“We need to remove that lattice,” Jace said. “It makes it too easy for any undesirable to climb up and get inside.”
I wrapped my arms around myself, nervous about just how easy it was for someone to climb into my room. I looked back at the window. “Oh, I never thought of that. I’m not sure how I can get it down without Eric noticing and replacing it again.”
Jace moved to my laptop. “Did you get the email I sent you?” He ignored my concerns about Eric and the lattice.
I was happy to finally know where that cryptic message had come from, even though I hadn’t thought about it since I’d first read it.
“Yeah, but I didn't know it was you who’d sent it.”
Jace nodded and sat at the computer desk in the alcove. He opened the browser and pulled up my email account. “What’s your password?”
I was silent. There was no way he was getting the password to my personal email address. I shook my head and moved the laptop so the screen was out of his view, then entered my password. When I turned it toward him again, he searched for and found the email he’d sent. Jace turned the computer toward me and pointed at the screen.
I looked at it, unsure of what he wanted me to see.
“[email protected],” I read aloud, and then it hit me. I’d heard Kale call Jace “Vesco.” I had thought it was a derogatory term, but it was his last name. Jace Vesco was [email protected].
“This is my Council email account. I sent this to you before you came here, hoping you would understand it. I see that you didn't,” he said disapprovingly, referring to the memory Kale helped me recall at the lodge.
I instantly regretted telling Jace about it. His tone was grave, and I nervously wondered what he’d really wanted to talk about. “Is this all you wanted to show me?” There was no way he was in my room—when he should have been patrolling outside—just to show me an email. Jace stood and walked to the window, looking out into the darkness.
Jace shook his head. “I wanted to tell you about why I was the one assigned to bring you in.”
He hadn’t turned from the window to face me, and I started to get a bit nervous. He wouldn’t take me to the Council against my will, would he? Kale seemed to think he would, and though I had often scolded Kale about his attitude toward Jace, maybe I should have listened to him. I looked around in search of my phone. Where had I placed it after I hung up with Mia?
Jace shifted slightly to face me. “Calm down, Ella. I am not here to take you tonight, only to explain to you why it’s important you at least reconsider this need you have to stay here with this family.”
I released a breath, but my nerves were still tingling. I wanted to call Kale and let him know I needed him, but what would I have said? “Um, hey, Kale. Jace is here in my room, late at night, gazing creepily out the window, and he wants to talk about why I should leave Cedar, but don’t worry; he’s not going to kidnap me or anything.” I knew how that would have gone, and I didn't want to risk a fight in my room. I exhaled again. The only way to get Jace to leave was to listen to him.
“I’m all ears.” I flopped down onto the bed.
Jace smirked and moved from the window. He swiveled the computer chair around and straddled it. I raised an eyebrow as he got comfortable and wondered what he could possibly say that could make me change my mind about leaving the Carltons without so much as a goodbye.
Chapter 28
* * *
Every betrayal contains a perfect moment, a coin stamped heads or tails with salvation on the other side.
—Barbara Kingsolver
* * *
It was easier than he’d thought to find the Council member who wanted a meeting with him, but he had to wonder about the boy’s enthusiasm. He was human, no more than twenty-five years of age, his inexperience evident in his lack of preparation for the meeting. He brought no backup and there was no way to call for any. Signal jammers were set in place at the meeting site. Laurent had been planning this meeting for a week. Stationed at the meeting site were five of his best half-breeds, and they had detected no movement prior to the meeting. Laurent paced the corridor, his patience worn thin. Darke was late. Laurent understood all that was needed, but anger still boiled inside of him.
“Sir,” Darke said, as he entered the room with the red vial in hand. The red vial was the traitor’s reward—eternal life in the form of disease. Laurent himself would rather die in battle than live forever as a Chorý. “The creature hadn’t been subdued before I arrived. I had to take the blood as he thrashed.”
Laurent gazed at the glistening, tainted blood. He didn't care why Darke was late. His commands were meant to be followed without fail. “Darke, I trust you understand what it means to be late.”
Darke inclined his head. His willingness to take the blame for another’s actions gave Laurent pause. Loyalty to anyone other than himself was treason in his eyes. He would not be betrayed. “The half-breed assigned to subdue the creature, what is his name?”
Darke stiffened, but only for a moment. Laurent knew the half-breed in charge of his creature was of blood relation to Darke.
“His name?” Laurent repeated.
Darke, one of Laurent’s most merciless men, still had lingering loyalties to family and bloodlines. Once recruited to the Dark Lord’s brood, there was no one that would come before him, not even oneself. Laurent had seen it once before while in battle with the Council. Darke risked his head in order to save his brother’s. With his skilled fighting, he’d survived, but he should’ve never risked his head for anyone other than his lord, as he’d vowed.
“Locke, sir,” Darke admitted. “I will handle—”
“You will do nothing other than what I command. I must say I wonder who your loyalty runs deeper for: your brother or your lord.” Laurent held Darke in his dark and malicious gaze. To his credit, he didn't falter.
“You are the reason I live, sir, and I repay you for eternity,” Darke answered.
