“Why? What happened?” Cayden asked.
“Let’s clean this shit up first, and then I’ll tell you everything.”
We cleaned with supernatural speed. Within seconds, the house was back to normal.
I plopped on the sofa and kicked up my feet on the coffee table. “Kohl, get a beer for all of us. Let’s sit and talk.”
Kohl grinned like I’d offered him candy. He came back with cold beers. After I took a sip, I told them everything. Even the part about the possibility that the volcano could erupt and wipe out the island.
“This is our home. We can’t let Cyrus destroy it,” Cayden growled, his brown eyes flickering to amber.
Kohl raked his red hair back and leaned against the arm of the chair. “How would he do that? The volcano is huge.”
I twirled the beer bottle and watch the liquid swirl. “I have no idea, but I think in the meantime we have to prepare for war.”
“I’m ready to kick ass.” Cayden held up his bottle and Kohl clinked it to show support.
“Damn straight,” Kohl said and gulped his drink.
Cayden cleared his throat. “So does this mean that we might have to fight against Eli?”
I took a second to think about his question. “I really don’t know. I hope it doesn’t get to that point. According to Lucia, he’s tethering. Eli is strong. He’s been through so much shit he’ll find a way not to cross the line.”
Kohl kicked up his feet next to mine. “I hope so, because Eli can kick my ass. I don’t want to be near him if we’re ever on the opposite side.”
I rubbed the back of my head from exhaustion. “So, anything new at school? Or anyone missing from school?”
“Nothing new,” Cayden replied. “I’ve been keeping my eyes and ears open like you told me to.”
I stretched my legs and planted my feet on the carpet. My stomach rumbled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten practically all day. “Do we have food?”
“Leftover spaghetti,” Kohl said. “Cayden made a big ass pot. I’ll warm it up for us. I’m starving.”
Cayden, Kohl, and I had been living together since our parents passed away a couple of years ago. Their parents stood up to Cyrus, along with others, and it didn’t go so well. We had to bury a lot of parents that day, and that was the day the whole town went quiet and dead.
Cayden, Kohl, and I combined our parent’s assets, moved into this apartment, and vowed to take care of each other. Sometimes we argued, but since I was the oldest by a few months, they let me make most of the decisions. Plus I could kick their asses, which gave me an upper hand.
Not a day went by that I didn’t think about my parents, and I know my friends did the same about theirs. Some days were hard, but we had each other. They became my family. Eli used to be a part of our group, but when he thought I had helped Cyrus find his home, we drifted apart. Who was I kidding? Eli hated me. I was so hurt that he believed that, one fight led to another, and we hardly spoke after that.
Vince had tricked me. He had told me Cyrus had found Eli’s hiding place. I went to warn Eli without knowing Cyrus had been following me. I’d thought I was careful, but Cyrus was Cyrus, and he had more years and experience than me. I was no match for his trickery.
There were no words, and saying I’m sorry would never be enough for the death of Eli’s mother. I did feel responsible, but what hurt me most was that Eli wouldn’t hear my side of the story. I guessed a part of me understood his reason. Vince was my uncle, an uncle I had no feelings toward. Since he was considered family, Eli thought I had helped my uncle.
Vince was my mother’s brother, and yet he let Cyrus kill her, my father, and many parents. Many of us were made orphans that night. I was more than happy when Davin killed Vince. It would never bring those who had been killed back from the dead, and it would never patch my friendship with Eli, but damn, revenge tasted like the first sip of cold beer.
I stood up when a loud bang broke me out of my thoughts. Cayden opened the door, and Vanessa walked in. Seeing Vanessa, my mind drifted to Lucia. I had a huge crush when she walked into my life. When she came by the ice cream store I inherited from my parents, I’d thought I had seen an angel. And I couldn’t believe my luck when I found out she really was one.
I backed away from pursuing her for that reason, but even more because I had seen how much Eli had taken to her, and it seemed Lucia couldn’t stay away from him either. Something strong brewed between them, and I had no chance, nor would I want to break it apart. I had never seen Eli smile that much and be so distraught at the same time. Love was not plain and simple, but when it finally resolved, it would be the most beautiful thing. Or so my mother told me once.
