Her heart skipped a beat, and she slowed her walk for a second but recovered quickly. She frantically searched around the room for him, and when her eyes landed on him, she wanted to run to him and wrap herself up in his arms. He was wearing a black suit, and looked as hot as ever. He had shaved off all of his facial hair, revealing his smooth skin. He was sitting next to Eve, laughing, and seemingly flirting. Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach like an anchor. She hated that Eve sat so close to him, touching him. He appeared to be happy, unless he was faking. He seemed to have been healed, especially since Eve kept touching his back.
Gabriel glanced up, and their eyes met causing her pulse to quicken.
Thomas guided her by the elbow and made her keep walking toward the chair. She wanted to sit next to Gabriel. Or faint.
He pulled out the chair for her, and she sat down, facing away from Gabriel. He dropped down next to her. “It’ll be okay,” he whispered, staring straight ahead. “He’s not a prisoner anymore.”
That was one thing she could be happy about. But he acted like he and Eve were together. Her stomach coiled itself in knots. It wasn’t real. He was faking.
“I thought for so long we’d get to dress up like this for prom,” Thomas said, putting his elbows on the table.
“I know,” she said, thankful for the distraction.
“Remember the homecoming dance our sophomore year? Before all this began?” he spoke low.
She let out a small laugh. “Yeah. You were the homecoming king and Nicole was the queen. You wore that stupid crown all night.”
“That crown was awesome. It was like a real king’s crown.” He shook his head. “Amazing how that stuff isn’t important as you get older.”
“I always hated those dances.”
He lifted a shoulder. “We still had fun.”
“Yeah we did.”
Melissa, Lance, Link, and Nicole filled in the chairs near them. Nicole looked stunning in a silky white spaghetti strap dress. There was a large silver brooch in the center of her chest and she had curled her brown hair. Melissa was beautiful in her shamrock green dress. Her blond tendrils fell past her shoulders in long sexy waves. Ava noticed Lance had a hard time keeping his eyes off of her.
Lance smiled at Ava. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
“That dress is perfect on you,” Nicole said.
“So is yours.”
Nicole gave an appreciative smile. “Where are Gillian and Jeremy?”
“Sitting at another table,” Melissa said. “We can’t always sit with each other.”
As Ava scanned the room, she saw so many pretty dresses on the feminine women like Gillian, but also on females that she never thought would ever wear a dress, including herself. Just over her shoulder, she saw Gabriel with an easy smile talking to Eve in what appeared to be a deep conversation. More people joined his table including Eric and Anais.
Ava felt a little better seeing Eric near Gabriel. Though she hoped it wouldn’t raise any flags.
“Stop staring,” Thomas mumbled under his breath.
Ava turned back and stared at the white china plate before her. Wanting to sit next to Gabriel, or even touch him, was like an itch that needed scratching. But she had to pretend she didn’t know him.
The tables began filling quickly, and some couple sat next to Ava. The loud chatter hushed as Havok strode down the center aisle flanked by Xavier, Sorcha, and Maggie. Havok, for once, wasn’t in robes. He actually wore a suit, as did Xavier. Ava had to admit he looked handsome in a suit. Maggie wore a long red dress with a single strap, and Sorcha walked like a model on a runway in her short black fitted dress. It was low-cut, and her chest bounced with every step.
Once they were seated, men and women in white uniforms served everyone. Ava found the whole thing ridiculous. But the food was delicious.
After they ate, Havok stood from the main table at the front. “Congratulations,” he said, smiling like he had just given them the greatest gift of all. She wasn’t sure why he was congratulating them. “You all passed the training, and I’m pleased to announce your tasks.”
Was he serious? Who would be happy and excited to pass that training? But the crowd erupted into applause, so she joined in, acting just as enthusiastic.
