“It isn’t hard,” Anais snapped.
“It’s easy,” Xavier said. “Hold it behind you and bring it forward and up.”
She was stalling but couldn’t much longer. She wished Gabriel could read her mind. She wanted to apologize, but never held the thought.
Ava held the water-whip behind her and brought it up and over, cutting Gabriel’s skin. She jumped at the loud cracking sound. Blood oozed out slowly from each lashing as Gabriel let out a guttural sound.
She whipped him six more times, and hated herself more each time.
As she struck Gabriel’s back, she felt dizzy watching his blood seep out through each mark she left. Just when she thought she would faint, the strangest thing happened. She stepped outside her body and watched herself or someone else strike Gabriel. But when she turned toward the whipper, she saw her mother with a cunning smile.
Ava shook her head, and she was back inside her body.
“Are you just gonna stand there?” Xavier asked. “You still have three more.”
“Sorry. I—.” She shook her head again and whipped Gabriel three more times. The strikes weren’t as deep as the others were, but she was ready to be done.
Afterward, they pulled Gabriel from the shackles and took him away. Next up was Moira. Ava moved to the back of the room, hoping she didn’t show any emotion on her face. But she couldn’t help but think of whatever that was before. Had she had another vision? Why did she keep having them?
When all of the prisoners were put away, Havok moved to the center of the room. The fluorescent lights cast shadows on his face, as if he needed that extra eeriness. “I am pleased with what I have seen,” he said. “Tonight, the army is preparing for the massacre of Tokyo. I will be joining them, but I hope soon that I will no longer be needed. As for the rest of you, rest.”
Havok dismissed everyone and they headed for the exit like kids racing to their cars after the last bell rang for school.
Ava bit her lip. Tokyo? Were they going to kill the entire city? Was this what she and the others were preparing for with all the training? She shut her eyes, knowing she wasn’t doing a good job of keeping her emotions at bay.
She felt a cold hand around her arm and she snapped her eyes open. Xavier stood in front of her with a cocked eyebrow. They were the only ones in the training room. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? Because you kinda hesitated back there.” His grip on her arm tightened. Did he think she hesitated because she was whipping Gabriel? Did he think her mind hadn’t been erased?
“I just…I just thought I saw something.”
He loosened his grip, and moved to her hands. “Like what?” he asked, his voice full of concern.
She wanted to punch him. Break his neck. Drown him. But she held back. “It’s nothing.”
Xavier nodded. “I understand you may not want to tell me everything, but I hope one day that will change.”
Highly unlikely. “Yeah, maybe. It was nothing. I spaced.”
Given the doubtful look in his dark eyes, she knew he didn’t believe her. But she was not about to tell Xavier she might have had a vision. Or a hallucination. Havok had done it before, but why would he keep forcing her to hallucinate? And why about her mother? It was just a flash, Ava wasn’t sure if Havok had made her see it or if she just imagined it.
“Why don’t you come out tonight when we get back? You can help us celebrate.”
“Getting ahead of yourself?”
He chuckled. “You don’t think we can annihilate Tokyo?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. You don’t have the Elementals.”
“Is that a challenge?”
She straightened her shoulders. “Maybe. What are the terms?”
He moved closer, and she tensed. “If we completely demolish Tokyo tonight, you have to go on a date with me.”
“And if you don’t?”
“Then I’ll give you anything you want.”
“Anything?”
“Anything.”
“I don’t know what I want.”
“That’s fine. Think about it. Although, pretty sure I’m gonna win this one.”
How about you stop flirting with me? Or release all of the prisoners and give yourself up? “Maybe. We’ll see.”
He smirked as they walked out of the training room. “Will I see you tonight?”
She didn’t want to see Xavier tonight. There was only one man she wanted to see. “Maybe. I might be resting. Captain’s orders.”
“Touché. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow for sure. Have a good one.”
“Good luck tonight,” she said.
