And what is that?
Her grin was radiant. Love, silly! You get to take love with you. So you see, you have to save her or youll regret it forever and ever.
Rephaim stared at the girl. Thank you, he said softly just before he vaulted into darkness.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Stevie Rae
I think yall should give Zoey a break. After what shes been through she could use a vacation, Stevie Rae said.
If thats all it is, Erik said.
Whats that supposed to mean?
Word is she isnt planning on coming back. At all.
Thats just plain silly.
Have you talked to her? Erik asked.
No, have you? she countered.
No.
Actually, Erik brings up a valid point, Lenobia said. No one has talked with Zoey. Jack said that shes not returning. Ive spoken with Aphrodite. She and Darius are, indeed, arriving soon. Zoey is not making or taking calls.
Zoey is tired. Stark is still messed up. Isnt that what Jack reported? Stevie Rae said.
Yes, Dragon Lankford said. But the truth is, we have barely spoken to Zoey since her return from the Otherworld.
Okay, seriously, why is this such a big deal? Youre acting like Z is some truant bad kid, and not a kick-ass High Priestess.
Well, for one thing, it concerns us because she does have so much power. With power comes responsibility. You know that, Lenobia said. And then there is the issue of Neferet and Kalona.
Here I must speak, Professor Penthasilea said. I am not the only one of us to have received the High Councils most recent message. There is no Neferet and Kalona. Neferet has broken with her Consort since his spirit returned to his body and he regained consciousness. Neferet had him publically lashed, and then banished from her side, and from vampyre society for one century. Neferet spearheaded his punishment for the crime of killing the human boy. The High Council ruled that Kalona, and not Neferet, was responsible for the crime.
Yes, we know that, but, Lenobia began.
What are yall talkin about? Stevie Rae interrupted, feeling like her head was going to explode.
Looks like we aint on the email list, Kramisha said, looking every bit as freaked out as Stevie Rae.
As the clock outside began to chime midnight, Neferet stepped from within the hidden door that was the High Priestesss entrance to the Tulsa Council Chamber. She moved with purpose to the huge round table. Her voice was whip-like and full of confidence and command.
I see I have returned none too soon. Would someone please explain to me why we have begun allowing fledglings access to our Council Meetings?
Kramisha is more than just a fledgling. Shes a Poet Laureate and a Prophetess. Add to that the fact that Im a High Priestess and Ive invited herall that gives her the right to be in this Council Meeting. Stevie Rae swallowed the sick fear that came with confronting Neferet and was incredibly relieved that her voice sounded steady when she finally freed the words from the back of her throat. And why arent you in jail for Heaths murder?
Jail? Neferets laughter was cruel. What impudence! I am a High Priestess, one who has earned that title and not simply been given it by default.
And yet you avoid the question of your culpability in the humans murder, Dragon said. I, too, did not receive communication from the Vampyre High Council. I would like an explanation of your presence, and why you were not held responsible for the behavior of your Consort.
Stevie Rae expected Neferet to explode at Dragons questioning, but instead her expression softened and her green eyes filled with pity. Neferets voice was warm and understanding when she answered the Sword Master. I imagine the High Council is holding your communication because they are cognizant that you are still grieving deeply for your lost mate.
Dragons face paled, but his blue eyes hardened. I did not lose Anastasia. She was taken from me. Murdered by a creature who was the creation of your Consort, acting under his command.
I understand how your grief can taint judgment, but you need to know that Rephaim and the other Raven Mockers were not under orders to harm anyone. On the contrary, they were commanded to protect. When Zoey and her friends set the House of Night afire and stole our horses, they took that as an attack. They simply reacted.
Stevie Rae and Lenobia shared a quick look that telegraphed dont let them know who was in on what, and Stevie Rae kept her mouth shut, refusing to give up Lenobias part in Zoeys escape.
They killed my mate, Dragon said, pulling everyones attention to him.
And for that I will be eternally sorry, Neferet said. Anastasia was a good friend to me.
You chased Zoey and Darius and the rest of the gang, Stevie Rae said. You threatened us. You commanded Stark to shoot Zoey. How do you excuse all of that?
