by Lola StVil
The Alliance held a thank-you ceremony that also served as a farewell to Mason. I wasn’t invited; big surprise. I’m told stars were rearranged in the sky to honor the fallen hero. The most important beings in the Shadow world made an appearance and thanked Disney and others for fighting so hard.
Disney didn’t want to go; hell, neither did the others. They were relieved to have found the veil, but losing Mason was a real blow for them. It didn’t help that Disney wasn’t talking to Quinn or her mother. All in all, everyone was stressed and despondent. They attended the celebration but only stayed for a half hour from what I was told. Then they all gathered back at the bookshop, the last place they were all together.
I watch them enter the bookshop on the screen in front me. It’s closed to patrons tonight, so it’s just the team. Shortly after they enter, a figure appears in the doorway of the bookshop. I’m already on high alert. She’s short, plump, and graceful. Her skin is the color of mahogany. She has a wide nose, full lips, and radiant brown eyes. She wears gold rings with symbols I’ve never seen before. It’s hard to tell what her hair looks like because it’s piled high above her head and covered up by a colorful head wrap. The scents of sandalwood and lavender float from her body and into the air. I recognize her at once: Sia.
“I’m sorry, but we’re closed,” Disney says. The entire team sits up straight as if they are in grad school and the principal has just entered.
“Who are you?” Disney asks. When Sia replies, there’s a slight Jamaican accent, in addition to her warm tone.
“I am Sia, the last member of the Alliance to choose a Seeker. So, I suppose you could say I’m the reason you are on this quest. I would have introduced myself to you at the ceremony, but you and your team left quite suddenly,” she says with a hint of disapproval.
“Our leader—our friend—is gone. Sorry if we don’t feel like partying,” Perry snaps. Sia glares at him, and all at once, all the lights on the block begin to blink on and off.
“Sia, Perry is sorry. He’s just… Mason wasn’t just our leader,” Saudia says.
“Yes, well. I can understand that. However, there is such a thing as protocol. We will follow it from now on. Do I make myself clear, Perry?”
“Yes. Sorry,” Perry replies, dejected.
“As a witch, I have lived a long time and have seen more than you all will ever know. And one thing I have noted time and time again—Death is only an issue for the living. Mason did not die so that his team could lament his passing and be weighed down by mourning. Mason was a warrior. He died in battle for what he believed in—humanity. There could be no better death,” she says.
“Don’t try to spin this. He’s gone and it’s our fault. We should have saved him,” Langston says.
“That was not the mission. The mission was to seek out the veil. If Mason had it to do over again, I can assure you he would have done the same thing. He gave his life in exchange for billions of others. He set out to have a team that was skilled, powerful, and stuck together. And in the end, that is exactly what all of you did. Now we have the item we needed. Don’t take this victory from him. Give him your joy and your laughter. That’s the way to honor him,” Sia pleads.
“Is there any way we can get him back?” Disney asks.
“The Shadow world has crossed the line between life and death, as you well know. However, we cannot completely erase it. Dead is dead, no matter what realm you are in. There is no turning back. I would have thought that Sadie would have explained that to you all,” Sia says.
“Yeah well, some of us aren’t really happy to have Sadie around,” Disney says.
“Yes, I heard. Quinn…super witch. Not exactly making wise decisions, are we?” Sia says.
“I don’t remember having done it,” Quinn replies.
“Nevertheless, it was done. I think you should be thrown off the team. Your actions were selfish and wicked,” Sia replies.
“Okay, I understand,” Quinn says with tears in her eyes.
“Wait! Sia, she’s not that same witch anymore. Quinn would never do something like that now. She’s grown up. Doesn’t that count for something?” Regal begs.
“The interesting thing about your predicament is that you father did not leave because of all the time your mother spent with Atlas and her family. He left because of another reason. Something that cut him deep into his core.”
“What reason, Sia?” Quinn begs.
“Now, it’s not my place. Sadie has to untangle her own family mess. Let me just say that the heart wants what it wants—regardless of consequences. Isn’t that right, Seeker?” she accuses.
“What do you mean?” Atlas replies.
“The hour is late; let us not play games,” Sia suggests.
“You’re talking about me and Liam.”
“When you say his name, it sounds rather like a romance novel instead of the horror show that it really is,” Sia says.
“He helped this team. He didn’t have to do that,” she counters.
“He helped you. And yes, he had to do it. He’s in love with you. Granted, I didn’t think that was possible. Yet here we are. However, try and remember his love for you may protect you, but it won’t do anything for members of your team.”
“My team?”
“Yes. Every leader chooses who will take their place if something should happen. It’s normally someone who is also an angel, but this time, Mason selected you.”
“Wait, what? Why?” Atlas asks.
“I suspect like me, he saw something in you. You’re a fighter. And with Sadie’s powers at your disposal, you are the perfect choice.”
“I don’t know if I can do that. I don’t know if…”
“Well, I know. I think you can lead us. You were a real badass in the afterlife. You took control and really stepped up. I would follow you,” Saudia says.
“I’m not in love with your fashion sense and we really need to discuss that hairstyle, but yeah, I’d follow you,” Langston says.
