“Thank you,” he said curtly. However, I feel that I must apologize for more than one thing. I am sorry for keeping you apart. I thought taking the choice away from both of you would help, but I see now that it is not my choice to make, it’s yours.”
“Thank you,” I said, waiting for the next thing he was going to drop on me.
“The other thing is, I’m sorry for where we are now, where we are with Audrey. This war is on me and my conscience. For it is I alone who provoked Audrey to the point of this lunacy.”
I frowned at him. “I thought you didn’t know she was alive,” I said stunned.
“I did not know. But I pushed her here. While I was with Cianna in her last days, Audrey got a message to me that she received threats on her life from werewolves. I didn’t care. I didn’t tell my father. James knew I believe, or had an inkling. Audrey treated him like a pet more than a son, so I never know what he was told in that house when I was gone. But she was furious that I wouldn’t come home after she demanded it. Audrey could never forgive me for being away, because there was no reason for me to do it other than my love for Cianna. Audrey was supposedly kidnapped, and you know the rest.”
“Now I come to find that she was never kidnapped, but simply orchestrated this whole thing over a hundred years ago, just to get back at me. Her plan is in motion now, for who knows what the purpose is now versus the plenty of other times she had to carry it out. But her anger grew from my lack of attention and love for her. She may not have loved me, but she demanded that I love her.”
“It’s not your fault, Marik. She made her own choices. If she was that selfish back then, her character hasn’t changed. I’m sure that is what’s fueling her. Not hatred for someone she doesn’t even love,” I tried to reassure him.
“The reason no longer matters now. The fact of the matter is: she is coming for you. I will die protecting you, Ariya, if necessary. And I am sorry that it has come to this.”
I glanced back towards town, where we were all waiting for time to pass so we could meet Audrey and finally fight this great battle.
“Maybe this was always coming. If it weren’t Audrey, perhaps someone else may have had a self-serving plan for domination and control of my line.”
“Perhaps,” he said quietly. “We should return. Time is passing swiftly and there is still much to prepare for.”
We walked back in a more comfortable silence. I was lost in my thoughts, trying to decide if Marik could possibly be the traitor.
He surprised me by pausing again. “Ariya, there is a traitor amongst us.”
I felt my jaw drop as I stared at him in disbelief. “I know, James thought…” I stammered, trying to think of how to reply.
“I have been around long enough to know when things cannot be mere coincidences. My inner circle is airtight. So the traitor must be coming from elsewhere.” His subsequent gaze insinuated something I hoped I was simply misreading.
I narrowed my eyes at him as he continued. “Perhaps you should look more closely at these coincidences, maybe they are coming from a traitor in your…”
I threw my hands up in the air. “Stop it! Just stop right there. Why are you speaking to me this way? Do you think that by giving me a sob story about Cianna, I would suddenly weaken and trust you over my friends? Is that the point? Not because you cared that I knew the truth, but because you want to… what? Pry out some kind of information from me?
“There is no traitor among us!” I shouted.
His calm and eerie stare bored directly into me. “I am telling you as the most senior Protector and the best there is, it is someone close to you and no one in my trusted circle. Perhaps you should learn to control your temper better and rein in your feelings periodically if only to ensure that everyone you think truly cares for you, actually does, and as much as you believe they do.”
I took an angry, shaky breath to restrain my impulse to retort to his nonsense furiously when his eyes suddenly shot up, and he looked away from me.
“We must return now,” he said hastily, grabbing my hand and yanking me along. I couldn't speak or resist his grip, so I followed in the direction he was headed, back to our headquarters. He left me immediately once we got inside, almost flying into his office and shutting the door.
What in the world?
“Ariya!” James’s voice shouted. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I was with Marik. What’s…”
“Wolves have been spotted in town. Apparently, they are not content to wait until the designated time. We are regrouping before we destroy them, and then we can head out to the clearing early.”
“What?” I shouted.
“Hey,” he said, taking my face in both his hands. “It’s okay. Trust me, now it’ll really be over soon.”
He laced his fingers through mine and led me down a hallway where I immediately saw Caroline and Nick waiting.
“What was all that about?” Caroline asked me. She was only referring to Marik and clearly unfazed by the report of werewolves invading the town.
“A lot actually,” I started.
“Is it important?” Nick asked.
“Do we have enough time to debrief?” I asked, still wondering why they weren’t fleeing and scurrying like the rest of the people in the building seemed to be doing.
“Yes,” James said. “This mayhem is because there are so many council members here. The Protectors aren’t worried yet, since it’s not too many wolves. We are just moving more quickly in our countdown. We have time to talk about what Marik told you, Ariya.”
“Okay,” I said, looking around.
“Come this way,” James said before he led us all to an unoccupied room at the other side of the building. Thankfully, it was away from the hustle and noise.
“There’s a lot to say, but now I’m thinking he was probably trying to soften me up to extract more information. He claims to know that there is a traitor and did not fail to notice all of the convenient coincidences that have happened lately. But his inner circle is ‘airtight,’ I said, using air quotes when citing Marik’s words.
