Her Warrior? Neferet couldnt keep the shock from her voice. But that means . . .
That means that I cant be completely human because its impossible for a vampyre Warrior to swear an Oath Bond with a human, Aphrodite finished for her.
You may enter the Chamber, Aphrodite, Prophetess of Nyx. The Council recognizes you, proclaimed Duantia.
Aphrodite hurried down the stairway, leaving Neferet to follow behind her. She wanted to go straight to Zoey, but instinct made her stop in front of the brunette named Duantia first. She formally fisted her hand, pressed it over her heart, and bowed respectfully. Thank you for letting me come in here.
These extraordinary times call for us to accept unusual practices. This came from a tall, thin vampyre who had eyes the color of night.
Aphrodite wasnt sure what to say to the vamp, so she just nodded and moved to Zoey. She slid her hand in Dariuss and squeezed hard, trying to borrow some of her Warriors amazing strength. Then she looked down at her friend.
She hadnt imagined it. Zoeys tattoos really were gone! The only Mark left on her was an ordinary-looking crescent-moon outline in sapphire in the middle of her forehead. And she was so damn pale! Zoey looks dead. Aphrodite stopped the thought immediately. Zoey wasnt dead. She was still breathing. Her heart was still beating. Zoey. Was. Not. Dead.
Does the Goddess reveal anything to you when you look at her, Prophetess? asked the tall, thin woman who had spoken to her before.
Aphrodite dropped Dariuss hand and slowly knelt next to Zoey. She glanced at Stark then, as he was kneeling directly across Z from her, but he didnt move. He hardly blinked. All he did was weep silently and stare at Zoey. Is this what Darius would be like if something happened to me? Aphrodite shook away the morbid thought and re-focused on Zoey. Slowly, she reached out and rested her hand on her friends shoulder.
Her skin was cool to the touch, as if she were already dead. Aphrodite waited for something to happen. But she got not even the slightest twinge of a vision or a feeling or anything.
With a sigh of frustration, Aphrodite shook her head. No. I cant tell anything. I cant control my visions. They just hit me, whether I want them to or not, and the truth is, its usually a case of not.
You arent using all of the gifts Nyx has given you, Prophetess.
Surprised, Aphrodite looked up from Zoey to see the dark-eyed vampyre had risen, and was gracefully approaching her.
You are a true Prophetess of Nyx, are you not? she asked.
Yeah, I am, Aphrodite said with no hesitation, but with equal parts confusion and conviction.
In a flutter of silk robes the color of the night sky, the woman knelt beside Aphrodite. I am Thanatos. Do you know what my name means?
Aphrodite shook her head, wishing Damien was sitting closer so she could peek at him for the answer.
It means death. I am not Leader of the Council. Duantia has that honor, but I have the unique privilege of being unusually close to our Goddess, as the gift she gave me long ago was the ability to aid souls as they pass from this world to the next.
You can talk to ghosts?
Thanatoss smile transformed her stern face and made her almost pretty. In a fashion, yes, I can. And because of that gift, I know something of visions.
Seriously? Visions arent anything like talking to ghosts.
Are they not? From what realm do your visions come? No, perhaps more accurately, in what realm do you exist when you receive your visions?
Aphrodite thought about how shed had too many damn death visions and how shed started actually seeing the shit that was happening from the dead peoples points of view. She drew in a fast breath, and in a rush of understanding admitted, Im getting visions from the Otherworld!
Thanatos nodded. You traffic with the Otherworld and the realm of spirits much more than I, Prophetess. All I do is guide the dead as they transition, and through them I glimpse Beyond.
Aphrodite looked hastily down at Zoey. She is not dead.
Not yet, no. But her body will not last more than seven days in this soulless state, so she is close to death. Close enough that the Other-world has a strong hold on her, stronger even than it has on the newly dead. Touch her again, Prophetess. This time focus and use more of the gifts youve been given.
But I
Annoyingly enough, Thanatos cut her off. Prophetess, do what Nyx would want you to do.
I dont know what that is!
Thanatoss stern expression relaxed, and she smiled again. Oh, child, simply ask for her help.
Aphrodite blinked. Just like that?
Yes, Prophetess, exactly like that.
