Read Online Magickeepers: The Eternal Hourglass by Erica Kirov - Free Book Online Page B

rubbing at her eyes. He wanted to know what was wrong, but he was tired. And now that he had time to think about it, his ribs hurt.
    Irina opened the door to Isabella's room with a command. She said a few more words in Russian and the light switched on, the bedspread folded down, a drawer opened, and pajamas floated to the bed like clothes hanging on a clothesline on a breezy summer day.
    “Take a shower, and then get some sleep,” Irina said, hugging Isabella and giving her a peck on each cheek.
    “What about Sascha?”
    “We’re bandaging her injured paw, but then she’ll sleep here to keep an eye on you.”
    Isabella gave Nick a halfhearted wave good night. Down the hall, Nick opened his room. Irina swept in and checked in the closets and under the bed. He was going to tell her he hadn’t checked under the bed since he was seven. But then again, after seeing that thing in the pool, maybe checking under the bed was a good idea.
    When Irina was sure there was no one in the room, he expected her to say good night. Instead, she faced him.
    “Your mother left the clan because she thought she would be safer without us. She thought if she was on her own, she could hide. I cried for months, every night, missing her. We had been girlhood best friends. We told each other all the secrets in our hearts. But she was convinced that away from us, they wouldn’t find you.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    “The Shadowkeepers live for one purpose. To destroy us. If they can capture our magic, it will make them more powerful. Our line is the most pure, the most powerful—and they know it. They want more of our power.”
    “How can they capture it?” Nick looked over at the empty cage where his hedgehog was supposed to be. If magic was so easy to capture, he’d be able to do it.
    “When our clan left Russia, it was a time of panic and confusion. The communists were destroying everything. Libraries and art museums. Palaces. Buildings. They murdered many, many people. So our ancestors left—in a hurry, like everyone else. Like all refugees. Alone, cold, forgotten. And along the way, through sorcery and trickery, through thievery and murder , we lost some of our relics. Magic talismans that bring power to those who possess them. We’ve been battling to recover them ever since.”
    “So what does that have to do with me?”
    “When your grandfather took you to Madame B.'s, it confirmed something.”
    “You knew I went there?”
    She nodded. “You are a Gazer. You have the ability to see the past, to see the present, and to see the future. That gift comes along rarely. Your mother's side was powerful. The Shadowkeepers believe you must have the talismans. That your mother gave them to you, or at least that she left you something that points the way to them.”
    Nick shook his head and then thought of the key his grandfather had given him.
    “What is it?” Irina asked.
    “Nothing.”
    “Are you certain?”
    He nodded.
    “All right then, Nick. Know this—your mother was from the purest line of magician in the clan. She had no brothers or sisters and only one child. You represent, on your mother's side, our future.”
    “Does that mean those creatures are going to keep trying to kill me? Forever?”
    Irina turned. “Those creatures just follow the bidding of the one who imprisons them. I’m afraid the real power of the Shawdowkeepers is far darker. But try not to worry.”
    “Easy for you to say,” Nick whispered under his breath. They hadn’t tried to drown her. Hadn’t sprouted wings right in front of her eyes.
    “Good night.”
    “’Night… Oh, one more thing.”
    “Yes?”
    “When can I see my grandfather and father?”
    “We can send for them. But remember, Kolya, the less your father knows, the safer he will be. Damian wants what goes on here to remain with the clan alone. He doesn’t trust anyone outside the clan.”
    Nick stared at her. The way she said Damian's name, he couldn’t decide if she was