Tears spring to my eyes, and to my mortal shame I start weeping like a baby. I try to pull away, but Tristan holds me back.
“It’s okay, Liora.” His voice is as soft as his fingertips on my cheek.
“I-I-d-don’t know what’s wrong with me,” I choke through my sobs.
He runs his fingers through my hair and rubs my shoulder. “I think you’ve been holding a lot of stuff in. Stuff that makes you feel like crap. It’s okay to let it out. You gotta let it go. Then you can start to heal and move on.”
“B-b-but I don’t want to,” I whimper. I don’t want to move on. I don’t want to be okay with Kieron being gone. I don’t want to let him go.
Ever.
~~~
Tristan stands to stretch his long legs, and I make my way to the rail. The water gently laps around the sides of the rocking boat. In the distance, I see something skim along the water, then a burst of shooting spray. “Tristan, look!” I point at the large, black mass rising to the ocean’s surface.
He smiles and wanders over to me, slipping his arm around my waist. “Wow, I think that’s a North Atlantic Right Whale. They’re really rare…endangered actually. But some migrate through here this time of year on their way to Georgia and Florida to calve.”
“It’s so magnificent,” I whisper, awed at the sheer size and grace of the majestic creature as it steals a peek at the sky. The whale slips back under the water, and I turn to Tristan with a contented smile.
“Feeling better?” he asks.
I nod.
He gives me a quick kiss. “Okay, I’m gonna start ‘er up now. We’re about thirty miles from our destination.”
“Wait, you mean we’re actually going somewhere?” I motion to the vast expanse of open sea. “I thought this was our destination.”
He chuckles and leaps up the stairs to the captain’s chair. “Nope. I have a surprise for you.”
“Okay, whatever you say.” I nestle back in my seat on the padded bench. Tristan revs the engine, and soon we’re flying over the water again.
I’m curious about Tristan’s ‘surprise’, but the ride is so thoroughly enjoyable, I’m a little disappointed when, in the distance, I see peaks of land, a few piers, and an old-fashioned lighthouse.
“Where are we?” I call up to Tristan.
“The outer banks of North Carolina. We’re heading into Avalon Wharf.”
Crazy. I’ve lived in Virginia my whole life, but never been outside of it. Even though North Carolina is close, I’ve never had any reason to go there.
Tristan slows the boat and expertly docks it in an empty slip. He takes my hand as we disembark onto old, wooden planks.
I glance around, curious and excited. “’Kay, we’re here. Now what?” My stomach rumbles, and I’m hoping he suggests grabbing a bite to eat.
“We’re meeting some people.”
“Really? Who?”
“Just some friends,” he says vaguely and glances around. The wharf is nearly empty except for a few fishermen and some tourists.
“Oh. Where’re we meeting them?” I ask, peering up at his strong profile.
“Here.” He checks his watch, reaches into his jacket pocket, and pulls out a silver cell phone
“And where exactly is here?”
Tristan pauses and turns to me. His wicked smile sends chills racing through my entire body.
“Welcome to Kill Devil Hills.”
Chapter 11. Liora
My heart skips a beat, then begins to pound. “What did you say?” I slowly raise my eyes to meet Tristan’s amused gaze.
“Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. What, are you telling me you’ve never heard of this place before?” He arches an eyebrow.
“Can’t say that I have,” I say evenly, trying to read his expression. Is he messing with me? Or it this just an unfortunate coincidence?
“But you’ve heard of the Wright Brothers, haven’t you? The first guys to fly an airplane?”
“Of course.”
“Well, their first powered airplane flight happened right here in Kill Devil Hills, Dare County.”
“Huh? I always thought that happened at Kitty Hawk.”
“Common misconception. See those sand dunes over there?” Tristan points over to our left, and I nod. “That’s where they used to do their glider tests.”
“Fascinating,” I respond dryly, still wary. “Kind of a weird name for a town, don’t ya think?” I hope my voice sounds casual.
