We cant go over to the Dark Side, Damien said grimly.
Darius crossed the intersection of Utica and Twenty-first Street.
It looks really creepy that Utica Square is totally dark, Erin said.
Creepy and horrible and wrong, Shaunee said.
Theres no power anywhere, Darius said. Even St. Johns Hospital has hardly any lights, like its barely running on generators.
Darius continued down Utica and I heard Damien gasp. Its eerie, the way its the only thing in Tulsa still lit up.
I knew the House of Night had finally come into view. Lift me up. I need to see it, I told Damien.
He hoisted me up as gently as he could, but still I had to grit my teeth so I wouldnt scream. And then the bizarre sight of the House of Night made me temporarily forget my pain. It was ablaze with flickering oil lights, illuminating the huge castlelike structure. Ice covered everything, and the captured flames glistened against the slickened stone, making it appear faceted as if it were one humongous jewel. Darius reached into his pocket and pulled out a little remote. He aimed it at the schools wrought-iron gate and clicked, and with a creaking sound it swung open, the movement sending shards of ice raining down on the driveway.
It looks like a castle out of one of those old, gruesome fairy tales where everything has been put under a spell and frozen in ice, Aphrodite said. Inside, a princess has been poisoned by an evil witch and shes waiting to be rescued by her handsome prince.
I stared at my home that was now a familiar stranger and said, Lets just remember that theres always a terrible dragon guarding the princess.
Yes, something horrible, like a Balrog, Damien said. Like in The Lord of the Rings.
Im afraid your demon reference is more accurate than we might wish it to be, Darius said.
Whats that? I asked. Unable to point, I jerked my chin in the direction ahead and to the left of us.
But I hadnt needed to say anything. In seconds what had made the movement was obvious to all of us as the Hummer was surrounded. In the blink of an eye the night above us shifted and Raven Mockers dropped out of it to crouch all around us. Then from behind them one huge, scarred warrior I didnt recognize stepped into the middle of the group, looking grim and dangerous.
That would be one of my brothers, a Son of Erebus, standing side by side with our enemies, Darius said softly.
Which makes the Sons of Erebus our enemies, too, I said.
Priestess, at least when youre referring to that warrior, Im sorry to have to agree with you, Darius said.
CHAPTER 17
Darius was the first of us out of the vehicle. His face was set in expressionless lines so that he looked strong and confident, but entirely unreadable. He ignored the Raven Mockers, who were staring at him with their terrible eyes, and addressed the warrior in the center of the group.
Greetings, Aristos, Darius said. Though he clenched his fist over his heart in a quick salute, I noticed Darius did not bow. I have several fledglings, including a young priestess, with me. The priestess has been severely wounded and is in need of immediate medical attention.
Before Aristos could respond, the largest of the Raven Mockers cocked its head to the side and said, Which priestess returns to the House of Night?
Even inside the Hummer I shivered hearing the creatures voice. This one sounded more human than the one that had attacked me, but that made it even more frightening.
Slowly and deliberately Darius shifted his attention from Aristos to the horrible creature who was neither bird nor man, but a mutated mixture of both. Creature, I do not know you.
The Raven Mocker narrowed its red eyes at Darius. Son of man, you may call me Rephaim.
Darius didnt blink. I still do not know you.
You will know me, Rephaim hissed, opening his beak so that I could see into his maw.
Darius ignored the creature and addressed Aristos again. I have a priestess who has been badly wounded and several fledglings who are in need of rest. Will you allow us to pass?
Is it Zoey Redbird? Do you have her with you? Aristos asked.
Every one of the Raven Mockers reacted to my name. Each of them turned their attention from Darius to our Hummer. Wings ruffling and abnormal limbs twitching with subdued energy, the things stared. Id never been so glad for tinted windows in my life.
It is. Dariuss response was clipped. Will you let us pass? he repeated.
Of course, Aristos said. All fledglings have been ordered to return to campus. He gestured toward the school buildings. The movement briefly allowed the side of his neck to be illuminated by the nearest gaslight, and I saw a thin red line running across his skin, as if his neck had recently been injured.
Darius nodded tersely. I will carry the priestess to the infirmary. She cannot walk.