He flashed a wide grin that was sure to have other girls falling to their knees with yearning. She pretended it did something to her by smiling back.
The group had dinner as usual in the castle, but no one went to the tavern afterward. Havok had gathered his army for the massacre, and while they readied, Ava and the others retreated to Klaus’s room where she couldn’t hold the emotions. Tonight was the night they would visit the prisoners.
Melissa drew her into a hug and Ava couldn’t keep it together. The tears brimmed to the forefront of her eyes.
“I don’t even know what to tell him,” she whispered. “But he has to know. How will he ever forgive me?”
“He will, Ava,” Melissa said. “You have to believe that. Just tell him the truth. He’ll understand.”
“Go at midnight,” Klaus said. “Persuade the guard to drink this.” He handed Gillian a vial.
“I thought you said they couldn’t be manipulated.”
“They can’t, but there are other ways of persuading people to do things. And everyone is more lax when Havok is gone. You will have exactly one hour. Then you must be back in your rooms.” His eyes landed on each of them. “All of you. One hour. Let Gillian go first so you don’t draw a lot of attention to yourselves. Peter and Katarina have to be with you as well. I imagine a lot of emotions will come forth.”
Ava’s heart pounded. “What time is it?”
“9:26.”
Her shoulders fell. She chewed on her lip, thinking of something to do to bide her time. It wasn’t easy, but she stayed in Klaus’s room with her friends, constantly asking the time. She was nervous and eager to see Gabriel though. She could only hope he would listen to her.
CHAPTER TEN
AWAKE AND ALIVE
Melissa, Peter, Katarina, Gillian, Thomas, and Ava headed toward the South Hall, or the basement torture chamber. Or whatever it was called. Ava was too distracted to pay attention to her surroundings. The only thing she thought of was seeing Gabriel. The tension between the six of them was thick. If anyone noticed, they’d be in serious trouble. They held plastic cups with beer in them and stumbled their walks. It wasn’t hard since they were so agitated.
Gillian had poured the contents of the vial into a shot glass, and Melissa had poured vodka into it.
Melissa faked a laugh as she neared the prison guard. “Jared, are you gonna come party?”
Jared rolled his brown eyes, but couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re funny when you’re drunk.”
She pushed her fingers through his blond hair and grabbed the back of his neck like she was going to kiss him. “Come on,” she purred. “Drinks on me.” She flashed the shot glass in his face.
He sighed, and stared at her like an adolescent boy. Ava could practically see the drool dripping from his lips. “Are you trying to get me punished?”
She pouted. “Just one? For me?” She knew exactly how to work it.
“One drink.” He took the shot and Melissa shouted out. “Damn that’s strong.”
“Just the way I like them.” She flashed a sexy grin and he immediately fell under her spell.
“Wanna come have some fun with the prisoners?”
“You know I can’t.”
“Suit yourself.”
He smiled a drunken smile. “You’ll be back?”
“Of course.” She touched the tip of his nose, and then he opened the door for them. Once Melissa closed it back, they all released a breath. Melissa showed them the keys.
“How on earth do you do that?” Gillian asked.
Melissa shrugged. “Let’s hurry.”
They walked in a single file line. The dank and dim prison reminded Ava of the Cruciari. It was old. Smelled of must. And it was cold like a meat locker. Being powerless, she knew some of the prisoners were freezing. It was quiet and hard to see who was in each cell.
Thomas halted and walked closer to a cell. “Moira?”
She raised her head. Her dark hair was matted and dirt and tears covered her face. Her brown eyes glared at Thomas. “Came back for more?”
“Moira, no. I never wanted to hurt you. Please believe me.”
“We’re all faking this,” Melissa said.
Moira slowly got to her feet, her eyes shifted from Thomas to Ava. She tilted her head. “My vision of you standing next to Havok turned out to be true. How could you betray us? How could any of you do this to us?”
Ava swallowed the lump of guilt in her throat. “We have a plan.”
“I had another vision of you. You’re going to die.”