“Same here,” the twins reply in unison.
“You suck at board games, but yeah, I’d follow you,” Perry adds. Everyone now turns to look at Quinn, and then at Atlas.
“Ah yes, the subject of Quinn. But first, will you grant Mason his wish—will you lead the team?” Sia asks.
Fuck.
“I…well…yeah. I mean, yes. Yes, I will be the new leader,” she says bravely.
“Good. Now, you have two decisions to make right away.”
“What are they?” she asks, trying to sound casual.
“One, what do you want to do about Quinn? On the team or off. You know where I stand,” Sia says. Atlas looks over at Quinn and I’m certain that she’s about to throw her out.
Don’t do it, babe. Quinn is not an enemy you want. Be smart about it; don’t throw her out. Keep a close eye on her.
“Quinn stays.”
Good girl.
“And the second decision is this: is your team going to mourn Mason’s death or celebrate his life?”
***
Disney takes her new team to a beachfront property in Anguilla, after learning that it was one of Mason’s favorite places to blow off steam. I can see why. The water is crystal blue and calm; the sands are white and gleaming. It’s like walking into a screensaver.
Disney dared to ask me to come along. I told her no, but when has that ever stopped her? She dragged me with her and told the team it was a “thank you” because I helped them out. They agreed but were certainly not happy about it. Yet, none of them tried to kill me so, I guess that’s a win.
I also had another win, one that means everything—I talked to Ella. Well, I didn’t actually “talk” to her, but Sadie confessed she couldn’t do the spell to let me see her one more time. I was livid until she explained that Ella had moved on. She didn’t linger behind, because she was at peace. I know that for a fact because Sadie handed me a Farewell Pearl with Ella’s name on it. Arken lied about destroying it. That was just another one of
his mind games. I was so happy to know that Ella was finally at peace, I decided, screw that, I’m gonna go with my girl.
The first few hours being here were tense to say the least. Everyone generally avoided me. I didn’t care, for the most part. I did like watching my girl in charge though; that shit was sexy as hell. She ordered Quinn to cast spells around the area to alert them should evil enter. She had the twins comb through the area and mark potential spots demons could access. And she wouldn’t let any of them relax until they had a full session of safety drills. The team was uptight, and not just because I was there. I think they were still really missing Mason. So at the end of the first day, Atlas feared going away was a bust.
The second day on the island, Perry and Saudia come back from the beach and over to the common area, where the table and chairs are set up. Perry is livid and bloody.
“I won’t have this! Does he know who I am? I’m going back there to kick his ass!” Perry says.
“What happened? Who attacked you?” Disney asks, now on high alert.
“How many of them are there?” I ask.
“I didn’t sense any evil,” Quinn says.
“Well, there’s evil all right, and they are everywhere!” Perry says.
“Perry, who attacked you?” Disney demands.
“Dot,” he replies.
“Who?” I ask.
“A dolphin,” Saudia says, unable to hold back her laughter.
“That crazy creature took a chuck of my finger off,” Perry says.
“I told you, you were too close,” Saudia replies.
“Oh sure, blame the victim!” Perry accuses. Saudia begins to laugh so hard she can hardly remain upright. The team tries not to join in, but once Perry starts to plan his revenge, it’s hard not to join in.
“This isn’t funny! That thing is a menace. Look at this!” he says, showing us his “injured” finger.
“He could have taken my hand off,” Perry protests.
“She, Perry,” Saudia replies.
“The dolphin was a girl?’ I ask.
“Yup—her name is Dottie,” Saudia replies.
“Awww, Dottie! That’s so cute!” Remy says.
“Cute! Okay. I hate to say this but I feel like I am not being heard on this team. I’m not sure this is the right place for me. I’m sorry, Atlas, but I quit,” he says, clearly affronted as he starts to walk away. Atlas smirks and calls after him.
“Food’s here,” she says. Perry turns back and spots the long procession of staff coming down the trail with endless trays of food. They set the food on our table, and Perry drools over the wide selection of seafood, pastas, and fruit.
“On the other hand, you guys totally need me. So, I guess I’m forced to stay—for humanity’s sake,” Perry says as he picks up a large prawn and shoves it into his mouth. They share a laugh as he stuffs his face—even I have to laugh.
Disney and I sneak out while they are all preoccupied. We take a walk along the shore. The sun is sinking into the sky, causing red and gold colored beams of light. I can’t lie; it’s fucking beautiful out here.
“Did you hear that? They were laughing!” Disney says, practically jumping up and down.
“I did see that. This was a good idea—you bringing them here.”
“You know what else was a good idea—you choosing me, ’cause I don’t know if you heard, but—I’m kind of badass,” she says.
“I did hear that.”
“And you agree?” she teases.
“I agreed the moment I threw you out the window and you came back to tell me off. I knew you were something else,” I reply as we walk.
“I noticed you kind of joined in with the whole laughter thing too…” she says carefully.
“Atlas…”
“What?! C’mon, why not just join us?”
“I’m a demon.”
“You helped us. You could do even more. We would be like a cool super couple who fight against evil.”
