And we also wont forget hes evil, like those other kids have, Erin said.
But not all of them have, I said. Those kids in the infirmary werent under Kalonas spell, and neither are Lenobia and Dragonneither was Anastasia. But why? What do you guys have that everyone else doesnt?
We already decided that Lenobia and Dragon and Anastasia all had heightened gifts from Nyx, Damien said.
Okay, so whats special about the kids that stood up to the Raven Mockers? Aphrodite said.
Hanna Honeyyeager can make flowers bloom, Damien said.
I stared at him. Flowers? Seriously?
Yeah. Damien shrugged. She has a green thumb.
I sighed. What else do we know about the kids in the infirmary?
T.J. is a wicked good boxer, Erin spoke up.
And Drews an awesome wrestler, I said.
But are any of these abilities true gifts? Lenobia said. Vampyres are talented. Thats the norm and not unusual at all.
Does anyone know anything about that Ian Bowser kid? I asked. I just know him a little from drama class. He used to have a big crush on Professor Nolan.
I know him, Erin said. Hes really sweet.
Okay, hes sweet, I said, feeling overwhelmed by the hopelessness of our task. The kids were nice and good at things, but being good at something didnt equal being gifted by Nyx. What about that new girl, Red?
None of us know her at all. Damien glanced at Lenobia. Do you?
Lenobia shook her head. No, only that she was being mentored by Anastasia, and she had become close enough to her in just a few days so that she was willing to risk her life to save her professor.
Which doesnt mean theres anything special about her except that she made the right choice and My words broke off as I realized what I was saying. Suddenly I was laughing. Thats it!
Everyone gawked at me.
Shes lost it, Aphrodite said. It was bound to happen sooner or later.
No! I havent lost it. I found it. Found the answer. Goddess, its so obvious! Those kids arent über-gifted. Theyre just kids who made the right choice.
No one said anything for several seconds, and then Damien picked up the thread of my thought. Just like in life. Nyx gives us all choices.
I grinned at him. And some of us choose wisely.
Some of us mess up, Stark said.
Goddess! It really is obvious, Lenobia said. Theres no mystery to Kalonas spell.
Its all about choice, Aphrodite said.
And truth, I added.
It does make sense. Damien broke in. I couldnt understand why only three of our professors were able to see through Kalona. Ive always thought that all of the vampyres here were special and had Goddess-given gifts.
And most are, Lenobia said.
But gift or no gift, finding the truth and following the right path is always a choice. Stark spoke softly as his gaze trapped mine. Thats something none of us should forget.
Which could be why Nyx has brought us here. To remind us that all of her children have free choice, Lenobia said.
Thats my whole point with A-ya. I have the choice not to follow her path. But wouldnt that mean Kalona also has free choice, and can choose good over evil? The thoughts whirled through my mind. I pushed them away and said, Okay, so, any ideas on where we go from here?
Absolutely. You follow Kalona. We come with you, Aphrodite said. When we all stared at her, she continued, Look, Kalona has proven hes evil, so lets make the choice to destroy him. Before I could say anything, Aphrodite added, Its not impossible. One of my visions showed Zoey taking him out.
Visions? Lenobia said.
Aphrodite briefly recapped the two visions shed had, leaving out the specific mention that in the not so good one Id joined with Kalona. So when she was done, I cleared my throat, put on my big-girl panties (figuratively), and said, In the bad vision I was with Kalona. As in with him. We were lovers.
But in the other vision you did something to vanquish him, Lenobia said.
That was clear, even if everything else was a jumbled mess, Aphrodite said. So, like I was saying before, she has to go to him.
I dont like it, Stark said.
Neither do I, Lenobia said. I wish we knew morehad more details about what caused each vision to happen.
Goddess! Im a moron, I said, fishing in my pocket for the piece of paper Id put there. I forgot all about Kramishas poem.
Ugh, so did I, Aphrodite said. I hate poetry.
A fact that baffles me, my beauty, Darius said as he came into the room with Stevie Rae and Shaunee close behind. Someone with your intelligence should enjoy it.
Aphrodite gave him a sweet smile. Id like it if you read some to me, but then again, Id like anything you read to me.