Slowly, Aphrodite placed her hand back on Zoeys cold shoulder. This time she closed her eyes and drew three long, deep breaths, just like shed watched Zoey do before casting a circle. Then she sent a silent but fervent prayer up to Nyx: I wouldnt ask if it wasnt important, but you know that already because you know I dont like to ask for favors. Not from anyone. Plus, Im not really good at this supplication bullshit, but you already know that also. Aphrodite sighed internally. Nyx, I need your help. Thanatos seems to think I have some kind of link to the Otherworld. If thats true, could you please let me know whats happening to Zoey? She paused in her silent prayer, sighed, and bared herself to Nyx. Goddess, please. And not just because Zoeys like the sister my mom was too selfish to have. I need your help with this because so many people depend on Zoey, and, sadly, that is more important than me.
Aphrodite felt a warmth begin to build under her palm, and then it was like shed slipped from her own body and slid into Zoeys. She was only within her friend for a momentno longer than one heartbeatbut what she felt and saw and knew shocked her so badly that, in the next instant, she found herself back in her own body. She cradled the hand shed been pressing against Zoey to her chest, gasping with fear. Then, with a moan, she doubled up with vertigo, dry heaving while tears and spit spewed from her face.
What is it, Prophetess? What did you see? Thanatos asked calmly as she wiped Aphrodites cheeks and steadied her with a strong hand around her waist.
Shes gone! Aphrodite bit back the sob and began pulling herself together. I felt what happened to her. Just for a second. Zoey threw the full power of spirit at Kalona. She tried to stop him with everything inside her, and it didnt work. Heath died in front of her. That ripped her spirit to pieces. Feeling weirdly light-headed, she looked hopelessly through her tears at Thanatos. You know where she is, too, dont you?
I believe I do. You must confirm it, though.
The pieces of her spirit are with the dead in the Otherworld, Aphrodite said, blinking hard against the stinging of her red-tinged eyes. Zoey is completely gone. What happened out there, she just couldnt handle itshe still cant.
You saw nothing more? Nothing that might help Zoey?
Aphrodite swallowed back rising bile, and lifted her trembling hand. No, but Ill try again and
Dariuss touch on her shoulder held her back from touching Zoey.
No. Youre still too weak from the breaking of your Imprint with Stevie Rae.
That doesnt matter. Zoeys dying!
It matters. Do you want your soul to become as Zoeys? Thanatos said quietly.
Aphrodite felt a stab of new terror. No, she whispered, and covered Dariuss hand with her own.
And this is exactly why it is often unfortunate that the young are given great gifts by our loving Goddess. They rarely have the maturity to know how to use them wisely, Neferet said.
At the sound of Neferets cool, patronizing voice, Aphrodite saw a jolt go through Starks body, and his gaze finally lifted from Zoey.
This creature shouldnt be allowed in here! She did this! She killed Heath and shattered Zoey! Stark sounded like he had to grind the words around gravel to speak them.
Neferet shot him a cool look. I realize you are under duress, but you cannot be allowed to speak to a High Priestess in that fashion, Warrior.
Stark surged to his feet. Darius, lightning fast as always, held him back. Aphrodite heard him whisper urgently, Think before you act, Stark!
Warrior, Duantia addressed Stark, you were present when the human boy was killed, and Zoeys soul shattered. You have borne witness to us that it was the winged immortal who did the deed. You said nothing of Neferet.
Ask any of Zoeys friends. Call Lenobia and Dragon Lankford at the Tulsa House of Night. All of them will tell you Neferet doesnt have to be physically present to cause someones death, Stark said. He shook off Dariuss restraining hand and swiped angrily at his face as if he just noticed hed been crying.
Sh-she can make really horrendous things happen even when shes not there, Damien spoke up hesitantly from across the room. The Twins and Jack tearfully but forcefully nodded their support.
There is no proof that Neferet had a hand in this deed, Duantia said gently to all of them.
Cant you tell what happened to Heath? Couldnt you talk to his ghost or whatever and find out? Aphrodite asked Thanatos, who had returned to her throne when Neferet had begun to speak.
The humans spirit did not tarry in this realm, and before it departed, it certainly didnt seek me out, Thanatos said.