She had known the truth, and had been grappling with it. But hearing Moira say it aloud shook her to her core. “I know.” Her voice trembled.
“We’re trying to find a way so she doesn’t,” Melissa said.
Moira shook her head. “Why would you ally with the Cimmerians? Do you see what they do? You’re going to die because of it. Because you chose their side. I can’t believe I actually thought you were a friend.”
“Look, I know you don’t know me, but I’m sure you’re a great person,” Melissa said. “At least that’s what Ava, Thomas, and Gillian have told me. We promise you, we’re going to make things right.”
“Who are you?”
“Melissa.”
“They kidnapped you.”
“Yes.”
“And you sold out and willingly joined them. You’re all cowards.”
“Please let me explain everything, Moira,” Thomas said. Pain was written all over his face. Ava could tell Moira wanted to hate him, but the look in her eyes told Ava she clearly still loved Thomas.
Melissa unlocked the cell and Thomas slipped inside. Moira slapped him hard across the face and Ava jumped. She dreaded her steps to Gabriel’s cell even more. She cautiously walked a few steps more and inhaled sharply when she found Gabriel lying on the ground under the glowing moonlight from the window above. She rested her torch in a holder.
Melissa unlocked the door and Ava hesitantly stepped inside.
Gabriel jerked up. “Get away from me.” His eyes hard and hateful.
Her heart faltered as tears burned at the back of her eyes. “It’s me,” she said so quietly.
“I know who you are.”
She took a step closer and he flinched. It pained her to see him afraid of her. “I promise I won’t hurt you.”
“What, had enough of that?”
“Please don’t hate me. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what? Lying? Whipping me? Drowning me? I can’t believe you betrayed me, Ava. All of us.” She hated the disappointment in his voice when he said her name.
“I’m sorry for all of it. I know it’s not enough. But I had to do it. Havok wasn’t going to stop until he had all of us.”
“And he still hasn’t stopped. So that was futile.”
“It’s the only way we can bring him down. You saw that we couldn’t defeat him.”
Gabriel jumped to his feet. He walked her backward until she hit the cement wall. He towered over her. She hated how easy it was for him to intimidate her. His blue eyes, like an endless sky and once inviting, were boring into her with a hard edge. She had to look away. “We couldn’t defeat Havok because none of you fought back. You all had a plan, and didn’t tell anyone. You could’ve let me in, Ava.”
“No, I couldn’t. You wouldn’t have let me do that.”
“Sorry. Next time I’ll remember not to interfere with your safety.”
Ava swallowed hard. His body was so close to hers. Even after weeks of him living there, she could still smell juniper. All she wanted was to feel his arms around her, but she knew they had to get through this. Her heart pounded with anticipation, even though she could feel the anger emanating from him. Who was to say he’d even touch her ever again? He hated her.
He clenched his jaw, but she wasn’t sure if it was from the anger or his pain. She wanted to heal him, including his heart, but knew that was impossible.
She braved a look and raised her hands toward his face.
He seized her wrists, his eyes burning into hers. “Don’t fucking touch me.”
Her breath hitched. “Please. I just want to heal you.”
“You know you can’t. They’ll know you were here. And you don’t want to get in trouble with them.” He released her and backed away from her. Even when he was furious with her, he protected her. “I can’t believe you used what I taught you against me. I knew you would. As soon as Moira told you her vision, I knew you would turn against us because you think it’s up to you to save the world.”
“That’s because it is. We’re the only ones who can stop him. But we couldn’t defeat all those Cimmerians. There are too many.”
He crossed his arms. “That’s what a war is, Ava. We all knew there would be that many. You all gave in. Now you’re living the high life of a Cimmerian. Torment the prisoners by day and party by night. I hope you’re satisfied with yourselves.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Gabe. I know you want to protect me, but you can’t. This is my choice, and this is how we’re going to end this. Do you honestly think I’m living it up? I hide my emotions every single day. I cry myself to sleep every single night. Wishing you were there. Wishing there was a way to tell you how much I hate myself for hurting you.”