The punishment for Locke would have to wait, but there would be one, and it would be severe.
“This Council member that I’m to meet, I trust you have at least handled that properly.” Laurent stood in front of the door to the courtyard where the Council member was being held.
Darke inclined his head. “Yes, sir. He is detained as you wished.”
“Good, because it seems as of late my men are willing to test my patience, and I would hate to have to make an example out of their commander.” Laurent found it amazing that his temper was so tame as of late. He could only attribute it to the Council member who had contacted them to strike a deal. It seemed the Council Leader would no longer create immortals. Because he refused to use the contents of the red vial as Laurent did, it seemed Laurent would no longer need to use his Arc to destroy them. They would soon be extinct because of their inability to make the difficult decisions that were necessary to survive. Laurent had no such reservations, for the lives of others meant nothing to him. It would be well for all to remember that.
Chapter 29
* * *
Ouroboros: a circular symbol of a snake or dragon devouring its tail, standing for infinity or wholeness
* * *
“There is a hierarchy in the Council, and every human has a skill that sets them apart from the others. It’s how they are chosen to join. Most members are human, but a few are immortal. The humans are our searchers and trackers. Trackers and searchers locate the Arc, and once she is found, a retriever is used to bring her in safely,” Jace explained. “There are three retrievers: Tamsin, Servitto, and myself.”
I crossed my legs on the bed and pulled my pillow into my lap. “So, you are my retriever. Who was Hélène’s?”
“That was Servitto, but he was intercepted by Kale.” Jace seemed disappointed. “Kale was in your life before Servitto, and he took you from Castle Laurent.”
“Kale was human then, so why are you upset he found Hélène? He did want the Council wanted to do. That has to count for something, right?” How
dare Jace act as if what Kale had done was wrong? Maybe Kale was right that Jace was blinded by the fact Kale was a Chorý. Kale blamed himself for everything that had happened with Hélène, and it seemed the Council believed the very same thing.
“You could’ve worked with Kale to keep Hélène safe!”
Jace, surprised by my outburst, moved from the chair and toward me. “Ella,” he started.
But I wasn’t finished. “I have done nothing but defend you to Kale, and I’m starting to think I was wrong. Kale sacrificed his life to save mine, and all you and the Council can see is that he is not human. If you think I am going to go there with you, to those people, you’re crazy.” By the time I’d finished, I was off of the bed and standing directly in front of Jace. I didn't know where the anger had come from, but it was released with a roar. I stepped back as Jace’s face changed from surprise to confusion. Why couldn't he understand why I defended Kale and Hélène’s choices?
Jace smiled and shook his head. “Ella,” he began, his voice warm and patient. “Coming with me to the Council’s headquarters is what’s best for everyone involved. It’s the only way to make sure the past doesn’t repeat itself.” Jace walked to the window and opened it, then turned and faced me. “Just imagine where Hélène and Kale would be now had they allowed us to do our job.” He climbed out of the window, leaving me speechless. It seemed like every choice Hélène and Kale had made somehow backfired. Maybe it wouldn’t have been such a bad idea to ask for help. Maybe Kale wouldn’t have been changed, and he and Hélène could have lived a semi-normal life, protected by the Council.
I took my medicine before I went to bed. I thought of Jace’s comment and wondered if it had any bearing on my situation with Kale. Maybe things would’ve been different had he and Hélène asked for help, but I couldn't recall what had happened prior to Hélène’s death and Kale’s rebirth. Neither Jace nor Kale would do anything to trigger my memories, so I couldn't remember if the Council had ever approached Kale and Hélène with an offer to help. I fell asleep hoping my day with Mia would help keep my mind off of the choices Hélène and Kale made, but I also hoped Kale and I wouldn’t make the same mistakes.
I had another reason to look forward to seeing Mia that morning. When I’d looked in the mirror, my hair had screamed at me. It had grown well past my shoulders, and my roots were plainly visible. My hair was sable and I loved it. That blue-black hue used to shine in the Virginia sun, but over time and through lack of maintenance, the sun had lightened it a bit. I badly needed to cut and dye it, but I had been too preoccupied to worry about it.
I ate a blueberry muffin for breakfast and said goodbye to Lea and Sarah. Kale arrived shortly after they had left. I knew it was important that either Kale or Jace be with me at all times, but I didn't want Kale around Mia; he was a sensitive subject. Jace couldn't go either. There would be no way to explain him. Mia would probably call Alex and tell him the second she saw Jace and me together. Kale strolled to the sofa and sat down. His dark grey tee hugged his muscles as he leaned back and stretched against the cushions. His scent floated around the room and I inhaled deeply, allowing it to soothe me. I glanced at the clock. We had an hour before Mia was supposed to pick me up.
“Somewhere to go?” Kale asked, glancing at the clock himself.
I knew Kale wouldn’t agree to my trip to the mall with Mia, but I had to at least try to convince him. “Mia will be here to pick me up in an hour so we can go to the mall and then to her house.” I glanced at Kale, duly noting and ignoring his stern look. “I know what you’re going to say, Kale, but you can’t go.”