Wheres Kalona! Stark ignored everyone else and shouted at Neferet. Where are you hiding your lover, who caused this?
If you mean my immortal consort, Erebus, that is exactly why I have come to the Council. Neferet turned her back to Stark and spoke only to the seven Council members. I, too, felt Zoeys soul shatter. I had been walking the labyrinth and mentally preparing myself to depart San Clemente Island for what might be a very long time.
Neferet had to pause because Stark snorted sarcastically, and said, You and Kalona plan to take over the world from Capri. So, no, you probably wont be returning here in the near future unless you mean to drop bombs on the place.
Darius touched his shoulder again in a silent warning to be careful, but Stark shook him off.
I do not deny that Erebus and I wish to bring back the ancient days, when vampyres ruled from Capri, and the world revered and respected us, as is our due, Neferet began by addressing him. But I would not destroy this island or this Council. In truth, I wish for its support.
You mean its power, and now that Zoeys out of the way, you have a better chance of getting that, Stark said.
Really? Did I misunderstand what passed between your Zoey and my Erebus earlier today in this very Council Chamber? She admitted he was an immortal seeking a goddess to serve.
She never named him as Erebus! Stark shouted.
And my immortal Erebus kindly named her as fallible instead of a liar, Neferet said.
So what did you do, Neferet? Force him to kill Heath and shatter Zoeys soul because you were jealous of the bond between them? Stark said, though it was obvious to Aphrodite that it was tough for him to admit there had been so much between Zoey and Kalona.
Of course not! Use your mind and not your pathetic broken heart, Warrior! Could Zoey have forced you to kill an innocent for her? Of course she couldnt. Youre her Warrior, but you still have free will, and youre still bound to Nyx, so you must ultimately do the Goddesss will. Without allowing Stark to speak, she turned back to the Council. As I was explaining, I felt Zoeys soul shatter and was returning to the palace when I came upon Erebus. He was badly wounded and barely conscious. There was only time for him to say these words: I was protecting my Goddess, and then he was gone.
Kalonas dead? Aphrodite couldnt stop herself from blurting.
Instead of answering her, Neferet turned to look up at the entrance to the Chamber. Standing there were four Council Warriors carrying between them a litter that sagged with the weight of its occupant. One black wing spilled over the side of the litter and dragged on the floor.
Bring him forward! Neferet commanded.
Slowly, they descended the steps until they laid the litter on the floor in front of the dais. Stark and Darius automatically moved together to stand between Zoeys body and Kalona.
Of course he isnt dead. He is Erebus, an immortal, Neferet began in her familiar, haughty voice, but then she broke, and on a sob said, He isnt dead, but as you can all see, hes gone!
Almost as if she couldnt control herself, Aphrodite stood and approached Kalona. Darius was beside her in an instant.
No. Do not touch him, he warned.
Whether we call him Erebus or not, it is obvious that this being is an ancient immortal. Because of the power in his blood, the Prophetess will not be able to enter his body, even if his spirit is not present. He doesnt hold the same danger for her Zoey does, Warrior, Thanatos said.
Im okay. Let me try and see what I can find out, Aphrodite told Darius.
Im right here with you. Im not going to let go of you, he said, taking her hand and walking with her to Kalona.
Aphrodite could feel the tension radiating through her Warriors body, but she drew three more long, deep breaths and concentrated on Kalona. Hesitating for only an instant, Aphrodite reached out and placed her hand on his shoulder, just as shed done for Zoey. His skin was so cold to the touch that she had to force herself not to pull away. Instead, Aphrodite closed her eyes. Nyx? One more time, please. Just let me know something . . . anything to help all of us. Then Aphrodites silent prayer finished with the thought that solidified her bond with the Goddess and finally made her truly a Prophetess in her own right. Please use me as a tool to help fight the darkness and to follow your path.
Her palm warmed, but Aphrodite didnt need to sink into him to tell Kalona was gone. Darkness told herand with a jolt she realized she should think of it as a capital D. This was a thing in its own rightan entity vast and powerful and living. It was everywhere. It encompassed the immortals entire body. Aphrodite got a very clear image of an inky web, like that spun by a swollen, invisible spider. Its sticky black threads were woven all around his bodyholding itcaressing itbinding it tightly, as if in a twisted version of safekeeping because it was obvious the immortals body was imprisonedjust as obvious as the fact that what was inside of his body was complete emptiness.
