Secrets of Ravenstone: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book One
ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟠

Shaking the thought from my mind, I watched as my mom slowly made her way to the adult table, then I joined my new friends, while Lady D sat at the table next to another mortal practitioner of magic, a woman in her early 40s with dark blonde hair and brown eyes.

“Hello.” Lady D greeted.

“Hello.” she answered in a soft Irish voice, “I’m Katrina Moore, and is that your daughter?” she turned, observing the young woman that quickly sat at the table among women and men her age.

“Hello, Katrina. I’m Lady D and yes, my one and only.” Lady D proudly glanced over shoulder.

“Looks like she’s making friends already, my two daughters included.” she revealed.

“Looks like it indeed, and with Jonathan and Sarah too.” Lady D shifted in her seat.

“Mm, they’re um…pleasant, I suppose. I’ve raised my girls not to associate with their kind.” Katrina complained.

Lady D frowned, pouring herself a glass of orange juice from a pitcher that was handed to her.

“Thank you.” she accepted then looked at Katrina, “What do you mean their kind?”

“Oh dear, I’m sorry.” Katrina placed a hand to her chest, “You are new here, of course, but there are residents here that are, how can I say it?” she tilted her head back and forth, “Well, not pleasant company.”

“I’m sorry but I don’t think I understand so I ask again, what do you mean?” Lady D persisted, laying the glass next to her plate.

Leaning in, Katrina whispered softly.

“I’m talking about Demons, Lycynians, half-breeds and the Wraiths. They’re all over the bloody island, but you can’t tell them apart from you or I, but I happen to know Jonathan and Sarah are two of them.” she finished.

“Oh really?” Lady D seemed fascinated, “And what’s…wrong with that? One can’t help their nature, after all, god made all beings and creatures.” she sipped the juice, “It’s mortal kind that judges, twisting around their natural DNA of who they are.”

“I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it, but I’m weary of them just the same. You and your daughter should be as well.” Katrina finished bluntly, turning forward in her seat.

“Well then, I guess you wouldn’t want your lovely daughters spending time with mine.” Lady D reached for foods piled on plates in front of her, waiting to be served.

“Why is that?” Katrina gently leaned her elbow on the table next to her plate.

Lady D chewed and swallowed before speaking, taking a sip of juice once more.

“Because my daughter is a half-breed, mortal and Demon.” she looked into the woman’s brown eyes that grew wide, “But I do hope that doesn’t stop us from talking, I haven’t known too many practitioners. Everyone in the Great City all kept to themselves, and with good reason I suppose.”

Katrina gulped, clearing her throat then answered quickly.

“No, let’s not allow that to come between our acquaintance.” she smiled falsely, then remained silent, gracefully being put in her place. Picking at the food on her plate, she knew there’d trouble with the new mortal and her daughter.

“Pay no mind to Katrina, Ma’am.” a man’s voice entered Lady D’s mind, then he leaned in, sitting next to the woman.

“Excuse me?” Lady D studied his older features.

“Katrina has declared herself the top witch ’round here and isn’t afraid to push her weight around.” he finished, raising his cup.

“Well, I’m no pushover, so thank you for the head’s up.” she smiled, gently clanking her glass against his.

“The name’s Benjamin.” he smiled.

For a moment, Lady D was literally slapped in the face by his sudden introduction, for the name brought back unpleasant and emotional memories pertaining to her second husband, and Yzavela’s father. It wasn’t a time in her life she wanted to keep alive, except for the birth of her daughter. Offering the man a reluctant grin, she looked away.

“Is there something wrong?” he asked softly.

“No, not at all, it’s just…I don’t hear that name often.” Lady D replied, “And it brought back things I want to remain in the past.” she finished.

The man nodded, respecting her privacy then reached out for a plate that was handed to him from the long line of adults to his left.

Standing nearby with four of his friends, the young man that had watched their arrival, Nathan Brye, watched as the dark haired half-breed sat at the table, deciding what to put on her plate. Tapping his friends on the chest, he grinned widely then slowly walked toward the table, sitting next to her, and studied her appearance closely.

“So, you’re the new bird around here causing a lot of chatter, huh?” he asked in a smooth-charming tone. Leaning his right elbow on the table, he leaned in taking in her fresh scent that drove him wild with desire, “Mmm, lovely indeed.” his blue eyes scanned her petite form, then tried peeking down her blouse, hoping to catch a glimpse of her cleavage, but it was hidden beneath her black leather steampunk bustier.