Tristan lets out a low laugh as he takes my arm and guides me toward a small diner across the street. My stomach is in knots, but I don’t know if it’s from hunger or nerves. One minute I’m feeling completely relaxed, the next, nervous and panicked.
“It’s an interesting story. You see, back in the colonial days, shipwrecks were pretty common ‘round here, and most of the boats were carrying barrels of rum. Scavengers would steal the rum as the boats sank, and hide it back in those hills.”
“I don’t get how that—”
“Back then, rum was called ‘Kill Devil’. Hence, the name ‘Kill Devil Hills’.” But then again, some people say it’s because pirates once ruled these shores and spent their nights on these hills brewing rum so nasty it could ‘kill the devil’. Either way…”
“Ahhh.” I exhale, secretly relieved. For a moment there I’d thought Tristan was hinting at something more sinister…almost like he was mocking me when he said the name of this quaint seaside town.
Glad to know I was just imagining it.
~~~
The diner is nearly empty except for an elderly man at the bar, and a bored looking waitress with bad roots. Its classic Americana décor seems to have been frozen in the 1950’s. Tristan leads us to a booth in the back corner, and we both order some coffee. I’m studying the menu when the door chimes and four figures enter, three guys and a girl. Their covered heads are held low as they slide in beside us, two by two. As they pull back their hoodies, I’m shocked when I recognize the one who sits beside Tristan.
“Oh! Hey, Casandra,” I say, forcing a pained grin as my stomach sinks. What’s Tristan’s sister doing here?
“Shut up, you disgusting demon bitch,” she replies with a saccharine smile.
Stunned, it’s a moment before I feel Tristan’s gentle gaze on me. “It’s okay, Liora. She’s only joking with you.”
Oh, okay. I return my attention to the menu. “I think I’ll have the blueberry pancakes,” I say. “With an extra side of bacon.”
“I’ll have the same.” Tristan closes his menu and sets it down on top of mine.
I glance at the two guys sitting beside me, but I’m not all that interested in who they are or why they’re here. Funny though, they all have scars on their faces as well. Not as many as are on Casandra’s arms and hands, and none quite as large as Tristan’s, but they are there nonetheless. Perhaps they were all in the same car accident? Must’ve been some wreck.
But I don’t care enough to ask. Instead I just stir my coffee and stare out the dirty window beside me. It’s a nice day out. I’m glad we came down here.
The boy next to me speaks. “So this is her, huh?”
Tristan nods, and Casandra lets out a disgusted snort. “I swear, this is like the opening line of a really bad joke. ‘Five angels and a demon walk into a diner’—”
“Knock it off, Cass,” Tristan chides her. He looks at the boy beside me. “Yes, Roan, this is the one I told you about. She can help us—”
“We don’t need her help!” Casandra snaps. “This whole thing is a waste of time!”
The boy next to her speaks up. “So you’ve really seen it? She can handle the Boumeaux?”
Tristan looks at him and nods.
“So what, you think she’s just gonna open the magical door to her demonic kingdom so we can waltz right in and wipe them out?”
Tristan reaches his hand across the table, covering mine, and gives me a tender smile. “She’ll do whatever I ask her to. She’s almost ready now.”
I rub my thumb along his palm as we share an intimate look. It’s so nice that he’s introducing me to his family, and they’re all so cool. Especially Cassandra. I know she and I will be great friends…maybe like sisters. I’ve always wanted a sister.
“How’d you even know she was one of them?” the boy named Roan asks. “I don’t feel anything from her.”
Tristan smirks and his azure eyes flash. “She sees my scars. Not only sees them, but can’t stop staring. She said something to me about them the first time she saw me. She always wants to touch them, and even likes kissing them—”
Casandra makes a gagging noise. “Don’t you think you’re taking this game just a little too far, big brother?”
The boy beside her cuts her off. “How do you know she’s not one of ours? Being able to see the Markings doesn’t necessarily mean she’s a Dark One. There are lots of unknown offspring from rogues running around…”
Tristan laughs. “Well, because she can’t see my wing shadows. Pretty sure she would’ve mentioned seeing those.” He pauses as the waitress returns with our plates of pancakes. He pushes his to the side while I eagerly dig in.