Aphrodite gasped and took her hand quickly from his skin, rubbing it against her thigh as if the black web had tainted her, too. She fell against Darius as her knees gave way.
Its just like the inside of Zoey, she said, as her Warrior lifted her in his arms, purposefully not disclosing that Kalonas body was basically being held hostage. Hes not here anymore, either.
Chapter 5
Zoey
Zo, you have to wake up. Please! Wake up and talk to me.
The guys voice was nice. I knew he was cute before I opened my eyes. Then I did open my eyes and smiled up at him cause I had definitely been right. He was, as my BFF Kayla would say, a hottie covered with awesome sauce. Okay, yum! Even though my head was kinda fuzzy, I felt warm and happy. My smile turned into a grin. Im awake. Who are you?
Zoey, stop playing around. Its not funny.
The kid frowned down at me, and I realized all of a sudden that I was lying across his lap in his arms. I sat up fast and scooted a little away from him. I mean, yeah, he was super cute and all, but being in some strangers lap was pretty much outside my comfort zone.
Uh, Im not trying to be funny.
His cute face went all still and shocked. Zo, are you telling me you really dont know who I am?
Okay, look. You know I dont know who you are. Even though I know it sounds like you know me. I paused, confused by all the knows.
Zoey, do you know who you are?
I blinked. Thats a silly question. Of course I know who I am. Im Zoey. Its a good thing the kid was cute because obviously he wasnt the brightest Crayola in the pack.
Do you know where you are? His voice was gentle, almost hesitant.
I looked around. We were sitting on some really nice soft grass beside a dock that led out to a lake that looked like glass in the gorgeous morning sunlight.
Sunlight?
That was wrong.
Something was wrong.
I swallowed hard and met the guys gentle brown eyes. Tell me your name.
Heath. Im Heath. You know me, Zo. Youll always know me.
I did know him.
Flashes of him blinked through my memory like fast-forwarded DVDs: Heath telling me my hacked-off hair looked cute in third gradeHeath saving me from that giant spider that fell on me in front of the entire sixth gradeHeath kissing me for the first time after the football game in eighth gradeHeath drinking too much and pissing me offme Imprinting with Heath . . . and then Imprinting again, and finally me watching as Heath
Oh, Goddess! My memories coalesced and I remembered. I remembered.
Zohe pulled me back into his armsits okay. Its going to be okay.
How is it going to be okay? I sobbed. Youre dead!
Zo, babe, its just what happens. I wasnt really scared, and it didnt even hurt too much. He rocked me slowly and patted my back as he spoke to me in his calm, familiar voice.
But I remember! I remember! I couldnt stop myself from unattractively snot crying. Kalona killed you. I saw it. Oh, Heath, I tried to stop him. I really, really did.
Shhh, babe, shhh. I know you did. There was nothing you could have done. I called you to me, and you came. You did good, Zo. You did good. Now you have to go back and stand up to him and Neferet. Neferet killed those two vamps from your school, that drama teacher you had and that other guy.
Loren Blake? Shock was drying my tears, and I wiped my face. Heath, as usual, pulled a wad of Kleenex out of his jeans pocket. I stared at them for a second and then surprised both of us by cracking up. You brought nasty used Kleenex to heaven? Seriously? I giggled.
He looked offended. Zo. They so arent used. Well, at least not much.
I shook my head at him and gingerly took the wad, wiping my face.
Blow your nose, too. You have snot. You always have snot when you cry. Thats why I always have Kleenex.
Oh, be quiet! I dont cry that much, I said, momentarily forgetting he was dead and all.
Yeah, but when you do, you snot a lot, so I need to be prepared.
I stared at him as reality smacked me again. Then what happens when youre not there to give me snot rags? A sob escaped from my throat. Andand not there to remind me what home is like, what love is like? What being human is like? I was bawling again, big-time.
Oh, Zo. Youll figure that all out on your own. You have lots of time. Youre a big-deal vamp High Priestess. Remember?
