Christmas Brew (Witches of New Orleans #2)

9. A Goddess Showdown

CHAPTER 9

A Goddess Showdown

W e work our way to the third-floor landing. The house is eerily quiet, making me more nervous than before. Drake motions down the stairs, and I nod.

Slowly, we move past the second floor to the bottom floor, surrounded by the sound of silence. The moment I touch the tile floor in the foyer, energy rushes me. I stare at Drake, hoping he’ll understand the look in my eyes. He nods, telling me he feels it, too.

Taking a deep breath, I move toward the kitchen, where the energy is stronger, dragging Drake with me—I refuse to let go of his hand. I’m not sure who’s protecting who. Maybe a little of both.

The energy overwhelms me as we enter the room that has become my comfort spot—the kitchen. Sitting at my table is the woman from my dream.

Marnie looks up with a sickening smile. “It’s about time you joined us.”

“Us?” Drake asks, looking around .

The demigod waves her hand, releasing an invisible barrier. On the other side are Bessie and Zeke. Both are unconscious, bound and gagged, with blood splatter covering their faces.

I release Drake’s hand, moving to their sides. “Don’t,” Marnie warns. “They’re alive…for now.” She closes my family grimoire she’s been reading. “This was an interesting read.” She snaps her fingers, and the book disappears.

“That’s not yours,” I warn.

Marnie stands, stalking closer. “Give me the crystal. I’m bored of these games.”

“What crystal?”

“Don’t insult my intelligence, Rose. That seems to be a habit of yours.” She holds her hand in front of her. “I know it’s around your neck. I feel it. Give it to me, and these two will live.”

“No,” Bessie whispers.

“Shut up, witch,” Marnie warns, sending a blast of energy into the older woman. Bessie screams as her body lights up.

“Leave them alone.” My words are no louder than Bessie’s were.

“Or what? I’m done playing, mortal. Give me the crystal, or I will take it from your cold hands after I kill everyone.”

“Destroy it,” Margaret’s voice says through my mind. “Destroy the crystal, Rose. It’s the only way.”

Pulling the crystal from underneath my shirt. “Why doesn’t your mother come to retrieve her soul instead of sending a demigod? ”

“What my mother does is none of your concern.” Marnie stalks closer.

“It’s just that…” I pause, hoping to add drama. “It seems like she would come after the crystal herself if it contains part of her soul.” I shrug. “Maybe she’s afraid.”

Marnie’s laughter fills the house. “Eudora is afraid of nothing.”

The blue glow of the crystal lights up the area surrounding me. “Maybe she’s weak.”

“Enough,” Marnie booms as Drake’s hold on me strengthens. Anxiety flows through our connection.

As Marnie stalks closer, I pull Drake toward Bessie and Zeke. “Destroy the crystal,” repeats through my mind.

“Destroying the crystal won’t solve any problem,” Marnie says with a smirk. “What’s the matter, Rose? Do you think you’re the only one powerful enough to breach the veil? That’s the fascinating part of belonging to two worlds. I can see and hear everything. You’re not the only person that can hear your dead aunt.”

“It was you I heard.” I put the pieces together. “The voice in my head, taunting me.”

Marnie smiles. “Good girl.”

“What are you talking about?” Drake asks.

“Dear Aunt Margaret wants your girlfriend to destroy the crystal,” Marnie answers for me.

“Oh, we’re not dating,” I interrupt, changing the subject. I’m not sure why I feel the need to make that clear to Marnie. She’s the last person I care about impressing.

“Whatever, human. I’m bored of these games.” Marnie reaches her hand toward me, and the crystal rises from my chest in her direction. “Release control,” she demands.

“I’m not controlling anything,” I retort.

“Your ignorance is almost amusing.” Marnie’s face changes into that of a monster. I reach inside, searching for the part of me I’ve accessed a few times, not finding anything.

The front door blows off the hinges, throwing it into the Christmas tree that was once beautiful. The energy coming through the entryway sends chills down my spine. I smile, knowing what’s about to happen.

Standing in the doorframe is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Perfectly styled coal black hair hangs down her back while the robe she’s wearing flows with an invisible wind, adding to her ethereal energy. Hecate, the Goddess of Witchcraft, turns toward our captor. “Leave, hybrid.”