“Besides,” he continues, his voice lower. “I can taste the blackness deep within her soul. It’s hidden, but it’s there.”
“You disgust me,” Cassie says, shaking her head. “This whole thing is beyond idiotic. Just kill her and be done with it.”
“I have a plan, Cass. And it will work. You just worry about your job, and let me worry about mine—”
“What job? The boy demon isn’t even here! He left her disgusting ass! But now I’m stuck playing high school student and forced to watch you make kissy time with a revolting demon bitch? No thank you!” Her delicate face is contorted with rage, and I half expect her to toss the table aside so she can storm out of here in a huff. I hold the sides of my plate just in case…These pancakes are delicious; I’d hate to see them fall on the floor.
Tristan wraps his arm over her shoulder and gives her a squeeze. “Casandra,” he says softly. “We are so close. Don’t give up on me now. This will work. Don’t you want payback for what those demons did to Nikko and Azriel? This is the only way…”
Casandra lets out a sigh and her face softens. It’s so nice to see a brother and sister who are so close and obviously care so much for each other. I relax my grip on my plate and resume eating.
“I just hate having to see you be with her,” Casandra pouts, glaring at me again. Her eyes are so pretty. Tristan pulls her closer and plants a soft kiss on her mouth.
I finish my coffee and nod at the waitress as she stops by for a refill.
“It’s a dangerous little game you’re playing, brother. Before you know it you’ll be saying we can never kill her,” Casandra says when the woman leaves.
“Not never…just not now. She’s too valuable. She’s the key to our future…to everything.”
“I still don’t like it. Our kinds don’t mix. This is way too risky.”
“There’s one of her and five of us. I’d say we’re pretty safe. Once she gets us into Thiberoux, it’s ours for the taking. And once it’s under our control there is no stopping us.” Tristan’s voice rings with confidence.
“If you say so.” She doesn’t seem convinced but the tension in her face has eased some.
“It’s almost over, my love. Soon we’ll be done with her. We’ll wipe out her world and her kind, and reign victorious as we are destined to do.”
~~~
Tristan holds out his hand as I step off the boat. “So, what’d you think?” His blue eyes sparkle with pleasure, and my mouth widens in a smile.
“It was perfect. Amazing. Thank you for taking me out today.” I fall into his embrace and welcome his soft lips on mine. Tristan is such a good kisser. Was Kieron as good? I can’t remember.
Tristan pulls his head back, his arms still firmly wrapped around my waist. “So you really enjoyed yourself?”
“Yes, very much so. This whole day was wonderful. I really needed it…just being on the water, you and me…I felt so at peace. Thanks again.”
The smile on Tristan’s lips doesn’t reach his eyes. “Anytime.”
Chapter 12. Lucky
I slam the glass down on the counter, shattering it. “You know what? I’m sick of it. I’m sick of having my mind messed with by demons who have no right to be roaming around in there. Do you hear me, Bones? Sick. Of. It!”
“The whole Bar hears you, Lucky,” Bones says with an exasperated sigh. He begins rubbing my shoulders, but I shrug him away. “Well, that’s the tradeoff for having psychic powers, Luck. You know that.” He returns to his drink. “It’s a two-way road. The messer sometimes becomes the messee.”
“It’s total bullshit. There aughta be a law—”
“If it makes you feel any better, she was able to get me too. ‘Course Aria can get anyone she wants, whether they’re psychic or not. Don’t feel bad.” He nods to Gyan, who wipes away the broken glass and sets down a fresh drink in front of me.
“I don’t feel bad, I feel pissed off. There’s a big difference.” I narrow my eyes in the direction of the door and hope Aria is reading the hateful thoughts I’m sending her way right now. It’s been two nights since she first stopped me from going after Kieron, and twice again now she’s thwarted my plans.
“But she’s helping us. Realistically, she’s probably saving both our lives—”
“Yeah, so she says. But how long do we have to wait? Every minute we sit here doing nothing like a couple of scaredy-cat chicken-shits is another minute that Kieron is being tortured…or worse.”