Hearing a man’s voice speaking in my ear to my right, before I could take a bite of the food waiting to be devoured, I raised my gaze. The young man sitting beside me was handsome, but his blue eyes were cold and expressionless. He had nice features, with light blonde hair nicely styled but clearly dyed, because I could see dark roots beginning to show. He might have been a little below 6 feet tall with a medium build that was accentuated by his brown leather-buckled vest and pants that stitched down the front, and the sleeves of his red shirt were rolled up to the elbow, showing off leather cuffs.

Laying my fork on my plate, I groaned.

“Why does everyone keep asking me that? But yes, that’s me and my eyes…” I snapped my fingers in front of his face, “are up here, hmm?” I aimed my fingers eye level.

“Ooo, feisty words from such luscious lips.” he licked his lips, “Hey listen, if you want, I could give you a private tour of the manor and grounds later tonight. Help you spread your…” he eyed her up and down once more, “wings a bit, hmm? That is, if you’re not too tired from your long trip. I mean, we can meet whenever or wherever you want, I’m here.” he grinned, pestering smugly, as his eyes endlessly scanned her but this time, in a demeaning manner, “My-my, you really are a pretty little bird, very delicate I’m sure. Just like petals on a flower just waiting to be plucked.” he released a low growl.

I sat dumbfounded, listening to him ranting on and on, but I knew what he meant and how he said it. Scanning everything on the table in front of me, I then turned to him, snapping in a blunt tone because I wasn’t the flower, I was the thorns.

“Look, whoever you are, I…”

“Nathan, my name is Nathan.” he leaned in, reeking like the stale traces of cigarette smoke, making her move away, “Ah, a half-breed…I love half-breeds.” he smiled.

“Right, Nathan, sure got it.” I waved my hand, trying to blow away the scent of nicotine that was making me nauseous, “I’m just going to tell you right off the bat, that if you think I’m that type of bird that falls for f*cked up lines likes that, you should think again because that’s the oldest line in the book of all pickup lines and not the first time I’ve heard it today. Didn’t accept then, and I won’t accept it now, so goodbye Nathan and if you don’t walk away, allowing me to enjoy the food on my plate, you’ll get burned and that’s a hard fact.”

“Ooo, hard huh?” Nathan licked his lips, “Keep talkin’ love…”

“Nathan, go away please!” Sarah blurted out, looking at him with her pleading blue eyes, “Please?!”

Looking at his sister, then back at the half-breed, he scoffed as he stood, posing in place as he tried getting her to notice him in his tight leather pants that bulged in a certain area.

“It’s your loss, love. You don’t know what you’re missing, so I’ll be around if you change your mind, little bird. And next time, I guarantee to make you chirp loudly.” he rasped in a sly, sexual tone, thinking it would make her think twice about his offer.

“Yeah, well, that’ll be when Hell freezes over and besides, I can’t lose something I never had. Nathan.” I snapped, looking at him once more, “Oh, Jes*s god…” I tried moving my body away, “And F.Y.I, your stuffing is bunching, so you might want to go fix that before I BURN…IT…OFF!” I stared into his blue eyes, knowing he saw the flickering flame, “Got it?!” I clenched the handle of the knife laying on my plate.

“My what is what?!” he questioned, glancing down at himself, “And you’ll do what?!” he barked but looking at her, she had turned away. Feeling frustrated, he slammed his fist on the table, startling others around him, then he turned, briskly walking away, sitting at the end of the table with his friends that had watched the sh*t show that was his pickup routine.

Shaking my head, I thought to myself that was a shame he is, being so cute but such an a**hole and that’s turnoff for me. I looked at Jonathan who was following Nathan with his gaze, then glanced down at my plate, trying not to start any fires.

“Who the hell was that?” I groaned.

“My brother.” Sarah answered with disappointment, afraid of acknowledging the genes that bonded them as siblings, “He didn’t mean what he said, he’s good person, once you get to know him.”

“Pfft, oh please, Sarah don’t be stupid.” Jonathan mocked.

“You’re sitting right there and you didn’t think to mention anything to him?” I gestured at the cramp space between us, but received a shrug in reply as if it were nothing new to her, “You know what, whatever. And I don’t care if he is your god damn brother or the King of fracking England, hitting on me and shoving himself in my face, come on Sarah does he really think that works?” I looked around, still catching the faint scent of his cigarettes, “Ugh, I can’t get the nicotine smell out of my nose. I feel sick…” I pushed my plate away.

“He’s flirted with every woman here, young and old, so you’re nothing new.” Sarah bounced her feet in place, “He acts like that with all of them, sleeping with most of them too.” her blue eyes looked at her, before glancing down at her plate in contemplation of what to stab with her fork.

“Gee, thanks.” I glared at her, “I feel a lot better.”

“What I meant was, you know, you’re one of those that, uh…” she looked at Jonathan, “help me out here, what’s the word?”