“Who invited her?” I asked sarcastically.
Vanessa slapped my arm and sat at the dining table. Kohl had set the utensils and placed a huge pot of spaghetti in the middle of the table. Next to the pot was a plate of garlic bread.
“I invited Vanessa,” Kohl said. “I wouldn’t have told her to stop by had I known you were going to be here.”
Vanessa wasn’t one of my favorite people. For some reason, she got on my nerves a lot, but what the hell. She was closer to Kohl and Cayden. “It’s fine.” I scooted the chair closer to the table. I forked up a section of spaghetti, plopped it on my plate, and began to scarf it down.
“You make one hell of a spaghetti,” I said to Cayden. “You should—we should—open up an Italian restaurant. You can be the chef, and I’ll manage it. Kohl can manage the employees.”
“I can be a waitress,” Vanessa threw in, wringing the noodles on her plate with her fork.
We had a good laugh while we ate dinner. It felt so strange to be talking and laughing like a normal human being, as if it was like any other ordinary day. But for now, I would relish these human moments. Who knew when Cyrus or Mortem would come for a visit, and what the hell did Mortem mean when he said there was someone more to fear than Cyrus?
I didn’t know what to believe. Did Mortem, in the moment of weakness and hatred toward Cyrus for not helping him tell us some important piece of something, or was it all just a fake out? Time would tell.
“Anything happen at school today?” I asked, attempting to be civil with her.
“Not much. Just the usual. I think everyone feels it. Eli is missing, so they think, and you’ve missed school. It just isn’t the same.” She let out a long heavy breath. “And I miss Zach.”
“So what’s going on with you and Zach?” Kohl asked Vanessa with a mouthful of bread.
“Gross, Kohl, don’t talk with your mouth full.” She grimaced, gathering her blonde hair to the side, exposing her neck.
I stared at the vein in her neck, recalling when Eli drank Lucia’s blood. That must have been horrifying for her, and I’m guessing for Eli too. Or did he enjoy it? From what I recalled, I turned away when it felt like I was watching my friends having sex.
“Nothing is going on.” Vanessa’s voice trailed back in my reality. “I think he’s hot, and he’s a good friend. Besides, he’s a freakin’ angel.” Her voice dropped. “Do angels … you know?”
Kohl spat out the remaining chewed up bread from his mouth onto his plate and Cayden released a sprinkle from the sip of beer he’d just taken.
“Are you seriously asking that question?” Kohl slapped his chest. “How else would Zach and Lucia be born? From an egg?”
She busted out laughing. “Shut the hell up.”
“Shit, V,” Cayden stressed. “I don’t want to picture you and Zach having sex.”
Her cheeks turned pink as she giggled. “I bet it would be amazing with him. Oh my God, his face, his body, he’s so perfect.”
“Why don’t you ask Eli?” I immediately regretted my words. “Shit. I didn’t mean…” I shook my head. For a split second, I had forgotten he was in the hands of Cyrus. I felt awful. I had no idea what Eli was going through. “I’m tired.”
“Crap. I forgot. Is Eli back? Did you guys rescue him?” Vanessa placed her hand
on my forearm, expressing concern.
I shook my head and stared at the empty white wall in front of me. Within one second the fun, casual atmosphere changed to something darker.
“Oh,” she murmured softly, her shoulders slumping. “So what’s next?”
“Kohl and Cayden can fill you in. I’m done.” I pushed my plate forward a bit. “And I’m exhausted.” I got out from my seat and headed to my room. No one seemed to notice, but I really needed a shower too.
“Wait.”
I halted midway from turning my doorknob when I heard Vanessa’s voice. So I turned with a roll of my eyes. “What?” I tried to sound polite.
“Remember when you asked me if anything happened at school today? I remember something. Well, not something but someone, two in particular. Not today, but yesterday.”
I ran my hand down my face and remembered why I was always annoyed with her. “What?” I snapped.
