Do not ever forget this feeling, the Goddesss voice sang through my mind. A true High Priestess is humble as well as proud, and never forgets the responsibility that being a leader entails.
I stopped before Damien and bowed to him, fist closed over my heart. Merry meet, Damien. Then, not caring that I was deviating from the vampyre funeral etiquette text that Id read on the plane, I took Damiens hands and tugged, so that he stood up. I wrapped my arms around him and repeated, Merry meet, Damien.
He sobbed once. His body felt stiff and he moved slowly, like he was afraid he might break into a zillion pieces, but he hugged me back really hard. Before I stepped away from him I closed my eyes, centered myself, and whispered, Air, come to your Damien. Fill him with lightness and hope, and help him get through this night. Air responded instantly. It lifted my hair and wrapped around Damien and me. I heard him suck in a breath, and when he exhaled, some of the terrible tightness went out of his body. I stepped back and met his sad eyes. I love you, Damien.
I love you, too, Zoey. Go ahead. He nodded toward Jacks purple-shrouded body. Do what you have to do. I know Jacks not really there anyway. He paused and choked back a sob and then added, Hed be glad its you, though.
Instead of bursting into tears and falling to the ground in a soggy puddle like I wanted to, I turned to face the pyre and the House of Night. I drew two deep breaths, let them out, and with the third I whispered, Spirit, come to me. Make my voice loud enough for everyone to hear. The element with which I have the closest affinity filled me and strengthened me. When I began speaking my voice was like a beacon from the Goddess, and it echoed with sound and spirit over the school grounds.
Jack isnt here. In our minds we all understand that. Damien just said it to me, but tonight I want you all to know it. I could feel everyones eyes on me, and I spoke slowly and distinctly the words that were Goddess-touched as they came to my mind. Ive been to the Otherworld and I can promise you that it is as beautiful and amazing and real as your hearts want to believe. Jack is there. He doesnt feel any pain. Hes not sad or worried or scared. Hes with Nyx in her meadows and groves. I paused and smiled through the brightness of tears. Hes probably frolicking gaily in those meadows and groves. I heard Damiens surprised giggle echoed by a few of the fledglings. Hes meeting familiar friends, like my Heath, and probably decorating like crazy. Aphrodite snorted a laugh and Erik chuckled. We cant be with him right now. I looked at Damien. Its hard. I know its hard. But we can be sure that well see him againin this life or the next. And when we do, no matter who we are or where we are, I promise you that one thing about our spirit, our essence, will stay the same: love. Our love lives on and will last forever. And thats a promise that I know comes straight from the Goddess.
Stark handed me a long wooden staff that had something sticky wrapped around the other end of it. I took it, but before I walked to the pyre my eyes found Shaunee.
Will you help me? I asked her.
She wiped away her tears, faced south, lifted her arms, and in a voice magnified by love and loss, she called, Fire! Come to me! The hands she held up over her head glowed as, with me, Shaunee walked to the head of the giant pile of timber on which Jacks body lay.
Jack Swift, you were a sweet, special boy. Ill always love you like a brother and a friend. Until next time I see you, merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again. When I touched the end of my torch to the pyre, Shaunee flung her element into it, instantly setting it to light with an otherworldly glow that shimmered yellow and purple.
Id turned to Shaunee and was opening my mouth to thank her and her element when Neferets voice pierced the night.
Zoey Redbird! Fledgling High Priestess! I ask that you stand witness!
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Zoey
I didnt have to look hard to find her. Neferet was standing on the steps of Nyxs Temple, off to my left. As everyone turned to whisper and stare at her, I felt Stark move to my side, so that it would only take one quick motion for him to come between Neferet and me. I was also aware of Stevie Rae. Suddenly she was there on my other side, and from the corners of my vision I could see the Twins and even Damien. My circle of friends surrounded me, letting me know wordlessly that they had my back.
When Neferet began to walk toward me I automatically began centering myself. I thought, She must have gone totally, utterly insane to ask me to perform the funeral and then attack me in front of the entire school. But sane or insane, it really didnt matter. She was evil and dangerous and coming against me, and I Was Not Going To Run.
So her next words shocked me almost as much as what she began to do.