Darius had started to return to the vehicle when Rephaim said, Is the Red One with you?
Darius glanced back at him. I do not know what you mean by the Red One, he said blandly.
In an instant Rephaim had spread his massive black wings and leaped on the hood of the Hummer. The crackling of the metal denting under his weight was drowned out by the collective hissing of the agitated cats. Rephaim perched there, human hands curled into claws, lurking over Darius. Do not lie to me, ssssson of man! You know I sssspeak of the red vampyre! As his temper spiked, his voice became less human.
Get ready to call your elements, I said, trying to push down the pain and speak clearly and calmly, even though I felt so weak and lightheaded that I wasnt certain I could call spirit for Aphrodite, let alone help control and direct the rest of them. If that thing attacks Darius, we throw everything we have at it, pull Darius in here, and drive away like hell.
But Darius didnt seem perturbed at all. He looked up at the creature coolly. You mean the red vampyre priestess Stevie Rae?
Yessss! The word was one long hiss.
She is not with me. I have only blue fledglings here. And the priestess among them needs immediate aidas I have already explained. Darius continued to gaze calmly up at the thing that looked like it had stepped out of a nightmare. For the final time, do you allow us to pass or not?
Passss, of courssssse, the creature hissed. It didnt get off the Hummer, but leaned back so that Darius could barely get the drivers side door open.
Come this way. Now. Darius motioned for Aphrodite to slide across the seat, and held his hand out so that she could take it. Stay close, I heard him murmur to her and slly. &ldque creVaw her nod her head quickly. Keeping glued to Dariuss side, she moved with him to my door. He leaned in, meeting our eyes. Are you ready? he asked quietly. The question was filled with so much more than those three simple words.
Yes, Damien and the Twins said together.
Ready, I said.
Again, stay close, he whispered.
Darius and Damien managed to move me painfully into the warriors arms. Glaring silently at the Raven Mockers, all the cats in the vehicle slunk out and seemed to melt into the icy shadows. I breathed a sigh of relief when none of the creatures pounced on my Nala. Please let the cats be safe, I sent a silent plea to Nyx. I felt more than saw Aphrodite, Damien, and the Twins surround Darius and me, and then, as if we were one being, we moved away from the Hummer and onto the school grounds.
The Raven Mockers, including Rephaim, took to the sky as Aristos led us the short distance to the first building on campus, the one housing the professors quarters as well as the infirmary.
As Darius carried me through the arched wooden doorway that always reminded me of something that should stand behind a moat and into the familiar building, I thought about how it had only been a little more than a couple of months ago that Id first arrived here and had been taken unconscious into the infirmary to wake up, not having a clue about my new future. Weird that I was in almost that exact position again.
I glanced at my friends faces. Everyone looked calm and confident. It was only because I knew them so well that I recognized the fear in the tight line of Aphrodites mouth, and that Damiens hands, fisted at his sides, hid their shaking. The Twins walked on my right, so close that Shaunees shoulder brushed Erins, which in turn brushed against Dariusas if through touch they could gain courage.
Darius turned down a familiar hallway, and because he was carrying me, I felt the instant tension in his body and knew before she spoke that he had seen her. I lifted my heavy head wearily from his shoulder in time to see Neferet standing in front of the door to the infirmary. She was beautiful in a long, body-hugging dress made of an iridescent black material that shimmered and showed hints of deep purple whenever she moved. Her dark auburn hair fell in thick, glossy waves down to her waist, and her moss-green eyes sparkled with emotion.
Ah, so the prodigal returns? Her voice was melodic and slightly amused.
Instantly I pulled my eyes from her and whispered frantically under my breath, Your elements! I only worried for the space of a heartbeat about them not hearing and not understanding, because almost immediately I felt the light brush of a fire-warmed wind and smelled a cool spring rain. Even though Neferet could not read Aphrodites mind, I murmured, Spirit, I need you, and felt the flutter within me as the element responded. Before I could change my mind and selfishly keep invigorating spirit for myself I commanded, Go to Aphrodite, and heard the sharp intake of her breath as the element filled her. Sure that my friends were as protected as they could be, I turned my attention to our tainted High Priestess. I opened my mouth to comment on the irony of her using a Biblical comparison, when a door a few feet down the hall from where Neferet stood opened and he stepped out of it.