Neferets beautiful face seemed to crumple. She leaned on the table, and sobbed softly. I know I know. I was weak. I let the winged immortal taint my mind. He said Zoey had to be destroyed, and because I believed he was Erebus Incarnate, I also believed him.
Oh, thats just a bunch of bull, Stevie Rae said.
Neferets emerald eyes skewered her. Have you never cared for someone, only to find out later that he was truly a monster in disguise?
Stevie Rae felt all the blood drain from her face. She answered the only way she knew howwith the truth. In my life, monsters dont disguise themselves.
You did not answer my question, young Priestess.
Stevie Rae lifted her chin. Ill answer your question. No, Ive never cared for someone and not known what he was from the beginning. And if youre talkin bout Dallas, I knew he might have issues, but I never expected him to turn to Darkness and go all crazy.
Neferets smile was sly. Yes, I heard about Dallas. So sad so sad.
Neferet, I still need to understand the ruling of the High Council. As Sword Master and Leader of the Sons of Erebus at this House of Night, I am entitled to be kept informed regarding anything that might compromise the security of our school, whether I am in mourning or not, Dragon said, looking pale but determined.
You are quite right, Sword Master. It is really very simple. When the immortals soul returned to his body, he confessed to me that he killed the human boy because he thought Heaths hatred for me was a threat. Neferet shook her head, looking sad and contrite. The poor child had somehow convinced himself that I was to blame for the deaths of Professor Nolan and Loren Blake. Kalona believed that by executing Heath, he was protecting me. She shook her head. He had been apart from this world for too long. He truly did not understand the human could pose no threat to me. His action in executing Heath was simply a misguided Warrior protecting his High Priestess, which is why the High Council and I have been so merciful in his punishment. As some of you are already aware, Kalona was flogged one hundred strokes and then banished from vampyre society and my side for one full century.
There was a long stretch of silence, then Penthasilea said, It seems like this entire debacle has been one tragic misunderstanding after another, but surely we have all paid enough for what has happened in the past. What is important now is that the school reconvene and we all get on with our lives.
I bow to your wisdom and experience, Professor Penthasilea, Neferet said, inclining her head respectfully. Then she turned to face Dragon. This has, indeed, been a difficult time for many of us, but you have paid the greatest price, Sword Master. So it is you I must look to for absolution for my mistakes, both personal and professional. Can you possibly lead the House of Night into a new era, creating a Phoenix from the ashes of our heartache?
Stevie Rae wanted to scream at Dragon that Neferet was fooling them allthat what had happened at the House of Night wasnt a tragic mistake, it was a tragic misuse of power by Neferet and Kalona. But her heart sank as she watched Dragon bow his head and in an utterly heartbroken and defeated voice say, I would like us all to move on, for if we do not, Im afraid I will not survive the loss of my mate.
Lenobia looked like she wanted to speak up, but when Dragon began to sob brokenly, she kept silent and moved to his side to comfort him.
That leaves me to stand up to Neferet, Stevie Rae thought, and glanced at Kramisha, who was watching Neferet with a barely veiled what-the-fuck look. Okay, so that leaves me and Kramisha to stand up to Neferet, Stevie Rae corrected inside her head. She squared her shoulders and readied herself for the epic confrontation that was sure to come when she called bullshit on the fallen High Priestess.
At that moment a weird noise drifted into the Council Chamber from the window that had been left open to the crisp night air. It was a horrible, mournful sound, and it caused the small hairs on Stevie Raes arms to lift.
What is that? Stevie Rae said, her head turnedalong with everyone elsesto the open window.
I never heard nothin like it, Kramisha said. And it gives me the creeps.
Its an animal. And its in pain. Dragon instantly pulled himself together, his expression shifted, and he was, once again, a Warrior and not a heartbroken mate. He got to his feet and crossed the Council Chamber to the window.
A cat? Penthasilea said, looking distressed.
I cant see it from here. Its coming from the east side of campus, Dragon said, turning from the window and heading to the door purposefully.