Hear me, Zoey Redbird, Fledgling High Priestess, and bear witness. I have wronged Nyx and you and this House of Night.
Her voice was strong and clear and beautiful, and it seemed to make music in the air around her. In the tempo she was creating, Neferet began to take her clothes off.
It should have been embarrassing or uncomfortable or erotic, but it wasnt any of those things. It was simply beautiful.
I have lied to you and to my Goddess. Her shirt came off, fluttering behind her like a petal falling from a rose. I have deceived you and my Goddess about my intentions. She unwrapped the black silk skirt she was wearing and stepped out of it as if it were a pool of dark water. Completely naked, she walked directly up to me. The purple and yellow flames of Jacks pyre flickered against her flesh, making her look like she, too, burned, only without being consumed. When she reached me she dropped to her knees, threw back her head, and opened her arms, saying, Worst of all, I allowed a man to seduce me away from the love of my Goddess and her Path. Now here, bared to you, our House of Night, and to Nyx, I ask to be forgiven for my wrongdoings, for I find that I cannot live this terrible lie another moment. As she finished speaking she lowered her head and her arms and then formally, respectfully, deeply, Neferet bowed to me.
In the complete silence that followed her pronouncement my mind whirred in a cacophony of conflicting thoughts: Shes pretendingI wish she wasntits because of her that Heath and Jack are deadShes a master manipulator. Trying to figure out what I should saywhat I should doI looked around, helplessly, for some clue. The Twins and Damien were staring openmouthed at Neferet, totally shocked. I glanced at Aphrodite. She was staring at Neferet, too, but the look on her face was open disgust. Stevie Rae and Stark were both looking at me. Ever so slightly, without saying a word, Stark shook his head once, no. I looked from him to Stevie Rae, who mouthed two words to me: she lies.
Hardly breathing, I glanced around the circle made by the House of Night. Some were looking at me questioningly, expectantly, but most of them were gawking at Neferet in awe, openly sobbing with what was obviously a mixture of happiness and relief.
At that moment, one thought crystallized and sliced daggerlike through all of the others in my mind: If I dont accept her apology the school will turn against me. Ill look like a vindictive brat, and that is exactly what Neferet wants.
I had no choice. All I could do was react and hope my friends trusted me enough to know that I could tell the difference between truth and manipulation.
Stark, give me your shirt, I said quickly.
He didnt hesitate. He unbuttoned it and handed it to me.
Being sure my voice still carried the power of spirit with it I said to her, Neferet, for myself I forgive you. I never wanted to be your enemy. She looked up at me; her green eyes were absolutely guileless.
Zoey, I, she began.
I spoke over her, cutting off the sweet sound of her voice. But I can only speak for myself. Youll have to seek the Goddess for her forgiveness. Nyx knows your heart and your soul, so its there that youll find her answer.
Then I already have it, and it fills my heart and soul with joy. Thank you, Zoey Redbird, and thank you, House of Night!
There were murmurs all around the circle of Thank the Goddess! and Blessed be! I made myself smile as I bent and wrapped Starks shirt around her shoulders. Please, get up. You shouldnt be on your knees in front of me.
Neferet stood gracefully, and put on Starks shirt, buttoning it carefully. Then she turned to Damien. Merry meet, Damien. May I have your permission to send my personal prayer for Jacks spirit up to the Goddess?
Damien didnt speak. He just nodded, and I couldnt tell through the sadness and grief on his face whether he believed Neferets show or not. She continued to act her part perfectly.
Thank you. Neferet stepped closer to Jacks fiery pyre, put her head back, and lifted her arms. Unlike me, she didnt amplify her voice. Instead she spoke so softly that none of us could hear her. Her face was tilted just right so that I had a perfect view of it. Her expression was serene and sincere, and I wondered how it was possible that something I was sure was so rotten inside could have such a gorgeous outside.
I think it was because I was staring at her so hard, trying to find the chink in her armor, that I saw all of what happened next.
Neferets expression changed. Her face was still tilted up, but it was obvious, at least to me, that shed seen something above us.
