Chapter 17
Darcy
Darcy House
Anger, betrayal and hurt boiled within me.
How could my uncle of all people be working with the Dark Mages?
A loud boom echoed against the walls as the dining room shook all around us. Century old statues and masterpieces that were my parents possessions came crashing to the ground.
Hot red fury continued to build within me. All I could hear and see was RED!
Suddenly a lightness filled me from within. A feeling of strength and calm peacefully soothed the enraged monster that was flaring inside me. My red haze began to fade and in its place were the most beautiful green eyes.
It was then I was able to feel Elizabeth's hand over my Soulmark. Softly rubbing the area and speaking loving words into my ear.
I took a deep breath in. Continuing to fill my lungs with her much needed clarity at that moment.
Thank God for that woman! I don't even want to imagine the massive destruction that I could have done in my anger.
"I truly apologize. I have never quite lost my anger to that extreme before." I looked over both Elizabeth and Georgie, frantically making sure there was no harm to either of them. Thankfully they both seemed to be fine. There was much to think on and as quickly as possible. But the darkness hiding in my anger is becoming a serious problem. One that needs to be demolished as soon as possible.
"Georgie, do you believe we can move you to the parlor now? If anything, I can transport us there quickly?" I said to Georgie where she still rested against the wall in the dining room.
"I believe I am steady enough to walk now. I think it will be good for me, to get my blood flowing." I helped her up from the floor, where Elizabeth and I each held onto one of her arms and slowly walked her to the parlor.
"Charles, Fitz and Sabastian will be here any minute with your sisters." I told Elizabeth, who only nodded her head.
She must be connecting with her sisters or listening to Lydia's thoughts still.
I was just about to ask what she was doing when one by one the men came in with a Bennet sister close by.
The first to appear right in the parlor was Sabastian and Mary. Mary looked completely at home nestled in Sabastians arms. It's scary how perfect they are for each other. Seconds after they appeared, a large travel chest appeared behind them. Knowing the two of them, I am sure it was full of potions and books.
Charles and Jane came rushing through the parlor door seconds later. Both looked winded from flight. Jane rushed over to Mary and Elizabeth who were clinging to one another.
Fitz walked in a few minutes later with a pale and frantic looking Kitty. Fitz looked about the same, but with a crazed look in his eye. I couldn't even begin to imagine his anger at that moment. Not only had his Lydia been taken, but now a complete betrayal from his own father.
"We need to put a protection spell on the room and block out anyone from being able to hear our conversation." Sabastian said loudly, snapping us all to attention. Side by side Mary and Sabastian went around the room making sure all was protected and would be blocked by any intruders physically and mentally.
When they were finished we all stood in a circle in the middle of the room. Where everyone was looking at me expectantly, waiting on a plan. Typically when it came to an attack we would all be looking to Fitz for a plan. But everyone could see he was not at his best.
"Ok. Let's piece together all that we know and form a plan from there. The original plan that we were given a week ago is now void. Now that we know Matlock is working with the Dark Mages we can see how he was setting us up from the beginning." I said processing all the steps that got us here.
Mary spoke up before I could get another word out. "We believe Matlock was the one to send Collins to us. He was trying to eliminate Lizzy before the battle even began. Also throwing us off his track by purposefully making us think it was Lady Catherine who had sent Collins. There had been a component of the black smoke that was pulled from Lizzy and Collins that we could not identify, that was until yesterday." She said all this while looking through the chest pulling out different bottles and large books. Mary then looked towards Sabastian to continue, without missing a beat he carried on with the findings.
"Yesterday while we were doing some testing on the black smoke once again, it seemed to attach itself to our quadrant numbers that are on our hands for the upcoming battle. Which surprised me greatly. So we started testing the Mage ink from the quadrant numbers. The mysterious component from the black smoke was found in the Mage ink as well." Sabastian said to us all. Shocking us once again. He went over to Mary who was holding an ancient looking book out to him. "We found this text that spoke of an ancient herb that matches this component exactly. Its primary use is mind control."
Gasps filled the room.
"Any ideas on how we can remove it? Elizabeth said quickly. Speaking out loud the thought I am sure we were all having.