I dont want to be, I told him with complete honesty. I want to be Zoey and be here with you.
Thats just part of you. Hey, maybe its part of you that needs to grow up. He spoke gently in a voice that sounded suddenly too old and wise for my Heath.
No. As I said the word, I saw a skittering, inky darkness slide past the edge of my vision. My stomach tightened, and I thought I caught the sharp shape of horns.
Zo, you cant change the past.
No, I repeated, and looked away from Heath, peering into what had just moments before been a beautiful, bright meadow framing a perfect lake. This time I definitely saw shadows and figures where there had been nothing but sunlight and butterflies before.
The darkness within the shadows scared me, but the figures that were also within them drew me like bright things draw babies. Eyes flashed within the intensifying gloom, and I caught a good look at one pair of them. I felt a jolt of recognition. They reminded me of someone . . .
I know someone out there.
Heath took my chin in his hand and forced me to look from the shadows to him. Zo, I dont think its a good idea for you to gawk around here. You just need to make up your mind to go home and then click your heels together, or do some kind of High Priestess extra-special-zapping-magick-stuff and get back to the real world where you belong.
Without you?
Without me. Im dead, he said softly, stroking the side of my cheek with fingers that felt all too alive. Im supposed to be here; actually, I kinda think this is just the first step of where Im supposed to be. But youre still alive, Zo. You dont belong here.
I pulled my face from his hand and lurched away from him, standing up and shaking my head, making my hair fly around me like a crazy woman. No! I wont go back without you!
Another shadow caught my eye from what was now a dark, writhing mist that surrounded us, and I was sure I saw the sharp glint of pointed horns. Then the mist boiled again, and a shadow took on a more human form, peering at me from out of the darkness. I know you, I whispered to the eyes that were so much like mine, only they looked older and saddera lot sadder.
Then another shape took her place. These eyes met mine, too, only they werent sad. They were taunting and blue, but that didnt erase their familiarity.
You . . . I whispered, trying to pull myself from Heaths arms, which were holding me tightly against his body.
Dont look. Just pull yourself together and go home, Zo.
But I couldnt stop looking. Something inside compelled me. I saw another face framed by eyes I knewand this time I knew them well enough that the knowledge lent me strength, and I pulled away from Heath, turning him so he could see where I pointed into the gloom. Holy crap, Heath! Look at that. Its me!
And it was. The me froze as we stared at each other. She was probably about nine years old, and she blinked up at me in terrified silence.
Zoey Look at me. Heath wrenched me around, holding my shoulders in a grip that I knew would cause bruises later. You have to get out of here.
But thats me as a kid.
I think all of them are youpieces of you. Somethings happened to your soul, Zoey, and you gotta get out of here so that it can get fixed.
Suddenly I felt dizzy and sagged in his arms. I dont know how I knew, but I did. The words I spoke were as true and as final as his death. I cant leave, Heath. Not unless all those pieces of me are me again. And I dont know how to make that happenI just dont know!
Heath pressed his forehead against mine. Well, Zo, maybe you should try using that annoying mom voice you used on me when I drank too much and tell them to, I dunno, to stop all this bullpoopie and get back inside you where they belong.
He sounded so much like me that he almost made me smile. Almost.
But if Im back together, Ill have to leave here. I can feel it, Heath, I whispered to him.
If you dont put yourself back together, you wont ever leave here because youre gonna die, Zo. I can feel that.
I looked into his warm, familiar eyes. Would that be so bad? I mean, this place seems a lot better than the mess thats waiting for me back in the real world.
No, Zoey. Heath sounded pissed. Its not okay here. Not for you.
Well, maybe thats cause Im not dead. Yet. I swallowed and admitted, only to myself, that saying it out loud did sound kinda scary.
I think theres more to it than that.
Heath wasnt looking at me anymore. He was staring over my shoulder, and his eyes had gone all big and round. I turned around. The writhing figures that looked uncomfortably like bizarre, unfinished versions of me were hovering in and out of the black mist, milling and chattering and basically acting weirdly super nervous. Then there was a flash of light that turned into a huge set of dangerous, pointed horns, and with a terrible flapping noise, something descended on that end of the meadow, causing those spirits, those ghosts, those incomplete pieces of me to begin to scream and scream and scream while they scattered and disappeared before it.