Then I heard it. It was a kinda familiar sound. I didnt recognize it right away, even though it made the hairs on my arms rise. I didnt look up, though. I kept watching Neferet. Whatever she was looking at was annoying and worrying her. She didnt change her posture or stop speaking her prayer, but her eyes did dart around as if she was checking to see if anyone else had noticed what shed seen. I snapped my eyelids shut and hoped that I looked like I was praying, meditating, concentratinganything but watching her. I gave it a couple of seconds, then slowly opened my eyes.
Neferet definitely wasnt looking at me. She was staring at Stevie Rae, but my BFF wasnt aware of it. Stevie Rae was too busy gawking straight up, too. Only her expression wasnt annoyed or worriedit was radiant, as if she was looking at something that filled her with utter happiness, utter love.
Confused, I looked back at Neferet. She was still watching Stevie Rae, and her expression had shifted again. I saw her eyes widen, as if in realization, and then her face was suffused with pleasure, like what shed just figured out had made her super happy.
I couldnt seem to take my eyes off Neferet, but I was reaching for Starks hand automatically, as if I knew my world was getting ready to explode when Dragon Lankfords voice was a clarion call that changed everything.
Raven Mocker above! Professors, get the fledglings under cover! Warriors, to me!
Time started to move in fast-forward then. Stark pushed me behind him while he stared upward. I heard him curse, and I knew it had to be because he didnt have his bow with him.
I want you to get into Nyxs Temple! Stark shouted above the sound exploding around us, already moving me in that direction.
Over his shoulder I could see the pandemonium that had broken out. Some of the kids were screaming; professors were calling to their students and trying to reassure them; Sons of Erebus Warriors had weapons drawn, ready for the coming battle. Everyone was moving except Neferet and Stevie Rae.
Neferet was still standing beside Jacks burning pyrestill staring at Stevie Rae and smiling. Stevie Rae looked like shed been rooted to her spot. She was gazing upward, shaking her head back and forth, back and forth, and she was sobbing.
No, wait, I told Stark, moving around him so he quit pushing me toward the temple. I cant go. Stevie Rae is
FALL FROM THE SKY, FOUL BEAST!
Neferets shout cut me off. Shed flung her arms up, fingers outstretched like she was trying to grab something out of the air.
Can you see that? Stark asked me urgently, staring up at the sky.
What? See what?
Black, sticky, threads of Darkness. He grimaced in horror. Shes using them. And that means she was lying her ass off about asking for forgiveness, he said grimly. Shes definitely still allied with Darkness.
Then there wasnt time to say any more because, with a terrible scream, an enormous Raven Mocker fell from the sky, landing in a heap in the middle of the school grounds.
I recognized him right away. It was Rephaim, Kalonas favored son.
Kill it! Neferet commanded.
Dragon Lankford didnt need the order. He was already moving. Blade flashing in the firelight, he descended on the Raven Mocker like an avenging god.
No! Dont hurt him! Stevie Rae screamed and hurled herself between Dragon and the fallen creature. Her arms were raised, palms outward, and she was glowing green, like her body had suddenly grown iridescent moss. Dragon hit the glowy green barrier and bounced off it like hed smacked into a giant rubber ball. It was creepy and cool at the same time.
Ah, hell, I murmured, already moving toward Stevie Rae. I had a bad feeling about what was going on. A really, really bad feeling.
Stark didnt try to stop me. He just said, Stay close to me and out of that damn birds reach.
Why are you protecting this creature, Stevie Rae? Are you in league with it? Neferet was standing beside Dragon, who had gotten back on his feet and was literally trembling with the effort it took not to rush against Stevie Rae again. Neferet sounded baffled, but her eyes flashed fiercely, like she was a cat and Stevie Rae was her trapped mouse.
Stevie Rae ignored Neferet. She looked at Dragon and said, Hes not here to hurt anyone. I promise.
Free me, Red One. The Raven Mocker spoke as I finally reached Dragon and Neferet. He, too, had gotten to his feet, which surprised me because it seemed that the fall should have killed him. Actually, the only evidence I could see of him being hurt at all was a gash in his disturbingly human-looking bicep that was just beginning to weep blood. He was backing slowly away from Stevie Rae, but a weird green bubble had formed around them, and it wouldnt let him get very far from her.