Mary and Sabastian shook their heads. "Not yet. But we will be working non stop to figure that out. For now we have the blocking spell on the room, but we ask that each of you perform a blocking spell on your mind individually. That way no one can control you." Sabastian said distractedly as he flipped through the ancient text.
"But if we do that, none of us will be able to contact each other mentally. That will be a great loss if we become separated at some point." Charles said with a huff. Running a hand through his already disheveled red locks.
"That is a risk we will have to take. For if the Dark Mages take control over one of our minds, we could all be dead in seconds." Sabastian says matter of factly, causing us all to shutter at the harsh reality.
"But if I block my mind off from others, will I still be able to tap into other people's thoughts? Elizabeth asks Sabastian, but looked at me with concern. Knowing I would be in the same position.
"That would be taking away one of our greatest assets against the Dark Mages." I said while moving behind Elizabeth and putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Sabastian pondered the question for a minute. "I do not know. We might need to come up with a different spell to protect your mind that won't be a full block." He then turned to Mary who was studiously flipping through several books at a time. "Let's focus on finding a more specific spell for Elizabeth and Darcy that won't completely block off their gifts. Then we will continue on our search for removing the Dark Mage ink." Mary nodded in agreement and quickly found a different stack of books and handed them to Sabastian. The way these two worked seamlessly together is like they have been doing it for years, not just a couple weeks.
I helped Georgie with her blocking spell and watched as Elizabeth did the same for Kitty. Jane and Charles seemed to be helping each other, but Fitz was just staring out the window. Like he had not even heard the alarming conversation that we had just been having.
If any of us was going to break and be controlled at this moment, it was Fitz. He was broken and weak, a perfect person to start with. Maybe his strange mood gives reason to believe they already have.
Without even asking his permission from behind him I quickly placed the blocking spell on him. Within seconds I could see clarity in his eyes once again. His crazed eyes, now were focused and ready for action.
"What happened to me? It was like I have been in a fog and every second that passed I felt farther and farther away." Fitz said, shaking his head. Trying to fully get rid of the darkness.
We explained the best we could, so that Sabastian and Mary could focus on their task.
Elizabeth and I decided to put the blocking spell on us for now, but would change it when they found a better solution.
Fitzwilliam is truly the handsomest man I have ever known. That look he gives me, it sets me aflame. A flame I never want to extinguish.
Elizabeth's thoughts blazed into mine as clear as day. The thoughts felt like when she had been unconscious from Collins capturing her. It must be from our Mage soulmate connection, since we have blocked off everything else.
And from the unknowing look on her face, I'm guessing she had no idea that I could hear those particularly lovely thoughts.
Good to know you think I am handsome, my love. I gave her a wink and a cocky grin.
I also wanted to say "Once life settles down, how about we get married and I can show you fully how I can set you a flame." But I reframed, we already have taken too many freedoms as it is. Also not the time to shock her speechless. I can't wait till I can make those comments freely and see her passion arise. That same passion I saw the first time I saw her, when she stared me down with a fireball.
Elizabeth's face turned beet red. Fitzwilliam Darcy! You were not supposed to hear that!
But yet, I did. My smile only grew wider as her face became even more red. But through our connection we had drifted closer and closer to one another. So close, that we were seconds away from sharing a passionate embrace. In front of all of our family and friends.
Fitz cleared his throat and reminded us we were not alone. Causing Elizabeth's cheeks to redden even more if possible. When we looked up, everyone had smirks on their faces.
"I'm going to guess not everyone has been blocked from being able to mentally speak to each other? It had to be the two of you who could use a little more distance than the rest." Fitz said to us with a raised eyebrow, making everyone chuckle even harder.
I just shrugged my shoulders at the accusation. But Elizabeth finally found her tongue after her embarrassment eased.
"You are correct sir, Darcy and I have been blessed to have this gift. But as they say 'absence makes the heart grow fonder', since you will be more distant to us without your telepathic abilities, your love for us will only grow more. It seems to me you will become the truly blessed one." She smiled brightly at him.
If we were not surrounded by so many people and in the middle of a crisis, I would be kissing her and her witty mouth senseless right now.
Time to focus Darcy!
"Ok. While Miss Mary and Sabastian work, let's do our best to work on the plan."