“Are there capes involved?”
“Wow, I didn’t know you liked to dress up. We may need to explore that more later on tonight, when we’re alone,” she jokes—or at least I think it’s a joke.
“Your team tolerated me for a few days. That doesn’t mean they want me around.”
“Is it them or is it you that doesn’t want to be around?” she asks as she stops walking and faces me.
“Princess, I’m happy to be wherever you are. But I have a target on my back.”
“Arken hasn’t sent anyone out after you. Maybe he’s got another demon he wants to give the job of Keysu over to. Maybe you are free and clear,” she says hopefully.
“I’ve never been free and clear in my life. I don’t think that’s about to change now.”
“Liam, just say you’ll join us. I’ll show you where to hide Perry’s food so that he thinks he ate it already. And I’ll teach you how to get into the bathroom before Langston so you are not stuck in the hallway banging on the door for hours. And we have a pool going to see what random crap Remy will bring back from her travels to wherever she goes. You can join in, make some money,” she says playfully.
“Disney…”
“Oh, c’mon! Okay, how about this: I’ll let you punch Perry every time he says something stupid,” she offers.
“How hard can I punch him?” I ask. She laughs and I pull her close to me.
“I don’t get how it’s possible to love you as much as I do. I can’t believe I get to be here with you. It hurts like hell to say, but I’m guessing sooner or later my luck will run out. So, can we just kiss for right now and not worry about the rest of it?” I ask.
“Yeah, I can do that,” she says as she wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me deeply. Damn, she feels so good against me. I’d give anything to pause this moment. Anything. But that’s not how it works in the Shadow world. There’s always something to ruin things like sunsets and perfect kisses with a girl who’s crazy enough to love you back. When we pull apart, my cell vibrates. I look down at the screen. The text is from Talon:
“Market. Now.”
Like I said, it’s always something…
***
I know he’s here somewhere. I can feel him. I scan the area, and so far, there’s no sight of him. I catch a glimpse of something moving past the hollowed-out window of the Market, on the second floor. He’s here; he’s inside the Market. For all the times we burned that place down, we never entered it. And yet today, he’s not only inside, he’s on the very floor we were kept on. Walking into that house again is gut wrenching and painful as fuck. It’s the same for Talon. So, if he’s willing to go this far, he’s really trying to make a point.
It’s never good when Talon feels he needs to make a point…
I find him standing with his back along what remains of the wall. He’s staring off into space but I know he see me. He knows I’m here.
“Talon, you shouldn’t be here, man. Let’s go,” I urge.
“I remember the night they brought me here. They took off my blindfold, threw me into this room, and said, ‘You scream. You die.’”
“Yeah, they said that to me too,” I reply, trying to stop the flashes from invading my mind.
“The first thing I remember about being here, even before I saw what a shithole this place was, the first thing that told me I was in hell, was the smell. It smelled like fear, sweat, and sorrow. The moment I was thrown in here, I knew I was dead. And after weeks of being ripped apart by grown ass men in dark corners, I wanted to die.
“But then, you came to the Market, and the first night they snatched you up from this room so one of their customers could get alone time with you, you went and kicked him in the balls so hard he had to go to the ER. The assholes beat you so bad that night; I though no fucking way does this kid survive. You remember that?” he asks.
“Yeah, you waited until they were gone. You crawled over to me and gave me water. But they had beaten me so much, I couldn’t hold the bottle; you put it t
o my lips so I could drink. I cried for days, and finally you said, ‘Forget about this place. We’re not really here. We’re somewhere bright. Warm. Safe. And every night we’d pick a different place to go in our minds,” I reply as a lump forms in my throat.
“You loved water. When it was your turn, you’d always go where there was water,” Talon says.
“Your favorite escape places were always high in the mountains so you could look down at the world,” I reply.
“But no matter where we ended up in our fantasy escape, it always started out the same way—”
“With the house burning,” I whisper almost to myself.
“Yeah, that’s right. You and I were just kids! We were kids! They failed us. Our parents, the cops, the teachers, the neighbors, everyone failed us. And the only thing that kept us alive was that we had each other. What did I tell you when you came back from your session with the Dentist? What did I tell you when you came back bleeding, shaking, and begging for death? What did I say?”
“You said that you would never let the Dentist near me again. And that even if you had to die to stop him from touching me again, you would. You said you’d protect me.”
“And why did I say that, Kane? Why the fuck did I say that I would protect you?”
“We were brothers. Even though we came from two different homes…we were brothers.”
“All we had was our brotherhood and our vow: our vow to make the world burn until there was nothing left. Now, nothing has changed for me. But it’s starting to look like things have changed for you.”
“It’s hard to explain.”
“Bullshit. Are we still brothers?”
“Talon, don’t…”
“Do you want to know where all the bite marks are? No, you want to know how long the night is when you are pinned down by the devil himself? The Dentist did things to me: things that made the men in the Market look merciful. But I didn’t give up because I knew that I had a brother out there who gave a damn if I lived or died.”
“I do, you know that. You know that I fucking love you. You know that I would gladly die for you.”