What happens now? I asked Heath, tryingunsuccessfullyto keep the terror from my voice as we started backing across the meadow.
Heath took my hand and squeezed. I dont know, but Ill be here with you through all of it. And right now, he whispered in a voice filled with tension, dont look behind you, just come with me and run!
For one of the few times in my life, I didnt argue with him. I didnt question him. I did exactly what he said. I held on to Heath and ran.
Chapter 6
Stevie Rae
Stevie Rae, this isnt a good idea, Dallas said as he hurried to keep up with her.
Im not gonna be gone long, promise, she said, stopping as she got to the parking lot and looked around for Zoeys little blue car. Ha! There it is, and she always leaves the keys in it, cause the doors dont lock anyway. Stevie Rae jogged up to the Bug, opened the creaky door, and gave a victory shout when she saw the keys dangling from the ignition.
Seriously, I wish youd come to the Council Chamber with me and tell the vamps what youre up to, even if you wont tell me. Get their opinion about whats goin on inside that head of yours, girl.
Stevie Rae turned to Dallas. Well, thats the problem. Im not sure what Im doin. And, Dallas, I wouldnt tell a bunch of vamps stuff I wouldnt tell you first, you gotta know that.
Dallas rubbed a hand down his face. I used to know that, but a lots happened fast, and youre actin weird.
She put her hand on his shoulder. I just have a feelin that there might be somethin I can do to help Zoey, but Im not gonna figure that out sittin up there in that room with a bunch of uptight vamps. I need to be out here. Stevie Rae spread her arms, taking in the earth around them. I need to use my element to think. It seems theres somethin that Im missing, but the understanding of it is just outside my reach. Im gonna use earth to help me make that reach.
Cant you do that from here? Theres lots of nice earth all over the school.
Stevie Rae made herself smile at him. She hated lying to Dallas, but then again, she wasnt really lying. She was really going to see if she could figure out a way to help Z, and she couldnt do that at the House of Night. Therere too many distractions here.
Okay, look, I know I cant stop you from going, but I need you to promise me something, or Im gonna make an ass outta myself by actually tryin to stop you.
Stevie Raes eyes widened, and this time she didnt have to force her smile. Youre gonna try to kick my butt, Dallas?
Well, you and I both know itd just be me tryin, but not succeeding, which is where the make an ass outta myself part comes in.
Still grinning at him, she said, What do you want me to promise?
That you wont go back to the depot right now. They almost killed you, and you look all recovered and stuff, but they almost killed you. Yesterday. So I need you to promise youre not going back down there to face them tonight.
I promise, she said earnestly. Im not goin down there. I told youI want to try to figure out how to help Z, and fightin with those kids definitely wont help her.
Swear?
Swear.
He let loose a relieved sigh. Good. Now what am I supposed to tell those vamps about where youve gone?
Just what I told youthat I gotta get surrounded by the earth and left alone. That Im tryin to figure out something, and I cant do it here.
All right. Ill tell em. Theyre gonna be pissed.
Yeah, well, Ill be back soon, she said, getting in Zoeys car. And dont worry. Ill be careful. The engine had just turned over when Dallas rapped on the window. Suppressing an annoyed sigh, she cracked it.
Almost forgot to tell yaI overheard some of the kids talking while I was waitin for you. Its all over the Internet that Z isnt the only shattered soul in Venice.
What the heck does that mean, Dallas?
Word is that Neferet dumped Kalona on the High Councilliterally. His body is there, but his soul is gone.
Thanks, Dallas. I gotta go! Without waiting for him to reply, Stevie Rae shoved the Bug into gear and drove out of the parking lot and off the school grounds. Taking a quick right on Utica Street, she headed downtown and to the northeast, toward the rolling land on the outskirts of Tulsa that held the Gilcrease Museum.
Kalonas soul was missing, too.
Stevie Rae didnt for an instant believe that hed been so wracked with grief that the immortals soul had ripped apart.
Not likely, she muttered to herself as she navigated the dark, silent streets of Tulsa. Hes after her. As soon as Stevie Rae said the words aloud, she knew she was right.