Lydia
Unknown Room
My eyes began to flutter closed from exhaustion.
I had been trying ever since I arrived in this fowl room, to take in every detail I could around me. Repeating it in my thoughts over and over again until Lizzy heard them all. As I know she will.
We have a pact as sisters, we have vowed to never use one of our gifts on each other without permission from that sister. But if one of us is in danger there is only one rule: help your sister anyway you can!
So far slime sack George and traitor Matlock have not harmed me in any way. Thank goodness. But the idea of letting myself go to sleep and not be on guard is unnerving.
I looked around the room once more. It seemed to be a large closet. There were no windows and only one door that they have secured in every way so I can't escape. Which let me tell you, I have tried. After the 15th fireball and about 20 lightning strikes I finally gave up.
I leaned up against the wall and let my head rest against the soft fabric of the dark wall covering. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
My mind raced over the last few days. I can't believe that slime sack so easily fooled me into going with him. He didn't even have to beg me, I willingly went with him. Ugh! How could I have been so stupid!
One person continued to linger in my mind. The Colonel. Richard. How I wish I could be able to call him that. I feel so utterly terrible how I treated him. He's always been so kind and caring towards me and I completely ignored him. He must hate me now!
The fatigue and stress of the day caused tears to spring to my eyes. Knowing all contact had been blocked from me, I laid out all my feelings to the man that had my heart.
Richard, I am truly sorry! I was such a fool! I can't believe I trusted that slime sack. I admire you more than any other man. Even more than that, you have become my best friend and I threw it all away for some bottom dweller! I thought I was so strong and powerful, but it turns out I am just the foolish little girl everyone thinks I am. Oh Richard, if only you could hear me!
Lydia! Is it truly you?
My heart stopped. Apparently I had lost my mind completely! It truly seemed as if Richard's words had filled my thoughts. Which is absolute madness.
Lydia, please can you hear me? Oh dear Lydia, please tell me your thoughts were not a figment of my imagination!
I shook my head, not believing this could possibly be real.
Richard? Is it really you? How on earth are you able to hear me?
I could hear his strong chuckle. The very one that always made little butterflies flutter in my stomach.
It truly is I, to how we are able to connect, I am unsure. For we are not speaking telepathically. It's very strange indeed.
Very, Very strange. I said still in shock, the only response I could gather.
But we must make haste. There is much to inform you. Right now all of your sisters, Sabastian, Georgie, Darcy and I are at Darcy house. Miss Mary and Sabastian have discovered a mind controlling component that was embedded in the Mage Ink in the quadrant numbers we were given for the Mage battle.
He paused for a moment. But I am beyond thankful, for my sleepy brain was having a hard time wrapping around all that information.
Tis the reason I was so easily taken in.
Yes, by the slime sack. A very fitting name indeed. His deep chuckle rumbled once again.
I reveled in the sound of his warm laughter. I had so missed it these past few days. But then suddenly I felt my cheeks reddening.
Sir… does that mean you heard all of my declarations earlier?
Another moment of silence lingered between us. Too long of silence.
I did. I very much would like to discuss your lovely sentiments but sadly we have more pressing matters.
My heart clenched, it was obvious he did not feel the same way. For I am just a young girl infatuated with a powerful handsome Mage.
I can feel your hurt. Oh dearest, please know for now my feelings are very similar to your own. We just do not have the time at present to fully discuss it as I would like.
I quickly brushed away a few tears that had escaped and tried to focus on his comforting words.
I understand. I said with a nod that he could not see, but it helped me gather my strength to get through all of this.
Ok to stop the Dark Mages from controlling you, first off you will need to remove the blocking spell they put on you and place your own on yourself. This is the only way to make sure they no longer have any control.
I am unaware how to remove that kind of spell. I said, trying to make sense of his words.
Spells have never been an interest of mine. I always leave them up to Mary and hope she will share her findings. Which she normally does, in exchange for an hour of silence. To which I would typically roll my eyes to. Everyone has always said that Lizzy took after Papa the most, but Mary is a close second.
Miss Mary has informed me what you need to do. You will need to say the blocking spell backwards and instead of breathing in the Mage power as one normally does when doing a spell, in this you push it out completely. Miss Mary said that the last part is very important and if you don't push it out fully, the spell will not work.