Darius stopped so abruptly it felt as if hed suddenly hit the end of a tether.
Oh! Shaunee breathed.
Shiiiiiit! Erin said on a long sigh.
Dont look at his eyes! I heard Aphrodite whisper. Stare at his chest instead.
Not a hard thing to do, Damien said softly.
Stay strong, Darius said.
Then time seemed to suspend.
Stay strong, I told myself. Stay strong. But I didnt feel strong. I felt exhausted and hurt and utterly defeated. Neferet intimidated me. She was just so perfect and powerful. Kalona made me realize my insignificance. The two of them together dwarfed me, and my head swam dizzily with a cacophony of thoughts. I was just a kid. Hell, I wasnt even a full vampyre yet. How could I hope to stand against these two amazing beings? And did I really want to fight Kalona? Did we know for one hundred percent sure that he was evil? I blinked, clearing my blurring vision and stared at him. He absolutely did not look evil. Kalona was wearing pants that looked like they were made of the same creamy brown deerskin real moccasins were made of. His feet were bare, and so was his chest. It sounds stupid to say itthat he was standing there in the hallway half-nakedbut then it didnt feel stupid at all. It felt right. Its just that he was so incredible! His skin was completely free of any blemish and was the golden tan that white girls try but always fail to get by roasting in tanning beds. His hair was thick and black. It was long but not ridiculously Fabio long. It was just kinda shaggy and had a cute wave to it. The more I looked at it, the more I could imagine running my fingers through it. Not heeding Aphrodites warning, I looked directly into his eyes and felt a jolt of electricity sizzle through me as his eyes widened in recognition, and that jolt seemed to zap even more of my already almost non ex is tent strength. I sagged in Dariuss arms, so weak I could hardly hold my head up.
She is wounded! Kalonas voice boomed down the hall. Even Neferet cringed. Why is she not being tended?
I heard the sickening sound of huge wings fluttering, and then Rephaim stepped out of the room Kalona had just been in. I shivered as I realized the Raven Mocker must have flown up to the window and then crawled in from there. Isnt there any place aboveground that the horrid things couldnt get to?
Father, I ordered the warrior to take the priestess to the infirmary so that she could be properly cared for. Rephaims unnatural voice sounded even more obscene after hearing the majesty of Kalona.
Oh, bullshit! Completely shocked, I stared openmouthed at Aphrodite, who was giving the Raven Mocker her best bitchy sneer. She tossed back her thick blond hair as she continued, Bird boy kept us out there in the freezing rain while he yammered about the Red One this and the Red One that. Darius got Zoey in here despite his help. Aphrodite air-quoted over the word help.
There was utter silence in the hallway, and then Kalona threw back his beautiful head and laughed. I had forgotten how amusing human women can be. With a graceful movement of his hand he gestured to Darius. Bring the young priestess here so that she may be tended.
I could feel Dariuss reluctance in the tension of his body, but he did as Kalona ordered, with my friends at his side. We reached Neferet and the infirmary door at the same time Kalona did.
Your duty is finished here, Warrior, Kalona told Darius. Neferet and I shall attend her now. And the fallen angel opened his arms as if he expected Darius to give me to him. With that movement the enormous raven-feathered wings that had until then been tucked neatly against his back, rustled and half opened.
I wanted to reach out and touch those wings and was glad I was too weak to do more than stare.
My duty is not finished. Dariuss voice was as tense as his body. I have sworn to care for this young priestess, and I must stay by her side.
Im staying, too, Aphrodite said.
And I stay. Damien sounded small and shaky, but I saw that his fists were still clenched firmly by his sides.
Us, too, Erin said, and Shaunee nodded grimly.
It was Neferets turn to laugh. Surely you dont think you can stay with Zoey through my examination? The amusement in her voice disappeared. Stop being ridiculous! Darius, take her into that room and leave her on the bed. If you insist, you may wait here in the hall for her, though by the look of you, the wiser choice would be for you to eat and refresh yourself. After all, you have brought Zoey home, where she is safe, so you have completed your charge. The rest of you return to the dorms. The human part of the city might be paralyzed by a simple storm, but we are not humans. Life goes on for us, which means school goes on. She paused and gave Aphrodite a look so filled with hatred that it twisted her face into something that was too hard and cold to keep even a tiny bit of its beauty. But you are now a human, are you not, Aphrodite?
