Blurb:
Captured within the
mind of Cleo Little by the disgraceful dark mist of Madonna, Greta Smith was
taken on a wild, wicked journey she fought to escape. Greta presented the
problem to the Shuvihani and Thad to vanquish the evilness of her childhood
friend.
Against Thaddeus
Porter’s better judgment and by the order of the clan’s witch, Thad entered the
minds of the dark coven out to destroy the clan. The only way to save his
people was to join forces with Greta to defeat the evilness prevailing around
them. Their energy was strong, the clan’s Shuvihani was missing, and dark evil
was out to steal the souls of the caravan.
Could Greta and Thad’s
Magical Love be sufficient to conquer the jealousy, betrayal and dark magic to
save their people?
Author:
Stephy Smith was born
and raised in the Northwest Texas Panhandle. She owns and operates her own
ranch. Most of her inspiration comes from the weather, wildlife, and
imagination from country living. When she not spending time with her three
sons, she loves to read, ride horses, watch rodeo’s and paint. Stephy is a
member of Panhandle Professional Writers, American Quarter Horse Association,
and Foundation Quarter Horse Association. Stephy is an award-winning author of
Shining Moon Rises. You can find her books at www.barnesandnoble.com www.amazon.com
www.audible.com www.smashwords.com and www.kobo.com
Excerpt:
Chapter One
1866 East Texas
“Come on, Cleo! Doriya
is starting the storytelling. You know she doesn’t like to be kept waiting,”
Greta Smith called over her shoulder as she ran down the path to the gypsy
camp. Tufts of soft, smooth grass cooled her bare feet. She ducked and dodged
swinging moss from the branches of the tree-lined trail. Greta slowed her pace
so Cleo could catch up with her.
“I love to hear the
old witch’s stories. One day I will be a powerful and respected Shuvihani.”
Cleo Little huffed out a breath.
Greta stopped behind a
vardo. Her bright red and purple skirts flared as she twirled around to face
Cleo. The words rushed from her mouth before she could stop them. “If this is
so, when did you start your training? Did you start when Thad and I did? When
are your classes? Who is your partner? Do you think Doriya will let us take our
lessons together?”
Greta’s mind whirled
with possibilities of other students to practice magic with. She had been
practicing with Thad for so long they could read each other before the lesson
was finished. Greta reached out to touch Cleo’s arm, but Cleo backed away.
“When did you start
learning to be the clan’s Shuvihani?” Cleo asked as she raised her chin. Her
hands fisted. Her green eyes turned dark and menacing.
“I don’t know exactly.
I was very young and don’t remember not taking the lessons. There’s a lot
involved in the art of white magic, healing herbs, and everything that goes
with being a witch. But of course you already know this.” Greta sucked in a
breath and then laughed.
The amulet hanging
from a strip of leather around her neck turned icy cold. Her skin prickled at
the frigid breeze circling around her. Her heart pounded against her rib cage.
A shiver ran down her spine.
Greta cowered down
from the storm brewing above her. Cold air of the spirits of her ancestors
rallied to protect her from the sinister dark fog that whirled overhead. She
turned to Cleo who didn’t seem to notice the battle.
Cleo’s face turned
red, and her lips bunched up. Her eyes transformed into black hollow holes. The
dark foggy form of a woman entered Cleo’s mouth and nose. Cleo shoved Greta and
sidestepped past her. “I don’t take classes…so I wouldn’t know.”
The foreign mist that
entered Cleo sent a strange sensation in Greta. At the same moment, Greta was
telling her about the training she received from the good witch Doriya. The
hurt and anger of not being chosen as a Shuvihani like Greta burned in Cleo’s
eyes. The mention of Thad’s name deepened Cleo’s rage. It was Greta’s destiny
to marry Thad. The clan respected and encouraged the union.
Even Doriya’s late
husband had been anointed with the honor. Cleo’s thought waves penetrated
Greta’s mind loud and clear. Greta tried to block them. Something prevented her
from closing the invisible gate. Her mind remained open to all of Cleo’s
ranting. Her body took on the heartache, pain, and all the emotions Cleo was
feeling.
