Dark Touch

by Elle Lewis

  The world started fading. I looked up at her, struggling to stay conscious. “What the hell are you?”

  “You can call me Nyx.”

  Stars danced across my vision and then everything went black.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  WATER FOREST

  I felt intense heat. It pressed against every inch of my skin, oppressive and moist, as if I were in a sauna. Something hard and uneven pushed against my back, and I couldn’t move my arms. I opened my eyes. All I could see was strong yellow sunlight. I squinted, waiting for my eyes to adjust to the brightness. Gradually, the world came into focus.

  I was at the edge of a swamp. Low, still water stretched in all directions, coming to a stop at a very flat horizon. Lilly pads and tall grasses rose from the muddy water. Dragonflies and other large bugs darted to and fro, weaving around the plants. The air was filled with a loud chorus of insects buzzing in the heat. Palm trees rose at the water’s edge.

  I frowned, disoriented. Where the hell am I? I tried to stand but was unable to. Something held me in place. I looked down and cursed. I was sitting on a muddy bank, close to the water. Thick ropes were wrapped around my arms and torso, lashing me firmly to a tree. Lavender electricity laced around the ropes. It hummed and snapped, the tendrils brushing my skin. I expected to feel heat, but the temperature of the electricity was oddly cool.

  I struggled against the ropes, trying to shimmy out, but they were held fast. There was something about the color of the electricity that seemed familiar. And then I remembered. James getting thrown over the deck. The woman warrior slamming me into the side of the house, her gold and white wings spread wide as I slipped into unconsciousness.

  Fuck. Panic raced through my chest. James. What if he hadn't made it back to the house? What if hypothermia had set in? I screamed, throwing myself against the ropes.

  Suddenly, ripples appeared in the water in front of me. Two black eyes and a snout emerged from the murky water, followed by a large green body at least six feet long. An alligator was staring straight at me.

  I froze.

  The gator swam forward, gliding through the water. It crawled onto the bank and then stood, its heavily muscled legs carrying it forward, a three-inch talon on each scaled toe. My eyes widened. I stayed still, barely breathing.

  The alligator hissed, its long tail whipping to the side. The gator inched forward, its shiny black eyes focused on me. I searched the ground around me, looking for a sharp rock or something that could cut the ropes. But there was nothing but mud. I was about to be eaten alive, a tied-up sacrifice to a fucking Kraken. A scream was building in my throat, threatening to break free.

  The woman warrior suddenly dropped from above, her feet touching the ground without a sound. I stared up at her in shock, unsure if I was angry or confused by her presence. She tucked in her gold and white wings, gave me an exasperated look, and walked over to the alligator.

  She stroked its head. “The animals on this planet are fascinating.” The alligator closed its mouth, becoming docile under her touch. “Such varied levels of evolution coexisting. This creature is from the beginning, yet it thrives in an environment with relatively new species, ones that are still young and developing.”

  Thanks Darwin. "Untie me now," I said.

  She faced me, crossing her arms. "Not until you stop acting like a rabid dog."

  "Me?" I yelled. "Jesus you've got a lot of fucking nerve."

  "We are trying to help you," she responded.

  "You're trying to help? Seriously?" I snapped. "Meanwhile Darrow has been stalking me for a week. And now you show up?"

  "There is much you do not understand."

  "Enlighten me, please," I said. "What don't I understand? You throwing me against a house, knocking me out? Or tossing James into freezing cold water? Oh, and tying me to a goddamn tree. You're right. I'm clueless!"

  "Stop being so dramatic. You're fine," she said. "And so is your human companion."

  "Fuck you."

  She pursed her lips and walked closer, squatting so that our eyes were level. "I personally cannot stand humans. You are ignorant, hateful little creatures. But you have set things into motion. Events that impact us all. So... despite my revulsion to you, I can assure you that I am—in fact—helping you."

  I glared at her. "Untie me, bitch."

  Anger flashed in her lavender eyes. "My name is Nyx, and your behavior only confirms my opinion of you and your species."

  "This from the violent evil being with wings."