“Oh, no lassie…you got yourself into that one, you get out of it on your own.” the Aussie replied, sipping from his cup.

Sarah groaned, gently but firmly kicking his legs beneath the table. Hearing him grunt a reply, she turned to the half-breed, continuing quickly hoping to plead a case for her brother.

“Fine. You see, Nathan he um, slept with most of the single women here, and some have never been with a guy before and quite a few of those were under age. He prefers it that way, he prefers those that haven’t been with a man before, you know what I mean.” she waved her hands around, “Nathan’s thrown himself into loads of trouble, but he keeps at it, and then, well, there’s the fact that he brags about going commando, but he is really not that bad once you get to know him. Give him a chance.”

“He’s all yours.” I groaned, “Because that first impression will be it for me.” I shook my head, “Excuse me.” I stood, leaving the table.

“Yza, wait…” Jonathan pleaded, reaching out his hands, “you don’t have to go, please sit down.” his blue eyes looked at her.

Glancing at Jonathan and Sarah, I knew I was maybe being a little over dramatic by Nathan’s approach. Sitting back in my place at the table, I shared a brief smile then glanced down at the table as a platter was slid in front of me.

“Santa mierda, what the f*ck is that?!” I exaggerated, looking at a green slimy mound that oozed its green content. Taking my fork, I poked at it humorously then watched as a thick, pudding-like strand latched onto the fork before I dropped it on the plate, “Oh god, that’s just disgusting.” I heard both my new friends laugh loudly, then snort, trying to contain their laughter. Looking at them, then around me at others sitting at the table, I smiled.

Lady D sat silently, enjoying the taste of the delicious foods, then her eyes grew wide, looking at a platter of green foods in front of her that had circulated around the table. Staring at it, thinking about the jokes she shared with her daughter in regards to Soylent Green, she wasn’t sure what it was, but as she took her fork poking at it, it was soft and slimy.

“Ew.” she moaned, for it looked like jello or maybe even some kind of Tofu-seaweed wrap. From the constant pressure of her fork, the contents oozed out onto the plate it sat upon. She scrunched her mouth into a frown of distaste then passed the plate to Benjamin next to her, “Enjoy.” she smiled, but he passed it onto the next, as if the dish was utterly unappealing. Turning in her seat, searching through the sea of heads, she spotted her daughter engaging in a moment of laughter with her friends. Unsure if she could hear her soft telepathic message over the loud chorus of voices, she quickly reached out anyway, informing her daughter of the dish to avoid, that is if she hadn’t already discovered it.

“Oh, I’ve seen it.” her daughter’s voice answered, “It oozed.”

Lady D couldn’t help but let out a momentarily laugh because it was how her daughter said, it not necessarily what she said.

“It oozed.” she replied then turned, glancing back at the plate down the length of the table, that jiggled from the traffic and movement of plates around it, “Ew.” she shivered.

Jonathan and Sarah laughed at her reaction, for it was quite refreshing compared to everyone they know on the island.

“I like you.” Sarah nudged her with her elbow, “You’ll be just fine here.”

“Yeah, you’re pretty cool.” Jonathan remarked, then raised his hand, waiting for a knuckle which she returned, “And may I say, different from all the other women here too. Secretive, straight forward, and hot tempered. I like it.” he smiled.

Sarah frowned, hearing his words, growing jealous.

“Oh, Jonathan…if you knew my secrets, you’d think twice about saying that.” I tipped my cup toward him.

“You’re definitely in the right place. We all have secrets.” he clanked his cup against hers, before taking another sip.

“True.” I raised my left eyebrow.

Nathan sat watching her as if she were a piece of meat that was dangling on a hook for hungry sharks. Eating small bites of meat, he growled sensually watching her eat a dinner sausage, and the twisted thoughts in his mind would shock anyone that a young man of his age, could even think of such things.

One of his friends, Pete, leaned in lecturing sarcastically as he slapped his hand on Nathan’s shoulder.

“Still checking out the new bird are we, Nate?” he laughed, “I think you should be careful with that one though, you don’t wanna end up in the cells again, like last time with that younger bird, remember?”

“Bugger off!” Nathan snapped, pushing Pete’s hand away.

“Take it east mate, I was just messin’ with you.” Pete held his hands up, surrendering the humor.

“It’s driving you mad that this bird didn’t fall for your charms like the others, is it?” another friend, Adam, added, “I thought she handled you well enough, feisty and hot tempered. Maybe I’ll give it a try, huh?” he chuckled, nudging the others at the table.

“No one touches her but me, do you understand? She’s mine!” Nathan growled deeply, “I’ll just keep working her until she gives in, they always do.”

“I heard she turned down Anthony’s charm.” Pete added.

“What?” Nathan looked at him.