Disgusting, Shaunee said, going over to sit by Erin.
Totally, Erin agreed, grinning at her twin.
Good, we didnt miss the poem part, Stevie Rae said, plopping down next to me and petting Nala. I was wonderin what Kramisha had come up with.
Okay, well, Ill just read it out loud, I said, and began,
A double-edged sword
One side destroys
One releases
I am your Gordian knot
Will you release or destroy me?
Follow truth and you shall:
Find me on water
Purify me through fire
Trapped by earth nevermore
Air will whisper to you
What spirit already knows:
That even shattered
anything is possible
If you believe
Then we shall both be free.
I hate to say it, but even I can tell thats from Kalona to you, Aphrodite spoke into the thick silence that followed my reading.
Yep, sounds like it to me, too, said Stevie Rae.
Ah, hell, I muttered.
CHAPTER 28
Zoey
I dont like it, Stark said.
You already said that, Aphrodite said. And none of us like it, but that doesnt make the stupid poem go away.
Prophecy, Damien corrected her. Kramishas poems are prophetic in nature.
Which is not necessarily a bad thing, Darius said. If we have a prophecy that also means we have forewarning.
So these poems plus Aphrodites visions combine to create a powerful tool for us, Lenobia said.
If we can figure them out, I said.
We figured out the last one, Lenobia reminded me. Well decipher this one, too.
No matter what, I think all of us agree that Zoey has to follow Kalona, Darius said.
Its what I was created for, I said, which definitely got everyones attention. I hate it. I dont know what to do about it. Most of the time I feel like Im a giant snowball rolling down a mountain in the middle of winter, but I cant ignore the truth. I remembered Nyxs whispers and added, Theres power in the truth, just like theres power in making the right choice. The truth is that Im connected to Kalona. I remember the connection, and remembering it makes Kalona hard for me to deal with, but something inside me defeated him once. I think I have to find that something and make the choice to defeat him all over again.
This time maybe for good? Stevie Rae said.
I seriously hope so, I said.
Well, this time you wont be alone, Stark said.
Thats right, said Damien.
Absolutely, Shaunee said.
Yep, Erin added.
All for one and one for Zoey! Stevie Rae said.
I looked at Aphrodite. She sighed dramatically. Fine. Where the nerd of herd goes, Ill go, too.
Darius put his arm around her. You wont be alone, either, my beauty.
It was only later that I realized Stevie Rae hadnt said anything about joining us.
All of this solidarity is good, but we cant act because we dont know where Kalona is, said Lenobia.
Well, in my dream I found him on an island. Actually, on top of a castle on an island, I specified.
Did anything look familiar about it? Damien asked.
No. It was really pretty, though. The water was incredibly blue, and there were orange trees everywhere.
That doesnt exactly narrow it down, Aphrodite said. Oranges are all overFlorida, California, the Mediterranean. All those places have islands.
Hes not in America. My response was automatic. I dont know how I know that, but I do.
Then well take it as truth, Lenobia said.
Her confidence in me made me feel good, but nervous, and kinda sick all at the same time.
Okay, well, Stevie Rae said. Maybe you know more stuff about where he is, but you just need to not think about it for a while so you can think about it.
Bumpkin, you make no damn sense, Aphrodite said. Here, Ill translate from countrified Okie to English. Aphrodite turned to me. Without thinking about it you knew he wasnt in America. Maybe youre trying too hard to figure this out. Maybe you just need to relax and itll come to you.
Thats exactly what I said, Stevie Rae muttered.
Theyre Twin-like, Shaunee said.
Hilarious, Erin agreed.
Shut up! Aphrodite and Stevie Rae said together, which made the Twins convulse into laughter.
Hey, whats so funny? asked Jack as he came into the room. I noticed that he still had tear tracks on his cheeks and his eyes looked haunted.
He went to Damien and sat close beside him. Nothings funny. The Twins are just being the Twins, he told Jack.
All right, enough of this. Its nonproductive and absolutely not helping us figure out where Kalona might be, Lenobia said.
I know where Kalona is, Jack said, matter-of-factly.
What do you mean, you know where Kalona is? Damien said while we all gawked at Jack.