  Nyx balanced her arms on her knees. “I gave you and your companion ample opportunity to cooperate. His attempt to harm me using an automatic rifle was provocation enough, however as you recall, I simply took the weapon and asked him to stand aside. He refused. My actions were justified. As far as rendering you unconscious, you did not leave me with much choice. I needed to take you; to bring you here. It is vital if you are to survive. The ropes are in place to keep you from running or injuring yourself. I have infused them with my energy to rejuvenate you.”

  “I am so sick of you fucking things,” I said. “Let me go.”

  “Have you not heard a word that I have said?” she responded. “Things are happening that are beyond your comprehension. Things that your world knows nothing about. And to think, a Dark One stumbled upon you. A human that was given something more at its birth. I still cannot wrap my mind around it. And to leave my quadrant, unguarded, to protect you…it is beyond unsettling.”

  “Sorry,” I said sarcastically.

  “Debate this information to your heart’s desire. Regardless, you will henceforth be in our possession. Decide quickly how you will conduct yourself. Aleo and Cato will be here soon.” She stood, looking down on me, and expression of superiority on her exquisite face. "As I stated before, the human male is alive and well. After you lost consciousness, Cato pulled him out of the water."

  Without waiting for a response, Nyx bent her knees and jumped, landing on a branch several feet above me. She sat quietly, gazing out over the still water. She had probably been sitting there the entire time I was unconscious. I didn’t know what to think. Although I sincerely hoped she was telling the truth about James. Thinking about him brought tears to my eyes. Please God, let him be alright.

  I looked down at the ropes. The lavender electricity swirled around the cords. It did not cause me any discomfort. There was only a cool wispy sensation, like icy clouds caressing my skin. Nyx claimed it was rejuvenating me. I made myself focus, tuning into my body. There was no pain in my head. My body felt strong and rested, as if I had spent days sleeping. I ran my tongue across the inside of my bottom lip where Darrow had hit me. The skin was smooth, healed. Okay. I shifted uneasily, the tree digging into my back.

  My eyes flicked upwards. Nyx balanced effortlessly on the branch. Her body language was calm but alert. I was tied up, totally vulnerable. But she hadn’t laid a finger on me. Yes, she was a bitch, but would she harm me? The evidence suggested otherwise.

  Overwhelmed, I rested my head against the tree and closed my eyes. The sun was incredibly bright. Even with my eyes closed, I saw yellow, as if there was a sunrise inside my eyelids. Sweat trickled down my skin, my hair sticking to my face and neck. The swarm of insects continued to sing, the humidity amplifying the heat to an unbearable level. Of all the places she could have dragged me, she brought me to a goddamn swamp.

  I rubbed my left fingertips together and wiggled the toes on my left foot. The pain on the left side of my body burned steadily, contributing to the uncomfortable warmth. I guess there was only so much the lavender electricity could do.

  Could I trust the things that Nyx said? My stomach rolled with nausea. I was more afraid tha
n I ever had been in my life. Nyx claimed they were here to help. But it was hard to believe an individual who knocked me out and tied me up. Although I had to admit, she had asked James to step aside. If we had simply complied, would she still have resorted to violence? There was no way to know.

  Either way, I was alone in a situation that was entirely out of my control. What was going to happen to me? A fresh round of tears sprang to my eyes. I didn’t hold them back. They slipped down my cheeks, mingling with my sweat, settling along the corners of my mouth in a salty pool of moisture.

  I felt a light tickle on my knee and opened my eyes.

  A gigantic grasshopper had landed on my tights. It was bright orange with bold splotches of black, and a red stripe over its wings. Its antennae swiveled around.

  “Are you here to give me advice?” I asked the little insect aloud. The grasshopper circled a few times and then buzzed away, landing on a nearby bush. “Didn’t think so.”