Oh, Goddess! I think I know the sound. Tragic and broken, Neferets voice had them all turning their attention back to her. Its the howling of a dog, and the only canine on this campus is Starks Labrador, Duchess. Has something happened to Stark?
Stevie Rae watched Neferet press one slim hand against her throat, as if to hold back the pounding of her heart at the terrible thought that something could have happened to Stark.
Stevie Rae wanted to slap her. Neferet could have received a dang Academy Award for Best Fake Tragic Performance by a Lead Bitch. Thats it. She wasnt going to let her get away with this crap.
But Stevie Rae didnt get a chance to confront Neferet. The moment Dragon opened the door to the hallway a cacophony of sound flooded everyone. Fledglings were rushing toward the Council Chamber. Most of them were crying and shouting, but above all of the noiseabove even the horrible howlingone sound became distinctly recognizable: that of a person keening in grief.
Within the grief, Stevie Rae recognized the voice.
Oh, no, she said, rushing down the hallway. Thats Damien.
Stevie Rae was ahead of even Dragon, and when she wrenched open the outside door of the school, she barreled into Drew Partain with such force that both of them tumbled to the ground. Jeeze Louise, Drew! Get outta my
Jacks dead! Drew shouted, scrambling to his feet and pulling her up with him. Over there by the broken tree at the east wall. Its bad. Really bad. HurryDamien needs you!
Stevie Rae felt a surge of nausea as she processed what Drew was saying. And then she was swept with Drew in a tide of vampyres and fledglings as they all rushed across campus.
When Stevie Rae got to the tree she had a terrible moment of déjà vu. The blood. There was so much blood everywhere! She flashed back to the night Starks arrow had opened her body and drained practically all of her lifes blood out of it at this very spot.
Only this time it wasnt her. This time it was kind, sweet Jack and he really was dead, so it was terrible times ten. For a second the scene didnt seem to make sense to her because no one movedno one spoke. There were no sounds except Duchesss howling and Damiens keening. The boy and the dog were crouched beside Jack, who lay, facedown, on the blood-soaked grass, with the point of a long sword protruding several feet from the back of his neck. It had run through him with such force that it had almost severed his head from his body.
Oh, Goddess! What has happened here? It was Neferet who unfroze everyone. She hurried up to Jack, bending to rest her hand gently on his body. The fledgling is dead, she said solemnly.
Damien looked up. Stevie Rae saw his eyes. They were filled with pain and horror and maybe, just maybe, even a shadow of madness. As he stared at Neferet she watched his already pale face blanch almost colorless, and that jolted her.
Im thinkin you should leave him alone, Stevie Rae said, moving so that she stood between Neferet and Jack and Damien.
I am High Priestess here. It is my place to deal with this tragedy. Whats best for Damien is for you to step aside and let adults sort all of this out, Neferet said. Her tone was reasonable, but Stevie Rae was looking into her emerald eyes and she saw something stir there that made her skin crawl.
Stevie Rae could feel everyone watching her. She knew there was some rightness in what Neferet was sayingshe hadnt been a High Priestess long enough to know how to deal with something as horrible as what had happened tonight. Heck, she was really only a High Priestess because there werent any other red fledgling girls who had Changed. Did she have any right to speak up as Damiens High Priestess?
Stevie Rae stood there, silent and struggling with her own insecurities. Neferet ignored her and crouched beside Damien, taking his hand and forcing him to look at her. Damien, I know you are in shock, but you must get control of yourself and tell us how this happened to Jack.
Damien blinked blindly at Neferet, and then Stevie Rae saw his vision clear and he focused on her. He snatched his hand from hers. Shaking his head back and forth, back and forth, he started sobbing, No! No! No!
That was it. Stevie Rae had had enough. She didnt care if the whole damn universe couldnt see through Neferets bullshit. She wasnt gonna let her terrorize poor Damien.
What happened? Youre asking what happened? Like its just a coincidence that Jack is murdered at the same time you show up back here at school? Stevie moved back to Damiens side, taking his hand. You can trick-or-treat the blind-as-bats High Council. You can even talk some of these good folks into believin youre still on our side, but Damien and Zoey andshe paused when she heard two very similar gasps of horror as the Twins ran up. and Shaunee and Erin and Stark and I. We do not effing believe youre a good guy. So why dont you explain what happened here?
