The Unholy Trinity

The Blood (Joey's POV)

When I look back on that day, the thing I know I’ll remember was the blood. Blood falling down my head. Blood all over my clothes and hands, blood pouring from Marsden’s shirt. 

I’ll also remember the tears that spilled down on Marsden’s face as his eyes slowly closed and I thought I was losing him. I thought everything I had ever wanted in this world was disappearing right in front of me. 

But what I’ll remember most was that I saved his life. 

The feeling I got whenever the blue energy showed up danced through my body. Blue mist shot out of my fingers onto the deep cut in Marsden’s chest. I watched in awe as the cut closed up, even though there was still a nasty scar. 

Marsden was breathing correctly again, but he was still unconscious. 

“What happened?” I looked up to see Giselle running over to us. 

“I think Marsden died for a minute.”

--

Nurse Doreen insisted on healing my head. I didn’t care either way. I just needed Marsden to be okay.

“Honey, you should really go change,” Nurse Doreen said softly. “I don’t think his condition will change if you leave for ten minutes.”

“Well what if he wakes up and I’m not here?” 

“Do you want him to wake up and see you like this?” She questioned. 

I sighed and looked down. My clothes were dirty from all the wall blasts and covered in blood. She was right. Marsden would freak out if he saw me like this.

“Okay, you’re right, I-I’m only going to be gone ten minutes and then I’ll be right back.”  I said, getting up. I gave him a kiss on his forehead and hurried out. 

People were staring at me but I ignored them all. I didn’t have time to explain myself. I needed to get back to Marsden as soon as possible. 

“Joey!” Chloey screamed as she saw me approaching. “What happened? Is that blood? Are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine. I just-I have to go. Marsden is hurt and I don’t want him alone. I have to go.”

“What happened?” Rune asked. 

“You should ask your best friend.” I shook my head.

I ran off before they could ask me anything else. I quickly hopped in the shower to get all the blood off. I was back to Marsden in twenty minutes.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I was supposed to make this easier and it’s only been harder and more difficult. I keep saying we can do this, but I’m not sure we can. I’m so scared, Marsden. This was too close, I thought I was going to lose you. You can never scare me like that again, do you understand?”

I hated that I got no response. I knew if he was awake he would give me that beautiful smile and tell me not to worry because things would be okay because we’re together. That we could make it through anything as long as we had each other. But how true was that?

“Joey?” I looked up. It was Chloey and Rune. 

“He’s not awake.” I said. 

“We heard what happened.” Chloey stated. “We’re so sorry. How is he?”

“I-I don’t know. I thought he was going to die. There was so much blood. A-and I was bleeding too.”

“Wait, you got hurt too?” Rune asked. 

“Tate threw a curse at me and I had to dodge it. I hit my head.”

“He did what?” Chloey practically shrieked. “He tried to hurt you?”

“I-I don’t know if it was on purpose but he wasn’t exactly being careful with his curses. I don’t think he cared who he hit.”

“Do you need anything?” Chloey asked. 

“I just need him to be okay. I’ve never been so scared in my entire life, Chlo. I thought I lost him forever.” I mumbled. “The blue energy saved him.”

“Wow…you must really love him,”

“I do,”

She hugged me tightly. “Do you want us to stay with you?”

“No, it’s okay. I don’t want him to be overwhelmed when he wakes up. But thank you for coming, really. I’m gonna be fine once he wakes up, I promise.”

“How about we bring you some food after dinner?” Rune suggested. “You must be starving?”

I nodded, once again feeling horrible that Marsden hurt him. I had to make it up to him somehow.

“We’ll see you after dinner.” Chloey squeezed my hand as she and Rune left.

Thirty minutes later my other friends came to see Marsden. Keene looked incredibly worried. He nodded towards the door and I followed him out. 

“How much does Highmore know?” He whispered. 

“Too much, but nothing officially since he has no proof. He’s been in the room though.”

“Shit.” Keene groaned. “This is getting complicated. What are we gonna do about this?”

“I’ll handle it.” I assured him. 

“Joey…”

“I’m serious. Let me handle Tate, I promise I can. If not you’ll be the first to know.”

“What about Marsden?”

“I have to keep him in the dark sometimes. It’s the only way to save him. I had a plan.”

“Do you not have this plan anymore?” He questioned. 

“I don’t know, but we’ll see.”

“Please tell me you’re not doing anything dangerous or stupid.”

“I’m not. I’m doing something dangerous and stupid.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Just be careful. This is more dangerous than I ever thought it would be.”

“Me too.”

“Joey, why do you stay with him? You know what the end could look like. He could die. And if he doesn't, who knows what your life will be like?  How is Marsden worth all of this when you can walk away any time?”

“I don’t know how to live without him anymore.” I admitted. “I know it’s stupid and sappy and naïve to say but it’s true. He’s everything to me. How do I let go of the only person I’ve ever truly trusted with my heart?”

“I guess you don’t. I’m just worried about you.”

“I can handle more than I look like I can, I swear. I’m gonna fix this.”

