by Brenda Drake
I sighed, shrugged off my jacket, and eased my shirt down to my waist, flinching when the pain shot down my arm. I glanced at my white sports bra, wishing I’d worn a lacy one. Who was I kidding? I didn’t even own anything that could pass as lingerie.
He eyed me. “Nice.”
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
His smile widened.
Blood stained my bra and my stomach. He wrapped the long strip around my waist to cover the nasty gash in my side. I sucked in a painful breath when he tied the ends together. After he finished mending my shoulder, he helped me get my top back on, his fingers lightly stroking my arm as he did. My skin prickled under his touch.
I stepped away from him. “What are we doing? We have to get help for Arik.”
“We will, once Afton has him stable enough to move.”
“We need the book.” I searched the hall for the gateway book, slowly lifted it, and then leafed through the pages. Conemar had torn out most of the pages. The library in Paris was missing, so we decided to go back to the Boston Athenæum and to the others.
Bastien lifted Arik on to his shoulders. “Holy mother of God, he’s a load.”
He jumped through the gateway with Arik, and I went with Afton, who held on to the ancient charm book. We landed in a different room in the Athenæum than the one where we had departed. It was a small sitting area with three leather chairs and sage walls. It must’ve been where Conemar had entered to ambush us earlier. Bastien eased Arik to the floor.
With great effort, I squatted to my heels beside Arik, my cuts protesting angrily, and brushed a dark strand of hair away from his forehead. He sighed and tried to roll over.
“Arik?”
When he didn’t respond, I bit my lip. We had to get him to Pop, and quick.
Afton placed her hand lightly on my shoulder. “He’s going to make it.”
Bastien picked up the gateway book we had jumped through and flipped the pages. “The library in Paris is gone from this book as well,” he said. “Conemar didn’t want us returning home.”
“Or he didn’t want anyone coming to aid us,” I said.
“Let’s find the others.” Bastien shut the book and handed it to Afton. She hugged it to her chest with the charm book. He hoisted Arik back on to his shoulder.
We went to the large reading room and slogged across the flooded floor. Nick held a soggy book in his hands while the Sentinels surrounded him. Bastien cleared his throat as we got nearer to the group.
Nick’s head popped up. “What happened?”
Kale and Demos got to us first and relieved Bastien of Arik. Demos wrapped his arms around Arik’s chest while Kale supported his legs.
“Is he dead?” Lei asked, worry coating her voice.
Bastien wiped his brows with the back of his hand, his bare chest glistening with sweat. “No, but we must get him to the shelter. He needs a Curer.”
My stomach rolled at the sight of Arik’s blood staining Bastien’s hands.
“How did you guys get back?” Nick asked, holding up the soggy gateway book. “This book doesn’t work. We couldn’t get to you. Someone threw too many water globes.”
“I was trying to—” Jaran grumbled, raising his hands in frustration.
“No worries,” Afton said. “We have another one.”
“I can’t figure out how Conemar managed to bring another gateway book into this library without alarming the Monitors,” Bastien said. “There hasn’t been an alert about any missing gateway books.”
The talk around me sounded like it was coming from a tunnel. It was hard to concentrate on what they were saying. Arik was out cold, his beautiful face scrunched in pain. No telling what was happening with his brain. It might be swelling.
“He got the book from Esteril,” Jaran said. “There used to be two libraries in Russia. One library burned down and the book was reported destroyed. My guess is the Esterilians lied and removed the tracking charm from the book so the Monitors couldn’t detect it.”
“I bet you’re correct,” Bastien said.
“By the way, what happened to Conemar?” Kale asked.
Shut up. Shut up!
“Shut up!” I finally snapped. “Talk about this later. Arik needs help.” My chest hurt. My head pounded. It was like I was inside a bubble watching their shocked expressions. “Which way are we going?” But my outburst got them going.
“We’ll go through Spain and on to Paris.” Bastien barked orders. “You two, grab Arik. Nick, help Afton.”