“I am not a hybrid. I’m a demigod,” Marnie retorts.

“That’s what a demigod is,” Zeke says, fully awake. He winks at Hecate. “Good morning, Goddess.”

“Xyqloux,” Hecate answers. She looks at Bessie, who’s eyes are wider than saucers. “Elizabeth,” she greets the older witch.

Hecate turns her attention back to Marnie. “Did you not understand, hybrid, or do I need to use smaller words?”

“You call yourself a goddess, Hecate, but what are you really? A relic of forgotten myths? A shadow, clinging to the echoes of ancient stories? Power alone doesn’t make you divine. You’re no more than a spirit, a force— certainly not a goddess in any real sense. My mother is a true goddess.”

“Welp, you just pissed her off,” Zeke says, pulling at his bindings. Drake and I move behind the two captives. Their arms are bound in place with magic, seemingly impossible to release.

“Shit,” I whisper.

Bessie turns toward me. “Rose, release our bindings.”

“I don’t know how…”

“Dammit, girl. Stop thinking and just do. What does it take to get through that thick skull of yours? Get out of your head!”

While Hecate and Marnie continue to play cat-and-mouse games, Bessie turns into the cheerleader I never realized I needed. “Remember who you are. Your blood carries the magic of generations. The power within you is ancient, born of the earth, the sky, and the stars. You are a witch—a force of nature. Call upon your heritage, trust your instincts, and wield your power as those before you have. This is your birthright."

Her words hit just as they were intended, stirring part of me as a call to arms. She’s right. It is my birthright. I accept , whispers through my mind. At that very moment, my body relaxes as everything in the room comes to life. Energy flows from each object, specially placed by my ancestors before me. I feel them—each one of my family members who has been here before. Their power flows around me, through me.

“That’s it,” Bessie answers with a smile. “Use their power. Use their words.”

I release Drake’s hand, lifting mine to my sides. Words flow without trying. “By the power of air and flame, I call upon thee to break these chains. Bound no more, by rope or clasp, release these limbs from their grasp. By word and will, by strength and sight, I set them free—let them take flight. As I speak, the ties shall fall, no longer bound, released from all. So may it be, the bindings undone."

On command, the bindings release from Bessie and Zeke, freeing them from the magical source that held them in place. “Rose,” Drake warns, turning my attention toward the goddess and demigoddess.

Marnie has transformed even further, becoming something straight out of a nightmare. Her once stylish hair has morphed into a mass of flowing seaweed. Sharp teeth now protrude from her mouth, a clear mark of her vampire heritage. She rises from the floor, facing her opponent.

“I see you take after your mother,” Hecate retorts. “She was all bark and no bite. Let’s see if you’re the same.”

Hecate’s body begins to contort, shifting into a grotesque combination of creatures. Her lower half slithers with the power of a serpent, scales glistening black. From her back, a pair of massive wings unfurl, reminding me of a bat complete with veins pulsing with every breath. Her arms transform into the talons of a bird, sharp enough to tear through stone. Her once human face becomes unrecognizable—a wolf’s snarling mouth filled with rows of fangs and eyes glowing with fire. Crowning her head are the twisted antlers of a deer, branching outward like a tree made of bone.

“Holy shit,” Drake whispers. “We need to get out of here. ”

“Yep, she’s pissed,” Zeke says, jumping onto my shoulder. “The boy’s correct. This is our cue to leave.”

“We can’t leave them,” I retort.

“Hecate doesn’t need our help,” Bessie says, wrapping her arm through mine. “We will only be in the way.” The four of us turn, running through the sunroom door, leaving the goddess and demigod alone in my home. We step outside just as a creature as black as night lands in front of us. He spreads his wings and caws.

“Odin. Where have you been?”

Odin lowers his head to the ground with his wings spread. “He wants us to climb on,” Drake says, moving toward the raven. He helps Bessie climb up, followed by me and Zeke.

I sit behind Bessie, wrapping my arms protectively around her. Whatever Marnie did to her drained the witch’s energy. Drake climbs behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Let’s go, Odin,” I command, and we lift into the sky. “Take us somewhere safe.”