She frowned. I thought she was going to flip me off, but she said, “A guy and a girl. I don’t know if they were brother and sister, but they did look alike. Both had blond hair and blue eyes. They asked a lot of questions, especially about Jack. I thought that was weird.”
“Like what kind of questions?”
“They asked if I knew where Jack lived. They told me they were descendants of Geoffroi and Andre, but I had no idea who they were, and I really didn’t care. They wanted to know where you were and also Milani.”
It had to have been Hugo and Harper, but I didn’t plan on telling her. “Did you tell them where Jack lived?”
“No, but I’m sure they could find out by following him. What’s going on? I know things are not good, but do you know who they are?”
“Kohl and Cayden will fill you in. Thanks for the information. Goodnight.”
As soon as I entered my room, the scent of edelweiss flower wrapped around me. We had edelweiss candles around the apartment ever since we found out they ward off demons, compliments of Jack’s grandmother, but it smelled like I grew them in my room.
I headed to my dresser to get clean clothes but stopped at my desk instead. What the hell? About eight tiny edelweiss flowers lay on the center of my desk. I picked one up to confirm it was real. Petals caressed softly like silk on my cheek, and the scent filled my nose, divine and alluring. It was no wonder the demons couldn’t resist them.
“Cayden. Kohl. Can you come here?” I needed to confirm this wasn’t a prank.
“What is it?” Kohl rushed in.
“You growing edelweiss flowers in here?” Cayden sniffed, glancing around, looking for evidence.
“Look.” I pointed to my desk. “Can one of you explain how these got here?”
Cayden shrugged. “I have no idea. I just thought you put more edelweiss candles in your room the other day.”
“We had the door locked, and there’s no evidence of anyone breaking in.” Kohl rubbed the back of his head. “I really don’t know. Was there a note or something?”
I shook my head, trying to make sense of it, but I couldn’t. Who the hell would give me edelweiss flowers? Was it a warning of things to come or a death threat?
The three of us continued to stare at the flowers, waiting for something to happen.
“Are you three talking about me?” Vanessa’s voice echoed from the kitchen.
I told Cayden and Kohl not to worry and that I would message the others about it. They went back to Vanessa, and I got ready for bed.
Chapter 33
Harper
Hugo and I stepped into a portal illuminating and expanding just for us. Every time the portal engulfed us, we ended up at a different location. One time we met in a forest. Another time we met in a garden. The third time we were inside an abandoned warehouse. I wondered where it would be the next time.
The light from a campfire reflected and danced along the mouth of the dark cave. I glanced around to check for signs of danger, but when there were none, my muscles eased. Not a place I would like to be, but I had no choice, but as long my brother and I were safe, I didn’t mind.
“Where are we?” my younger brother asked. He tried to mask his worry but failed. I saw right through him.
I gave him an are-you-kidding look. “You know I don’t know. How many times have we done this?” Despite my annoyance, my voice remained calm.
“You’re safe, don’t worry,” her voice, sweet as honey, cooed.
I shivered in the sudden gust of wind, hard enough to blow out the fire, but it did not die. The lady with long, brown hair put out her hand to still the fire with magic. The fire did not move, did not breathe life, but stayed frozen like a painting. Only when she dropped her hand did the flame flicker and wave with the air in the cave.
“Have you done as we asked?” the dark-haired man asked. His deep voice sent chills through me, perplexingly both pleasant and horrific. There was something alluring and dangerous about his handsome face and his voice.
“Yes,” I answered quickly.
“Have a seat.” The lady waved her hand.
Hugo and I sat on the dirt, but they remained standing. I already felt small compared to their power, wisdom, and strength, and felt even smaller as I peered up at them.
When the man rooted his eyes on us, a flash of crimson lit his eyes and dimmed. His stare alone frightened me, like he could eat me whole with his magic. “Tell us what you have found.”