Cleo whirled around to
face Greta. Thad would be out of Cleo’s future. He was taking the training with
Greta and destined to become her husband. Cleo fisted her hands as the wicked
fingers of pain wrapped around her heart. The dark lady moved in closer,
causing fury to rise in the soul of Cleo.
Even though Greta
gasped at the things her mind processed, she tried to warn Cleo, but the words
wouldn’t come out of her mouth. Cleo raised her hand level with Greta’s throat.
Without touching her, Cleo squeezed her hand shut. Greta fought for air. Her
lungs burned. She wondered if it was Cleo or the dark lady preventing her to
breathe and to back out of Cleo’s thoughts. Why did either one of them think
Greta would be the least bit interested in the evil Cleo planned to create?
Your time will come.
You will be the queen of the witches if you follow my instructions, Cleo. You
will be more powerful and respected than Doriya or Greta. You have my word,
I’ll see to it, the dark lady whispered in Cleo’s ear as she glared at Greta.
Greta stood paralyzed
as the dark lady pointed her fingers and twirled them around. A large heavy
metal chain clanged as it wrapped around Greta’s ankles, pinning her feet with
two long spikes threaded through the end links and pushed deeply into the soil.
“If your words are
true, I should rejoice with Greta for her current victory.” Lightning shot
above their heads; sparks peppered the air as hot and cold breezes whirled
against each other. Cleo’s eyes flashed dark and menacing until the breezes
moved away from the area. Greta glanced around but couldn’t see anything. The
murkiness of the dark lady lingered in Cleo’s body.
No. You should stay
away from her. She knows of our plans. Together, our black magic is stronger
than her white magic. We will control the clan together, the dark lady
telepathically ordered Cleo. The dark lady’s cackle reminded Greta of banshee
wails. Greta continued to fight the power that refused to let her out of the
conversation with Cleo. You will gain the respect and unconditional obedience
of the clan.
Greta opened her mouth
to warn Cleo to stop her ties with the dark lady. No words came from her. The
dark lady had taken control of her and Cleo. Cleo was actually enjoying the
confidence of the dark foggy entity. “What is your name?”
Oh, I’m Madonna. I was
assigned to help you gain your freedom of life from these people. Such
restrictions should not be placed on free spirits such as you.
Greta couldn’t believe
the things the dark lady was implying. She hoped Cleo would resist the spirit,
but she embraced, even encouraged, the friendship instead.
“What are you… a
healer?” Cleo’s excitement of meeting someone with so much power echoed in
Greta’s mind.
Greta choked on the
breath trying to escape her lungs. She tried again to scream out to Cleo that
she could hear everything the black magic witch said. Madonna squeezed her hand
tighter to choke off any more attempts.
More of a soul
catcher. You are asking too many questions, Cleo. You will learn everything you
need to know in time. I must be off. Practice what you have learned today. I
will return soon. And stay away from Greta, Madonna called out to Cleo as she
left Cleo’s body.
The hold on Greta was
broken. She rubbed her hand over her neck, and the chains around her legs fell
into heaps of metal and disappeared. “Don’t listen to Madonna, Cleo. She’s
evil…” But Cleo ignored the words Greta called after her as she ran toward the
camp.
Greta held her breath.
Tears pooled in her eyes. Cleo never treated her with hatred. What had she done
to make her friend unhappy? Was Cleo mad because she didn’t know Greta had been
chosen to follow Doriya’s path? She walked to the circle and took her usual
place on the ground beside Cleo.
Cleo scooted away with
her back toward Greta. Once again, the amulet turned cold against Greta’s skin.
She glanced at Doriya who waved a crooked finger to her. Doriya sent a
telepathic message to Greta. Do not worry. Other plans are in store for you and
Cleo. It is time for you to let your friend go. Greta nodded, even though she
didn’t understand why Cleo had listened to the evil spirit.
Footsteps stopped
behind Greta. A strange sensation ran down her spine. Her heart picked up a
beat when the amulet grew warm. The aroma of fresh cut wood and sweat wafted in
the air. Goose bumps trickled across her skin. A slight brush against her
shoulder pulled her attention from her thoughts. She peeked over her shoulder
at the shadow on the ground.