I am, Aphrodite said. Her face was pale, but she lifted her chin and met Neferets frigid gaze.
Then you belong out there. Neferet made a vague motion away from us.
No, she doesnt, I said. Concentrating on Neferet had broken the spell staring at Kalona had cast over me. I barely recognized my own voice. It sounded like a whispery, weak old woman, but Neferet didnt have any problem hearing me, and she turned her attention from Aphrodite to me. Aphrodite still has visions from Nyx. She belongs here, I managed to say, even though I had to blink rapidly because gray spots kept messing up my sight.
Visions? Kalonas deep voice cut the air between us. This time I refused to look at him, though he was standing so close that I could feel the weird chill that came from his body. What type of visions?
Warnings of future disasters, Aphrodite spoke up.
Interesting. He drew the word out. Neferet, my Queen, you did not tell me you had a prophetess at the House of Night. Before Neferet could speak, he continued, Most excellent, most excellent. A prophetess can be quite useful.
But she is not a fledgling, nor is she a vampyre, and thus she does not belong at the House of Night. So I say she should leave. Neferets voice had an odd tone to it I didnt recognize at first, and then as I blinked more and my vision cleared enough for me to get a good look at her body languageshe was all but hanging on KalonaI realized with a little shock that Neferet was actually pouting.
Then, mesmerized, I watched Kalona reach out and stroke the side of Neferets cheek, sweeping his palm along the curve of her long, smooth neck, continuing to caress her shoulder, and finally trailing off down the length of her back. Neferet trembled under his touch and her eyes dilated, as if his caress made her high.
My Queen, surely a prophetess will be of some use to us, he said.
Still staring at him, Neferet nodded.
You stay, little prophetess, Kalona told Aphrodite.
Yes, she said firmly. I do. I stay with Zoey.
Okay, Ill freely admit that Aphrodite was utterly surprising me. I mean, yes, I was hurt badly and probably in serious shock, so I can blame my altered mental and physical state on that and hope that some of the weirdly hypnotic affect the fallen angel was having on me was because I very well might be dying. But obviously everyone else was being affected by Kalona to some degree. Everyone except Aphrodite. She totally sounded like her normal bitchy self. I just didnt get it.
Prophetess, Kalona said. You say you are given warning of future disasters?
Yes, Aphrodite said.
Tell me, what do you see in the future if we were to turn Zoey away at this moment?
I havent had a vision, but I know Zoey needs to be here. Shes been hurt badly, Aphrodite said.
Then let me assure you that I, too, have been known to prophesy. Kalona spoke. His voice, which had been so delicious and deep that I honestly wanted nothing more than to curl up and listen to him forever, had started to change. Subtly, at first, I felt the shift in timbre. As he continued to speak to Aphrodite, my flesh began to crawl with fear. His obvious displeasure was reflected in his voice, until even Darius took a staggering step away from him. And on my oath I tell you if you do not do as I command, this priestess will not live another night. Leave us now!
Kalonas words crackled through my body, causing my already dizzied senses to reel. I clung to Dariuss shoulders. Just do what he says, I told Aphrodite, pausing to try to catch my breath. Hes right. Im not gonna last long if I dont get help.
Give the priestess to me. I shall not ask another time, said Kalona, spreading his arms for me again.
Aphrodite hesitated for just a moment, then she reached over and grasped my hand. Well be here when youre better. She squeezed my hand and I suddenly felt the rush of spirit reenter my body.
I wanted to tell her no, she needed to keep the elementshe needed its protectionbut Aphrodite had already turned to Damien and given him a nudge toward me, saying, Tell Zoey bye, and give her your strongest get-well wishes.
I watched Damien glance quickly at Aphrodite, who nodded slightly. Then he grabbed my hand and squeezed, too. Be well, Z, he said, and when he let loose my hand I could feel a sweet breeze wrap around me.
You guys, too, Aphrodite told the Twins.