So I did. I told him about Cyrus, Mortem, Vince, and the teens that had gone missing, turned half-vampire. Then about Lucia and her team, and about Knights Templar and the book, and astral traveling. As I told them the recent events, sometimes they looked at me like I was crazy, and the other times they just nodded with no expression.
“Do they suspect anything?” the lady asked.
“No. Not at all,” Hugo replied.
“Good,” she said and seemed a world away.
“Now will you release our parents?” I asked timidly, wishing I had my sword. We were instructed not to bring it. “We held up our end of the bargain.”
The man scowled. “Soon. There is more work to be done.”
Hugo sighed with disappointment, but I sighed heavier.
“What would you like for us to do next?” I asked, wanting to get this over with, wanting to be as far away from them as possible.
The lady’s long, red velvet dress swayed from side to side as she paced about the cave. “I don’t know what our next move will be yet. Let me think on it.” She stopped and lowered her gaze to us. “Don’t worry. Your parents are well and safe as long as you don’t tell your new friends anything about us. And as far as what you need to do next, just do what you’ve been doing. I’ll send the portal next week.”
My brother and I nodded to confirm.
“Good.” The lady waved her hand, and a speck of light started to grow to a ring. “You may go now. Keep your swords next to you always. War is coming.”
I didn’t know what to say. Which war? Their war? Cyrus’s war? Who were the bad guys? I couldn’t get out of there fast enough as I jumped in with my brother.
Brody
With my shoulders slumped and my head down, I walked into the house. Eli still in the hands of Cyrus ate me alive. The heavy burden on my heart weighed me down, and there was nothing I could do about it. I tried to stay positive, but seeing Eli act like a monster—there were no words to describe the feeling.
My heart hurt. It was simple as that. I longed for my friend to be back home safe. If something were to go wrong as we attempted to rescue Eli once more, I didn’t know how I would handle it. Eli meant the world to me. He was the brother I wished I had. Being brothers didn’t have to be through blood. It had come from the emotion, and being there for each other through hell and back. And we had plenty of hell and back.
I peered up, wondering if I were in the right house. The family picture hung on our dark beige wall confirmed it. There were old people in here, men and women, lots of older people. Well, not old people, more like parent-aged people. Our
house wasn’t that big, so it seemed packed. I rubbed my head. Did I miss something?
“Brody.” My dad waved a hand. He stood in the middle of the family room with my mom and my little sister. He motioned for me to come to him. So I weaved around people sitting by the staircase, the hardwood floor, and everywhere I stepped, as they sat or stood shoulder to shoulder.
“Dad? What’s going on?” I tried not to get nervous with eyes staring at me.
“Son. I want you to meet my friends. We’re tired of running, hiding, and being scared. Many of my friends’ children are missing. We know Cyrus took them or tricked them to follow him. It’s time we took a stand.”
A huge smile spread on my face. Hell, yes. It was about time.
Father smiled and patted my back, and then raised his voice to the crowd. “The last war was not successful. We jumped in without any help or knowledge of who or what we were up against. Many of us are Lamia or Elementa. We have powers. We may not be strong as Cyrus, but when we work collectively, we can defeat him.”
“Not just that. We have angels on our side,” I added. Then I realized they had no idea what I was talking about. So, I told them everything, even about the Knights Templar, and got them up to date.
Father looked at me proudly. Then his green eyes, same as mine, reflected sorrow. “We can’t sit back and let our children fight these battles. We are the parents. We are supposed to protect our children from monsters. We are supposed to die for our children, not the other way around.” Father pointed at the crowd. “David, you can help me train the Lamias.” Then he pointed at the people gathered near the kitchen. “Mike. You can help me train the Elementum, and your wife can help too.”
Soft whispers began to build a little bit louder.
Father continued before it got worse. “Listen. As I’ve said before, we weren’t prepared. We didn’t train. Training and knowing what we are up against will make a difference.”
From their expressions, they didn’t seem convinced by my father’s words. So I ruffled my sister’s hair and spoke up. “I’ve seen Cyrus. In fact, I’ve been to his domain. I know where he hides with your children. He controls their minds, and he will have their souls. How can you live with that?”