  To say that I felt helpless was an understatement. Fighting seemed pointless. The alligator continued to lay on the muddy bank, lazily drinking in the hot sun. For the moment, it didn’t seem like it planned to eat me. Small victories. What I wanted more than anything was for Nyx to untie me. Being pressed against the rough bark was becoming more painful by the minute. But sitting in the heat wearing a sweater was even worse. Nyx remained still overhead, unmoving, an ethereal gargoyle.

  I chewed on my bottom lip. Maybe if I promised to be calm, she would agree to untie me. Not cursing at her in the process would probably also help. Be polite, Sloan. Before I had the chance to venture the question, the ground shuttered beneath me.

  A voice like deep thunder boomed from behind the tree. “You thought it necessary to tie her up?”

  “Yes. The human is violent,” Nyx replied from above.

  "And where did you obtain rope?" the deep voice asked.

  Nyx dropped down, landing in front of the gator. "I found it on the way here, at a boating dock...gave some humans a fright." She laughed.

  "I’m releasing her," the voice said.

  "She can't be reasoned with," Nyx said.

  “All living creatures can be reasoned with,” the deep voice rumbled.

  I heard a loud swish-swish. The thick cords loosened and fell away, sinking to the muddy ground like a pile of lifeless snakes. I shook the remaining coils off me and then got to my feet, keeping hold of the tree for support.

  The golden warrior walked around the tree and stood in front of me, beside Nyx. I regarded him warily. It was the first time I had seen him standing motionless. He was still only wearing a pair of military cargo pants and sneakers. His seven-foot frame was corded with impressive muscle. His jaw was strong and square, his nose and lips well defined and regal. A broad sword was gripped in one of his massive hands. I flattened myself against the tree, my gaze lingering on the sharp tip of the sword. Then suddenly, it was gone. The formidable weapon disappeared from his hand. What the hell?

  His deep brown eyes locked with mine. “I am not going to hurt you.”

  I managed a small nod but kept my death grip on the tree.

  “My name is Cato.” His voice was incredibly deep. It was like listening to thunder rolling through the sky. “Aleo has arrived. He is waiting for you within the forest. Nyx and I must bring you to him. No harm will come to you while you are within our protection. This I promise.”

  “She will not come willingly,” Nyx said matter-of-factly.

  Cato glanced at Nyx and grinned, a dimple appearing in his left cheek. He turned back to me. “Is this true? Will you not come with us willingly?”

  I studied them both, my heart racing. “Where am I? Why have you brought me here?”

  Cato inclined his head politely. “You are in the Florida Everglades and have been brought here so that we may protect you against the Dark One known as Darrow. Aleo, our leader, wishes to reveal all to you. It is his belief that you cannot be thoroughly protected unless you are given the truth. I agree.”

  Nyx rolled her eyes. “There is no time for this.”

  Cato became serious. “Patience Nyx. This human has endured pain and torment at the hands of a Dark One. The least we can do is be understanding.”

  Nyx scowled but fell silent. I was starting to like Cato. He focused his warm brown eyes on me, waiting.

  “You’ll tell me everything? Including what you are?” I asked.

  “Yes,” he replied.

  “Am I…different somehow? From other humans?”

  “You are,” he answered. “You should have died when the Dark One touched you. You did not. This occurrence is unprecedented. Something like this has never occurred before. And its significance impacts all of creation and the life within it.”

  I was quiet for several moments, deliberating. Running was not an option. They would only overpower me. And besides, where the hell would I go in this endless swamp? But do I even want to run? The promise of answers was intoxicating.

  I let go of the tree and stepped forward. “I’ll go with you.”

  Cato smiled. “That is wise.”

  “What do you want me to do?” I asked.

  “Nyx will lead the way. I will walk beside you,” Cato answered. “I understand our presence is frightening, however I must remain close to you at all times to ensure your protection.”

  I nodded. “Okay.”