Demos and Kale jumped through the gateway with Arik in their arms. I went after them, falling into the darkness, my mind racing. Agnost’s prophecy scared me. If it were real, Conemar would be back one day, and he’d be stronger. I strangled the parchment with the prophecy scribed on it. Just as the fear of that thought squeezed the breath out of me, I broke into the light of the library.
Chapter Thirty
Carrig was waiting for us when we returned to the library in Paris. The guards rushed Arik ahead, ordering me to stay back when I attempted to go along. As we followed, we all debriefed Carrig on what had happened. He told us Asile was recovered and Nana and Faith were safe. I desperately wanted to see them, but I needed to make sure Arik was okay. Plus, Carrig said I had to get my wounds attended to and rest before going.
A crowd greeted us as we stepped out of the outbuilding and into the shelter. Sinead and Deidre bolted to Carrig and Nick, giving them bear hugs.
I stepped around the side of the building to calm down before facing everyone.
Bastien cornered me. Thankfully, someone had given him a shirt. “I know you feel our connection.”
I did, and that unnerved me. But it was just because we both understood what it felt like to lose a parent. That’s all.
“You amaze me, Gianna. How you stand up against a powerful wizard like Conemar, your compassion for others, your intelligence and quick reflexes. Everyone admires you and your strength. As do I. You are meant to be a queen,” he said. “With time, I’ll prove to you we belong together. Go ahead and have your fun with Arik, but it’s my arms you’ll end up in one day.” He kissed my cheek and headed over to the gathering crowd.
I slammed my gaping mouth shut.
Sure, he was beautiful, with a nice ass, and moved with such confidence. I could watch him all day. But he was arrogant, and I was so not going to get involved with any betrothed. He wasn’t really interested in me anyway; he just wanted to prove he could steal me from Arik. Fat chance. My heart was already on another path. I sighed and headed for the Curers’ station to see Arik.
“You did well,” Lei muttered as she walked past me.
I smiled, knowing it was her way of saying she forgave me for almost getting her boyfriend fried.
A squat, gray-haired woman at the medical center stitched and bandaged my cuts properly. She shot down my request to visit Arik, saying he couldn’t have visitors yet. Reluctantly, I went to my room and gave myself a sponge bath, avoiding my clean bandages. The hot sponge lathered with floral soap soothed my aching muscles as I dragged it across my skin.
I was alive. Was it over? I washed my face and dropped the sponge in the sink.
After slipping on a pair of pajamas, I fell onto the bed, stretched out across it, and stared at the ceiling. Conemar haunted me and worrying about Arik weighed on my mind. I pushed aside all those uncomfortable thoughts about Bastien’s promise. Somehow, despite the laws, Arik and I would find a way to be together.
A knock at the door startled me. I staggered over and pulled the door open. “Pop!” I cried and stepped aside so he could enter.
He balanced a tray with two steaming cups and a plate of chocolate biscuits. After he placed the tray on the tiny table by the window, he wrapped his arms around me. I tried to lift my arms and squeeze back, but the pain in my shoulder and side prevented me.
He kissed the top of my head. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. How’s Arik?”
“He’
s going to pull through.” He released me and sank onto my bed. “We contacted Asile. The wards are down. The Sentinels are taking Arik there for further treatment as we speak.”
I dropped onto the bed beside Pop and rested my head on his shoulder. I told him everything that had happened. I didn’t hide anything from him. He stared off to some place across the room as he listened. When I was done, he drew me into his arms again, and I sobbed against his chest.
“I promise you, kid, it’ll all work out.” He rubbed soothing circles on my back. “You’re safe now.”
“I’m not too sure.”
I longed for the days when I believed no one could harm me with Pop around. But I had seen evil, tasted it on my tongue, even. No one was invincible. Not even Pop. After we finished our tea, I got under the covers. Just as he had when I was little, he tucked me into the bed and hummed Irish songs until I fell asleep.