“Don’t cry to me about the repercussions of your choices. I know what the Cimmerian life is like. You don’t have to remind me. But you knew what it was like, and you still chose it over us.”
Her anger flared. She knew she had no right to be angry, but he wasn’t listening to her, and she wasn’t going to give up on trying convincing him. “I didn’t choose to be a Cimmerian, Gabriel. Don’t think for a second that I wanted this. I’m choosing to do whatever it takes to save the Enchanters and Ephemerals.”
“Well, good for you. Now you can call yourself a martyr.”
If only he knew how true that would become. But she didn’t dare tell him she was linked to Havok and would die. She couldn’t. “Don’t you get it? I have to do whatever it takes to kill Havok.”
“And tormenting your friends and loved ones is the way to do it.”
She hated the anger in his voice. The hateful look on his face. But she deserved it. “They think our memories have been erased.”
That seemed to have caught him off guard. “What?”
“When they took all of you away, we were taken to a room to have our minds altered.” She lowered her voice. “Except, Klaus didn’t do it. He told us it was up to us to kill Havok and the Cimmerians.”
Gabriel raised an eyebrow. “How do you plan on doing that?” he asked, losing the edge in his voice.
“We have to get the Cimmerians to side with us. In the meantime, we have to do everything Havok asks us to so he won’t know the truth.”
“Including torturing us.”
“Yes. We have to prove our allegiance. He’s doing this on purpose because he wants to make sure the mind altering worked. We have to pretend we don’t know each other. Or them. All we know is that the Elders kidnapped us and kept us for several years. You all attacked and are now being held as prisoners.” She bit her lip to keep her chin from quivering. Warm tears fell. She knew it would be difficult to convince him. “I wish I could make you understand. Even Klaus said we wouldn’t have been able to defeat them that day. There a
re thousands and thousands of Cimmerians. We aren’t ready.”
Gabriel shook his head. “You still don’t get how powerful you all are.”
“I get it, Gabe. Yes, we are powerful enough, but we aren’t ready to take them all down. Not yet.” Ava drew a shaky breath. “We turn off our emotions. It’s the only way we can do this. I wanted so much to be able to get inside your head and apologize. I wanted to stop and run to you.” She couldn’t hold back the tears. “I couldn’t think of any of these things. I know you can’t forgive me, but please don’t hate me. I don’t deserve you. But I need you.” She shook her head, and wished the tears would stop. She knew she should leave, but she couldn’t. Nor did she want to. “I just wanted to tell you the truth. I never meant to betray you, and I didn’t do this to anger you or to make you hate me. I love you, Gabriel. I always will.” She couldn’t help the building lump in her throat.
He moved closer, his heated gaze pinning her. She couldn’t stop shaking from her nerves. “I’m pissed that you joined the Cimmerians, because I don’t want this place getting the best of you. You’ve already changed. I don’t want you to die, so yeah, maybe I will always feel the need to protect you, and I’m not sorry for that. I’m not sorry that I love you, Ava. I don’t hate you. But I wish you had told everyone what you all were planning. Maybe things would’ve turned out differently.”
“Havok was going to kill Savina no matter what. He was going to imprison the Elders and the rest. What would you have done?”
He sighed. “I don’t know, Ava.”
“I know I’m not as experienced as you are, but I’m trying. I’m doing what I think is right. Or at least the right path.” She rubbed her face, trying to stop more tears. She knew their time was almost up.
She felt him standing closer, his warmth emanating, even in the cold cell. He pulled her hands away from her face, and then tilted her chin. His thumbs wiped away her tears. Their eyes locked, and he let her in, showing his love for her. She didn’t care if Havok could feel her tidal wave of emotions, but the moment he touched her, she lost her train of thought and all logic.
Under an Onyx Sky (Elemental Enchanters Series Book 4) Page 7