Thaddeus Porter
lowered his lanky body between Greta and Cleo. His face reddened as he glanced
toward Greta. “Hi, Greta. Have I missed anything?” He leaned his muscular
shoulder into Greta. His warmth gave Greta a sense of security. The tightness
in her shoulders relaxed.
“No. Doriya hasn’t
started yet.” Greta leaned into Thad. “She’s going to send a message to the
older kids today. They can benefit from the lessons if they will listen to
her.”
Greta pulled away from
Thad. Over the years they had both made a number of changes, mentally and
physically. His golden skin enhanced the depth of his strong facial features
and brown eyes. He swiped a strand of his black hair away from his face. “She
is a wonderful teacher.”
Greta bit into her
bottom lip. She glanced over at Cleo. An eerie cackle raised the hair at the
nape of Greta’s neck. The breath caught in her throat. She gasped at the
negative energy in the air. Cleo acted as if they had never been friends, like
it was nothing of importance.
“Do not let negative
thoughts rule your mind, Greta. Cleo is changing, and it’s best to let her take
her own path without you.” Thad’s nearness heated her core. When they were
twelve, she was attracted to his sweet attitude and brilliant mind. As they
grew older and wiser, her thoughts of love, marriage, and children confused her
vision of him. He rested his calloused hand on Greta’s forearm. The amulet grew
hotter. Greta sucked in a deep breath.
Had Doriya and Thad
looked into Cleo’s future? It was something they were taught wasn’t necessary
since they live for the day. The gypsies never looked into another gypsy’s life
for the future. Doriya’s voice sounded in Greta’s mind. It is not wise to read
Cleo’s thoughts, Greta.
I’ve tried not to, but
the dark witch named Madonna won’t let me close my mind off to Cleo. I don’t
understand, Doriya. Why is she treating me this way? Greta turned her gaze to
her advisor. The gray-haired woman flashed a saddened smile. I can’t ignore the
evil taking over Cleo.
When the time is
right, the answer will be revealed to you. And to your question, no. Thad and I
have not ventured into Cleo’s mind. We know no more than you. We have both seen
the changes taking over her. It is best to leave her be. She must carve her own
path, and so must you.
Greta lowered her gaze
to her hands. Heat crept up her neck and settled on her face. Thad and Doriya
were right. She should let Cleo go, but it still didn’t keep her from wanting
to help her longtime friend. The amulet grew cold, and Greta glanced over at
Cleo.
Cleo glared at Greta.
Her distinct smirk sent shivers down Greta’s spine. A low growl filtered from
Cleo’s clinched teeth. Greta refused to break the awkward stare. She stiffened
her back and rose to the test, even though she had no idea what the challenge
was. Cleo turned back to the people on the other side of her.
Greta let out the
breath she was holding. Cleo’s aura turned a murky brown and continued to grow
darker. Greta let her mind wander, but never crossed over into Cleo’s thoughts.
The colors surrounding Cleo chilled Greta to the bone.
Thad nudged Greta in
the side. “It is easier to see the changes when you’re not close to them.
Distance yourself for a few days, and you’ll see Cleo for who she truly is.”
“What little I have
seen today worries me. Cleo has always been my friend. Today she turned on me.
Does she know what’s happening to her?” Greta massaged her brow.
“Greta, Thad, it’s
time.” The raspy voice of Doriya interrupted them. Thad rose and offered his
hand to Greta. She gazed into his soft brown eyes. Tiny specks of gold
glistened like stars against a moonless night. His straight white teeth gleamed
between his parted lips. He nodded, she took hold of his hand, and he pulled
her to a stand. They walked beside each other.
Greta glanced around
at the crowd. The clan gathered around the outer edge of the circle. Her heart
picked up a beat. A shimmering white light surrounded her and Thad as they
lowered themselves next to Doriya. It was the light she had been told to expect
since she was little. The light was a symbol of her willingness to take full
acceptance of magic, the promise to use magic only for the good of the clan.
The amulet warmed
against her skin. Greta was on the path of righteousness. She reveled in the
love the charm sent to her heart, soul, and mind. Raising her hand to the
amulet, she grasped it and brought it to her lips. It was her sign to the clan
to follow the ways of the Shuvihani.
As the amulet pressed
against her lips, the encounter with Cleo on the path invaded her mind.
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