  Nyx plunged into the forest, her footsteps quick and soundless. She was so small in comparison to Cato. I gritted my teeth and followed. As promised, Cato stayed beside me. The ground inside the forest was relatively dry. It was firm but still squishy. My motorcycle boots constantly got stuck in the moist ground. The land was flat but because I had to expend extra energy pulling my feet out of the mud, it felt like a hike through the mountains. Dense trees converged overhead, blocking out the harsh sun. The foliage was thick and wild, the chorus of bugs louder now that I was within the trees. Wide puddles and rivulets of water presented themselves at regular intervals. Cato and Nyx made no noise as they navigated through the water forest. The only sound was the twitter of bugs and the rhythmic plunk of my boots in the mud. The humidity was tangible and sticky. I took off my sweater, rolled it into a ball and tucked it under my arm. Sweat poured down my skin, soaking my yellow tank top.

  Despite the gloom within the forest, Nyx’s wings were easy to see. They were tucked behind her back. The alternating gold and white features glimmered, as if they contained internal light. Is this really happening? Am I really walking through the Florida Everglades with two supernatural beings? I stole a quick glance at Cato. His dark eyes never stopped moving as he scanned the tree line and sky, his body tense and alert. His wings were also folded behind his back, but they were so big that they trailed along the ground behind him. They were a deep gold, with that same internal glow that radiated from the feathers. I wondered if they were soft.

  Nyx suddenly took a sharp right. The ground inclined slightly and became less wet. Light brown pine needles and pine cones were strewn across the path. My boots stopped making the loud plunk noise. Instead my footfalls were hushed as I walked across the dry ground. Palmettos appeared on either side, growing closely together, their leaves wide and thick. About half a mile up ahead, there was a line of closely-knit tall trees. Gray moss hung from the branches, like an old woman's hair. Nyx quickened her pace and I walked faster to keep up. We wove through the thick expanse of palmettos, finally approaching the larger trees. They were arranged tightly in a circle. I couldn’t see past the thick branches and hanging moss. Nyx walked into the confined space, her small form disappearing. I stopped, hesitating. Cato waited beside me, an intimidating presence at my side.

  His thunderous voice made me jump. “Sloan
, you must take those last few steps. All the answers you have been searching for are waiting. You will be safe, I give you my word.”

  I stared at the tight collection of trees. “You know my name?”

  Cato smiled, dimples appearing in both cheeks. “Yes, Sloan Stolar. I have been guarding you closely for quite some time, though you did not see me.”

  I looked up at him. His brown eyes were warm, sincere.

  "You can trust us," he said patiently.

  I took in a slow deep breath and walked forward. Cato followed closely behind me as I entered the circle of trees.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  ALEO AND INIGO

  I pushed past branches and leaves. The gray moss swept across my skin, dry and rough. I could feel Cato’s presence at my back, but his footsteps were silent. The dense foliage quickly gave way to a circular clearing, the quiet space enclosed by tall thick trees. The ground was dry, covered in light brown and green grasses. Several logs were arranged neatly in the middle of the clearing, a small fire kindled at the center. I processed my surroundings but the figures in the clearing made me instantly forget the details. It was like looking at a clock and then immediately forgetting the time.

  I stopped, frozen.

  Aleo sat on the furthest log. I studied him, my eyes wide. His features were painfully beautiful. His bone structure was delicate yet strong with high cheek bones and thin shapely lips. It was the face of a Renaissance angel. Small, neat silver dreadlocks fell to his waist. Aleo was also dressed in military cargo pants and black sneakers. His bare chest was smooth and sculpted, his skin pale, almost alabaster. He was easily close to seven feet tall. Power radiated from him in waves, as if it were some tangible thing vibrating through the air that I could reach out and touch.

  Standing to his left was a figure that my mind struggled to process. His tall body was defined with muscle, but his skin was metallic. Although, I wasn’t sure skin was the right word to use. He seemed to be composed of a different element entirely, as if liquid metal had converged in the form of a body. There wasn’t a stitch of clothing on him, no hair on his head. His features were harsh and severe. A stern square jawline, a small sharp nose, full lips set in a hard line. As for his eyes, I could barely look at them. They were two circles of silver fire, shining in his metallic face. The same silver light ran up and down his body, like tiny lines of electricity. It reminded me of an illustration I once saw in one of Donovan’s science books of synapses firing in the nervous system.