Well, him and Neferet, that is. Easy. He held up his iPhone. Internets back up, and my Vamp Twitter has been going crazy. Its all over the Net about Shekinah dying all sudden and mysterious, and Neferet showing up in Venice at the High Council saying that shes Nyx Incarnate and Kalonas Erebus come to earth, so she should be the next Vampyre High Priestess. We stared at him. I know my mouth was definitely flopped open. Jack frowned at us. Im not making it up. Promise. You can see it all right here. He offered up his iPhone again, which Darius took. While he poked at the screen, Damien put his arms around Jack and kissed him smack on the mouth. You are brilliant! he told his boyfriend.
Jack smiled and everyone started talking at once.
Everyone except Stark and me.
In the middle of the chaos Heath came into the room. He hesitated for only a second, and then he walked around the bed and flopped down next to me on the side Stevie Rae wasnt taking up. So, whats happening, Zo?
Jack found Kalona and Neferet, Stevie Rae told him.
Thats good, Heath said. His gaze met mine and he added, Hang on, maybe its not good.
Why wouldnt it be good? Stevie Rae asked.
Ask Zoey, Heath said.
Whats wrong, Zoey? Damien asked, shutting everyone up.
It wasnt Venice, I said. Im sure about that. In my dream Kalona wasnt in Venice. I mean, Ive never been there, but Ive seen pictures and, correct me if Im wrong, but there are definitely no mountains in Venice, right?
None at all, Lenobia said. Ive been there several times.
Maybe its not bad that you didnt actually go where he is in your dream. Maybe that means that the dreams arent as real as you think they are, Aphrodite said.
Maybe.
It doesnt feel right, Stark said.
I suppressed a sigh of irritation because it was obvious hed been psychically eavesdropping on me.
Aphrodite ignored Stark and kept talking. Remember in my visions how I saw Neferet and Kalona in front of a group of seven powerful vampyres?
I nodded.
The Vampyre High Council! Lenobia interjected. I dont know why I didnt think of it right away. She shook her head, clearly annoyed at herself. And I agree with Aphrodite. Zoey, perhaps youve given these dreams too much importance. Kalona is manipulating you, she said gently, as if she expected me to freak out.
No, Im telling you, Kalona wasnt in Venice, he was I broke off as a memory surfaced and felt like smacking myself in the forehead. Holy crap! Kalona wasnt in Venice in my last dream, but I think I did dream he was in Venice in one of my dreams. He said he liked it there, that he felt the places power and I rubbed my forehead as if trying to massage my brain into working better. I rememberhe said he felt some kind of ancient power there and he understood why they chose it.
He must have been referring to usto vampyres, Lenobia said.
I thought about the dream and frowned in confusion. But I dont think where we were in the dream was actually in Venice. I mean, I saw that famous place with the gondolas and the big clock thing in the distance, but it was in the distance. We werent actually there.
Z, not to be mean or anything, but dont you ever do any homework? Stevie Rae said.
Huh? I said.
San Clemente Island, Lenobia said.
Huh? I repeated brilliantly.
Damien sighed. Do you have your Fledgling Handbook 101 around here anywhere?
I jerked my chin at my desk. Its over there. I think.
He got up, dug around in the mess that was my desk, and then pulled out my Fledgling Handbook. He paged through it for, like, two seconds (Did he have the entire thing memorized?), and then handed me the open book. I blinked in shock as I recognized the beautiful, salmon-colored palace that had been a backdrop for one of my Kalona dreams.
This is definitely where Kalona was in one of my other dreams. Actually, we were on this bench, right there. I pointed to the picture.
Aphrodite suddenly detached herself from Darius and came to peer over my shoulder. Damn it! I should have recognized this place. I swear making me human has moroned me.
Aphrodite, what is it? Stark asked, stepping close to me.
Its the palace she saw in the second vision she had of my death, I answered for her. I sighed. I know this is going to sound stupid, but until now I forgot. I mean, I remember realizing in my dream that it could be the place youd described where Id drowned, but when I woke up well I paused and met Starks eyes. I woke up and I got distracted. I saw the realization pass through his eyes as he understood hed been the one to wake me up from the dreamthe first time hed slept with mewhen he was just beginning to choose good over evil. Plus, I added hastily, you saw me drowning because I was all alone. That was when everyone was mad at me. Im not alone anymore, so that vision wont come true. I looked from Stark to Aphrodite when she didnt say anything, and saw that she was staring at Stark.