Odin caws, flying away from the house and over the swamp. We fly for what seems like hours to where the water turns from a marshland into swamp.

“Where is he taking us?” Drake asks from behind.

“To safety,” Bessie answers.

Minutes later, Odin lands in the middle of a small, secluded island. “Where are we?” I ask, sliding off the raven’s back.

“One of Margaret’s safe spots,” Bessie answers. “She had several around the area.” She nods toward the crystal that has lost its glow and still hangs around my neck. “One of her spots was where you found that.”

“Safe spots?” Drake asks.

“For moments like this,” she answers, finding a piece of solid ground to sit.

“What do you think’s going on back there?” Drake asks, looking in the direction of the house.

“My guess is they’re sharing a glass of tea by now,” Zeke jumps to the ground next to Bessie.

“You think?” I ask, feeling naive.

Zeke laughs. “No. I’ll be surprised if you have a house after it’s over.”

“That’s unacceptable,” I retort.

“Rose, there’s a demigod and a goddess battling inside your home. Be realistic here.” Zeke crosses his tiny arms in front of his chest. “I love Margaret’s home as much as you. Hell, we all do, but there aren’t enough protection spells in this world to sustain against something like that.”

Bessie’s words play through my mind. Remember who you are. “No.” I stand, climbing back on Odin’s back. “I carry the magic of generations in my blood. I will not stand by and watch the only home I’ve known be destroyed.”

“Rose, what are you doing?” Drake moves to Odin’s side.

“I’m going back.”

He jumps behind me before I have time to object. “Then I’m going to.”

“Hell, no.” Zeke leaps on top of Odin. “I’m not letting you go without me. There’s no way I’d miss something like that. ”

Bessie struggles to stand. “Bessie, you stay here. You’re healing. We can do this.” My words are kind as I stare at the older witch. A silent conversation passes between us before Bessie nods, releasing her control.

“Take us home, Odin.” The large raven caws in response before lifting off the ground and moving in the direction we left minutes earlier.

The energy is palpable as we approach the still-standing home. “This is crazy, Rose. We should be back on that island with Bessie,” Drake whispers.

“It is crazy, but I’m not going back.”

Odin lands, and the three of us are off and running toward the battle. “What is our plan?” Zeke asks from the safety of my shoulder.

“Other than survival, there is none.”

As we reach the sunroom door, a tall man steps out of the shadows, blocking our path. He’s tall, thin, and beautiful in an ethereal way. “Hello, Rose. I’m afraid I can’t allow you to go inside.” His voice is smooth, reminding me of warm butter.

“Vampire,” Zeke whispers in my ear.

The man smiles, showing a mouth full of perfectly white teeth. “The creature is correct.”

“Who are you calling a creature…” Zeke starts.

“Why is there a vampire at my home?” I ask, interrupting Zeke’s rant.

“That’s a great question,” the vampire answers. His words are condescending. “My name is Joseph LaFleur. I’m here because of the goddess.”

“Which one?” Zeke asks. “There’s two of them in there. ”

The vampire smiles. “I can assure you there’s only one goddess inside.”

“Why would Hecate travel with a vampire?” Zeke continues.

“Protection,” the vampire answers.

“Am I the only one that’s confused?” Zeke looks around our small group.

“No,” Drake and I answer in unison.

“Your understanding is not my priority. I have orders not to let you back into your home,” Joseph continues.

Energy rises from my core. “Get out of my way,” I warn.

“You can put that energy blast away, witch. I am not here to harm you. The protection I offer through Hecate is for you, not the goddess.”

“You’re a little too late,” I retort.

Joseph smiles, flashing sharp teeth. “From where I stand, I’m right on time.” The sound of something crashing inside the house fills me with dread. Sensing my uneasiness, he continues. “Hecate will not allow the home to be damaged. Because of the bloodline the demigod carries, the goddess will not dispose of her, and their fight will end in a truce.”

“Dispose of her?” Zeke asks. “You mean she’s not going to kill her because of who her mother is?”

“Yes,” Joseph answers simply.

“Then why is she here?” Drake asks.

The vampire sighs, clearly annoyed with the humans and imp in front of him. “Protection.” With his words, the back of my house explodes as the body of the demigod is thrown into the swamp behind the house .