Keene hugged me. “I don’t know why, but I believe you. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks Keene,”  I smiled. 

We walked back in the room. 

“Hey, hun, how you holding up?” Charleen asked. 

“I just need him to wake up and know that he’s okay.” I sighed. “I know he’s right here, but I miss him.”

“He’s gonna be just fine,” Zander said encouragingly.

“Yeah he is.” Misty agreed. “We all know how stubborn Marsden is. I’m sure he’ll refuse to not be okay and get better as soon as possible.”

“I can’t believe Tate did this.” Zander shook his head. “He’s done some awful s**t, but this takes the cake.”

“He’s a menace.” I muttered. “That prick has gone much too far this time.”

“He’s obsessed, is what he is!” Charleen crossed her arms. “I mean following you guys around wasn’t enough that he had to attack you?”

“I just hope he’s done with this s**t now.” Misty stated. “They can’t let him get away with attempted murder.”

My friends left shortly after that to get dinner. They tried to convince me to come with them, but the thought of leaving Marsden by himself made me sick. And Chloey were bringing me food. 

“Hey Joey.”

I lifted my head and saw Zoey and Tate. I jumped up without a word and slapped Tate across the face. “How dare you?!”

“Joey stop!” Zoey got in between us. 

“Get him out of here!”

“Can you just calm down?”

“Calm down? Are you f*****g kidding me? Look at Marsden! Look at him! He’s unconscious because your stupid boyfriend tried to kill him!”

“No I didn’t! It was an accident!” Tate insisted. 

“You were hurling curses at me too! The only reason Marsden let his guard down is because I hurt myself trying to dodge your curse.”

Zoey looked over at him. “You didn’t tell me that.” 

“So much was happening. I wasn’t trying to hit Joey but she was right next to him. He started the duel.” 

“Because you wouldn’t leave us alone! You started making all these accusations and insulting Marsden when he was already distressed and trying to break up with me.”

“He broke up with you?” Zoey asked. I could see the excitement in her eyes and I hated her for it.

“No. He was just distraught and trying to convince me I deserve better or something.”

“You do.” Tate said. “He’s dangerous, when are you going to stop pretending that he’s not?”

“Shut your f*****g mouth Tate! You don’t get to speak on me and Marsden after what you’ve done. Do you realize without the blue energy Marsden would be dead right now and that would be on you! You are so obsessed and deranged that you were willing to hurt us to try to get what you want. You claim you care about me, but you don’t.”

“He threw the first curse, Joey. I was protecting myself.”

“I wasn’t dueling you! Just admit you didn’t care if I got hurt as long as you were right. I don’t want you near me or Marsden anymore. You don’t hang out with us, you don’t look at us and you don’t talk to us. If you do, you're going to live to regret it, Tate, I swear. I’m not f*****g around anymore. I’ve tried to be nice to you and respect you because of Zoey but that ends now.”

“Joey, please let him explain.” Zoey begged. 

“Fine, explain. Explain why my boyfriend is lying in that bed right now and how it could have been me.”

“Joey, don’t pretend I don’t know what I’m talking about.” Tate whispered. “Marsden is a Dark Vampiric Warlock. He’s been up to something all year. He wants to take after his father. He doesn’t care who he hurts either. What I can’t figure out is you. What the hell are you getting out of this? How is this worth losing your life over? Joey, there are other people who will love you. Don’t stick with the first one who does. You made a bad choice. But it’s not too late for you.”

“Just like I thought, you have no f*****g clue what you’re talking about.” I shook my head. “You don’t know me and you don’t know Marsden either. You think he’s an evil person and he’s not! He is the best person I know a-and everyone treats him like he’s this awful, vile person. He’s good! You have no idea what he goes through and how complicated his life is. So like I said, stay away from us.”

“Marsden gave you an out.” Zoey spoke up. “Take it. You’re not equipped to handle whatever he’s doing. You’re in over your head, Joey. You’re not capable.”

“Yes I am! Why do you always treat me like I’m stupid?”

“Because you are!” I just stared at her. “Joey, no I didn’t mean that, it’s just this is not a smart choice.”

“You stay away from me too.” I whispered. 

“What?” Zoey scoffed. 

“I gave you so many chances to support me and let me handle my relationship on my own. But you’d rather listen to Tate than me. I’m your sister and ever since he kissed you, you’ve been choosing him over me and I can’t deal with this anymore. We both know you don’t trust me. Let’s just face the facts. You and I are further from each other than ever. So we should stay out of each other’s ways.”

“No, you don’t mean that.”

“But I do. Tate put me in danger and you’re still defending him. He’s clearly more important than I am and I’m done fighting. I don’t have it in me anymore. I’m tired.” I sighed. “So if you’re with him, I don’t see how we can be around each other. I love you so much, but I hate him more than anything in this world right now. So both of you get out and don’t come back.”

“Joey.” Zoey cried. “Stop this! We’re sisters. Marsden is not worth wrecking that over.”

“But Tate is?”  I shot back. 