You werent completely alone in the second death vision I had of you, Aphrodite said slowly. I got a glimpse of Starks face right before you were killed. He was there.
What! Thats bullshit! Id never let her get hurt, Stark practically exploded.
I didnt say you were responsible. I just said you were there, Aphrodite said coldly.
What else did you see? Heath asked, sitting straight up and looking as warriorlike as Stark ever had.
Aphrodite had two visions of Zoey being killed, Damien spoke up. In one she was decapitated by a Raven Mocker.
That almost happened! Heath blurted. I was there. She still has the scar.
The point is my head wasnt cut off. And now that my brain is working, well be sure I dont drown. And Aphrodite didnt see much in either vision.
But youre sure the second death vision happened on San Clemente Island at the site of the High Council? Lenobia asked.
Aphrodite pointed at the book that was still open on my lap. There. Thats the palace I saw when she was dying.
Okay, so, Ill just be extra careful, I said.
Well all have to make sure you are, Lenobia said.
I sat there trying not to show how claustrophobic I was already feeling. Did that mean no one was ever going to leave me alone?
Stark didnt say anything. He didnt have to. His body language telegraphed frustration.
Hang on. I just realized something. Damien took the Fledgling Handbook from me and flipped the page. When he looked at me, his smile was victorious. I know where Kalonas island is, and youre right. Its not Venice. He turned the book to face me and said, Is this where you were in your dream?
Damien had opened the book to a page that had a bunch of text (that I clearly hadnt read), and an illustration of part of a pretty island, all hilly and blue-tinged by the color of the sea surrounding it. On the drawing I could see the outline of a castle that was all too familiar.
Thats it, I said solemnly. Thats where I was in my last dream. Where the hell is it?
Italy, the island of Capri, Lenobia answered for him. Its the ancient site of the first Vampyre High Council. It only moved to Venice after 79 A.D.
I was glad to see several faces with question marks on them. Damien obviously didnt have one of them. In his schoolteachers voice he said, Vampyres were the patrons of Pompeii. Vesuvius erupted in August of 79 A.D. Everyone was still blinking like big, dumb gold-fish at him, so he sighed and continued. Capri is an island not far from Pompeii.
Oh, yeah, I remember reading somethin bout that in the history chapter, Stevie Rae said.
I didnt remember because I hadnt ever read the chapter, and by the way Shaunee and Erin were fidgeting, they hadnt either. Big surprise.
Okay, thats interesting, and, yeah, thats the island. But why would he go there if the High Council hasnt been there for a bazillion years? I asked.
He wants to bring back the ancient ways, Stark said. Hes said it over and over.
So is he at the palace in San Clemente or Capri? I said, still confused.
Twitter says he went in front of the High Council with Neferet just a couple of hours ago. So hes there now, Jack said.
But Ill bet his base is on Capri, Stark said.
So it looks like well be making a trip to Italy, Damien said.
I hope you peasants have your passports in order, Aphrodite said.
CHAPTER 29
Zoey
Oh, dont be so hateful, Aphrodite, Stevie Rae said. You know all fledglings get passports as soon as theyre Marked. Its part of the whole Im an emancipated teen thing.
Good thing I have a passport, Heath said. Even though Im not Marked.
To stop myself from yelling Youre not goingyoull get killed for sure at Heath and embarrassing the bejesus outta him, I made myself focus on logistics. Anyone know how were getting to Italy?
First class, I hope, Aphrodite muttered.
That will be the easy part. Well simply take the House of Nights jet, Lenobia said. Or rather, you and your group will. Ill authorize it, but I wont be going.
You wont go with us? My stomach dropped. Lenobia was wise and so well thought of in the vamp community that even Shekinah had respected her. We needed her to go with us. I needed her to go with us!
She cant, Jack said. We looked at him in surprise. She has to stay here with Dragon and be sure the school doesnt go completely over to the Dark Side, cause whatever it is Kalona can do, hes still doing it even though hes not here.
