The witches’ back was up against the wall just like ours. It was only a matter of time before they would be the next one targeted for death.
“We have to fight together and put our differences aside for now, for the sake of survival,” said Trinity.
“I’ll give you something to slow the vampire virus, but I won’t help you fight. Your kind deserves annihilation,” said Rose. She waved her hand in a circular motion and a bright green light shined on us. We fell to the floor.
Rose chanted fast and one syringe appeared. She handed it to me. “Here you go.” Her face flushed and her eyes turned black. The chanting became incoherent when her head started spinning fast. Every light in the shop flickered and some lights burst, shattering sending glass everywhere.
Frowning I looked at the syringe with the orange cap. There wasn’t much. How many lives would be saved by one syringe? “How many lives can this save?” I slid it in my pocket and studied her.
“There is one dose to halt the vampire virus for one person. It doesn’t cure the virus. I can’t cure the virus just slow it. If you don’t find a cure you will still die,” said Rose.
“Can you make more of these syringes,” asked Orion. He didn’t say anything more but cut his eyes at me.
Rose’s body language screamed her dislike for vampires. When she handed me the syringe, she did so to make sure our fingers didn’t touch. She stands apart from me like she can’t bear to be within two minutes of me. She isn’t the easiest witch to tolerate. I have preferences just like she does, and witches are treacherous, lying, power-hungry people. We are living in perilous times and I’ll do what must be done to save the ones I love. That is the difference between a vampire and a witch.
“Nope. The spell loses its potency, so for it to work I can only do the spell once. It can’t be replicated and keep its strength,” said Rose.
“Thank you for your help. If you change your mind, and I’m sure you will, Aidan can tell you how to get in contact with us.” I moved toward the door.
“Boy, do you think my help is free. It will cost you. My eyes and ears at the capitol say that it is in danger. His name is Zane Moteiro protect him with your life,” said Rose.
“How do we even know he’s still alive? If he’s your spy chances are, he’s already dead,” said Orion.
“Walter Higgins tried to kill Derrick at a private meeting today. Walter will think your spy is the reason Derrick isn’t dead,” said Aidan.
“I hope Zane is worth saving and that he is a whole lot smarter than you,” said Trinity. She brushed past Rose and out of the door.
Fred eyed Rose once more before he walked out.
“If he’s alive I will protect him.”
The cold air hit me in the face once I stepped outside. I didn’t realize how hot the pet shop was until I stepped outside. Pulling out my phone, I texted Leonardo.
Arianna
My heart pounded as I walked through the halls of the academy. I felt like I was being followed, but that didn’t make sense. It’s not like I’m the popular girl in school, and someone would notice my absence.
Bethanny walked down the hallway. I looked around but there wasn’t any place to hide, and I couldn’t risk her turning around. Turning the corner, I spotted the door leading to the kitchen and quickly slipped inside it. Glancing at the clock, I waited ten minutes. Opening the refrigerator, I grabbed a green apple. After taking a few bites I walked out of the door. The ache in my stomach dulled a bit but the gas was pressing on my upper stomach.
Rushing around the corner, Bethanny yanked me back by my arm. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Snatching my arm from her I flared. “Get out of my way. I don’t have time for your mess today.”
“I haven’t seen you all day and I looked for you.”
“I was here.” I moved past her, but she stepped in front of me.
“I didn’t see Cade all day. You guys are not allowed to leave school grounds, or you could be dismissed.”
“I’m not going to repeat myself. Think what you want.” I brushed past her and walked down to Liam’s office.
I had never gone to his office, but I knocked on the door. I spotted Bethanny hanging out in the hallway and I rolled my eyes and walked inside the office. Closing the door behind me, I saw his massive desk. It was the most beautiful desk that I have ever seen. The hard carving on it looked like it represented the spiritual animals of the universes.
“Mr. Moretti are you in here?” I passed by the desk and stepped down into the study. On one wall there was a huge bookshelf built into the wall. Books were my favorite things to do. The world was a treacherous place, but you could navigate it safely in books.
Walking over to the bookshelf I touched the black leather book. Each book looked brand new. What wouldn’t I do for an opportunity to curl up in a chair and read all these books?
“Ms. Deeds what are you doing in here?” Liam seemed to appear out of nowhere.
“I wanted to talk to you.” I shifted from one foot to the next. Liam towered over me, and he was very frightening.
“I was just coming to talk to you. Where is Kyra?” asked Liam.
“I don’t know where Kyra is?”
“If you will not tell me where your sister is then you cannot help me,” said Liam.
The intercom came on, and a male voice spoke loudly. “Sir, Kyra has been detained, trying to leave school grounds, she is being brought to your office now,” he said.
“Brandon was she alone?” asked Liam. He walked over and sat at his desk. Once he flipped the light on, he stared at his door.
“We didn’t find anyone else,” said Brandon.
Oh man. I hope Trevor doesn’t come here. Kyra is a handful and I can’t imagine what she’s up to but I know she has something up her sleeve. She thinks she can hide from Trevor, and he’s crazy enough to storm up here.