Shaunee took one of my hands, and Erin the other. Were pulling for you, Z, Erin said, and when they turned away, I was left with the warmth of summer and the freshness of a cleansing rain.
Enough sentimentality. Ill take her now. And before I could draw another breath Kalona had taken me from Darius. Pressed against his naked chest I closed my eyes and tried to cling to the strength of the elements as I trembled at the wonderful cold heat of his body.
I will wait here. I heard Darius say before the door closed with a sickening thud of finality, shutting my friends out and leaving me alone with my enemy, a fallen angel, and the monstrous bird creature his ancient lust had created.
Then I did something Id only done twice before in my entire life. I fainted.
CHAPTER 18
The first thing I realized as I began to regain consciousness was that the crisp sheets of the infirmary bed were cool against my naked skin, which meant I didnt have any clothes on.
The second thing I realized was everything within me was telling me to keep my eyes closed and keep breathing deeply. In other words, I needed to pretend I was still out.
Staying as still as possible I tried to take inventory of my body. Okay, the long nasty wound on my chest was hurting considerably less than it had been when Id passed out. I searched around with my senses (except sight, of course) and could feel and smell the lingering presence of spirit, air, water, and fire. The elements werent fully manifested and glaringly obvious, but they were there around me, soothing and strengtheningand making me worried as hell for my friends. Go back to the others! I ordered the elements silently, and felt their reluctant departures. All except for spirit. I wanted to sigh and roll my eyes. Instead I concentrated harder. Spirit, go to Aphrodite. Stay close to her. Almost instantly I felt the absence of the powerful element. I must have made an involuntary movement at the departure of spirit because from somewhere near my feet Neferet spoke up.
She stirred. I do not doubt she will regain consciousness soon. There was a pause, and I could hear her moving as if she were pacing as she continued to speak. I still say I should not have healed her. Zoeys death could have been easily explained. She was almost dead when she arrived here.
If what you have told me is true and she has dominion over all five of the elements, she is too powerful to be allowed to perish, Kalona said. He, too, sounded like he was standing near the end of my bed.
What Ive told you is the complete truth, Neferet said. She controls the elements.
Then we can use her. Why not include her in our new vision of the future? Having her allegiance would sway any members of the Council who would not readily succumb to me.
New vision of the future? Swaying the Council? As in the High Council of Vampyres? Holy crap!
Neferets response was smooth and confident. We wont need her, my love. Our plan will succeed. You should know that Zoey will never use her power for us anyway. She is entirely too infatuated with the Goddess.
Ah, but that can change. His deep voice was like melted chocolate. Even though my mind was racing with the news Id just overheard, my body was mesmerized by the sound of him; it felt good just to listen to him. I seem to recall another priestess whose infatuation with the Goddess was broken.
She is young and not wise enough to allow her eyes to be opened to more intriguing possibilities, as mine have been. Their voices were so close together that I knew she must be in his arms. All Zoey can ever be to us is another enemy. I believe the day will come when either you or I will have to kill her.
Kalona chuckled. You are such a delightfully bloodthirsty creature. If the young priestess is not a benefit to us, then of course she shall eventually be disposed of. Until then I will see what I can do about breaking the shackles that bind her.
No. I want you to stay away from her! Neferet snapped.
You would do well to remember who is master here. I will not be ruled or commanded or trapped, ever again. And I am not your impotent Goddess. What I give I will take away if I am displeased! The sexy silkiness was gone from Kalonas voice, and a terrible coldness had replaced it.
Dont be angry. Neferet was instantly contrite. It is just that I cannot bear to share you.
Then do not displease me! he shouted, but already the anger was fading from his voice.
Come with me from this room and I promise I will not displease you, Neferet said teasingly. I could hear the disgusting moist sounds of them kissing. Neferets breathless moans were enough to make me gag.
After way too many totally R-rated nasty sound effects, Kalona finally said, Go to our chamber. Ready yourself for me. I will follow you there shortly.
I could almost hear Neferets No! Come with me now! shriek through the room, but she surprised me by saying, Come to me soon, my dark angel, and that in a sweet, sultry voice. Then there was the swish of her clothes and the opening and closing of a door.