Lenobia smiled at Jack. Youre absolutely right. I cant leave the House of Night right now. Her gaze went around the room, touching on each of us and finally coming to rest on me. You can lead them. Youve been leading them. Just keep doing what youve been doing.
But Ive messed up! More than once! And I dont even know if I can trust myself around Kalona! I wanted to shriek. Instead, I tried to speak in my grown-up voice. But someone has to tell the High Council whats really going on with Neferet and Kalona. I cant do that. Im just a fledgling.
No, Zoey, youre our High Priestess, the first fledgling High Priestess, and they will listen to you because Nyx is with you. Its obvious to me. It was obvious to Shekinah. It will be obvious to them, as well.
I wasnt so sure, but everyone was giving me big smiles of encouragement, which really just made me want to barf my guts up. Rather than puking or my second choice, bursting into tears, I said, When do we leave?
As soon as possible, Lenobia said. We have no idea how much damage Kalona is doing right now. Think of the disaster he wrought here in only a matter of days.
Its almost dawn. Were going to have to wait for the sun to set. Starks voice was tight with frustration. Because I would imagine now that the ice storm is over, the sun will actually be visible, and that means Stevie Rae and I will fry getting to the plane.
You leave here at sunset, Lenobia said. Until then, pack, eat, and rest. Ill take care of the arrangements.
I dont think Zoey should stay on San Clemente Island, Stark said. He turned to Darius for support. Dont you agree its a bad idea for her to stay exactly where Aphrodite saw her drowning?
Stark, she also saw me getting decapitated right here in Tulsa. It didnt happen, though, because my friends didnt turn their backs on me. Where I am isnt as important as the fact that I know Im in danger, and Im surrounded by people who have my back.
But she saw me with you! If I cant protect you, who can?
I can, Darius said.
Air can, too, Damien said.
Fire can kick some butt, Shaunee said.
I got water, and Im sure as hell not letting Zoey drown, Erin said indignantly.
Earth will always protect Zoey, Stevie Rae said, though her expressive eyes seemed sad.
Im annoyingly human, but Im still mean. If someone gets by Darius, you, and the nerd of herd, theyll have to go through me, too, said Aphrodite.
Add one more annoying to that human, fledgling, and vamp soup, Heath said.
See, I told Stark as I blinked hard to keep the tears that had filled my eyes from overflowing. Its not all on you. Were in this together.
Starks gaze held mine, and I could see how tortured he was. To have an oath-bound High Priestess be killed was every warriors nightmare. Just the mention that Aphrodite had seen him there, and then seen me being killed anyway, had been enough to completely shake Starks confidence.
It really will be okay. I promise, I said.
He nodded and then looked away, like he couldnt bear to meet my gaze any longer.
All right. Lets get busy. Pack light. You wont have time to carry around a bunch of baggage. Each of you take a book bag with your essentials, Lenobia said. I saw Aphrodite blanch in horror and had to cough to hide a giggle. Ill meet you in the cafeteria at sunset. She started to leave, then paused at the door. Zoey, be sure youre not sleeping alone. Lets keep Kalona out of your head as much as possible. We dont want him to have any idea youre coming after him.
I swallowed hard, but nodded. Yeah, okay.
Blessed be, she said.
Blessed be, we all chimed in, even Heath.
Lenobia closed the door, and no one said anything for a few moments. I think we were all a little stunned and hadnt quite grasped the fact that we were actually going to Italy to speak before the Vampyre High Council. Or at least I was going to speak. Ah, hell. I was going to have to speak in front of the Vampyre High Council. Or maybe Id get up there, in front of all those old, powerful vamps and have raging diarrhea and poo myself. Yep. That would certainly make an impression on the Council. Unique would be just one of the words theyd call me.
Jacks question stopped my semi-hysterical mind babble. What are we gonna do with Duchess and the cats?
I looked down at Nala, purring away beside me, and said, Uh-oh.
We cant take them, Stark said. Theres no way. Then sounding more like himself he added, Theyre gonna be pissed when we get back, though. Especially those cats. Cats can carry a grudge.