“She says we’re going soon. Just relax. And save your energy. Don’t waste your strength being mad at her. Save it for the Hlbafa.”
“Whatever,” I mutter, drumming my fingernails on the top of the bar. “I’m just so damn sick of her…”
“Aria?”
“No, the other annoying nightmare in my life. And yes, Aria, too. I know it’s Liora’s fault that I’m more susceptible to demon mind-games. If it wasn’t for her pathetic existence…first the Altrumina, now Aria—”
“Don’t take it so personal, Lucky. This is what Aria does. Why’re you so upset? It’s not like she made you do something stupid—the opposite, actually. She’s looking out for us. She’s on our side. I’d say we got pretty lucky, if you ask me. Now we might actually stand a chance, unlike before when we were guaranteed Dead Demons Walking.”
I hate to admit it, but deep down I know he’s right. I’m just livid that I could be so easily manipulated. I despise feeling so defenseless and helpless. It’s unnerving to know I’m not in control of my own mind and thoughts, reduced to a mere puppet at the mercy of another.
But my foul mood is compounded by the fact that tonight I woke up feeling even worse than usual. I don’t know what the hell is going on lately, but every time I wake up I feel drained and sluggish. Even though I’ve been ingesting almost three times as much Energy as usual, I still feel weak by the end of the night. Not exactly how I want to be while prepping for the toughest fight of my life.
“You know what Aria told me?” Bones asks, his voice quiet as he glances around. “She told me that the reason she wants to help is because she was able to see how much you care for Kieron. She was able to feel your feelings. She’d never experienced anything like that before, and it really affected her.” He gulps and looks away.
“I’m glad she’s gonna help, but she needs to move the hell out of my head,” I grumble. “I really have no interest in being her little brain bitch.”
“So what’re your plans for tonight?” Bones asks, changing the subject. He finishes the last of his beer and sets the glass on the counter. Then he stands up and flashes me a mischievous smirk. I roll my eyes and glance around the room. It’s obvious what he has planned.
“Nothing special.” I sigh and twirl a lock of hair around my finger. “Tormenting, I guess.”
“Oh yeah? Anyone special?”
I halfheartedly swallow my last sip of Energy-vodka and get up. Part of me just wants to go back to sleep. “There’s a new guy down in Charlotte. He likes locking blonde co-eds in his basement. Then he kills them after he’s done having his way with them.”
Bones raises an eyebrow. “What do you have in mind for him?”
I shrug and look away. “Suicide, I guess. Hanging…or maybe have him blow his brains out. Maybe jump off a tall building…”
“Why you wanna let him off easy like that?”
I ignore his question and stare straight ahead as we exit. I feel Aria’s eyes on me as we pass, but I dare not look in her direction. That doesn’t stop her, though. Just as Bones and I cross the Bridge of Kings and reach the outer forest of Dryndara, her voice rings loudly in my mind.
“Tomorrow.”
~~~
I glance at Bones, confused. “What’re you doing?” I thought for sure he’d shift into a hellhound and take off toward a Portal, but instead, he’s walking beside me as I head into the forest.
“Where’re you going?” he asks.
“To my secret spot.” I’ve never taken Bones to my special place high in the hills overlooking the lake of Adonni. Only Kieron’s been there. Now, as I look at Bones’ sweet face, I remember a promise I made to myself awhile back. I decide not to spend what might possibly be my last evening torturing stupid Sapies, but with my best friend, in my favorite place.
“Wanna come?” I ask.
His eyes light up, and he nods.
Bones doesn’t run nearly as fast in his human form as he does as a hellhound, so I have to go slow. Together we sprint through the thicket of golden branches and emerald leaves. Guided by the illuminating glow cast over our path by Illyria’s triple moons, we head up the hillside, toward my private sanctuary. When we reach the top, I wander to the edge of the cliff and sit down, looking out at the enchanted valley below. The sirens are singing tonight…haunting, soothing melodies that calm my soul. I lean back on my arms and stare out at the abyss.