Nick and James exchanged a glance and Nick rolled his eyes. “Maybe he’s the one who isn’t airtight,” Nick said.
“He was trying to imply…” I glanced at all of my friends, “that the leak must be coming from one of us.”
I was expecting a reaction of some sort, maybe anger, or belligerent name calling to characterize Marik’s suspicions, but instead, I got nothing.
“Doesn’t that upset you guys?”
“Why would it upset us if it’s untrue?” James questioned. “Unless… you think it’s true?”
“Of course I don’t! But shouldn’t he be more serious about finding the real traitor than suspecting us?” I demanded. Maybe I should not have shown the anger the others lacked, since it only compounded my own.
“If he is the traitor, there’s no more looking to be done. It’s him,” Nick said.
“I don’t know; that wouldn’t add up. Even if he is being ridiculous in blaming us,” I replied. “Maybe we should consider Lukas,” I said. “Honestly, I get a strange feeling from him ever since I met him. He’s pretty slimy,” I said, shaking my body as if I were shuddering with disgust.
“Ariya, Lukas is to Marik what Nick is to me,” James said. “If one of them is involved, most likely, they both are. It would be impossible otherwise. They are a unit together, just like us,” James said.
“Well, then maybe it’s someone who isn’t part of his inner circle. Someone who managed to easily blend in, motivated by the promise of power from Audrey.” I was getting frantic to find some way to put the pieces together and discover who might have posed the biggest threat to us in this fight.
“Ariya, the truth is: we can’t figure it out yet and we are out of time,” Caroline said. “It doesn’t matter now anyway. We have what we need, thanks to you,” she said, walking over and putting her arms around my shoulders. “And this will soon be over.” She gave me an
other squeeze.
I let out a sigh, “You’re right.” I said, trying to regain my composure. I had to have a clear head before we entered battle, or if they moved forward and thought they’d leave me behind. “What do we do now that the plan is moved up?”
“We’ll get you somewhere safe, keep you guarded, and the three of us will proceed to take care of Audrey. Then we’ll come back and get you,” Nick said, puffing his chest out and putting his hands on his hips like a superhero.
“That’s it pretty much,” James said as he approached me. “I can give you more details while you rest for a minute.”
“That’s our cue,” Caroline said, winking at me. I blushed.
They left James and me alone so we made our way up to the rooms we’d been staying in.
I walked into our room and stared out the window that overlooked the main street. “I am scared, James. I know you can handle anything and I know you’re strong. But I’m really nervous and scared.”
He wrapped his arms around me from behind.
“You know I’d never let anything happen to you, Ariya,” he whispered in my ear.
I turned around in his arms, resting my forehead against his chest. “I’m not scared for me, but for you. I’m frightened that Audrey will have some kind of magic we don’t know about.” I also have no idea if Care has the dagger or can get it to me in time to save you, I added, but only in my head.
“I understand,” he said into my hair as he pressed me harder against his chest.
Tears formed in my eyes, and I realized all at once that this would most likely be our last time alone together. The sheer amount of goodbyes I had to say was overwhelming. Especially when they couldn’t know I was really saying goodbye. “I love you,” I said as I pulled back and looked at him, placing my hand against his cheek.
“I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love someone. I love your strength and your heart. I love that you never cease to protect me, even when I make it difficult,” I said. He smiled into my palm and planted a kiss on my hand.
“I love that you watch me and make sure I’m feeling okay, and you always worry about me. I love that you’re the first person I think about in the morning and the last one before I close my eyes to go to sleep. I love your arms because they’re the safest place I’ve ever been in. I love having you in my life and on this adventure we’ve shared. I wouldn’t take back a single moment because each danger and pain and heartache have brought us here, to this moment. This moment when my heart could burst from all the love and admiration and respect I have for you. If this is all that life can offer, then I’ve lived the fullest and best life because of having you in it,” I told him. I have to admit a few tears rolled down my face as I spoke.
“Ariya, you are love. There is no love in this world without you being in it. You’re what I live for, locked inside my heart in a way no vampire should ever be able to feel. But this isn’t goodbye. I’m going to end this battle and still protect you in the process. I will give you the sweet and beautiful life you desire. And I will never be apart from you when this is over. We will live happily ever after. Whatever that looks like for you, I’m onboard. I’m there, right beside you. There’s no other life I'd rather live than whatever makes you happiest.”
I jumped up, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling his lips onto mine. Our tender kiss sealed our words and the impassioned moment quickly turned into a heated fervor I desperately craved.
He gently carried me to the blankets that were strewn across the floor and lay me down. “I love you, my beautiful angel, my Ariya.” He kissed my neck and cheek, wiping away the tears that I couldn’t stop.
We lay there, comfortably being together and took our time. Kissing and expressing our love for each other with all we had. When we couldn’t resist any longer, we finally collapsed, crashing into each other for the last time.
He kissed my shoulders and wrapped me up in his strong, unyielding arms. I kissed his forearms and told him I loved him with all my heart. There wasn’t nearly enough time. But with James, there never would be. He stirred before he started to get ready.
“It’s time?” I asked and he nodded.