Aphrodite snorted. Youre telling me. Have you met my cat? Speaking of, Im going to go spend some quality time with her while I grab something to eat and pack. She gave Darius a coy smile. If youd like to get in on that quality time, youre invited.
I dont have to be asked twice, he said. Blessed be, Priestess, he told me before taking her hand heading to her room to do Goddess-was-the-only-one-who-wanted-to-know what.
We better get our stuff taken care of, too, Damien said.
I cant believe were supposed to take one book bag of clothes. Where are all my shoes going to go? Jack asked.
I think were only supposed to take one pair of shoes, Heath said helpfully.
Jack was still gasping in horror as he and Damien left.
That left me with Stark and Heath and Stevie Rae. Before things could get mega-awkward, Stark surprised me by saying, Heath, would you sleep with Zoey?
Hey, man, as far as Im concerned, Id like to always sleep with Zoey.
I punched his arm, but he still grinned like a dork.
What are you going to do? I asked Stark.
He wouldnt meet my eyes. I want to check the perimeter before dawn, and Ill see if Lenobia needs help settling things. Then Ill get something to eat.
Where are you going to sleep?
In the dark. He turned to me, bowed formally with his right fist over his chest. Blessed be, my lady. Before I could say anything else to him, he left.
I was stunned silent.
Hes freaked cause of Aphrodites vision, Stevie Rae said, getting off my bed and going to rummage through the drawers that used to be hers before she died and un-died. I was glad Id made Neferet and the vamps give me some of her stuff back, so she actually had things to rummage through.
Dont let Stark hurt your feelings, Zo, Heath said. Hes pissed at himself, not at you.
Heath, I appreciate you wanting to make me feel better, but its just too weird to have you be on Starks side.
Hey, Im on your side, baby! He bumped me with his shoulder, and then stretched all long and obvious before reaching an arm around me.
Uh, Heath, could you do me a big ol favor? Stevie Rae asked.
Sure!
Could you go down to the kitchenthats through the common room and to the rightand try to scare up somethin for us to eat? They always have a bunch of sandwich stuff in the fridges. You can search for chips, but the closest youll come is probably pretzels or those good-for-you baked chips.
Yuck, Heath and I said at the same time.
So is that okay? Would you do that?
Yeah, Stevie Rae, no problem. Heath hugged me and gave me a sloppy kiss on my forehead before bounding out of bed. At the door he grinned back at Stevie Rae and said, But next time you want to talk to Zo alone, all you have to do is say so. Im human and I play football, but Im really not stupid.
Ill keep that in mind for next time, she said.
He winked at me and took off.
Goddess, he has a lot of energy, I said.
Z, I cant go with yall to Italy, Stevie Rae blurted out with no preamble whatsoever.
What? You have to! Youre earth. I need the whole circle there.
Youve circled without me before. Aphrodite can step in if you help her.
She cant be earth. It zaps her, I said.
But I know youve given her spirit before, and it worked fine. Just give her spirit again.
Stevie Rae, I need you.
My BFF bowed her head and looked completely defeated. Please, please dont say that. I have to stay. I dont have any choice. The red fledglings need me even more than you do.
Not any more they dont, I said earnestly. Theyre here at the school, with a whole bunch of adult vamps. Even if the adult vamps are acting all weird, their presence will be enough to keep your kids from rejecting the Change.
Its not just that. Its not just them.
Oh, no! Stevie Rae, you are not still thinking about those bad fledglings.
Im their High Priestess, she said quietly, pleading with her eyes for me to understand. Theyre my responsibility. While youre gone, before you have to go down there and do something awful to them, I can try once more to reach themto get them to turn back to their humanity.
Stevie Rae
Zoey! Listen to me! Its a choice. I made the right one. Stark made the right one. The kids here are all on the right path, too, and we used to be bad. Like you said, you know how horrible it used to be for us, but thats changed. Were different now because were choosing to be different. I cant help believing that those other kids can choose good, too. Just let me try.
I dont know. What if they hurt you?
Stevie Rae laughed, and her short blond curls bounced around her shoulders. Ah, heck, Z! They cant hurt me. Theyre inside the earth. If they try anything with me I can call on my element to kick their butts, and they know it.
Maybe they were meant to die, and thats why they cant get their humanity back, I said softly.