Its no good, Rephaim. Im not gonna lie and pretend anymore. Stevie Rae glanced at Neferet and at the crowd of fledglings and professors who had stopped running away and instead were watching her, shock and horror clear on their faces. Then, setting her jaw and lifting her chin, Stevie Rae looked back at the Raven Mocker. Im not that good of an actress. I dont ever want to be that good of an actress.
Do not do this.
The Raven Mockers voice shocked me. It wasnt because he sounded human. Id heard him speak before and knew that, if he wasnt hissing in anger, he could talk like a guy. What shocked me was the tone of his voice. He sounded scared and very, very sad.
Its already done, Stevie Rae told him.
And thats when I finally found my voice. What in the hell is going on, Stevie Rae?
Im sorry, Z. I wanted to tell you. I really, really wanted to. I just didnt know how. Stevie Raes eyes pleaded with me to understand.
Didnt know how to tell me what?
Then it hit methe smell of the Raven Mockers blood. With a rush of horror, I knew the scent of it. It had been on Stevie Rae before, and I realized what she was talking about, what shed been trying to tell me.
Youve Imprinted with that creature. I was thinking the words, but Neferet was the one who said them out loud.
Oh, Goddess, no, Stevie Rae, I said, my lips feeling cold and numb. Disbelieving, I kept shaking my head back and forth like denial could make this whole nightmare go away.
How? The words sounded ripped from Dragon.
It was not her fault, the Raven Mocker said. I am responsible.
Do not speak to me, monster. Dragon sounded deadly.
The Raven Mockers red-tinged gaze moved from the Sword Master to me. Do not blame her, Zoey Redbird.
Why are you talking to me? I yelled at it. Still shaking my head I looked at Stevie Rae. How could you have let this happen? I asked, and then clamped my mouth shut as I realized how much I suddenly sounded like my mother.
Holy shit. I knew something freaky was going on with you, Stevie Rae, but I had no clue about a weirdness of this degree, Aphrodite said, coming up beside me.
I shoulda said somethin, Kramisha said from several feet away where she was standing beside the Twins and Damien, who were all staring disbelievingly back and forth from Stevie Rae to the Raven Mocker. I knew them poems bout a beast and you and such was bad. I just didnt know they was literal.
Because of the alliance between these two, Darkness has already tainted the school, Neferet said solemnly. This creature must be responsible for Jacks death.
Thats a bunch of hogwash! Stevie Rae said. You killed Jack as a sacrifice to Darkness cause it gave you control of Kalonas soul. You know it. I know it. And Rephaim knows it. Thats why he was up there watching you from a distance. He wanted to be sure you didnt do anything too terrible tonight.
I watched Stevie Rae stand up to Neferet and recognized the strength and the hopelessness I saw in my BFF, because Id felt both things the times Id stood up to Neferet, tooespecially back when it was just me against her and an entire school full of vamps and fledglings had no clue that she was anything less than perfect.
He has utterly twisted her, Neferet said, speaking to the regathering crowd. They should both be destroyed at once.
My gut lurched and, with a certainty I felt only when I was being Goddess-led, I knew I had to do something.
Okay, thats enough. With Stark moving restlessly at my side and keeping his gaze trained on the birdguy, I moved closer to Stevie Rae. You gotta know how bad this looks.
Yeah, I do.
And you really are Imprinted with him?
Yeah, I am, she said firmly.
Did he attack you or something? I asked, trying to make some sense of it.
No, Z, the opposite. He saved my life. Twice.
Of course he did. Youre in league with the creature and allied with Darkness! Neferet turned to face the watching fledglings and vampyres.
The green glow surrounding Stevie Rae intensified as did her voice. Rephaim saved me from Darkness. He was why I survived accidentally invoking the white bull. And just because most of these folks cant see what youre doing, dont ever forget that I can. I see the threads of Darkness that follow your command.
You sound very familiar with that subject, Neferet said.
Course I am, Stevie Rae said angrily. Before Aphrodites sacrifice I was filled with Darkness. Ill always recognize it; just like Ill always choose Light over it.
Really? Neferets smile was smug. And thats what youre doing when you choose this creature? Choosing Light? Raven Mockers were created in anger and violence and hatred. They live for death and destruction. This one killed Anastasia Lankford. How can that be mistaken for Light and the Path of the Goddess?