I rolled my eyes at Mary. Because what is a spell talk from Mary, without an eye roll?
She also told me to tell you to stop rolling your eyes and do it. From the sound of Richards voice, he seemed to be on the verge of laughter.
A loud laugh escaped me. Of course she would know that's what I was doing.
Tell Mary her scolding came too late. Ok I am going to do it now. I almost said "try" to do it, but I have to have full confidence and that is something I have never struggled with… that is till now.
I practiced out loud a few times saying the spell backward, that on its own was a challenge. Once I knew I had mastered it, I said out loud to the empty room "You can do this Lydia!"
I said the spell backward flawlessly and with all of my strength pushed the Mage power out of me.
Immediately I felt lighter, the dark haze that kept trying to take me under disappeared. My doubt and fear that has been creeping in was no longer. I was back to my confident powerful Mage self and I was ready to end this battle now!
Your aura seems so much bright. I can only hope that means it worked? Richard said with what I can only imagine was his wide grin on his face. The one he always gets when we see each other for the first time that day. I know it well, because it mirrors my own.
Yes! I believe it did!
You will need to put your own blocking spell on yourself now. As soon as you can, before they realize you have taken theirs down. Richard said in a rush.
Ok. But if I do this, will we still be able to connect? I feel like there is a greater chance we will no longer be able to speak since the spell is coming from myself.
I can feel hesitation in his voice. I am pretty positive you will still be able to speak with me.
I want to question how he is so sure, but my newly reacquainted confidence cracks for a minute. The idea of losing this precious gift, terrifies me. This time speaking with Richard has renewed so much hope and strength that I thought were gone forever.
But if they take over my mind again, who knows what they can have me do.
With that reminder, I gain my confidence and replace the blocking spell with my own.
Lydia, please you must make haste. I can't fathom them being able to control you again.
Richards pleading words are the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. Now I am even more astounded at how this is possible.
It is done, Richard. Somehow we have defied all knowledge I have of Mage powers. There is only one thing I know that is strong enough to overpower a blocking spell. But… that is impossible.
My heart quadruples in speed. There is no way. Could he be…
Before I can finish my thoughts Richard said it for me.
Mage Soulmates. He said the words in almost a whisper. But I can tell from is aura he's not upset by it. Just shocked like myself.
How is that possible? I don't have a Soulmark like Lizzy. Do you?
No, but we have never touched. I have made sure to never let myself get that close.
A hundred thoughts filled my head. Why? It doesn't seem like I repulse him? Why is he trying to stay away from me?
Oh dearest Lydia, it is not because I didn't want to touch you. It's because I knew if I did, I wouldn't want to stop. Just like you I have felt the pull of our connection from the very beginning. But you are still young. I wanted you to have your freedom. To be young and carefree. Not be held back by an old man like myself. He laughed for a second but carried on before I could form a rebuttal. Lydia Bennet you have had my heart before I even met you. I have been waiting on my strong beautiful spitfire Mage. From the first second I saw you, I knew you were that woman.
His soft words almost threw me into hysterics. Tears upon tears rushed down my face. For the first time in my life I was speechless.
My dear, are you ok? Richard almost whispered in worry.
Not in the least, I just became so overwhelmed by your beautiful words I could not speak!
Well, there is a first time for everything my dear. I rolled my eyes at the ridiculous man.
Remind me later after we are no longer fighting for our lives to tell you all about the blank stares of confusion I received from our family and friends when I told Miss Mary that I could speak with you.
Our intertwining laughter filled our thoughts. I have a feeling it looked a lot like the ones we gave Mr. Darcy when Elizabeth was unconscious.
Perfectly the same.
Ok. Soulmate, what is the plan? I said ready to face this battle and see my Colonel again as soon as possible!
Before Richard could answer me the door opened with a bang.
Elizabeth
Darcy House
"Lydia says Matlock and Whickam have come back in to the room. They have realized they no longer can control us. They are coming for us now!" Richard said loudly, causing us all to jump into action.
Thankfully about 10 minutes ago Mary and Sabastian had found a spell that would block our mind but allow us to reach out to others and still use our mind reading gifts.