The smells of coffee, eggs, and bacon filled my nose, and I rolled onto my back under the comforter. Afton hovered over my bed, holding a breakfast tray. The items on the tray rattled as it moved. An oversize tote dangled from the crook of her arm.
“Bad dream?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“Are you hungry, or was Writhe blood enough for you?”
“Very funny.” I scooted up against the pillows into a sitting position.
She placed the tray on my lap. “Can you believe we made it through that?”
I picked up a piece of bacon and bit down on it. “It’s unbelievable. Have you heard anything about Arik?”
“Yes, that he’s recovering fast.” Her face was a question mark and her hands wrung a napkin nervously.
“Okay, what gives?”
“I know I shouldn’t feel this way—well, don’t think I’m going all Jerry Springer and shit, but—” Her face pinched as she gathered the nerve to finish.
“But what?”
Her face flushed. “I’m in love with…”
“Nick?”
“What am I going to do? He’s with the other you.”
“The right thing to do is to wait it out. They probably won’t last.”
“I know. It sucks.”
I snorted. “It’ll work out.” I sounded like Pop.
Her face softened and she placed the crumpled napkin on the tray. “After you eat, get dressed. We’re leaving for Asile.”
“Great! I can’t wait to see Nana.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. Carrig took me home to get a few things and I picked this up for you.” She opened her tote, pulled out my mother’s faded red umbrella, and placed it beside me.
“Thank you. I thought it was gone forever.” I picked it up, thinking of my mother, picturing her holding it over her head, the loose handle rocking back and forth and rain waterfalling over the sides.
“Someone at the Athenæum called your dad and said it was left behind. Your dad called and asked me to get it for you the next time I was there. I know how special it is to you, so I got it right away.”
“Thanks so much. You know, it makes a great weapon.” I swung it over my head. The top came off and its body went flying, barely missing Afton.
“Watch it!” she yelled. “You could poke an eye out.” Her eyes narrowed on the handle, which was still in my hand. “What’s that?” She pointed at a shiny chain hanging from it.
I tugged the gold chain free from the handle’s cavity, and a bedazzled cross slipped out.
I clamped my hand over my mouth and gasped. “I think it’s the missing Chiave. My mother had it all this time. Gian must’ve hidden it in the handle before he died. This was probably his umbrella.”
“You eat and I’ll get Carrig.” Afton hurried to the door.
I laced the chain between my fingers. A pain hit my chest and my brand started bleeding. I rubbed the blood onto my palm and spoke the charm. Nothing happened. The truth globe was definitely gone forever. I needed a globe, and I knew where to find one. After getting out of bed, I slipped on my robe as I headed for the door.
I found the Monitor for the shelter perched on a globe in the map room.
“Arrrk! What is it?” the colorful parrot asked when I entered. He had vacant eyes, like Pip.
“I found a Chiave.” I held it up to him. “I’d like to use my blood and your globe to see what the spirit seer wants. Do you mind?”
“Arrrk! Be my guest.”
I smeared my blood across the glass. The Monitor stepped to the other side of the perch. A tiny silver twig sprouted from the blood and grew into a branch until it was a miniature tree. From the hollow of the tree, a small silver squirrel emerged. It stood on its hind legs and continued changing until an extremely buff silvery man stood on the sphere before me. To my relief, he wore a loincloth.
“That’s a little much,” I mumbled to myself.
“Greetings, Gianna, me name is Declan. I do like to make a show of meself. I be the Keeper of the Chiave you hold.” Declan had an Irish accent. “Not only is it one of the keys to release the Tetrad, but it also be having an individual power. The wearer can see things that have come before within the location he or she be in. May you survive the trials that be ahead. The trinkets you find will protect the chosen one while venturing to the monster’s prison.” He bowed, and both he and the tree shrank back into the blood that had dried on the globe.
“Arrrk!” the bird screeched, moving his head from side to side.
“Thank you.” I slipped the cross into the pocket of my robe.