Neferet shook her head, looking sad and tragically beautiful. I feel sorry for you, Stevie Rae. You used to be such a sweet, loving fledgling. I do not know what happened to you.
Stevie Rae felt rage rush through her. Her body trembled with the force of it. You know better than anyone on this earth what happened to me. She couldnt help herself. The anger was too much. Stevie Rae started to move toward Neferet. At that moment she wanted nothing so much as to wrap her hands around the vampyres throat and press and press and press until she no longer breathedwas no longer a threat.
But Damien didnt loosen his hold on her hand. That link of touch and trust between them, as well as Damiens broken whisper, held her back. She didnt do it. I saw it happen and she didnt do it.
Stevie Rae hesitated, glancing down at Damien. What do you mean, honey?
I was way over there. Just outside the field house door. Duchess wouldnt let me jog. She kept pulling me back toward here. I finally gave in to her. Damiens voice was rough and he spoke in sharp bursts of words. She made me worried. So I was looking. I saw it. He started to sob again. I saw Jack fall from the top of the ladder and land on the sword. There was no one around him. No one at all.
Stevie Rae turned to Damien and pulled him into her arms. As she did so she felt two more pairs of arms enfolding them as the Twins joined their circle, holding them tightly.
Neferet was with us in the Council Chamber when this horrible accident happened, Dragon said solemnly, touching Jacks hair gently. She was not responsible for this death.
Stevie Rae couldnt look at Jacks poor broken body, so she was watching Neferet when Dragon spoke. Only she saw the flash of smug victory that passed over her face, quickly replaced by a practiced look of sadness and concern.
She killed him. I dont know how, and I cant prove it right now, but she did. Then, as quickly as that thought formed, another came on its heels: Zoey would believe me. Shed help me figure out how to expose Neferet.
Zoey has to come back.
CHAPTER NINE
Zoey
So, Stark and I had done it.
I dont feel any different, I told the nearest tree. I mean, except for feeling closer to Stark and kinda sore in unmentionable places, that is. I walked over to a little stream that bubbled cheerily through the grove and peered down. The sun was in the process of setting, but it had been an unusually clear, cold day on the island and the sky still held enough of its dramatic coral and gold light that I could see my reflection. I studied myself. I looked like, well, me. Okay, so technically Id done it once before, but that had been a whole different thing. I sighed. Loren Blake had been a giant mistake. James Stark was totally different, as was the commitment wed made to each other. So, shouldnt I look different now that I am in a Real Relationship? I squinted at my reflection. Didnt I look older? More experienced? Wiser?
Actually, no. The squint just made me look nearsighted. And Aphrodite would probably say itll give me wrinkles, too.
A little pang went through me as I remembered saying bye to Aphrodite and Darius the night before. Shed been predictably sarcastic, and more than a little bitchy about me not going back to Tulsa with her, but our hug had been tight and genuine, and I knew Id miss her. I already missed her. I missed Stevie Rae and Damien, Jack and the Twins, too.
And Nala, I told my reflection.
But did I miss them enough to go back to the real world? Enough to face everything from resuming school to possibly fighting Darkness and Neferet?
No. No, you dont. Saying it made it even truer. I could feel some of the I miss them being diluted by the serenity of Sgiachs island. Its magick here. If I could send for my cat, I swear Id stay forever.
Sgiachs laughter was soft and musical. Why is it we tend to miss our pets more than we miss people? She was smiling as she joined me at the stream.
I think its cause we cant Skype them. I mean, I know I can go back to the castle and talk to Stevie Rae, but Ive tried doing the computer video thing with Nala. She just looks confused and even more disgruntled than she usually does, which is pretty darn disgruntled.
If cats understood technology and had opposable thumbs, theyd rule the world, said the queen.
I laughed. Dont let Nala hear you say that. She does rule her world.
Youre right. Mab believes she rules her world, as well.
