Amethyst Flame (Flame 2)

She was sure as hell going to try.

Once more, as she had the first time she’d seen the three ghosts in the Graveyard, she opened herself up to all that she was in the alter world. Only this time, she focused on the ways she was connected to Vaughn and how he enhanced the abilities she possessed.

The emerging sensations felt like a wave of power she’d never known before. She centered that power on her healing gift then let it flood her veins.

After a few seconds, Beth’s voice entered Emma’s mind again. What is that? Your blood tastes different and I’m feeling dizzy now.

I’m sending you as much healing as I can.

Thank you. It’s wonderful, but I still can’t release you. I’m so sorry.

Emma remembered something else as well, that she and Vaughn were in a strange place of being able to share their powers with each other. She focused on Vaughn’s vampire nature and could actually feel it coming forward. Some vampires could enthrall other vampires, but not if they were weak like Beth.

As Emma experienced Vaughn’s vampire power, she found Beth’s thrall breaking up. The moment she was able to lift her arm, she placed her hand on top of Beth’s head. Her healing then flowed straight into Beth’s mind.

I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep doing it. My compulsion to continue drinking from you is fading.

A moment later, Beth drew back from Emma’s throat. “Oh, my God, I’ve torn you to pieces.” She leaned close and used her tongue to help seal the wounds. Emma did the rest as she sent healing to her neck as well.

After a moment, Beth sat back on her knees and stared at Emma’s throat. “It’s healed.” She then put her hands on her head. “I can’t believe this. I can think again.”

Emma felt dizzy from the loss of so much blood, but she knew her body was quickly replenishing what she needed. She could also feel that Beth teetered on the edge of madness still.

She forced herself to her knees and this time planted both hands on Beth’s head. The vampire moaned. “Thank you. Thank you so much. You’ve saved me.”

“Beth, look at your skin. The flames are disappearing.”

“My God.” Beth drew in a ragged breath and tears began to flow down her cheeks. “The drugs have started to leave my system.” She pressed her hands to her chest. “For the first time in years, I almost feel normal again.”

“I have to stop n

ow, Beth. I’m dizzy from what you took from me. I need to focus more of that healing on myself.”

“Yes, of course.” Beth swiped at more of her tears.

Emma closed her eyes and centered her healing power within her body. The sensation was close to miraculous as she regained her strength with each passing second. When she felt better, her thoughts turned to Vaughn and her need to go to him. She rose to her feet and at the same time, she became aware of the ghosts in the cell.

Becca’s voice entered her mind. Emma, you made it.

I did. But how is Vaughn? Is he—? She couldn’t form the rest of the words.

He’d started to heal himself when he sent us to you. He looked much better, but that’s all we know. Dagen and his men were waiting in the shadows to hurt him.

Emma glanced at the teens still huddled in the cage across the way.

Beth joined her. “Loghry has brought hundreds of girls to this place over the years. He would chase them through the labyrinth. I watched so many die and there was nothing I could do.”

Emma turned to her. “We can do something now. Dagen left the door unlocked. What do you say we take these girls then get the hell out of here?”

Beth nodded, but compressed her lips. Tears rolled down her cheeks once more. She glanced down at the dirt and levitated, though very slowly. “I haven’t been able to do this for years. Not for years. That drug was a nightmare.”

Emma felt the urgency to leave, but she needed to give Beth a moment to get used to being sane again. She patted her shoulder. “Keep practicing. You’ll need to be ready to move swiftly.” She pushed the door wide. “I’m going to contact your brother.”

“Okay.”

Vaughn, can you hear me?

Emma, you’re alive! Thank God. Listen to me, I’ve taken down the five warlocks. It’s now me and Dagen, and I’ve been accessing the snapshot visions, sharing your power. You’re in the images now. Will you do what I tell you?