured. Who the hell is Kirby?
***
At the edge of the pit, Tara kneeled; her face and dress covered in dirt. "What’s going on?" She gaped, unable to process what was happening. A minute ago, she was dancing with her groom. Suddenly, it was chaos. The guests tried to escape, Jackson and Joe ran around to help, and Heidi fired her gun at a monster. "Nothing makes sense."