“Have you heard from Cade?”
“No sir and the search party haven’t had any luck locating him.”
Where is Cade? Liam sent a search party after him, and they can’t find him. Could he be in danger?
“Keep looking. They are not to return here without him,” said Liam.
The intercom shut off.
“I came to tell you, I tried to catch my sister and bring her to you, but she is pregnant, and ran. I discovered her diary, and there is an address to her demon boyfriend Trevor.”
“What makes you think I trust you?”
“It doesn’t matter if you do or don’t. What you believe won’t change the truth. I warned you and if you fail to heed the warning then it is on you.” I tossed Kyra’s diary on his desk.
“What did you hope to accomplish by bringing this here?” He picked it up and laid it down again.
“I thought to save my friends and give you a chance to not be taken off guard, but I see I did the right thing. I gave the information to the werewolves, so at least they will prepare to do what needs to be done when you don’t.”
I’ve had all I can take of his nasty attitude. All my life, I’ve been judged for Kyra’s actions and I’m tired of it. He is wasting my time. I need to get back to Claire, and I’m late all for nothing.
“Arianna, where do you think you are going?”
“You are blind, and that blindness is going to get us all killed. I’m done talking to you.”
“What did you say to me?” Liam stood up and walked from around the desk.
The door swung open. Kyra was drug inside by a man on each arm and several men behind them. She looked defeated. I know her. She has something up her sleeve.
“Kyra, did you really think you could run from me?” He leaned against his desk with his arms across his chest.
“I wasn’t running from you. Chasity and I were attacked by vampires,” said Kyra.
“Chasity has been sneaking you in here for weeks, and you thought I didn’t know about it. Foolish little girl.”
“If you knew, why didn’t you stop it?�
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“Tell me where I can find Trevor. He isn’t at this address; where is he?” Liam held up Kyra’s diary.
“Give that back. It’s mine.” Kyra jerked against the men that held her.
“Tell me where he is.”
“He’s going to kill you. He’s going to kill all of you. He loves me, and the baby. You’ve messed with the wrong one now.” Looking at me, her eyes narrowed. “You. You gave him my diary. I wish Trevor had killed you when he had the chance. He won’t spare your life a second time. These tile floors will run red with your blood,” said Kyra.
“You actually think Trevor wants you? He used you to get what grows in your stomach. You have given up everything and gained nothing because you will die, but he will take your child. Your child will never know you even existed.”
“Take her to the lab. I’ll be there in a minute to examine her and the fetus,” said Liam.
They dragged her out of the office and shut the door behind them. The office door slammed shut behind them.
“It does look like you have told me some things that were true, but I don’t trust you. You will be confined to your room.”
“Why are you treating me like a prisoner. I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Cade is missing and you are not. If something has happened to him because of you, then you will forfeit your life.” He snapped his fingers and two men walked in, grabbed me and dragged me to my room.
Once the guards turned the corner, one opened my door and slammed me in the wall before tossing me in my room.
“I’d like to see you try that when my hands are free.” Running my hands through my hair I closed my eyes for patience.
They closed the doors and the locks slid in place.
How was I going to escape and get to Claire when I’m locked in my room? Pacing in the middle of the floor helped me feel a little better.
Ring.
Running to the desk I scatter everything around like a scavenger hunt looking for the phone. Dashing to the bed I lifted the cover.
“Hello.” Frowning I looked down at the number. A sense of relief flooded me when I saw her name on the screen.
“Where have you been? Audrey and I have been worried. Bethanny came over to our table making a nasty scene,” said Ivy.
Jumping off the bed I rushed to the door. I was still locked inside my room but it sounded like everyone was in the hall. The screaming and shouting made me move back from the door.
“Oh my, what is that? Everyone is in the hallways,” said Ivy.
Kyra led Trevor and his men here. He finally lost his mind and attacked the school. Why didn’t Liam listen?
“We’re under attack. Get to the hallway,” said Ivy.
“I’m locked in my room.” The phone went dead.
Cade
We hid outside the main security gates at the capitol building. It was sad how the government abused its power and left the city in chaos. This is how it’s been for many years, yet I long for the days when the government cared about its people. It was chilly tonight and the wind whirled through the trees causing leaves to scatter on top of us.
There were four times as many guards out tonight than usual. We would always be outnumbered but this looked like a suicide mission. One wrong move and it was over.
“Are you sure we can trust your friend? There are enough guards out here to go to war with three countries,” said Fred.
“Yes. I trust him with my life. Do you have a better idea?”
“We didn’t come to fight. If we don’t get caught there’s no problem. If you are caught, we’re dead,” said Orion.
“Not necessarily. If we can get to the basement where they keep mutagens caged like animals, we have a chance to fight and win. They have been dreaming about fighting the people that made them like this,” said Trinity.
“All of them might not want to fight,” said Fred.
“They will fight. We faced death every day, so death isn’t something that we fear. It was often the one thing we longed for but couldn’t obtain,” said Trinity.