“First, let me say that I am eager to see how well you all perform in your new roles. Please come up as your name is called. As for my primary army, Melissa Rollins.” She scooted her chair back, stood, and walked to the front as a few people applauded, including the Elementals. “Jeremy Stahl.” He made his way to the front. “Ava Hannigan.” Her heart lodged in her throat. She knew her name would be called, but it still made her nervous. As she made her way to stand next to Jeremy, she barely heard the applause. Once she got there, she looked out into the sea of Cimmerians, glancing at Gabriel. Havok called the rest of the Elementals. Then called up Eve Samaris, Anais Kovalevsky, Link Harris, and finally Nicole Eckrich.
“Of course, you will all be led by Xavier.” Havok clapped his hands, and everyone followed suit. The ones mentioned applauded, but Ava could hear a few people near them talking about what a joke it was that the Elementals had a mere month or so to train and were suddenly part of his army. Didn’t they see how powerful the Elementals were? Didn’t they grasp the concept that they were the strongest coven ever? “Your job will be to annihilate the Ephemerals and to recruit new members for the army. As for my bodyguards, of course, Maggie and Sorcha, but also Peter McNabb, Katarina, Eric, and Kira. You will all serve and protect me as well as your fellow army and citizens.”
Havok acted like they had all tried out for a place like it was some sort of play. Some of the grumbles from the crowd disgusted Ava.
She couldn’t believe Peter, Katarina, Eric, and Kira had been made bodyguards. That meant she would probably rarely see them. She hated that. Eric had helped so much in keeping her sane.
“As for the new Recruiters. Donovan. Zeke. Mallory. All will be led by our very own Gabriel Dacosta. There was an applause as Gabriel stood with a proud smile and made his way toward the front.
Once the applause died down, Havok raised his hand. “And now, I would like to invite you all next door to continue the celebration.”
Two men in white opened the tall doors that led to a ballroom. Havok had to be kidding. He wanted them to have a ballroom dance now? It just kept getting more and more ridiculous. But everyone piled into the ballroom, and the live orchestra began playing classical music.
Ava made her way to the back, wanting to remain unseen, but with Xavier headed toward her, that was impossible. Ava wanted to rip his head off. Or shoot water at him. But she acted like a naïve girl with a crush instead.
He gave a light smile as he approached her. “Congratulations.”
She returned the smile. “Thank you.”
“You look very beautiful tonight.”
“Thanks. You look handsome.”
He lifted a shoulder, and moved beside her. “I’m ready to get out of these clothes.”
Xavier’s hand brushed against hers, and she moved it so fast it was like she’d touched a burning coal. She had to follow through. Gritting her teeth, she brought it back to her side, and he intertwined his long fingers with hers. She wanted to throw up. His hand was cold and clammy, but soft. Maybe she could tell him her hand got sweaty. Or that she was allergic to him.
The dance floor began to fill with couples, and Ava wanted to go back to her room. She looked above the band at the balcony and saw Havok peering down at the dancefloor with his new bodyguards. He nodded to them, and they left him and joined the dancers.
“So besides drinking, what else is there to do?” She couldn’t imagine any of these people actually enjoying their life here. All they did was train, and then massacre innocent people. How did they become shop owners? Or part of a band? Or have families? She didn’t see too many children in Caprington though. No one in the army seemed like they did much of anything else.
Xavier shrugged. “Since we belong to the army, we don’t get a lot of the same privileges as others. Rather, this is our life. The army is our privilege.”
That explained a lot. “That doesn’t seem fair.”
He turned to her. “Don’t ever repeat that. We are the elite. Royalty. We protect our home so the people can live their lives.”
“Protect it from what? Aren’t the bad guys locked up?”
“Protect it from the Ephemerals.”
She almost laughed, but was able to keep it down. It was hard to believe Cimmerians were afraid of Ephemerals. “Do they attack us?”
He frowned, and looked off in the distant. “Yes.”
“What is it?” She squeezed his hand. “Your parents. Were they killed by Ephemerals?”
He sighed. “Yes. And yours too.”