Shes actually manipulating him. I wondered if Kalona knew it. Surely an immortal being would be wise to a vampyre High Priestesss mind games (well, and body games, tooeesh). Then I remembered the spectral image of Neferet Id glimpsed at the depot. How had she done that? Maybe turning to the Dark Side has given her different powers; maybe shes not just a fallen vampyre High Priestess. Who knows what being Queen of the Tsi Sgili really means? This new thought terrified me.
A rustling around my bed interrupted my awful inner musings. I lay very still. I wanted to hold my breath, but knew that I had to keep taking deep, even breaths. I swear I could feel Kalonas eyes on me and was unbelievably glad that the sheet had been pulled modestly up over my breasts and tucked tight around my body.
I felt the familiar chill coming from his body. Kalona must be close to me. He was probably standing right there, right beside my bed. I heard the ominous rustle of feathers and could imagine him spreading those beautiful black wings. He could be getting ready to pull me into his arms again and wrap them around me, like he had in my dream.
And that was it. No matter what my instincts were screaming at me, I couldnt keep my eyes closed any longer. Sure that I was going to be looking up at his indescribably perfect face, I opened my eyes to find myself staring up at the mutated features of Rephaim. The Raven Mocker was bent over me, his terrible bird face just inches from mine. His beak was open and his tongue was flicking in my direction.
My reaction was immediate and automatic, and several things happened all at once. Shrieking my most piercing girl scream, I clutched the sheet to my chest and scrambled back so fast I smacked myself against the headboard of the bed. As I did that, the disgusting Raven Mocker hissed and spread his wings, looking like he was going to pounce on me, and the door burst open. Darius rushed into the room, took one look at the malevolent creature hovering over me, and with a move that was as graceful as it was lethal, reached inside his leather jacket to the knife he holstered there, pulled it free, and threw. The blade struck Rephaim high in his chest. The creature shrieked and staggered back, clutching at the pearl-inlaid hilt of the knife.
You dare attack my son! It took Kalona only two strides to reach Darius. With the strength of a god, he grabbed the warrior by the throat and lifted him off his feet. Kalona was so tall, his arms so long and muscular, that he was able to slam Darius against the ceiling of the room. He held Darius there as the warriors legs kicked spasmodically and his fists beat ineffectually against Kalonas massive arms.
Stop it! Dont hurt him! Pulling the sheet with me off the bed I staggered over to the two of them, not realizing until Id gotten to my feet how weak I still was. Kalonas black wings were unfurled, and I had to duck under one of them to get to Darius. I didnt know what I thought I was going to do when I leaped off the bed. Even if I had been myself and not hurt and drained I would have been no match for this immortal beingand right now, though I was screaming at him and pounding on his side, I could tell I was less troubling to him than an annoying mosquito would have been. But one thing did happen. As I looked up at Kalona, I saw his blazing amber eyes and how his teeth were bared in a feral smile, and I understood that he was enjoying slowly choking the life from Darius.
At that moment Kalonas true self was revealed to me. He was not a misunderstood hero who was waiting for love to bring out his good side. Kalona didnt have a good side. Whether he had always been like this or not wasnt important. What hed becomewhat he was nowwas evil. The spell he had worked over me shattered like a dream made of glass. I hoped desperately that it was too broken to ever be pieced back together again.
Drawing a deep breath, I raised my hands, palms out, not caring that the sheet fell away from my body, leaving me standing there naked. Then I used the last of my strength to evoke, Wind and fire, come to me. I need you. Instantly I felt the presence of the two elements, and beyond their presence I could sense Damien and Shaunee and had a brief flash of the two of them concentrating with their eyes closed as they added their combined wills to strengthen their elements. That little burst of power was all I needed. I narrowed my eyes and put everything I had into my command. Make the winged guy get off Darius! I threw my hands at Kalona, focusing the elements on the movement, and at the same time thinking how fire and wind had gotten me out of some pretty tight spots with those stupid Raven Mockers, so using them against their daddy should work, too.
The effect of the blast of hot air was immediate. It caught Kalonas outstretched wings and tossed him up and back, and there was a weird sizzling sound as the heated air touched his naked skin, actually causing mist to form in the air around him.