5 minutes after that we had finalized our plan. Each group would go their separate ways than we would meet back together in Hyde park. There Jane would cloak us all. We know no matter what they will find us, they are powerful Dark mages who have just as powerful gifts as we do. Hyde park will give us the space we will need when they eventually find us.
There was a small battle before we even left the house. Darcy vs. Georgiana and I. He wanted to lock Georgie up in her tower where no one could touch her. But we all know how that ends.
"She will be more vulnerable on her own, than surrounded by her family who can protect her. Also Georgiana is a powerful Mage and an asset to us, you can not hold her back forever." I knew my words cut deep. I saw his anger rise to the surface. He let out a small growl of frustration but soon backed down from my unnerving stare. I wasn't going to back down on this. She was coming with us and that was final.
"Do you even want to come with us Georgie?" Darcy asked her as he took a big breath to calm himself down.
"I do, brother. I am meant to be there. I have seen it." She said forcefully, standing up for herself and looking much older than her young self.
He could not argue with that. "Ok then you are coming with us. You will not leave our side. Do you hear me?" Darcy stared down his sister. I just wanted to roll my eyes at him. Once a protective older brother, always a protective older brother.
Darcy wrapped his arms around the two of us. He placed a kiss on Georgiana's cheek and kissed me softly. He then jolted us from his home and into Hyde park in seconds. Because of our drama we were a little behind the others and Jane was there immediately to cloak us.
I quickly glanced around and was relieved that all made it to the park safely.
As we waited for the Dark Mages to sniff out our trail, I looked around at my sisters and the men who in such a short amount of time had become like family to us all. And most likely will become our family one day. My heart warmed at the thought. A couple of weeks ago we surrounded these men in a circle like we are now, thinking they were the enemy. Having no clue that they were actually the saving grace we all needed.
My eye caught sight of some woodland creatures at attention around Mary's feet and my heart leapt at the sight. Mary, who at one point thought that being able to work with animals was her only gift. Oh how wrong she was! Now to see her working side by side with Sabastian helping us figure this mess out. It is so phenomenal to see that strength rise in her.
Sabastian stood beside Mary ready to strike at any second. It's funny how night and day he is to the Richard. Where Richard is large and filled with broad muscles, Sabastian is shorter and thin. But his genius level Mage powers make up for anything he is lacking in the physical department. I caught a loving glance between the two of them and smiled. They are all business most of the time, but no one could miss how they care for eachother.
Kitty stood next to them and I was surprised to see a confident young woman in her place. With everything happening around us, I failed to notice my least confident sister had bloomed into a strong powerful Mage. Her battle stance looked solid and I could see it in her eyes, she was ready.
Beside Kitty stood Richard looking every bit the powerful Mage warrior that he is. Not only hurt by his fathers betrayal but now also fighting for his Mage Soulmate. His Mage Soulmate! I still can't believe Lydia and Richard are Soulmates. I knew they had a strong connection from the beginning, but had no idea it was to the level of Darcy and I. My heart warmed at the sight of his fierce look, ready to protect my sister no matter what. I can only pray Lydia is safe wherever they have her.
Georgianna stood tall between Richard and Darcy. Soaking up their strength, but more than that ready to take down the Dark Mages that took her parents lives. She was ready to fight for everything they had worked so hard to protect.
Are you ok, my love? Darcy leaned into my back. Filling me with his warmth. He was right behind my left shoulder. Just as he was that day at Longborn when Collins had arrived. I could feel his strong heartbeat.
I nodded my head, focusing my mind and Mage power at what was to come.
I am. Was all I could say, too focused to explain any more.
I love you Elizabeth Bennet. I could feel his forehead lean into the back of my head.
I love you Fitzwilliam Darcy. I turned my face slightly so I could look into his ice blue eyes. His face was just inches from mine. We stared at each other for a long moment. Soaking up every detail as if it was the last time we would see each other.
I placed a hand on his cheek and he leaned in and kissed me for a long moment.
Before we had fully pulled back from each other black smoke filled the air.
*Authors Note*
The battle that we have all been waiting for is coming up next and will be ready very soon. I just need to edit it and then it will be at your fingertips.
Have fun friends!