“No, no way. I don’t know why you would think I would agree to you going to Elmwood City, let alone going without me.” Kale stood and walked to the door. “Come on, I’ll give you a ride, but I will be there with you.” He motioned toward the door.
I planted my feet and crossed my arms, then thought better of it. I decided to switch my strategy. I would probably get further using my cute, pouty-girl face. Kale stiffened, so I doubled my efforts by sticking out my bottom lip a little farther and batting my lashes. Kale laughed and walked toward me until we stood not an inch apart.
Kale sighed. His breath ruffled my bangs and tickled my lips. “Ella, it’s dangerous.”
I knew it was, but it would be nice to have a day where I didn't have a bodyguard or have to think about the hard choices to come. It would be nice to have time away from who I was, even if it was only for a few hours.
“And it’s in Elmwood City,” he said. His eyes were dark and held a trace of warmth and a bit of worry.
I hated to make him worry, but I really didn't think it would be so bad to spend an hour in the mall. “I haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary, and there hasn’t been another murder.” I was still worried about going to the mall alone, but I didn't want to deal with Mia’s Q&A about Kale or Jace.
“True, but I still don’t think it’s safe.” Kale tugged at a strand of hair that had fallen free of my ponytail and tucked it behind my ear. “What if I just shadowed you and Mia? That way I could keep an eye on you, and you could have a normal day at the mall, shopping for whatever it is girls shop for these days.”
I saw no reason to object. But normal was not what I would have called it. “Don’t talk like that.” I leaned in a bit closer, taking in Kale’s features. Sharp and fierce, his pale skin was smooth, and I missed seeing it glow in the moonlight.
“Like what?” he asked with a smile.
“Like some old guy who’s out of touch with today’s youth!” I gently tapped his shoulder.
He laughed. “But I am an old man who is out of touch with today’s youth.”
I shivered as his lip grazed my ear. “I could teach you.”
“Could you?” His voice took on a suggestive tone. His smile promised more than his words, and I felt the blush creep up my face.
Kale placed his hand on my shoulder, breaking our stare. “When are we leaving?”
I tamped down my disappointment and glanced at the clock on the wall. “Soon.”
Kale moved his hand and walked away. I sat on the sofa where Kale had sat when he’d arrived. Mia pulled in at ten thirty, minutes after Kale had left. We headed to the Westwind Mall in Elmwood City. Kale had said he would tail us, but I didn't see him when I peeked in the rearview mirror.
“What color are you switching to?” Mia asked.
“Black.” I wasn’t planning on doing anything crazy. I just wanted my regular hair color.
Mia looked disappointed. “I just thought that you might do something different. You know, since the killer seems to be killing people that look a bit like you.”
I rolled my eyes. I was sure that wasn’t why she wanted to dye my hair, but she would never admit to it. “I’m not going blonde,” I said, knowing where she was headed.
“Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. What about copper highlights?”
I couldn't return her eagerness. I wasn’t sure I was willing to take the chance with Mia putting chemicals anywhere near my body.
“I don’t know, Mia. That sounds complicated. I just want to do something with my roots and get a little trim, that’s all.”
Mia huffed and continued to explain why it would be easier if I were to agree with her and get it over with. I actually started to consider it when she explained that some dyes came in easy-to-use foam that took about ten to twenty minutes to set. I eventually agreed to the copper highlights and a trim. Mia’s hair was beautiful, and taking her suggestions wouldn’t hurt.
The mall was busier than normal. The Christmas season was already in full swing, and stores had up their Christmas lights and decorations. I hadn’t even been able to mentally prepare for season greetings, and the Westwind Mall threw it at me in the form of green and red lights, tinsel, and stuffed Santa and reindeer. This would be my first Christmas without my parents, so I wasn’t in much of a jolly mood. Mia, on the other hand, couldn't stop talking about what she wanted from her “cra
ppy ass” parents for Christmas.
“I’d prefer a new car, but I think my deadbeat dad is planning on going the cheap route and handing me a wad of cash.”
I wasn’t sure who she was trying to impress because things like that didn't matter to me. I looked around to see if I could spot Kale in the crowd, but he was doing a great job of staying out of sight.
“I haven’t even started my Christmas shopping,” I stated. I actually planned on buying my entire list of gifts from Amazon; it was quick and required little effort on my part. Mia and I headed down the escalators and into a hair salon where we were greeted by a male with a fauxhawk. Mia headed straight to the back and grabbed a dye called Copper Collision.
“Uh, Copper Collision sounds pretty noticeable. I thought you said that the change would be subtle,” I said to Mia as she handed the clerk her credit card.
“I didn't say that a person wouldn’t be able to notice you’d changed your hair, Ella. I find understated to be overrated. Besides, you won’t have blonde hair, just some highlights and lowlights.” She took the bag from the clerk and headed toward the door.
I’d had a bad feeling about allowing Mia to dye my hair from the start, and that feeling settled in my stomach like a heavy weight. I wasn’t sure if it was the fear of what Mia was going to do to my hair, or if it were something else completely. My nerves started to dance under my skin, and I got the odd sensation something strange was going on. It couldn't have been about hair dye, could it?
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