“You’re being ridiculous! You let Marsden brainwash you! You think you’re gonna enjoy being the next Sabrine Thorton or the next Mom? Trapped in a marriage with a man who would get you kill-”

“Zoey!” Chloey was stomping into the room. “What is wrong with you?  Her boyfriend is practically in a coma and you’re yelling at her?”

“She just told me she and I couldn't be around each other.”

“Can you blame her? After the way you’ve been acting? Following her, accusing her of things. Ever since you got with Tate I don’t know who you are anymore. Our sister is hurting right now and you don’t even care.”

“She’s hurting because her boyfriend attacked mine!” Zoey exclaimed.

“Because he was harassing them! You two have been on them since Yuletide and it’s absolutely horrendous! Why can’t you just let Joey be happy?”

“This has nothing to do with her happiness.” Tate said. 

“Yeah, that’s kind of clear.” Rune responded. “You took it too far Tate. You’re supposed to be better than him and you almost killed him.”

“I-I didn’t mean to.”

“But do you even care that you almost did?”

Tate sighed. “Look this is bigger than their weird obsessive relationship. He tried to kill Magnus.”

“You have no proof of that.” I said. “You didn’t find anything real in that journal! So like I said, stay the hell away from me and my boyfriend. Get out.”

“Joey-”

“She’s right, you guys should leave.” Chloey interrupted Zoey. “She deserves to wait for Marsden without you two stressing her out even more. Just go!”

“Fine.” Zoey sighed. “I’ll check on you later.”

“Don’t bother.” I crossed my arms.

“Come on Tate.” She pulled him out of the room.

“I’m so sorry Joey.” Chloey wrapped her arms around me. “She’ll come around and realize that she’s wrong.”

It felt very strange to be comforted by Chloey. Usually it’s the other way around, but it’s like now that I needed her she stepped up to the role of big sister. I was so grateful for her. I really hated lying to her about all of this. Maybe it was time I let someone else in on my little secret?

--

I had hoped Marsden would be awake by the next day, but he wasn’t. Nurse Doreen said that I shouldn’t worry and that his body was just still trying to recover from the trauma. I suppose that made some sense, but that didn’t make me feel any better.

“So let’s talk marriage now babe. When do we want to do it? I never thought I would get married, so I was never prepared for this. But I think I’d like a big wedding. You know, a big poofy dress and all that. See you in a tux instead of those black leather jackets. So when are you going to make an honest woman out of me?”

“As soon as possible.” He muttered. 

I perked up. “Marsden? Babe, are you okay? How do you feel?”

“I’m so tired. Wh-what happened?”

“You and Tate were dueling and things got out of hand.”

“Did he hurt you?” Marsden grunted. 

“No, he didn’t. I’m okay. And I’m so glad you are too.” I said before kissing him. “I love you.”

“I love you too. I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“I tried to push you away. But I don’t want you to go anywhere. I want you with me. I was just freaking out and all I could think about was protecting you.”

“I understand. If there was a way to get you away from this and I could do this on my own, I would.”

“We care about each other way too much. Everyone is right. We’re insane.”

“Would you have it any other way?” I asked.

“No, I don’t think so.”

“At least I know you meant it when you said you’d die for me. Cuz you really almost did. Don’t ever do that again.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t too much fun. But hey, that was the best sleep I’ve gotten in months.”

--

“The deal is off!” I stormed into the room. “It’s done, it's over!”

“Why?”

“You didn’t hold up your end! Or did you not hear that Tate almost killed Marsden?”

“Joey, please take a seat.” Magnus said calmly. I sighed and did as he said. “Yes I have been made aware of the altercation between Tate and Marsden. I am sorry that happened.”

“You said you would control him. That you would distract him from Marsden and you didn’t.”

“You’re right and I apologize for that. But Joey, this arrangement between us must happen. This is not just about you and Marsden. The fate of the Witching Domain is resting on you.”

“Well that’s a lot of pressure! This might be too much for me.”

“It’s not. And it’s the best chance at saving yourself and Marsden. Please trust me, Joey. If you do as I say, you and Marsden can get out of this.”

“I have to do every little thing you’ve said?”

“It’s imperative that you do.”

“What if they see right through me?” I whispered. “What if I can’t keep them out?”

“You can. Marsden is very good at mind spells and he has taught you well. Now it’s time for you to further that. You must talk to your sisters.”

“I can’t talk to Zoey. She’s too much on Tate’s side. Will it work with just Chloey?”

“Yes, I think it will.”

“What if she won’t do it?”

“I will talk with her after you explain the situation. Once she realizes this is for the greater good she will agree to this. I promise this will work out if you do as I say.” Magnus said quietly.

“And Marsden stays safe the whole time right? He won’t be in danger?” I questioned. 

“I can’t fully promise that, but I can do everything in my power to make sure he's safe.”

“When can I tell him?”

“You’ll know. Do we still have a deal?”

I thought it over. At this point it really was my best bet. It was definitely a lot of work and I’d be in over my head, but something told me Magnus knew what he was doing. That this plan really could save us. I had to see where it went.

I nodded. “Yeah, we still have a deal.”