“Yeah, my girlfriend was in the hall when she heard him offer his guidance around the estate, but she turned him down flat.” Pete took a bite of food, then spoke in between chewing, “If it didn’t work with him, what makes you think you have much of a chance? She’s probably not even into men.” he finished.

“I don’t see a name on her, free for all right?” Adam laughed.

“She’s mine!” Nathan pounded a clenched fist on the table.

“May I have your attention please!” a loud voice announced, echoing throughout the grand dining hall, boldly attracting everyone’s attention.

Raising my gaze, there stood Marxus at the head of the adult table, like a headmaster of an English school. Or wizard one.

“I am glad all of you are here again tonight, because there are new residents that have arrived on our shores. Surely all of you remember when I announced the possibility of such, so please welcome them.” Marxus’ voice boomed, “Please, would the two of you stand? Lady D and Yzavela?” her name easily rolled off his tongue with proper pronunciation.

“Great, we went from Dracula’s castle to Hogwarts.” I sent my mom the telepathic complaint. Watching as she glanced back at me with a grin, I knew she heard me. Both of us stood, feeling like a fish out of water and the new kid at school being introduced to her new classmates. Anyone can relate to that, I’m sure.

“I look forward to meeting all of you, and to calling this place our home.” Lady D announced, “Thank you for welcoming us.” she bowed her head, and offered a friendly smile, then sat.

“Um, yeah…hi…thank you.” I quickly plopped back in my seat, not liking having all eyes looking at me.

“Not very social, we understand.” Marxus seemed confused that more wasn’t said, “But now that that is out of the way, I ask that you enjoy yourselves.” he gestured around the room.

“Yep.” I rested my hands against my chin, “This is Hogwarts.”

“Oh yeah, and Marxus is Dumbledore, then there’s Leonus who I think is more like Snape. Or maybe Malfoy.” Jonathan chimed in teasingly, “And Yza?” There are many Telepaths here, so I’d be careful of what you’re thinking.” he tapped his left temple, “Most, if not all, are always listening.”

“Right.” I smiled awkwardly, “How can I forget?” I teased.

Sarah glanced between him and her, feeling left out because she wasn’t as special as they were, not sharing any of their telepathic bonds and powers, even though she was a different race of half-breed of mortal and paranormal.

Sharing a hardy laugh, making me feel more comfortable, I regained my appetite as I pulled my plate close.

An hour had passed, everyone helped themselves to the fluffy, and sweet desserts of cakes, pies and other chef-quality foods.

Marxus mingled with the adults, and as he turned, walking away, he bumped into Lady D who returned from the ladies room in the hall beneath the stairs of the foyer.

“I’m sorry.” she stared into his intense Hazel-brown eyes. It was the first time all evening, she really studied him up close.

“No, the fault is mine.” Marxus proclaimed softly, “Apologies.” he nodded politely, “Lady D, since we have a moment, may I ask you something?”

“Of course, within reason.” she stated firmly.

“Of course.” Marxus raised an eyebrow, “How are the both of you doing? Really? Are you replaceing everything to your liking? Because if not, I would hate for you to be uncomfortable after your unpleasantly long and arduous journey.”

“Thank you for asking, but yes. Everything is perfect, we’re both pleased with our rooms. Especially the neat trick with the color schemes, how did you manage that?” she wondered.

Adjusting his vest, Marxus glanced around then answered.

“I am sure you know that magical practitioners never reveal their tricks, just like magicians never reveal theirs.” he stared into her eyes, “Hmm?”

Knowing what he meant, Lady D offered a smile. Accepting his answer, she respectfully changed the subject.

“In answer to the second part of your question, the words UNPLEASANT and ARDUOUS describes everything we’ve been through, perfectly. Imagine being forced from the life you built and your home, with nothing but the clothes on your back, not knowing if…” she raised her gaze, noticing he was taking her tale interesting, “nevermind.” she dismissed the end, “There’s no need for me to rant on about things that are in the past.” she sniffled.

“I understand Lady D, truly I do.” Marxus muttered softly, “And again I…must thank you, and your daughter, for not speaking of what you witnessed in the lounge, unfortunately it was rather embarrassing and not something I want to be seen again.” he fretted.

“Like we said before, we saw nothing.” Lady D reassured, “Oh, there’s just one more thing I have to ask, if you don’t mind?”

“Not at all, please.” Marxus urged the woman to speak freely.

“What did you honestly expect from my daughter and I, after your introduction earlier this evening? Our entire life’s story and history in only one moment?” she questioned curiously.

“Not at all, and thinking about it, it was rather silly of me to announce it in such a way, I apologize for that, but it matters not. The moment has passed and it will remain there.”

“Good.” Lady D offered a friendly smile.