Ava wanted to slap him hard. How dare he say Ephemerals killed her parents? Her father was a Halfling. Her mother had fallen in love with an Ephemeral. She clenched her teeth, but then she relaxed. She needed to do a better job of keeping her emotions in check. She couldn’t turn them off completely, because she needed to have some humanity in Xavier’s presence. But it wasn’t easy. “Why don’t I remember anything?”
He looked away again. “Your mind has been altered so much.”
“Why?”
“Would you like to dance?” Xavier asked.
“I don’t know this dance.” She could hear the hint of annoyance in her voice. Why couldn’t he tell her the truth?
He chuckled and shook his head slightly. “It’s easy. Just follow my lead.”
He took her hand, and led her to the dancefloor. He pulled her close to his body, and she hated it. She hated how his eyes gazed into hers. Xavier and Ava began dancing around in fluid movements. She never would have guessed Cimmerians were civilized enough for such an elegant event. But judging from the proud smile on Havok’s face, this was a pretty important event in their lives. It just didn’t match anything else they did or how they acted outside of Havok’s range. They were savage people who cared about nothing and no one else but themselves.
“Don’t worry,” Xavier said. “We only do this once a year.”
She looked at him, confused.
“You kinda look like you aren’t having any fun.”
“Oh, no it’s fine.”
She glanced to the side and saw Gabriel and Eve dancing.
“What’s up with him?” she asked Xavier.
“Who, Gabriel?”
“Yeah. Isn’t he a prisoner?”
“He’s done with his punishment.”
“So now he gets promoted?” She acted offended. She was sure other Cimmerians weren’t thrilled about his sudden promotion.
“He’s good at recruiting. It’s good to have him back though. The Elders took him too and brainwashed him. But Klaus altered his mem—.” Xavier stopped and cleared his throat.
“What?”
He shook his head. “Nothing.”
Had Klaus really erased his memories? Was that why he acted like he fit right in? It couldn’t be true. She had seen him in Eve’s room the other day. He had looked at her, or had she imagined it?
She leaned in closer to Xavier. “Did they erase his mind?”
“I can’t talk about it. And you shouldn’t ask questions.”
“So what makes him so privileged?”
“I wasn’t born when he was around, but I’ve heard nothing but good things. They told me he recruited a lot of our best soldiers.”
“Eve seems happy.”
“Yeah they’re like a thing or something.”
“Oh.”
“We’re about to switch partners, okay?”
“What do I do?”
He smiled at her. “You’ll be okay.”
Ava nodded. There was a whirl of people, and then she was face to face with Gabriel. She swallowed thickly, but then went on like she had no idea who he was. He took her hands and brought her body close to his, taking the breath out of her. She could feel her cheeks warm, which was strange since she had never blushed around him before. Her heart felt like an erratic drumbeat. She inhaled the scent of freshly clean water and juniper. It was almost mouthwatering, and she wanted to kiss him.
His eyes were on her, but she looked everywhere else. His hand flexed at her lower back, sending a warm shudder throughout her. She squeezed his other hand, loving the feel of it with hers. He spun them through the massive crowd of dancers, holding her tight. She couldn’t concentrate on the dance steps, and like always, Gabriel didn’t let her fall.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispered. The way he said it, she knew he hadn’t lost his memories.
Heat poured over her. She couldn’t have a conversation with him. Not with Havok watching, and possibly reading her thoughts. She wanted to tell him how much she loved him, or even just how hot he looked in his black suit. How sexy his clean-shaven face and short hair made him. And those eyes.
She cleared her throat. “I see you’re done with your punishment.”
“Yes. You know he can’t hear us.”
“He can read thoughts.”
“You’ll know when he’s trying.”
She knew that. But she was connected to him. She knew he couldn’t feel what she felt, unless it was something physical. Ava looked up and met Peter’s eyes. He gave her a knowing look, as if to say it was okay to be herself.
She turned back to Gabriel and gazed into his eyes if only for a moment. “I love you,” she whispered, and then looked away.
He squeezed her hand. “I love you. This is absolute agony.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t heal you. I couldn’t risk it.”