The three of us turn, staring at the hole in my home. “You said she wouldn’t damage the house!” I yell toward my supposed protector.

“It seems I was mistaken.”

Hecate exits the house, her black robe blowing in the wind behind her. She turns, seeing us, and a look of disappointment takes over. “You were told to leave.”

“We’re back,” I retort.

It’s no surprise when Marnie appears from nowhere, standing on the water's edge. Her clothes are dry, giving no hint of just being thrown into the water. “That hurt,” she says, rolling her neck.

“Leave now,” Hecate warns.

“You can’t kill me, Goddess. I could do this all day long.” Marnie’s words are meant as a taunt.

“I can’t kill you, but they can.” She nods toward our trio.

Marnie’s laugh echoes off the still water behind. “I see you’re still delusional, Hecate. What can two baby witches and an imp do?”

“What I’m not allowed to,” the goddess answers.

On cue, energy floods my body. In a scene straight from an Avengers movie, the three of us face our enemy, power streaming from each of our bodies. Marnie’s laugh is palpable. She doubles over with humor.

“I’m not sure what’s funny,” Zeke says from my shoulder.

“You can’t kill me. You’re nothing more than witches and a gremlin. I’m a demigod.” Marnie rises from the grass, floating at least twenty feet in the air. Holding her arms to her side, her body matches ours as she glows with the energy filling her. Like earlier, seaweed begins to extend from her hands and feet as she morphs into the creature from before.

Stepping closer to the demigod, I take the lead and release the energy, begging to be let go. It hits her in the stomach, forcing her back a few feet. Smugness leaves her face and is replaced by surprise. Drake steps closer, putting his hand on my shoulder. With our connection, the energy filling me grows, bringing me more confidence.

Sensing our energy forming, a long strand of seaweed extends from the demigod’s hand toward us. Her face contorts into something that reminds me of a demon. Sharp teeth protrude from her mouth as a dark ancient power fills the air. The scent of salt and blood surrounds me as a warning of her wrath, making it clear that I have pissed her off. “You are nothing, mortal,” she spews. “Your powers are nothing compared to mine. I will have that amulet, whether you choose to give it to me or I take it from your corpse. It belongs to me.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, demon.” I pull energy from the land, the people, and the crystal around my neck, sending another blast into Marnie. Like before, the look on her face is more surprise than pain.

“You’re beginning to anger me.” The demigod moves closer. “Maybe your human brain is not able to comprehend that I will kill you.”

“I comprehend what you’re saying. I’m just not agreeing.” I gather energy from around me, sending another blast into Marnie, this time knocking her to the grass beneath her. She stands, and a blast of energy flings toward me. There’s no time to think as the energy moves faster than my eyes can track. I close my eyes, refusing to retreat. When the blast doesn’t hit its intended mark—me, I open my eyes to find Drake standing in front of me. His arms are extended in front of him, and what looks like a ball of lightning is being suspended several feet away.

“Drake?”

“I can’t hold it long,” he stammers over his words.

Instinctively, I move to his side and copy his movements. Instead of dissolving, adding my power to Drake’s causes the lightning to grow and intensify. I watch in awe as the ball doubles, then triples in size. “ Send it back,” a warm voice says through my mind. Without asking, I know it’s Hecate's voice.

I do as she suggests. Pushing everything I have into the ball, I imagine it flying through the air, hitting Marnie in the chest. Not to my surprise, it does just that. The demigod flies backward several hundred feet and falls to the grass beneath her. “That’s impossible,” she pants, standing to her feet.

“Through love, anything’s possible,” I answer. “I bring the love of my ancestors, lending me their power. I bring the love of friendship and devotion. I bring the love of everything that surrounds us.”

“Finish it,” Zeke says, coming to our sides. “Show that bitch who you are.”

“Gladly.” Latching my fingers through Drake’s and touching Zeke’s tiny hand, I draw on the combination of our powers, as well as that of my ancestors and family before, reciting the words that refuse to stay silent. “By earth, by sky, and by flame, I strip away your power and name. No longer bound to mortal land, I send you back by my command. Leave this realm. Your time is done. Be gone before the setting sun.”

Marnie disappears.