It was wrong. Rephaim wasnt speaking to Neferet. He was looking directly at Stevie Rae. What I was before I knew you was wrong. Then you found me and pulled me from a dark place. I held my breath as the Raven Mocker slowly, gently, touched Stevie Raes cheek, wiping a tear away. You showed me kindness and for a little while I glimpsed happiness. That is enough for me. Release me, Stevie Rae, my Red One. Let them exact their vengeance upon me. Perhaps Nyx will take pity on my spirit and allow me to enter her realm where someday I will see you again.
Stevie Rae shook her head. No. I cant. I wont. If Im yours then youre mine, too. Im not gonna let you go without a fight.
Does that mean youll fight your friends for him? I shouted at her, feeling like everything was spinning out of control.
Calmly, Stevie Rae looked at me. I saw the answer in her eyes before she spoke in a sad but firm voice. If I have to, I will. And then she said the one thingthe only thingthat finally made sense of the whole crazy mess, and it changed everything for me. Zoey, you would have fought anyone to protect me when I was filled with Darkness, even when you didnt know for sure if Id ever be myself again. Hes already Changed, Z. Hes turned from Darkness. How can I do any less for him?
That thing killed my mate! Dragon bellowed.
For that, as well as for a multitude of other offenses, he must die, Neferet said. Stevie Rae, if you choose to stand with the creature, then you choose to stand against the House of Night, and you will deserve to perish with him.
Okay, no. Hang on, I said. Sometimes things arent just black and white, and theres more than one right answer. Dragon, I know this is terrible for you, but lets all just take a breath and step back for a second. You cant really be talking about killing Stevie Rae.
If she stands with Darkness she deserves the same fate as the creature, Neferet said.
Oh, please. You just admitted that you stood with Darkness, and Zoey forgave you for it, Aphrodite said. Im not saying that Im cool with this whole birdboy/Stevie Rae weirdness, but how can it be okay for you to get forgiveness, but not okay for those two?
Because I no longer am under the influence of Darkness, which was personified by this creatures father, Neferet said smoothly. I am not allied with him anymore. Lets ask the creature if he can say the same. She looked at the Raven Mocker. Rephaim, will you swear that you are no longer your fathers son? That you no longer are allied with him?
This time Rephaim did answer Neferet directly. Only my father can free me from his service.
I could see the smugness in Neferets face. And have you asked Kalona to free you from him?
I have not. Rephaim looked from Neferet to Stevie Rae. Please understand.
I do. I promise you I do, she told him. Then she shouted at Neferet. He hasnt asked Kalona to free him because he doesnt want to betray his daddy!
His reasons for choosing Darkness are not important, Neferet said.
Actually, I think they are, I said. And another thing, were talking about Kalona like hes here. Isnt he supposed to have been banished from your side?
Neferet turned her cold green eyes on me. The immortal is no longer at my side.
But its sounding like hes here in Tulsa. If hes banished, what is he doing here? Uh, Rephaim, I tripped over his name. It was super weird to be talking to the scary creature like he was an ordinary guy. Is your dad in Tulsa?
I-I cannot speak of my father, the Raven Mocker said haltingly.
Im not asking you to say anything bad or even tell us where exactly he is, I said.
I was surprised to be able to see the anguish in his red-tinged eyes. I am sorry. I cannot.
See! He will not speak against Kalona; he will not stand against Kalona, Neferets voice shot out. And because the Raven Mocker is here, we know that Kalona is either in Tulsa already, or on his way. So when he attacks this school, as he surely will, you will, again, be by his side fighting against us.
Rephaim turned his scarlet gaze to Stevie Rae. In a voice filled with despair he said, I will not harm you, but he is my father and I
Neferet cut in, Dragon Lankford, as High Priestess of this House of Night I command you to protect it. Kill this vile Raven Mocker and anyone who would stand with him.
I saw Neferet raise her hand and flick her wrist toward Stevie Rae. The green glowy bubble that had been surrounding her and the Raven Mocker shivered, and Stevie Rae groaned. Her face went real white, and she put her hand to her stomach like she was going to be sick.
Stevie Rae? I started to go to her, but Stark grabbed my hand, holding me back.