He drew her closer. He lowered his lips to her ear and his breath tickled the nape of her neck. “Don’t apologize. That isn’t what’s agonizing me, and you know it.” His rough, steely voice made her stomach flip.
Then, they changed partners again. She was back in Xavier’s cold arms, away from the warm comfort of Gabriel. It was like someone dumped a bucket of ice water over her. She hated the vast contrast.
“Are you okay?” Xavier asked. “Did he tell you anything?” Concern showed in his dark eyes.
“No. He just said I had a pretty dress.”
When the song ended, she turned to him. “Can we not dance the rest of the night?”
He smirked. “Not your thing, huh?”
She shrugged. “I just don’t want to dance with anyone else.”
The comment made him light up as if it was about him. She smiled softly at him.
“Are you sure he didn’t say anything? I can talk to him.”
“No, no it’s fine.”
“I promise if you dance with me, we won’t change partners again.” He gave a pleading look.
She wanted to go to her room, but she had to keep up the act. Just a little bit longer. She could hold on just a little bit longer.
Ava took Xavier’s hand, and only danced with him the remainder of the night.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OUT
Ava stared hard at the gray eyes that glowered back. Her long fiery red hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. Not a single hair frayed. She looked at her usual black get up: long sleeved shirt, black spandex pants tucked inside black boots that reached her knees. She was strong and her body showed that, but she could tell being away from home for months had taken its toll. She had been in Caprington for almost six weeks. It had been a week since the Selection dinner, and tonight was their first Ephemeral massacre.
Staring back into her eyes through the oblong mirror, she kept telling herself, she could do this. She placed her hand on the door handle and took a deep breath. Then, she turned off her emotions and left her room.
She met the rest of the Cimmerians and Elementals in the training room. Havok waited for them at the front, with an almost malicious grin. Ava hated it. She was sure he would give an encouraging speech on how the world was better off without Ephemerals a
nd how they were the ones to rid the world of them, which would invite uproarious celebrations.
But he never said a word.
Instead, Xavier moved to the front. “Tonight, we’re to massacre Ephemerals. Unfortunately, not all of you will be coming.”
Confused and angry whispers filled the air. Ava wondered what was going on. Wasn’t that the point of the Selection event?
“We’re testing the Elementals tonight.”
A couple of groans, which were quickly squashed by Havok’s judgmental eyes.
“I’ll be going, and I’ll need Anais, Eve, and…” He scanned the crowd like he was choosing his dodgeball team. People actually raised their hands in hopes of being picked. Ava couldn’t believe someone would be so excited to go kill a bunch of people. But if this was their life, she guessed they knew nothing else. She imagined the rest of her group silently hoping not to get chosen. “And Link.” Xavier smiled. “That should do it.”
Havok took a deep breath. “I cannot wait to hear of the results. You will all make me proud.” Then he left the room with his guards.
It surprised Ava that he didn’t join them on what seemed like his favorite part of being who he was. What did he do all day? Sit in his room and eat fancy food and order people to do his bidding? Had the killing lost its luster? She couldn’t make sense of Havok. Did he secretly mourn for his loved ones? Or call to their souls?
“Such a small group of people,” someone piped up from the back and everyone turned back to the voice.
Donovan glared at Xavier, tattooed arms crossed, showing off his huge biceps, feet planted to the floor. He challenged Xavier. “Is this your rule?”
“You’re a Recruiter, Donovan. I don’t need any lip from you. This was Havok’s request, and you know that.”
Donovan shrugged and moved forward at a slow pace. “Why? Because of his precious Elementals now? What makes them so damn special? They’re just Enchanters like the rest of us. But we’ve been training for this for a year. They haven’t. I bet they’ll fail.”
Ava was offended. Hadn’t he witnessed what they could do? Hadn’t he faced them in battle before? Even during training. When he passed by her, she seized him by the throat and squeezed. She had no problem fighting the Cimmerians. Or paying him back for the nice shiner he had given her. “You don’t think we’re strong enough? Is that your beef?”
Under an Onyx Sky (Elemental Enchanters Series Book 4) Page 9