Mab was Sgiachs giant, long-haired black and white tuxedo cat who I was just getting to know. I think she was possibly, like, a thousand years old and mostly stayed only semi-conscious and barely moving on the end of the queens bed. Stark and I had started calling her Dead Cat, but not within Sgiachs hearing.
By world you mean your bedroom?
Exactly, Sgiach said.
Both of us laughed, and then the queen walked over to a large moss-covered boulder not far from the stream. She sat gracefully and patted the chair-sized area next to her. I joined her, wondering vaguely if my movements would ever be graceful and regal like hersand doubting it.
You could send for your Nala. Vampyre familiars fly as companion animals. It would only be a matter of showing her vaccination record to get her into Skye.
Wow, seriously?
Seriously. Of course that means you would need to commit yourself to staying here for at least several months. Cats dont travel particularly welland moving them from one time zone to another, and then back again, really isnt good for them.
I looked into Sgiachs eyes and said exactly what I was thinking, The longer I stay here the more Im sure that I dont want to leave, but I know its probably irresponsible of me to hide from the real world like that. I meanI hurried on when I saw the concern grow in her gazeits not like Skye isnt real and all. And I know Ive been through a bunch of bad stuff lately, so its okay for me to take a break. But I am still in school. I suppose I do have to go back. Eventually.
Would you feel that way if school came to you?
What do you mean?
Since youve come into my life Ive begun to reflect on the worldor rather on how disassociated Ive become from it. Yes, I have the internet. Yes, I have satellite TV. But I dont have new followers. I dont have student Warriors and young Guardians. Or at least I didnt until you and Stark arrived. I find that Ive missed the energy and input from young minds. Sgiach looked away from me and deeper into the grove. Your arrival here has awakened something that was sleeping on my island. I feel a change coming in the world, greater than the influence of modern science or technology. I can ignore it and let my island go back to sleep, perhaps to become completely separate from the world and its problems, perhaps even to be lost to the mists of timelike Avalon and the Amazons. Or I can open myself to it, meeting the challenges it might bring. The queen met my gaze again. I choose to allow my island to awaken. It is time Skyes House of Night accepted new blood.
Youre going to take down the protective spell?
Her smile was wry. No, as long as I live and, hopefully, as long as my successor and, eventually her successors, live, Skye will remain protected and separate from the modern world. But I did think I would put out a Warriors Call. At one time Skye trained the best and brightest of the Sons of Erebus.
But then you broke from the Vampyre High Council, right?
Correct. Perhaps I could begin, slowly, to mend that break, especially if I had a young High Priestess as one of my trainees.
I felt a stirring of excitement. Me? You mean me?
I do, indeed. You and your Guardian have a connection to this Isle. Id like to see where that connection takes us.
Wow, Im seriously honored. Thank you so much. My mind was whirring! If Skye became an active House of Night it wouldnt be like Id be hiding from everyone here. It would be more like Id transferred to another school. I thought about Damien and the rest of the gang and wondered if theyd think about coming to Skye, too.
Would there be a place here for fledglings who arent Warriors in training? I asked.
We could discuss that. Sgiach paused, seemed to come to a decision, and added, You do know, dont you, that this island is rich in magickal tradition that encompasses more than just Warrior training and my Guardians?
No. I mean, yes. Like its obvious that youre magick, and youre basically this island.
Ive been here so long that many do see me as the island, but I am more the caretaker of its magick than the possessor of it.
What do you mean?
Find out for yourself, young queen. You have an affinity for each of the elements. Reach out and see what the island has to teach you.
When uncertainty had me hesitating, Sgiach coaxed, Try the first element, air. Simply call it to you and observe.
Okay. Well, here goes. I stood up and moved a couple of feet from Sgiach, into a mossy area that was kinda clear of rocks. I took three deep, cleansing breaths, settling into the familiar feeling of being centered. Instinctively, I turned my face to the east and called: Air, please come to me.