Neferets using Darkness, he said. You cant get between her and Stevie Raeitll cut you down.
Darkness? Neferets voice sounded swollen with power. Im not using Darkness. Im using the righteous vengeance of a goddess. Only that could let me break this barrier. Now, Dragon! Show this creature the consequence for standing against my House of Night!
Stevie Rae groaned again, and dropped to her knees. The green glow vanished. Rephaim was bending over Stevie Rae, so his back was completely exposed and vulnerable to Dragons sword.
I raised the hand Stark wasnt clutching, but what was I going to do? Attack Dragon? To save the Raven Mocker who had killed his mate? I was frozen. I wouldnt let Dragon hurt Stevie Rae, but he wasnt attacking herhe was attacking our enemy, an enemy my BFF had Imprinted with. It was like watching one of those slasher movies and waiting for the throat-cutting, dismembering, totally gross carnage to start, only this was for real.
There was a great whooshing sound, like a controlled gale, and Kalona dropped from the sky, landing between his son and Dragon. He had that terrible black spear in his hand, the one hed materialized in the Otherworld, and with it he deflected the Sword Masters blow with such force that he knocked Dragon to his knees.
The Sons of Erebus leaped into action. More than a dozen of them rushed to defend their Sword Master. Kalona was a deadly blur, but even he was struggling to handle so many Warriors at once.
Rephaim! Son! Kalona called to him. To me! Defend me!
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Stevie Rae
You cant kill anyone! Stevie Rae cried as Rephaim picked up a fallen Son of Erebuss sword.
He looked at her and whispered, Force Kalona to go against Neferets wishes. It is the only way to end this. Then he ran to do his fathers bidding.
Force Kalona to go against Neferet? What is Rephaim talking about? Isnt Kalona under her control? Stevie Rae struggled to stand up, but those terrible black threads had not just sliced through her earth shield, they had also drained her. She felt weak and light-headed and wanted to puke her guts out.
Then Zoey was there, crouching beside her, and Stark was standing guard in front of the two of them, positioning himself between them and the bloody battle between the Sons of Erebus and Kalona and Rephaim. Stevie Rae looked up just in time to see a giant sword materialize in his hand. She grabbed Zoeys wrist.
Dont let Stark hurt Rephaim! Stevie Rae begged her BFF. Zoey met her eyes. Please, she told her. Please trust me.
Zoey nodded once, then called to her Warrior. Dont hurt Rephaim.
Stark turned his head, though he didnt take his eyes from the battle. Ill damn sure hurt him if he attacks you, he retorted.
He wont, Stevie Rae said.
I wouldnt bet on it, Aphrodite said, running up to the two of them while Darius, his own sword drawn, joined Stark, joining the barrier between danger and their priestesses. Bumpkin, you have royally fucked up this time.
Hate to agree with Aphrodikey, Erin said.
Really hate to, but shes right, Shaunee said.
Damien, looking haggard, knelt on the other side of Stevie Rae. We can yell at Stevie Rae later. Right now lets just figure out how to get her out of this mess, he said.
You dont understand, Stevie Rae told him, her eyes filling up with tears. I dont want out of it, and the only thing thats a mess is that yall found out like this instead of me tellin you bout Rephaim.
Damien stared at her for what seemed like a long time before he replied, Oh, I see. I do understand because before I lost it, I learned a lot about love.
Before Stevie Rae could say anything else, a painful cry from one of the Sons of Erebus Warriors drew all of their eyes. Kalona had just stabbed him in the meaty part of his thigh, and the young Warrior had gone down, but as quickly as hed fallen, another Warrior dragged him out of the way and yet another took his place, closing the break in the deadly circle around the winged beings.
They were fighting back to back. Stevie Rae wanted to curl up and die as she watched the House of Night Warriors press the attack over and over. Perfectly matched, perfectly in tune, Kalona and Rephaim complemented each others movements. In one part of her brain, Stevie Rae could acknowledge the beauty of the lethal dance that was going on between the Warriors and the winged beingsthere was a grace and a symmetry to the fight that was awe-inspiring. But in most of her brain she just wanted to scream at Rephaim, Run! Fly away! Get outta here! Save yourself!