When we returned to Asile, a crowd greeted us in the corridor. Nana held me so tight I thought she’d break my back. Merl complimented me on a job well done. When I saw Faith, I let her know about Ricardo and gave her his pendant. It was actually hers. She’d lost it many years ago. He may have been a womanizer, but he kept Faith close to his heart. She kissed the pendant and put it over her head, a slight smile passing over her tear-drenched face.
As for Professor Attwood, he choked up when I told him about Nick being Jacalyn’s son. Nick came over, I introduced the two, and they shook hands. Professor Attwood promised to show Nick photographs of Jacalyn and letters she had written. An easy friendship settled between them.
Before Professor Attwood walked off, I hugged him. It was a stiff and awkward one. I stepped back and gazed up at him. “You know, I’ve always wanted an uncle. Do you think I can start calling you Uncle Philip?”
A surprised expression crossed his face, then warmed as he smiled down at me. “I would love that, Gia.” And this time, he hugged me, one that was tight and full of warmth.
We released each other. “I should go.”
“I’m proud of you, Gia.”
His words swelled my heart. “So, I’ll catch you later, then?”
He nodded and headed down the corridor in the direction of his office.
High Wizards from every haven descended upon Asile for a summit. The wizards decided neither Nick nor I was safe in the havens, so they were sending us into hiding. More meetings ensued as the details of our secret refuge were worked out.
I passed Arik’s unconscious days by reading to him or by playing games with Jaran’s iPad as I sat by his bedside. There was a hint of antiseptic and something that smelled suspiciously like mothballs clinging to the air.
“How long have I been out?” Arik’s hoarse voice startled me.
“You’re awake!” I set down the iPad, then rushed to the water pitcher on the nightstand and poured a glass. “You’ve been out for a few days. Can you sit up?”
“I think so.”
After pushing the button to raise the bed, I put the glass to his mouth and he took a long sip.
With some effort, he swallowed. “Thank you. What happened to Conemar?”
For what seemed like the gazillionth time, I told the story of what had happened in the National Palace Library in Mafra, Portugal, leaving out the fact I was almost lunch for those scary Writhes. I let him know I had found a Chiave in the handle of Gian’s umbrella. Then I filled him in ab
out the High Wizards’ meetings that had taken place all week. When I finished, he reached his hand out to me, and I took it.
He stared at the bandage peeking out of the collar of my shirt. “You were hurt?”
“It’s just a scratch.”
“You could have been killed,” he croaked.
“You could’ve, too”—I gave him a reassuring smile—“but we weren’t.”
“The garden has changed the girl.” He gave me a weak smile.
Emotions clogged my throat, and I couldn’t think of anything to say to that. His secret world had changed me. And I didn’t feel like I belonged to his world or to mine. I was in a sort of limbo. I gave him a quick kiss on the lips. And then I thought of Nick. “I did discover Nick’s my cousin.”
“How is he faring with his changes?” he asked, still groggy.
“I’m not sure. He’s struggling.”
“Well, it will take time. And what did the council decide at their meeting?”
“Nick and I have to go into hiding,” I said. “We can’t go back to Boston. Pop, Nana, and Carrig have gone to get Nick’s family. They won’t be happy. They’ll have to give up the restaurant.”
“I want you to stay here with me.”
“You’re going into hiding with us, too. Several Sentinels are. The council is splitting the rest of the Sentinels among the havens. They’re also bringing the retired ones back into service. A delegate of wizards and guards went to Esteril to gain peace there.”
“That gives us two Chiavi.” He coughed. “And five left to find.”
I brought the glass up to his lips again and he leaned forward, taking several sips before his head landed back on the pillows.
“So where are we hiding?”
“I’m not sure. The council will purchase two houses and one building somewhere. Nick and his family will live in one house. Pop, Deidre, and I will live in another—”
“Deidre’s going to live with you?” he interrupted.
“Well, if Deidre lives with Carrig and Sinead, people will wonder why we’re identical. We don’t want to raise suspicions. We’re going to pose as Pop’s twin daughters. Carrig and Sinead will open a boarding school for troubled teens nearby.”