“We need to discuss what’s going to happen over the next few hours. We’ll regroup with Caroline and Nick but we should first check out the perimeter. We’re moving you to a building further away from the clearing. It’s just a precaution, in case the wolves have breached more than just the outskirts of town. It buys us a little more time to track them down,” he smiled, holding out his hand for me to get up.
I took it and looked around the room. What does one take when they know they won’t be coming back? I stood, but lingered a moment too long for James not to comment.
“Ariya?” he asked.
“I’m coming,” I turned, putting on a fake smile for him to mask the pain of what was to come, and what it meant for James.
Caroline winked as we made our way down the stairs before looping her arm through mine.
I laughed but it felt foreign. This whole crazy whirlwind had taken us to such a serious place now. The weight of the future bore down on everyone’s shoulders, and somehow, we managed to come out together. Well, almost together. Riley was gone, but safe. I had to remind myself of the most important part. He was safe.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Care whispered and I glanced up to see we were alone. “They are meeting us by the library soon. Something about a perimeter check.” She smiled and shrugged.
“Any luck with the dagger?” I asked.
“Yes,” I looked into her eyes, excited that things were clicking and falling into place so easily. “And no,” she said hesitantly. “They think it’s great, except they want me to stay with them at all times. I’m not quite sure yet how I can manage to get it to you, but I’ll figure it out, Ariya. I promise.”
“I trust you,” I reassured her. “We’re going to the library? Will that be my temporary place of banishment?” I asked dramatically, recalling what she just said moments before.
Caroline laughed and rolled her eyes. “Yes, it’s easily guarded, only two entrances. Most of the other buildings here have tunnels, or basements, and lots of windows. The library has windows but they are higher up and more easily secured.”
“Man, they are really pulling out all the stops for being so sure of the outcome,” I said.
“It’s not like you’ll be there anyway,” she said softly.
“I know.” I wondered somehow if Caroline suspected anything. I couldn’t imagine she’d let me continue, knowing that I’d get hurt. But I also knew she trusted me. And I promised her I would be okay. Who knows? I might get lucky yet.
We hadn’t even made it to the library before we were joined by Nick and James. “All clear,” Nick said as we met up.
“I know, I know you don’t want me to bring this up again. But I have to. Are you sure that I need to be here instead of closer to the wounded?” I asked.
If I could get somewhat closer, I could get where I needed to be faster and not have to sneak around a battleground.
“Ariya, how many times do you want to discuss this? We’ve prepared for every possible scenario. It’s final,” James responded, clearly annoyed at the thought that he had to discuss their strategy with me again. “Honestly, at this point, we’re more concerned that you could do something behind our backs than the actual battle with Audrey.”
Caroline’s eyes flicked over to me, but quickly away at James’s final comment.
“Fine, I’ll just do what I’m told,” I said.
Poor James. Once again, I was the wild card. And would always be. But there was no way to change what Ingrid told me. Her instructions were clear. Perhaps, I could have stopped giving them such a hard time though.
I noticed a movement from the corner of my eye when it flashed from behind a building next door. In an instant, Nick had the figure pinned to the nearest wall.
“Riley?” I was shocked to see him. He was supposed to b
e on a plane headed home. He shouldn’t have been anywhere near Mineral Point!
Nick loosened his grip but clutched Riley’s shoulder briefly before letting go.
“What are you doing here?” I asked through gritted teeth. I was partly glad to see him, but mostly stunned.
“You know I couldn’t leave you guys,” he replied, adjusting his shirt with a shrug. “Maybe I can help somehow. I just couldn’t leave while knowing…” He noticed James and Nick were watching and he stopped short. “…knowing you all were on your own,” he finished.
I knew what he really wanted to say. He must have sensed this might be it. I may have convinced Caroline otherwise, but Riley seemed to see right through me and always knew what was going on. He didn’t try to stop me though. He just followed us back into the danger zone to make sure I wasn’t alone. I knew he would be with me right up to the end.
“We’ll keep you with Ariya then, so you’re both safe,” James said, and his voice was mixed between pride and frustration at Riley sticking around.
“I really don’t think this is the best idea, James,” I said. Again, I was trying to avoid being locked up for the duration of this war. “It’s me they want.” I wasn’t sure about what might happen with Riley, but I couldn’t be there to protect him. Realizing that panicked me more than I was before.
“Exactly,” he said, facing me again. “This isn’t up for discussion, Ariya. Too many times we’ve risked your life and I refuse to do it again. You have to trust me! And let me do my job. If there were ever a time you needed to listen without being stubborn, it’s now.” He was begging me and the fear I saw in his eyes made me realize he was terrified of losing me.
“We have the dagger. I will defeat her and we will come back and get you. Then we can all be free from this nightmare. Just trust me a little longer,” he promised.
I looked at the others. “It’s the only way,” Nick said.
I gazed at Caroline, realizing the entire decision rested on her shoulders.
“I agree with them, Ariya. It’s time for you to trust us now. You must really put all your faith in us.” She gave me a strange look as she spoke. Silently, she told me to let her play along and stand down. I didn’t know how she would manage to figure this out, but I knew she would. She promised me.
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