“Do you think this Zane is worth saving? Rose doesn’t want to help us and she doesn’t want anything to do with you since you have the cure,” said Orion.
“We will need the witches in this battle against the corrupt government and the demons. We need all the help we can get.” The world used to be divided by the color of one’s skin, and now were divided by species. If we never learn from the past, then we’re doomed to repeat our failures.
“I hope he isn’t as closed-minded at Rose. I can’t believe she’s blinded by her hatred,” said Trinity.
“Hate is a powerful emotion that can eat at your soul if you let it,” said Fred.
My phone vibrated in my pocket. I was getting worried. Leonardo’s cover had been blown.
“Leonardo says we need to meet him at the southside back door and he’ll get us in.” Turning my phone off I slipped it inside my pocket. Running through the trees there was a circular hole in the gate. I’m not sure how he did it but I ducked and crawled through it. I leaned against the wall as I crept to the door.
Standing behind the door, I waved for them to duck under the gas barrels. The barrels were placed all along the perimeter so if the fence was breached, they could detonate the gas barrels. The door swung open. A security guard smoking a cigarette strolled outside.
I grabbed him by the throat, my fingers ripping through his flesh tearing out his windpipe. He fell to the ground and I took out my knife sliding it across his throat like slicing butter. Orion discarded his body inside the dumpster and tossed me the badge.
Swiping the badge, I walked down the hall. The capital was a huge mansion for the corrupt government. These officials lived like kings and queens, while the city was left for destruction. Money was the root of all evil, and this mansion looked like money. The floors were cream marble with gold inlays throughout and the walls had famous paintings on each wall.
Someone headed this way. The boots clicked on the tile. Waving them to the other side of the wall I jumped up, grabbing the steel beam I perched up there. I was in the open but most people didn’t look up. Humans were easily distracted. Leonardo rushed down the hall toward the door. He slowed his pace when he passed by the main hall.
Leonardo looked up. Our eyes locked and he seemed less stressed. He walked to the end and looked to the right where Orion and the others stood.
“We don’t have much time. Zane is in danger,” said Leonardo.
“How do you know that?” asked Trinity.
“He must be psychic because he’s been acting like he’s in danger.” Leonardo rushed down the hall. He yanked the security guards’ badge from my hand and scanned it and the elevator doors opened. Once the doors closed, he punched in a code.
“We’re going to the basement. They must not keep the mutagens down there anymore,” said Trinity.
“They do but the codes change every hour. We probably have thirty minutes max, to get Zane and get out of here,” said Leonardo. The elevator doors opened, and he led us down the hall to the first door on the right.
The fluorescent lights were bright. A scent of bleach and chemicals filled the air. There was no air conditioning down here. Leonardo passed by the multiple cages with people in them.
“Where are the keys to the cage,” asked Trinity.
“I don’t have access to the basement. We don’t have time to free them,” said Leonardo.
Fred stepped back and bent the bars allowing a five-year-old out. “Sweetie your safe with us. What’s your name,” asked Fred?
“Carol Ann,” she said. She ran over to the cage that was next to hers and poked her finger into the lock, and after tinkering with it, the door opened.
“Come Brent,” said Carol Ann. She hugged him before stepping back. He went down the row bending the bars and freeing them.
“Trinity you came back for us,” said Carol Ann.
“I promised you that I would. I always keep my promis
es, but we must go now.”
Leonardo walked up to the desk in the corner. Yanking the third book and flipping to a page he pushes a button and the back-wall separates revealing a spiral staircase.
Glancing at the clock on the wall we have about eleven minutes before we are trapped down here.
“I hope there’s a way out down here.” I look at Leonardo but he shakes his head.
“I saw the guards go down here to smoke, but they always came back up that way.
“They may not have known there’s a way out down here,” said Fred.
Zane is rummaging through the file cabinet along the wall. He turned and waved his hands and a sword appeared in his hands. “If it’s your life or mine, I choose to live another day,” said Zane.
“We’re trying to help you. There’s no time to explain but you need to come with us if you want to live,” said Leonardo.
“You’ve been following me. Leave or die,” said Zane. He stepped away from the file cabinet and got in his stance.
“Leave him. He’s as stupid as Rose. I’m not dying for either of them. Come on baby, let’s go,” said Trinity. She grabbed Fred’s arm and walked back up the stairs.
“She has a point. We have four minutes. We’re going to have to fight our way out. Our window is gone,” said Orion.
“Let’s go. Leo if he wants to die down here, then so be it.” This hasn’t been a great day. We have picked up some people to fight with us but what chance do we have against this army?
Running up the stairs I followed Trinity and the others out in the hallway.
“Come on there’s another way out,” said Zane.
“What made you believe us?” Has are luck finally turned around? I’ll take it. Today has been the worse day and I need a little ray of hope right now.
“Rose told me she sent you,” said Zane. He turned and walked down the hall. After about five minutes he waved his hands and a wall separated and he walked through it.
Shape Shifter’s Demons in the Mist: Angel Academy Page 26