I was used to the element responding. I was used to it stirring the breeze around me like an eager puppy, but all of my experience with my affinities didnt prepare me for what happened next. Air didnt just respondit engulfed me. It swirled around me powerfully, feeling strangely tangible, which should have really been crazy because air isnt tangible. Its unseen yet everywhere. And then I gasped because I realized air had become tangible! Wafting around me, in the midst of the blustering wind that had sprung to me at my call, were the forms of beautiful beings. They were bright and ethereal, a little see-through. As I gawked at them they changed formsometimes looking like lovely women, sometimes looking like butterflies, and then theyd change and look more like gorgeous fall leaves drifting in a wind of their own.
What are they? I asked in a hushed voice. Of its own accord, I lifted my hand and watched the leaves change to brilliantly colored hummingbirds, which settled on my outstretched palm.
Air sprites. They used to be everywhere, but theyve left the modern world. They prefer the ancient groves and the old ways. And this island has both. Sgiach smiled and opened her own hand to a sprite that took on the form of a tiny woman with dragonfly wings and danced, weaving in and out of her fingers. Its good to see them come to you. There are rarely so many of them in one place, even here in the grove. Try another element.
This time she didnt need to coax me further. I turned to the south and called, Fire, please come to me!
Like brilliant fireworks, sprites burst into being all around me, tickling my body with the controlled warmth of their flames and making me giggle. They remind me of Fourth of July sparklers!
Sgiachs smile matched mine. I rarely see the flame sprites. Im much closer to water and airflame almost never shows itself to me.
Shame on you, I scolded. You guys should let Sgiach see youshes one of the good guys!
Instantly the sprites around me started to flutter crazily. I could feel the distress radiating from them.
Oh, no! Tell them youre teasing them. Flame is terribly sensitive and volatile. I dont want them to cause an accident, Sgiach said.
Hey, guys, sorry! I was just kidding. Everythings fine, really. I breathed a sigh of relief as the flame sprites settled back into less frantic flickering and fluttering. I glanced at Sgiach. Is it safe to call the other elements?
Of course, just be careful what you say. Your affinity is powerful, even without being in a place rich in old magick like this grove.
Will do. I drew three more cleansing breaths and was sure I recentered myself. Then I turned clockwise to face the west. Water, please come to me. And found myself washed in the element. Cool, slick sprites brushed against my skin, shimmering with aqua iridescence. They frolicked around, making me think of mermaids and dolphins, jellyfish and seahorses. This is seriously super cool!
Water sprites are especially strong on Skye, Sgiach said, caressing a little starfish-shaped creature that swam around her.
I turned to the north. Earth, come to me! The grove came alive. The trees glowed with glee, and from their gnarled, ancient trunks emerged woodland beings that reminded me of things that should be in Rivendell with Tolkiens elvesor maybe even Avatars 3-D jungle.
I pulled my attention to the center of my impromptu circle and called the final element, Spirit, please come to me, too.
This time Sgiach gasped. I have never seen all five groups of sprites together like this. It is magnificent.
Ohmygoddess! Its incredible!
The air around me, already alive with gossamer beings, was filled with such radiance that it suddenly brought Nyx to mind, and the brilliance of her smile.
Do you want to experience more? Sgiach asked me.
Of course, I said without hesitation.
Come here, then. Give me your hand. Surrounded by the ancient sprites that personified the elements, I approached Sgiach and held my hand out to her.
She took my right hand in her left and turned it so that my palm faced up. Do you trust me?
Yes. I trust you, I said.
Good. It will only hurt for a moment.
With a blindingly fast motion, she slashed the hard, sharp nail of her right pointer finger across the meaty pad of my palm. I didnt flinch. Didnt move. But I did suck in a bunch of air. Though she was rightit hurt only for a moment.
Sgiach turned my palm over and the blood began dripping from my hand, but before it could touch the mossy ground beneath us, the queen caught the scarlet drops. Cupping them in her own palm, she let them pool and then, speaking words that I felt more than heard but did not understand at all, she flung the blood, scattering it in a circle around us.
Then something truly amazing happened.
Each sprite that my blood drops touched, for an instant, became flesh. They were no longer ethereal elementals, only wisps and trails of air, fire, water, earth, and spirit. What my blood touched became realityliving, breathing birds and fairies, merfolk and forest nymphs.